Steff D.
Yelp
I don't know that Flatbread is a destination spot in Portland (especially considering they're technically a chain with locations in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Hawaii as of writing this), but - ironically - I do think it's a place for locals. Why? Because it's welcoming regardless of season, it's spacious, the food is consistent, it's good for groups, there are options for most dietary restrictions, it's FOR US (probably for you too, tourist, but... it genuinely is community-centric - you'll see that in the children's artwork and the NPO's they support monthly).
In the summer it's one of THE BEST patios. Located outside on the working waterfront, the views are about as Portland as it gets (good people watching too)! Yes, it's still communal picnic table seating, but it seems like (probably because of the pandemic) they are packing people in a little less tightly. It's nice to (literally) have some elbow room out here again.
In the winter it's one of THE BEST restaurants to tuck away inside at. The enormous "center piece" hearth where they cook emits so much (metaphorical) warmth and light, and creates such a cozy, atmosphere. Seating inside is varied with high tops, low tops, and booths.
DRINK: the fresh squeezed lemonade with maple syrup is amazing, but don't miss out on their house made sweet tea either!
EAT: for me, it's all about the Vegan flatbread with their own organic wood-fired tomato sauce, caramelized onions, olives, and plant-based cheese. I have them swap out the mushrooms for the sun-dried tomatoes, I get a side of their ginger-tamari dressing to dunk my crust in... it's perfection. Add on top of that one of their award winning salads and the strawberry-rhubarb crisp (no ice cream)? This is a good date night out for under $100.
They get suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuper busy at all times throughout the year, so I strongly encourage you to show up early or Join The Waitlist here on Yelp (love, love, love that they have this as an option).