LFK is a bar in Arts District, Portland.
LFK on State Street near Longfellow Square is a literary-themed bar with books on the walls, an eclectic cocktail program and a kitchen of sandwiches.
Food program: Sandwiches, small plates
Tip: Daily 11:00 to 24:00. Daytime walk-in; weekend evenings fill.
Address: 188A State Street, Portland, ME 04101
Novare Res Bier Cafe in Canal Plaza, since 2008 from Eric Michaud, is Portland's Belgian-and-craft-beer destination with a courtyard patio open all summer.
Signature drink: Rotating taps of rare Belgian and Maine craft beer
Food: Charcuterie, pretzels, sandwiches
Tip: The courtyard patio opens through summer. Bottle list is the city's deepest; ask staff for current rarities.
The Great Lost Bear on Forest Avenue, since 1979, is Portland's craft-beer pub of record, with Sunday brewmaster events featuring Maine breweries on rotation.
Signature drink: Maine craft beer flight
Food: Pub fare, burgers
Tip: Daily 11:30 to 23:00. Sunday brewmaster events feature Maine breweries on rotation.
Camp Pennant on Commercial Street (the 2024 rebrand of Liquid Riot under Michael Fraser) runs a brewery, distillery and bar in one Old Port building.
Signature drink: House cocktails with Pennant Distilling spirits
Food: Wood-fired pizza, Maine seafood, shareable plates
Tip: Mon-Wed close 20:00, Thu-Sat close 21:00. Patio runs through summer with waterfront views.
Ruski's Tavern on Danforth Street is the West End neighborhood dive bar, opened 1980s, with cheap beer, well drinks and a breakfast plate from 07:00 daily.
Signature drink: Cheap beer, well drinks
Food: Breakfast all day, burgers, classic diner
Tip: Open from 07:00 daily; cash and card both fine. The breakfast plate is the daytime draw.
The bar at Central Provisions on Fore Street runs a seasonal cocktail program alongside the kitchen's small plates of crudo, tartare and pork belly.
Signature drink: Seasonal craft cocktails
Food: Small plates from Central Provisions kitchen
Tip: Downstairs bar is walk-in only; upstairs takes Resy reservations.
Portland Hunt + Alpine Club on Market Street, since 2013 from Andrew and Briana Volk, is Portland's defining craft cocktail room with aquavit and smorrebrod.
Signature drink: Scandinavian-influenced cocktails, aquavit Bloody Mary
Food: Smorrebrod, Scandinavian small plates
Tip: Wednesday to Sunday from 16:00. Bar seats walk in; weekend evenings fill by 19:00.
