The Best Breweries with Food in Portland, Maine: Your Complete Guide

Introduction

Portland, Maine, a coastal city renowned for its maritime history and breathtaking scenery, has quietly emerged as a culinary paradise and a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. The city’s cobblestone streets and historic brick buildings now house a thriving brewery scene, where innovative brewers are crafting everything from hop-forward IPAs to rich, malty stouts. But what truly sets Portland apart is the synergy between its breweries and its food scene. Many of the city’s finest breweries have embraced the culinary arts, offering menus that rival the quality of their brews. Luckily, you don’t have to choose – many of the city’s best breweries are also serving up some seriously delicious food.

Portland’s brewing heritage stretches back centuries, but the modern craft beer boom has transformed the city into a hub of innovation and experimentation. With a commitment to quality ingredients and a passion for pushing the boundaries of brewing, Portland’s breweries have earned national recognition. They are a vital part of the Portland experience and you shouldn’t miss them.

This guide is your passport to discovering Portland’s best breweries that offer not just exceptional beer, but also equally impressive food. We’ll explore establishments where the chefs and brewers collaborate to create harmonious pairings, ensuring a complete and satisfying sensory experience. This article highlights the best breweries in Portland, Maine, that expertly pair craft beer with exceptional food, ensuring a complete and satisfying experience for every palate.

Criteria for Selection

Choosing the breweries featured in this guide wasn’t an easy task, given the plethora of excellent options in Portland. We applied a set of strict criteria to ensure that only the most outstanding establishments made the cut. Quality of the beer, of course, was paramount, considering the variety of styles, the consistency of flagship brews, and the creativity of seasonal offerings. Quality of the food was equally important, evaluating menu diversity, the quality of ingredients used, and the overall execution of the dishes. The brewery’s ambiance and atmosphere played a significant role, looking for a welcoming vibe, comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces, and any unique features that enhanced the overall experience. Lastly, we considered customer reviews and overall reputation, taking into account the experiences shared by locals and visitors alike.

Featured Breweries

Allagash Brewing Company

A true icon of the Portland beer scene, Allagash Brewing Company is renowned for its Belgian-inspired ales, particularly its flagship Allagash White, a witbier brewed with coriander and orange peel. While Allagash has traditionally focused on beer production, they have expanded into offering excellent food trucks on site regularly.

Beer Highlights: Allagash White remains a classic, a refreshingly crisp and aromatic beer that pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods. Allagash also offers a rotating selection of seasonal and experimental brews, showcasing the brewery’s commitment to innovation.

Food Highlights: While Allagash does not have a permanent kitchen, they often partner with local food trucks, such as Maine Street Meat, to provide delicious options for visitors. Expect to find creative sandwiches, BBQ, and other dishes that complement the beer selection perfectly.

Ambiance and Atmosphere: Allagash’s tasting room is a spacious and modern space, offering a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Tours of the brewery are available, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. The outdoor seating area is a great spot to enjoy a beer on a sunny day.

Address and Contact Information: 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103. Visit Allagash Brewing Company online for hours and event schedules.

Why it Made the List: Allagash is a Portland institution, offering world-class beer and consistently partnering with excellent food vendors.

Oxbow Blending & Bottling

Oxbow Blending & Bottling specializes in farmhouse ales, beers that are fermented with wild yeasts and often aged in oak barrels. This results in complex, funky, and often tart beers that are truly unique.

Beer Highlights: Oxbow’s beers are known for their nuanced flavors and aromas. Look for their Grizette, a light and refreshing farmhouse ale, and their various barrel-aged sours, which are often infused with local fruits.

Food Highlights: Although Oxbow doesn’t have a full kitchen, they frequently host food trucks and pop-up restaurants. Recent partners include popular food vendors serving tacos, sandwiches, and other casual fare. They also offer delicious snacks like local cheeses, charcuterie, and bread.

Ambiance and Atmosphere: Oxbow’s tasting room is a rustic and charming space, located in a converted warehouse. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with communal tables and a focus on conversation. The outdoor patio is a perfect place to enjoy a beer on a warm evening.

Address and Contact Information: 49 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101. Visit Oxbow Blending and Bottling online for hours and event schedule.

Why it Made the List: Oxbow’s unique beers and curated food partnerships create a truly memorable experience.

Liquid Riot Bottling Company

Liquid Riot Bottling Company is a unique establishment that combines a brewery, distillery, and restaurant under one roof. This allows them to create truly innovative beer and cocktail pairings, as well as offer a diverse menu of food options.

Beer Highlights: Liquid Riot offers a wide range of beers, from classic styles to experimental brews. Their IPAs are particularly popular, as are their barrel-aged stouts. Their distilling operation also allows them to create unique beer cocktails.

Food Highlights: Liquid Riot’s menu is diverse and inventive, featuring everything from burgers and sandwiches to seafood and pasta dishes. They also offer a selection of small plates perfect for sharing. Many dishes incorporate ingredients from their distillery, such as whiskey-infused sauces.

Ambiance and Atmosphere: Liquid Riot’s space is industrial-chic, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and a lively atmosphere. The bar is a great place to sample their beers and cocktails, while the dining room offers a more relaxed setting.

