I Also Recommend: Grab The Good China, an Imperial Stout brewed with maple syrup and toasted pecans. (2023). It began as a beer without a space of its owninitially offered through, , now Bissell Brothers produces roughly 10,000 barrels a year in its Libbytown spacea 100-year-old former railway building. Known as Vacationland, Maine is a great place to visit for its amazing nature, beautiful beaches, and historic towns. Their strict quality control and the use of only the finest hops contributed to their rapid growth and respect in the American craft beer scene. Portlands small size and tight-knit craft beer scene make the city an incredible place to spend time exploring, eating, and drinking. If youre doing an East Coast road trip, Portland is only 100 miles north of Boston along the I-95. Skip to content. And guys, they serve up their flights on little skis! Seasonal and local ingredients are in the spotlight at this adventurous spot, and a panoply of flavor options result. Perfect little stop on a hot day! Curbside pickup or delivery can be ordered online. For more information, please refer to ourPrivacy Policy. Theyre also capable of producing excellent pastry stouts, fruited sours, and experimental mixed fermentations. Bison Brew is reader supported and may earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase. I compiled this list together with my husband, who, as mentioned, knows a lot about beer. Barreled Souls is such a cool little brewery in Saco, and has a really fun underground vibe to it. Full description. Im not normally a fan of Brown Ales, but I actually really like their Burnside, which is worth a sip. I Also Recommend: Arboreal, an American Sour aged in bourbon barrels. Written September 1, 2019. No. Dogs allowed on the outdoor patios at both locations. Top 10 Best Dog Friendly Brewery Near Portland, Maine Dont miss out on the brewerys animal-themed DIPA series, which includes Diamond Unicorn, Quantum Cuddle Kitten, and Space Metal Dinosaur. Allagash Brewing Company 4.7 (850 reviews) Breweries $$Riverton "Main Piecemeal: As a craft beer enthusiast one thing I've learned is that a brewery may create an." Read more Delivery Takeout Curbside Pickup The 10 Best Restaurants In Downtown Portland, Maine - Culture Trip A post shared by Flight Deck Brewing (@flightdeckbrewingco). Which places provide the best breweries in Portland for couples? I Also Recommend: Mocha Stout, with notes of coffee and cacao nibs. It is a small tasting room and it was fairly busy. Allagash began as a one-man outfit in 1995, using modified dairy equipment. Location: In the East End of Portland, and walkable to Lone Pine, Rising Tide, Austin Street, Belleflower, and Oxbow breweries. A post shared by Allagash Brewing Company (@allagashbrewing). The minimalist, garage-like space of Rising Tide feels fitting for a family-owned brewery that keeps its focus on local ingredients. Best/Most Popular: Blazing Love Blueberry Cobbler Sour. On top of their hazy IPAs, they also put out some nice seasonal beers like Lutro, their salted lemon gose. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. Which places provide the best breweries in Portland for travelers on a budget? Food was ok. Place was loud. We love a good session lager and the 4.7%-ABV Salad Daze fits the bill with its late-kelle and dry-hopped additions of Citra for a fruity and crushable result. Below is a map of all the Downtown Portland brewpubs we have listed on our Pubs page. I Also Recommend: Citrana Neipa IPA, which is somehow hoppy and fruity all at once, and was surprisingly good! Old Port (Portland) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Portland, Maine Brew Pub | Locally Brewed Beer and Pub Food Order inside at the main bar and savor your brew at a table, or order ahead online for pickup. We each got a flight of 4 5-oz pours so we could try all 8 beers that were on tap. COVID-19 protocols: Cans are available to order in advance online and pickup at the to go window. Location: In the East End of Portland, and walkable to Belleflower, Rising Tide, Austin Street, Goodfire, and Oxbow breweries. Oxbow has a few locations around Maine, and their taproom in Portland is awesome! My wife and I stopped at Allagash to have a beer and relax for a while. Awesome food menu which features Detroit-style pizzas (so yum! The taproom itself shares its courtyard