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37 places to brunch in Greater Portland
These restaurants take brunch way beyond pancakes and bacon. (But you can get those too.)
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If your idea of brunch is eggs Benedict and a bloody Mary on a lazy Sunday morning, well, Greater Portland’s got plenty of that – and a whole lot more. From shrimp and grits to soup dumplings, breakfast nachos and bratwurst, the variety of food you can find on these brunch menus knows no bounds. While some spots reserve the meal for midday Sunday, others serve it all day – or week – long. So whenever the brunch hankering hits, head here to see what options are on the table. We’ve got it all hashed out.
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Artemesia
Just outside the Old Port’s hustle and bustle, Artemesia is an inviting cafe with its own twist on brunch dishes, including kielbasa hash, a California omelet with avocado, and huevos rancheros.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
61 Pleasant St., Portland
artemisiacafe.com -
Bake Maine Pottery Cafe
The combination pottery shop and cafe re-opened under new owners at the start of the year but still offers brunch all day every day. The bakery features a variety of cookies and cakes and brioche with candied orange and almond filling. A few highlights from the menu include the Power Toast (multigrain bread with almond butter, coconut and bananas) a Korean beef sandwich and the Not Your Everyday Joe (meatloaf sandwich with Pepper Jack cheese, pickled onions, tomato, arugula and sriracha mayonnaise on focaccia).
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
118 Washington Ave., Portland
facebook.com/bakemaine
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Batson River Brewing & Distilling
As you can imagine, the cocktail situation is fabulous and includes something called Pining For You (Ripirian gin, creme de violetts, lemon, honey, root wild lavender kombucha and orange bitters). But they’ve also got an impressive brunch menu with duck fat cornbread, beignets, eggs Benedict and banana bread French toast. If you’re more in the mood for lunch, try the Batson burger or fried chicken sandwich.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
18 Hanover St., Portland
batsonriver.com -
The Bayou Kitchen
Just off the peninsula, this Cajun food haven serves gumbo, red beans and rice and a host of omelets, including The Mudbug Madness (crawfish, cheddar and homemade salsa) and The Smokin’ Caterpillar (homemade hash, grilled onions and Swiss cheese served with cornbread, biscuits or toast and grits, home fries or beans and rice).
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
543 Deering Ave., Portland
thebayoukitchenmaine.com -
Bayside American Cafe
This is the place to go for classy breakfast fare including the smoked salmon plate, crabcake Benedict and scampi scramble. They’ll also satisfy your sweet tooth with cinnamon bun pancakes (made with a swirl of cinnamon and cream cheese frosting).
7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday to Monday
98 Portland St., Portland
baysideamericancafe.com
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Bernie’s Foreside
Bernie’s serves breakfast every day, but switches over to lunch at 11 a.m. on weekdays. On weekends, however, it’s breakfast only until Bernie’s closes at noon. The attached bagel shop means an abundance of options to hold together your breakfast sandwich, and the rest of the menu is quite robust with offerings like the Big Bopper (two eggs, two slices of bacon, two sausage links, home fries and one pancake or French toast).
7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday
204 Route 1, Falmouth
berniesforeside.com -
Bird & Co.
While Bird & Co. is known for its expansive taco and cocktail menu, it also offers a tempting brunch menu which, unsurprisingly, includes breakfast tacos in five varieties including chorizo and shredded beef. You can also sink your teeth into churro French toast, huevos rancheros and avocado toast. What’s more, Bird & Co. offers a standard menu and a plant-based one for vegans.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
539 Deering Ave., Portland
thebirdandco.com
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Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room
You’ll be right by the ocean as you have brunch that includes four types of bennies served over house-made popovers. Try The Fresh Maine Lobster (two poached eggs, handpicked lobster meat and hollandaise). Boone’s also offers the usual suspects like French toast and hash and eggs. On the lunch front, try the lobster risotto and the classic lobster roll. You can even get a lobster bloody Mary, served with a lobster claw.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
86 Commercial St., Portland
boonesfishhouse.com -
Brea Lu
This Westbrook spot is great for classic American breakfast items like steak and eggs, homemade corned beef hash and Belgian waffles. You can also nosh on a fruit and yogurt parfait and sip on a bloody Mary – or two. Brea Lu will be closing at the end of April to prepare for a move to 511 Main St. The restaurant expects to open in its new, larger spot in June.