Address and Contact Information: 250 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101. Visit Liquid Riot Bottling Company online for hours and more info.

Why it Made the List: Liquid Riot’s combination of brewery, distillery, and restaurant makes it a must-visit destination.

Bissell Brothers Brewing Company

Bissell Brothers Brewing Company is synonymous with New England-style IPAs, hazy and juicy beers with intense hop aromas and flavors. While they are now spread out and available in a wide variety of places, their Portland location is still a must visit.

Beer Highlights: The Substance Ale is Bissell Brothers’ flagship beer, a classic New England IPA that showcases the brewery’s expertise in hop selection and brewing techniques. They also offer a rotating selection of other IPAs, stouts, and sours.

Food Highlights: Bissell Brothers partners with various food trucks or pop-up vendors. Some are mainstays while others vary by season, but there is always something available.

Ambiance and Atmosphere: Bissell Brothers’ Portland brewery is a relaxed and industrial space, with a focus on the beer.

Address and Contact Information: 4 Thompsons Point, Portland, ME 04102. Check Bissell Brothers social media for information about the current vendors!

Why it Made the List: Bissell Brothers is known for IPAs, and a perfect location for local food trucks!

Belleflower Brewing Company

Belleflower Brewing Company is a relative newcomer to the Portland brewery scene, but it has quickly gained a loyal following for its innovative beers and inviting atmosphere. They focus on a diverse range of styles, with a particular emphasis on IPAs and lagers.

Beer Highlights: Their flagship beer, appropriately named Cream Ale, is a unique and refreshing cream ale. They also offer a wide range of seasonal beers, showcasing their creativity and attention to detail.

Food Highlights: Belleflower has a full kitchen offering great food, with a mix of classic pub fare and creative dishes. Their menu includes burgers, tacos, and other elevated bar snacks designed to complement their beers.

Ambiance and Atmosphere: Belleflower’s taproom is warm and inviting, with a rustic-chic aesthetic. The brewery also has outdoor seating, which is great during the warmer months.

Address and Contact Information: 66 Cove St, Portland, ME 04101. Visit Belleflower Brewing Company online for more info.

Why it Made the List: The perfect combo of great beer and bar snacks!

Austin Street Brewery

Austin Street Brewery is known for its approachable and well-crafted beers, with a focus on balance and drinkability. They have two locations in Portland, both offering distinct experiences.

Beer Highlights: Patina Pale Ale is a staple, a balanced and flavorful beer. They also offer a wide range of IPAs, lagers, and stouts, showcasing their versatility.

Food Highlights: The Fox Street location has a rotating pop up with a small kitchen. The Washington Ave. location does not have food.

Ambiance and Atmosphere: Austin Street Brewery’s original Fox Street location is intimate and cozy, while their Washington Avenue location is more spacious and industrial. Both offer a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Address and Contact Information: Check Austin Street Brewery’s website for addresses and hours.

Why it Made the List: Great beer is always available here.

Tips for Visiting Portland Breweries

Navigating Portland’s brewery scene can be an exciting adventure. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience.

Transportation: Portland is a walkable city, and many of the breweries are located within easy walking distance of each other, especially in the Old Port and East Bayside neighborhoods. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, providing a convenient alternative. Public transportation options, such as the METRO bus system, can also be used to reach some of the breweries. Parking can be challenging in certain areas, particularly during peak hours, so consider using public transportation or ride-sharing if possible.
Reservations: While some breweries accept reservations, many operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For larger groups, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and inquire about availability or reservation policies, especially during weekends and special events.
Pace Yourself: With so many excellent breweries to choose from, it’s important to pace yourself and drink responsibly. Sample beers in smaller pours to avoid overindulging, and be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Check Hours: Brewery hours can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check the brewery’s website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before visiting.
Consider Brewery Tours: Many Portland breweries offer tours, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and an opportunity to learn more about the brewery’s history and philosophy. Check the brewery’s website for tour schedules and availability.
Seasonal Considerations: Portland’s brewery scene is vibrant year-round, but the experience can vary depending on the season. During the summer months, many breweries offer outdoor seating areas, perfect for enjoying a beer in the sunshine. In the winter, cozy up inside with a rich stout or porter.
Dog-Friendly Options: A number of Portland breweries welcome well-behaved dogs on their patios. Always check with the specific brewery beforehand to confirm their pet policy.

Conclusion

Portland, Maine, has rightfully earned its reputation as a premier destination for both craft beer and exceptional cuisine. The city’s breweries have successfully bridged the gap between the two, creating a symbiotic relationship where beer and food complement each other in perfect harmony. From the innovative brews of Allagash to the diverse offerings of Liquid Riot, Portland’s breweries offer a culinary adventure for every palate. Portland offers a wealth of breweries where you can enjoy both exceptional beer and delicious food.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or a casual visitor, Portland’s breweries are sure to impress. The combination of world-class beer, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere makes for an unforgettable experience. So, the next time you’re in Portland, be sure to explore these breweries and discover your own perfect pairing of craft beer and culinary delights! What are you waiting for? Start planning your Portland brewery food tour today!