For the ultimate “beer-cation” in the northern United States, there is no better destination than Portland, Maine.
Maine is known, after all, as Vacationland and Portland is the US city with the most breweries per capita. There are now around 70 breweries in Portland Maine and 17 of these are microbreweries. As such, Maine’s largest city truly is the craft beer capital of America. It’s no wonder that Portland is affectionately known to many as “Beervanna”.
To narrow down this massive list of beer industry options, we’ve got everything you need to know about the best Portland Maine breweries in each of five important categories (beer quality, views, food, variety, new places):
Masters of the Brew: Allagash Brewing Company
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If you only visit one of the breweries Portland Maine has to offer, make it Allagash Brewing Company – arguably the best beer brewers in the city and among the best in the world. In a space that merges farmhouse and industrial styles, Allagash can claim a number of Portland’s best-loved beers, including the legendary Allagash White. Only the best in American beer, from ale to lager and everything in between, can be found here.
- Location: 50 Industrial Way
- Opened: 1995.
- Seating: First-come, first-served. Currently outdoors only in newly winterised space (due to Covid-19 protocols), but normally also indoors (spacious).
- Tours & Tastings: Virtual tours ($125 per group) & tastings ($75 per group) only, for now. Book at least two weeks in advance
- Food: Bite Into Maine’s food truck on site.
- Events: Year-round. Look out for regular beer release and pop-up events.
- Hours: Mondays 11pm – 6pm, Thursdays 11 – 6pm, Fridays & Saturdays 11 – 7pm, Sundays 11 –5pm.
We recommend Allagash White, Allagash Black, Nocturna.
Also try Bissell Brothers Brewing Company.
Brews With A View: Lone Pine Brewing Company
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You’ll know you are in Maine when you look out at the view from the Lone Pine Brewing Company tiered outdoor tasting area, nestled in a peaceful forest clearing. Of all the breweries in Portland Maine, this is the best venue to enjoy beer al fresco.
- Location: 219 Anderson Street.
- Opened: 2016.
- Seating: Currently outdoor patio service only. Generally first-come, first-served, but bookings are required for larger groups. Dedicated doggie tables with leash hooks.
- Tours & Tastings: Currently no beer flights or tours on offer.
- Food: Bring your own. Takeout nearby and occasional on-site food trucks.
- Events: Regular special events, including charity affairs and tasting experiences.
- Hours: Sundays to Thursdays 12pm – 8pm, Fridays & Saturdays 12pm – 9pm.
We recommend Portland Pale Ale, Neon Balloon Dog, Money Gun IPA, BRU-1.
Also try Austin Street Brewery (Fox Street location).
Beer Pub With Grub: Oxbow Blending & Bottling
For the ultimate treat for your taste buds, look no further than Oxbow Blending & Bottling. It is not only the beer that makes this one of the most popular Portland Maine breweries. Duckfat, the on-site Belgian-inspired food stall offers the best grub in town.
- Location: 49 Washington Avenue.
- Opened: 2011.
- Seating: Indoor farmhouse-style tasting room and pretty outdoor patio. Currently serving outdoors only.
- Tours & Tastings: No tastings or tours are currently on offer – check the website for updates.
- Food: Duckfat Belgian-inspired food stall on site.
- Events: Regular beer-focused and other events. Also available for private events like weddings.
- Hours: Mondays to Wednesdays 12pm – 8pm, Thursdays 12pm – 9pm, Fridays & Saturdays 12pm – 10pm, Sundays 11am – 6pm.
We recommend Barrel-Aged Farmhouse Pale Ale.
Also try Liquid Riot Bottling Company (Maine’s first resto-brewery & distillery).
Spoilt For Choice: Battery Steele Brewing
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To be sure, there are plenty of sizeable Portland Maine breweries, but Battery Steele Brewing is our favourite. It’s extensive and ever-evolving selection of fine pale ales, pilsners, IPAs, and stouts presents something for every beer lover’s palate. What’s more, Battery Steele is located in an area crammed with top-notch breweries, so there’s plenty more in store just around the corner.
- Location: Industrial Way.
- Opened: 2017.
- Seating: No reservations available. The seriously industrial vibe in the bowels of the brewery. Currently, only outdoor seating under the canopy is available.
- Tours & Tastings: No tours or tastings are currently advertised, but the staff are very friendly and clued-up so feel free to ask for recommendations and background info.
- Food: Bring your own or grab something from the food stands next door, at Austin Street Brewery or at Allagash, across the street.
- Events: Frequent special events, from disco balls to maiden beer-tapping parties.
- Hours: Mondays 1pm – 6pm; Wednesdays 1pm to 7pm; Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays 12pm – 7pm; Saturdays 12pm – 8pm.
- We recommend: Flume IPA, Flume Cubed
Also try Rising Tide Brewing.
New Kids On The Block: Definitive Brewing Company
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Just across the street from one of Portland’s most established breweries (Allagash) is one of its newest – Definitive Brewing Company. In the few short years since its 2018 launch, Definitive has managed to become a Portland mainstay. It offers a broad and inventive beer selection in a tastefully appointed space.
- Location: Industrial Way.
- Opened: 2018.
- Seating: Expansive indoor tasting room and outdoor patio.
- Tours & Tastings: No flights or flight boards, but each person may order up to 4 x small pours, 2 x medium pours, or 1 x large pour plus 1 x small pour on tap (tasting notes on the menu).
- Food: Light snacks from PB&ME food truck on site. No tours are currently offered.
- Events: Occasional events, such as Beer Float Flight Night and brewery anniversary celebrations.
- Hours: Sundays to Wednesdays 12pm – 7pm, Thursdays & Fridays 12pm – 8pm, Saturdays 11am – 8pm.
We recommend Citrus Raindrops, Double Stuffed, Definitive IPA.
Also try the Goodfire Brewing Company (same building as Lone Pine).
Portland Maine Beer Festivals & Events
In America’s craft beer capital, it’s hard to time your visit to not coincide with a local beer festival. A particularly popular event is the annual Portland Brew Festival – a weekend of craft beer education, live brewing and other activities, VIP events, and special pours with the best breweries in Portland Maine. The New England Brew Summit is another major yearly event on the Portland beer calendar.
Also, Portland isn’t the only city in Maine known for its beer. That means even more festivals on offer right around the corner in nearby towns like Westbrook, Gorham, and Scarborough.