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Updating the Eater Maine Heatmap, December 2013

by Tom Minervino
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by Tom Minervino

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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Otto

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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.
159 Cottage Rd, South Portland, ME

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.
919 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102

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.
575 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

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.
118 Preble Street Extension, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-2000
(207) 773-2000

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.
75 Market Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 747-4754
(207) 747-4754

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.
111 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

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.
86 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-5725
(207) 774-5725

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.
202 US Route 1, Falmouth, ME 04105

Verve

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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.
89 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401
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Otto

159 Cottage Rd, South Portland, ME
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.
159 Cottage Rd, South Portland, ME

Salvage BBQ

919 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
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.
919 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102

Empire Chinese Kitchen

575 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
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.
575 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

Portland & Rochester Public House

118 Preble Street Extension, Portland, ME 04101
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.
118 Preble Street Extension, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-2000
(207) 773-2000

Portland Hunt & Alpine Club

75 Market Street, Portland, ME 04101
The craft cocktail bar from Andrew Volk showcases local spirits in a cool, modern space. The Scandinavian-influenced menu goes great with the drinks.
75 Market Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 747-4754
(207) 747-4754

Piccolo

111 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
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.
111 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room

86 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
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.
86 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-5725
(207) 774-5725

Orchid Thai

202 US Route 1, Falmouth, ME 04105
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.
202 US Route 1, Falmouth, ME 04105

Verve

89 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401
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.
89 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401