45 Best Cocktail Bars near South Portland

“Went there for New Years Eve at the new location. They told us it was going be at least a 45 minute wait and we were ok with that. Host took our phone number and added us on the wait list on his tablet. Took a seat out by the host stand and waited. Another couple came in about 15 minutes after us, also a party of two, and the same host told them it was going be a wait and they took a seat next to us. Even though we had been there 15 minutes longer and greeted by same host with tablet, he forgot about us and seated them first. Even though we were waiting right next to them and he looked right at us when he came to tell them to follow him to a table. We finally just got a seat at the bar. We ordered appetizers, two rounds of drinks and dinner. Again told it was going be a wait because kitchen was backed up. That was fine. Got our drinks and appetizers. Then my girlfriend’s entrée finally came out but they forgot to bring mine! I thought it would be out in a few minutes, but after 1o more minutes waiting for my food I finally inquired, and they had somehow forgotten my entrée. They comp’d one round of drinks. Love the new location. Love the food. But we chose the wrong night to go! I’ve never gone out to eat and ordered the food and had them forget to bring my entrée out.. By the time I got my dinner my girlfriend was done with her food. Just asked them to bag it for take-away. Still tipped 20% as I’ve worked twenty years in resturants. Kind of disappointed with New Years Eve dinner. Took the night off early to go have a nice meal and they forgot my meal!“

“10/10. Beautiful location with an amazing menu. My 5 year old rates the clam chowder “1000 and some numbers out of ten”. Definitely recommend!“

“What a nice place with great tasting food and shakes! We will be back to try different menu items!!“

“Went for Oyster Social/Happy Hour they do on Wednesdays after a local recommended I try…had a little bit of everything and some punch. I’m not easy to impress. It was DIVINE!!! Delicious fresh seafood, excellent quality, great drinks, just a very nice experience I wish I were local to attend every week! Highly recommend!“

“We popped into Central Provisions today on our stay in Portland and I was blown away by this restaurant. It was a very intimate, beautiful space with amazing flavor. Our server, Andy, made the experience. They were very kind and made dining with an allergy a breeze. Do not skip Central Provisions when you come to Portland!

Dietary restrictions: Their allergen menu is wildly helpful. It's color coded and makes it very clear what is and is not safe, and whether or not an allergen can be removed from the dish. I have a severe nut allergy and I felt completely safe eating here.“

“My favorite cocktail bar got more cozy. We love Portland Hunt and Alpine but have moved away from Portland but love returning for a white noise, green eyes and other cocktails. We heard they changed ownership and were pleasantly surprised of the cozy remodel, cute napkins and same great menu and service.“

“What a great place to discover!! One of my new favorites! Loved the cool vibe, incredible food, and special cocktails! Can’t wait to go back!!“

“Great dive/ cocktail bar off the beaten path. Was recommended from a couple we’d met. And passing along the recommendation. Delicious espresso martini. One of the most amazing pretzels we’d ever had. And the Kraut dog, wow!!! Great place to stop by while on Portland“

“A cute and welcoming bar on Congress, Jewel has a moody and ethereal feel with blue and pink lights, murals of a french riverside, and eclectic decorations.

The drinks are on a rotation and are usually a good mix of daring new drinks and classic crowd pleasers (usually centered around a theme such as Tarot, the Sailor Scouts, or other touchstones).

There is one bar area with 10 or so stools, with an additional couple of seating areas near the windows and edges.

They regularly host events like viewing nights, Karaoke, costume events and more.

All in all Jewel is a fun and laid back local bar, great for quiet conversation with friends.“

“The espresso Martini and the Salted Caramel Martini were divine! The desserts are also to die for. During my visit, my partner and I shared the creme brulee and the chocolate tart with berries - they were light but decadent and paired perfectly with our martinis!“

“Just an excellent experience overall“

“This place is such a hidden gem in Portland. You may be quick to pass it since it's connected to the Hyatt hotel, but don't - absolute top notch bar tenders and incredible cocktails. I have not eaten here but the food does look good as well. If you like old fashions and/or manhattans, be sure to check this place out. I come here at least once for a drink every time i am in Portland.“

