Table of Contents
If you are an adventurer interested in tying a variety of craft beers and want to take a beer tour, Portland, the largest city in Maine or Vacationland, is a must-visit city and deserves to be dubbed Beer Haven. You can find here distinct types of breweries specializing in specific styles and flavors that will leave your tastebuds in awe.
Thus, if you are a beer-enthusiasts that is an avid adventurer in the craft beer industry, make sure you try all of these fantastic places. To help you get started with your beer tour, we’ll walk you through the best breweries you should never miss in Portland, Maine!
1. Allagash Brewing Company
Rob Tod established Allagash Brewing in 1995, and soon after, it immediately gained a reputation for producing both daring and inventive beers. Its Allagash White won the brewery’s first gold medal in the 1998 World Beer Cup. And after that, Allagash Brewing started gaining more accolades and medals from national competitions and is now a well-known and respected award-winning artisan brewery in Maine.
Today, Allagash maintains its position as an industry leader in brewing innovation by offering a selection of over 20 beers that come in various flavors and aromas. No beer tour in Portland, Maine, will be complete without visiting Allagash Brewing. So grab what sounds good and take it home to share with family and pals.
- Crowd Favorite: Allagash White. A refreshing wheat beer with balanced citrus and spice notes. 5.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Curieux
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Indoor and outdoor seating. Wheelchair accessible.
- Fun Fact: Allagash Brewing has an Internship Program where they partner with two organizations to help employment in the beer industry grow.
Hours: Open Thur 11am-6pm, Fri & Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am–5pm, Mon 11am–4pm
Address: 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
Contact: 207-878-5385 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Bissell Brothers Brewing Company
Bissell Brothers, a microbrewery founded in 2013, crafts beers with unique and new flavors and serves them fresh to the locals of Maine. This brewery also aim to make every beer experience as straightforward as possible by crafting drinkable beers for everyone.
Today, Bissell Brothers have two active locations in Portland and Three Rivers. Its Portland taproom, called Bissell Brothers HQ, features a rotating tap list of twelve flagships and experimental brews. Additionally, it has an in-house kitchen that serves tasty dishes made with local produce, seafood, and meat, as well as gluten-free, vegan options.
- Crowd Favorite: The Substance. A smooth, hazy IPA with five hops and contains 6.6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Nothing Gold
- Hop-py note: Private lot parking. Offers takeout and delivery. Occasional events.
- Fun Fact: Bissell Brothers created an internship program for those who want to learn everything about brewing and enter the beer industry.
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 11am–9pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Address: 38 Resurgam Pl, Portland, ME 04102
Contact: 207-808-8258 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Austin Street Brewing
Austin Street Brewing, a brewery located on Industrial Way, has become so successful that it opened another location in the city’s downtown area. The brewery was founded by Jake and Will in 2013, which first started as a one-barrel brewing system, self-financed by the two. Then after years of hard work, they were finally able to expand the brewery and managed 160 barrels of fermenting room.
Today, Austin Street Brewing’s locations in Fox Street and Industrial Way are among the most visited brewery taprooms in Portland, Maine. Its Fox Street taproom features a spacious area with lovely indoor and outdoor seating and is available for private event hostings. Additionally, you can order light snacks while choosing the beer you want to drink from its seven beers on tap, can, or bottle pours.
- Crowd Favorite: Patina Pale. A hoppy, piney, and crisp pale ale with 5.3% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Neverender
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Kid-friendly. Free Wi-Fi. Wheelchair accessible.
- Fun Fact: Jake and Will started homebrewing on Austin Street in Westbrook, hence the brewery’s name.
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 12pm–8pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Address: 115 Fox St, Portland, ME 04101
Contact: 207-358-0492 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. Lone Pine Brewing Company
Lone Pine is the site to go to if you’re searching for excellent beer and equally impressive scenery. Its taproom features fourteen of its signature and innovative beers on tap, where you can choose what you want to try, and over ten available beers for can pours. And although the brewery’s menu doesn’t come with food items, you are welcome to bring your own or place an order from any of the numerous neighboring restaurants.
