Want to enjoy a quiet and cozy night in your hotel room and still experience Portland’s famous culinary scene? Here are our top picks for dinner take-out in Portland, Maine.
.01 // LEEWARD, 85 FREE STREET
There is something so comforting about freshly made pasta. Especially when it’s coated in a rich, expertly made ragù and dusted with a generous serve of parmigiano-reggiano. Don’t miss the lovingly crafted cocktails or a bottle from the well-curated wine list when ordering.
.02 // PAI MEN MIYAKE, 188 STATE STREET
You’ll only have to walk 4 minutes down the street to pick up a rich, layered bowl of ramen from Pai Men Miyake. Go for something spicy like their Tantanmen made with pork and chicken broth and shredded pork belly if you like a little heat or if you’re looking for lobster while you’re in Maine (who isn’t?) see if their Lobster Miso ramen special is available, lobster tail included.
.03 // SCHULTE & HERR, 349 CUMBERLAND AVENUE
When we think of dishes we want to curl up with on a chilly evening, schnitzel is definitely one that comes to mind. The best you’ll find in Portland, in our opinion, comes from Schulte & Herr. They make a super-thin, delicately breaded pork schnitzel that is perfectly accompanied by some German potato salad and a side of cheesy spaetzle.
.04 // QUIERO CAFE, 3 DEERING AVENUE
Now that to-go cocktails are available in Maine, you can even get your chicken Patacon, cheesy quesadilla or spicy chorizo empanada from Quiero Cafe with a mango margarita or an easy-drinking Pacifico. Make sure to round out your meal with an order of the yuca fries topped with garlic aioli and queso fresco.
.05 // EMPIRE CHINESE KITCHEN, 575 CONGRESS STREET
We love that Empire’s menu also includes plenty of vegetarian, vegan and even gluten-free options. Whether you’re going for fluffy 5-spice braised pork belly buns, ‘double happiness noodles’, the infamous garlic green beans, or really anything on the menu – you’ll end up with simple, well made Chinese food, sure to warm you right up on a winter’s night.