with a. standaka New England fry and poutine royaltyand, inside, local art fills the walls and a Ms. Pacman beckons in the corner. Goodfire has two locations, and lucky for Portland, one of them can be found in the East End (the other is in Freeport!). Of course, this its worth sampling a few others while youre here as well. Location: One tasting room is located in Riverton, close to Allagash, Battery Steele, Foundation, and Definitive breweries. Ever since 1983, when Portland's Geary Brewing Co. became the first New England craft brewery to launch in the post-Prohibition era, this coastal city has been at the forefront of the artisanal beer revolution. I Also Recommend: Percolate Imperial Stout. It's a nice little place to visit and near Allagash Brewery. Maine Beer Company pretty much kills it when it comes to vibes and awesome beers, so this had to make my list of the best breweries in Portland, ME! Okay, so Flight Deck is 35 minutes outside of Portland, but its definitely worth the drive! Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour-2.5 hour Land Tour. Come see what's brewing! Shipyard Brewing Company - They a have a great sampler with good variety at a reasonable price. The Shipyard XXXX IPA drinks light with a low-lying flavor of grapefruit, as well as a slightly sour finish. Their barrel-aged stouts are similarly long-aged, giving them months to mellow and absorb the intricacies of the barrels. Located right on the water in the Old Port neighborhood is Liquid Riot Brewing, and this is an awesome brewery to check out while youre exploring downtown Portland. Bison Brew is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. No food available, but the Duckfat Frites Shack takeout window is pretty much in their outdoor seating area, making it easy to fuel up. Best/Most Popular: Offset Double IPA, as well as Patina, a Pale Ale with notes of citrus and pine. So, youll have to drive, take an Uber or public transit to visit if youre staying right in downtown Portland but its more than worth it! And now its also in your inbox! Downtown Portland - PortlandBrewpubs.com And indeed, the company gives 1% of its gross annual sales to environmental causes and partners consistently with local environmental organizations. The minimalist, garage-like space of Rising Tide feels fitting for a family-owned brewery that keeps its focus on local ingredients. Austin Street Brewery. Indoor and outdoor seating available, with an awesome outdoor bar. 2023. If I had to narrow it down to a Top 5, I would say these are my personal picks for the best breweries in Portland, Maine: A large amount of the breweries on this list are located on the East End of Portland, with a few in Old Port, South Portland, and then, some that are outside Portland, but within a 30-minute drive. Stopped here for lunch while in Portland. "The jaws that bite, the claws that catch." Set significantly apart from the crowded streets of Portland, Mast Landing has made a name for itself since it opened in 2015. Different from their West Coast counterparts, Maine Beer Co. put a strong emphasis on hopping in the whirlpool and fermenter. A brewpub that has something for everyone, Foulmouthed Brewing features several options that can change quite quickly. Outdoor igloos can also be reserved in advance. What started in Kennebunkport has now also set a strong footprint in Portland. Food available on site and food trucks in parking lot. The atmosphere was very chill and relaxing Finding the exact building is challenging, as the entrance is in the back of a nondescript building. Portland Zoo. Having visited quite a few of them in my years of exploring New England (thanks to my beer connoisseur husband! Respected worldwide as unique and amazing brewers, these legends of Portland continue to innovate. Especially if you love IPAs. For sour fans, its tough not to crave Full Twang, a high-acid and tannic yield of plumminess and tart cherry. In all drinks, expect to taste traces of those ingredients the brewing team has foragedeverything from seaweed and ghost peppers to red beets and turmeric. Hi there! : To take advantage of everything Oxbow is known for, try the Barrel-Aged Farmhouse Pale Ale, an American-hopped, mixed-fermentation saison aged in oak barrels. I Also Recommend: North Sky, a Stout with notes of fruit and roasted malt. Indoor and outdoor seating available, including nice Adirondack chairs outdoors with fire pits. Layers of soft and juicy fruit sit atop a lusciously rich mouthfeel. Location: In Riverton, close to Allagash, Battery Steele, Austin Street, and Foundation breweries. 