9 "Casual Weeknight Dinner" restaurants in Portland, ME.
A good casual weeknight dinner spot is hard to find. It’s a step above a make-your-own bowl place, but not somewhere you’ll need a reservation. It shouldn’t be too expensive, you should be able to talk instead of shout, and your dinner shouldn’t take more than an hour. These spots do it all.
Drifter’s Wife is the kind of spot where you stop by just for a glass of natural wine at the bar, and end up staying all night.
Mr. Tuna’s sushi stall in Public Market House (as well as their roving sushi cart) is a Portland staple for great fish.
When it’s 10 degrees and all you can possibly think about is sticking your face in the steam of a big bowl of soup, head to Pai Men Miyake for ramen.
When you need a family-friendly spot, or just want to sit on the water, head to Flatbread Company for some flatbread pizzas.
When you need to eat something that isn’t seafood, head to Salvage BBQ in West End for some classic barbecue, homemade pies, and live music.
This all-day spot in Munjoy Hill is a great option for brunch, Happy Hour, and dinner, serving everything from pasta to a very solid burger.
Boda in the West End serves some of the best Thai food in Portland, and serves food until 1am everyday.
Izakaya Minato on Washington Ave.’s menu includes sashimi, fried chicken, and udon for when you want Japanese food and are also being indecisive.
When you need to get away from the Old Port, head to Isa in Bayside for pasta, seafood, and some quiet.