“Cozy and inviting dining rooms. The food was delicious, every plate from chicory salad, bread asparagus and the entrees! All were absolutely delicious. Just as important were the staff. So so friendly and happy. You can tell they all really like working here and value every detail. Would highly recommend this place for date night!“

“Just finished one of the BEST Italian meals ive ever had in my restaurant going life in a place id never have expected to and thats saying something being a 1st Generation Italian coming from NY ! ViA VECCHiA is Portland, Maine was absolutely 10/10 on everything they did! We started with Meatballs, Whipped Ricotta & Grilled Octopus. The meatballs reminded me of my mothers, the ricotta was tremendous with truffle honey & sesame breadsticks and the octopus was grilled perfectly. One dish was better than the next. We shared ravioli with as an entree and we never felt gross like we ate too much. The portion sizes were PERFECT. Wrapped the night off with a espresso infused cheesecake over salted caramel. Wow. Staff was incredibly accommodating, professional and polite. Service was excellent! If youre ever in Portland, ME you must go get a meal here!“

“Great brunch spot. The mimosas were delicious. Food was great! I recommend the huevos Ocotillo and Clark Street Eggs Benedict. Churros were an awesome choice for dessert! Busy atmosphere and super friendly and helpful bartender. We will definitely be back.“

“"Prepare for a sweet symphony of flavors at Gross Confection Bar! This place is truly the icing on the cake when it comes to dessert destinations. From their decadent chocolate creations to their fruity delights, every bite is a spoonful of happiness. The staff are as warm as freshly baked cookies, always ready to sprinkle some extra sweetness on your experience. So, if you're craving a treat that's a cut above the rest, head to Gross Confection Bar and let the dessert magic unfold!"“

“Fabulous crafted cocktails! Great small plates! Wonderful staff!“

“Great brunch alternative, especially if you tried to go to Becky’s and it was too wild there. Great menu and the coffee is exceptional. What really really set this place apart is that the Jam they make here might be the best jam I’ve ever had. It’s truly next level, tried to buy it, but they make it fresh here lol“

“Awesome drinks, cool music and fun environment! Small venue with great service. If you want food you can have a delicious hotdog or popcorn.
Not a dinner spot, but you want a delicious cocktail and great vibes, definitely worth the trip:)“

“Warm and comfortable, lovely wine, friendly staff, and tasty food truck offerings.“

“The wife and I had an amazing time for my birthday. Dinner was perfect. Our bartender Mikey was attentive and entertaining. Highly recommend! 5 stars.“

“Went during the day and got to sample 6 of their mixed drinks. The guy behind the bar told us the Boston Tea Party drink was selling out and wouldn’t return, which was too bad because it was the best one on the menu. Everything else, unfortunately, was just okay.

It was really nice they let us bring in outside food! And if you order food and eat there they will give you $2off your drink order.

Parking was easy. The staff were friendly. The space is really cool. They drinks were just alright.“

“My partner and I loved this place! We just need a break from the usual Maine seafood fare, and this English pub/cocktail bar was perfect. My partner had the shepherd’s pie with HP sauce on the server’s recommendation and it was a great topping. The tangy sauce balanced the gaminess of the lamb perfectly. I had the French onion soup, with a deep, beefy broth and focaccia pieces instead of a big crouton. It was so good, I believe I now prefer it that way.

Don’t come here if you’re looking for quick in-and-out dining. It’s a perfect laid-back spot to linger and relax, completely unrushed. We’re big gin fans and tried two cocktails we’d never had before. Both were delicious. Great food, great drinks, and a refreshing alternative to the seafood-heavy menus around town. We’ll definitely be back next time we are in town.“

“Great food made on the premises, including homemade desserts and sourdough bread. Try the charcuterie plate with several cheese, fruit, nuts, bread and a rotating sliced meat. Or the grilled shrimp or tuna, both yummy. Cocktails, wine, espresso -- choices galore. gotta love the espresso martini, even a decaf one! Jazz or blues background music, no headbanger stuff. Relax and enjoy...“

“Great venue, great staff. 10/10 would go every night!“

“Great coffee, cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Plus awesome book selection!“

“This spot is only a month old and my first visit has this place added to our “must return” list. Happy hour oysters, frozen drinks on tap, and creative seafood sandwiches make it an instant hit. I ate everything so fast I don’t even have a picture.“

