Restaurants in/near downtown with food happy hr

Question

Hi,

I’m looking for places with happy hour for food. We don’t drink alcohol. Seafood especially.

Many thanks!

Answer

Portland, Maine, has a lively dining scene, and several downtown restaurants offer food-focused happy hours that are perfect for those who don’t drink alcohol but want to enjoy discounted dishes. Seafood is a particular highlight in this coastal city, so you’ll have plenty of options.

Recommended happy hour spots for food, especially seafood:

Eventide Oyster Co. – Famous for fresh oysters and small plates. Their happy hour often features discounted oysters, lobster rolls, and other seafood dishes. Located near the Old Port, it’s a walkable downtown favorite.
Portland Lobster Company – Offers a casual, waterfront vibe with happy hour food specials on lobster rolls, clam strips, and other seafood appetizers.
Flatbread Company – While primarily known for wood-fired pizzas, their happy hour includes small plates and flatbreads; seafood options occasionally appear seasonally.
Luke’s Lobster – Small plates of lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls at happy hour pricing; great if you want authentic Maine seafood without alcohol.
Fore Street – Upscale restaurant with a wood-fired menu. They occasionally offer small plate specials during early evening hours; seafood is prominent on the menu.

Additional tips:

Check each restaurant’s website or social media for the latest happy hour times and menu items, as they can change seasonally.
Happy hours are often in the late afternoon, typically between 3:00–6:00 PM, so plan accordingly if you want to catch the deals.
If you’re interested in walking between locations, downtown Portland is very pedestrian-friendly, especially the Old Port area where many of these restaurants are clustered.
Consider calling ahead for seating during happy hour, as popular spots like Eventide Oyster Co. can get busy quickly.

Even without alcohol, you’ll find plenty of excellent seafood dishes and small plates during Portland’s happy hours, making it easy to enjoy a flavorful dining experience downtown.