6. Or. Best/Most Popular: Curieux Belgian Tripel, a bourbon barrel-aged Golden Ale. The beautiful 9,000-square-foot space opened in December 2020, boasting 18-foot ceilings, a gargantuan fireplace, and a sprawling central bar. Add to Plan. Dogs allowed in the outdoor seating area! The dive-y Portland watering hole is low on frills, but high on amazing vibes. With a focus on small-batch, craft brews made with the best, local ingredients, you can taste the difference. A: The best tours in Portland according to Viator travelers are: Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour-2.5 hour Land Tour. Beer is sold inside, and curbside if you call ahead and place your order. The taproom itself shares its courtyard with a Duckfat standaka New England fry and poutine royaltyand, inside, local art fills the walls and a Ms. Pacman beckons in the corner.The beer you shouldnt skip: To take advantage of everything Oxbow is known for, try the Barrel-Aged Farmhouse Pale Ale, an American-hopped, mixed-fermentation saison aged in oak barrels.COVID-19 protocols: Order for curbside pickup online. The vibe was just ok but the beer mire than made up for it. Good place to kill time before a show. Shipyard Brewing Co By R9505VVthomasw. , Lone Pine is a cozy space in a cozy corner of the East End with friendly staff that is currently producing roughly 13,000 barrels per year. While they have both indoor and outdoor seating, youll definitely want to head indoors and check out their cool barrel chairs! Average for Portland, where breweries rule. Small indoor seating area, medium outdoor seating thats lovely in the summer and fall. Portland, Maine Craft Breweries & Bars Every Beer-Lover Should Try The worker was very good at explaining the beers to the people in our We stopped by the brewery before the Sea Dogs game and enjoyed a few beers. I was surprised to find I really liked their OG Lager, which was made with blueberries. All the breweries will have water available, so be sure to stay hydrated (especially if youre visiting in the summer!). Its a stones throw from Lone Pine Brewing Company, so plan ahead and hit both. Curbside pickup and local delivery is offered through online ordering. A great brewery in South Portland, Fore River has a fun little outdoor area thats perfect for sippin and stayin a while, and the beers are, of course, awesome. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The latter is a 7.8% ABV beer brewed with rye malt and exuding flavors of melon and orange zest.COVID-19 protocols: Curbside pickup is available, and the tasting room is open for outdoor patio service only. Lets get planning! Breweries in Portland Maine are no exception; in fact, some people claim that Portland is theplace to be if you're looking for really great breweries. Its also a brewery that a lot of local beer tours include on their itinerary, which is another clue that this is one of the best. Curbside pickup and local delivery are also available. Indoor and outdoor seating available with fire pits outdoors. Breweries in Portland, Maine | Craft Beer | Tap Rooms Atlantic Brewing Company. I Also Recommend: John Henry Milk Stout, thats poured on nitro in the tasting room, so this is a good one to order in person. The best thing to do here is to start with a flight and sample a variety of flavor profiles and pick your favorite because, I guarantee, itll be tough to do. This little brewery started as an at-home passion project in 2017, and and since flourished into one of the best breweries in the city that focuses on quality over quantity. Food | The Official Guide to Portland There are actually quite a few beers at Rising Tide that stand out, making it one you dont want to miss while exploring all the best breweries in Portland! You can take the. No waiting for a table, tent outside, bottling inside. Their Flume IPA is a crowd favorite throughout Maine, so its worth a stop just to taste it for yourself fresh from the tap. The brewerys descriptive words of grassy and Fruit Loops seem to hit the nail on the head. Starting in 2013, Banded lured beer geeks to Biddeford for its stellar beer and