Scales

Name: Scales
Address: 68-72 Commercial St, Portland, ME, United States, 04101
Telephone: (207) 805-0444
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

4177 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

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.

Please note our patio reservations are weather dependent. If we need to make any changes due to weather, we'll call you on the day of to cancel or reschedule.

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

We are only able to seat complete parties at this time.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 27, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 155 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Contemporary French
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(207) 805-0444
Website
http://scalesrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Frederic Eliot
Private party contact
Assistant Front of House Coordinator Kelly Scharf: (207) 805-0444

Location
68-72 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Neighborhood
Portland
Parking details
We have complimentary valet parking while you are dining with us.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Maine Clam Chowder
- Cup$8.25
- Bowl$12.50
Tomato & Fennel Soup
confit mussels
- Cup$7.25
- Bowl$11.00
Green Salad$12.00
mixed lettuces, cucumber, red wine vinaigrette
Chopped Vegetables$13.50
iceberg, crisp lettuces, creamy buttermilk dressing
Endive & Stilton$14.50
crispy prosciutto, sourdough croutons, dijon vinaigrette
Asparagus$14.50
Spring herbs, shaved mushrooms, smoked almonds, goat gouda, lemon

Appetizers

Maine Steamer Clams$19.50
drawn butter, white wine broth
Bangs Island Mussels$18.50
hard cider, Raye's mustard, cream, dill
Salt Cod Croquettes$10.50
roasted pepper aioli
Smoked Bluefish Paté$13.50
olive & caper relish, toasted sourdough
Fried Cauliflower$13.50
cucumber yogurt sauce, herbs
Grilled Octopus$19.00
chorizo & hazelnut vinaigrette, crispy yuca
Crab Fritters$15.50
Jonah crab, tartar sauce, radishes
Fried Oysters
tartar sauce, smoked jalapeño aioli
- Side$21.00
- Plate$34.00
Fried Squid & Cherry Peppers
tartar sauce, smoked jalapeño aioli
- Side$18.00
- Plate$32.00
Fried Whole Belly Clams
tartar sauce, smoked jalapeño aioli; available in Side or Plate
- Market

Raw Bar

On the Half Shell

served with house cocktail sauce, seaweed mignonette & lemon

Oysters*
- 1/2 Dozen$18.00
- 1 Dozen$34.00
Littleneck Clams*
- 1/2 Dozen$11.50
- 1 Dozen$21.50

Fish & Shellfish

Kingfish Crudo*$19.00
Fresno chili, garlic, lime, tempura crisps
Halibut Ceviche*$16.00
roasted pineapple hot sauce, jalapeño, corn crisp
Tuna Crudo*$19.00
lemon aioli, fried shallot, fennel, Aleppo pepper
Tuna Tartare*$18.00
maitake confit, pumpkin seeds, black garlic

Sea

Pan Roasted Halibut$44.00
brown butter, hazelnuts, Maine fingerling potatoes, lemon
Seared Scallops*$42.00
asparagus, applewood bacon, oyster mushroom, spinach, morel cream
Pan Roasted King Salmon*$44.00
spring vegetable ragout, tarragon butter
Baked Haddock$39.00
morel mushrooms, salsify, cipollini onion, fumet cream
Grilled Swordfish$44.00
tarbais beans, kale, red pepper & pine nut vinaigrette
Broiled Cod$37.00
mushroom & leek ragout, hakurei turnips, mustard beurre blanc
Seafood Stew$38.00
clams, mussels, white fish, squid, pancetta, roasted fennel, soffrito
Fish & Chips$28.50
beer battered cod, tartar sauce, smoked jalapeño aioli
Grilled Whole Branzino$34.00
roasted almond butter, paprika, coriander, grilled lemon
Fried Whole Market Fish
citrus-chili slaw, sweet & sour vinaigrette
- Market
Steamed Maine Lobster
cornbread, coleslaw, drawn butter
- Market
Pan Roasted Lobster
fines herbes pan sauce, toasted pullman, butter lettuce
- Market

Land

Pineland Farm Bavette Steak*$38.00
Spring Brook Reading, potato gratin, maitake
Pan Roasted Duck Breast*$42.00
smoked duck & pistachio sausage, chard, confit potato
Short Rib Pot Roast$41.00
roasted root vegetables, red wine beef jus

Sandwiches

served with French fries, coleslaw & a dill pickle on house-made bread

Scales Warm Buttered Lobster Roll
griddled split top roll, house mayonnaise
- Market
Fried Fish Sandwich$18.50
iceberg lettuce, tartar sauce, sesame bun
Grass-Fed Cheeseburger*$18.50
Caldwell Farm beef, aged white cheddar, burger sauce

Vegetables & Sides

French Fries
- Side$5.50
- Plate$7.50
Loaded Hasselback Potato$12.50
Cauliflower Gratin with Bacon and Gruyère$8.25
Broccolini with Guanciale$8.50
Scales Coleslaw$4.50

