Portland trip report - one day

Question

The terminus of our New England road trip brought us to Portland, and I'm so glad it did. We arrived at the AC Marriott Downtown and could not be happier. The staff are friendly and the location is awesome. We walked down to the Highroller for lobster rolls and then Uber'd to Austin Street brewery.

We then walked to Orange Bike brewery, Belleflower, and Lone Pine. All very good places for a pint. We especially enjoyed Belleflower's outdoor space and chill vibe.

We then headed to dinner at Thames Landing and wrapped the trip up. Amazing service and food. All around great experience in Portland. It's s a beautiful and friendly city.

Answer

It sounds like your one-day visit to Portland was packed and very enjoyable! Portland is indeed a compact city, which makes it perfect for exploring on foot combined with occasional short Uber rides.

Your stay at the AC Marriott Downtown seems to have been ideal for access to both food and brewery spots. The hotel’s central location is great for walking around the Old Port area and enjoying the waterfront.

For food and drink highlights, it’s clear you made the most of Portland’s culinary scene:

Highroller Lobster Co: A must for lobster rolls. Its casual and accessible setup makes it easy for a quick, tasty lunch.
Austin Street Brewery: A local brewery with a variety of craft beers. Good stop if you enjoy trying small-batch brews.
Orange Bike Brewery, Belleflower, and Lone Pine: These spots show Portland’s vibrant craft beer scene. Belleflower’s outdoor space is particularly nice for a relaxed pint.
Thames Landing: Ending the day with a dinner here sounds perfect. Great service and food make it a strong conclusion to your day in Portland.

Additional tips for future Portland trips based on your experience:

Consider walking the waterfront and Eastern Promenade for scenic views if time allows.
Explore more of the breweries in East Bayside or Arts District for variety, especially if you enjoy outdoor seating.
For seafood enthusiasts, Portland has many excellent casual spots aside from Highroller, including Eventide Oyster Co. and Bite into Maine (food trucks).
If you want a relaxed morning the next day, coffee shops like Tandem Coffee Roasters or Bard Coffee are great for grabbing a cup before heading out.

Overall, your itinerary is a good example of a perfect one-day visit: a mix of local breweries, great seafood, walkable city streets, and ending with a quality dinner. Portland is indeed friendly, beautiful, and full of options for a short but memorable trip.