When There's Nothing in the Fridge, We Go to Hot Suppa in Portland | Bon Appétit

"A New Orleans–style eatery in Portland, Maine, known for excellent, reliably good food, a homey, unpretentious vibe, and $1 happy-hour oysters. Cocktails are a highlight—particularly the After Glow, a tequila, passion-fruit juice, and hot-chili-pepper elixir—and every table has a tray of hot sauces including pickled hot peppers. The storefront is plain and lived-in, with plate-glass windows (looking out at a 7‑Eleven), exposed brick, wooden booths and tables, local art, high ceilings and a large fan, creating a warm, cozy room of steamy windows and soft hubbub that feels like an extension of home just two short blocks from the author’s house. It’s the neighborhood spot to return to after a trip or to lift your spirits: breakfast offerings like the corned beef hash with cornbread and Maine maple sweet tea are superb—not too salty, crisp and griddle-pressed with two over-easy yolks seeping into it—and the menu reliably delivers crowd-pleasers such as catfish tacos, shrimp and grits, pulled-pork mac and cheese, and Creole meatloaf." - ByKate Christensen