“Todd in the back lounge is the kindest, most talented bartender around. His cocktails are top notch and he is completely dedicated to his guests’ experience. We spend a lot of time at the Press Hotel and have personally witnessed him treating every guest with respect, class and above and beyond service.“

“We were there at the Regency for a 2 day conference and this was very convenient for us with a short lunch break. The food came fast and was very good. It was a beautiful day and very pleasant. The noise level was what I expected for a summer day in the Old Port with the background music blocking most noise.“

“Absolutely love Aloft, first time staying at this hip Hotel on Commercial St , in Old Port, best walk in shower ever,,, perfect location. Front desk receptionists were over the top in being helpful. Priced right for winter season“

“Great food and atmosphere“

“Had brunch at this restaurant and it was fantastic!! The atmosphere in the hotel is cute. It used to be the newspaper building, so they carried this theme through. They have vintage typewriters on the wall in the lobby, so cute. Our server, Anna, was so sweet and kind! Food was sooooooo good. I would highly recommend this place. This is off the beaten path in Portland, it’s not in the port area, but the walk is so pretty to get to it. You can go up to exchange street, with so many cute shops. Definitely worth the short walk, especially if you’re there on a Sunday and all the other brunch places by the port have 45 minute waits.“

“We had our wedding at Grace, and I’m still speechless when I think about it. The venue itself is so unique and absolutely stunning — it truly speaks for itself. But what made the experience even more special was the incredible team behind it. Kate and her staff went above and beyond to accommodate our large wedding and made the entire day smoother and even more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. Every detail was handled with care, and their professionalism and kindness did not go unnoticed — they made us feel supported from start to finish. I honestly wish we could do it all over again. If you're looking for a breathtaking venue with an exceptional team, Grace is the one. Cannot recommend enough!“

“Was there on Friday afternoon 12/27. A great atmosphere, a moody speakeasy vibe. The three bartenders were awesome!!“

“service and food was fantastic. Thanks to Jess and the staff for helping us pull off a great rainy day adventure. Highlights: broccolini and fried mozzarella apps (two different things), the fennel sausage pizza, and the Margherita pizza. the campanelle pasta dish also got high marks at our table. Will be back.“

“Very cool seafood shack on the water with a fresh seafood market and counter bar. Servers were all super friendly. Clams and shrimp were super tender and their chowder is fantastic too. Even on a semi cloudy day in the 60s before beach season really hits it was still pretty full up so I'd recommend doing reservations if you're going to be here in the next few months on weekends. Will definitely return on our next trip to OOB.“

“This might be the best overall bourbon list I have ever seen at an establishment. Prices were reasonable as well. I just wished they opened earlier than 4pm. Burger next door at Rigby is 5 stars.“

“This place is the definition of real food done right. Everything on the plate is fresh, intentional, and full of flavor-no filler, no fluff. You can actually taste the quality. It’s beautiful, flavorful food that hits differently. The kind of place that makes you want to slow down and enjoy each and every bite.“

“Fire pizza service everything about this place is awesome if you haven’t tried not tried it your losing out amazing food get some“

“Visited Saturday night. Delicious food at good prices. Great service. Relaxed atmosphere.“

“We really love this place. Stumbled on it by accident and now its one of our regular haunts when we are in Maine. The food is always delicious, we love trying new things they add. We love this restaurant and can't wait to be back.“

“REGARDS is an amazing restaurant with unique dishes that I have never seen before. Where else can you get hamachi collar? Everything we ordered, from the burrata with salsa verde and country bread to the tamale with macadamia mole was balanced, delicious, and special. I wish I had more time in Portland to eat there again. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable. I let them know that my wife was vegetarian when making the reservation and the hostess noted all the dishes that were vegetarian and what could be modified. A very beautiful place. I'm grateful that I knew about it“

“An absolute gem in the heart of the old port. The margaritas are the best in all of Portland and served by the friendliest / warmest locals around. Not enough space to talk about the divine cuisine. ¡Salud!“

“What an amazing experience. We would definitely recommend and will be back soon!“

“Delicious whole belly fried clams!!“