7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Sunday
9 Cumberland St., Westbrook
facebook.com/brealu9/ -
Cafe Louis
Cafe Louis is all about Costa Rican and Caribbean food, and it shows up in the brunch offerings. Try the cebiche plate (daily seafood, diced chiles, leche de tigre, red onion, cilantro, green banana) or the grilled radicchio (roasted banana, Maine crab, sunchoke, coriander, sesame, citrus). You can also dig into a chickpea patty sandwich or the Louis burger (brisket, green chile, queso chihuahua, iceberg lettuce and bacon).
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
173 Ocean St., South Portland
cafelouis.me
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CBG Bar & Grill
You can brunch all day and night on Mondays at CBG, which boasts ham and cheese fritters, coddled eggs (truffled potatoes, creamed spinach, poached eggs, toast) and peach cobbler French toast. If you like mixing eggs with adult beverages, add a Roma Paloma to your order.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to midnight Monday
617 Congress St., Portland
cbgportland.com -
Crispy Gai
Crispy Gai colors way outside the lines of traditional brunch fare and a star of its brunch menu is the Chicken Sammy (extra crispy chicken thigh on a Martin’s sesame seed potato bun) available in spicy, classic and satay. Consider a side of sauce to dip it in, such as chili crisp or Nam Jim Gai (sweet chili). Other dishes to dig into include cabbage salad, Sai Oua Sammy (sai oua sausage, cheese, fried egg, english muffin) and Siu Mai dumplings (pork, shrimp, flying fish roe, dipping sauce).
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
90 Exchange St., Portland
crispygai.com
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Dockside Grill
Taste some fancy flavors in Falmouth with a brunch visit to the Dockside Grill. Start things off with ahi tuna tartare or Bangs Islands mussels. For the next course consider a cup of lobster and corn chowder. Then really dig in with brioche doughnuts or Eggs in Purgatory (two poached eggs, stewed tomatoes, red bell peppers, onion, chili flakes and grilled crostini). Dockside will also quench your thirst with a Bellini or Grand Mimosa (fresh orange juice, Grand Marnier and prosecco).
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
215 Foreside Road, Falmouth
thedocksidegrill.com -
Dutch’s
Dutch’s serves breakfast every day that it’s open, but on the weekends, it runs into lunchtime, when it becomes brunch. Breakfast sandwich selections range from the cripsy chicken biscuit to the ham and cheese deluxe. You’ll also find blueberry pancakes and avocado toast. On the pastry front, Dutch’s has brioche cinnamon buns, croissants, muffins and seasonal danishes.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
28 Preble St., Portland
dutchsportland.com/ -
Eighteen95
Most hotels serve breakfast, but they don’t all turn it up for Sunday brunch like the Regency’s Eighteen95 does. Entrees include Maine blueberry malted pancakes with sausage or sugar-cured bacon, a fresh fruit option and a lobster Benedict.
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday
20 Milk St., Portland
theregency.com -
The Front Room
One of Portland’s most popular brunches is a five-day-a-week event. The menu ranges from biscuits and gravy to potato gnocchi (made with poached eggs, spinach, bacon and house-made hollandaise) to silver dollar pancakes. Don’t forget a side of bacon and a blueberry muffin.
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday
73 Congress St., Portland
thefrontroomrestaurant.com
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The Good Table
The Good Table has been a reliable spot for brunching decadence for many years, from Tony’s corned beef hash and Jose’s veggie burrito to blueberry crepes and their larger-than-life cinnamon buns. If you’re looking to lunch, try the haddock sandwich or the traditional Greek salad.
