Don't Be a Lobster Roll Dropout: Your Hilarious Guide to Portland Maine's After Dark Scene
Ah, Portland Maine. By day, a charming seaside town with enough lighthouses to make even the most jaded sailor say "awww." But what about when the sun dips and the crickets start chirping (or maybe that's just tourists with flip flops)? Fear not, weary traveler, for Portland transforms into a nocturnal wonderland!
What To Do In Portland Maine At Night |
Let's Get Crafty (Without Getting Arrested)
Portland boasts a craft beer scene that would make Dionysus himself blush. Hit up Gritty McDuff's, a local legend with more taps than a centipede with a drinking problem. Feeling fancy? Bissell Brothers offers up IPAs that are both sippable and soul-crushingly delicious. Pro tip: Pace yourself, unless you want to wake up speaking fluent "Mainiac."
But Wait, There's More! For the non-hopheads, there are incredible distilleries serving up small-batch spirits, and funky wine bars with enough cheese to reenact a brie-lliant birth of Venus.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
Unleash Your Inner Rock Lobster (Musically Speaking)
Portland's music scene is as diverse as a fisherman's net after a particularly fruitful haul. Catch a nationally touring indie band at State Theatre, or get down with a local reggae outfit at Bull Feeney's. Feeling classy? The Portland Symphony Orchestra throws down Mozartian magic on the regular.
Alternatively: Channel your inner air guitarist at one of Portland's many dive bars. Just be sure to mumble the lyrics convincingly, nobody wants to hear your rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody.
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
Nosh Your Way Through the Night (Because Food is Life)
Let's be honest, all this adventuring is bound to work up an appetite. Fear not, for Portland has late-night eats to rival a champion competitive eater. The Original Hotcake House is a 24/7 haven for greasy spoon goodness (their pancakes are legendary). Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen keeps your tastebuds happy with steaming bowls of pho until the wee hours (Fridays and Saturdays only). Who needs sleep when you have pho, right?
Feeling Fancy? Even Portland's high-brow restaurants often have late-night happy hours, offering exquisite bites at a fraction of the price. Just don't wear your flip flops, they might think you're a lost tourist.
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
FAQ: Don't Be a Nightlife Newbie
How to bar hop like a pro? Pace yourself, hydrate (with water!), and maybe wear comfy shoes (dancing is encouraged, but tripping is not).
How to find the best live music? Check out websites like
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
How late is "late" in Portland? Many bars and restaurants stay open until 1 am or 2 am, with some even pushing 4 am on weekends.
How to avoid the tourist traps? Venture beyond the waterfront! Portland's coolest spots are often tucked away on side streets.
How much money should I bring? Portland is a relatively affordable city, but keep in mind drink prices can vary. Bring enough for a few rounds and some late-night eats, but you won't need to break the bank.
So there you have it, folks! Your one-stop guide to having a blast in Portland after dark. Now get out there, explore, and remember: the only bad time in Portland is when you're not having one!