Best Breweries in Portland, Maine (Complete Travel Guide)

If you’re planning a trip to Maine, make sure the breweries in Portland are on your list. This small coastal city has earned a big reputation in the craft beer world, with more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the United States.

With a population of around 70,000 and more than 20+ breweries, Portland’s beer scene punches well above its weight.

We spent three days tasting our way through Portland’s top breweries, plus a distillery and winery for good measure. To help you plan your visit, we’ve grouped the Portland breweries by neighborhood and proximity so you can easily create your own brewery crawl around the city.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways:

• Portland has over 20+ breweries, giving it one of the highest brewery densities in the U.S.
• Most breweries in Portland serve food or have nearby food trucks.
• Our favorites? Rising Tide, Allagash, and Bissell Brothers.
• Use the table of contents below to jump straight to each area and start planning your brewery crawl.

This post was originally published in October 2018, and was updated in November 2025.

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Map of Breweries in Portland, Maine

We’ve grouped the breweries by neighborhood so you can easily plan your crawl – starting downtown and moving outward to Industrial Way.

Click the interactive map below!

Downtown, East End & Old Port Breweries

If you’re looking for the most walkable breweries in Portland, Maine, start downtown. The Downtown, East End, and Old Port neighborhoods are where Portland’s beer scene meets its coastal charm – a mix of renovated warehouses, lively pubs, and creative taprooms all within a short stroll of each other.

This area has the highest concentration of breweries in Portland, making it perfect for a casual brewery crawl where you can easily hop between pints, patios, and waterfront views. You’ll find everything from experimental IPAs and barrel-aged sours to old-school English ales and even cocktails – proving that Portland’s drinking culture is as diverse as it is delicious.

These are the breweries we visited and loved, plus a few others worth adding to your own Maine beer itinerary.

1. Austin Street Brewery

• Hours:
  • Monday – Wednesday 2 PM – 8 PM
  • Thursday – Saturday 12 PM – 8 PM
  • Sunday 12 PM – 6 PM
• Tour Available: No
• Food: Light Snacks options like pretzels and charcuterie
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

Originally part of the Industrial Way cluster, Austin Street Brewery has expanded beyond its early roots and now operates a spacious taproom just east of downtown Portland, bringing its laid-back craft beer vibe closer to the city center.

Founded in 2013 by Jake Austin and Will Fisher, the brewery began as a homebrewing passion project on Austin Street in Westbrook before officially opening on Industrial Way in 2014. The founders have kept 100% ownership, staying true to their creative independence while steadily growing their production capacity to more than 160 barrels of fermentation space between two facilities.

Today, Austin Street’s taproom pours a wide range of IPAs, pale ales, and rotating experimental brews, with their flagship Patina Pale Ale still leading the lineup. Beyond beer, they now offer wine and craft cocktails, making it one of the few Portland breweries where non-beer drinkers will feel equally at home.

The new taproom has a larger indoor space, a sunny outdoor patio with picnic tables, and a welcoming atmosphere that perfectly reflects the brewery’s community-driven roots. Whether you’re stopping in for a pint, a cocktail, or a relaxed afternoon near downtown, Austin Street remains a Portland favorite that’s grown up without losing its original charm.

2. Lone Pine Brewing Company

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Thursday: 12 PM – 8 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
• Tour Available: No
• Food: Yes
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

Located near the northernmost point of the Portland peninsula, Lone Pine Brewing Co is one of the city’s hop-forward heavyweights. While their main production facility operates in Gorham, the Portland East Bayside taproom is where visitors can experience the full lineup of Lone Pine’s creativity on display.

The newly expanded taproom now features 24 rotating taps, pouring everything from IPAs and pale ales to sours, stouts, and limited seasonal releases. Their flagship Portland Pale Ale and Brightside IPA remain staples, but with that many taps, there’s always something new to try.

The space itself is small but lively, often filled with locals and travelers alike. Seating is limited indoors, but the outdoor patio is a sunny spot for a pint – and the flight board served on a ski adds a playful touch that fits Portland’s fun-loving beer culture.

If you’re looking to stretch out a bit or continue your brewery crawl, Goodfire Brewing is just a short walk up the hill.

3. Rising Tide Brewing

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday 12 PM – 8 PM
  • Friday – Saturday 12 PM – 9 PM
  • Sunday 12 PM – 6 PM
• Tour Available: No
• Food: Yes
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

Located in the heart of Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood, Rising Tide Brewing Company is one of the city’s true craft beer anchors. This family-owned brewery helped turn East Bayside into the brewery hub it is today – and its spacious outdoor beer garden makes it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

Step inside through the massive garage bay doors, and you’ll find a lively tasting room pouring a wide range of beer styles. Their flagship lineup includes Ishmael, a copper ale with toasted malt and caramel notes, and Zephyr, a bright and balanced IPA that’s a Portland favorite. For those not in the mood for beer, Rising Tide also serves wine, hard cider, and non-alcoholic options, making it an easy crowd-pleaser.

If you’re indecisive (or just eager to taste it all), grab a flight, available alongside 10- and 16-ounce pours. Between the laid-back vibes, big patio, and variety of brews, it’s no surprise that Rising Tide consistently ranks among our favorite breweries in Portland, Maine.

4. Oxbox Blending & Bottling

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday 12 PM – 9 PM
  • Friday – Saturday 12 PM – 11 PM
  • Sunday 12 PM – 8 PM
• Tour Available: No
• Food: Yes, Duckfat is their in-house food partner
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

While the main Oxbow Brewery sits in the woods of Newcastle, about an hour north of Portland, the city’s Oxbow Blending and Bottling location brings those same rustic farmhouse vibes to the East End. Aptly named, this urban outpost is where Oxbow handles much of its barrel aging, blending, and bottling, and it’s become a must-visit for sour and farmhouse ale fans.

Inside, you’ll find a rotating list of Oxbow and guest taps, plus a small but curated selection of wines and ciders. Expect a lineup heavy on saisons, sours, and farmhouse-style beers, all brewed with the same craftsmanship that made Oxbow one of Maine’s most respected beer names.

The space itself is warm and communal, with long shared tables, an open layout, and a cozy outdoor patio for warm days. But what really takes this spot over the top is Duckfat Frites Shack, Oxbow’s on-site food partner. Known locally for their hand-cut fries, paninis, and milkshakes, Duckfat is one of Portland’s most beloved eateries – and the perfect pairing for Oxbow’s crisp, funky beers.

If you’re looking for a relaxed afternoon surrounded by great food, good beer, and better company, Oxbow Blending & Bottling should be high on your Portland brewery list.

5. Goodfire Brewing Company

• Hours:
  • Seasonal Hours Friday – Sunday only – check website for more info
• Tour Available: No
• Food: Yes, bar snacks only
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

If you guessed that Goodfire Brewing would have a bunch of IPAs on draft, congratulations – but let’s be honest, who wouldn’t have guessed that in Portland?

Goodfire leans heavily into the New England-style IPA, and their flagship CMYK is the perfect example: hazy, juicy, and bursting with tropical fruit aromas. It’s a local favorite that showcases the soft, pillowy texture and vibrant hop flavor that this style is known for.

Their tasting room is bright and casual, with plenty of seating and a laid-back crowd. Outside, you’ll find picnic tables and food trucks serving everything from tacos to sandwiches, making it a great spot to kick back and refuel during your Portland brewery crawl.

With around eight rotating taps that frequently feature seasonal one-offs and small-batch releases, Goodfire keeps things fresh for locals and visitors alike. If you’re a fan of hazy IPAs or just looking for a chill, friendly stop in East Bayside, Goodfire should absolutely be on your list.

