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Updating the Eater Maine Heatmap, December 2013

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More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right freaking now? Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot. And while the Eater 18 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the state, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment. Thus, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change continually to always highlight where the crowds are flocking to at the moment. New to this update: Verve in Bangor and Otto Pizza in South Portland.

Did we miss your personal favorite blisteringly hot restaurant? By all means, let us know in the comments. Know of a hot upcoming opening? Hit up the tipline.


12/6/12 Added: Gather, Yarmouth; Tao, Brunswick; Zen Bistro, Buck's Naked BBQ and David's Opus Ten, Portland.
1/3/13 Added: Otto (Arts District), Portland
2/7/13 Added: Owen's Farmhouse, Kennebunk
4/4/13 Added: In'finiti Fermentation & Distillation, The North Point, Little Tap House, Blue Rooster Food Co.,
7/11/13 Added: David's KPT, Hugo's, Seabright
8/1/13 Added: Portland & Rochester Public House, MJ's Wine Bar
9/5/13 Added: Elsmere BBQ & Wood Grill, Salvage BBQ, Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room, Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
10/3/13 Added: Piccolo, Empire Chinese Kitchen, b.good
11/7/13 Added: Seaport Fish and Orchid Thai
12/5/13 Added: Verve and Otto (South Portland)

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The popular Portland-based pizza chain has expanded over the bridge, incorporating the building's former use as a gas station into the restaurant's theme.

Salvage BBQ

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Jay Villani's latest spot brings legit Southern barbecue to Portland in a spacious, casual atmosphere. There's also a huge selection of local draft beer available by the pint, half gallon and gallon.

Empire Chinese Kitchen

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Portland's first Chinese dim sum restaurant mixes the traditional (steamed pork buns, wonton soup) with the creative (pastrami egg rolls, bacon fried rice) in a hip environment.

Portland & Rochester Public House

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This new Bayside neighborhood pub features craft beer and cocktails along with elevated pub fare and a more upscale bistro menu, all in a comfortable and casual setting.

Portland Hunt & Alpine Club

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The craft cocktail bar from Andrew Volk showcases local spirits in a cool, modern space. The Scandinavian-influenced menu goes great with the drinks.

Piccolo

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Damian Sansonetti puts his spin on country Italian food while his wife, Ilma Lopez, elevates traditional desserts with advanced techniques. There's an interesting and reasonably priced wine list, too.

Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room

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Harding Lee Smith's fourth room is his most ambitious yet. It revives the classic Boone's name and location with an impressive, extensive and modern renovation. With the menu, Smith puts his culinary signature on traditional seaside fare.

Orchid Thai

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The fourth Greater Portland Thai restaurant from Pom Boobphachati is more upscale than the other three, with a modern decor and focus on local products. It's a welcome addition to the Falmouth dining scene.
With everything from burritos (breakfast and traditional) to fruit smoothies to craft beer and draft wine, served in a hip and comfortable space, this downtown Bangor spot covers lots of eating and drinking needs.

Otto

The popular Portland-based pizza chain has expanded over the bridge, incorporating the building's former use as a gas station into the restaurant's theme.

Salvage BBQ

Jay Villani's latest spot brings legit Southern barbecue to Portland in a spacious, casual atmosphere. There's also a huge selection of local draft beer available by the pint, half gallon and gallon.

Empire Chinese Kitchen

Portland's first Chinese dim sum restaurant mixes the traditional (steamed pork buns, wonton soup) with the creative (pastrami egg rolls, bacon fried rice) in a hip environment.

Portland & Rochester Public House

This new Bayside neighborhood pub features craft beer and cocktails along with elevated pub fare and a more upscale bistro menu, all in a comfortable and casual setting.

Portland Hunt & Alpine Club

The craft cocktail bar from Andrew Volk showcases local spirits in a cool, modern space. The Scandinavian-influenced menu goes great with the drinks.

Piccolo

Damian Sansonetti puts his spin on country Italian food while his wife, Ilma Lopez, elevates traditional desserts with advanced techniques. There's an interesting and reasonably priced wine list, too.

Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room

Harding Lee Smith's fourth room is his most ambitious yet. It revives the classic Boone's name and location with an impressive, extensive and modern renovation. With the menu, Smith puts his culinary signature on traditional seaside fare.

Orchid Thai

The fourth Greater Portland Thai restaurant from Pom Boobphachati is more upscale than the other three, with a modern decor and focus on local products. It's a welcome addition to the Falmouth dining scene.

Verve

With everything from burritos (breakfast and traditional) to fruit smoothies to craft beer and draft wine, served in a hip and comfortable space, this downtown Bangor spot covers lots of eating and drinking needs.