Exploring 14 Fun Breweries in Portland Maine in 2024

Portland, Maine, may be known for its coastline and charming New England homes, but it is also quickly gaining attention as a hub for craft beer fans. With a fun beer scene and a strong community of craft beer lovers, breweries in Portland Maine continue to grow in popularity.

In this guide, I will highlight some of Portland’s breweries to visit. I’ll also share which breweries offer food, which is always important to me.

This coastal city is home to some of the best breweries in the country, each offering a unique selection of craft beers. With so many great breweries in Portland, make sure you have enough time to visit a few of them.

The Thriving Brewery Scene in Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine, is known for its “thriving brewery scene,” but what does that even mean? Basically, the region has a high number of breweries per capita and some of the best breweries in the country. If you’re a beer lover, Portland is a must-visit destination.

The Maine Beer Trail is a popular attraction, with over 80 breweries and tasting rooms throughout the state. Many of these breweries are located in the Greater Portland area, making it a convenient location for a brewery tour.

Some of the best breweries in Portland include Allagash Brewing Company, Bissell Brothers, and Rising Tide Brewing Company. Allagash is known for its Belgian-style beers, while Bissell Brothers is famous for its hoppy IPAs. Rising Tide Brewing Company offers various beers, including seasonal and experimental brews.

In addition to the breweries themselves, Portland also has a number of beer festivals throughout the year, including the New England Brew Summit and the 207 Beer Week (formerly known as Portland Beer Week). These events are a great way to sample a variety of beers from different breweries and meet other beer enthusiasts.

Overall, the brewery scene in Portland, Maine, continues to evolve and offer new events for craft beer fans.

Top Breweries to Visit

Portland, Maine, is home to some of the best breweries in the country. Here are some of the top breweries you should consider visiting this year:

Allagash Brewing Company

Allagash Brewing Company is a must-visit brewery in Portland, Maine. Located in the Industrial Way, Allagash Brewery offers tours of its facilities with its signature tasting experience called The Cellars.

If you don’t attend The Cellars experience, be sure to visit the tasting room and sample their famous beers like the Allagash White. The brewery also has a food truck with local favorites such as whoopie pies, lobster rolls, and burgers.

Austin Street Brewery

Austin Street Brewery is another excellent brewery in Portland, Maine. With two locations (Industrial Way and Fox Street) that offer indoor and outdoor seating, you can relax and enjoy some snacks during your pub crawl.

The brewery has a spacious taproom and hosts community events and live music. In addition to craft beers and ciders, they also offer non-alcoholic beer.

Bissell Brothers Brewing Company

Bissell Brothers Brewing Company is a popular brewery in Portland, Maine, known for its hoppy beers. Located in a 100-year-old former railway building, the brewery has a spacious taproom where you can try their famous beer, The Substance Ale.

BBB has a full menu with sandwiches, wings, and charcuterie board featuring local produce, meat, and seafood. The second location in Milo, called Three Rivers, also offers delicious food.

Rising Tide Brewing Company

Rising Tide Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in the East Bayside neighborhood of Portland, Maine. The space is big and welcoming and hosts various events and musicians.

The brewery has a spacious taproom where you can try their delicious beers – I enjoyed my flight sampler of “typical” Maine beers. My favorite was the Maine Island Trail Ale. Their lobster rolls are a must-try if you’re a seafood lover.

Definitive Brewing Company

Definitive Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in South Portland, Maine. They also have locations in Kittery and Sunday River, and pop-up spots over the summer.

Located across the street from Allagash, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating makes it an easy stop on a craft beer crawl. The Portland Tasting Room has snacks like savory pretzels and trail mix to pair with their craft beers. I’m not usually a fan of fruity or sour beer, but these were great. There is also a calendar of rotating food trucks to check before you go.

Lone Pine Brewing Company

Lone Pine Brewing Company is a popular brewery in Portland and has grown to be one of the largest craft beer breweries in Maine. The brewery has a taproom where you can try their creative beers, including Oh-J and Portland Pale Ale. Watermelon Ale was my wife’s personal favorite. Overall, this brewery is just chill and down-to-earth.

Sea Dog Brewing Company

Sea Dog Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in the Old Port of Portland, Maine. They’ve expanded beyond Maine and have locations in New Hampshire and Florida. Sea Dog has been a staple in the Maine beer scene, having been around since 1993.

Their blueberry beer is a must-try, and their seafood dishes are delicious. This spot has more of a restaurant vibe than a traditional brewery.

Foulmouthed Brewing

Foulmouth Brewing is another one of the popular breweries in Portland. It’s a funky set-up in a garage which adds to the atmosphere. Their beer is known for its unique flavors, and their brisket nachos are a must-try.