6. Shipyard Brewing Company

• Hours:
  • Monday – Saturday 11 AM – 8 PM
  • Sunday 11 AM – 6 PM
• Happy Hour: Monday – Thursday from 4 PM – 6 PM
• Tour Available: No
• Food: Yes, snacks, pizza, sandwiches and salads
• Outdoor Seating: No

One of Maine’s largest and most recognized breweries, Shipyard Brewing Company is a true classic in Portland’s beer scene. If you’re exploring with friends who have mixed tastes, this is the perfect place to start – Shipyard’s lineup is full of approachable, crowd-pleasing beers that appeal to just about every palate.

You’ll find the brewery tucked under a simple blue awning beside a large mural of their signature logo. The unassuming entrance leads straight into the brewery store, and a short walk through the back brings you to the tasting room, where you can order flights of four 5-ounce pours or go for full 10- or 16-ounce beers.

With 14 taps, Shipyard pours a mix of their own brews and selections from Sea Dog Brewing Company, which they also own. On our visit, we went all in – two flights, a lot of favorites, and zero regrets. The Melon Wheat Ale (a summer seasonal) and Sea Dog’s Blueberry Ale were hits, but the standout was the Pumpkinhead Ale, a Maine fall classic that marks the unofficial start of football season.

If you want to experience one of the most iconic breweries in Portland, Maine, Shipyard is a must. It’s a bit touristy, yes, but it’s also pure Portland – local pride, seasonal favorites, and good vibes on tap.

7. Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company 

• Hours: Daily from 11 AM – 1 AM
• Tour Available: No
• Food: Yes, full restaurant
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

One of the only true brewpubs in the heart of downtown Portland, Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company (or just Gritty’s to locals) has been a cornerstone of the city’s beer culture since the late 1980s. Known for its English-style ales, this cozy spot brews all of its beer on-site – meaning every pint you drink has “never traveled more than 30 yards from grain to glass.”

The Best Bitter was Gritty’s original beer when it opened and still appears regularly on tap today. You’ll also find a rotating lineup of seasonal and traditional pub-style ales, alongside 2–3 guest taps that round out the menu.

What makes Gritty’s stand out isn’t just the beer, but the old-school pub atmosphere. With dark wood interiors, friendly bartenders, and hearty food, it’s the perfect place to relax after exploring Portland’s waterfront or to catch a game over a pint.

If you want a taste of Portland’s beer history and local community all in one stop, Gritty McDuff’s is a must-visit on your Portland, Maine brewery crawl.

Other Breweries Worth Checking Out in Downtown Portland

While we didn’t make it to every brewery in town (even we have our limits), there are a few more Portland breweries that deserve a spot on your radar. These are on our list for next time – and worth adding to yours too:

Hi-Fidelity Brewing – A small, community-focused brewery known for its easy-drinking, low-ABV beers that still pack plenty of flavor. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon pint without the buzz.

Belleflower Brewing – One of the newer names on the Portland scene, Belleflower has quickly built a reputation for small-batch IPAs, thoughtful saisons, and creative collaborations. Their East End taproom has serious neighborhood charm.

Newscapes Brewing – A bright and modern space offering clean, balanced beers with a focus on lagers and approachable ales. A great stop if you’re exploring Portland’s evolving craft beer side.

Orange Bike Brewing – Portland’s first dedicated gluten-free brewery, Orange Bike proves that great beer doesn’t need gluten to shine. Their lineup of IPAs and golden ales is a must for anyone with dietary restrictions (or just curious taste buds).

Batson River Brewing & Distilling – Equal parts cocktail bar, restaurant, and brewery, Batson River brings a sleek, coastal-Maine feel to downtown. Come for the house beers, stay for the vibe (and maybe a cocktail, too).

Argenta Brewing – A relative newcomer serving up hop-forward ales and crisp lagers in a welcoming taproom near the heart of Portland. A hidden gem for anyone wanting to try something off the main path.

Camp Pennant Brewing – A cozy and creative addition to the Portland beer scene, Camp Pennant focuses on small-batch brews inspired by Maine’s outdoor spirit. Expect rotating ales, lagers, and a laid-back taproom perfect for post-adventure beers.

Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company – Originally founded in Yarmouth, Brickyard Hollow has expanded into Portland with a large downtown space offering its signature New England-style IPAs, pizzas, and family-friendly vibes. A great stop if you’re looking for a mix of comfort food and local craft beer.

Even if you can’t hit them all in one visit, Portland’s beer scene is constantly evolving – and that’s half the fun. Consider these your bonus stops for your next trip back to Maine’s craft beer capital.

West End Breweries in Portland, Maine

After exploring Portland’s bustling downtown and East End taprooms, head west for a slower pace and a more local feel. The West End neighborhood blends historic charm with a growing craft beer scene, offering everything from bold IPAs to rich stouts and experimental small-batch brews.

This part of the city feels more laid-back – think cozy neighborhood hangouts, brick-lined streets, and spaces where the bartenders probably know half the crowd by name. It’s also home to a few of Portland’s most creative breweries, many located near Thompson’s Point, a hotspot for live music, art, and food trucks.

If you’re looking to trade the waterfront buzz for a more relaxed, authentic slice of Portland’s beer culture, these West End breweries are the perfect next stop on your Maine beer adventure.

1. Bissell Brothers

• Hours:
  • Monday – Tuesday 11 AM – 5 PM
  • Wednesday–Saturday 11 AM – 8 PM
  • Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
• Tour Available: No
• Food: Yes
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

Only about 5 minutes from Bunker Brewing, Bissell Brothers is one of the most famous names in Maine craft beer – and for good reason. Known for their hazy, hop-forward New England IPAs, this spot has a cult-like following that often results in long lines of fans waiting for the latest 4-pack drop.

After moving to its spacious Thompson’s Point location, Bissell Brothers doubled its production capacity and now boasts one of the largest tasting rooms in Maine. The bright, industrial space features communal tables, outdoor seating, and an energetic vibe that captures the excitement of Portland’s beer scene.

Their flagship Substance Ale is a must-try, alongside limited releases that change frequently. Cans are released almost every day they’re open (except Sundays), and the best drops tend to sell out quickly — so check their release schedule online before you go.

Whether you’re a beer geek chasing new releases or just love a lively taproom, Bissell Brothers is a must-stop for any Portland beer lover.

2. Bunker Brewing Company

• Tour Available: No
• Food: Yes, rotating food trucks
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

Bunker Brewing offers a chill, unpretentious vibe that feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a tourist stop. The brewery sits inside a refurbished industrial building with garage bay doors that open to a sunny patio and large communal tables.

While IPAs dominate much of Portland’s beer scene, Bunker brings a bit more variety with sours, lagers, and porters rounding out their lineup. Their Salute Your Shorts Pale Ale and Machine Czech Pilsner are crowd favorites that perfectly reflect the brewery’s balance between creativity and tradition.

It might take a few extra turns to find the entrance, but once you do, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most relaxed and friendly atmospheres among the breweries in Portland, Maine.

Industrial Way breweries

If you’re up for a short adventure, head about 15 minutes northwest of downtown Portland to explore the Industrial Way breweries-the birthplace of Maine’s modern craft beer scene.

Don’t let the industrial setting fool you. This stretch is home to some of the most beloved breweries in Portland, Maine, and the best part is that you can easily walk between six taprooms. It’s basically a ready-made brewery crawl where every stop offers something unique. Ride-shares like Uber and Lyft are easy to find, so you can sip safely and explore without worry.

1. Allagash Brewing Company

• Hours:
  • Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM
  • Monday – Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday – Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM
• Tour Available: Yes, offered daily (reservations recommended)
• Food: Yes – a permanent food truck and rotating seasonal vendors
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

Founded in 1995, Allagash Brewing is one of the most recognizable breweries in Maine – and for good reason. Known nationwide for its Allagash White, a crisp and citrusy Belgian-style witbier, Allagash has built its reputation on brewing exceptional Belgian-inspired beers with Maine character.

