New American Restaurants near Westbrook, ME

“I don't typically write reviews, but this one is important. My twelve year old daughter is so hyped about wings and basketball and asked to bring a friend last Fall to see one of Caitlin Clark's big Indiana Fever games. It was a Friday night so we called ahead and the hostess said no problem at all. We get to Cowbell and the girls are ushered right front and center to the big screen in the middle. As we were happily devouring our wings and enjoying the game, the restaurant started to fill up with middle aged men that were obviously there to watch the Red Sox play. I hadn't anticipated this, and watched with curiosity as man after man asked the bartender to switch the center TV to the baseball game. (The Red Sox game was on all of the other surrounding TVs.) And his answer was the same each time. "Oh I am sorry, these lovely ladies are here to watch Caitlin Clark." At first the men were annoyed and grumbled and shot us a look as they shuffled back to their seats, but as time wore on and the basketball game became close, I looked around. All of these men with their families were smiling and cheering for Caitlin and the Indiana Fever. The whole room was pumping. And when they pulled out a win, the cheer was deafening. My daughter and her friend happily high-fived people as we left, unaware of what just happened. I thanked the bartender for what he did and found out he was the owner. To the owner of Cowbell, thank you for giving my daughter a seat at the table, and for allowing her and all other females a place in sports. This is the America I want to be a part of, and we need more people like you in it. We will gladly continue to eat at Cowbell Rock Row for as long as you will have us!“

“My daughter found this place online and we met her here recently for a Sunday brunch date. It was clean and spacious and our waitress was very attentive. We had coffees in front of us within a few minutes of being seated and once we ordered it arrived very promptly. I enjoyed my breakfast sandwich as did my daughter. It’s a little on the pricy side but I don’t mind when the place is nice and the service is good. Would definitely eat here again.“

“Fore Street never fails to provide a fantastic evening out!! Service is always top notch; friendly and professional! Cocktails are always delicious! We started with the bread and butter - just so good! Our appetizers were the grilled squid and steamed mussels - outstanding! For dinner, we had scallops, hanger steak, roasted chicken, snap peas, and garlic mashed potatoes- all phenomenal!! We were too full for dessert, but they looked yummy. Great wine selection, specialty cocktails, and beer selection. There is a reason we come every year - it's just that delightful!“

“Great food and atmosphere.“

“Impossibly wonderful food and vibe! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“We had such a delicious meal at Scales! Everything was presented beautifully and tasted excellent. Service was on-point and the atmosphere is super chic. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone in the Portland area!“

“Very limited lunch menu but the chicken pesto pita pocket was delish. Ordinary shoestring fries followed a tasty appetizer of fried cauliflower. No regular ranch dressing for dipping available. Nothing intriguing enough for a repeat visit.“

“Absolutely amazing! Each time we visit I am reminded of why it’s my favorite restaurant ever - the food, the service and the atmosphere are all top notch, every time! Thank you!“

“Original post 2023: We have been to Fore st and Scales. The service at both was rushed and not overly friendly. Not so here! Our server was very personable, friendly and helpful. She also let us order our food in courses and didn’t demand we order everything all at once. A good restaurant is more than good food, it’s about the experience. The menu had some very unique items also! Came Back in 2025 and still on point!“

“Last month our flight to Portland was delayed a considerable amount of time due to weather issues and it looked as though we would not be able to make our 5p.m. reservation. My daughter called from the tarmac in Boston where we were rerouted and refueled and explained the situation. The hostess, Susie, was very understanding and compassionate And said that even though our table was booked for another party a 7, we should come in and she would see what she could do. We got there late but Susie greeted us warmly and told us not to worry about being rushed that she had arranged things so no one would be inconvenienced. The atmosphere was warm and cozy; the food so very delicious and our waitperson, Anika, was the best. Atmosphere, impeccable service, food and warmth all rate 5 stars and another visit next time we are in Portland.“

