The Most Anticipated New Restaurants in Maine, Fall 2015

The most anticipated openings of spring carried us most of the way through Maine's excruciatingly short summer, too. Now we move into the calmer but still active fall season, with some restaurateurs scrambling to open before tourist season peters out completely, and others welcoming the slower pace and lower pressure that a post-summer opening affords. From big name newcomers to reboots to expansions, the red hot dining scene in Maine continues to glow.

This guide will be updated. Don't see a potentially hot upcoming restaurant on the list? Leave a comment or send Eater a tip.

Image: courtesy of Roustabout.

Roustabout

Location: 59 Washington Avenue, Portland
Major Players: Kit Paschal, Anders Tallberg
Projected Opening: Late October 2015
The Situation: Paschal, an alum of Eastern Standard in Boston and The Portland Hunt and Alpine Club, is teaming with Tallberg, whose kitchen experience includes Hungry Mother in Boston and Hugo's, to bring "well crafted, imaginative takes on Italian-American fare" to a burgeoning strip of Washington Avenue. Expect 75 seats, a private dining room, and an 18-seat bar with a carefully curated selection of beers, cocktails, and primarily natural wines.
Status: Open now.
· All Roustabout Coverage

Image: Adam H. Callaghan/Eater.

Scales

Location: 68-72 Commercial Street, Portland
Major Players: Dana Street, Sam Hayward
Projected Opening: Fall 2015
The Situation: Long an unnamed fish restaurant and retail project that fans stubbornly referred to as Scales, the latest venture from Portland powerhouses Street and Hayward is finally officially named after their old seafood restaurant Scales in the defunct Portland Public Market building (a spot now occupied by Slab). Hayward told Eater that he doesn't think they'll be opening during September, but declined to make further predictions. Let's call it "fall" for this waterfront venture bound to make a splash.
· All Scales Coverage

Courtesy of The Drouthy Bear.

The Drouthy Bear

Location: 50 Elm Street, Camden
Major Players: Andrew and Shannon Stewart
Projected Opening: September 2015
The Situation: A former B&B being converted to a Scottish pub with British savory pies, The Drouthy Bear should have a beer garden, takeout options, 11 beer taps, and over 30 single malt whiskys when it's completed. Expect seating for 30 to 35 and browse the company's beautiful food photo gallery if you're not convinced by the term "British cuisine."
Status: Open now.
· All Drouthy Bear Coverage

Image: courtesy of OCHO Burrito.

Ocho

Location: 654 Congress Streeet, Portland
Major Players: Mike Keon, Anthony Allen
Projected Opening: Fall 2015
The Situation: Think OTTO, but in burrito form. The owners of the booming local pizza chain are looking to replicate their success in a tiny space next to Blue. Takeout only, with a rotating selection of delicious things wrapped in tortillas, from lunch through late night. Could open as early as August still, but September is a safer bet.
Status: Open now.
· All OCHO Coverage

Additional openings to track for fall and winter:
Taco Trio expansion, Portland
Old Port Lobster Shack, Portland
Lively, Portland
The Purple House, North Yarmouth