pubby, freewheeling atmosphere. Service was just OK - but the outdoor seating area was pretty nice. And while I was impressed with their sours, they also make some really awesome IPAs, and know how to blend flavor profiles together very well. Mon-Sat 12-8PM Sunday 12-6PM. Most Popular: Into The Kaleidoscope Double IPA. is the location. They have a nice location. Besides the widely loved Lunch, theres also Dinner, a double IPA thats rightfully lauded for its spicy, fruity undertones and malty, sweet aromatics. Meanwhile, the beer enjoys its own distinctions; the eight on-tap brews are constantly revolving, but usually eclipsed with constant orders for Lunch, its classic (and luscious) IPA.The beer you shouldnt skip: Besides the widely loved Lunch, theres also Dinner, a double IPA thats rightfully lauded for its spicy, fruity undertones and malty, sweet aromatics.COVID-19 protocols: The taproom is open, as is the sunny patioboth serving beer plus pizza and salads with reservations. Lastly for breweries right in Portland is Definitive Brewing, which is a great one to visit that specializes in IPAs. Best Breweries in Portland Maine - Daily Life Travels Tasting Maine Beers Peeper Pale Ale directly from the source is worth the drive alone. Hires, promotions, appointments. If it isnt an Offset IPA day for you, then give the flagship hop-forward Patina Pale Ale a try. Battery Steele had a good variety of beers on tap. that itself is a jump of two places since 2019making it the third-highest in the U.S. The beer you shouldnt skip: Flume is an outstanding double IPA. Inarguably one of the most vibrant and diverse scenes in the country, there are a ton of optionsfrom well-known heavyweights that helped pioneer microbrewing in the 90s (see: Allagash and Shipyard) to innovative upstarts (Foulmouthed and Batson River). In all drinks, expect to taste traces of those ingredients the brewing team has foragedeverything from seaweed and ghost peppers to red beets and turmeric. At this trendy out-post, Oxbow created a farmhouse atmosphere where they bottle a range of their beers and also offer a large tasting room. My hope is to inspire you to have an unforgettable Northeast adventure of your own, and show you just how beautiful this little corner of the world truly is. The seaside city currently boasts 12.7 breweries per capitathat itself is a jump of two places since 2019making it the third-highest in the U.S. . Then in October of 2020, the team took the plunge and opened this spiffy new tasting room in Portland. Indoor and outdoor seating available, which sits along the river. The latter is a 7.8% ABV beer brewed with rye malt and exuding flavors of melon and orange zest. These experiences are best for breweries in Portland: These places are best for breweries in Portland: These are the best places for couples seeking breweries in Portland: These are the best places for groups seeking breweries in Portland: These are the best places for budget-friendly breweries in Portland: are great, and I enjoyed drinking Allagash White enough in local restaurants. Of course, the brews are worth a visit alone, too. Probably the coolest vibe of all the places on this list. Do what's right. Known For: Farmhouse Ales/Saisons and Sours. Batson River Brewing & Distilling | Maine Craft Beer | Maine Spirits Downtown Portland. Foods like soft pretzels and specially-flavored whoopie pies available on weekends (check their Instagram page for updates). It has its enviable selection of IPAs and Kolsches to thank for thatstandouts like the well-balanced Saccarappa with its tropical notes, and the bright and floral Everybody/Everywhere. Known For: IPAs, Sours, Stouts, Porters honestly, they kind of do it all! The brewery produces more than 100,000 barrels per year and is available in 40 states in the United States. Between the awesome beers on tap, the beautiful indoor seating area and the even better outdoor seating options, a visit to Flight Deck feels like a relaxing escape from the city. The beautiful 9,000-square-foot space opened in December 2020, boasting 18-foot ceilings, a gargantuan fireplace, and a sprawling central bar. Set just outside Portland's downtown, this unassuming pub serves up filling burgers, wings and burritos. A malt base with notes of citra, mosiac, and simcoe hops. Awesome food menu with appetizers, snacks, tacos and sandwiches. We