“My first time at Jordan’s Farm U Pick. So many strawberries in the field!!! Very friendly staff. Went to the farm market after, nice set up. So many things to choose from. Got fresh lettuce, cucumbers and multiple varieties of radish. Should have grabbed the snap peas. Will be going back for sure.“

“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.“

“Awesome fries with lots of sauces“

“We had a lovely dinner a few nights ago at Wayside with our delightful server (sorry, I didn't learn her name). However, our (and our neighboring table) were disturbed by a very loud party of 5 '(birthday group) with no consideration of fellow diners. I understand that Wayside has no control over the behavior of the rude, but it's disappointing to have an enjoyable evening spoiled by the behavior of fellow diners.“

“My husband, MIL, and myself were visiting Maine all the way from NC and came here TWICE during our visit. First was brunch, then dinner. Both meals were exceptional. Our waitress(I wish I could remember her name, but she has long, red hair), gave the best service I have ever experienced in my life! This will definitely be a spot we must visit everytime we come up ❤️“

“If you have not eaten here it is a must. Make sure to ask for Sarah as she is a phenomenal waitress.“

“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“

“Wonderful service and excellent food!“

“Ate here for the first time tonight it was so good! Server Matt was great! My husband and I both had the chicken Marsala, it was soooo good!!! Mouth watering every bite! 10/10 best place we’ve ate at!“

“The best seafood, great service and setting.“

“Great cocktails, food, and atmosphere! We will be back!“

“Every dish was fantastic!“

“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.“

“Nonesuch has been one of our favorite sports since it opened. This evening we had a party of 12 for my son’s 8th birthday (his choice of location). Even though they don’t take reservations, we called ahead on Thursday to let them know we would have a big group coming. We waited just a couple of minutes for the table, our food and drinks were amazing and the service was fantastic. We have some particular eaters in our party and all were very happy. This experience made me love Nonesuch that much more as I can fully appreciate that serving a big group this well is not easy! Thank you to our server and the team tonight!“

“Cocktails were not our favorite. The jalapeño margarita was bitter didn’t taste good. Enjoyed the hummus good price point generous portion. Cozy lounge good music and plenty of seating available. Nice ambiance and excellent customer service.“

“Nice place, good beer choices and the smash burger was great. Little bit of rain didn’t stop the server from coming outside to serve us with our dog. Thanks again for enduring the rain!“

“Every time I go to a new city I try to find a nice place to have a cigar and relax. This place is JUST the spot for that. You can have coffee or liquors depending on what you want with your cigar, and the people are lovely. Wonderful atmosphere and the perfect way to kick off a vacation.“

“Our Garden Suite was awesome! Super comfortable and well appointed, awesome soaking tub, the nicest robes, great views and quick walk to the beach. Loved how dog friendly it is. Dog bowls, dog blanket, dog towel, ball, poopie bags and a giant biscuit greeted our pup. Dogs are even allowed in the tavern. Hot chocolate and cookies in the lobby at night. Chocolates in the room. Free use of the steam room and experience shower in the spa for guests. Staff is great! That’s just to name a few things that makes the Inn by the Sea great! We can’t wait to go back!“

“I loved the place and the good. Great service and atmosphere too. Joe from Virginia Beach.“

“Mediterranean salad with salmon was delicious and vegetables were very fresh,

Bufffalo tenders were a bit mushy but still tasted good.

Server seemed off put when I asked her to wipe down the dirty table upon sitting down.“

“karaoke Wednesday and Thursday nights. Very chill people to hang around with, my favorite place in town to have some beers!“

“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.“

“Grace in Portland, Maine, is a venue that blends historic charm with modern elegance, offering a truly unique setting for weddings and special events. Housed in a beautifully restored former church, Grace combines soaring cathedral ceilings, original stained-glass windows, and a stunning mezzanine, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression. It easily lends itself to a bouquet toss.

