When you’re in Portland, there are two things you have to do: theorize about Stephen King’s childhood and attempt to eat your body weight in lobster and oysters. For the latter, head to Eventide Oyster Company, which serves some of the best seafood in the city. This small oyster bar near the East End carries 20 different types of bivalves, along with one of the best lobster rolls in town, which is served with brown butter in a steamed bun rather than the typical hot dog bun.

Even if oysters repulse you (and we’re confused how you end up on this page), Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland’s Old Port is a must-visit. With the likes of lobster rolls, fried spuds and sides, classy cocktails, and an eye on the latest trends in craft beer, it’s a perfect marriage between fresh shellfish and drink. Every morning, oysters from all around the state and New England are delivered here fresh.

Find solid, classic rolls at The Highroller Lobster Co. and Bite Into Maine or sample the fancified brown butter lobster roll on a bao bun at Eventide Oyster Co. Just about any seafood spot in town will offer up a whole lobster dinner, but Portland Lobster Company’s outdoor space overlooking the wharf is the most scenic spot to dig in.

Along with their managing partner Arlin Smith, they had already colonized a stretch of Middle Street, near the Old Port, with the critical favorites Hugo’s and Eventide Oyster Co. When the Honey Paw opened next door in April 2015, it quickly delivered on the expectation of success — Eater named it the state’s restaurant of the year.

The lines out the door at Eventide are first and foremost for the raw bar that has the most interesting selection of oysters in the city (which is saying something considering where you are). But the rest of the menu is just as good. Starring on that menu?

Co-owners Andrew Taylor, Arlin Smith, and Mike Wiley made a splash on the restaurant scene of Portland (and, arguably, the entire region) when they opened Eventide Oyster Co. in 2012. Five years later, they opened a smaller Boston branch in Fenway, but to this day, no food fan’s trip to southern Maine would be complete without a visit to the original. First and foremost, Eventide pays homage to traditional American oyster bars with 14 varieties available on the half-shell—but the rest of the menu is really destination-worthy, too, offering elevated New England seafood dotted with pan-Asian influences.

Full disclosure: my boss went to college in Maine, and his parents live there now, so he sent me an insane list of recommendations when he found out this was going to be my first visit there. Eventide was top of the list–and then another friend went to Portland the weekend before me, and texted that she had the best fish sandwich of her life here!. I don’t love shellfish all that much, but I do love a good fish sandwich–and I will say that this one was DELICIOUS, especially accompanied by a Maine Beer Company IPA. The place has a really great vibe: huge windows, turquoise walls, full oyster bar.

ken’s place in Scarborough has a solid lobster roll (their fried clams are the best!) The lobster shack out in cape Elizabeth is the most basic lobster roll and maybe the best bang for your buck, and I really love the lobster roll at the bite into maine lobster rolls (find them at fort Williams in cape Elizabeth) Eventide’s is unique and quality, but gone in two bites. (Very non-traditional too - worth trying) I am kind of into Susan’s fish and chips lobster roll for a good deal and a traditional set. High roller is $$$ too, and geared towards impressing that under 40 crowd, but is solid.

Abby, a pizza enthusiast of the first order was lobbying hard for Slab (walk-ins only); I was waffling between Central Provisions (epic line situations; walk-ins only), where we’d never been, and Eventide (epic line situations; walk-ins only), which never disappoints; Andy threw in Fore Street (even though there’s little hope of snagging a last-minute reservation there). We decided to hit a few favorite shops downtown — Old Port Spirits and Cigars for local booze and beer (Peeper Ale, pictured above); K Collette for artisanal home goods — and play the dinner situation by ear.

Old Port haunts like small plates hotspot Central Provisions, upscale seafood joint Eventide, and “non-denominational noodle bar the Honey Paw tend to get a lot of the attention (and the lines). And while all are worth a visit, there’s lots of reason to stray from the waterfront. In the industrial-residential East End, Drifters Wife, which evolved from natural wine shop Maine & Loire, is run by a trio of Brooklyn expats, and looks and tastes the part, while Minato offers phenomenal Japanese izakaya in a mood-lit wood-and-steel space.

Don’t miss classic restaurants like Fore Street (or its sister spot, Street and Co.), Central Provisions or Eventide Oyster Co. for the best of Maine’s local bounty, with rotating farm-and ocean-to-table menus, and shared plates. Trattoria Fanny, the latest eatery from Vinland owner David Levi, offers solid Italian classics. Tipo, from Central Provisions owners Chris and Paige Gould, features wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta and a raw section on the menu featuring oysters, crudo and carpaccio.

