Local 188

Name: Local 188
Address: 685 Congress St., Portland, ME, United States, 04102
Telephone: (207) 761-7909
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

963 Reviews

$30 and under

Spanish

Top Tags:

We accept reservations online for approximately half of Local 188... please call to reserve... also for 7+ guests
Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine using local ingredients.
We have two versions of the classic paella, one has chourico and chicken and the other is all seafood. Menu is printed nightly with frequent changes in steak, soup, gnocchi and risotto, as well as appetizer and fish specials.
Our menu offers a full range from tapas (small plates), raciones (medium plates) to entrees (large plates), creating a set of choices for any size appetite.
Weekend brunch is served from 9am till 2pm, Saturday and Sunday ---brunch is walk-in service only
Our wine list is extensive featuring over 100 bottles with specialization in Spain, France and Italy.
Our beer list features local micros, seasonal, imports and domestics with selections
Not to be overlooked is the ever changing array of house designed and made cocktails, many of which feature intriguing and delicious infusions.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jul 2, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 20 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(207) 761-7909

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Spanish, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–1:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(207) 761-7909
Website
http://local188.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jay Villani

Location
685 Congress St. Portland, ME 04102
Neighborhood
Portland
Cross street
State St
Parking details
enter via the alley to the left of the restaurant. Park anywhere in the immediate lot out back.
Entertainment
Jazz every Tuesday 10pmMovie Night every monday 10pm
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 963 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Maine
Great for Brunch
Maine
Vibrant Bar Scene

