PortlandEntertainment

Entertainment in Portland

  1. A

    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

  2. B

    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

  3. C

    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

  4. D

    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

  5. E

    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

  6. F

    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

  7. G

    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

  8. H

    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

  9. I

    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

  10. 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

  11. Advertisement

  12. J

    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

  13. K

    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

  14. L

    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

  15. M

    Brian Ború

    This sometimes raucous Irish pub, between Spring and Fore Sts, is a favorite hangout for the under-30 crowd.

    reviewed

  16. N

    Styxx

    Drag shows, hot DJs and a huge dance floor make Styxx the top draw for the gay and lesbian community.

    reviewed

  17. O

    Acoustic Coffee

    This much-loved neighborhood café hosts live folk music as well as poetry readings.

    reviewed

  18. P

    Bull Feeney’s

    Despite the mediocre food, Bull Feeney’s remains a local favorite for its central location, warm ambience (it spills over two floors, with a crackling fire in one room) and a garrulous crowd. Live bands play Thursday through Saturday.

    reviewed