Tips for Dining, Eating and Food Shopping in the New England
Start New ThreadHello..I will be driving from CT to Canada and would like to stop in Portland for lunch. Can anyone suggest somewhere relatively quick/easy with great food? Anywhere in or around Portland would be fine. Thanks!
By jasty
on Jul 9, 2008 12:43 PM
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Duck Fat is excellent. See many references on this Board. Get off 295 at Exit 7 (Franklin Arterial). Go several blocks passing Congress St. Take a left on Middle St. Duck Fat will be on your left. Google Duck Fat for info and map.
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AND for really quick and fast, there's a Whole Foods right off of Exit 7 with hot and cold stuff, sandwiches, sushi bar, pizza etc, etc. to graze to your heart's content.
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I like J's Oyster which has outdoor dockside seating. Great sandwiches, beers and oysters.
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Duckfat is great, but parking is a problem in that area (or anywhere in the downtown/ Old Port where the best restaurants are), esp if you want to get in and out quickly. Whole Foods is just off the highway and has plenty of parking, so if you're looking to just swing off and on highway, that is most convenient place. We love their gelato bar.
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Duck Fat is not quick. I have stopped for lunch on my way through Portland and it takes a good hour and that's without eating! Everything is cooked to order and even if you call your order in ahead of time, they take it, but don't start to cook it until you are there...go figure. It is delicious though.
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Wow - I've never waited an hour for lunch at Duckfat! I've called in had it ready when I got there. I've also walked in to order/eat and have never waited more than 20 minutes or so, tops.
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J's Oyster is a great thought, especially if you want a Maine moment. Same directions as going to Duck Fat but stay on the Franklin Arterial all the way to the water. Right on Commercial Street and J's is down a bit on the left hand side. If you need a road snack for later, right after turning onto Commercial Street, take a right in what looks like the Hilton Gardens parking lot. Before you is one great bakery - Standard Baking. If nothing else, go in for a sniff.
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Some fun, easy, local options may include Local 188, The Front Room, and The Grill Room (easy if you just go to a parking garage and not try parking on street). Duck Fat would be a very good option and I don't think the parking would hold you up too long - worth a small delay for great food :)
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We would share duckfat fries with a side of duck gravy and a duck confit panini....maybe share a salad too if we were really hungry!
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for a little more embiance, you might consider flatbread pizza company on the waterfront in Old Portland.
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How about that seafood place by the two lighthouses......nice location and decent food from what I've heard.
But oh those duck fries!
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J's oyster has great steamed clams. That is one of our favorite stops for that particular dish.
Duck Fat is small and very busy so give yourself time if you want to eat in. But the fries are worth it.
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Just had a terrific lunch at Local 188 on Congress St, and they had ample parking in back of bldg (free). Relaxing, airy enviroment and wonderful lunch menu (I'll post review).
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