Sort by

Filters

MS
MichealS
New England
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Local 188 was recommended by a friend and we loved it. A little off the beaten path from where we were staying in the old port area but well worth the 15 minute walk. Food and service were great, a great variety of options that will have us coming back the next time we are in there area!
A
Angel
New England
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Overall the food was delicious, atmosphere was superb. We ordered the the tuna which was over cooked, everything else was delish!!! Great service and great cocktails.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome experience. Always a pleasure to dine here…
TS
TiffanyS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had olives and bread for an app.. the bread and butter were delicious!! Shared the paella dish, excellent!! Highly recommend!!
M
2Mainers
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time visit. Food and service were excellent. Will be repeat customers without a doubt!
MG
MGuilbault
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall3food2service2ambience5
we ordered drinks and appetizers. The meatballs came out before we even got our drinks. My husband was extremely upset by this and got up and left. We had to cancel the remaining appetizers and then my drink which I never received. The chef came out and comped what we had gotten. Meatballs and a drink is all.
G
Gics
Cincinnati
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ate at the counter overlooking the kitchen - service was spot and the food was some of the best we had in Portland. Highly recommend.
f
fanman
New England
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Menu is normally small and was even smaller as they were out of a few items. Several of the plates have a broth base where you would like to have some bread to slop up the broth and they were out of bread. Out of bread at 7:30 on a Wednesday night?
DM
DaleM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome muscles, great service (really), a little pricy
HS
HSBRes
Houston
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow. Just go and experience yourself. You won’t be disappointed I promise.
HD
HappyDiner
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lots of flavors and unusual combinations! Very helpful and sensitive to food allergies.
A
Andrea
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience1
Disappointing experience Service though efficient was very unfriendly
DM
DMcK
New England
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience4
We had the barest cheese & charcuterie board I have ever seen. What was there was good, but geez
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our party had some food restrictions. The staff and kitchen could not have been nicer or more accommodating.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were last @ Local 188 when we visited in 2018. It did not disappoint.
c
calmark
New England
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
1st time back in 2 years! Good table spacing and food excellent as always.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and drinks were great. Arrived in a timely manner. Our waitress, Sage, was awesome! We were a party of 7 and stayed for a number of hours. Never felt rushed, very accommodating.
JA
JenniferA
New England
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Good happy hour drinks and tapas.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience1
mother’s day dinner.. very underwhelming, i mean $6 for bread and butter.. $7 for three deviled eggs.. got the paella, they didn’t bother to season the fish in the paella.
HF
HeidiF
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Small plates and entrees were delicious and great service!
R
Rachael
New England
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ate dinner before a concert, outdoors on the sidewalk patio. Delightful server, Sean Good vegetarian options. The seafood paella was devoured by 2 of our party Everything was delicious.
VQ
VQRF
New England
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
We were in before the TTB concert. The service was excellent- Sage was our server. The gnocchi was suberb as were the brussels sprouts. The meatballs were good but had a spice flavor we couldn't quite tell what it was. My husband liked the hummus so much we brought the leftovers home and he had some tonight. Thank you everyone. We will be back.
MF
MarkF
Philadelphia
13 reviews
vip
2.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience3
This was our fourth visit to Local 188 in two months and, instead of getting better, each visit has gotten worse. Initially the food and service were excellent two months ago. Our meals were flavorful, and the service was attentive and friendly. Our most recent visit was, well, it was awful. The risotto was tasteless. Essentially it was a bowl of rice with very little else. Very disappointing! It took quite some time to get a server over to our table and rarely did they reappear. I realize it’s a tough job these days given staffing levels, but the restaurant was not at capacity and there seemed to be ample wait staff to cover the tables. Except ours. I had initial high hopes four visits ago, but this past visit was definitely our last.
VQ
VQRF
New England
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Noise level was at a good level when we got there- 6:00. When we left- 7:30 it was much louder. It is a very open space, so if you want good energy and a loud place then this is your place. If you want a place for conversation, I would look somewhere else. Food was good!
JB
JimBMaine
Denver
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really enjoyed our meal - had not been there for a while and was better than remembered. Nice eclectic setting, good service, fun menu. Prices have crept up a bit but not too bad - still fair. Will be back,
h
helenc
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food, as always, was outstanding. We had the homemade bread with honey butter, the Bang Island mussels and a chicken confit risotto. The staff is attentive and friendly, and the ambience has a chill yet upbeat vibe.
SG
SamG
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 13, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
We really enjoyed ourselves at Local 188 and would return! Our drinks were excellent and the food was good. Fully recommend at 4 stars.
k
kwnmd
Minneapolis
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience3
charcuterie board had no meat except for a cold pastry which had some meat in it. mostly just pickled stuff. one one medium sized slice of manchego.
K
Katiekokkinos
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorites! Beat ambiance, friendly staff, delicious food
JM
JayM
Phoenix
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
Food was prepared and presented well. Would have appreciated a few more entrees from which to pick.
JR
JeffreyR
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent, the service is a very good, drinks are very professional. Only downside is the cost is a little high. However, I would rather pay a little more for a great meal and go out a little less often.
PJ
PortlandJenn
New England
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
Excellent seafood paella, rose cocktail with petals on the glass for Valentine's Day, and perfectly dense, moist chocolate torte!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time to visit local 188 and we can't believe we drove by it so many times. Can't wait to go back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A perfect “night before” Valentine’s Day dinner for the entire family, which included our 11 year old who especially loved her strip steak, both because of its presentation (on a plank to emphasize her special request) and its seasoning (cooked to a perfect medium rare). The deviled eggs and Brussel sprouts are superb appetizers; the hake was outstanding as well. (Great specialty cocktails and an excellent flan for dessert to round out the night, too). Wonderful service all around. So glad to be able to enjoy Local 188 again and we’ll return soon!
SS
SamanthaS
New England
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is amazing! The butter and bread is outstanding. We sat at the bar facing the kitchen and the chef even checked in and asked how our food was. Will definitely be back!
DG
DeborahG
Nashville
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Portland’s reputation as a foodie destination is made incisively at Local 188. Sitting at the bar, we had the opportunity to watch a finely honed team of chefs work their magic - turning locally sourced ingredients into delicious tapas treats. The bread and whipped butter was transporting. Did not sample dessert but saw enough behind the scenes to offer a strong recommendation. Add this one to your list of places to go for a delicious dinner with family or friends.
KG
KarinG
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was our first time there. We had heard good things about it and it was all true. We look forward to going again.
AL
AngLu
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a terrific experience at Local 188, wonderful in every way!
SG
StephanieG
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot, warm decor, knowledgeable bartender and waiter. Everyone raved about their dinners. Definitely should check it out. Convenient parking in back once bike shop is closed.
w
william
Montreal
24 reviews
3.0
24 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience4
very limited covid menu.

FAQs

Local 188 offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (207) 761-7909.

Local 188 is rated 4.5 stars by 963 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jul 2, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 20 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(207) 761-7909

685 Congress St. Portland, ME 04102

Additional information

Cross street
State St
Neighborhood
Portland
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–1:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Spanish, Mediterranean
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
enter via the alley to the left of the restaurant. Park anywhere in the immediate lot out back.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Jay Villani
Entertainment
Jazz every Tuesday 10pmMovie Night every monday 10pm
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://local188.com/
Phone number
(207) 761-7909

Local 188

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

Seafood Paella

Mussels

Flourless Chocolate Orange Torte

Menu

Tapas

Olives$6.00

House Bread$6.00

Deviled Eggs$6.00

Muffalata Montaditos$14.00

Cauliflower$13.00

Patatas Bravas$10.00

What 963 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

Does Local 188 offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Local 188 restaurant rated?

Is Local 188 currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information