Maine

All eyes on Maine’s 2nd District as race heats up for U.S. House seat

Published

2 years ago

October 11, 2024

Press Room

All eyes on Maine’s 2nd District as race heats up for U.S. House seat

State Rep. Austin Theriault, left, and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden

Maine’s high-stakes congressional race has overtaken the airwaves and headlines as the 2nd District candidates spar in debates and money pours in from around the country to pay for relentless TV ads about who will offer the most independent leadership and who can’t be trusted to stand up for the voters.

The race between Democrat Jared Golden, a three-term incumbent and former Marine, and Republican Austin Theriault, a one-term state legislator and former NASCAR driver, is one of a few swing district contests nationwide that could determine the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a small majority.

And while Golden has won three times before, the vast and mostly rural district is one of only a few held by a Democrat but also won by former Republican President Donald Trump, who is expected to carry the district again next month.

“This is one of the most competitive races in the country,” said Erin Covey, editor of U.S. House elections at the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, an independent nonpartisan group that analyzes elections. “This is going to be a race that could ultimately tip the balance of power to one party or the other, just because control of the House is so slim.”

“Republicans have a four-seat advantage. Overall we see control of the House as a toss-up, and this is one of the races it could come down to.”

With the balance of power at stake, outside groups and some out-of-state billionaires are pouring money into the contest for ads, mostly featuring negative attacks on the candidates. As of Oct. 1, about a dozen outside groups unaffiliated with either campaign spent about $6.8 million on the race, and more is coming. The Associated Press reported that groups reserved nearly $16 million in airtime through the election.

Congressman Jared Golden at his home in Lewiston on Oct. 3. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer

Golden said in an interview with the Press Herald that he is proud of his record of being one of the most bipartisan members of Congress, which has drawn criticism from the left flank of his party.

“The job isn’t about making friends,” Golden said of his independent style. “It’s not about being popular with your colleagues or with your leadership.

Theriault did not agree to be interviewed for this story but has said he wants to help make sure Republicans keep a majority in the House so it can support Trump’s America first agenda.

“We need to maintain control of Congress,” he said in a radio interview before the Republican primary.

Austin Theriault, Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District, in Portland on Oct. 3. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

Most of the TV ads attack Golden for his positions on securing the border and gun laws, while seeking to tie him to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and policies the critics say fueled inflation.

Golden and his supporters have responded by airing ads highlighting his independence, since he votes against the administration more than any other House Democrat. He has also highlighted efforts to work with Trump and Republicans, and he penned an Op-Ed when Biden was running for reelection, saying that Trump would win and “I’m OK with that.”

Ads attacking Theriault accuse him of wanting to charge seniors more for health care – a reference to his opposition to the Inflation Reduction Act, which lowered health care costs – and being willing to support cuts to Social Security and Medicare, which Theriault has denied. Theriault, meanwhile, has used the airwaves to defend his position on abortion, denying that he would support a national ban on access.

While Golden and Theriault are the only two candidates whose names will be listed on ballots, there is a declared write-in, Diana Merenda, of Surry. The existence of a third candidate means voters have the opportunity to rank the candidates by preference, although an actual ranked choice runoff with a write-in candidate is highly unlikely.

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

The race is one of two dozen toss-ups nationwide being tracked by the Cook Political Report, and Covey said it’s one of the top 10 pick-up opportunities in the country for Republicans. When House Speaker Michael Johnson visited Lewiston over the summer, he said the race was one of the party’s top five pick-up opportunities.

Congressman Jared Golden at his home in Lewiston on Oct. 3. Golden, the incumbent Democrat in Maine’s 2nd District, is running against Republican Austin Theriault, who is finishing his first term as a state lawmaker. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer

Golden is among the five Democrats in toss-up races who are trying to hold their seats in Trump districts, and the 2nd District is one of two with the strongest support for Trump, according to Cook.

While Trump’s popularity looms over the race, a combination of other factors also contribute to the especially tight race, Covey said. Golden has changed his position on gun rights, now backing a ban on assault style weapons. And he is facing a strong challenger in Theriault, who secured the early backing of national Republicans after being recruited by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Theriault is young and a relative newcomer to politics, which Covey said allows him to avoid the pitfalls of former Rep. Bruce Poliquin, whom Golden defeated twice, largely by labeling the Republican as a career politician.

“This going to be his toughest reelection campaign to date,” Covey said.

But Golden’s independent streak could still help him keep his job.

“Golden’s record of winning here and his proven appeal to independent and more Republican-leaning voters – that should not be taken for granted,” Covey said. “Even though it may have shrunk, he starts out in a better position than most Democrats.”

Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, also believes the race is a true toss-up, one of 18 he’s tracking. And it’s one that Republicans think they can win, he said, which is why they’re investing heavily into the race.

“I think Republicans are more confident this time than in previous years because they really like their challenger,” Kondik said. “I think both sides are viewing it as a winnable race.”

There is no recent public polling to indicate where the race stands less than a month before Election Day. A poll conducted from Sept. 5-15 by Pan Atlantic Research showed Theriault leading by 3 points – but that was within the 3.5% margin of error and 9% of respondents said they were undecided.

Kondik said the race is difficult to predict because Maine voters aren’t afraid to split their tickets.

“It’s one of the few places in the country where you have a House member of a different party than the party that is likely to win the district for president,” Kondik said. “There is some sense, particularly in these smaller states, that voters can know more about their elected officials and maybe there’s more of an opening for ticket-splitting, and Golden is going to need that.”

TWO ROADS TO SERVICE MERGE

The candidates followed very different paths into public service and onto the front line of a high-stakes battle for control of Congress.

A native of Leeds, Golden joined the Marines after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and served two combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He returned home, completed his college education and entered politics as an aide to Maine’s senior U.S. senator, Republican Susan Collins. He then served two terms in the state Legislature, rising to party leadership, before winning his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The 42-year-old said in a 40-minute interview with the Press Herald that serving in the Marines taught him about true leadership – putting the mission and service to others ahead of one’s self. He learned ways small and large to demonstrate that leadership, he said, whether it’s having the lowest ranking soldiers line up first for chow or risking life to complete a mission.

Golden said that he tries to live by that philosophy in Congress, which is increasingly difficult as party positions are handed down from leadership and politics in general has become more polarized.

“It’s about making tough decisions and keeping your eye on representing your district and the local needs,” he said. “And sometimes that can come at a cost, where you might not necessarily be the most popular guy or everyone’s favorite Democrat.”

Austin Theriault, the Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

At 30 years old, Theriault began his public service career two years ago after returning to his home state.

Theriault grew up in the St. John Valley near the Canadian border and moved away to pursue a career as a NASCAR driver. He moved back to Maine a couple years after his driving career ended in 2019 and continues to run a consulting and training business for young drivers.

A campaign spokesperson said Theriault didn’t have time to be interviewed for this story and asked for questions to be submitted in writing. His campaign said Theriault lived in North Carolina from 2019 to 2021 before returning to Maine.

In radio interviews, Theriault has said he’s running to bring his experience as a small-business owner to Washington and to help Trump implement his “America first” agenda. He was endorsed by Trump and Johnson, the House speaker, during the Republican primary.

He frequently points to his roots growing up in a French Catholic family in Aroostook County, where he says he learned the meaning of hard work from his grandfather and father, a farmer and a logging trucker, respectively. Everything else, he has said, he learned during his racing career.

Theriault suggested in a Jan. 15 interview on WGAN News Radio that government restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to run for office, though he didn’t provide much detail.

“I’ve always been interested in giving back and serving the community as best as I could,” Theriault said. “So when COVID came around and I saw some of the crazy policies that were being put forward it seemed like the right time to start getting involved in local office.”

He entered politics in 2022 when he ran for the state House of Representatives. He easily won, receiving 71% of the vote for the open seat representing part of Aroostook County.

INDEPENDENCE

Both Golden and Theriault are promising to be strong independent voices, while accusing each other of being unable to stand up for the district.

Golden has portrayed Theriault as a sycophant to Trump and House Republicans, and warned that Theriault will not follow through on his vow to buck his own party, including a promise to vote against any effort to cut Social Security or Medicare.

Theriault has said he will be a more aggressive advocate for the district than Golden. But, in radio interviews, he also has spoken repeatedly about how Trump would need “players on the field” to help implement his agenda.

“What do you think is going to happen if (Trump) wins the presidency and Democrats somehow win control of Congress?” Theriault said in a May 31 interview on WVOM radio. “They’re going to try to impeach him again, and we’re going to get nothing done for four years.”

Theriault’s campaign did not provide any examples of him standing up to his own party leadership during his two years in the State House, where he kept a relatively low profile as a first-term representative.

He has described himself as one of the most bipartisan members of the Legislature, though it’s not clear how often he broke with his party because the Legislature doesn’t produce an analysis of roll call votes. His campaign also said he was instrumental in securing funds for road and bridge work in the state budget and lowering energy costs, but did not name any specific bills or initiatives.

Golden’s approach to lawmaking and willingness to defy his party has rankled diehard Democrats, especially from the progressive flank. But it has been a winning formula in the district, where he has received support from divergent interests, including endorsements from organized labor and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Golden has been repeatedly criticized by Theriault for not saying whom he plans to support for president. Golden has said he won’t vote for Trump, but also has not expressed support for Harris, saying voters don’t want his advice about whom to support.

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Maine

Maine Trash Kings turns clutter into cash across Searsport

Published

58 minutes ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

Maine Trash Kings turns clutter into cash across Searsport

SEARSPORT, Maine (WABI) – A new Searsport business sees other people’s trash as an opportunity.

Maine Trash Kings got its start at the beginning of April, and with spring cleaning underway, the founders say the business is booming.

“It’s been really good, we started at the beginning of this month, and we just started posting around on Facebook ads and word of mouth. It’s gone really good, just kind of blown up from there,” Alex Dakin, co-founder of Maine Trash Kings, said.

Maine Trash Kings is run by two Searsport High School students. They both say they’ve had to learn how to balance time quickly.

“When we don’t have jobs or something like that, after schools, I get an hour, two hours to myself, but then, I got to post ads. I got to, look at finances, go over that, fix the trailer, work on the trailer and stuff like that,” Isaac Traves, co-founder of Maine Trash Kings, said.

“It can be stressful at times, but you just got to look at the bigger picture and know that all the work you’re putting in now is just going to pay off in the future,” Dakin said.

Traves said he wants to go to college for business in the future. The junior in high school said the business has given him a head start on finances.

“Sometimes there are instances where we have to spend money to make money, and it is scary at first. Some people think oh, I’m going to spend money, that means that I’m going to lose all of that. I’m not going to make that money back. No, it’s not really how it works. You have to spend money to make money, to be honest,” Traves said.

Traves and Dakin’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Derek Ginn is a teacher at Searsport Middle School. Ginn said the boys came to him and asked if he could help them get the business started.

“It’s really great to see kids who, 16, 17, starting life not knowing exactly what they want to do, to see, hey, maybe I want to start a business. Let me see if I can fail. Let me see if I can succeed. Let’s see what’s out there,” Ginn said. “These guys did that all on their own. I’m not saying, you guys should go start this business. You guys should go start this business. No, they came to me and are like, hey, how do I do this? And that’s incredible to see for kids their age.”

Ginn said the boys also help him with his students. They serve as mentors to the younger students in the school. Ginn said that’s how he got to know Traves and Dakin.

The young business owners said they are giving the business everything they’ve got. So far, they say they love the work.

“I like working and I actually quit my job to do this full-time now, so I mean, just putting all my effort into this and seeing it grow is just, I love it,” Dakin said.

Maine Trash Kings serves Searsport and surrounding areas.

They give quotes via their Facebook page or by calling 207-323-6984 for junk removal.

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Maine

A top issue in Maine and Oklahoma governors’ races? Tribal sovereignty. – ICT

Published

13 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

A top issue in Maine and Oklahoma governors’ races? Tribal sovereignty. – ICT

This story is part one of a two-part story on gubernatorial races to watch in the 2026 midterm elections as part of the #NativeVote26.

Pauly Denetclaw
ICT

Two of the 39 states with gubernatorial races have tribal sovereignty at the top of their policy agendas: Oklahoma and Maine. The two states where tribal nations have had friction with their state governments. Now Native voters in both states will be electing a new governor, and the results will impact the relationship between tribal governments and the state for the next four years.

Wabanaki Nations in Maine had a challenging time getting state legislation signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills, Democrat, that would strengthen tribal sovereignty. The 38 tribes in Oklahoma had a tumultuous relationship with Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Eighteen of the 39 governor races in 2026 will have incumbent candidates, according to the National Governors Association. Stitt is the 2025-2026 chair of the association.

