Portland, ME Guide

[pythonhgr]

What should I be looking at for this Swish release today? Is it even worth trying for? Figured we'd go to Allagash since they open at 11 and just eyeball the line.

 

[Brez071]

What should I be looking at for this Swish release today? Is it even worth trying for? Figured we'd go to Allagash since they open at 11 and just eyeball the line.

Sorry, just saw this...

Saturdays are the worst, especially when Swish is available. If you want cans, it seems like the best day is Thursday. Otherwise, just avoid going the first couple hours they are open and you can get samples without much (or any) wait.

 

[PHBoiler]

Anyone have a preference in terms of hotel options in downtown Portland? There are basically 8 of them that all seem to be in the same price range. I think it'll be worth the extra cost to stay downtown where everything is walking distance, but I was wondering if there are any hotels that stand out in terms of their specific location, amenities, etc. We're looking for a Thursday/Friday stay in early June.

 

[lambandtunaphish]

Anyone have a preference in terms of hotel options in downtown Portland? There are basically 8 of them that all seem to be in the same price range. I think it'll be worth the extra cost to stay downtown where everything is walking distance, but I was wondering if there are any hotels that stand out in terms of their specific location, amenities, etc. We're looking for a Thursday/Friday stay in early June.

I've stayed at 3 I think, but I'm not sure it really matters a ton, since you'll be there in June and a few extra minutes of walking isn't a big deal.

Most recently The Regency. It's a cool place, since it's an old building converted into a hotel. My room did not have a fridge, so I expect that's the case with the others - kind of annoying when you have a **** ton of beer. No self parking option, so you have to deal with a valet every time you want the car. I think this is a bit more centrally located than some of others, which was nice in January. Basically, this place is different than the standard chain hotel. Booking through their website got me rate that was much cheaper than any of the travel sites. I think they also did turn down service, which you won't get at the chain hotels.

Stayed at the Holiday Inn for one night, which is probably one of the cheaper options. It was fine. Self park + fridge.

And a few years ago I was at the Hampton Inn. Nice that it's right by Duck Fat and Eventide (and there's the Sebago pub on the ground floor). They have free breakfast, which was good for something small/quick. Valet parking, but the cars are like 50 feet away in their lot.

 

[tehzachatak]

I've stayed at 3 I think, but I'm not sure it really matters a ton, since you'll be there in June and a few extra minutes of walking isn't a big deal.

Most recently The Regency. It's a cool place, since it's an old building converted into a hotel. My room did not have a fridge, so I expect that's the case with the others - kind of annoying when you have a **** ton of beer. No self parking option, so you have to deal with a valet every time you want the car. I think this is a bit more centrally located than some of others, which was nice in January. Basically, this place is different than the standard chain hotel. Booking through their website got me rate that was much cheaper than any of the travel sites. I think they also did turn down service, which you won't get at the chain hotels.

Stayed at the Holiday Inn for one night, which is probably one of the cheaper options. It was fine. Self park + fridge.

And a few years ago I was at the Hampton Inn. Nice that it's right by Duck Fat and Eventide (and there's the Sebago pub on the ground floor). They have free breakfast, which was good for something small/quick. Valet parking, but the cars are like 50 feet away in their lot.

Holiday Inn has really, really bad coffee if I remember right. But the fridge was a good thing if you're gonna be bottle sharing! And walkable to Novare.

 

[rhino8888]

Anyone have a preference in terms of hotel options in downtown Portland? There are basically 8 of them that all seem to be in the same price range. I think it'll be worth the extra cost to stay downtown where everything is walking distance, but I was wondering if there are any hotels that stand out in terms of their specific location, amenities, etc. We're looking for a Thursday/Friday stay in early June.

I had a nice stay at the Courtyard Portland over Thanksgiving. It's newly renovated and the rooms are nice. Right across the street from The King's Head and walking distance to Novare Res & downtown. I remember there being a mini-fridge in the room but you might want to double check. Have fun!

 

[Timmush1]

I just booked the Portland Harbor hotel. Got a free night (book 2 get 1 free). I'll be there in late June for the first time if anyone wants to meet up for a beer

 

[Brez071]

I don't think there's a downtown hotel that I would consider out of the way. Just some are more central than others. If I were visiting though, I'd probably consider a SoPo hotel close to the highway and Uber back/forth. Downtown Portland summer hotel prices aren't exactly cheap.

Edit - or just stay at the Holiday Inn

 

[Timmush1]

I don't think there's a downtown hotel that I would consider out of the way. Just some are more central than others. If I were visiting though, I'd probably consider a SoPo hotel close to the highway and Uber back/forth. Downtown Portland summer hotel prices aren't exactly cheap.

Edit - or just stay at the Holiday Inn

I gots mine for $159 a night in late June. That's seems like a good price.. Maybe it's a shady place

 

[tehzachatak]

What's up w Cavern? Some type of citrus? Usually I have heard some stuff about these Oxbow releases before they go down...

 

[JBP]

What's up w Cavern? Some type of citrus? Usually I have heard some stuff about these Oxbow releases before they go down...

Huh. No idea here either. Will report back.

 

[tehzachatak]

Huh. No idea here either. Will report back.

