It isn't an exaggeration to say that not so long ago, the nightlife in Portland's Old Port rivaled that of much larger cities. Along Fore and Wharf streets, there were bars and clubs that invited people for atmosphere, dancing and live music.

From Old Port Tavern to 51 Wharf to The Iguana or the Ice Bar, if you wanted to spend a vibrant evening out, there was opportunity. Don't like what this dance club is playing? Don't worry, there's a few more to choose from.

The Slow but Steady Migration Away From Nightlife in Portland, Maine

All of the places above have long been closed, leaving the Old Port today to feel a whole lot different. Many of the dive bars or dance clubs in Portland have been replaced by high end restaurants, boutique shops and upscale cocktail bars. Some make it and some don't.

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Henry's Public House (formerly Bull Feeney's) tried to thread the needle between being an elegant stop for dinner while entertaining the nightlife crowd with live music and DJs. Unfortunately, it didn't work out as Henry's has announced their permanent closure in February.

Does Portland, Maine, Even Need Any Nightlife?

It's fair to wonder if Portland even needs nightlife. The city has seen record-breaking tourism with its nightlife on life support. There are only a handful of remaining places to check out live music or dance on a weekend night and that doesn't seem to be hurting anyone's bottom line.

Group of party people - men and women - dancing in a disco club to the music
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Fore and Wharf streets have been transforming over the last decade. The last few remaining hubs for nightlife include Fore Play, Oasis and Bonfire. Those stops will have to work extra hard to draw in crowds as many of the surrounding establishments go dark into the late night hours.

Could Another Portland, Maine, Neighborhood Become the Late Night Hotspot?

It's possible another neighborhood in Portland, Maine, could see a transformation in the next decade. The Bayside neighborhood seems primed and ready if the city could make it brighter, safer and entice business owners to invest.

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There's parking, there's vacancies and there's enough infrastructure to turn that neighborhood into the modern-day version of Fore and Wharf streets 10 to 20 years ago.


 

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