Lee’s guidebook
Food scene
All the recommendations in this section are within easy walking distance of the house
A great local food market close to the house.
223 moradores locais recomendam
Rosemont Market & Bakery
40 Pine StA great local food market close to the house.
The Front Room, 73 Congress Street. One of several city restaurants owned by chef Harding Lee Smith, the Front Room was one of the first enterprises to put the new Munjoy Hill on the map. Stop here for a cozy drink at the bar, dinner, or one of the best brunches in town. Open Monday–Saturday 5 to 10 p.m., Sunday 4 to 9 p.m. and every day for brunch 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. thefrontroomrestaurant.com. 207-773-3366.
108 moradores locais recomendam
The Front Room
73 Congress StThe Front Room, 73 Congress Street. One of several city restaurants owned by chef Harding Lee Smith, the Front Room was one of the first enterprises to put the new Munjoy Hill on the map. Stop here for a cozy drink at the bar, dinner, or one of the best brunches in town. Open Monday–Saturday 5 to 10 p.m., Sunday 4 to 9 p.m. and every day for brunch 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. thefrontroomrestaurant.com. 207-773-3366.
The Blue Spoon, 89 Congress Street. If you can score a seat in this tiny American bistro, do so. Owned by chef David Lovino, the food here is creative, farm-to-table, and always delicious. They also take their wine very seriously. Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday brunch 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. bluespoonme.com. 207-773-1116
74 moradores locais recomendam
Blue Spoon
5 Congress StThe Blue Spoon, 89 Congress Street. If you can score a seat in this tiny American bistro, do so. Owned by chef David Lovino, the food here is creative, farm-to-table, and always delicious. They also take their wine very seriously. Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday brunch 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. bluespoonme.com. 207-773-1116
Hilltop Coffee Shop, 90 Congress Street. A great coffee shop with an amazing brioche and egg breakfast sandwich and wonderful pastries and scones.
55 moradores locais recomendam
Hilltop Coffee Shop
100 Congress StHilltop Coffee Shop, 90 Congress Street. A great coffee shop with an amazing brioche and egg breakfast sandwich and wonderful pastries and scones.
Katie Made Bakery, 181 Congress Street. Warning: Just looking at Katie Made’s website will make your mouth water. The former East Bayside sugar queen last year migrated up the Hill to set up shop in a former tattoo parlor on Congress Street. Try the muffins. And the cookies. And the sandwiches. You get the picture. Tuesday–Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon. Closed Monday. katiemadebakery.com. 207-771-0994.
29 moradores locais recomendam
Katie Made Bakery
181 Congress StKatie Made Bakery, 181 Congress Street. Warning: Just looking at Katie Made’s website will make your mouth water. The former East Bayside sugar queen last year migrated up the Hill to set up shop in a former tattoo parlor on Congress Street. Try the muffins. And the cookies. And the sandwiches. You get the picture. Tuesday–Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon. Closed Monday. katiemadebakery.com. 207-771-0994.
Homegrown Herb & Tea, 195 Congress Street. Rumor is that Sarah Richards, owner of Homegrown Herb & Tea, takes just a few moments to eyeball the blend of Ayurvedic tea that you desperately, desperately need. True or not, this is a unique teashop that emphasizes the power of the drink to restore a healthful balance. Open Tuesday–Friday 12 to 5 p.m. and Saturday if it rains. homegrownherbandtea.com. 207-774-3484.
9 moradores locais recomendam
Homegrown Herb and Tea
195 Congress StHomegrown Herb & Tea, 195 Congress Street. Rumor is that Sarah Richards, owner of Homegrown Herb & Tea, takes just a few moments to eyeball the blend of Ayurvedic tea that you desperately, desperately need. True or not, this is a unique teashop that emphasizes the power of the drink to restore a healthful balance. Open Tuesday–Friday 12 to 5 p.m. and Saturday if it rains. homegrownherbandtea.com. 207-774-3484.
Shipyard Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery - rooted in tradition and brimming with innovation. Our award-winning beer is handcrafted by our team of brewers who learned their art from world-renowned master brewer, Alan Pugsley. We are committed to cultivating a new generation of creative, passionate brewers. Our team is constantly exploring innovative and diverse styles of beer through our pilot system at our Portland brewery and our 7-barrel system at Federal Jack's Brew Pub in Kennebunk Harbor. Established in 1994, this family-run brewery set up shop in what was once a maritime foundry on the waterfront of Portland. Starting with our flagship Export Ale, we've produced over 65 handcrafted, traditional beers in the heart of this vibrant Maine community.
48 moradores locais recomendam
Shipyard Brewing Company
86 Newbury StShipyard Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery - rooted in tradition and brimming with innovation. Our award-winning beer is handcrafted by our team of brewers who learned their art from world-renowned master brewer, Alan Pugsley. We are committed to cultivating a new generation of creative, passionate brewers. Our team is constantly exploring innovative and diverse styles of beer through our pilot system at our Portland brewery and our 7-barrel system at Federal Jack's Brew Pub in Kennebunk Harbor. Established in 1994, this family-run brewery set up shop in what was once a maritime foundry on the waterfront of Portland. Starting with our flagship Export Ale, we've produced over 65 handcrafted, traditional beers in the heart of this vibrant Maine community.