What’s happening in Oklahoma?

Over the past seven years, tribal nations and the state of Oklahoma had a contentious relationship — especially after the McGirt decision. Current governor, Stitt, who is a Cherokee Nation citizen, has been outspoken against the McGirt decision, tribal compacts for tobacco and car tags, and tribal gaming compacts.

Tribal-state compacts are legal agreements between federally recognized tribes and state governments. It is most commonly used for class III gaming — slot machines and table games.

“There was a time and a day when we used to compact with the tribes. That is not a unique thing across the nation. It wasn’t a unique thing in Oklahoma,” Chip Keating said during an April 6 candidates forum. “We absolutely have to hit the full reset button with the tribes — work together, treat them with the respect that they should have been treated with, and we’ve got to get back to compacting.”

Tribal leaders are looking forward to new state leadership, said Michael Stopp, president and chief executive officer of SevenStar Holdings.

“It’s good for the tribes and the tribal leaders are happy about it,” said Stopp, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. “It has very much been a sticking point with tribal leaders that Governor Stitt has a very different perspective on sovereignty and what role the tribes play in this state. Obviously, we’ve had some big changes with the reservation status here because of the McGirt decision in 2020, but Governor Stitt, who is a member of the Cherokee Nation, has been more of an antagonist when it comes to that, than trying to help with the transition. I can definitely say the tribal leaders are looking for leadership change.”

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin called Stitt the most anti-Indian governor in the state’s history. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond described Stitt as having a “penchant of racism against tribes,” during an April candidates forum. He added that it was unacceptable.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is pictured during an interview in his office Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Board of Pardon and Parole has recommended clemency for death row inmate James Coddington. Stitt said that he hasn’t been formally briefed on Coddington’s case, but that with any clemency recommendation, he meets with prosecutors, defense attorneys and the victim’s family before making a decision. (AP Photo, Sue Ogrocki) Credit: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is pictured during an interview in his office Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Board of Pardon and Parole has recommended clemency for death row inmate James Coddington. Stitt said that he hasn’t been formally briefed on Coddington’s case, but that with any clemency recommendation, he meets with prosecutors, defense attorneys and the victim’s family before making a decision. (AP Photo, Sue Ogrocki)

Tribal nations and state governments have to work together often. As seen in Oklahoma, Stitt vetoed several tribal compacts, despite overwhelming support by the state’s legislature, and this slowed the process for establishing the tobacco, car tag and gaming compacts between Oklahoma and tribal nations.

“Governor Stitt came in thinking that he could renegotiate this contract, and quite frankly, it just doesn’t work that way. Instead of listening and coming to the negotiating table, (Stitt) tried to come in with a really strong stance and ended up losing, honestly,” Stopp said. “I think that was unfortunate for him and for the tribes. Again, missing out on the chance of negotiating and I think the tribal leaders are definitely looking forward to having someone on the other side of the table to negotiate with.”

Oklahoma governor candidates

There are nine Republican candidates on the ballot for Oklahoma’s primary election set for June 16:

Gentner Drummond: 20th Attorney General for Oklahoma
Chip Keating: Former highway trooper and former Oklahoma Secretary of Public Safety
Mike Mazzei: Former Oklahoma state Senator and former Secretary of Budget
Charles McCall: Longest-serving Speaker of the House in Oklahoma history
Jake Merrick: Local radio host and former Oklahoma state Senator
Kenneth Sturgell: Local, small business owner
Leisa Mitchell Haynes: Former marketing director and former city manager
Calup Anthony Taylor
Jennifer Domenico-Tillett

Three Democratic gubernatorial candidates are also running for the primary election:

Cyndi Munson: Oklahoma House Minority leader
Connie Johnson: Former Oklahoma state Senator
Arya

Candidates will have to get more than 50 percent of the votes to avoid a runoff. If there is no outright winner, the top two candidates for each political party will head to a primary runoff election on August 25.

An additional three Independent candidates will automatically head to the general election this November.

Two important issues this election in Oklahoma are tribal sovereignty and a commitment to working with tribes.

