It's not New York, but for a small city, Portland has a fairly happening nightlife. Many of the entertainment venues are restaurants that provide live music, and some clear a space for dancing. A few are full-fledged nightclubs with dance floors, lights, and a stage for the band. Whether you're looking for a rowdy night of loud music and free-flowing drinks or a comparatively subdued dinner with live music or a DJ, you'll find it in downtown Portland.
For starters, here are some of the better-known clubs and pubs that offer entertainment of one sort or another. Call ahead for a schedule or check their Web sites, where provided.
CLUBS
ASYLUM
121 Center Street
Portland, Maine
772-8274
This high tech dance club presents a variety of live rock and other bands and is one of the best places to hear live music in Portland.
BIG EASY BLUES CLUB
55 Market Street
Portland, Maine
871-8817
On the Web: www.bigeasyportland.com
Live entertainment and dancing in the heart of Portland's Old Port and serious Sunday football action during the season.
BLACKSTONES
6 Pine Street
Portland, Maine
775-2885
On the Web: www.blackstones.com
Neighborhood gay bar in mid-town Portland.
BULL FEENEY
375 Fore Street
Portland, Maine
773-7210
On the Web: www.bullfeeneys.com
Live music Thursday through Saturday nights (no cover charge), open mic on Tuesdays. Food and drink.
COMEDY CONNECTION
8 Custom House Wharf
Portland, Maine
774-5554
On the Web: www.mainecomedy.com
Quality stand-up comic entertainment every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights on the Portland waterfront. Nationally known comedians often appear.
DIGGERS BAR
440 Fore St
Portland, Maine
Recently expanded to include barbecue, with lunch and dinner service
HEADLINERS
Wharf Street
Portland, Maine
Headliners has closed and been replaced with a high-end wine bar.
IGUANA LOUNGE
52 Wharf Street
Portland, Maine
871-5886
On the Web: www.portlandatnight.net/iguana_main.html
A taste of Key West in Portland, this cantina-style nightclub is in the heart of Portland's Old Port.
INDUSTRY NIGHTCLUB
50 Wharf Street
Portland, Maine
879-0865
On the Web: www.digitalcity.com/portlandme/bars/venue.adp?vid=150259
Old Port dance club for the younger crowd. Music provided mostly by DJs but there are occasional live bands.
Liquid Blue Nightclub
440 Fore Street
Portland, Maine
774-9595
Now features comedy shows every Friday and Saturday night.
MERCURY BAR
416 Fore St
Portland, Maine
879-4007
On the Web: www.portlandatnight.net/mercury_main.html
Open seven nights a week, with music and a full bar.
PAVILLION
188 Middle Street
Portland, Maine
773-6422
On the Web: www.thepavilion.com
Portland's historic ballroom becomes a Manhattan-style nightclub every Wednesday and Saturday night, with lights, music, and seven bars.
PLUSH
446 Fore Street
Portland, Maine
This all red room above Diggers is open Fridays and Saturdays.
ROSIES
330 Fore Street
Portland, Maine
772-5656
THE SKINNY
627 Congress Street
Portland, Maine
871-8983
On the Web: www.theskinnyspace.com
Temporarily closed but planning to reopen in a new space. Check their Web site for updates.
SOMEWHERE
117 Spring Street
Portland, Maine
871-9169
SPACE GALLERY
538 Congress Street
Portland, Maine
828-5600
UNDERGROUND
3 Spring Street
Portland, Maine
773-3315
On the Web: www.digitalcity.com/portlandme/bars/venue.adp?vid=150270
Gay club with music and dancing, game rooms, karaoke, pool, and more. The good music also draws non-gays.
ZACHERY'S LOUNGE
81 Riverside Street
Portland, Maine
774-5601
See page two for information on pubs in Portland.
| 