Guidebook for Portland

Ani
Guidebook for Portland

Food Scene

The most amazing home made cinnamon rolls and fresh breads. My mom's favorite!
30 locals recommend
Big Sky Bread Company
536 Deering Ave
30 locals recommend
The most amazing home made cinnamon rolls and fresh breads. My mom's favorite!
Our favorite breakfast joint for spicy, cajun breakfast, french toast and AMAZING ginger pancakes. Ani's favorite is the Cajun Scramble with crawfish and mom loves the Juevos Ranchero. Go early, crowded on the weekends and there is usually a line, but it moves fast. Great service from kind mainers.
38 locals recommend
Bayou Kitchen
543 Deering Ave
38 locals recommend
Our favorite breakfast joint for spicy, cajun breakfast, french toast and AMAZING ginger pancakes. Ani's favorite is the Cajun Scramble with crawfish and mom loves the Juevos Ranchero. Go early, crowded on the weekends and there is usually a line, but it moves fast. Great service from kind mainers.
Amazing Eggs Benedict, Lobstah Benedict, Veggie Benedict. Home made spicy bloody mary's and yummy mimosas. French toast and pancakes are delish too. Arrive early on weekends as it can be crowded, but they have free coffee while you wait. Reservations suggested.
52 locals recommend
Bayside American Cafe
98 Portland St
52 locals recommend
Amazing Eggs Benedict, Lobstah Benedict, Veggie Benedict. Home made spicy bloody mary's and yummy mimosas. French toast and pancakes are delish too. Arrive early on weekends as it can be crowded, but they have free coffee while you wait. Reservations suggested.
A great local thai restaurant and grocery store. Walking distance from our house (two blocks) and inexpensive. Everything is fresh, delish and home made. We order a lot of different items and take them back to the residence for picnics on the porch or family dinners.
17 locals recommend
Vientiane Market
157 Noyes St
17 locals recommend
A great local thai restaurant and grocery store. Walking distance from our house (two blocks) and inexpensive. Everything is fresh, delish and home made. We order a lot of different items and take them back to the residence for picnics on the porch or family dinners.
Handmade, fresh beef burgers. A bit divey but a local favorite. Tables for eat in with a few other groceries. Whoopie pies also made locally are available.
13 locals recommend
Punky's
186 Brighton Ave
13 locals recommend
Handmade, fresh beef burgers. A bit divey but a local favorite. Tables for eat in with a few other groceries. Whoopie pies also made locally are available.
Gluten free and regular hand made donuts in interesting flavors like Chai, Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt and Bacon! A bit of a walk (about a mile) but well worth it. Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
220 locals recommend
The Holy Donut
194 Park Ave
220 locals recommend
Gluten free and regular hand made donuts in interesting flavors like Chai, Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt and Bacon! A bit of a walk (about a mile) but well worth it. Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Two for Tuesdays! Two fish burgers for $2 each. Hidden local gem whose divey interior is part of its charm. Friendly folks and great local catches right from the boats.
9 locals recommend
Susan's Fish-n-Chips
1135 Forest Ave
9 locals recommend
Two for Tuesdays! Two fish burgers for $2 each. Hidden local gem whose divey interior is part of its charm. Friendly folks and great local catches right from the boats.
Great local spot on the water. Blueberry pancakes are their signature items.
88 locals recommend
Joe's Boathouse Catering
88 locals recommend
Great local spot on the water. Blueberry pancakes are their signature items.
Beautiful views right on the ocean. A portland summertime favorite with Lobstah rolls, fresh fish and of course lobstah platters with all the trimmings. Come early for dinner, lines are usually a 20-30 minute wait but indoor and outdoor seating is abundant. Dinners run $15-30 a person but portions are large and sharable. Our family sits at the picnic tables overlooking the crashing waves from the Atlantic Ocean. Great photo spot!