- Crowd Favorite: Oh-J. A fresh and citrusy Double New England IPA with 8.1% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Brightside IPA
- Hop-py note: Outdoor seating. Offers takeout. Street parking.
- Fun Fact: Lone Pine distributes its beers not only in Maine but also in New Hampshire.
Hours: Open Sun-Thur 12pm–8pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-9pm
Address: 219 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
Contact: 207-536-4952 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
5. Foundation Brewing Company
Since 2014, Foundation has been silently producing its unique beers while maintaining a high standard for both production and quality. They concentrate primarily on developing original American styles. Foundation also focuses more on doing better and crafting greater beers than on getting bigger.
Today, Foundation Brewing operates one of the most popular tasting rooms in Portland, and its beers are distributed to eight other states aside from Maine. Its tasting room features a rotating list of 17 beers on tap, a covered and heated outdoor patio, and its in-house kitchen that serves delicious Detroit-style pizza.
- Crowd Favorite: Epiphany. A rich and juicy New England IPA with 8% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Afterglow
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Offers takeout. Street and private lot parking. Wheelchair accessible.
Hours: Open Wed 12pm-7pm, Thur-Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun & Mon 12pm–6pm, Tue Closed
Address: 1 Industrial Way #5, Portland, ME 04103
Contact: 207-370-5180 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
6. Shipyard Brewing Company
Shipyard Brewing is a family-owned microbrewery in Portland with 25 years of experience serving award-winning beers. It has been known across Maine for producing high-quality goods in diverse flavor profiles since its founding. It takes great pride in the precision and goodness of its crafts that only uses resources of the highest possible quality.
Shipyard’s tasting room on the waterfront of Portland features a rotating list of its flagship and seasonal brews and some limited releases. You can also order food from its limited menu to pair with its beers.
- Crowd Favorite: Pumpkinhead Ale. A crisp and refreshing wheat ale with 4.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Monkey Fist IPA
- Hop-py note: Offers takeout and delivery. Weekly food specials. Private event rentals.
- Fun Fact: Shipyard has a pumpkin head mascot in the brewery that will welcome you when you visit.
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am–6pm
Address: 86 Newbury St, Portland, ME 04101
Contact: 800-273-9253 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
7. Rising Tide Brewing Company
Due to Nathan and Heather’s dedication to excellence, Rising Tide Brewing has blossomed into one of the state’s most well-known and famous breweries. Rising Tide has expanded from a one-man and one-barrel system brewery and now has almost 30 staff and produces over 4,000 barrels of beers.
Rising Tide has become the backbone of a flourishing brewery sector because of its commitment to crafting a wide variety of beers throughout the year, its use of locally sourced ingredients, and its crisp brews that make you want to drink more.
- Crowd Favorite: Maine Island Trail Ale. A malty, piney, and citrusy session IPA with 4.3% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Zephyr
- Hop-py note: Wheelchair accessible. Private lot parking. Dog-friendly.
- Fun Fact: Rising Tide has a long bar inside its taproom where you can sit and freely see the production area where the beers are brewed.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 12pm-8pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 12pm–6pm
Address: 103 Fox St, Portland, ME 04101
Contact: 207-370-2337 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. Definitive Brewing Company
Nestled in the heart of downtown Portland, Definitive Brewing lives up to its name by striving for perfection in the beer brewing industry. It is a brewery that serves quality beers and delivers excellent service for a memorable drinking experience. Definitive Brewing has four locations across Maine, with its main production facility and tasting room in Portland.
Definitive’s Portland taproom features a rotating tap list of over 20 beers, from sours and IPAs to stouts and session ales. You can also order food from its in-house kitchen that serves light munchies, burgers, and sandwiches. And for a sweet finish, order a cup of Definitive’s special beer-inspired ice cream with passionfruit and raspberry goodies.
- Crowd Favorite: Behind The Light. A light, double-dry-hopped IPA with 7.4% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Distant Gardens
- Hop-py note: Private event rentals. Gift cards. Free Wi-Fi.
