This year, nearly all wedding plans were put on hold due to the impact of COVID-19. While obviously devastating for those who were getting married, it’s also tough for the people who were attending – especially those involved in the wedding party who had flights booked for bachelor and bachelorette parties. If you’re in that boat (no pun intended), you might want to consider a Portland Maine bachelor party.
There are continued local restrictions, but the incredible restaurants downtown have started opening up their patios and doing take-out cocktails, local breweries are offering pick-up orders, and there is still plenty to do in the city that doesn’t involve being indoors. Don’t let the celebration get cancelled – just get creative with it!
Drink Around the World Tour
What better time to put a spin on this original college classic than a bachelor party? There are so many incredible restaurants in Portland it can be hard to choose, especially when working cocktails into the mix. Don’t worry – we pulled the best of the best as a starting point! Here’s what we would recommend for your boozy tour, plus the ideal bites from each restaurant to pair with your drinks:
- Bloody Mary’s (+ the Bone Marrow Toast) – Central Provisions
- Frozen Cocktail of Choice (+ Lobby Pop) – Highroller Lobster Co.
- Margaritas/Tequila Shots (+ Nachos) – El Rayo Taqueria
- Quarantine Punch (+ Charcuterie Board) – Sagamore Hill Lounge
- Old Fashioned (+ Parmesan Brussel Sprouts) – North Point
- Thai Basil Tom Collins (+ Quail Eggs) – Boda
- Cold Sake (+ Dumplings) – Bao Bao Dumpling House
- Double Double Espresso Martini (+ Pizza) – Lazzari
Local Craft Breweries
There are so many breweries in town doing pick-up orders it’s almost hard to keep track. If you or your crew are into craft beer, some classic favorites that you have to check out include:
- Bissell Brothers Brewing Company
- Allagash Brewing Company
- Lone Pine Brewing Company
- Oxbow Blending & Bottling
- Austin Street Brewery
- Battery Steele Brewing
- Definitive Brewing Company
- Foundation Brewing Company
- Goodfire Brewing Company
- Rising Tide Brewing Company
Private Charter Sail
Need to incorporate some adventure to accompany your celebrating? We’ve got you covered. Pack your adult beverages, grab your buddies and join us for a private chartered sail through the Casco Bay with Sail Portland Maine.
We offer trips on our sailboat for up to 6 guests, and our slightly larger cocktail cruiser for up to 12 guests (with a minimum of 8) for a more intimate feel for your group. Our private cruise is about two hours, but we can coordinate to take you out as long as you’d like. We’re always BYOB and can make suggestions for the best local food to bring with you for the journey. Nothing says gentlemen like a boozy cruise around the famous Portland Casco Bay. You’re in for some stunning views, so be sure to bring your phone fully charged – if you didn’t Instagram it, did it even happen?
Old Orchard Beach
Though Old Orchard Beach isn’t technically in Portland, it’s close enough to want to consider this option. About 30 minutes from the city, OOB is like the Jersey Shore of Maine. It’s a little tacky, but in the best way possible. You’ll find beach bars, a boardwalk, amusement park, endless shops selling souvenirs, tattoo parlors, variations of fried foods (do not leave without Pier Fries, trust us on this one) and a huge stretch of beautiful beach. Depending what time of year you’re celebrating, definitely be sure to keep this locale in mind because it’s a can’t-miss stop.
Having a Portland, Maine bachelor party means a weekend full of adventure, local brews, award-winning food, and a unique experience you’re sure never to forget!