136 locals recommend
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
225 Two Lights Rd
136 locals recommend
Beautiful views right on the ocean. A portland summertime favorite with Lobstah rolls, fresh fish and of course lobstah platters with all the trimmings. Come early for dinner, lines are usually a 20-30 minute wait but indoor and outdoor seating is abundant. Dinners run $15-30 a person but portions are large and sharable. Our family sits at the picnic tables overlooking the crashing waves from the Atlantic Ocean. Great photo spot!
Lovely weekend brunch with live music. Take the ferry over (about a 20 minute ride) dine al fresco and then rent a tandem bike and ride around the island.
17 locals recommend
The Inn On Peaks Island
33 Island Ave
17 locals recommend
Lovely weekend brunch with live music. Take the ferry over (about a 20 minute ride) dine al fresco and then rent a tandem bike and ride around the island.
Delicious poutine (fries with gravy and cheese) and outstanding pull pork sandwich and burgers. We had the coolest, yummiest and hippest cocktails and had a fantastic evening.
53 locals recommend
Nosh Kitchen Bar
551 Congress St
53 locals recommend
Delicious poutine (fries with gravy and cheese) and outstanding pull pork sandwich and burgers. We had the coolest, yummiest and hippest cocktails and had a fantastic evening.
Amazing gluten free breads and desserts. Located right down by the water you can shop and stop for a snack.
12 locals recommend
Bam Bam Bakery
1054 Brighton Avenue
12 locals recommend
Amazing gluten free breads and desserts. Located right down by the water you can shop and stop for a snack.
Walk up to this coffee shop in the morning for a muffin and latte. Open at 6:30 a.m. Only three blocks from the residence along tree-lined streets.
7 locals recommend
Crooked Mile At Rosemont
428 Brighton Ave
7 locals recommend
Walk up to this coffee shop in the morning for a muffin and latte. Open at 6:30 a.m. Only three blocks from the residence along tree-lined streets.
An italian favorite.
27 locals recommend
Caiola's
58 Pine Street
27 locals recommend
An italian favorite.
Such. Good. Bakery. Items. Yum!
114 locals recommend
Standard Baking Co
75 Commercial St
114 locals recommend
Such. Good. Bakery. Items. Yum!
Are you seeing a theme here? Yes, I am of French heritage and love my patisserie!
Portland Patisserie And Grand Cafe
46 Market St
Are you seeing a theme here? Yes, I am of French heritage and love my patisserie!
A portland tourist favorite, mostly for the on the pier dining. Food is good, but not extra ordinary.
101 locals recommend
DiMillo's On The Water
25 Long Wharf
101 locals recommend
A portland tourist favorite, mostly for the on the pier dining. Food is good, but not extra ordinary.
Lovely italian fare. A portland favorite.
20 locals recommend
Artemisia Cafe
61 Pleasant St
20 locals recommend
Lovely italian fare. A portland favorite.
Where our family eats after a fun day at Pine Point Beach. A Portland favorite. Lots of fried fish, clams, shrimp as well as a lobstah platter with fries and cole slaw. Full bar with local maine beers and indoor and outdoor seating.
37 locals recommend
Ken's Place
207 Pine Point Rd
37 locals recommend
Where our family eats after a fun day at Pine Point Beach. A Portland favorite. Lots of fried fish, clams, shrimp as well as a lobstah platter with fries and cole slaw. Full bar with local maine beers and indoor and outdoor seating.
For those of us allergic to well, almost everything (corn, wheat and soy), Maples makes gelato the old fashioned way with cream, eggs and sugar. Its the only place Ani eats frozen dessert. Worth the scenic drive over to Yarmouth (20 minutes).
13 locals recommend
Maple's
1055 US-1
13 locals recommend
For those of us allergic to well, almost everything (corn, wheat and soy), Maples makes gelato the old fashioned way with cream, eggs and sugar. Its the only place Ani eats frozen dessert. Worth the scenic drive over to Yarmouth (20 minutes).