Barrel aged blonde farmhouse w cara cara orange juice and zest per the farmhouse funkadelic taplist. Also looked like a new blend of synthesis showed up on cask.... My body is all kinds of ready for that.

 

[JBP]

Barrel aged blonde farmhouse w cara cara orange juice and zest per the farmhouse funkadelic taplist. Also looked like a new blend of synthesis showed up on cask.... My body is all kinds of ready for that.

Hnnnng. Is Cavern a bottle release or DONG?

And yeah the new Synth blend was bottled a few weeks ago so hopefully ready soon.

 

[tehzachatak]

Hnnnng. Is Cavern a bottle release or DONG?

Doesn't say bottles so I have to assume DONG, but who knows...

 

[tehzachatak]

How is saison de kualabmszmmzksnebs? Need to make it up soon to grab some...

 

[JBP]

How is saison de kualabmszmmzksnebs? Need to make it up soon to grab some...

Awesome!

 

[Brez071]

Hnnnng. Is Cavern a bottle release or DONG?

And yeah the new Synth blend was bottled a few weeks ago so hopefully ready soon.

I'm here now and don't see it on the To Go list, so assuming it's DONG

 

[mcwalsh]

Hey guys,

Heading up for a Fri-Sun weekend soon, what's the best (read: most downtime) to go to Duckfat? Lunch on Friday?

 

[JBP]

Hey guys,

Heading up for a Fri-Sun weekend soon, what's the best (read: most downtime) to go to Duckfat? Lunch on Friday?

Anytime except Lunch...

 

[mcwalsh]

Anytime except Lunch...

Interesting, even dinner gets less of a crowd? Good to know!

 

[tehzachatak]

Hey guys,

Heading up for a Fri-Sun weekend soon, what's the best (read: most downtime) to go to Duckfat? Lunch on Friday?

Here is your multi-step guide to eating at Duckfat:

1. Go to Duckfat
2. Put your name on the waiting list for the hour and a half wait
3. Walk to Eventide
4. Eat a dozen oysters and have some libations
5. Consider getting the lobster roll
6. Pass because you are going to Duckfat
7. Get the lobster roll anyway
8. Go to Duckfat once they're ready for you

 

[mcwalsh]

Here is your multi-step guide to eating at Duckfat:

1. Go to Duckfat
2. Put your name on the waiting list for the hour and a half wait
3. Walk to Eventide
4. Eat a dozen oysters and have some libations
5. Consider getting the lobster roll
6. Pass because you are going to Duckfat
7. Get the lobster roll anyway
8. Go to Duckfat once they're ready for you

Hahaha thanks. Maybe we will pass on it. We didn't have our heart set on it anyways.

 

[JBP]

Hahaha thanks. Maybe we will pass on it. We didn't have our heart set on it anyways.

I would just say to move your lunch slighty early or slightly later and you will be ok. Like 11am right at open or maybe 2pm. You'll most likely have to wait some but as long as you avoid the noon rush it shouldn't be anything too too crazy on a weekday. But weekends and afternoons as we near summer are as tehzachatak said.

 

[tehzachatak]

Hahaha thanks. Maybe we will pass on it. We didn't have our heart set on it anyways.

Oh, it's really good (and worth going), just don't plan to be in and out super fast

 

[lambandtunaphish]

I would just say to move your lunch slighty early or slightly later and you will be ok. Like 11am right at open or maybe 2pm. You'll most likely have to wait some but as long as you avoid the noon rush it shouldn't be anything too too crazy on a weekday. But weekends and afternoons as we near summer are as tehzachatak said.

I think I showed up on a Friday in January around 2, 230 and sat right down. The place was practically empty by the time we left an hour or so later.

Clearly January is different than when the weather is nice, but I'd just suggest late lunch at Duck Fat and then just a late dinner somewhere.

 

[PHBoiler]

Is the Oxbow website correct that they still have bottles of Momoko for sale? What's the cost on those? I'm not thinking it'll last until I hit town on June 9th, but maybe I can set up a GPIUFMB in exchange for something that I'll pick up during our Boston/NH/VT portion of the trip prior to hitting Portland.

 

[mcwalsh]

I think I showed up on a Friday in January around 2, 230 and sat right down. The place was practically empty by the time we left an hour or so later.

Clearly January is different than when the weather is nice, but I'd just suggest late lunch at Duck Fat and then just a late dinner somewhere.

Yeah, we are going to try this on Friday. My GF really wants to go, so we will give it a shot.

 

[JBP]

Is the Oxbow website correct that they still have bottles of Momoko for sale? What's the cost on those? I'm not thinking it'll last until I hit town on June 9th, but maybe I can set up a GPIUFMB in exchange for something that I'll pick up during our Boston/NH/VT portion of the trip prior to hitting Portland.

They might still have some at the brewery in Newcastle but long sold out in Portland. I think all they have in Portland right now is Saison du Kauska and Crossfade. Momoko was 17.50.

 

[screwyouguys]

I just booked the Portland Harbor hotel. Got a free night (book 2 get 1 free). I'll be there in late June for the first time if anyone wants to meet up for a beer

Late June please elaborate? As I will be North end of month also

 

[Timmush1]

Late June please elaborate? As I will be North end of month also

June 26 portsmouth. 27-30 portland