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Updating the Eater Maine Heatmap, January 2014

by Tom Minervino
3 comments / new
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by Tom Minervino
3 comments / new

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: Vinland and the totally revamped Top of the East lounge.

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. The anonymous tip form is also there for all forms of correspondence.


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)
1/2/14 Added: Top of the East and Vinland

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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
(207) 553-2100
(207) 553-2100

Vinland

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David Levi's restaurant is taking local to a whole new level. The food is 100% locally sourced, organic and gluten-free. That means there are no kitchen staples like black pepper, olive oil or lemons. There are creative, beautiful plates served from the open kitchen.
593 Congress Street, Portland, ME
(207) 653-8617
(207) 653-8617

Top of The East

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There's no better spot in Portland for a drink with a view. The landmark lounge is open again after an expansion and renovation. The hotel on which it sits atop received a $50 million makeover.
157 High St, Portland, ME 04101

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 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

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
(207) 553-2100
(207) 553-2100

Vinland

593 Congress Street, Portland, ME
David Levi's restaurant is taking local to a whole new level. The food is 100% locally sourced, organic and gluten-free. That means there are no kitchen staples like black pepper, olive oil or lemons. There are creative, beautiful plates served from the open kitchen.
593 Congress Street, Portland, ME
(207) 653-8617
(207) 653-8617

Top of The East

157 High St, Portland, ME 04101
There's no better spot in Portland for a drink with a view. The landmark lounge is open again after an expansion and renovation. The hotel on which it sits atop received a $50 million makeover.
157 High St, Portland, ME 04101

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 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

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