Home made pizza and they even have gluten free! Try the Moosehead which is Ani's fav (pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, onion and green peppah!) I eat it with an Angry Orchard Hard Cider. Soooo goood! They also have an apple pie pizza. Need I say more?
24 locals recommend
Portland Pie Co. Biddeford
40 Main St
24 locals recommend
Home made pizza and they even have gluten free! Try the Moosehead which is Ani's fav (pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, onion and green peppah!) I eat it with an Angry Orchard Hard Cider. Soooo goood! They also have an apple pie pizza. Need I say more?
We like Yosaku because they offer Vegan and Gluten free offerings in a delightful outdoor setting with a pagoda and waterfall. Lovely evening here enjoyed with my husband, Ani
44 locals recommend
Yosaku
1 Danforth St
44 locals recommend
We like Yosaku because they offer Vegan and Gluten free offerings in a delightful outdoor setting with a pagoda and waterfall. Lovely evening here enjoyed with my husband, Ani
If you are vegan or vegetarian in Portland check out Green Elephant and other great restaurants here. https://www.happycow.net/north_america/usa/maine/portland/
84 locals recommend
Green Elephant
608 Congress St
84 locals recommend
If you are vegan or vegetarian in Portland check out Green Elephant and other great restaurants here. https://www.happycow.net/north_america/usa/maine/portland/
If the young geniuses who run this old school diner car don't yet have a key to the city, it's time, because they're probably the most effective ambassadors Biddeford has. From the tuna melt to the fried chicken and pancakes to the egg sandwich, portions are just large enough that you probably shouldn't finish, but too delicious to set aside. Check out the other great restaurants in the 18 Essential East in Maine. http://maine.eater.com/maps/best-maine-restaurants-18
35 locals recommend
Palace Diner
18 Franklin St
35 locals recommend
If the young geniuses who run this old school diner car don't yet have a key to the city, it's time, because they're probably the most effective ambassadors Biddeford has. From the tuna melt to the fried chicken and pancakes to the egg sandwich, portions are just large enough that you probably shouldn't finish, but too delicious to set aside. Check out the other great restaurants in the 18 Essential East in Maine. http://maine.eater.com/maps/best-maine-restaurants-18
A hushed temple of superb sushi from a master of the craft, Miyake serves only fish plucked from Maine waters or flown in from Japan. Chef Masa Miyake’s tasting menus paired with sake offer a world-class experience. 468 Fore St Portland, ME 04101 (207) 871-9170 http://www.miyakerestaurants.com/ We haven't tried it yet, but it is on our list for August.
34 locals recommend
Miyake
468 Fore St
34 locals recommend
A hushed temple of superb sushi from a master of the craft, Miyake serves only fish plucked from Maine waters or flown in from Japan. Chef Masa Miyake’s tasting menus paired with sake offer a world-class experience. 468 Fore St Portland, ME 04101 (207) 871-9170 http://www.miyakerestaurants.com/ We haven't tried it yet, but it is on our list for August.
With an ever-changing, wide-ranging small plates menu, an impressive drinks program, and fantastic service, Chris and Paige Gould's beautifully renovated Old Port spot has captured the attention of the nation. The one-year-old restaurant was a finalist for Best New Restaurant courtesy of the James Beard Foundation, and should make serious waves in the coming years. 414 Fore St Portland, ME 04101 (207) 805-1085 http://www.central-provisions.com/ On our list to try so let us know if you like it!
145 locals recommend
Central Provisions
414 Fore St
145 locals recommend
With an ever-changing, wide-ranging small plates menu, an impressive drinks program, and fantastic service, Chris and Paige Gould's beautifully renovated Old Port spot has captured the attention of the nation. The one-year-old restaurant was a finalist for Best New Restaurant courtesy of the James Beard Foundation, and should make serious waves in the coming years. 414 Fore St Portland, ME 04101 (207) 805-1085 http://www.central-provisions.com/ On our list to try so let us know if you like it!

Sightseeing

A fun day trip over to the island via ferry. On the island, rent a bike at Brad's Bike Rentals and ride around the entire island in an hour. Tandem bikes available! Great brunch on the weekends at the Inn at Peaks Island with live music. You might even catch me and my husband there with our band!
Peaks Island Ferry
A fun day trip over to the island via ferry. On the island, rent a bike at Brad's Bike Rentals and ride around the entire island in an hour. Tandem bikes available! Great brunch on the weekends at the Inn at Peaks Island with live music. You might even catch me and my husband there with our band!

Parks & Nature

The amazing views and the lobstah shack!
144 locals recommend
Two Lights State Park
7 Tower Dr
144 locals recommend
The amazing views and the lobstah shack!
Small beach and hiking trail. Good place to picnic or walk the beach.
44 locals recommend
Kettle Cove
Kettle Cove Road
44 locals recommend
Small beach and hiking trail. Good place to picnic or walk the beach.
Ani's favorite beach for its expansive views, long, clean beaches. Great for walking. Dogs allowed after 5:00 p.m. and anytime from Sept 30-May 1.
51 locals recommend
Pine Point Beach
51 locals recommend
Ani's favorite beach for its expansive views, long, clean beaches. Great for walking. Dogs allowed after 5:00 p.m. and anytime from Sept 30-May 1.

Essentials

148 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
87 Marginal Way
148 locals recommend
Great restaurant in the store with healthy whole food options and gluten free.
151 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
2 Somerset St
151 locals recommend
Great restaurant in the store with healthy whole food options and gluten free.
6 locals recommend
7-Eleven
170 Brighton Ave
6 locals recommend
13 locals recommend
Walgreens
127 Marginal Way
13 locals recommend
Portland Dry Cleaners
28 Allen Ave
Urgent care located 1 block from the residence. From the corner of Orland and Brighton, turn right onto Brighton Avenue, go up the hill and the hospital is on the right.
MMC Brighton Campus
335 Brighton Ave
Urgent care located 1 block from the residence. From the corner of Orland and Brighton, turn right onto Brighton Avenue, go up the hill and the hospital is on the right.
Closest Dentist to the residence.
Comprehensive Dental Care: Iselborn C A DDS
149 Brighton Ave
Closest Dentist to the residence.
La Bodega Latina Grocery Store
863 Congress St
280 locals recommend
Hannaford Supermarket
295 Forest Ave
280 locals recommend

Drinks & Nightlife

Lots of local micro brews, excellent fish and chips and other good food and only a mile from the residence.
76 locals recommend
The Great Lost Bear
540 Forest Ave
76 locals recommend
Lots of local micro brews, excellent fish and chips and other good food and only a mile from the residence.
Lots of up and coming artists. http://portcityblue.com/##_=_
71 locals recommend
Blue
650 Congress St
71 locals recommend
Lots of up and coming artists. http://portcityblue.com/##_=_