At Izakaya Minato, peruse the menu of Japanese small plates that are meant for sharing before deciding on your feast. Some dishes, like the Japanese fried chicken, are always on the menu, but keep an eye out for in-season specials like the uni spoon, with Maine sea urchin, raw quail egg, ponzu, and tobiko.
61 moradores locais recomendam
Izakaya Minato
54 Washington AveAt Izakaya Minato, peruse the menu of Japanese small plates that are meant for sharing before deciding on your feast. Some dishes, like the Japanese fried chicken, are always on the menu, but keep an eye out for in-season specials like the uni spoon, with Maine sea urchin, raw quail egg, ponzu, and tobiko.
Oxbow Blending & Bottling
49 Washington AveDuckfat Friteshack
43 Washington AveAmazing fries with tons of sauces
Forage Market
123 Washington AveGreat bagels and sandwiches
Maine & Loire
59 Washington Avebrowse the shop’s vast selection of natural wines.
The Micro Brewery scene is big!!!! It is easy walking distance from the house. They also have amazing Asian inspired nachos.
70 moradores locais recomendam
Austin Street Brewery
115 Fox StThe Micro Brewery scene is big!!!! It is easy walking distance from the house. They also have amazing Asian inspired nachos.
No shortage of microbrews to visit in this area. Large patio for enjoying their beer on-site. Wood fired pizza is a must get.
138 moradores locais recomendam
Rising Tide Brewing Company
103 Fox StNo shortage of microbrews to visit in this area. Large patio for enjoying their beer on-site. Wood fired pizza is a must get.
For fans of scotch, Maine Craft Distilling offers this take on a Highland-style single-malt whiskey. Aged in handcrafted oak barrels, Fifty Stone pours a deep honey shade, releasing notes of smoked peat and currants in the nose. Maine Craft Distilling follows a pre–Industrial Revolution distilling method, floor-malting the locally sourced barley used in Fifty Stone. The painstaking process of germinating barley on the concrete floor of the Portland distillery produces deep, rich flavors. The floor-malted barley is then smoked with local peat and seaweed. The distillery tasting room on Washington Avenue offers a rustic-meets-urban ambience for imbibing a glass of Fifty Stone.
51 moradores locais recomendam
Maine Craft Distilling
123 Washington AveFor fans of scotch, Maine Craft Distilling offers this take on a Highland-style single-malt whiskey. Aged in handcrafted oak barrels, Fifty Stone pours a deep honey shade, releasing notes of smoked peat and currants in the nose. Maine Craft Distilling follows a pre–Industrial Revolution distilling method, floor-malting the locally sourced barley used in Fifty Stone. The painstaking process of germinating barley on the concrete floor of the Portland distillery produces deep, rich flavors. The floor-malted barley is then smoked with local peat and seaweed. The distillery tasting room on Washington Avenue offers a rustic-meets-urban ambience for imbibing a glass of Fifty Stone.
The distillery released 25 different beers, including Faerie Offering, a fruited sour with blackberries; Folk Magic, an IPA brewed with local honey from Backwoods Bee Farm in Windham; and an iteration of Secret Clubhouse Imperial Stout made with coffee and cinnamon. Bonadies says patrons have responded positively to this experimental spirit, as evidenced by the steadily packed tasting room and sales that have exceeded the owners’ expectations.
10 moradores locais recomendam
Belleflower Brewing Company
66 Cove StreetThe distillery released 25 different beers, including Faerie Offering, a fruited sour with blackberries; Folk Magic, an IPA brewed with local honey from Backwoods Bee Farm in Windham; and an iteration of Secret Clubhouse Imperial Stout made with coffee and cinnamon. Bonadies says patrons have responded positively to this experimental spirit, as evidenced by the steadily packed tasting room and sales that have exceeded the owners’ expectations.
Cong Tu Bot
57 Washington Avelively Vietnamese street food spot
Neighborhoods
Munjoy Hill
The hippest and most popular place to stay in Portland, ME
Sightseeing
The Portland Observatory, 138 Congress Street. Built by Lemuel Moody in 1807, the red maritime tower is known for its 360-degree view of the city. Be sure to check out the centuries-old graffiti on the tower’s interior, too. The Observatory is open daily, May 24–October 13, 2014, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 45-minute tours are guided and the last tour begins at 4:30 p.m. Adults, $9; seniors, students, and AAA members, $8; children 6–16, $5. Discount for Portland residents. Contact Greater Portland Landmarks for more information. portlandlandmarks.org/observatory/visit-the-tower. 207-774-5561.
