Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Maine

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Maine? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Barncastle Hotel and Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (72)

$31 to $50

German

Blue Hill

About the restaurant

The Barncastle Hotel and Restaurant serves Alsatian-inspired cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients. Chef Owen Royce-Nagel and his wife, both Sommelier- and Cicerone-certified, Lizzie Szczepaniak, have been crafting their concept and menu over the last two decades all across the world. Dishes are intended to be shared and bread (from Tinder Hearth!) is meant to be broken in their cozy dining room and pub. The beverage program features a natural and biodynamic wine list, classic cocktails, and craft Maine beer. Located in the heart of the Blue Hill Peninsula, in between Camden and Acadia National Park, it is the perfect place to gather with friends and family.

Top review

Bill

Dined 1 day ago

yummy schnitzel (just like in Austria) & sheep sausage; drink selection also great

Copita

4.9

4.9 (366)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Bar Harbor

About the restaurant

Copita is a small Mediterranean inspired restaurant seeking to bring the freshest local and imported ingredients from our kitchen to your table.

Top review

ChristiVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Patrick who manages Copita runs a wonderful welcoming restaurant with a local feel. Food was amazing from appetizers, salads, main course, to desserts! The bartender is amazing as well. We will be back and highly recommend!

Magnus on Water

4.9

4.9 (326)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Biddeford

About the restaurant

Magnus on Water is a cocktail bar and restaurant that features Peruvian-inspired comfort food from Chef Rafael Zimmerman. Bar Director Brian Catapang helms the Pinnacle Award winning cocktail program at Magnus, with rotating, seasonal drinks to compliment the big flavors of Raf's food. Sustainability is paramount to us, and we work with farmers & fisherman who are respectful of Mother Earth, while working diligently to minimize waste.

Our space is polished, but still intimate and cozy, and in the summer Magnus on Water has a large outdoor patio, complete with gardens and fire pits. We also have a private dining room for large parties and are available for full or partial event rentals.

Top review

Michael

Dined 4 days ago

First time stopping in - was a great experience. The cocktails, food, and service were all fantastic. Will definitely be back

Scales

4.8

4.8 (6854)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Portland

About the restaurant

A traditional New England restaurant with modern touches, Scales is located on Maine Wharf next to the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal. Enjoy classic fried seafood as well as locally sourced land fare, while enjoying the view of a quintessential working Maine harbor.

Bar seating is available for dinner service by reservation only. Please check with the host to inquire about bar seating.

Our lounge is open for cocktails and raw bar every day beginning at 4:00pm.

We are only able to seat complete parties at this time. Please note: our patio reservations are weather dependent. If we need to make a change because of weather, we will call you on the day of your reservation to cancel or reschedule your booking.

Top review

JonVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great service, loved the drinks and food, thank you

The Mountain Room - Peak Lodge

4.8

4.8 (177)

$31 to $50

Dining Bar

Bethel

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Mountain Room. Portland Chef Harding Lee Smith & staff are back for another unforgettable season at Sunday River. Using the best of Maine centric purveyors as backbone & honored by USA TODAY as one of the "Best Ski Restaurants", The Mountain Room is a can't miss experience. Located mid mountain at North Peak lodge, TMR mixes distinctive hospitality with tremendous views of the surrounding Mahoosuc Range.
Reservations are highly recommended. Due to high volume, please advise- Late reservations will only be held for 10 minutes. A season pass or day ticket is required to access lift. Please call or stop in with any questions. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

DanielVIP

Dined on Mar 28, 2025

Love MR, we walked up and down in snow shoes today, worth it! Get up there!

Lucky Cheetah

4.8

4.8 (291)

$31 to $50

Chinese

Portland

About the restaurant

Dumpling enthusiasts and champagne lovers alike can indulge in in the elevated, yet unpretentious fine-dining experience offered in this sexy, and intimate underground hideaway. The menu honors Cantonese classics with dishes Char Siu Bao, while creative offerings such as Lobster Dumplings with Scallion Sabayon showcase culinary innovation in this celebration of Chinese American fare. A deep champagne and wine list complements the menu, and at the 11-seat Pink Italian Stone bar, classic cocktails are shaken up with unique spice combinations and Asian-produced liquors, like an Old Fashioned riff “Old Prosperity” made with Bourbon and Amaro Nonino at Portland, ME

Note: Table reservation durations: 1.5 hours for parties of two, 2 hours for parties of 4 or more. Walk-in seats are available at the bar.