In addition to classics like Tripel and Curieux, their Portland tasting room features 17 rotating taps that often include small-batch and barrel-aged releases you won’t find anywhere else. Grab the daily four-beer flight or mix and match half-pours to sample a wider range of flavors.

Their tours are back and better than ever, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and their sustainability efforts. It’s one of the most popular brewery tours in Portland, Maine, so be sure to book ahead on the Allagash Brewing website.

2. Battery Steele Brewing

• Hours:
  • Monday & Wednesday – Saturday: 12 PM – 7 PM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
• Happy Hour: Weekdays from 4 PM – 6 PM
• Tour Available: No
• Food: No
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

Battery Steele Brewing is another standout on Industrial Way – making it an essential stop on any Portland, Maine brewery crawl.

Known for its hop-forward beers, Battery Steele has built a loyal following around The Flume, a juicy, tropical, and citrusy Double IPA that perfectly captures the New England hazy style. Their lineup is a rotating showcase of IPAs, pale ales, and limited releases that push creative boundaries while staying true to Maine’s craft beer roots.

While hops might steal the spotlight, they also pour a solid range of pilsners, stouts, sours, and Helles lagers, giving every beer lover something to enjoy. The tasting room is cozy and laid-back, with a garage-style patio that opens onto a casual outdoor area—perfect for sipping in Portland’s summer sunshine.

Battery Steele doesn’t offer tours, but its approachable vibe and flavorful lineup make it one of the most popular breweries in Portland, Maine for visitors chasing bold, fresh, and local beer.

3. Foundation Brewing Company

• Hours:
  • Monday & Wednesday – Friday: 12 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Saturday: 12 PM – 8 PM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
• Tour Available: No
• Food: Yes, pizza kitchen
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

Foundation Brewing Company is another gem along Industrial Way – proof that good things really do come in small buildings. (In fact, this same space has previously housed Rising Tide Brewing, Bissell Brothers, and Maine Beer Company before they outgrew it.)

Foundation stands out for its diverse lineup of beers, offering something for every palate. While you’ll still find a few hop-forward favorites on tap, the brewery also pours bright sours, crisp pilsners, and clean lagers, making it one of the most well-rounded stops on your Portland, Maine brewery crawl.

Flights here include four generous pours, and you’ll fill out a flight card while you wait. Grab a seat in the laid-back tasting room or take your brews outside to the sunny patio – either way, it’s an easy place to linger.

Add in their pizza kitchen, open most days of the week, and you’ve got one of the most versatile brewery stops in Portland.

4. Geary Brewing Company

• Hours:
  • Thursday – Saturday: 12 PM – 5 PM
  • Sunday – Wednesday: Closed
• Tour Available: No
• Food: Yes
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

Established in 1983, Geary Brewing Company holds the honor of being New England’s first craft brewery and the very first brewery in Maine. It was granted the nation’s 13th microbrewery license, paving the way for the explosion of craft beer that followed—not just in Portland, but across the region.

Located about a 10-minute walk (roughly half a mile) from the cluster of breweries on Industrial Way, Geary’s offers a slightly quieter experience while still being close to the action. The tasting room is small and unpretentious, featuring eight rotating taps that pour everything from crisp ales to maltier classics.

True to its roots, Geary’s continues to focus on traditional English-style beers brewed with balance and authenticity. Their iconic Geary’s Pale Ale, first introduced in the 1980s, remains a mainstay – and it’s still one of the most recognizable beers to come out of Maine.

Open Thursday through Saturday, this brewery is a must-visit for anyone who wants to taste where Portland’s craft beer story began.

5. Definitive Brewing Company 

• Hours:
  • Monday – Friday 12 PM – 8 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM
  • Sunday 12 PM – 7 PM
• Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 3 PM – 5 PM
• Tour Available: No
• Food: Yes, snacks only / Food trucks Thursday – Sunday
• Outdoor Seating: Yes

Sitting right across the street from Allagash Brewing, Definitive Brewing rounds out the famous Industrial Way brewery crawl with a lineup that’s as bold and creative as its name.