132 moradores locais recomendam
Portland Observatory
138 Congress StThe Portland Observatory, 138 Congress Street. Built by Lemuel Moody in 1807, the red maritime tower is known for its 360-degree view of the city. Be sure to check out the centuries-old graffiti on the tower’s interior, too. The Observatory is open daily, May 24–October 13, 2014, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 45-minute tours are guided and the last tour begins at 4:30 p.m. Adults, $9; seniors, students, and AAA members, $8; children 6–16, $5. Discount for Portland residents. Contact Greater Portland Landmarks for more information. portlandlandmarks.org/observatory/visit-the-tower. 207-774-5561.
Portland Paddle
1 Eastern PromenadeRent kayaks and paddle boards here
St Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress Street. Host to everything from live acoustic shows to the raunchy Nutcracker Burlesque, this local arts bastion is currently raising money to add a second theater to its space. Check out the upcoming shows at stlawrencearts.org or at the website for the resident professional theater troupe, Good Theater, at goodtheater.com. 207-775-5568.
16 moradores locais recomendam
Saint Lawrence Arts Center
76 Congress StSt Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress Street. Host to everything from live acoustic shows to the raunchy Nutcracker Burlesque, this local arts bastion is currently raising money to add a second theater to its space. Check out the upcoming shows at stlawrencearts.org or at the website for the resident professional theater troupe, Good Theater, at goodtheater.com. 207-775-5568.
Take home a piece of the artistic vibe of Munjoy Hill with a piece of handmade jewelry from Willa
7 moradores locais recomendam
Willa Wirth Silver Design Jewelry
99 Congress StTake home a piece of the artistic vibe of Munjoy Hill with a piece of handmade jewelry from Willa
This 2-acre fort sitting on Hog Island Ledge is a hidden gem. Accessible only by boat, or kayak, Ft Gorges was built during the civil war and has been a city property since 1960.
The property is open for exploring at your own risk.
12 moradores locais recomendam
Fort Gorges
This 2-acre fort sitting on Hog Island Ledge is a hidden gem. Accessible only by boat, or kayak, Ft Gorges was built during the civil war and has been a city property since 1960.
The property is open for exploring at your own risk.
This waterfront trail built along an old rail corridor offers spectacular harbor and ocean views. Benches and picnic tables are located along the route and at East End Beach. The Beach offers swimming and a public boat launch, as well as public toilets and changing areas during the summer months. Dogs are allowed on the Beach during off season. Kayaks and canoes can be stored on rental racks and launched from the beach or the boat ramp.
Parallel paved and stone dust trails follow the water’s edge. The mostly flat slope has a small rise near the Portland Water District treatment plant, and another near Tukey’s Bridge, where it connects to the Back Cove Trail.
10 moradores locais recomendam
Eastern Promenade Trail
Eastern Promenade TrailThis waterfront trail built along an old rail corridor offers spectacular harbor and ocean views. Benches and picnic tables are located along the route and at East End Beach. The Beach offers swimming and a public boat launch, as well as public toilets and changing areas during the summer months. Dogs are allowed on the Beach during off season. Kayaks and canoes can be stored on rental racks and launched from the beach or the boat ramp.
Parallel paved and stone dust trails follow the water’s edge. The mostly flat slope has a small rise near the Portland Water District treatment plant, and another near Tukey’s Bridge, where it connects to the Back Cove Trail.
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum preserves and operates Maine's two-foot gauge railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of the public. Visitors can enjoy a scenic train ride along Casco Bay or explore the museum which features historic rail cars, exhibits, and activities for children. The museum is open daily from mid-April through late October (9:30am-4:00pm) and seasonally for events including the Polar Express. Visit our website for more information including a full schedule of events.
31 moradores locais recomendam
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum
49 Thames StThe Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum preserves and operates Maine's two-foot gauge railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of the public. Visitors can enjoy a scenic train ride along Casco Bay or explore the museum which features historic rail cars, exhibits, and activities for children. The museum is open daily from mid-April through late October (9:30am-4:00pm) and seasonally for events including the Polar Express. Visit our website for more information including a full schedule of events.
Take the ferry to the Casco Bay Islands for day trips and adventures
140 moradores locais recomendam
Casco Bay Lines station
Take the ferry to the Casco Bay Islands for day trips and adventures
Perfect sunset viewing. The view of the whole peninsula, with Mount Washington and the White Mountains outlined against the fiery sky, is breathtaking, and the city lights twinkle as the sun fades. Walking back into town along the Eastern Promenade will reward you with more sunset views over Casco Bay.
13 moradores locais recomendam
Fort Sumner Park
64 North StreetPerfect sunset viewing. The view of the whole peninsula, with Mount Washington and the White Mountains outlined against the fiery sky, is breathtaking, and the city lights twinkle as the sun fades. Walking back into town along the Eastern Promenade will reward you with more sunset views over Casco Bay.
Dog walking
Dogs run free on East End Beach before 9 am and after 5 pm.
The Eastern Prom has a variety of food trucks for your to sample
167 moradores locais recomendam
Eastern Promenade
Eastern PromenadeThe Eastern Prom has a variety of food trucks for your to sample