Top review

Renee

Dined 5 days ago

We went as a family and thoroughly enjoyed our meal. We loved sharing and tasting a wide variety of foods. The flavors were unique and very well done. The wait staff were very attentive . Our drinks were excellent. I loved the Ying and Yang!!

REGARDS

4.6

4.6 (299)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Portland

About the restaurant

Bringing some LA vibes to the northeast. REGARDS draws inspiration from the diverse food culture of Los Angeles. We highlight flavor profiles from Japan and Mexico with the freshest of Maine produce and products.

The menu at REGARDS has bright, zippy ceviches and crudos, rich tamales, plump Argentinian shrimp tacos, along with mezcal cured hamachi collars, crab rice and grilled cabbage with caesar.

Clarified lime margaritas with eucalyptus or our gin and sotol martinis with hibiscus pair with our adventurous menu. We pour natural wine and have a large selection of curated mezcals and tequilas.

A place for us and for you. Might not make sense, but it sure is delicious. Across the street from Reny's. Nearby Maine College of Art, Portland Stage Company, State Theatre, Empire Comedy Club and Blue Jazz Club.

**The 50 Best New Restaurants of 2022, Bon Appetit**
**Plate Magazine Chef's To Watch, 2023**
**Star Chef New England, 2023**

Top review

Andrew

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Excellent, inventive food. Nice service, nice people. Thanks.

Discover more

4.5

4.5 (874)

$31 to $50

American

Kennebunkport

About the restaurant

Experience culinary excellence at The Burleigh, a delightful tavern-style restaurant located at the Kennebunkport Inn, named in honor of its original owner. Revel in the inviting ambiance, featuring warm red walls and polished wood that create a cozy dining atmosphere. Treat your taste buds to a diverse menu that includes locally sourced seafood, hearty burgers, and innovative cocktails. Enjoy elevated pub fare with delicious gluten-free and vegan options expertly prepared by Chef John Shaw. For an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Kennebunkport, visit The Burleigh.

Discover The Burleigh Botanical Bar: Step into The Burleigh Botanical Bar and immerse yourself in a whimsical oasis adorned with organic florals, herbs, and candlelit charm. Relish herbaceous spring cocktails and delightful bites in this enchanting botanical haven, open until September 1st.

Open Wednesday-Sunday 4-8 PM. OpenTable Reservations are for the dining room only.

Top review

Alan

Dined 2 days ago

The service was excellent and the food was outstanding! Great location and atmosphere…

Little Tap House

4.5

4.5 (406)

$30 and under

Bistro

Portland

About the restaurant

A neighborhood gastropub featuring 14 local beverages on tap and scratch-kitchen fare. Menu features shares, entrees and house-made desserts. Reservations available in our dining room; our bar and high-top area is almost always dedicated to walk-ins. For reservations for seven or more, email us at littletaphouse@gmail.com.

Steps away from popular venues such as the Portland Museum of Art, Cross Insurance Arena, and the State Theater. A welcoming dining experience for locals and visitors-alike!

Top review

Benjamin

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Fantastic beer, food and service. Apps were great. Burger was fantastic. Lobster roll, deviled eggs, steak frites…all great!

Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company Ogunquit, ME, US

4.4

4.4 (11)

$30 and under

American

Ogunquit

About the restaurant

What started as a tribute to our beloved town on the Maine coast has evolved into a multi-location operation offering traditional style craft beer, gourmet pizza, a full brewpub menu, dine-in service, patio dining, delivery services, canned beer, growlers to go, and more.

We built this company on a passion for community involvement. Although we continue to grow, this remains one of our core values. As a result, our calendar is always full of community events and local fundraisers. Whether you are looking for a restaurant for a Friday night out, pizza to go, or an ice-cold 4-pack to take on your weekend adventures, we have you covere

Top review

Susan

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

We ate outside and it was just delightful. Our server was very on top of things and quite pleasant

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