there's just something about portland, maine that gets me every time. i drove up yesterday, got back late this afternoon, and my stomach is still making unsettled and strange noises, so i must have done something right. as usual, the trip was mainly an excuse to eat and imbibe, though i did get to see some dear friends, which was cool too, i gueeeess.
FOOD:
j's oyster
the indulgence began with coronas and lobster rolls at j's, a no-frills spot in old port. my friend was excited because it was his first lobster roll of the summer. i was still excited even though it was my ::cough cough:: 7th-ish?
we strolled around a bit after lunch and explored some of my favorite vintage and vinyl stores, including strange maine (who took down their awesome sign for some reason, and i'm pissed).
we also went to the "flea for all," a huge indoor flea market, and i was extremely tempted by this $80 bart simpson cutout:
mt. desert island ice cream
GUYS, I HAD THE BEST ICE CREAM I'VE EVER HAD HERE AND OK FINE I'LL STOP TYPING IN CAPS. but the cinnamon cardamom? life-changing.
slab
despite the generic-sounding name, this place served up solid, super-doughy pizza and smelled phenomenal. they also played all of my alt-rock favorites, which is always the way to my heart.
local 188
two words: breakfast paella.
holy donut
i'd somehow never been here before, and it did not disappoint. i ordered the maine blueberry donut--because when in rome--and it was a revelation. my friend opted for the fresh lemon and wasn't as impressed. c'est la vie.
DRINK:
bard
this was a great place to refuel and recharge, PLUS they had iced vietnamese coffee, which is a rare and delightful treat.
liquid riot
also found this little bunch o'daisies sitting in the middle of the sidewalk on the way there. what does it all mean?!
lincoln's
i knew it was going to be good when my friend had to show the people in front of us how to get inside. a speakeasy with pictures of honest abe errywhere, this place is cozy and cash-only. the perfect place to start our saturday night.
MAPS
my favorite thing about this place was the non-functioning jukebox:
also, that they had no food available except a massive chocolate cake. we were so bloated and full, but we just kept eyeing that cake on the bar...until an entire group of friends came in and each ordered a slice. it was fantastic. anyways, true to its name, this bar had a lot of maps. and cute little glasses with the outline of maine.
tandem
it's a gas station-turned-hipster coffee shop, and who doesn't love that? i'm also obsessed with the malt iced coffee.
some more assorted pictures because i'm suppressing my urge to spam instagram. thanks for indulging me!