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Readers Recommend 9 Places to Eat/Drink When it's Wicked Cold

by Tom Minervino
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by Tom Minervino

Last week, we asked readers what they like to eat and drink when it's cold outside. Responses came in the comments, via the tipline, through the anonymous comment form and on Facebook, with recommendations ranging from pho to hot toddies to ramen. With several long months of snow and freezing temperatures still to come, we've compiled the recs into a map to guide you to those meals and drinks that will warm your bones and help you make it to spring. (The list is in no particular order.)

Got a meal or drink to add? Please leave it in the comments.


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Phoever Maine

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The Westbrook strip mall location is easy to miss, but they are serving up good pho here in a friendly atmosphere. And there are two pho challenges: one huge and one extra spicy. Finish either and become immortalized on the Wall of Fame.
100 Larrabee Road, Westbrook, ME 04092
(207) 887-9093
(207) 887-9093

Thanh Thanh II

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Attached to a Domino's Pizza, this little place may not look like much, but the pho is top notch. Go for one of the "special state" spicy options if you're really cold.
782 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
(207) 828-1114
(207) 828-1114

Saigon

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Just across the street from Thanh Thanh II, Saigon also serves up fine pho. Pho fans will debate which is better, but you can't go wrong either way.
795 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04103
(207) 874-6666
(207) 874-6666

Portland & Rochester Public House

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A fine choice for a hot toddy and the seasonal menu also has warming options (chicken and barley soup with root vegetables, for example). Plus, there's a parking lot so you don't have to walk far to get inside.
118 Preble St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-2000
(207) 773-2000

Pai Men Miyake

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This cozy spot is a perfect place to warm up, with hot toddies served in teapots and awesome ramen bowls (go for the tokyo abura if you like a little spice).
188 State St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 541-9204
(207) 541-9204

Kamasouptra

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Whether it's chili, chowder or one of the multiple rotating selections offered from their stand in the Public Market House (or the Maine Mall location), is there anything better than piping hot soup to get warmed up? (OK, maybe one thing, but this is a family website.)
28 Monument Way, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 415-6692
(207) 415-6692

Portland Hunt & Alpine Club

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The "winter warmers" menu at this craft cocktail bar includes egg nog, a hot toddy and hot buttered rum. A shot of Fernet Branca also does the trick.
75 Market Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 747-4754
(207) 747-4754

Sonny's

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With some of the most creative cocktails in town and a kitchen that isn't afraid of a little spice, the frigid temperatures will soon be forgotten once within Sonny's confines.
83 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-7774
(207) 772-7774

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Best Thai

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One reader says this authentic Thai spot in the Midcoast is his favorite when it's freezing out. "I just ask them to make whatever I get '5 spicy' (out of 5). It's a real hidden gem of a family owned & run place."
74 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543
(207) 563-1140
(207) 563-1140
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Phoever Maine

100 Larrabee Road, Westbrook, ME 04092
The Westbrook strip mall location is easy to miss, but they are serving up good pho here in a friendly atmosphere. And there are two pho challenges: one huge and one extra spicy. Finish either and become immortalized on the Wall of Fame.
100 Larrabee Road, Westbrook, ME 04092
(207) 887-9093
(207) 887-9093

Thanh Thanh II

782 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Attached to a Domino's Pizza, this little place may not look like much, but the pho is top notch. Go for one of the "special state" spicy options if you're really cold.
782 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
(207) 828-1114
(207) 828-1114

Saigon

795 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04103
Just across the street from Thanh Thanh II, Saigon also serves up fine pho. Pho fans will debate which is better, but you can't go wrong either way.
795 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04103
(207) 874-6666
(207) 874-6666

Portland & Rochester Public House

118 Preble St, Portland, ME 04101
A fine choice for a hot toddy and the seasonal menu also has warming options (chicken and barley soup with root vegetables, for example). Plus, there's a parking lot so you don't have to walk far to get inside.
118 Preble St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-2000
(207) 773-2000

Pai Men Miyake

188 State St, Portland, ME 04101
This cozy spot is a perfect place to warm up, with hot toddies served in teapots and awesome ramen bowls (go for the tokyo abura if you like a little spice).
188 State St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 541-9204
(207) 541-9204

Kamasouptra

28 Monument Way, Portland, ME 04101
Whether it's chili, chowder or one of the multiple rotating selections offered from their stand in the Public Market House (or the Maine Mall location), is there anything better than piping hot soup to get warmed up? (OK, maybe one thing, but this is a family website.)
28 Monument Way, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 415-6692
(207) 415-6692

Portland Hunt & Alpine Club

75 Market Street, Portland, ME 04101
The "winter warmers" menu at this craft cocktail bar includes egg nog, a hot toddy and hot buttered rum. A shot of Fernet Branca also does the trick.
75 Market Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 747-4754
(207) 747-4754

Sonny's

83 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
With some of the most creative cocktails in town and a kitchen that isn't afraid of a little spice, the frigid temperatures will soon be forgotten once within Sonny's confines.
83 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-7774
(207) 772-7774

Best Thai

74 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543
One reader says this authentic Thai spot in the Midcoast is his favorite when it's freezing out. "I just ask them to make whatever I get '5 spicy' (out of 5). It's a real hidden gem of a family owned & run place."
74 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543
(207) 563-1140
(207) 563-1140