12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
527 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth
thegoodtablerestaurant.com
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Hot Suppa
The Southern-style joint has shrimp and grits on the menu and chicken and waffles. There’s also a spinach and artichoke scramble, corned beef hash and pulled pork egg sandwich among the offerings. It’s no wonder there’s always a waiting line.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily
703 Congress St., Portland
hotsuppa.com
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Jackrabbit Cafe
The cafe specializes in open-faced sandwiches served on Danish rye bread and the brunch menu features smoked haddock and chicken salad versions. There’s also potato-leek soup for the lunch-minded and sourdough buns or savory grain porridge for those in the mood for breakfast.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
14 Main St., Biddeford
jackrabbitmaine.com
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LB Kitchen
LB Kitchen focuses on local and organic ingredients. Dig into a stack of golden milk pancakes with grass-fed butter and Maine maple syrup or try the Yogurt Mess, made with local organic whole milk yogurt, seasonal fruit and house-made granola. The menu also includes all sorts of smoothies and bowls.
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
255 Congress St., Portland
lbkitchenportlandme.com
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Local 188
A lighthearted vibe and top-notch cocktails keep this West End staple bustling. At brunch, options include Trent’s picadillo hash (Cuban ground beef on cheesy corn tortillas with tomatoes, olives & tamarind, two eggs and home fries) and Eggs Quarantine (capicola, hollandaise, two poached eggs, English muffin and home fries). If you’re a bloody Mary fan, Local 188 mixes eight varieties of them.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
85 Congress St., Portland
local188.com
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The Maker’s Galley
They call it the Pajama Brunch because you’ll get 5% knocked off your bill if you show up wearing your PJs. Enjoy a flight of mimosas while you dive into the Wharf Boy Sandwich or the Nelly Frittata. If you’re feeling more in the mood for lunch, The Maker’s Galley has yummy items including Et tu Brute? (Caesar salad, house dressing, anchovy, sourdough croutons with optional chicken skewer) and Olive It A Lot (warm olives, herbs, feta, orange peel) among a few other tempting treats.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
5 Commercial St., Portland
themakersgalley.com
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Miss Portland Diner
An everyday breakfast and lunch spot, complete with diner car, this Portland institution has a huge menu packed with classics like steak and eggs, omelets and breakfast burritos. They up their game even more on the weekends with food and drink specials, from milkshakes to mimosas, plus egg-centric dishes and bonus pancake flavors.
8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily
140 Marginal Way, Portland
missportlanddiner.com
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Other Side Diner
Tamp down your hunger pangs with the Hercules Breakfast. It’s a righteous feast of two eggs, two pancakes, choice of meat, toast and hash browns. Other Side Diner, which serves breakfast and lunch all day with a flair for Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, also offers Greek salad and a lamb gyro.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily
500 Washington Ave., Portland
othersidediner.com
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Palace Diner
No matter the time or the day, you’ll likely be waiting for a seat as this small, iconic spot. The buttermilk flapjacks are a favorite, which is why the menu lets eaters know they’re always available before noon, and sometimes after. Both breakfast and lunch – featuring a fried chicken sandwich with cabbage slaw and jalapenos – are available all day. The Palace Potatoes are a must.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily
18 Franklin St., Biddeford
palacedinerme.com
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Petite Jacqueline
The Petite Jacqueline brunch menu features several types of crepes, including ham and gruyere. Small plates include French onion soup and pickled veggies. Start your meal off with The Isadora made with vodka, grapefruit juice, Chambord and St. Germain.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
46 Market St., Portland
bistropj.com -
The Porthole
The menu at this waterfront mainstay is centered on ramped-up diner classics such as lobster Benedicts, steak and eggs and buttermilk pancakes with several topping options. And, of course, there are the amazing views of Portland Harbor.
7 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily
Custom House Wharf, Portland
portholemaine.com
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Royal River Grill House
Brunch at Royal River Grill House can begin with crispy calamari, a formaggio or butter board, or truffle cheese fries. Other notable menu items include pork belly Benedict, prime rib hash, steakhouse poutine and the Grill House breakfast (two eggs, toast, home fries and bacon or sausage). Plus, it’s a gorgeous spot to spend your morning.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
106 Lafayette St., Lower Falls Landing, Yarmouth
royalrivergrillhouse.com -
Ruski’s
Ruski’s serves its entire menu all day. So, if you’re late to get your Sunday started, you can still get an omelet here at 8 p.m. – or meatloaf on Monday morning. They’ve got all the usual suspects for breakfast, so you can fill up on eggs, pancakes and French toast while you throw back a bloody Mary.
