These places are taking Portland's cocktail scene to the next level, with new ideas, creative takes on classic drinks, freshly squeezed/pressed/pureed ingredients and/or house-made syrups. The drinks are made with extreme attention to detail, shaken and stirred by knowledgeable bartenders. Here is the Portland Cocktail Heatmap, with the 10 hottest places in town to grab a drink. The list is in no particular order. Did we miss you favorite cocktail spot in Portland? Let us know in the comments or email the tipline.
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In a superbly renovated West End space that used to house a notorious dive bar, Outliers pays tribute to Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson both on the menu and in the men's room. Like HST, Outliers takes its booze seriously.
In'Finiti will soon be pouring its own spirits, produced in the beautiful copper still that can't be missed upon entering. This will further elevate its excellent cocktail menu, which already uses house syrups, fresh ingredients and perfect ice cubes.
A sleek jazz and blues bar from the owners of Walter's, Gingko Blue divides its cocktail menu into three parts: Prohibition-Style, Signature and Literary Series. From the latter, there's The Catcher in the Rye: rye whiskey, housemade “rye bread” syrup, Peychaud’s bitters and an absinthe rinse.
Whether it's on one of the two decks overlooking the harbor in the warmer months, or by the fireplace in the cold ones, Harding Lee Smith's newest restaurant is a fine place to grab a drink off the Maine-themed cocktail menu.
In a friendly, comfortable, thoughtfully decorated space, The North Point serves classic cocktails made with fresh juices and herbs, including "The Absolute Best Bloody Mary In the Whole Wide World."
With its elaborate, always evolving cocktail menu featuring a wide variety of house-infused liquors, freshly squeezed juices and innovative syrups, it's easy to see why the bar at Sonny's is often SRO on weekend nights.
Opened in September, this craft cocktail bar from Andrew and Briana Volk has quickly become a go-to spot for meticulously made drinks. The menu features plenty of the classics (with the date and place of origin), some clever "house" cocktails, and a daily $6 punch.
Blurring the lines between a casual neighborhood pub and an upscale restaurant/bar, this Bayside spot offers creative $8 "house crafted" drinks, like a beet-infused martini.
The stunning restaurant used to be a church, and the drink menu pays homage to the holy history. For instance, there's the Cardinal Rule: house infused rhubarb-strawberry vodka, fresh lemon juice, brown sugar and fresh basil.
Recognized by national and international publications for its food, Eventide's cocktails can't be overlooked. The menu is fun and the drinks original and delicious. Take the Dirty Dirty Martini, which earns its double adjective with the addition of oyster brine and hot sauce.
In a superbly renovated West End space that used to house a notorious dive bar, Outliers pays tribute to Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson both on the menu and in the men's room. Like HST, Outliers takes its booze seriously.
In'Finiti will soon be pouring its own spirits, produced in the beautiful copper still that can't be missed upon entering. This will further elevate its excellent cocktail menu, which already uses house syrups, fresh ingredients and perfect ice cubes.
A sleek jazz and blues bar from the owners of Walter's, Gingko Blue divides its cocktail menu into three parts: Prohibition-Style, Signature and Literary Series. From the latter, there's The Catcher in the Rye: rye whiskey, housemade “rye bread” syrup, Peychaud’s bitters and an absinthe rinse.
Whether it's on one of the two decks overlooking the harbor in the warmer months, or by the fireplace in the cold ones, Harding Lee Smith's newest restaurant is a fine place to grab a drink off the Maine-themed cocktail menu.
In a friendly, comfortable, thoughtfully decorated space, The North Point serves classic cocktails made with fresh juices and herbs, including "The Absolute Best Bloody Mary In the Whole Wide World."
With its elaborate, always evolving cocktail menu featuring a wide variety of house-infused liquors, freshly squeezed juices and innovative syrups, it's easy to see why the bar at Sonny's is often SRO on weekend nights.
Opened in September, this craft cocktail bar from Andrew and Briana Volk has quickly become a go-to spot for meticulously made drinks. The menu features plenty of the classics (with the date and place of origin), some clever "house" cocktails, and a daily $6 punch.
Blurring the lines between a casual neighborhood pub and an upscale restaurant/bar, this Bayside spot offers creative $8 "house crafted" drinks, like a beet-infused martini.
The stunning restaurant used to be a church, and the drink menu pays homage to the holy history. For instance, there's the Cardinal Rule: house infused rhubarb-strawberry vodka, fresh lemon juice, brown sugar and fresh basil.
Recognized by national and international publications for its food, Eventide's cocktails can't be overlooked. The menu is fun and the drinks original and delicious. Take the Dirty Dirty Martini, which earns its double adjective with the addition of oyster brine and hot sauce.
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