- Fun Fact: Definitive Brewing distributes its beers to nine states through legal distributors.
Hours: Open Sun-Wed 12pm-7pm, Thur & Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat 11am–8pm
Address: 35 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
Contact: 207-536-1288 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
9. Goodfire Brewing Co.
Nestled in the East Bayside neighborhood of Portland, Goodfire Brewing is a family-owned microbrewery that pours tasty ales for the locals and tourists of this beautiful city. You can visit this brewery and feel safe as they have a code of conduct for all employees and customers to avoid inappropriate behaviors and respect everyone equally regardless of their color, race, or gender.
Goodfire’s tasting room features a rotating selection of beers on taps and 16oz cans for to-go orders. You can also order tasty dishes and snacks from various of Portland’s famous food trucks on site.
- Crowd Favorite: Prime. A light, smooth, hazy IPA with a mildly dry finish and 6.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Waves
- Hop-py note: Street parking. Dog-friendly patio. Private event rentals.
- Fun Fact: Goodfire is located in the historic Rockwell building, renting the same establishment as Lone Pine Brewing.
Hours: Open Tue-Thur 2pm-8pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun & Mon 12pm–8pm
Address: 219 Anderson St Suite 6, Portland, ME 04101
Contact: 207-808-8910 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
10. Oxbow Blending and Bottling
Oxbow Blending and Bottling is in the East End neighborhood of Portland. It is where the company produces its barrel-aged beers and packages them. And this site is always packed because it is in the epicenter of Portland, where local and international tourists flock up.
Oxbow has a spacious tasting area with a welcoming vibe. They have a great assortment of seasonal brews that change throughout the year. This should be one of many stops on your Portland beer journey, as it is conveniently located near the Old Port. Finally, Oxbow has teamed up with the highly praised Duckfat to provide local food menus to partner with their beers.
- Crowd Favorite: Farmhouse Pale Ale. A hoppy and dry Saison with 6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Luppolo
- Hop-py note: Live music. Private rental space. Offers takeout.
- Fun Fact: Oxford Brewing has three locations, and its main production facility is in New Castle.
Hours: Open Mon-Wed 12pm-9pm, Thur 12pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm–8pm
Address: 49 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Contact: 207-350-0025 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
11. Banded Brewing Company
Originally established in Biddeford, Banded Brewing has opened a new location in Portland. It features a five-barrel system and a full-function tasting room with incredible murals that livens the place. It also has a spacious indoor area, an outdoor patio that can accommodate up to 50 customers, and firepits and tents from spring to fall.
Moreover, since the taproom doesn’t have an in-house kitchen to accommodate hungry guests, you are free to order from nearby restaurants and food trucks. And if you can’t choose what you want to drink from its wide selection of rotating beers on tap, you can grab a flight or a 5oz individual taster.
- Crowd Favorite: Veridian IPA. A smooth and hazy American IPA with 6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Daikaiju DIPA
- Fun Fact: Banded Brewing was initially known as Banded Horn Brewing and is the first brewery established in Biddeford.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 4pm-9pm, Fri 2pm-9pm, Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 12pm–6pm, Mon & Tue Closed
Address: 82 Hanover St Suite 6, Portland, ME 04101
Contact: 207-387-5280 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
12. Bunker Brewing Company
Bunker Brewing stands out in Portland’s competitive beer market by specializing in ales and lagers. While their stouts and IPAs are top-notch, their lagers stand out for being traditional and clean.
Bunker takes the time to brew the traditional method to give their lagers a chance to mellow and condition before drinking. They take the same care with their barrel-aged stouts, letting them sit for months to soften and pick up the subtle flavors of the wood for you to enjoy an exceptional taste with a fantastic finish.
