Entertainment in Maine
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Great Lost Bear
Hands down the best place in town for a draft is this cozy wood-and-brick tavern, located 2 miles north of the Old Port. At last count, GLB had over 50 beers on tap, with 15 Maine microbrews, as well as New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts selections. Live music on weekends continues to draw the crowds.
reviewed
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The Wine Bar
Although the wine selection isn’t great at The Wine Bar, we like the mellow ambience at this second-floor bar. It’s a fun little Bohemian place, with black floors, velvet Elvis paintings, exposed brick walls and comfy lounge chairs.
reviewed
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Una
Often voted ‘best martini bar’ by various local publications, Una is a trim and stylish lounge with a decent assortment of wines and a crowd that favors cocktails over beer. Also on hand are tapas, oysters and tasty lighter fare.
reviewed
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Portland Symphony Orchestra
The Portland Symphony has a solid reputation in these parts; it’s been around since 1924 and continues to perform popular classical and pop concerts, often with guest conductors or star performers sharing the limelight.
reviewed
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Lompoc Café
This homey restaurant and bar hosts a variety of performers playing bluegrass, indie rock, jazz and folk on the patio. Step up to the bar and order a glass of Bar Harbor Real Ale. Blueberry ale may satisfy the intrepid.
reviewed
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Spring Street
This handsome gay-friendly new space brings a dash of South Beach to the Portland scene, with polished wood floors, sleek furnishings, a well-coifed crowd and a bartender who can mix a mean margarita.
reviewed
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Club Inside Out
Ogunquit’s biggest entertainment complex is a big ball of gay fun, comprising a dance club, a cocktail lounge and a rooftop café with a full menu. Check the website for upcoming events.
reviewed
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Gritty Mcduff’s Brew Pub
Gritty is an apt description for this down-at-the-heels pub. You’ll find a generally raucous crowd drinking excellent beers – Gritty brews their own award-winning ales downstairs.
reviewed
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Front Porch
This kitschy fun piano bar attracts a mixed crowd to its many off-key singalongs, and is a dapper setting for a cocktail. There’s tasty seafood served in the new adjoining restaurant.
reviewed
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Anthony’s Dinner Theater
Portland’s only dinner theater features five-course dinners (think homemade, family-style cooking) and costumed singing. Hits from Broadway musicals are among the favored repertoire.
reviewed
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Sunday River Brewing Company
Bethel’s brewpub pours a half-dozen of its own brews (from a light golden lager to a black porter), as well as offering mediocre bar food. Live bands fire things up on weekends.
reviewed
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Boat Bar
Located behind the Chowder House, this unpretentious spot is a great setting for a drink, particularly in the summer when you can enjoy an open-air cocktail on the water’s edge.
reviewed
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Bowdoin’s Pickard Theater
During the summer Bowdoin’s Pickard Theater hosts the Maine State Music Theater series, a run of Broadway musicals with performances from June through August.
reviewed
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Blackstone’s
Portland’s oldest gay bar is still a fine place for a drink. It hosts a decent happy hour and events throughout the year. Blackstone’s also serves bistro fare.
reviewed
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North Star Music Café
There's always something going on at this little café. The packed calendar features acoustic music, jazz nights, local singer-songwriters and open mike. Hours vary.
reviewed
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Thirsty Whale
Head here to mingle with locals and lobstermen over a pint and some hearty, inexpensive seafood. There’s often live music Wednesday through Saturday nights.
reviewed
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Beachfire
This new spot has an upstairs and a downstairs bar, a sizzling firepit out front, and live music (folk, jazz, R&B) on Friday and Saturday nights (no cover).
reviewed
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Gritty McDuff's
This Old Port brewpub has it all: harbor views, high energy, good pub grub and award-winning ales. Order up a robust pint of Black Fly stout and join the crowd.
reviewed
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Big Easy Blues Club
This small music club hosts rock, jazz and blues – mostly local bands – in addition to open-mic hip-hop nights. Most shows start at 8pm.
reviewed
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Ogunquit Playhouse
Ogunquit Playhouse, which first opened in 1933, presents both showy Broadway musicals and children's theater each summer.
reviewed
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Amigos
Amigos is a fun, lively bar with an outdoor patio, a pool table, tasty Mexican fare and a mix of young and old. Good happy hour specials.
reviewed
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Movies on Exchange
Catch foreign and independent films at this theater in the heart of the Old Port. Wednesday is bargain day: all seats are five bucks.
reviewed
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Brian Ború
This sometimes raucous Irish pub, between Spring and Fore Sts, is a favorite hangout for the under-30 crowd.
reviewed
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Styxx
Drag shows, hot DJs and a huge dance floor make Styxx the top draw for the gay and lesbian community.
reviewed
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Acoustic Coffee
This much-loved neighborhood café hosts live folk music as well as poetry readings.
reviewed
