The Bearded Lady's Jewel Box

It’s easy to miss this cocktail bar on Congress Street because there’s essentially no signage outside. Once you find it though, the Bearded Lady’s Jewel Box is one of the more interesting places to have a drink in Portland. There are candlesticks everywhere, an elaborate cocktail list on a silver framed menu, and white chiffon hanging from the ceilings, all of which make this place look like a Marie Antoinette-themed surrealist playground. But the best part of coming here is how helpful and knowledgeable the staff is, because if you’re going to drink something with hellfire habanero shrub bitters in a dark, loud room, you’re better off with a friendly bartender to guide you.