Eventide has a fast-casual location in Boston’s Fenway, but this is the original cult favorite, with a different flavor as well as good cocktails. It’s a great first stop when you pull into town: After eating a dozen of the most gorgeous oysters from Maine and “from away,” along with a cup of lobster stew, you will truly feel you’ve arrived. Be sure to try: The brown-butter lobster roll, served not in the traditional split-top roll but on a Chinese-style steamed bun, is a new New England classic.

Eventide: This has always been the most highly-recommended Portland spot whenever I hear people talking about the city's food scene, and that was evident from our first glance when we were driving in Saturday and saw a line out the door. The tiny restaurant doesn't take reservations and fills up so quickly, so we saved it for lunch on Monday instead of fighting the weekend crowds. We easily grabbed two seats at the bar at 11:30 and within about 45 minutes, every seat was taken.

This is the best oyster bar in town, full stop and they were awarded for their efforts by the James Beard Foundation. Eventide serves at least a dozen or more oyster varieties every day, at least half coming from Maine and the rest from “away.” The oysters are beautifully fresh and they offer inventive accompaniments other the standard cocktail sauce or mignonette. We love the pickled ginger ice and the horseradish ice which add a surprising note to the oyster experience.

Run by James Beard Award-winning chefs, Eventide Oyster Company draws crowds for its tiny-but-terrific brown-butter lobster roll on a bao bun and, of course, its fresh-shucked oysters, plenty of which, like the brisk Basket Islands, are plucked from Maine’s frigid waters. The secret of most regulars, though, is to scarf luscious fried Winter Point oyster buns—about half the price of the lobster rolls and lovely with Allagash Brewing’s barnyard-funked Little Brett.

Some must-visit spots include Eventide Oyster Co., known for its lobster rolls, and Central Provisions, a trendy eatery offering creative small plates. Portland’s advantage with seafood is that their catches are guaranteed fresh and Maine’s well-protected ecosystems mean that the quarries are from well-preserved and unpolluted waters. Maine’s commitment to sustainability also means that its farms are very productive in producing quality ingredients and raw meats.

Eventide’s brown butter lobster roll has become synonymous with a trip to Portland for the culinary crown. With national recognition for James Beard Award–winning chefs Mike Wiley and Andrew Taylor, Eventide usually has a crowd camped out on Middle Street waiting to savor this now-classic sandwich. The mouthwatering little lobster roll is served on a homemade split-top steamed bun, loaded with freshly picked lobster, and topped with nutty brown butter.

The oyster bar that is the defining centerpiece of this laidback, all-day establishment is carved from local granite; with ice and oysters piled atop it, it stands as a summation of Maine’s natural environment. It typically stocks a dozen or so different oyster varieties from the state’s shores, along with a few guests from elsewhere and a few other shellfish besides. While the oysters take pride of place, the rest of the menu should not be neglected.

Dive into Eventide Oyster Co., Portland’s beloved spot for briny bites and creative New England fare. Shuck into their daily oyster selection, sourced from pristine Maine waters, or savor their lobster roll, a decadent concoction piled high with sweet, local lobster. Beyond the classics, indulge in unique creations like brown butter clam chowder with house-made saltines or crispy fried oysters drizzled with spicy honey.

Eventide Oyster Co. is a Portland seafood restaurant that's become one of the most famous spots of its kind in the country. The business now has a smaller Boston location — but the original Maine one has by far remained the most well-known. Looking at the numbers gives you a clue at why: Nearly 60,000 people have checked in there on Facebook, and there are over 3,000 reviews on Yelp, plus 2,000 more on Tripadvisor.

During tourist season, snagging a table at tiny Eventide becomes an extreme sport. But those lines snake around the block for good reason. Big Tree Hospitality Group’s swashbuckling reinvention of the coastal seafood shack is appealing from start to finish, especially the fresh, local oysters from the raw bar, fried seafood sandwiches served on steamed bao-style buns and cocktails that range from bright to savory.

Over to Eventide Oyster Co., highly recommended by many of our friends, which was across the street – out of luck there too – an almost 2 hour wait – no thanks!. We went next door to their “sister” restaurant, The Honey Paw which specializes in home-made noodles and an Asian influenced American menu. Forgot to take a picture of our meal, which was delicious – but I did manage to take a pic of our fun beer choices!

Popular places like Eventide Oyster Co. and Central Provisions have become a few of the must-visit spots, drawing in both tourists and locals for repeat visits. These hotspots have helped to further put Portland on the map, making it a go-to destination for anyone who loves good food and great drinks. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood or creative small plates, these restaurants have got you covered.