had seen Lone Pine beer and seltzer all over Portland during our trip, so we decided to check it out. The Oregon Brewery Trail Tour by Pedal Bike Tours offers leisurely, three-hour tours of several of Portland's many breweries. If you have time to spare, consider taking a drive to Bissell Brothers Three Rivers. Quietly brewing original beers since 2014, Foundation keeps production small and quality high. Recommended. The Market at PSU is located in Downtown Portland in the South Park Blocks between SW College & Montgomery Streets. Location: In the East End of Portland, and walkable to Lone Pine, Belleflower, Austin Street, Goodfire, and Oxbow breweries. Beer was ok, I liked the blueberry wine in a can. We have, its impressive selection of year-round, tribute (brewed to give back to the community), coolship (crafted using spontaneous fermentation), and limited brews.. The list of beers they craft make up for what it lacks in length with substance, in a handful of admirable IPAs and pilsners. Super fresh and tangy, a perfect accompaniment for a hot day at one of Maines sandy beaches. Named after a mountain peak, with clear flavors of mango and grapefruit, malt, and hoppiness that are all incredibly well balanced. This is their newly built mixed-fermentation brewery in Milo, Maine making incredible sours and saisons. I'm Sam. Here are the best breweries near Portland, Maine you should definitely add to your itinerary! This is your sign to try some others and find the next best brew! Servers were knowledgeable and friendly. While Portland proper is packed with breweries, some of the best ones in the area are just a short drive away, and it felt wrong to exclude them from this list. Light snacks available, and they sometimes have food trucks on-site for food. Maine Beer Company pretty much kills it when it comes to vibes and awesome beers, so this had to make my list of the best breweries in Portland, ME! Stopped here on a recent trip to the area and was pretty pleased! The beer you shouldnt skip: The Chaga Stout perfectly embodies what makes Urban Farm uniquethe earthy brew is made with Blue Ox malt and locally foraged Chaga mushrooms. If youre lucky, theyll have the Barrel-Aged FPA taking their flagship Saison to complex and vinous new heights. Even with the pandemic still afoot, Portland, Maines craft beer scene is hopping. He has served as a philanthropy consultant to Greater Portland Landmarks since . A Walkable Guide to Portland, Maine's East End Breweries - CraftBeer.com Seasonal and local ingredients are in the spotlight at this adventurous spot, and a panoply of flavor options result. #12 of 158 things to do in Portland Neighborhoods Open now 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Visit website Write a review About The Old Port's fishing piers, cobbled streets, and historic brick buildings will transport you back in time. Lone Pine Brewing Company (Portland) - All You Need to - Tripadvisor Well, theyre pretty amazing, and were also an immediate stand out when we first visited. Allagash began as a one-man outfit in 1995, using modified dairy equipment. Portland, Maine has one of the most vibrant craft beer scenes in America. This was another sour that totally surprised me (in the best way possible) since I usually dont love them. Allagash White. The sour brown ales are simply terrificespecially the Raspy Trouble, full of tart raspberry and chocolate hits. Mon-Sat 12-8PM Sunday 12-6PM. Inarguably one of the most vibrant and diverse scenes in the country, there are a ton of optionsfrom well-known heavyweights that helped pioneer microbrewing in the 90s (see: Allagash and Shipyard) to innovative upstarts (Foulmouthed and Batson River). (2023), Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod For Every Type Of Traveler (2023), 31+ Ways To Have The Best Summer In New England (2023). Breweries. My husband found a Groupon for this place. The Shipyard XXXX IPA drinks light with a low-lying flavor of grapefruit, as well as a slightly sour finish.The beer you shouldnt skip: Shipyard does consistently good pumpkin beer but, in the winter, try the Blue Fin Stout, a smooth and dry brew with notes of coffee, espresso, and chocolate.COVID-19 protocols: The tasting room is open to a limited number of visitorsno reservations required. 21 Best Breweries In Portland, Maine You Have To Check Out In 2023