The Best Beer Spots In Portland, Maine

There’s great beer everywhere but one of the most chill and also one of the most vibrant places for beer is Portland, Maine, where the sea smells wafts up from the harbor and the food scene is very impressive. But with so many bars and restaurants to choose from, which are the best?

There are dozens of places in Portland for great beer, but here are a few of my favorite places.

Portland, Maine Beer Spots: Novare Res Bier Cafe

Hidden down an alleyway, Novare Res is an oasis that any beer lover would enjoy. I’ve been there in every season/weather and have enjoyed snowy nights in their cave-like bar to summer evenings hanging at their tucked away beer garden. The beer list is unique with hard to find world beers like Belgian lambics but also local favorites and American standards. It’s the best place to end the night after exploring Portland’s wonderful food scene.

Portland, Maine Beer Spots: The Great Lost Bear

The old man of the scene, The Great Lost Bear has been slinging pints for decades now and is a fine place to plop down slightly away from the downtown scene and meet the locals. The pub food is solid and the beer list tends to lean on more American side of things but with 60 taps, there’s no shortage of good beer. The Great Lost Bear has a back in time feel that would make any older beer geek nostalgic for the microbrewery days of yore.

Portland, ME’s Best: Allagash Brewing Company

You can’t go to Portland, Maine and not go to Allagash Brewing Company; it would just be wrong. The staff alone is worth visiting as the friendliness and care they give while walking you through the list of beers is well worth the drive. About 15 minutes from downtown and close to the highway, Allagash is known for their multi-award winning white ale and interesting barrel-aged beers. The brewery has a permanent food truck called Bite Into Maine that makes amazing lobster rolls and Allagash is also surrounded by other great breweries making it an ideal brewery crawl spot.

Portland, ME’s Best: Bissell Brothers

On Thompson’s Point, a very short car ride or longish walk from downtown, Bissell Brothers has been making hype style IPAs with a flair that’s unmatched. Their tasting room is always busy and usually humming with a myriad of locals and tourists. The elevated pub food in their kitchen is a great lunch spot and their beer program has something to satisfy everyone but many people come for their hoppy options, including their stunner The Substance ale and double IPA Swish.

Portland, ME’s Best: Austin Street Brewery

Looking for a great tasting room that’s a close walk from the harbor? Austin Street Brewery is my go to. It’s not just because they brew one of my favorite beers (Patina pale ale) but they also have a laid back tasting room that is super welcoming. The outside seating yes faces a busy road but for some reason, that always feels miles away when the sun is warm and the beers are pouring.

Portland, Maine is one of those vacation spots that feels like a dream for beer geeks; make sure you enjoy it responsibly!