What 4,177 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Boston / New England
Seafood
Boston / New England
Most Booked
Maine
Hot Spot
Maine
Seafood
Maine
Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

SC
SouthernCross99
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best meals I’ve had in awhile. Best scallops I’ve ever had. Highly recommend!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service. Halibut was outstanding
DC
DelC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our two top was too close to the next to top. Felt like we could rub elbows. The food was excellent and thoughtfully created. Nellie was well trained and engaging.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a fantastic dinner! We made a reservation for bar seating & I’m so glad we did! We got the 3 different types of oysters and they shuck them directly in front of you on the bar! Also the corn crab chowder, clover leaf rolls, brown butter halibut, and lobster roll were very good! 10/10 recommend!
a
anthonyb
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic experience from the minute we walked in the door. We were celebrating a birthday and it was acknowledged by several employees including a card at our seat. The service was the best and the food was top-notch. We will definitely be back.
MF
MattF
Omaha
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere and delicious food! Highly recommend
J
Janine
New England
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food - best steamers we have ever had, and we live on the New England coast. The service was great too.
a
amazing
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We sat at the bar, which was fun. Oysters served on ice and opened in front of us. The food and drinks were amazing! Lots of people hustling around; overall the service was just right. Noisy but could still talk and the atmosphere was upbeat and lively. Of course Portland prices are high but on par with elsewhere.
JS
JaneS
New England
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
The Haddock dish could you use a lighter touch on the cream. Any good chef knows it shouldn't be thick as chowder. Please try to get more oysters from the Damariscotta region. Otherwise, this is the best restaurant for seafood in Portland and lots of fun.
EB
ElaineB
Louisville
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
75th Birthday
B
Belino
New England
72 reviews
vip
5.0
72 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful halibut!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Miami
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding venue, food and service!!!!!! I can’t wait to come back with a few other family members.
CH
CurtH
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience. The team went out of their way to make our anniversary special.
TG
TomG
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Upon entry diners are pleasantly and promptly welcomed and quickly seated. There is a very friendly feel to the experience. Food is gourmet, very good wine list, innovative entrees. Overall ecellent experience.
KA
KarenA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great and expensive but worth it for the quality-- one of my fav restaurants
OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dinner and fantastic service at our bar seats. It was very fun and the food was good. We will be back!
NA
NancyA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently the best place to go in Portland for delicious food, a lively atmosphere and personalized service. It’s the place to celebrate important occasions or show visiting guests why we live here!
T
Teri
New England
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall3food3service4ambience2
Very Very noisy. Halibut had nice preparation however was over cooked. Not to be expected at this price point. Delicious oysters. Significant size difference in portions of same order. Loved the waterside setting
DA
DAVIDP
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time to Scales, although we are locals. Reception and service was outstanding. Branzino was excellent.
SM
SusaMac
Caribbean
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
From the time you walk in, to the valet who shared the umbrella with my 92yo mother when we were waiting in the rain when we left, it was wonderful! The waitress was very patient in explaining the menu questions to my mother, she was so pleasant. Although the noise level is loud, we still really loved the food, (Pollock with succatash, oysters and crab fritters, and pot roast) were so delicious!
DC
DanielC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 19, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience2
Noisy, NYC atmosphere. Our server was attentive and on point. My wife’s appetizer was crab fritters with crispy and light crust, well seasoned crab stuffing and she thoroughly enjoyed it. My appetizer was tuna crude with Aleppo pepper and lemon aioli. We’ll done! The flavors bursted in my mouth as I ate. Seared sea scallops with corn was good, sauce could have been a little more cohesive. Duck breast entree with duck sausage was cooked to specifications (med rare) but could have used a more robust, flavorful sauce. Dessert was cherry cheesecake which was enjoyable and roasted peach pound cake which was so so. The cake was over baked and dry and the peaches should have been caramelized
MK
MKH714
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were in town for a few days and booked this ahead of time based on outstanding reviews. The food was incredible! We were "wow"ed by every single thing we ate! You can't skip this place. Absolutely a 5 star meal. We highly recommend the corn bread, scallops, and squash au gratin!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 19, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
A bit expensive for what it is. However, I would 100% go back! The service and environment and fantastic
A
Alberti
New Orleans
24 reviews
vip
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
Scales is a beautiful restaurant. The atmosphere and service are outstanding. Portland does not have many dining options but this is a great new addition . My appetizer and oysters were wonderful but my main dish was not great The haddock special in a baked bean succotash was not wonderful. The sauce overpowered the fish. My husband’s halibut was very salty. I would return but I would be wary of the menu.
P
Packard40
New England
73 reviews
vip
5.0
73 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Scales is on the water which makes a great atmosphere. Food was delicious and portions large. Large wine list. Even though you pay extra for the bread selection it is worth it. The rolls we had to die for. Highly recommend
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took my best high school friends (from LA, Scottsdale & Charlotte) to Scales to celebrate turning 50. The scallops were amazing as usual as were the other dishes we had including the seafood stew, and halibut. We sat outside and even had entertainment by the cover band at a neighboring establishment. Scales always delivers!
D
Domer84
Chicago
39 reviews
vip
4.0
39 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Great food… but the number of guests they welcomed is so large that it impacted the service (not as attentive as in the past) and food (just a tad off the mark… fish too well done for example)
JD
JoeD
New York Area
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience3
We were seated right away, table was in an OK area, there was lots of foot traffic. Waitress was fair, we had to ask for the specials and we heard the waiter give it to the people next to us and there was an entree special. Our waitress didn’t tell us the entree, when I questioned it she said there wasn’t an entree, they never have an entree special . Really? Oh well. Our food was very good, our wine was very good. Overall it was a good dining experience.
RJ
RebeccaJ
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always an amazing dining experience!
m
mdroz
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had bar seat reservations, wonderful bar server, great ambiance. Chatted with people left and right.Food was delicious and plated perfectly. Cannot wait to return!
JR
JenniferR
Seattle
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent, staff was friendly and helpful, loved our experience from start to finish.
F
Formerfoodie
Minneapolis
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always enjoy Scales. It is very loud inside so weather permitting suggest eating on the patio.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everyone loved what they ordered. Our waitress was exceptional.
V
Visitor2022
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brought some friends, some that even said they didn't like seafood. Everyone was amazed by the food.
J
Johno
Baltimore
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Spacious venue with harbor view. Great service and food. Our favorite place in Portland.
KB
KateyB
Atlanta
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was one of the best meals I’ve ever experienced. The scallops were outstanding. They also made extra effort to recognize our milestone birthdays that we were celebrating which was a nice touch. I’ll definitely go back the next time I’m in Portland.
JH
JohnH
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic dinner!!! The dining room was loud enough that it made conversation a little challenging. With that said, the meal was amazing and the service was outstanding!
SL
SherylL
New Orleans
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2022
overall2food4service4ambience1
Our table wasn’t ready when we arrived for our reservation. We were seated within about 15 minutes. The noise level was so load that I had to yell at my husband across the table which was a big drawback. The food was good. We wouldn’t stay for dessert since it was too loud. Frankly, it was a roar.
LR
LeslieR
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
It is a bit noisy! But the food is fabulous! Ambiance and service were very good.
MN
MarcyN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful place. The food was EXCELLENT!!! Highly recommended.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Scales is rated 4.8 stars by 4177 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

