Highly anticipated Italian-American restaurant Roustabout has been teasing Portland with samples of its cuisine for the past few months. But now, the wait is over: owners Kit Paschal (formerly of Eastern Standard in Boston, The Portland Hunt and Alpine Club, and Row 34 Portsmouth) and Anders Tallberg (previously at Hungry Mother in Cambridge and Hugo's) opened its doors for a soft launch this weekend at the historic Nissen bakery.
Front of house manager Courtney Metsch, an Eventide Oyster Co. alum, told Eater that with free Wi-Fi, charging stations underneath the bar, and a partnership with Tandem Coffee Roasters, Roustabout aims to be more than just dinner and drinks. After getting settled with dinner and late night service, the establishment will also strive to be a daytime lounge for professionals and artists in the area.
The menu is broken into sections for Appetizers, Pastas, Entrees, Sides, and Desserts, with updated classics like whole leaf Caesar salad, lobster pasta, eggplant parmesan, and even garlic bread. A separate cocktail menu has a mix of stand-bys (Negroni) and signatures (a vodka-based East Bayside Cocktail).
Officially open Tuesday, November 3, Roustabout's hours will be Tuesday to Sunday 5 p.m. to midnight, with dinner and a late night menu available.
59 Washington Avenue, Portland, (207) 536-4008, Facebook.