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Updating the Eater Maine Heatmap, October 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: Piccolo, Empire Chinese Kitchen and b.good.

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

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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

MJ's Wine Bar

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After 15 years of working in local restaurants, Mark Ohlson opened his own place. The result is a modern, comfortable place to hang out and relax with a good drink. There are snacks, too.
1 Free Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-1400
(207) 772-1400

In'finiti Fermentation & Distillation

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This innovative brewpub and distillery on Portland's waterfront offers an extensive and always-changing lineup of house beers and brewing collaborations. The menu includes inventive takes on pub classics as well as more refined plates.
250 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 221-8889
(207) 221-8889

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

b.good

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The Boston-based fast casual burger chain brings a healthier approach and focus on local ingredients to a cool, two-story Old Port space. And there's beer and wine on draft.
15 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 747-5355
(207) 747-5355

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

Elsmere BBQ and Wood Grill

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Adam Powers and Jeremy Rush got a huge custom smoker shipped in from Dallas. They're serving central-Texas style brisket and wood-grilled oysters in a sleek Meeting House Hill space that used to be an auto garage.
448 Cottage Rd, South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 619-1948
(207) 619-1948
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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

MJ's Wine Bar

1 Free Street, Portland, ME 04101
After 15 years of working in local restaurants, Mark Ohlson opened his own place. The result is a modern, comfortable place to hang out and relax with a good drink. There are snacks, too.
1 Free Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-1400
(207) 772-1400

In'finiti Fermentation & Distillation

250 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
This innovative brewpub and distillery on Portland's waterfront offers an extensive and always-changing lineup of house beers and brewing collaborations. The menu includes inventive takes on pub classics as well as more refined plates.
250 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 221-8889
(207) 221-8889

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

b.good

15 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
The Boston-based fast casual burger chain brings a healthier approach and focus on local ingredients to a cool, two-story Old Port space. And there's beer and wine on draft.
15 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 747-5355
(207) 747-5355

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

Elsmere BBQ and Wood Grill

448 Cottage Rd, South Portland, ME 04106
Adam Powers and Jeremy Rush got a huge custom smoker shipped in from Dallas. They're serving central-Texas style brisket and wood-grilled oysters in a sleek Meeting House Hill space that used to be an auto garage.
448 Cottage Rd, South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 619-1948
(207) 619-1948