I've got 1 day in Portland - must do and must eat? (South Portland: 2009, house)

[Grawburg]

I've got 1 day mid week next week and I'll have the chance to eat 1 breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

What should I do and eat? Prefer not to go to a museum unless there's something that's unmissable. I'm up for any type of food as long as I can get out for less that $20 - it's just me going. Is there such a thing as classic Maine food that I should try?? Thanks!

[island mermaid]

Wait, are you talking $20 per meal or for the entire day? That isn't going to happen unless you eat very little!

More info please?

[lrfox]

^Agreed. More info is needed.

Breakfast- It's hard to find breakfast places that stand out above the others. It's a hard meal to find anything significantly better than somewhere else. I'll be the least knowledgeable with Breakfast having eaten this particular meal at only a few places in Portland. In all honesty, my favorite breakfast spot is (GASP!) a chain called Eggspectation in South Portland. It's not a big chain (a few spots in Canada, and maybe one or two in Maryland or VA), but it has some unique breakfast items and it won't break the bank.

That's my favorite as I think they serve the best breakfast food in the area. If you don't like the idea of a chain (even one as small as Eggspectation.), Becky's Diner on Commercial Street is a Portland institution. They have a rather large menu and the food isn't bad for what it is (diner food).

Lunch- I like Mims Brassiere on Commercial St (if you go, get the French Onion Soup). If you're looking for traditional pub food, $3 Dewey's (on Commercial) isn't bad nor is Rosie's on Fore Street (good Sweet Potato Fries, real local feel). the Dogfish Bar and Grille on Free St, or the Dogfish Cafe on the corner of St. John and Congress are also good bets (similar menus, operated by the same people) for decent food--they're also an OK bet for dinner as well.

Dinner- King of the Roll on Congress is good for Sushi and basic Japanese fare. The best bet for something approaching real Italian would be Cafe Roma further up Congress, though the atmosphere is nice and it's best for a date (also will be a little bit pricier than $20/plate especially with drinks and tip). Demillo's Floating Restaurant doesn't serve up the best food by any stretch (though it's not really "bad" either), but it's old ferry on the harbor and it's a different and enjoyable experience anyway.

If you're in town and you don't want to go to a museum, you can always just walk around the Old Port/ Art's District (aka Congress St. in Downtown) and check out the sights. the Eastern Promenade is pretty as well and offers stunning views of Casco Bay and the islands. Also walk (or drive) around the West End. There's some pretty older architecture around there. I don't know anything that, "can't be missed" at any of the museums, but someone else may know a bit better.

Have Fun!

[elston]

The Portland Art Museum has a very good exhibit of French and American Impressionists... Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism
September 25, 2008 - January 4, 2009
Composed of masterpieces from the collection of the Brooklyn Museum, Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism explores the unities of style, color, and light in this all-important international movement. Featuring works by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Eugène-Louis Boudin, John Singer Sargent, George Inness, Childe Hassam, Camille Pissaro, Gustave Courbet, and their peers, this exhibition of 40 works further explores the development of modernist sensibilities in the plein-air easel traditions of France and the United States.

If the weather is bad and you are looking for an indoor afternoon it is quite good.....next door is the Dog Fish Cafe....that someone recommended to you.....I like that for a good lunch.....but it isnt typical Maine....just good food.

I hope while your sampling Maine....you try some lobster somewhere.....the lobstermen really need the business.....it is delicious.....and the prices are pretty good right now. If you dont want to tackle one in the shell....without social support.....try a lazymans lobster.....where the meat has been picked and put in a small dish and perhaps covered with buttered crumbs.

[Grawburg]

Good info so far..... $20 per meal!

[island mermaid]

Irfox,

I noticed last week that Eggspectation had closed it's doors. I truly liked it there too, not bad for a chain and it was an interesting addition to the Portland area.

Therefore, Grawburg you have no choice but to stick to Commercial St for breakfast! You didn't mention where you are staying?
If you're near the Old Port, I (of course) will always recommend Becky's Diner or The Port Hole.

I have to respectfully disagree with the Dimillos suggestion. I don't find anything attractive or entertaining about it. However, as a tourist... it may be a 'fun' experience. Just don't expect great food.
There are many possibilities in the Portland area, I'm sure you'll find some place to your liking.

[genmomto5]

The Front Room has good breakfast. Just avoid the strange brown bread and bean offering and the biscuits and gravy are a pass. Everything else we've tried has been wonderful.

[island mermaid]

Genn, that even sounds disgusting! Ewwwww

[elston]

Originally Posted by genmomto5

The Front Room has good breakfast. Just avoid the strange brown bread and bean offering and the biscuits and gravy are a pass. Everything else we've tried has been wonderful.

Homemade beans and steamed brown bread ...was a Sunday breakfast in Maine and much of New England....often served with eggs on the beans. That sounds great to me.....unless there is something less than stellar about their beans......a big slice of apple pie with cheddah cheese would be a nice end to that breakfast. I have wanted to get to the front room but havent so far.

[kellysmith]

Two breakfast places that are way above the rest in Portland at least in my eyes are The Brea Lu Cafe on Forrest St and The Bayou Kitchen on Deering.

For lunch try Gilbert's Chowder House on Commercial.

For dinner nothing compares to the Front Room on Congress. Scallops with the honey/mustard sauce they create is scrumptious.

Here's a link for an article reviewing the Bayou Kitchen.
http://www.foodinportland.com/bayoukitchen.html

Here's a link to quite a few different restaurant reviews
http://www.foodinportland.com/past.html