Portland, Maine, Dance Club Permanently Closes

It wasn't all that long ago when Portland, Maine, was bustling with several diverse nightlife options. Throughout the Old Port, you could find places that offered live bands fully plugged in or dance clubs that offered DJs and karaoke.

But that was then, and this is now. Today's version of Portland, Maine, is looking a lot different than just five or ten years ago. The city itself has been slowly transforming into an experience city, with upscale cocktail bars, restaurants, and other offerings at the heart of it.

Which may be part of the reason another dance club experiment just didn't work out. Citrus at One City Center in Portland took to Facebook to announce that they are permanently closed following a New Year's Eve party.

In their statement, Citrus said:

We are sad to announce that this will be Citrus’ last weekend open. We wanted to send a thank you to all who came and filled this space with love, laughter and dance...a big thank you to our committed staff, hard working DJs and loving regulars who make it all possible!

While a specific reason for closing wasn't given, Citrus was closed for a lengthy period earlier in 2023 as they reassessed their business model and how to proceed forward.

The space that Citrus occupied was once MJ's Wine Bar. That swanky oasis of sorts opened in 2013 and was a thriving spot for happy hour among the business crowd in downtown Portland. Following the pandemic, MJ's was shuddered in hopes that a new idea could help fill a void for nightlife in the city.

With Citrus closing, Portland's nightlife options continue to be scarce after 10pm. Will another new place step up and try their hand?