Entertainment & Activities

A classic outdoor amusement park right on the water ala Coney Island. Kids rides, small roller coaster, carnival games, carnival food (funnel cakes, boardwalk fries) and lots of shopping.
185 locals recommend
Old Orchard Beach
185 locals recommend
A classic outdoor amusement park right on the water ala Coney Island. Kids rides, small roller coaster, carnival games, carnival food (funnel cakes, boardwalk fries) and lots of shopping.
Greater Portland YMCA
70 High St
Kayaking & Canoeing http://portlandpaddle.net/
63 locals recommend
Portland Paddle
1 Eastern Promenade
63 locals recommend
Kayaking & Canoeing http://portlandpaddle.net/
Brewery Tour http://www.allagash.com/?ao_confirm
156 locals recommend
Allagash Brewing Company
50 Industrial Way
156 locals recommend
Brewery Tour http://www.allagash.com/?ao_confirm
Half day and full day trips to the local islands. http://www.cascobaylines.com/#_=_
13 locals recommend
Casco Bay Islands Ferry
13 locals recommend
Half day and full day trips to the local islands. http://www.cascobaylines.com/#_=_
An overnight trip to Nova Scotia. I went on another line back in 1998 and it was beautiful. Annapolis rose garden was lovely and the way the ocean cuts through the fjords is absolutely stunning. http://novastarcruises.com/ http://www.novascotia.com
Nova Star Cruises Portland Terminal
An overnight trip to Nova Scotia. I went on another line back in 1998 and it was beautiful. Annapolis rose garden was lovely and the way the ocean cuts through the fjords is absolutely stunning. http://novastarcruises.com/ http://www.novascotia.com
Cycling aficionados here is the tour for you! http://www.summerfeet.net/bicycle-trips/maine-bicycle-day-trips/
7 locals recommend
Summer Feet Cycling
6 Commercial St
7 locals recommend
Cycling aficionados here is the tour for you! http://www.summerfeet.net/bicycle-trips/maine-bicycle-day-trips/
Everything you always wanted to do. http://www.visitportland.com/
Visit Portland Maine | Greater Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau
14 Ocean Gateway Pier
Everything you always wanted to do. http://www.visitportland.com/
Want to go to a traditional lobster bake? http://www.houseislandmaine.com/#_=_
House Island Lobster Bakes
39 Ocean House Road
Want to go to a traditional lobster bake? http://www.houseislandmaine.com/#_=_
Winery and tasting room. http://sweetgrasswinery.com/oldport.html#_=_
7 locals recommend
Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery Old Port Tasting Room and Shop
324 Fore St
7 locals recommend
Winery and tasting room. http://sweetgrasswinery.com/oldport.html#_=_
A two-hour drive from Portland, Maine but it is the closest Moose tour. They also have whitewater rafting and get an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. http://www.northcountryrivers.com/ 1-800-348-8871 Local : 207-672-4814 Fax : 207-672-4176 Email: info@northcountryrivers.com
16 locals recommend
North Country Rivers Kennebec White Water Rafting
36 Main St
16 locals recommend
A two-hour drive from Portland, Maine but it is the closest Moose tour. They also have whitewater rafting and get an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. http://www.northcountryrivers.com/ 1-800-348-8871 Local : 207-672-4814 Fax : 207-672-4176 Email: info@northcountryrivers.com

Shopping

Lots and lots and lots of funky shops. Clothing, food, maine-made, spas, comedy, movie theatre. Parking is metered so bring change.
223 locals recommend
Old Port
223 locals recommend
Lots and lots and lots of funky shops. Clothing, food, maine-made, spas, comedy, movie theatre. Parking is metered so bring change.
When you need essentials for an evening on the town, a bathing suit or formal wear. Macy's, Victoria Secret, Lane Bryant.
86 locals recommend
The Maine Mall
364 Maine Mall Rd
86 locals recommend
When you need essentials for an evening on the town, a bathing suit or formal wear. Macy's, Victoria Secret, Lane Bryant.
Eclectic selection of vinyl, cd's, dvds from classic rock, jazz, country and today's hits. Lots of local bands as well. Ani's husband spends HOURS here. A great place for the hubby's to go while the ladies are out buying diamonds....or going to the spa....or whatever!
7 locals recommend
Bull Moose
456 Payne Rd
7 locals recommend
Eclectic selection of vinyl, cd's, dvds from classic rock, jazz, country and today's hits. Lots of local bands as well. Ani's husband spends HOURS here. A great place for the hubby's to go while the ladies are out buying diamonds....or going to the spa....or whatever!
Oh. My. Goodness. I am a flea market junky and I just learned about this place. I am going this weekend and I will let you all know how it is! Won BEST OF PORTLAND 2015.
41 locals recommend
Portland Flea-for-All
585 Congress St
41 locals recommend
Oh. My. Goodness. I am a flea market junky and I just learned about this place. I am going this weekend and I will let you all know how it is! Won BEST OF PORTLAND 2015.
Huge comics store for the hubby's or brothers or us girls too!
Newbury Comics
364 Maine Mall Rd
Huge comics store for the hubby's or brothers or us girls too!
Ok, sometimes you need essentials...so Wallymart is just a few miles from our home. Locals will tell you it's ALL THE WAY in scarborough, but seriously, that is only 4.9 miles away. Portland is a small city with a BIG personality.
Walmart Supercenter
500 Gallery Blvd
Ok, sometimes you need essentials...so Wallymart is just a few miles from our home. Locals will tell you it's ALL THE WAY in scarborough, but seriously, that is only 4.9 miles away. Portland is a small city with a BIG personality.
Historic street along the working waterfront of Portland.
Commercial Street
Commercial Street
Historic street along the working waterfront of Portland.