When visiting Maine, you’ll obviously want to hit up the best breweries in Portland, Maine (provided you drink and like beer or the vibe). Fun fact, Portland has the highest number of breweries per capita in all of the US! With a thriving craft beer scene, this coastal city has earned its reputation as a destination for beer enthusiasts. From our recent trip to Maine, we’re going to walk you through the best breweries in Portland, Maine, where you can savor unique and flavorful brews while enjoying the vibrant local culture.
As we explore the best breweries in Portland, Maine, you’ll notice that each has its own unique personality and flavor profile. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just beginning your craft beer journey, this coastal city offers something for everyone. Portland has basically become synonymous with quality beer, and these breweries are the reason why.
Know Before You Go
Seasonal Brews in Portland
When planning your brewery adventure in Portland, Maine, it’s essential to consider the season. The city’s breweries often release seasonal and limited-edition brews, providing a fresh experience with each visit. To make the most of your trip, check the brewery websites for the latest offerings and any special events they may be hosting.
Food at Breweries in Portland
While exploring the best breweries in Portland, Maine, don’t forget to indulge in the local culture. The city’s vibrant arts scene, picturesque waterfront, and thriving food scene are perfect complements to your beer-tasting adventure. Many breweries collaborate with local restaurants (rotating food trucks, as an example!), creating opportunities to savor delectable pairings that elevate your tasting experience. These are our top recommendations for food at breweries:
- Bite into Maine by Allagash – get the yellow curry roll or lobster grilled cheese
- Bite into Maine by Rising Tide – same as above
- Rice and beans with Andouille sausage at Hi-Fidelity
- Detroit-style pizza at Foundation Brewing
Google Map
As with all our travels, we record everything for you in our Google Maps account. You’ll find a dedicated layer in our Portland, Maine map for the best breweries in the area. This should make it easy for you to plan your brewery hopping adventure! You can also find a list of all our Travel Maps here.
Brewery Tours
Guided Tours
If you’re into guided tours, making new friends, and getting lit without having to worry about logistics, we highly recommend this guided First Round Draft Brewery Bus Tour because it takes you to 3 of the best breweries in Portland, Maine, 2 of which are our favorites (Belleflower and Goodfire). Transportation and guide is included, tip is not.
DIY Brewery Hopping
If you prefer a DIY approach, fortunately for you, given that Portland has the most breweries per capita, many of them are within walking distance. For the best brewery hopping experience, we recommend doing all or some of the following in this order (or in reverse). All of the below breweries are located in the same area, basically in a triangle were Lone Pine and Goodfire are on the tip.
- Austin Street
- Rising Tide
- Belleflower
- Hi-Fidelity
- Urban Farm
- Lone Pine
- Goodfire
- Newscapes
- Oxbow
- Shipyard
If you’re interested in visiting Allagash, Foundation, or Bissel Brothers, those are located farther away and will require an uber or car to get to.
Our Top Picks for Best Breweries in Portland
Allagash Brewing Company
One can’t begin to explore the best breweries in Portland, Maine, without mentioning the iconic Allagash Brewing Company. Known for its Belgian-style beers, this brewery is a gem nestled in the heart of the city. The Allagash White, a classic Belgian wheat beer, is a must-try. Don’t forget to book a brewery tour to witness the craft in action.
Beers to try: Allagash White, a classic Belgian wheat beer, is a must-try (although you can get this in bars across the US). For something a bit more adventurous, explore their limited-edition releases like Curieux, a bourbon barrel-aged tripel.
Austin Street Brewery (Best Vibes)
A smaller yet equally impressive brewery is Austin Street Brewery. If you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy flavorful brews, their taproom is the place to be. Here, you can savor a variety of their craft beer offerings. We had the After the Glitter Fades, which was an amazing Tart Blonde Ale with Mint and Lime. We are fans of good Sours, and this one definitely hit the spot. This brewery had one of the best vibes of the ones we visited – open air, rotating food truck, and events like bingo or craft brew night on their monthly calendar. Definitely worth a visit!
Beers to try: After the Glitter Fades (blonde ale), Patina (pale ale), and Obelisk (hoppy farmhouse ale).
If you’re hungry for a Portland classic, Bite Into Maine has a dine-in restaurant just a few blocks away. Definitely get the yellow curry lobster roll and the lobster grilled cheese!
Rising Tide Brewing Company
Craft beer enthusiasts can’t get enough of Rising Tide Brewing Company. Though they are known for their IPAs and Belgian-style ales, our favorite was their Hefeweizen, which gave close resemblance to the real thing we had in Germany. This one also has great vibes – with outdoor seating, corn hole, and a thrift store on wheels outside. It’s also very conveniently next door to Austin State Brewery.
Beers to Try: Hefeweizen, MITA (Belgian-style table beer), and Ishmael (American copper ale)
Foundation Brewing Company (Best Pizza)
For those who appreciate Belgian-style ales and hoppy delights, Foundation Brewing Company is a hidden gem in the city. Visitors recommend trying the Eddy (Belgian dubbel) and Epiphany (hoppy IPA), but we’re suckers for a fruity beer with local products, and Maine blueberries are all the hype – so try the Jam Packed Blueberry Pie sour! Also on the menu, our favorite pizza in the whole wide world, Detroit style!