The staff at Grace is nothing short of phenomenal. Their attention to detail and commitment to creating a seamless event experience make planning stress-free. They go above and beyond to accommodate every request and ensure the day unfolds perfectly.

The food is another highlight. Their catering team delivers an impressive menu that pairs elevated flavors with fresh, local ingredients. Guests raved about the inventive dishes and impeccable presentation. See the Lobster Rangoon at this Maine wedding shot by JMorr Photo

What sets Grace apart is its ability to feel both grand and intimate. Whether hosting a large wedding or a smaller, more private celebration, the venue can adapt beautifully. The combination of breathtaking architecture and exceptional service makes Grace a top-tier choice for any couple looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Portland.“

“I LOVE that DTL is requiring proof of vaccines to enter!! Keep up the great work!! I prefer to not drink/dine in the company of antivaxxers :)“

“Rivalries is one of our go-to spots for great food, a welcoming vibe, and catching the game in a fun atmosphere. Whether we’re meeting friends, unwinding after a long day of moves, or grabbing lunch during the workday, the experience is always solid.

The menu hits the mark every time—fresh, consistent, and with plenty of options. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the space has just the right mix of comfort and energy.

As a local business ourselves, we appreciate places like Rivalries that continue to deliver a great experience, time and time again.

— S.B. Taylor Transport“

“The best seafood, great service and setting.“

“Went for the music, stayed for the laughs. Fun place. Chowder was delicious. Us Minnesotains were not so sure on the brown ketchup though 😆“

“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“

“Food is fantastic, and the staff is very kind and accommodating!“

“I am sure Councilman Dion and Mrs Dion were just having an off night - my wife and Granddaughter and I had dinner on Friday night and my veal parmigiana was awesome and my wife’s asparagus and Gorgonzola ravioli was as great ! Jim our waiter must have lit the table candle 50 times for my granddaughter to keep blowing it out ! Brunos rocks !“

“The prices are reasonable and economic. Good option if you are staying in the holiday inn by the bay and you don’t want to walk in the evening. Good quantity and quality of food here. The menu is small but the service and atmosphere is very good.“

“Have always loved Bayside Bowl, but their parking situation is a disappointment. Admittedly it was clearly my fault for not paying attention to the parking signs, but my car was towed yesterday from the premises and I was charged $260 cash to retrieve my car from Riverside Street in Portland. It was my birthday and we were celebrating first at Batson River and then we planned to go to Bayside's rooftop deck to continue our evening's celebrations. After leaving the distillery, after only one hour, I was shocked to see that my car had been towed away. Again, my fault. Please be mindful of the parking signs if you visit this establishment. The money charged for an accidental parking violation is greedily exorbitant and predatory in my opinion. I hope that the owner is not profiting from this, and if he or she is, I hope they are putting the money towards a good community cause to better the Portland Bayside neighborhood.“

“One of our favorite places, nice laid back atmosphere with couches & bookcases, reasonably priced beers, and located at the entrance to Portland’s wonderful West End. They serve a great Beyond burger, as well as a black bean burger. They also have a number of other nice options including vegan cheese pizzas, chili, and chili cheese fries! Updated from previous review on 2024-06-25“

“My wife and I were looking for a new lunch spot we stopped in at Foreside Tavern not knowing quite what to expect but were pleasantly surprised the waiter was fantastic and elevated the experience the food was classic pub fare, well-prepared and served hot we also tried the Chocolate Sin Cake which was rich and delicious the atmosphere could use a bit of refreshing but still felt welcoming and great for families.“

“Caroline was so helpful to me in arranging my wife's surprise birthday party. It was perfect and my wife and friends had such a great time! The food rocks and service is awesome! Thank you so much!“

“So I stepped into a bear-trap on social media in the form of a fresh-from-the-oven squash pizza - and immediately smashed out the number on my phone. 10/10 would recommend! This pizza was delicious“

“Great decor, food and service. Top spot for dinner.“