From Apply Now,
Your Guide to Portland, ME.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

In the Portland Press Herald's annual Best of Portland survey, the 2004 voting was skewed in favor of one restaurant that collected hundreds of ballots and delivered them in a pile (ballots are usually submitted by individuals, not by businesses). Does anybody really believe that Portland area residents consider Eggspectations to be a better restaurant than award-winning, nationally renowned Fore Street, which has won this contest for years? I think not.

So, I decided to create my own Best of Portland list. These choices are strictly my opinion. If you'd like to offer yours, please feel free to post in the Portland, Maine Forum.

Best Restaurant
Fore Street

Best Cheap Eats
Becky's Diner on Commercial Street

Best Coffee
Dunkin' Donuts

Best Bagel
Mister Bagel in the Old Port

Best Produce
Farmers Markets
Portland Public Market
Hannaford's on Forest Avenue
Whole Grocer on Commercial Street

Best Chowder
Gilberts on Commercial Street

Best Fried Clams
Susan's Fish and Chips on Forest Avenue
Two Lights Lobster Shack at Two Lights State Park

Best Burger
Great Lost Bear on Forest Avenue

Best Nachos
Great Lost Bear on Forest Avenue

Best National Chain Restaurant
The Olive Garden on Gorham Road in South Portland
The Outback Steakhouse on Route 9 in South Portland

Best Dessert
Chocolate Thunder From Down Under (Outback Steakhouse)
Fudgy warm pecan brownie with rich vanilla ice cream topped with hot homemade chocolate sauce and chocolate shavings.

Best Lobster Roll
Susan's Fish and Chips on Forest Avenue

Best Bread
Black Crow
Borealis
Big Skye Bread

Best Pizza
Ricetta's on Gorham Road in South Portland

Best Place to Dance
The Roxy at the Pavillion in the Old Port

Best Beach for Walking
Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport

Best Beach for Surfing
Higgins Beach in Cape Scarborough

Best Walking Spot
Eastern Promenade/Baxter Boulevard in Portland
Macworth Island in Falmouth

Best Sandwich
Amato's on India Street
Clayton's in Yarmouth

Best Park
Wolfe's Neck Woods in Freeport

Best Specialty Food Store
Micucci's on India Street

Best Beach for Swimming
Sebago Lake State Park in Casco
Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport