If you haven’t already heard – WordCamp Maine 2016 will be taking place at the Maine College of Art from May 13-14th! Although this event is exciting enough on it’s own, you may want to take advantage of your visit and explore other attractions in Portland, Maine. If this is your first time stopping in Portland, you’re in for a treat.
Since we are fortunate enough to attract many people who aren’t originally from this area, we’ve compiled our top 13 favorite local places to check out. In a city like Portland, Maine, you can never encompass all of the great places to go, so we encourage you to add your own to this list in the comments.
Good Food
Otto Pizza
If you’re looking for the best pizza in Portland (maybe even the world) look no further. Otto Pizza has a very unique selection of gourmet pizzas. How many restaurants can turn mashed potato into a delicious pizza topping?
- When: Sun-Thurs 11:30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11:30-2am
- Where: (Two locations) 225 Congress St. & 576 Congress St. Portland, ME
- Food price range: $10-$21 for whole pizza
- Find them: http://ottoportland.com/
DiMillo’s
A staple of Maine, this restaurant doesn’t just have a view of the water, it’s on the water. DiMillo’s serves guests fresh meals aboard a floating ship. Visit this restaurant for savory dishes and a true experience of the coast of Maine.
Eventide
You can’t visit Portland, Maine without indulging in seafood from the Gulf of Maine. Eventide is famous for their oysters, but they have a many other seafood options. Their menu changes daily to ensure guests enjoy the freshest catch.
Grace
Unless you know what to look for, you might just walk by this building not realizing it’s a restaurant. Set inside a renovated church, Grace takes fine dining to another level. Like Eventide, their menu changes often and their ingredients are always fresh and first-rate.
- When: Tues-Sat 5-10PM, Fri & Sat 5-10:30
- Where: 15 Chestnut St. Portland, ME
- Food price range: $10-$40
- Find them: http://restaurantgrace.com/
Little Tap House
Sometimes all you want is a burger. Little Tap House features a locally sourced farm to table menu. Their burger, ‘The Tap House Burger’, leaves you feeling healthy and satisfied, ready to tackle the next day at WordCamp.
Fuji
For fresh sushi and hibachi, Fuji sets a standard few other Japanese restaurants can live up to. The interior is very traditional and clean. If the weather happens to warm up (fingers crossed) there is outdoor seating as well.
When: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-9:00pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-10:00pm, Sunday 12:00- 9:00pm
Where: 29 Exchange St. Portland, ME
Food price range: $5-$15 & special sushi platters $50-$60
Find them: http://fujimaine.com/
Liquid Riot
Better known for their craft beer and appetizers rather than full courses, Liquid Riot features local brews that will make any beer lover drool. The brewery section is visible from the bar and the entire place has a very “Portland, Maine” vibe. Stop by for a small bite and drinks, head elsewhere for dinner.
- When: Tues-Thurs 3-11pm, Fri & Sat 12-1am, Sunday 12-11pm
- Where: 250 Commercial St. Portland, ME
- Food price range: $5-$11
- Find them: http://liquidriot.com/
Fun Stuff
Bars & Nightlife
Keep an ear out for the WordCamp after party, which will be announced here on the site as well as on our Facebook page, so make sure to like us! Novare Res, Gritty’s, Ri Ra, and Bingas are popular choices, but it could be anywhere!
Take a look at this giant list of Portland bars and clubs.
Portland Head Light
No trip to Maine is complete without checking out the local scenery. Just a short drive from MECA you can check out one of the most photographed lighthouses in all of Maine. Take a walk around the area and check out the forts that continue to have a mystique about them.
- Where: 1000 Shore Road Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
- Price: Free – just take a cab or ask a local friendly WordCamper to take you over!
- Find them: http://portlandheadlight.com/
Open Mic Night
The Couch showcases both comedy and music every Sunday evening. Local musicians and comedians take the stage for this FREE event!
- When: Every Sunday, music 6-8pm, comedy 8-10pm
- Where: Empire at 575 Congress St. Portland, ME
- Do it: Free. First come first serve.
- Find them: https://holdmyticket.com/
Distillery Tour
If you’re a big gin, whiskey, and/or rum fan, you might enjoy a tour at a local distillery. With a legacy that dates back to the 1850’s, New England Distilling knows how to create quality spirits.
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Binghamton Mets
The Sea Dogs are Portland’s proud baseball team. Watch them square off against the Mets, and don’t forget to grab a Sea Dog Biscuit (ice cream cookie sandwich).
Retro Arcade
Ready to geek out and reminisce with an Atari 2600 or Donkey Kong? If you’re looking for a more chill environment after WordCamp, stop by the Portland Arcade to blow off some steam. While it’s not technically located in Portland, it’s in Portland’s sister city South Portland.
Show up for WordCamp Maine and make a trip out of your visit by enjoying one of Maine’s most iconic cities. Check out WordCamp’s event on Facebook for updates and get your tickets here!
