Dining Guide

3 Dollar Dewey’s in the heart of Portland’s Old Port is not to be missed. Pub fare includes chowder, appetizers–including beerbattered shrimp, buffalo wings, and glorious nachos–as well as chili, salads, seafood, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and build-your-own pizzas. A beer-lover’s heaven with 36 draft beers and 42 bottled beers. Open every day 11:30 a.m.-1:00 a.m. 241 Commercial Street. www.3dollardeweys.com 772-3310 51 Wharf Restaurant Casual fine-dining restaurant by day and posh dance club by night. Chef Michael Thomas’s avant-garde new American cuisine showcases an eclectic mix of seasonal, local ingredients inspired by worldwide cultures in the smallplates menu and regional favorites including twin-lobster dinners and a variety of fresh, indigenous seafood. 51 Wharf Street in Portland’s Old Port. www.51wharf.com 774-1151 * Anthony’s Italian Kitchen, 151 Middle Street, lower level, Portland. Voted “Best in Portland” three years in a row. Pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. All homemade recipes including lasagna, chicken parmesan, eggplant parmesan, meatballs, and Italian sausages. No item over $10. Beer and wine. Friday and Saturday night live Broadway review includes five-course dinner for $35/pp. Catering available. 774-8668 * Beale Street Barbeque continues a tradition of eclectic American cuisine at their new location in South Portland. Still serving the best hardwood smoked and grilled meats, poultry, fish and seafood as well as tasty appetizers, specialty sandwiches, salads, and creative daily lunch and dinner specials. Full bar featuring Maine microbrews on tap. No reservations needed, children welcome. Open all day, every day at 725 Broadway in South Portland. www.mainebbq.com 767-0130 Becky’s at 390 Commercial Street, featured in Esquire and recommended by Rachael Ray, is “a slice of diner heaven,” according to Gourmet. Serving classic diner fare within the call of gulls, it’s Maine’s best family-friendly place to keep it real. Open 4 a.m.-9 p.m., 7 days a week. 773-7070 BiBo’s Madd Apple Cafe, 23 Forest Avenue, Portland, in the heart of the Arts District. Focusing on creative, affordable cuisine with an eclectic wine list to match, served in a bright casual atmosphere. Lunch Wed.-Fri. 11:30-2; brunch Sun. 11-2; dinner Wed.-Sat. from 5:30 and Sundays 4-8. Menus change with the local growing season. Menus online at www.bibosportland.com 774-9698 * Brea Lu´ Café serves the best breakfast in town! Breakfast choices include twelve specialty omelets with toast and home fries, build your own, or select French toast, eggs benedict, or an all-star breakfast sandwich. Lunch features homemade chili and fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. Open seven days 7 a.m.-1 p.m., at 428 Forest Avenue, Portland. 772-9202 Café Stroudwater has been an award-winning local favorite for many years. Chef Paul L’Heureux features delicious local cuisine using local products based on the season. For a truly unique experience, reserve a “Chef’s Table,” where you and your guest will be seated right in the kitchen while the Chef prepares your six-course meal accompanied by select wines. 1050 Westbrook Street in the Embassy Suites, Portland. 775-0032 * Castine Inn, a perfect getaway in one of the most beautiful villages in New England, overlooking a perennial garden and Castine Harbor. Enjoy Chef Tom Gutow’s unique and refined cuisine in a casually elegant setting. Both á la carte and tasting menus available at one of Food & Wine magazine’s 50 top hotel restaurants in the U.S. June through September. www.castineinn.com 326-4365 Clayton’s Cafe, 447 Route 1, Yarmouth. This family-owned gourmet deli, coffee shop, and bakery specializes in sandwiches for no mean appetite. Enjoy a fresh-brewed iced tea and the famous chicken salad on the outdoor patio. Also featuring soups and salads and a full array of take-home dinners, menu rotating daily. Monday-Friday, 7:00-7:00 & Saturday, 8:30-5:00. www.claytonscafe.com. 846-1117 Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill, 209 Western Avenue, South Portland, with distinctly Californian décor. Famous for sweet pork, made-to-order smothered burritos, savory desserts, and chicken salads with creamy tomatillo ranch dressing, Costa Vida prepares everything fresh on the premises–and the food is addicting! Entrées $5-$9. Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Catering available. www.CostaVidaNewEngland.com 772-VIDA or take it to go: 772-TOGO DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant at 25 Long Wharf off Commercial Street. You can’t beat the location for fabulous water views of Portland Harbor. Escape the hustle & bustle of the city. Watch the boats go by. Enjoy fresh Maine lobster yearround, steak, seafood dishes, & more. Serving 7 days from 11:00 a.m. Children’s menu available. For drinks & a lighter menu, try our Portside Lounge. 