Like many of the breweries in Portland, Maine, Definitive leans hop-forward with a rotating mix of IPAs and pale ales, but their selection extends well beyond that. They also pour fruited sours, stouts, lagers, wine, and cider, making it a great choice for groups with mixed tastes.

While they don’t serve traditional flights, you can order 5-ounce pours to build your own tasting lineup and sample several beers at once. Their flagship Definitive Ale is a must-try – a juicy, tropical IPA with subtle notes of cantaloupe and melon that perfectly balances fruit and hops.

The tasting room has a relaxed, industrial vibe with garage doors that open to an inviting outdoor patio, making it a perfect place to kick back on a sunny afternoon. Between the friendly staff, flavorful brews, and convenient location across from Allagash, Definitive is definitely worth a visit.

FAQs about Portland, Maine Breweries

Is Portland, Maine known for its breweries?
Absolutely. Portland, Maine, may be smaller than its namesake in Oregon, but it’s one of the top craft beer destinations in the United States. With more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the country, the breweries in Portland Maine deliver some of the best beer on the East Coast. From legends like Allagash Brewing Company to newer favorites like Battery Steele and Goodfire, the city’s brewery scene is full of creativity, community, and flavor.

How many breweries are in Portland, Maine?
There are more than 25 breweries in the Greater Portland area, which is impressive for a city of just over 70,000 residents. Most breweries are clustered in three main areas: Industrial Way, Downtown and East End, and the Old Port and West End. Each neighborhood has its own distinct vibe and lineup of taprooms, making it easy to plan your own brewery crawl.

Why is Portland, Maine, such a big beer city?
Portland’s rise as a craft beer hub started in the 1980s when Geary Brewing Company became the first post-Prohibition craft brewery in New England. Since then, a new generation of brewers has turned the city into a powerhouse for IPAs, sours, stouts, and everything in between. Its coastal location, thriving food scene, and creative community make it a natural home for innovative brewing.

What is the Maine Beer Trail?
The Maine Beer Trail is a free digital map and guide created by the Maine Brewers’ Guild that connects more than 150 independent breweries across the state. It’s a great way to discover breweries in Portland and beyond, plan your route, and support local businesses. You can check out the full Maine Beer Trail map here and start planning your own Portland brewery crawl.

What types of beer is Portland, Maine, known for?
You’ll find everything from hazy New England IPAs and crisp pilsners to farmhouse ales and barrel-aged stouts. Portland’s breweries are known for balance – honoring classic beer styles while constantly experimenting with new flavors.

What are the best breweries to visit in Portland, Maine?
While it’s hard to go wrong, our top picks are Allagash Brewing Company, Rising Tide Brewing, and Bissell Brothers for their standout beer, atmosphere, and local feel.

Wrapping Up the Breweries in Portland, Maine

Phew – what a whirlwind! Exploring the breweries in Portland, Maine was no small task, but every stop was worth it.

By our count, there are now over 20 breweries, wineries, and distilleries within a quick drive of downtown Portland. We know we missed a few (for now), which only means we’ll just have to come back to finish the list – and we’re not mad about that.

Think we only had time for boozing in Maine? Think again! Check out our Ultimate Guide to Portland, Maine where we share our favorite places to eat, what to see, and where we stayed.

And before anyone nominates us for an AA meeting, rest assured – we paced ourselves! We shared flights, drank plenty of water, and fueled up with food along the way. We also relied solely on Uber, Lyft, and our own two feet for transportation.

Always drink responsibly, never drink and drive.

Still Thirsty?

If exploring the breweries in Portland, Maine left you wanting more, we’ve got plenty of other boozy adventures to keep the good times flowing.

Check out a few of our other favorite guides:

• Ultimate Guide to Portland, Maine – For where to eat, what to see, and where to stay during your brewery adventures.
• Guide to the Breweries in Bozeman Montana
• Scott’s Addition Breweries Guide in Richmond, VA