During an April 6 Republican candidates forum, Gentner Drummond, Charles McCall, Chip Keating and Mike Mazzei, were asked to raise their hand if they shared Stitt’s perspective on the McGirt decision. Stitt was quoted as saying that the McGirt decision has torn Oklahoma apart and has created two justice systems based on race. None of the four candidates raised their hand.

“For three and a half years I’ve been working with every tribal leader in the state of Oklahoma, and I recognize them as unique among themselves, just like France is different from Germany,” Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said during a candidates forum. “We have to honor and respect the culture of diversity that they bring to the table and the needs that they have. We have been working with tribal law enforcement each of the last three years to take the fight to organize crime in our rural communities. They are a great partner.”

All four candidates promised their administration would work with tribal nations and negotiate tribal compacts.

Mazzei said at two different candidate forums that he would be a strong negotiator with tribal nations.

In a recent interview with KOCO 5 News, local small business owner Kenneth Sturgell said tribal nations are their neighbors and should be treated as such. He also said that the state and tribal nations have to work together.

Jake Merrick, local radio host and former Oklahoma state Senator, was pleased that the state Supreme Court affirmed tribal nations’ right to hunt on their own lands, during a March 30 candidates forum.

Democratic candidate Cyndi Munson, Oklahoma House Minority leader, said in a recent press release that her caucus supports tribes.

“The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus supports tribal sovereignty and acknowledges that our tribes fill important gaps in our education and healthcare systems, as well as other areas throughout our state,” Munson said. “I am extremely grateful for the work our tribes have done and continue to do despite vicious attacks on them by the Governor.”

A respectful working relationship between tribal nations and the state has shifted significantly since the last gubernatorial race in 2022.

“I think every one of them [Oklahoma governor candidates] has said something about it,” Stopp said. “[It’s] different than four years ago. It was an issue in the governor’s race, but it wasn’t a good issue. Here everyone’s saying yes, we want to change the tone and start the conversation differently. So I think as far as Indian voters go, that conversation is going to change regardless of who wins.”

Dawnland

In Maine, Gov. Mills repeatedly refused to sign a law that would strengthen tribal jurisdiction and recognize Wabanaki Nations right to access federal Indian laws. She vetoed the bill twice despite overwhelming support from state legislators.

“We’ve had multiple opportunities to send [legislation] to the governor’s desk and not just party line votes,” said Maulian Bryant, executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance and former Penobscot ambassador. “We generally have Democratic support, but we have gotten Republicans voting on these issues too. So, the governor has seen some great bipartisan work reach her desk and has still decided to veto some of these efforts.”

In order for tribes to access federal Indian laws, the state has to approve it. The Wabanaki Alliance, created to educate the people of Maine about tribal sovereignty, has been working diligently to amend the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980.

Through the settlement, tribal nations ceded land in exchange for $81.5 million. However, it also drastically limited tribal sovereignty, and brought tribes under the jurisdiction of the state. Tribal nations that predate the state, are subjected to state jurisdiction and treated more like municipalities. The act was meant to be a living document but the state resisted changes for decades.

The Wabanaki Alliance has been able to increase tribal sovereignty and self-governance one legislation or amendment at a time. Throughout her two-terms, Mills has resisted a complete overhaul of the 1980 act and this created tension between the governor and tribal nations.

“If we had a governor that came in and fully embraced the inherent rights and inherent sovereignty of our people, and fully recognized that, it would strengthen our communities and it would also uplift the entire state of Maine,” said Bryant, who is Penobscot. “Our tribal communities are near rural places that could really use economic opportunities and could really use tribal businesses that are able to grow without all of these bureaucratic restrictions. We really are coming from a place of friendliness and we want to be good neighbors and we want to uplift the communities around us.”

The Wabanaki Alliance held a gubernatorial candidates forum in March where nine governor candidates participated:

Shenna Bellows, Democrat
Rick Bennett, Independent
John Glowa, Independent
Troy Jackson, Democrat
Derek Levasseur, Independent
Hannah Pingree, Democrat
Nirav Shah, Democrat
Angus King III, Democrat

None of the eight Republican candidates participated.

Most of the gubernatorial candidates generally supported increasing tribal sovereignty, recognizing inherent rights and working with tribal nations. Angus King III said he wasn’t educated on the topic enough to make any commitments and would have to look into it. This sentiment was shared by John Glowa and Derek Levasseur.