772-2216 The Dogfish Bar & Grille, 128 Free Street, Portland 772-5483, and The Dogfish Café, 953 Congress Street, Portland, 253-5400. “Great food, drink, and service in a casual and unpretentious atmosphere.” The Café (Monday-Saturday lunch and dinner, and now serving Sunday Brunch) offers a more intimate setting while the Bar & Grille (open 7 days a week at 11:30 a.m.) offers live music Wednesday-Saturday nights. For a real local feel, reasonable prices, and great food, check out either one or both! www.thedogfishcompany.com Eve’s At The Garden, 468 Fore Street, Portland, promises a unique experience and a fresh local approach to food. Chef Jeff Landry and his team utilize products from Maine’s coastal waters and farms: jumbo diver-harvested scallops, Maine-raised organic pork, line-caught Atlantic halibut, freerange chicken, and fresh Maine lobster prepared several different ways. Free valet parking. Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Dinner 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. 523-2040 The Great Impasta, Premier Italian Restaurant in Brunswick, recognized as one of the “Top 25 Italian Restaurants in all of New England.” Intimate dining room setting, fun and varied wine list, and creative Italian & Mediterraneaninspired dishes at surprisingly reasonable prices. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday. 42 Maine Street, Brunswick. www.thegreatimpasta.com 729-5858 Great Lost Bear, 540 Forest Avenue in the Wood fords area of Portland. A full bar with over 60 draught beers from local micro-breweries and imported specialties. Our menu features salads, sandwiches, steaks, a large vegetarian selection, the best nachos & buffalo wings in town. Discover where the natives go when they’re restless! Every day 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. www.greatlostbear.com 772-0300 Jacqueline’s Tea Room and Gift Shop, experience authentic Afternoon Tea in an exquisite English setting. Select from over 70 of the finest quality loose-leaf teas to accompany your four-course luncheon of scones with Devon cream, preserves and lemon curd, finger sandwiches of all kinds, and desserts. Great for intimate conversations and parties. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and alternating weekends. 201 Main Street, Freeport. Reservations only. www.jacquelinestearoom.com 865-2123 * Jameson Tavern, with a casual bar, lounge & dining room. The building is the site of the signing of the Constitution for the state of Maine when it broke away from Massachusetts. Classic preparations served in a graceful & elegant setting make this a fine retreat from frenzied outlet shopping. 115 Main Street, Freeport. 865-4196 * La Familia–best Latin American cuisine north of the border. Classic appetizers like empañadas and ceviche, and generously plated entrées: jumbo pan-fried shrimp in butter with garlic and onion served with fried plantains and salad, and rotisserie chicken with Latin seasonings. Try homemade flan for dessert. Lunch and dinner MondayThursday noon-8 p.m, Friday noon-10 p.m. Saturday noon.-8 p.m. 906 Brighton Avenue, Portland. 761-5865 Lotus Chinese and Japanese Restaurant, 251 US Rt. 1 Falmouth, Maine (Falmouth Shopping Plaza). We feature full-service bar and lounge area, sushi bar, Chinese traditional food not available outside of Boston, friendly atmosphere and courteous service. 781-3453 Lucky Thai. Come experience the only Thai cuisine in Gorham, at 25 Elm Street. Serving fresh cuisine and many vegetarian entrées. Our chefs use only fresh herbs and spices that will satisfy your appetite. Beer and wine are available. Dine in or take out. Open 7 days a week. 839-6999

Margaritas Mexican Restaurants & Watering Hole!

Two locations in Portland, others in Lewiston, Augusta, Orono & Portsmouth, serving oversized meals & colossal drinks. Always free hot chips & salsa, legendary margaritas, & the house specialty, the sizzling fajita. Happy hour M-F, 4-7 p.m., free hot appetizers. In Portland at 242 St. John Street, Union Station Plaza, 874-6444 & 11 Brown Street near the Civic Center. 774-9398 Maria’s Ristorante, est. 1960, 337 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, one street down from Congress Street. Portland’s finest Italian Cuisine. Maine Sunday Telegram’s four-star restaurant. Homemade sausages and finest meatballs around, thick Veal Chops a la Maria, Zuppa De Pesce Fradiavolo, homemade gelato, and Italian-style cakes. Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Saturday, $13-$25. “Preserving the authentic Italian dining experience.” www.mariasrestaurant.com 207-772-9232 MJ’s Grille and Tavern offers casual fine dining in a comfortable environment, with a variety of dishes–from small plates and seasonal salads to steak and local seafood. Handcrafted wooden bar offers a wide selection of beers from around the world, local beers, fine wines, and martinis. Private rooms for parties. Downstairs Tavern open Friday and Saturday