Novare Res (4 Canal Plaza): One of the newer entrants into the deck scene. Carved out of the shell of the old Black Tie Catering location and tucked away off of Exchange Street. The bar is dark, but freshly updated and there is row of 25 gleaming taps. They change often and have offerings that are hard to find anywhere else in Portland or beyond. The tap list is complemented by a list of bottles 200 deep. Scotch and a short wine list are also available. Food is limited to small but affordable appetizers. Come for the beer selection, stay for the deck. It is a huge space that rivals any outdoor location in town. Lack of sun is an issue late in the day, but there is something alluring about being in the heart of Portland and feeling so secluded.
Empire Dine and Dance (575 Congress St.): Chairs and tables have been springing up everywhere on Congress Street and down in Monument Sq. Empire has a decent little patio set up that rivals their neighbors of a few blocks away. The menu has been shifting to more bar food and it is not a bad spot to enjoy an oversized pint glass cocktail.
White Heart (551 Congress St.): While it may not actually be one of the best bars in America, it is not a bad little spot. Pretty laid back during the week, but always full on Friday and Saturday evening, the little patio provides a nice spot to watch the characters who stumble around this area. They have a nice list of signature cocktails and rotating specials.
Flatbread (72 Commercial St.): Pizza deck. A nice big deck on the water with picnic tables and umbrellas. Dinning is communal and it is a dog friendly atmosphere. The Casco Bay Lines vessels depart from the pier across the way and water taxi pick-ups are right there as well. Some much needed livelihood in the normally sleepy Portland Harbor. Plus you can look up at those envious souls trapped in the behind the glass windows and sliding doors on the second floor at Ri Ra.
Yosaku (1 Danforth St.): Sushi deck. One of the better lunch spots in town. The have a large deck and a solid lunch menu. There is much debate over the best sushi in town (Miyake), and Yosaku is up there. They get extra points for a fantastic deck complete with a fountain and for the fact that the owner is a former member of the Chinese National Speed Skating Team. That might be more rumor than fact.
Portland Lobster Co. (180 Commercial): Another tourist haven, but a great atmosphere early in the season. Food prices are outrageous, so stick to the beer menu. Limited taps, but they are served to the backdrop of a dry-docked lobster boat. Right down on the water and plenty of standing and sitting room. Plus, it’s sunny all day. A rare find for decks in Portland.
The list is growning, but is still far from complete. More to come.
RSS Feed