Portland's Bramhall Rises From the Dead Tonight With Jerks of Grass

Starting at 5 p.m. and continuing into the wee hours of the night (or what passes as such in Maine), explore the subterranean space below the old Roma Cafe. That's where Mike Fraser is unveiling his take on the old Bramhall Pub, shuttered years ago but alive and well in the architecture of the location and the nostalgia of Portlanders. Fraser even got the old band together for the event: Jerks of Grass, which had a Thursday night residency at the pub, will play at the grand opening tonight.

As mentioned in previous coverage, chef Chris Beaulieu will handle the concise food menu. Susan Axelrod has a preview of the opening day menu for Maine Today (mostly snacks plus a burger with local Archer Angus beef and smoked applewood bacon) as well as photos from a soft opening, including additional information about staff.

Grid View

• All photos: Corey Templeton.
• Owner Mike Fraser (L) and bar manager Guy Streitburger.

Bar manager Guy Streitburger, formerly of Gingko Blue and an Eater Award winner from 2012, is a partner in the venture, as is John Greening. Jeff Hodenberg, known for his work behind the bar at Novare Res and In'finiti, will tend the new bar at Bramhall. Liz Davis is named as a server.

Fraser continues to stress that he'd like the bar to be a local haunt; will the contingent that laments the loss of the old Bramhall Pub prove as loyal to the new Bramhall?

767 Congress Street, Portland, Facebook. Open 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. today only, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily starting October 10. Happy Hour Monday - Friday 4 - 6 p.m., extended Happy Hour pricing for Maine Medical Center employees with IDs.