Beers to Try: Eddy (Belgian dubbel), Epiphany (hoppy IPA), Jam Packed Blueberry Pie sour.
Belleflower Brewing
Another classic brewery with great decor, indoor and outdoor seating, and vibes, Belleflower Brewing is one you don’t want to miss. We loved the Witches’ Chant, a raspberry sour and the comfy lounge chairs in the corner. They also serve food here!
Beers to Try: Can’t go wrong here, they’re known for their IPAs but we also loved the Witches’ Chant (raspberry sour).
Newscapes Brewing
You know this one is legit because it’s where the locals go. We recommend this one for the experience and the hospitality. It kind of feels like you’re walking into the bartenders home (it probably is his home, because we could smell his wife cooking an amazing lunch). Newscapes only has 2 beers on tap and a few others not made in house, so we obviously recommend trying one or both of his! Also serves house made pizza.
Beers to Try: He only serves 2 made in house, so try one of those!
Lone Pine Brewing Company
Lone Pine Brewing Company is known for its hoppy beers, especially IPAs. When we went, they had a killer Blackberry Sparkler (American Sour Ale). They have a great open-air indoor seating area and patio seating, plus board games to go around.
Beers to Try: We recommend the Blackberry Sparkler (American Sour Ale) but others also recommend trying the Portland Pale Ale and Brightside (intensely aromatic IPA).
Goodfire Brewing Co
A few steps away from Lone Pine (you have to walk behind the building to find it), you’ll find Goodfire Brewing Co. Another well-decorated and equipped brewery (perfect for events, too, they have a good amount of space indoors and outdoors). We loved the Strawberry Moon Jellies, an imperial sour ale with strawberry and guava.
Beers to Try: the flagship IPA “Prime”, double IPAs, or Strawberry Moon Jellies.
Hi-Fidelity (Best Food)
Hi-Fidelity was the quirkiest brewery we went to by a long shot. Indoor seating is dark and intimate, with a cozy couch with board games in the corner. Outside, you’ll find plenty of picnic tables. Definitely in the micro-brewery territory, this cozy spot featured a quirky beer list, with a lot of tinkering in each batch. The owner / bartender brews all of the beers himself and was a great host. Whether or not you like the beer here, the Rice & Beans with Andouille Sausage was outstanding and only $5! It was the perfect halfway stop on our makeshift brewery crawl.
Beers to Try: ask the brewer who works as the bartender, he’s constantly changing the menu.
Notable Mentions
Shipyard Brewing Company
Next on our list is the ever-popular Shipyard Brewing Company. Shipyard has been a staple in the Portland beer scene for years. Their diverse lineup includes ales, IPAs, and seasonal offerings that cater to various palates. The Shipyard Brewpub in Portland serves as a fantastic gathering spot for beer enthusiasts to sample their creations while enjoying a delicious meal.
Beers to try: Shipyard offers a rotating selection of seasonal and special-release beers, so be sure to ask about their latest offerings when you visit.
Bissell Brothers Brewing Company
If you’re searching for hazy and hop-forward beers, look no further than Bissell Brothers Brewing Company. Their reputation for pushing the boundaries of flavor and innovation has garnered them a dedicated following. With a lively brewery and taproom in Portland, it’s an ideal place to experience their unique brews firsthand.
Beers to try: Swish (double IPA), the Substance (well-balanced IPA with tropical notes)
Oxbow Blending & Bottling
If you’re in the mood for farmhouse ales and rustic brews, Oxbow Brewing Company should be on your list. Their dedication to unique, artisanal creations has earned them a spot among the best breweries in Portland, Maine. Great mix of indoor and outdoor seating, plus a great soundtrack to amp up the vibes.
Beers to try: Saison Pale Ale, Farmhouse Pale Ale, and explore their barrel-aged and mixed fermentation releases for unique experiences.
Urban Farm Fermentory & Gruit Brewing Co.
If you want a wide selection of alcoholic beverages beyond just beer, look no further than Urban Farm Fermentory. They offer cider, gruits, mead, and kombucha on top of their beer selection.
Beers to Try: One of their gruits, their old style beer brewed with botanicals.
In conclusion, the best breweries in Portland, Maine are more than just places to grab a drink; they are hubs of creativity and community. The passion and dedication of the brewers are palpable in every sip. So, whether you’re drawn to the hazy IPAs of Bissell Brothers, the farmhouse ales of Oxbow, or the classic Belgian styles of Allagash, there’s a brewery in Portland, Maine, waiting to delight your taste buds.
Portland’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, and new breweries are continually pushing the boundaries of flavor and innovation. So, grab your friends, raise a glass, and immerse yourself in the diverse and exciting world of craft beer in the best breweries in Portland, Maine. Cheers to unforgettable flavors and memorable experiences!
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