Shipyard Brewing Company

Shipyard Brewing Company is a famous brewery in the Old Port of Portland, Maine. The brewery has a spacious taproom and offers tours of its facilities. They have a mug club, and lots of specials on different days.

Their pumpkin beer is famous in New England – it’s not fall season until you enjoy their Shipyard Pumpkin beer with cinnamon sugar on the rim!

Foundation Brewing Company

Foundation Brewing Company is one of the Portland breweries with food on the Industrial Way. They sell Detroit-style square pizza and cheesy bread along with their beers and spiked lemonade. If you visit during the colder months, they have outside heaters and fire pits to keep you warm in the outdoor area.

Goodfire Brewing Company

Located in East Bayside, Goodfire Brewing Company has a great selection of craft beers and seltzers. They began focusing on New England-style IPA’s and have evolved over the years. The entrance can be hard to find, but it’s worth seeking out. Their Freeport location has a full kitchen, and the Portland tasting room has rotating food trucks.

Liquid Riot Bottling Company

Liquid Riot is a popular brewery, distillery, and bar in the Old Port of Portland, Maine. This waterfront venue has everything you want – games, shuffleboard, and plenty of delicious food like chicken tacos and smash burgers. I especially enjoyed having the heaters for the outside patio.

Oxbow Blending and Bottling

Oxbow Blending and Bottling has a three locations in Maine, but we went to the one in the East End neighborhood of Portland. This location gives the brewery space for beer production, housing 200+ oak barrels and dozens of stainless steel tanks.

This location is pretty unique and offers lots of community events featuring local musicians and dance parties. Gallery 49 is also located at this space, which hosts rotating art exhibits.

Maine Beer Company

Next, let’s head 20 minutes north of Portland to check out the Maine Beer Company. Maine Beer Co is a famous brewery in Freeport that has gained national recognition for its delicious beers. Their cheesy breadsticks and pizza are also must-tries.

List of Portland Breweries with Food

Many breweries in Portland Maine, now have food options or rotating food trucks available. These are some of the Portland breweries with food:

• Allagash Brewing Company
• Bissell Brothers Brewing Company
• Maine Beer Company
• Liquid Riot
• Rising Tide Brewing Company
• Oxbow Blending and Bottling
• Sea Dog Brewing Company
• Foulmouthed Brewery

Tips for Visiting Breweries in Portland Maine

When visiting breweries in Portland Maine, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some things to consider:

1. Closing Times

Check the closing times of the breweries you plan to visit. Some breweries may close earlier on weekdays or have limited hours on weekends. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and so you have enough time to visit all the breweries on your list.

2. Industrial Way

Industrial Way is a popular destination for beer lovers in Portland. This street is home to several breweries, which makes it easy to bar hop. If you’re looking to visit multiple breweries in one area, Industrial Way is a great place to start.

3. Ride-Sharing

If you plan on drinking at the breweries, it’s important to have a safe way to get around. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Portland and can be a convenient and affordable option. Be sure to plan ahead and have a designated driver or ride-sharing service lined up.

4. Book Ahead for Large Groups

If you’re planning on visiting breweries with a large group, it’s a good idea to book ahead. Some breweries may have limited space or require reservations for groups.

Overall, visiting breweries in Portland Maine can be a fun and memorable experience. By keeping these tips in mind, you can make the most of your visit and enjoy all the delicious beer that Portland has to offer.

Brewery Tours and Crawls

If you’re a beer lover visiting Portland, Maine, you’re in for a treat. With so many breweries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. That’s where brewery tours and crawls come in handy.

One popular option is the Maine Brew Cruise, which offers guided tours of some of the best breweries in the area. The Maine Brew Cruise takes you to several breweries, where you can sample different beers and learn about the brewing process. The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about beer, so that you will have a great time.

Another option is to plan your own brewery crawl. Portland has several neighborhoods with clusters of breweries, so you can easily hit up several in one day. I have a friend who designed a brewery crawl as part of a Bachelor party and everyone had a great time.

Portland has a lot to offer regarding the craft beer scene. The best part about the breweries in Portland, is that many are close to each other, which makes visiting them easy.

These Portland breweries offer a unique, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for hanging out with friends or enjoying a date night. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening, definitely visit these breweries in Portland. Share this list with a friend to plan your next night out. 

But what do you think? Is there a brewery I should add to the list?

Want more brewery content and local reviews?

• 7 Big Mistakes to Avoid on Brewery Tours and Beer Tastings
• Massachusetts Breweries with Food: Where to Find Great Beer and Delicious Eats
• What are the Best Killington Vermont Breweries to Visit?
• Top Craft Breweries Near Falmouth MA You Need to Try