Eventide Oyster Co. is celebrated for revolutionizing the seafood dining experience in Portland, offering a modern take on the traditional oyster bar. With a vast selection of locally sourced oysters and inventive seafood dishes, it's a haven for shellfish aficionados. The sleek, minimalist design complements the outstanding culinary creations, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors.

Eventide Oyster Co: a Portland staple, this joint serves up dozens of different oysters from around the East Coast with interesting pairings like kimchi ice, pickled red onion, and cucumber ginger. Also makes a mean lobster eggs benedict. I personally didn’t care for the lobster roll here because the bun is soft and mushy much like what you’d expect on the bottom of a benedict.

Eventide Oyster Co. serves up gourmet seafood in compact bites that are so tasty, we’ll forgive them for the petite sizes. Slightly up-scale yet unpretentious, Eventide offers outdoor picnic tables and prime indoor seating around the centerpiece granite bar. Kick things off with offerings from the raw bar; mix and match a tray of local Maine oysters, or try the longneck clams.

One of the most famous variations on a lobster roll here in Portland, this squishy steamed bun is piled high with freshly picked lobster and chopped chives. Best paired with one of Eventide’s signature cocktails, the Twisted Tea. Getting a table at Eventide can be tricky so we recommend adding your name to their waitlist early and exploring Old Port as you wait for a spot.

Together, the three took over the restaurant, along with the space next door, a recently-vacated culinary bookstore that the group would turn into the bustling Eventide oyster bar—something that could be open all day long at all price points, and help keep the funds flowing for a more ambitious dining program on the other side of the wall (now a shared kitchen) at Hugo’s.

86 Middle St.Though it’s been around more than a decade, this James Beard Award-winning raw bar and restaurant still draws lines out the door before it even opens each day in the summer. But the food is absolutely worth the wait. Start with some raw seafood like halibut ceviche or bluefin tuna crudo, then get to the main event: the Eventide Brown Butter Lobster Roll.

Before you get upset that the very first place on this list is a popular spot located in Portland - we know, we know "there are restaurants north of Portland" - understand that this place is well-deserving. The staff is well-educated on oysters and you'll be hard pressed to find anything fresher. They're located at 86 Middle St., Portland / 207-774-8538.

While known for its inventive preparation of New England seafood classics, Eventide’s bar program is not to be overlooked. With playful riffs on lowbrow beverages like Twisted Tea and a scorpion bowl for two, the cocktail menu offers original and inventive drinks alongside the city’s best oysters on the half shell. 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101, USA

If seafood is all you're after, hit up Eventide Oyster Co., which boasts an extensive oyster bar in addition to a la carte seafood dishes, including its signature brown butter lobster roll and the revered New England clam bake. The Shop at Island Creek Oysters serves up outstanding bivalves, raw seafood and local brews in a fun, casual setting.

A lot of the recent (and glowing) press that the city of Portland has received as a renowned food city features some mention of Eventide, located on Middle Street just north of the Old Port. Try the Brown Butter Lobster Roll with a half-dozen raw Maine oysters, and you’ll find yourself in heaven. Our mouths are watering just writing this.

86 Middle St., Portland, ME | 207-774-8538 | eventideoysterco.com. Eventide Oyster Company is a classic oyster bar that also serves up one of the finest Maine lobster rolls around. Eventide’s famous brown butter lobster rolls are so highly demanded that the company now offers to ship them directly to your door, anywhere in the nation.

For another very romantic Portland, Maine date idea, go to dinner at Eventide Oyster Co. (86 Middle St). This James Beard award-winning restaurant offers classic New England menu items in a simple, elevated format. The restaurant seats smaller parties on a first come first serve basis, so be prepared for a wait or with a backup plan.

Lobster shack classics (the rolls, the stews, chowders) are all given a creative spin with Asian and Middle Eastern accents at this nationally acclaimed seafood haven. Sample Maine’s growing roster of oyster varieties from the heaving raw bar, and don’t miss the lobster stew with coconut and green curry. Small plates from $7.

For the latter, head to Eventide Oyster Company, which serves some of the best seafood in the city. This small oyster bar near the East End carries 20 different types of bivalves, along with one of the most popular lobster rolls in town, which is served with brown butter in a steamed bun rather than the typical hot dog bun.

Eventide Oyster Company specializes in oysters on the half shell, which it offers with a variety of accouterments. However, there are also many other seafood options on the menu, ranging from cold tuna tartare and ceviche to hot stews and fried oysters. There's also a full drink menu, with cocktails, beer, wine, and more.

In addition to the finest oyster selection this side of Manhattan, Eventide serves a set of nuanced small plates and nightly specials. The day’s selections of oysters are out in the open for all patrons to see, over ice on a corner of the rugged granite bar. The menu divides the oysters into “From Maine” and “From Away”.

Eventide is touted as one of those Portland “must-eats” by everything you read and anyone you may speak with, near or far. After some time in Copenhagen this summer where acclaimed restaurants failed to deliver on repeat. Maybe it was just the pricing, but the Danish experience made me a tad skeptical of major magazine…

Another famed restaurant here is Eventide Oyster Co, renowned for their oysters and fresh seafood. Jump on route 295 North and head to Freeport, just 20 minutes up the road. You can make the obligatory stop at L.L. Bean (Maine’s most popular attraction) at any time of the day or night because it’s open 24/7/365.

While Eventide is certainly known for their oysters (as the name implies), this is also a top spot in Portland to grab a lobster roll. The famed, brown butter lobster roll at Eventide is of the Connecticut variety – warm and buttery, rather than the cold, mayo-based type you typically find throughout Maine.

I can guarantee that Eventide’s lobster roll will be the best you’ve had in your life. In fact, I consider this gem one of my top 5 deathbed meals, it’s that good. Due to the restaurant’s undeniable popularity, some folks wonder if Eventide lives up to the hype and I am here to tell you that it does 100%.

But there seems to be a general agreement amongst locals in Portland that you simply can’t go wrong with the lobster roll offering at Eventide Oyster Co. on Middle Street. Their brown butter lobster rolls are one of the many reasons there is often a line for the restaurant stretching around the building.

At Eventide (86 Middle St.; 207-774-8538), you can slurp ten kinds of Maine oysters and decide whether Peekytoe, Maine’s answer to the Mid-Atlantic blue crab, is all that. French fries your thing?. You’ll find supremely satisfying ones at Duck Fat (43 Middle St.; 207-774-8080), an upscale sandwich shop.

Eventide Oyster Co. was one of our first restaurants in Portland, Maine, and throughout our entire trip stood out as being one of the best. Think incredibly fresh oysters from many farms, inventive dishes (koji-cured steelhead trout, anyone?), and of course a stellar lobster roll!

You will see this spot on any “best lobster rolls in Portland, Maine” list and that’s for good reason. This spot has a LONG line from the minute it opens because their brown butter lobster rolls are to die for. It’s hard to describe why exactly they are so good, but they just are.

At Eventide: fresh oysters from all over the country, and fabulous small plates to go with them. Razor clams are tough to prepare properly, but they slice them and grill them to create a wonderful small plate. The fried oysters…the crudos (raw fish plates)…beautifully presented.

Maybe no restaurant is as emblematic of contemporary Portland dining as Eventide. The offerings are of the old-school Maine seafaring variety: a rotating selection of oysters (overwhelmingly local in season, many from the oyster mecca of the Damariscotta River), a brown-butter…

Amassing accolades since opening on Middle Street in 2012, Eventide is more than an oyster bar. Its well-curated menu sometimes surprises but never disappoints. If you’re only ordering one thing, Maine magazine managing editor Kelly Chase recommends picking the lobster roll.

If you can only have one lobster roll for the rest of your life, this is the place to have it. Think of a perfectly crisped buttery roll topped with chunks of tender and meaty lobster, splashed with just a bit of sweet, brown butter and some chives. It is heaven on a plate.

Photo courtesy of http://www.eventideoysterco.com/portland#menus-section. When most people think of Maine, they think of seafood. Although Portland offers a plethora of options, Eventide Oyster Co, l ocated on 86 Middle Street has s ome of the freshest catches available.

Eventide Oyster Co. is fairly well-known for its oysters, as you might could guess. But, it’s their unique take on classic lobster rolls that leave visitors drooling all over the place. Their Eventide Brown Butter Lobster Roll is famous amongst locals and visitors alike.

If you prefer to wait a couple of hours for a table, dad might enjoy the oysters or chowder at Eventide while you get the vegan smoked tofu sandwich. You might want to get the fried brussel sprouts (also vegan) to go with it if you’re hungry. Their brownie is also vegan.

Perfect for seafood lovers, Eventide Oyster Co. redefines the concept of a seafood shack with its modern approach and refined menu. Known for its fresh oysters and creative seafood dishes, this restaurant embodies Maine's maritime tradition with a contemporary twist.

Why It's Great: While known for its incredible raw bar, Eventide also serves up a killer lunch menu. Their lobster roll is a must-try, and their fried oysters are crispy and delicious. Don't forget to try their seasonal specials for a truly unique dining experience.

A momentous life event happened for me at Eventide Oyster Co.: I took my very first oyster shooter. Yes, I know, I can’t believe it took me this long, either. In fact, neither of us had ever paired a freshly shucked oyster with a shot of zhuzhed-up tequila before.

Eventide Oyster Company offers a lobster roll that’s nothing short of extraordinary. They serve it on a Chinese-style steamed bun with brown butter sauce, giving it a unique and unforgettable flavor profile. It’s a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

Start with a late-afternoon snack of a dozen Maine oysters and a decadent brown butter lobster roll served in a steamed Asian-style bun at Eventide Oyster Co. Sit at the oyster bar and get the celery gimlet to go along with it (have them use Plymouth gin).

Eventideoffers small plate dining and their brown-butter lobster roll is the most petite tasting experience on our list. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in flavor. You could share…but we recommend taking your time and savoring this one yourself.

This restaurant appears on nearly every Best of Portland list, and for good reason. Everything we’ve had here has been delicious. If you don’t have a reservation, I recommend arriving when they open to grab a table; otherwise, you’ll face a long wait!

Let me get this out of the way, Eventide was probably the best collection of seafood items I’ve ever had. Every dish was delicious including the raw items which I normally don’t go for. Best of all, the outdoor seating area in front is dog friendly.

In the evening, indulge in a seafood feast at Eventide Oyster Co., known for its fresh oysters and innovative small plates. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the charming Old Port district, with its cobblestone streets and bustling waterfront.

There are lots of reasons to eat at Eventide – mainly oysters. But for the GF crowd, it’s the brown butter lobster rolls that keep us coming back. They make them in-house, and if you’ve ever had the “real” thing, we dare you to tell the difference.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,140 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Seafood- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101-4232- Read more on Tripadvisor

From what I can tell, Eventide is the most popular restaurant in Portland. I’ve been a couple times and enjoy their lobster rolls and the massive selection of local oysters they have. The place has won a ton of national awards.

Eventide is a must do for oysters, their lobster roll, or creative seafood. Reservations not taken here, but you'll eventually get a bar seat (only 3 tables in the place, a 4, 6 and 8 top). Good beers and drinks while you wait.

You’ve probably heard about the famous Eventide Brown Butter Lobster Roll, and for good reason. I’ve actually written about it before in this post. This is one of my favorite lobster rolls of all time and a unique one at that.

By Yankee Staff Jun 23 2022 Best Seafood Restaurants | Portland, Maine Eventide Oyster Co. Photo Credit : Photo by Zack Bowen/Knack Factory The soy chicken was amazing, my daughter the pad Thai connoisseur loved her d.

Best paired with one of Eventide’s signature cocktails, the Twisted Tea. Getting a table at Eventide can be tricky so we recommend adding your name to their waitlist early and exploring Old Port as you wait for a spot.

86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101Phone: 207-774-8538 Visit Website. A post shared by Eventide Oyster Co. (@eventideoysterco). The Eventide Oyster Co. represents a tiny seafood joint in a city full of big restaurants.

🙂 This place was incredible, fantastic food, creative drinks, and friendly service. We ordered lots and lots of oysters, and tried the brown butter and mayo lobster rolls. The brown butter was my preference.

Savor the famous brown butter lobster roll and fresh oyster at Eventide Oyster Co.. Wine the award-winning Belgian-style beers at Allagash Brewing Company. Want to try a true Maine favorite potato donut?.

I am a lobster roll person, as proclaimed by both myself, and others. Eventide is one of the best- on the entire east coast. Eventide’s interior oozes seaside living, with the food to back it up.

Restaurants like The Honey Paw, Eventide, Chaval, Central Provisions, and Tipo plan to stay open throughout the cold, dark months to give us Portlanders a light at the end of the tunnel.

Many of the best eateries are just outside the Old Port on Middle Street: Head there for oysters at Eventide (get there early on the weekends) or Belgian fries and paninis at Duckfat.

Yes, Eventide is heaven for those who want incredible fresh oysters. But we were on the hunt for lobster rolls, and we heard that their brown butter lobster roll was to die for.

American Cheese, Tallow Mayo, Pickled Red Onions, Iceberg Lettuce. Thin patty, will be cooked through, we do not cook to specific temperature. Also, does not come with fries!

Eventide Oyster Co. is a raw bar that offers a wide range of seafood options. If you’re looking to try the local catch, this is a must!. Lobster roll via @eventideoysterco

Eventide has already received national recognition and a James Beard Award, so that one would expect nothing less than mouthwatering perfection from their lobster roll.

If you’re reading this and you’re in Portland right now, the next thing you should be doing is running to Eventide for this one-of-a-kind taste.

They are known for their “brown butter lobster roll” … probably the best thing I had on the entire trip.