10 Years Ago: Portland, Maine, Dive Bar Closed Their Doors for Good

It’s hard to believe that it's been ten years since Sangillo’s closed their doors for good. If you ever stepped foot inside this legendary Portland dive bar, you probably still remember the dimly lit atmosphere, the cheap drinks, and the kind of camaraderie that only a true neighborhood bar can create.

For 62 years, Sangillo’s was a staple near the Old Port, a place where regulars gathered for drinks and where complimentary bar snacks were devoured. But on February 14, 2015, it all came to an end. Third-generation owner Dana Sangillo had fought to keep the bar open, but a history of police visits and a shooting the year before made it nearly impossible to renew the liquor license. And just like that, on a cold Valentine’s night, Portland lost one of its legendary watering holes.

I still remember squeezing into that packed bar that night for one last round, knowing it was the end of an era. If you were there, you’ll remember—not being exactly a spacious bar to begin with, getting a drink that night was a challenge. But no one cared. It was a celebration, a farewell, and a bit of a wake all rolled into one. To this day, I regret not buying a tee shirt.

Before leaving, I had a quick chat with owner Dana. He wasn’t sure what was next, but he seemed hopeful.

The spot didn’t stay bar-less for long, though—just eight months later, Tomaso’s Canteen took over the space and has been thriving ever since. But for those of us who remember Sangillo’s, for good or bad, it’ll always have a place in the Portland bar history books.