City: Portland, ME

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (207) 253-1700

Address: 47 Middle Street

Description: If you’re from barbecue country, no matter what the locals tell you, it’s tough to find the real deal in Portland. But Norm’s offers some tasty meats that come about as close as you’ll get in northern New England. Spare ribs, baby back ribs, “country ribs,” and barbecue chicken are all served with baked beans and corn bread. There’s also grilled sirloin tips served with mashed potatoes. If you want to try a little of everything, order the BBQ sampler, but be warned—it’s a lot of food. Sandwiches and seafood—lobster stew, fish and chips—are on the menu as well, and there’s a full bar if you want to wash everything down with a beer. Norm’s is open seven days a week. Reservations are taken for large parties only. Norm’s sister restaurant, also called, well, Norm’s, is located at 617 Congress Street (207-828-9944). That spot, technically named Norm’s Bar and Grill, is just as popular as the East End location, and draws additional interest because of its location on the Congress Street thoroughfare—during the summer, expect at least a 20-minute wait for a table should you swing by for evening nosh on the weekend.