Sep 27, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 155 times today

68-72 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Portland
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Contemporary French
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
We have complimentary valet parking while you are dining with us.
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Frederic Eliot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://scalesrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(207) 805-0444
Private party contact
Assistant Front of House Coordinator Kelly Scharf: (207) 805-0444

Scales

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

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Seafood Stew

Oysters

Seared Scallops

House-Made Breads

Ramp Rolls$5.25

Anadama Bread$4.25

New England Cornbread$4.25

Griddled Brown Bread$3.25

Soups & Salads

Maine Clam Chowder

Tomato & Fennel Soup

Green Salad$12.00

Chopped Vegetables$13.50

Endive & Stilton$14.50

Asparagus$14.50

Appetizers

Maine Steamer Clams$19.50

Bangs Island Mussels$18.50

Salt Cod Croquettes$10.50

Smoked Bluefish Paté$13.50

Fried Cauliflower$13.50

Grilled Octopus$19.00

Crab Fritters$15.50

Fried Oysters

Fried Squid & Cherry Peppers

Fried Whole Belly Clams

Raw Bar

On the Half Shell

Oysters*

Littleneck Clams*

Fish & Shellfish

Kingfish Crudo*$19.00

Halibut Ceviche*$16.00

Tuna Crudo*$19.00

Tuna Tartare*$18.00

Sea

Pan Roasted Halibut$44.00

Seared Scallops*$42.00

Pan Roasted King Salmon*$44.00

Baked Haddock$39.00

Grilled Swordfish$44.00

Broiled Cod$37.00

Seafood Stew$38.00

Fish & Chips$28.50

Grilled Whole Branzino$34.00

Fried Whole Market Fish

Steamed Maine Lobster

Pan Roasted Lobster

Land

Pineland Farm Bavette Steak*$38.00

Pan Roasted Duck Breast*$42.00

Short Rib Pot Roast$41.00

Sandwiches

Scales Warm Buttered Lobster Roll

Fried Fish Sandwich$18.50

Grass-Fed Cheeseburger*$18.50

Vegetables & Sides

French Fries

Loaded Hasselback Potato$12.50

Cauliflower Gratin with Bacon and Gruyère$8.25

Broccolini with Guanciale$8.50

Scales Coleslaw$4.50

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

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Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

How is Scales restaurant rated?

Is Scales currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas