Don't let the word tavern fool you, as the coziness of this neighborhood restaurant met with the refinement of a fine dining landmark when Wayside opened. The inviting dining room plays host to sophisticated plates like delicate broiled Maine scallops with caviar and bearnaise sauce, or foie gras truffles with maple almond croccante (Italian brittle candy) and pepper jelly. If you're in the market for a fantastic date-night destination, put this at the top of your list.

The bar is overseen by Siobhán & Mike Sindoni, proprietors of neighboring Wayside Tavern at The Francis Hotel, another project from Uncommon Hospitality. Guests can find a sommelier-selected wine list, cocktail program, local beers, and a thoughtful and ample selection of zero-proof cocktails and creations. Bites include snacks like crispy chickpeas with shawarma spice, Siberian caviar with tarragon egg salad, and a foie gras torchon with fennel and lemon jam.

Just inside the Francis Hotel, Wayside Tavern has an excellent selection of great Old World wines to choose from. My last time there, I sat at the bar next to a chef from another restaurant and regulars who continually keep the pulse of the city’s food scene. Spend some time talking through the wine list with Wayside’s knowledgeable and friendly staff—you’re bound to discover a new glass that will become a long-standing favorite.

The word "tavern" might make you think of a dark and rowdy pub with tired people in need of a heavy drink. And even though Wayside Tavern is snug and dim, this restaurant in a boutique hotel in a historic Portland building is a far cry from what we described in the first sentence. There’s a simple neon sign outside, and a green glowing interior with a fireplace for amped-up coziness inside.

Don’t let the humble demeanor of this neighborhood spot, nestled between the West End and Parkside, throw you off. Dishes here roar with inspiration and ambition—and they come in all formats. Small plates roll out combinations such as broiled Maine scallop (a single, perfect one) with velvety hollandaise and pops of caviar, and they get all the details right.

Wayside Tavern was always bound to be an under-the-radar restaurant. Tucked into an annex of the historic Francis Hotel on the fringes of the West End, this 40-seater hides in plain sight. Owners Siobhan and Michael Sindoni don’t seem to mind, as they share five nights a week with a tiny cohort of guests, spooling out endless glasses of wine and cocktails, as well as large-and-small-format plates like gribiche-sauced battered cod cheeks, bacon-strewn cabbage salad, and grass-fed steak with funky, peppery bone marrow sauce.

Lately we’ve really been enjoying Wayside Tavern for its cozy bar and dining rooms and well-made classics on both the cocktail and food fronts. Share the broiled local oysters with garlic and chile butter, planks of burnished roasted chicken served over ricotta-slathered toast with golden raisins and pinenuts, and crisp pork schnitzel with fennel, shaved celery, and tonnato sauce.

And even though Wayside Tavern is snug and dim, this restaurant in a boutique hotel in a historic Portland building is a far cry from what we described in our first sentence. There’s a simple neon sign outside, and a green glowing interior with a fireplace for amped-up coziness inside. The staff is always friendly, and everything on their menu is expertly made and comforting.

A recent discovery and already our favorite “new‑to‑us” spot. Tucked inside The Francis hotel, this cozy spot serves a rotating menu of plates, house‑made charcuterie, and natural‑wines. After months of hearing locals rave, we finally dropped in – and it rocketed straight to the top of our regular rotation.

The Five of Clubs is the name of the bar, and both the café and bar will be operated by Siobhán & Mike Sindoni, owners of the Wayside Tavern, located in The Francis Hotel. In the evening, Five of Clubs will focus on classic cocktails, local seafood, and charcuterie.

For a cozy atmosphere and excellent New England-inspired fare, venture to Wayside Tavern in the West End. The neighborhood spot, run by a husband-and-wife team, fits the bill for a number of experiences. “You can bring kids.

Michael and Siobhán Sindoni, the owners of Wayside Tavern, along with chef Rian Wyllie have leased the former Bao Bao space at 133 Spring Street where they plan to open Gill’s Bar (instagram).