8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Monday
212 Danforth St., Portland
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Salt Yard Cafe & Bar
Looking for sweet? Try the coconut almond yogurt mix or the spiced buttermilk pancakes as you take in the views of busy Commercial Street. If savory is your thing, there’s sweet potato hash or curried carrot and leek soup. The sandwich side of the menu boasts a few breakfast options and a delicata squash and mushroom bahn mi.
7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily
285 Commercial St., Portland
saltyardrestaurantandbar.com -
Samuel’s Bar and Grill
Breakfast pizza anyone? It sure looks good at Samuel’s Bar and Grill topped with scrambled eggs, mozzarella and provolone and corned beef. You can also customize to suit your taste buds. For more traditional fare, they’ve got the old standby of two eggs any style with bacon or sausage, home fries or hash browns and toast. Need more options? Dirt wings and tenders are also available during brunch hours.
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
1160 Forest Ave., Portland
facebook.com/samuelsbarandgrill
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Sea Dog Brewing Company
Cinnamon sticky buns and Maine wild blueberry pancakes anyone? You’ll find those tasty treats and many more at the South Portland location of Sea Dog Brewing Company. Other tempting items on the brunch menu are biscuits and gravy with sunny-side-up eggs, lobster Benedict and huevos rancheros. Featured cocktails include a blueberry mojito, prosecco mule and a paloma.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
125 Western Ave., South Portland
seadogbrewing.com
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Sea Glass
You don’t need to be a guest at the luxe Inn by the Sea to enjoy the fine dining experience of brunch at Sea Glass. Menu items include pimento cheese biscuit & sausage gravy, blueberry pancakes with blueberry butter, and baked ricotta. If you’re feeling more lunchy than brunchy, you’ll also find things like a brunch burger that comes with a fried egg and a classic lobster roll. Be sure to take a stroll outside after your feast, as it really is a lovely spot.
7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Inn by the Sea, 40A Bowery Beach Road, Cape Elizabeth
seaglassmaine.com -
Sinful Kitchen
There’s regular decadent and then there’s Peanut Butter Cup Belgian waffle decadent. The Sinful Kitchen is all about the over-the-top side of brunch and is so committed, the brunch menu is available every day. Other tempting dishes are the meat waffle pizza, a Monte Cristo and a BBQ pulled pork omelet. There’s also a section of the menu called Friends with Benedicts.
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily
952 Brighton Ave., Portland
thesinfulkitchen.com
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Three Dollar Dewey’s
This has been one of the Old Port’s northern stars since 1980, but has elevated its food game under the current owners. Tempting menu offerings include the pulled pork egg sandwich, avocado toast and buttermilk waffles. Brunch cocktails include the Morning Mule (Tito’s vodka, orange juice, lime juice and ginger beer) and a breakfast margarita (Hornitos Silver Tequila, orange marmalade, Cointreau, lime juice and orange juice). Might be a good idea to get there on foot.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
241 Commercial St., Portland
threedollardeweys.com -
Tomaso’s Canteen
You get double everything plus sriracha-maple mayo on The Dominator, a breakfast sandwich to end all breakfast sandwiches. There’s also a burger, a burrito and a sausage sandwich, all of which come with eggs. Plus, there are a half-dozen brunch cocktails, like the Cliff Island Iced Tea, made with Ice Pik vodka, Allen’s, Kahlua, Bailey’s, Frangelico and milk.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
18 Hampshire St., Portland
tomasoscanteen.com -
Union
This brunch is a tapestry of culinary creations including brioche French toast, homestyle grits, winter hash and Maine lobster eggs Benedict. Sides include a chocolate croissant and toasted local bread. If you’d rather skip the breakfast fare, there’s also beer battered fish and chips and a corned beef reuben.
7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
1390 Congress St., Portland
unionportland.com
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