Restaurants Near Congress Street and State Street in Portland, Maine

It is no wonder Portland, Maine, was named "America's Foodiest Small Town 2009" by Bon Appetit magazine. Not only does the area boast dozens of outdoor attractions set on the picturesque seacoast, but hundreds of restaurants thrive in this culinary Mecca. Many of these restaurants are clustered near the intersection of State Street and Congress Street, one of the city's main thoroughfares.

Evangeline

Erik Desjarlais, Evangeline's owner and proprietor, has a menu for those who are in the mood for some exotic French cuisine, such as calf brain and duck neck. While French restaurants are often thought of as stuffy and pretentious, Evangeline's atmosphere is casual and intimate. The small space has the feel of a warm European bistro, and the chef calls his culinary style "rock n' roll French." Committed to taking advantage of fresh local products and seasonal ingredients, this restaurant changes its menu daily. Diners eat several courses and can easily run up a bill of over $60 per person on a regular night. On Monday nights in December 2009, the chef was cooking up a $28 special three-course set menu so diners could try Evangeline's cuisine for less.

Evangeline
190 State St.
Portland, ME 41011
(207) 791-280
restaurantevangeline.com

Bangkok Thai

ILocated on the corner of State Street and Congress Street, Bangkok Thai is a quiet, family-oriented restaurant serving authentic Asian cuisine. With most entrees under $10 as of 2009, this ethnic restaurant is a good option for budget-minded travelers. There is ample seating in the dining room, so diners don't usually have to wait for a seat. The extensive menu boasts appetizers, salads, soups, curries, noodle dishes, seafood, rice and entrees. Vegetarians can choose from about a dozen meat-free entrees. Beer and wine are available, and dishes can be ordered with different levels of spiciness. Bangkok Thai is closed on Sundays but open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. The restaurant closes at 9:30 p.m.

Bangkok Thai
671 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04101-3303
(207) 879-4089
bangkok-thai.com

Local 188

Local 188 is located just a few yards from State Street. This hip uptown restaurant has a casual boutique atmosphere and an eclectic decor attracting everyone from singles munching on tapas in the lounge area to couples and families with children in the restaurant section. Reservations are recommended on weekends and during the summer season. Local 188 is open for dinner daily, and on weekends it serves brunch, complete with mimosas and bloody Marys. The menu fuses local ingredients with Mediterranean cuisine, and you can enjoy a full meal or simple tapas. Sometimes the restaurant hosts live music.

Local 188‎
685 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04102-3303
(207) 761-7909
local188.com/

Resources:

• Evangeline
• Bangkok Thai
• Local 188