We will be traveling up to Bar Harbor and are looking for a suggestion of where to stop for lunch in Portland. A few years ago somebody on here suggested Tuscan Brick Oven in Freeport and it was one of the best lunches I ever had (even recommended it to a friend and she loved it). We will most likely stop there in one direction and need a place to stop in the other direction. Not seafood (we will be sick of lobster after our Bar Harbor stay). Casual and our favorite foods are pizza and pasta (but would be open to something else).
Check out Becky’s Diner when you are in Portland. They have the best fresh seafood around!
I highly recommend “Duck Fat”. It’s a small place but a friend recently told me that they had outdoor seating now. Food is excellent.
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You beat me to it. Duck Fat has fantastic sandwiches and milk shakes.
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Nvm
I would not support Linda Bean’s business due to her political affiliations. If you are a blue stater look her up. If you support the previous administration she is right up your alley.
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I have a cousin that insist one never eat at a chain restaurant when traveling. His suggestion is to always check with the locals and dine at a place special to where you are. That is where we found the air-stream near Portland that only served lobster rolls. This was 15 years ago; it was located on a long, quiet road and had picnic tables where you could eat. I guess this might have been prior to food trucks; best lobster rolls we every had!
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We live just north of Portland. My favorite place is the Royal River Grillhouse in Yarmouth, 20 minutes north of Portland. They have an outdoor seating area that overlooks the pretty harbor. The food is excellent, too. We enjoy taking out of state guests there.
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Wherever you want to go, make reservations well in advance! As a local, I forget how much harder it is to get reservations this time of year and get caught sometimes.
Just to clarify, we are not staying in Portland, just stopping for a few hours to stretch our legs, browse the cute shops, and grab lunch. So we need something quick, casual, and in town.
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I totally agree with your plan. Haven’t been to Portland in a few years but it’s a great place to just roam around, see what there is to see(lots) and maybe even happen upon a casual place to grab lunch that looks interesting .Have fun!
Four of us friends will be headed up to Portland for the day next Sunday. Have reservations for a spa package later in the afternoon. Would like to grab brunch/lunch before that. Need vegetarian options primarily. Any recommendations? A brunch place with good mimosas would be fabulous!
Second FallGirl’s recommendation for Duck Fat–great place! We also like BaoBao Dumpling House–the chef/owner grew up in my town in MA (she was a year older than my youngest).
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They had me at “fried in duck fat”… yum. That menu looks awesome.
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Yes, Duck Fat is great! Enjoy Portland! 
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I don’t think Duck Fat would work for a group of vegetarians 
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Missed the vegetarian part!! Here’s the menu from the website. It looks like there are a few vegetarian options (no vegan options). I guess if there are more vegetarians than non-vegetarians this might not be your place.
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