One of our favorite places to bring visitors! Waterfront restaurant known for local seafood, raw bar, wine & New England comfort classics. Reservations recommended.
The first restaurant Gabe took Carrie to during her first visit to Portland in 2015! One of the best restaurants in Portland. Definitely make a reservation far in advance.
Not what you would expect for a Portland restaurant rec, but it's another one of our favorites! Tex-Mex BBQ with great cocktails. Fun outdoor seating. Bonus: right across the street from Oxbow, where the welcome drinks are!
A must for lunch or dinner! Go early, the wait can be hours long in the summer months, especially weekend days. Known for their Brown Butter Lobster Roll.
Lively modern Italian restaurant with an awesome cocktail program. Indoor and outdoor seating, reservations recommended. Fun fact: we signed the deed for our house in this building!
Seasonally inspired small plates and craft cocktails. Reservations are a must, unless you're willing to wait it out in the walk-in only bar downstairs.
Fun creative spin on lobster rolls. Great for lunch or dinner! Walk-ins only, so go early or be prepared to wait!
One of Carrie & Gabe's favorite restaurants in their neighborhood! Spanish and French inspired cuisine. They take reservations for both their indoor and outdoor seating. Great spot for a quieter meal away from the Old Port.
Fun fact: our wedding reception caterer also has a food truck and sets up shop here most days!
Calling all GF folks! Local "seltzery" in an old airplane hangar with canned and draft seltzer, plus ciders and beers. Small food menu, and indoor and outdoor seating. Great vibes. Bonus: they have candy jars in the restrooms!
Gabe's favorite brewery in Portland! Make sure to get the Patina pale ale.
If you have extra time and want to venture outside of the peninsula for a quintessential Maine experience: head to the Allagash Brewery for a tour and a lobster roll from Bite into Maine!
Speakeasy cocktail bar right on Exchange Street in the Old Port. Small outdoor seating area. Most of the fun is pushing through the bookcase to get to the back bar area!
Great spot for a nice cocktail in the heart of the Old Port.
Brewery scene not for you? Head to this fun distillery for great drinks and hospitality. Stop for oysters next door at The Shop on your way out!
One of our favorite watering holes. Don't skip the jello shots. Or the Buffalo Mac & Cheese. You're welcome.
Another great dive. Important: NOT an actual zoo!
Carrie & Gabe's neighborhood dive! Off the beaten path from the rest of the suggestions, but worth it!
Small-ish beach close to Portland (10-15 minute drive). Sonny's favorite place!
5 minute drive to this island trail from Portland! 1.5 mile flat loop with beautiful views of Portland and Casco Bay.
Our favorite State Park near Portland! Rocky coastline and short walking paths. Worth it for the views! Get a lobster roll at The Lobster Shack nearby right after.
History buffs and sightseers, highly recommend Fort Williams Park/Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. True New England postcard photo ops await. Grab a lobster roll from the Bite into Maine food truck after exploring this state park.
Looking for a daytime activity? Take the Casco Bay Ferry to Peaks Island (15 minutes). Get lunch at Cockeyed Gull, a lobster roll and a bloody at Island Lobster Co, or just walk around and explore this quirky island. If you're really feeling adventurous, rent a golf cart to drive around and take in all the views! Fun fact: Carrie & Gabe took their parents to Peaks Island when the parents first met each other!
Eastern Promenade/Rail Trail/East End beach is a huge waterfront park with a playground, tennis courts, food trucks, a small beach, and miles of walking paths with views of Casco Bay. Stop in Hilltop Cafe or Belleville for a coffee and a pastry to fuel up for your walk. Fun fact: Carrie & Gabe lived 2 blocks from the Promenade on Vesper Street for their first year in Portland! Many sunset picnics have occurred on the Prom!