Best Underrated Restaurants and Bars in Portland, Maine

Our beloved Portland, Maine, has rapidly skyrocketed to fame in the food and beverage world.

With outstanding media coverage, hit TV features, and incredible word of mouth, the city’s culinary scene has risen to truly extraordinary heights.

Portland has been a great food and beverage destination for far longer than even the national media gives it credit for, and we locals certainly know that.

Portland, Maine, Has One of the Best Food Scenes in America

It’s easy to get wrapped up in spending massive amounts of time discussing and dissecting every little aspect of Portland’s restaurant scene. Quite frankly, it deserves it. Whether it’s downtown, the Old Port, Libbytown, or the West End, you’ll find excellent food and drink everywhere.

Black Salt via Facebook

With that being the case, it’s easy for us to find our favorites. Maybe it’s an established joint, or perhaps it’s brand new, but either way, Portland is not lacking in great spots.

However, what about Portland’s fine establishments that don’t get as much attention? The breweries that stay out of the spotlight. The bars that carry the “underappreciated” label. The restaurants that deserve recognition but always seem to fly under the radar.

City Deli via Facebook

What are Some of Portland, Maine's Best Under-the-Radar Establishments?

I decided to put together a list of many of those establishments. These 20 places are diverse in concept, culture, and location, but they all deserve the same thing: more attention and acclaim. Hopefully, this post will make some folks aware that Portland is more than just its name-brand and popular establishments.

How many of these have you been to? What’s your favorite under-the-radar spot in Portland?