Hannah Pingree, Rick Bennett, Shenna Bellows and Troy Jackson firmly supported tribal sovereignty for Wabanaki Nations.

“If a governor comes in, and isn’t afraid of recognizing tribal sovereignty and sees it as an opportunity, I think we could see some real progress for everyone,” Bryant said.

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Maine

The 10 Most Popular Restaurants in Portland, Maine, Back in 1996

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2026

Press Room

The 10 Most Popular Restaurants in Portland, Maine, Back in 1996

It seems commonplace now that people visit Portland, Maine, for the food.

Portland is home to a mix of classic and new restaurants that people travel long distances to experience.

But that wasn’t always the case. Looking back 30 years ago, Portland, Maine, was home to delicious restaurants that were not home to many frills or fanfare.

Some of those restaurants are still rolling along today, others failed to move forward.

Here’s a look at the 10 most popular restaurants in Portland, Maine back in 1996.

Back Bay Grill

Officially opening its doors in 1988, the Back Bay Grill quickly became one of the places for fine dining in Portland, Maine.

In 1996, it was one of only a handful of restaurants within the city that would be considered upscale.

The Back Bay Grill ended its lengthy run when it closed permanently in 2022.

Becky’s Diner

Opening in Portland’s waterfront in 1991, it didn’t take long before Becky’s Diner was a regular part of the working waterfront’s routine.

As the working waterfront began diminishing, Becky’s has managed to transform itself into a place locals still enjoy while simultaneously serving as a tourist destination.

35 years later and Becky’s is still going strong.

Granny’s Burritos

Opening in 1995, Granny’s Burritos has taken on an almost mythical presence for that fondly remember it.

Granny’s called several different spots around time home over the years but remains fondly remembered for its stellar nachos and signature burritos.

The last iteration of Granny’s Burritos officially closed in 2017.

Fore Street

Officially opening in 1996, Fore Street is widely considered the restaurant that took Portland, Maine, and put it on the map for food.

Almost from the day it opened, Fore Street became a cornerstone to fine dining in the city and laid the groundwork for many other upscale restaurants to follow.

Fore Street still remains one of the most popular restaurants in Portland, Maine, 30 years after it initially opened.

Squire Morgan’s

Now home to Cutie’s, the corner of Market and Milk streets was once home to one of Portland’s most popular pubs called Squire Morgan’s.

Squire Morgan’s had a fantastic run in the city through the 80’s and early-90’s before a fire burned the restaurant in 1996.

Squire Morgan’s rebuilt but it was never the same and closed permanently in 1998.

DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant

There is something unique and elegant about dining aboard a floating restaurant. That has been the draw for DiMillo’s since it opened in 1982.

Like Back Bay Grill, DiMillo’s was one of a handful of restaurants in Portland during the mid-90’s where people could visit and receive upscale service and dining.

Despite the restaurant scene changing drastically around it, DiMillo’s remains a destination restaurant for many visiting Portland.

Silly’s

Even amongst a slew of restaurants serving pub grub and classic New England fare, Silly’s always stood out.

It was a quirky spot with a eclectic menu that people consistently flocked to, especially on the weekends. It became a staple in the city throughout the 90’s.

Silly’s had a couple of starts and stops in Portland in more recent times before finally reestablishing itself in Standish.

The Sportsman’s Grill

Opened in 1952, the Sportsman’s Grill on Congress Street was a staple of dining in Portland, Maine, for decades.

The restaurant was sports themed as the name would suggest and evolved over the years to draw in sports fan and casual diners.

1996 proved to be one of the final years for the Sportsman’s Grill as it closed permanently in 1997.

The Great Lost Bear

Originally known as Grizzly Bear, the Great Lost Bear got a name change in 1981 and really grasped a rapid fanbase throughout the 80’s.

The Great Lost Bear has always been known for its large menu and larger portions and was one of the first spots in town to fully embrace craft beer and champion it.

The Great Lost Bear remains a favorite for many as it approaches its 50-year anniversary.

Walter’s

Originally opening its doors in 1990, some credit Walter’s as a stepping stone restaurant to what most see throughout Portland today.

It was a cornerstone upscale restaurant throughout the 90’s and eventually sold in 2004.

Walter’s moved from its original location at 15 Exchange Street to 2 Portland Square in 2009 and operated there for years before closing permanently in 2019.