- Crowd Favorite: Machine Czech Pilsner. A clean, flavorful pilsner with 5.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Salad Daze
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Indoor and outdoor seating. Kid-friendly. Live music.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 2pm-9pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 12pm–7pm
Address: 17 Westfield St D, Portland, ME 04102
Contact: 207-613-9471 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
13. Battery Steele Brewing
Visit Battery Steele to make your beer tour in Portland even better. The owners, Jacob and Shane, have a combined 25 years of experience in the brewing industry. They started the brewery in an abandoned barn in South Portland before moving it to its current location on 1 Industrial Way.
Battery Steele regularly updates its taps and provides the community with new, refreshing beers that everyone will never be tired of. The place also offers a wholesome experience as it has pub and yard games to keep you entertained while enjoying tasty drinks.
- Crowd Favorite: Flume. An aromatic and clean double-hopped IPA with 8% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Vagabond Dreamer
- Hop-py note: Indoor and outdoor seating. Offers takeout. Street parking.
Hours: Open Mon-Tue 1pm-6pm, Wed-Fri 12pm-7pm, Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 12pm–7pm
Address: 1 Industrial Way UNIT 12, Portland, ME 04103
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | Website
14. Sea Dog Brewing Company
Sea Dog Brewing, founded in 1993, is one of the oldest breweries in Portland. It is also among the earliest breweries to have its app in the play store, where you can easily order its beers and join its loyalty program. Moreover, this brewery has five brewpubs in Maine, 2 in New Hampshire, and 3 in Florida, all of which are famous because of their tasty craft ales.
Sea Dog’s taproom in South Portland features a rotating tap list of beers, a selection of wines, and a wide variety of cocktails. What you should also look forward to in this brewpub is its extensive selection of delicious food items and desserts that are all perfect to pair with the beers.
- Crowd Favorite: Blue Paw Wild Blueberry. A nutty and aromatic wheat ale with 4.7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Sunfish
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Good for families. Offers flight. Street parking.
- Fun Fact: Sea Dog has a new hard seltzer that is gluten-free, has zero sugar, and has only 100 calories.
Hours: Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat & Sun 10am–9pm
Address: 125 Western Ave, South Portland, ME 04106
Contact: 207-871-7000 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
15. Geary Brewing Company
Founded in 1983, Geary Brewing is the first craft brewery in New England and is also the longest-running brewery in Portland, Maine. The brewery pushed the craft beer movement in the region and became an essential part of its history. Geary Brewing crafts traditional brews and a wide variety of tasty contemporary beers like hazy IPAs, sweet porters, and fruited lagers, so there’s something for everyone.
Geary Brewing’s tasting room features eight tasty beers on tap and a rotating selection of bottle pours where you can find all of its classic and modern brews. You can also relax at its beer garden, which is newly renovated, so you can enjoy its beers in a great environment.
- Crowd Favorite: Geary’s Pale Ale. A classic British-style pale ale with 5.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Geary’s Hampshire Special Ale (HSA)
- Hop-py note: Curbside pickup. Occasional events. Offers takeout and delivery.
- Fun Fact: Geary Brewing is the first brewery to craft a gluten-free pale ale in Maine.
Hours: Open Thur-Sat 12pm-5pm, Sun-Wed Closed
Address: 38 Evergreen Dr, Portland, ME 04103
Contact: 207-878-2337 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
16. Fore River Brewing
Fore River officially opened its doors to the public in 2016, and ever since then, the brewery has consistently brewed delicious and quality beers with distinct styles and flavors. You can find a range of beers, from innovative sours and ales to classic pilsners and stouts.
Fore River has two different locations. Its tasting room and beer garden are located at Huntress Avenue, where you can drink various beers on tap. There are local food trucks on site where you can order food and bring it to the beer garden to eat with your chosen drink. And as for the second location, Fore River’s production facility is on park avenue, where all its beers are brewed. Here, you can book a private tour to learn about the brewery’s operations and brewing process.
- Crowd Favorite: Timberhitch. A well-balanced red ale with 6.3% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: John Henry
- Hop-py note: Live music. Wheelchair accessible. Kid-friendly.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 2pm-8pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 12pm-8pm
Address: 45 Huntress Ave, South Portland, ME 04106
Contact: 207-370-0629 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
