Jackie's Portland Maine City Guide
You have seen us explore Nashville, New York and Tampa. It’s time we explore Portland Maine. Keep scrolling to see where the Jackie team loves to visit when in Portland. If you are interested in joining our exclusive styling community, Apply to Join today!
Forage Market
Looking for the best bagel in Maine? Some will argue that you’ll find it at Forage. Their location is in the heart of one of Portland’s biggest foodie districts. Get their early to beat the line and get your bagel on. Their full coffee bar is worth a visit too. From breakfast sandwiches to your classic bagels, Forage won’t disappoint.
Scratch
If you’ve only had one bagel in Portland, you haven’t had enough. Take a scenic drive into the beachside, South Portland neighborhood and pick up some sea salt bagels from Scratch. Get there early before they sell out and add some of their world famous chocolate chip cookies to your bag on your way out the door. At Jackie, we take our bagels seriously and trust us, these are one of a kind.
Tandem Coffee
Tandem is the holy grail of coffee in Portland. They export their beans to coffee shops across the US and you can even find their product on Trade Coffee. If you are looking for a full bakery and breakfast experience, head to their West End location. If you want to escape the crowds for a cup of coffee and some select baked goods, visit their East End location and get a behind the scenes look at where they roast their beans. If you are looking for a coffee tour of Portland, visit both locations. You’ll be glad you did.
Hunt + Alpine
While in Portland, treat yourself to a craft cocktail from Hunt + Alpine. Their seasonal drinks and incredible alcohol selection make this a great spot for pre-dinner drinks on date night. If you are a whiskey drinker, they distill their own special batch with Four Roses and it makes for the perfect Old Fashioned. Be sure to put in an order for their parmesan and green chili popcorn to snack on as you sip.
Chaval
If you are looking for the best brunch in Portland, make a reservation for a leisurely Sunday morning at Chaval. They are only open for brunch one day a week and serve nothing but the best French, Spanish fusion cuisine. Promise us you will start your meal with one or two of their famous trocaderos to share. If you like doughnut-like pastries filled with creme and topped with berries, you won’t be disappointed.
Walk The West End
Experience one of the most historic neighborhoods in Portland on a walk through the West End. It’s especially gorgeous in the fall. Grab a cup of coffee from Tandem’s West End location and take in the sights. You will love seeing this historic and beautifully preserved neighborhood.
Standard Baking Co.
If you think you’ve had the best croissant outside of Paris, you are wrong. They are at Standard Baking Co in the Old Port. Their croissants are so popular they have a rotating menu. Their classic plain and chocolate croissants are available every day for purchase, but be sure to get there early for fresh almond croissants. If you are craving warm, chocolate chip cookies, stop by at 1:30pm daily.
Visit Bug Light
If you are in Portland, it is a must to visit a lighthouse. Avoid the tourist rush and visit one of the smallest lighthouses in Maine, Bug Light. Pack some wine and cheese and picnic in the park. You will love this scenic spot.
Root Wild
Kombucha isn’t for everyone, but we know everyone can find something they love to sip at Root Wild on Washington Ave. All of their beverages are organically made and packed with probiotics. Their taproom is perfect for grabbing a flight with friends or picking up some cans to go.
Set Sail
If you visit Portland in the summer or fall, take advantage of the many opportunities to experience Casco Bay from the water. There are over 200 small islands off the coast of Maine and you won’t see them all from land. Consider a sunset wine and sail with Wine Wise to experience coastal Maine.
Austin Street
If you visit Portland without experiencing even a small piece of the brewery scene, you are doing a disservice to one of the largest industries in Maine and your tastebuds for that matter. There are over 20 breweries in Portland Maine alone and we think Austin Street is one of the best. Their craft beer is always packed with flavor and local ingredients. Don’t forget to stop by their new location on Fox St. and try the Six Grain Milk Stout, which is available year-round. Catch it at the right time and you can try their Coffee Six Grain collaboration with Speckled Ax, another local coffee roaster.
Duckfat
If you love french fries as much as we do, be sure to stop by Duckfat for some of the best frites you may ever taste. Pick them up at their restaurant or beat the line and enjoy their condensed menu at Oxbow Blending and Bottling. Grab their Belgian Fries with their Truffle Ketchup and you will be in fry heaven.
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