6 Bars in Portland, Maine, That Are Open in the Morning

Maybe you’re working the third shift and want a beer when you get out of work, or maybe it’s just your day off and you want a Tito’s and soda when you wake up (we don’t judge). These bars are here to serve you morning adult beverages. .

This list was a bit different and longer several years back. There are a lot of third shift positions here in Southern Maine, including warehouse workers, post office, hospital workers, construction, and customer service positions, just to name a few. When it’s time to punch out at 7am, a lot of hard-working overnighters would just choose to go home. However, a lot of them want to do exactly what a lot of us 9-5’ers do when we get out of work, which is unwind with a few drinks before going home and hitting the sack.

Most of us know the cutoff for booze in Maine is 1am. Any idea what time bars and restaurants are legally allowed to serve alcoholic beverages in the morning? For some reason, I thought it was 6am, but it’s actually 5am. However, it’s important to know that a restaurant that’s open all day and into the evening may not sell alcoholic beverages until a certain time.

Bubba’s Sulky Lounge

Known in recent years as the spot to gather with friends on Fridays and Saturday nights on the light up dance floor, Bubba’s, which has been a Portland, Maine, staple since 1960, will happily serve you a drink at 8am, which is an hour later than their previous hours of operation.

Commercial St. Pub

It’s not uncommon to walk by the Commercial St. Pub or  “The Pub”, as the locals call it, on any given day at 10:30am and see locals and regulars having a few beverages at the bar.

Ruski’s

Ruski’s opens daily at 8am in the neighborhood of Portland’s West End, and is well-known for their tasty breakfasts.

Tomaso’s Canteen

Tomaso’s is a neighborhood bar just out of the Old Port, tucked away on Hampshire Street. They are known for their affordable eats and drinks, which you can enjoy daily from 11am-1am.

Rigby Yard

One of the Old Port’s newer locations on Wharf St , Rigby Yard will get you up and running with their delicious caffeinated coffee beverages, and will happily add a shot of your favorite liquor. They also have a full bar and offer beer and wine.

Lenora

The earliest drink in Portland that can be served to you, at least that I know of, is Lenora. Located at 2 Portland Square, Lenora is a taco bar open at 7am daily.