The Walkable Marine Town That’s Known for Its Numerous Speakeasies

There is so much to love about Portland. Every time I visit this coastal Maine community, I discover something new. While the city as a whole has a ton to offer, my favorite section is Old Port, a walkable district overflowing with historic charm. I could easily spend a whole afternoon wandering down the old cobblestone streets, pausing at every corner to peruse the various art galleries and specialty shops, and eventually stopping at one of the area’s fabulous restaurants for a bite to eat. However, I have discovered there is also a fascinating side to Old Port that is not visible to the naked eye. If you can figure out how to enter, you are in for a treat.

In recent years, Old Port has become somewhat of a hot spot for local speakeasies. These once illegal establishments sprouted up during Prohibition and have undergone a popular resurgence throughout the country. There is just something so fun and mysterious about enjoying a drink in a secret spot. There are at least three known speakeasies hidden throughout Portland. There might be more, but I can’t give away all of my secrets. 

On my last trip to Portland, my husband and I decided to check out two of these hidden bars. First on our list was Blyth & Burrows on Exchange Street. We were a bit confused when we walked into the vintage-style restaurant and were offered a table in the main dining area. The place was packed with locals and tourists and did not seem to be much of a secret at all. When I asked our waiter about the speakeasy, he explained it was in a hidden spot in the restaurant. It could only hold a small number of guests and was unfortunately at capacity during our visit.

Disappointed, we decided to stay and enjoy fancy craft cocktails anyway. However, our luck changed when the waiter returned several minutes later and informed us two speakeasy spots had opened. We picked up our glasses and followed him through a well-disguised door. On the other side, we discovered a secret space perfect for cozying up on a cold winter’s night. As we enjoyed our delicious drinks with nautically inspired names like the Curious Sailor and Mutiny on the Bounty, we could feel the clandestine spirit of the speakeasy surrounding us.

The entrance to the next speakeasy on our unofficial tour took us a bit longer to locate. Lincolns at 36 Market Street is much more of a casual scene. Drinks at this underground hideaway are inexpensive and cash only. The clientele runs on the younger side, so it was a bit of a shock when my husband and I got carded at the door. Lincolns is only open in the evenings, and it may take some help from the local college students to find the cleverly hidden entrance.

And there is one more Portland bar worthy of a mention. Although it is a bit of a walk or a short drive from Old Port, the entrance to Bramhall on Congress Street in the West End is easy to locate. Bramhall is a unique "modern speakeasy" that serves prohibition-era cocktails, spirits, and delicious meals. Walk into this dimly lit subterranean space, and you will be transported back to a bygone era.

Will you spill the beans about your favorite speakeasy or hidden bar? To find out more about these secret Portland spots, head to the Blyth & Burrows website, the Lincolns' Facebook page, and Bramhall's website. If you are looking for even more fun in Old Port, I highly suggest looking for a Portland Pub Walking Beer Tour.