Lincolns

Loved this quiet underground bar. The white blend wine was actually good! $5 was a nice price in a fancy crystal glass. Great chilly weather or rainy day bar. Pull on the basement door to get into the bar.

Lincolns is such a hidden gem, quite literally. This speakeasy is one of those places I almost don’t want to review because I hope it stays this low-key for a little bit longer, although in this day and age, that’s virtually impossible. Lincolns is a place where tourists mingle with locals, where you can get the most generous pour of your preferred liquor for just $5 (in this economy?!), and where you can sit back on their nice leather chairs and feel transported to a time where speakeasies like this one were a thing. A place where service is always top-notch, the crowd is diverse and not pretentious, and you just go for a good time, each time. I’m so grateful for this spot!

I love this place. The decor is beautiful and has the perfect atmosphere for enjoying drinks with friends. The manager was very friendly and took pride in the place. There was a nice area downstairs for food and drinks as well that had a good vibe.

Doesn’t say this is a speakeasy but IT IS. Thank goodness for the man outside that helped us get in. Hint: there’s 3 doors and not upstairs. Everything is $5 which is great to see in this economy. Awesome atmosphere even when it’s dead

The bar back chick with the ugly mullet and braids is extremely rude. I’ve been to Lincoln’s on every visit to Portland and always bring a crew. I’ve never had such a poor experience before. Worst customer service. Oh and the bouncer with the curled up mustache is just as bad. Terrible look for what I’ve considered such a nice place to visit - and I’ll be sure to spread the word and tell people to spend their $5 elsewhere.

I love Lincolns! It’s so much fun to bring new people here who don’t know where the entrance is. Drinks at $5 a piece and the atmosphere is low key and comfortable. One of my favorite bars in Portland!

Low-key lounge inside market street eats. Downstairs inside the room with no handle. Best prices for drinks in the city. Cash only.

This place is awesome! Find this old style speakeasy, it's worth it. It's cash only but the prices are really reasonable and the staff is friendly.

I love Lincolns! Great bar and speakeasy. The funniest part is watching people trying to find the door. The door used to be a bookshelf but isn't any longer. Super nice wait staff with a cool way about them.

We had a good time at Lincolns, a speakeasy in downtown Portland, Maine (Old Port neighborhood). This was one of several restaurants and bars we visited while bar-hopping in downtown Portland. Lincolns stood out because it was the only speakeasy we went to. It's not some place you can just walk into from off the street without knowing about it beforehand. Since this is a speakeasy, there's no street sign nor clearly-marked storefront. To enter, enter the double red doors at 36 Market Street and go downstairs. During our visit, the hidden entrance door was a faux brick wall with a towel rack. The entry area looked like a cheaply-constructed escape room. It was made to look like a locker room. Inside was a very casual, sort of dark and grungy, basement bar and lounge. "Sort of" because some of the furniture, like the European-style felt button chairs and sofas, were nice. The space was small, but not tiny. The owner(s) successfully accomplished the "secret," off-the-grid speakeasy atmosphere, in my opinion. Bring cash because this is a cash-only establishment, as has been well-documented since the business' opening in 2015: https://maine.eater.com/2014/12/15/7394203/east-ender-small-axe-food-truck-portland-lincolns-bar-full-belly-deli-liquor-license. Surprisingly, everything was still $5 during our visit in 2023. Despite high inflation in recent years, Lincolns' unique $5 pricing has remained flat. When we visited, the menu was simple with six beers on tap, two wine options (one red, one white), and about a dozen liquor options (plus mixers). Their only food item was Chili Mac. Again, everything was just $5 each. A sign at our table said Poetry Night is the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7pm ($5) and stand-up Comedy Night is every Thursday at 8:30pm ($5). Service was good from both the door greeter (nice) and the bartender who served us (polite, efficient). On a Saturday around 5:30-6:30pm, this place was busy, but not crowded. There were still empty seats/tables to be had, but only a few. The speakeasy vibe was fun for the novelty. Check out Lincolns on social media for current hours, specials, events, and more. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LincolnsPortlandMaine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lincolnsportlandmaine

Lincolns is such a hidden gem, quite literally. This speakeasy is one of those places I almost don't want to review because I hope it stays this low-key for a little bit longer, although in this day and age, that's virtually impossible. Lincolns is a place where tourists mingle with locals, where you can get the most generous pour of your preferred liquor for just $5 (in this economy?!), and where you can sit back on their nice leather chairs and feel transported to a time where speakeasies like this one were a thing. A place where service is always top-notch, the crowd is diverse and not pretentious, and you just go for a good time, each time. I'm so grateful for this spot!

Quiet environment, good drinks, mysterious environment . Bartender very nice. Would stop by again.

This place is a simple dive bar, but slightly hidden. It's loud, stuffy in the basement but everything is 5 dollars. Keep in mind for 5 dollars you're getting a gin and tonic or vodka soda etc. but the bartenders are friendly. It's jam packed on a Saturday night. I only grabbed one drink and then left, a bit of a younger crowd but understandably so.

My happy place. Try to stop in whenever I'm in Portland .. Ambiance : Like hanging out in your best friend's parents basement bar when you were a kid. Location: Hidden ..NOT hard to find. Bar: No pretense.. Value: It's in the name. Overall: "Legendary"

Great vibe and pretty good drinks (not top shelf) but for a great price. We also brought our older parents in early just to check it out. They felt young again. We scooted them out before the younger crowd came in. Fun place to go for a chill vibe!

We love Portland but it isn't a cheap place to visit. Our airbnb with all silly fees attached was $150+ for the night. Street parking was $7/hour. Oysters shrimp and cocktails at our favorite spot was nearly $200. Happy hour at a local BBQ place ran up about 60 bucks. Lincoln's? Strong, cheap drinks. Fast service. I'm a fan and so is my wallet.

Such a cool neighborhood spot with a great vibe. All drinks are $5 cash only. Finding the entrance was a bit tricky but made the experience all the more fun. When I visited, the bar was filled with a mix of tourists and locals. If you are visiting the area it is totally worth the trip.

This was really fun! Loved finding the hidden door and enjoyed our time here. It was very crowded which means it's not so much of a secret anymore & we had to huddle standing in a corner which was nbd but made us move on quickly. I also think they should have a different exit from the entrance because on our way out we ruined the surprise for another group trying to choose a door. Staff was fantastic though!

This is a very cool experience being it's a true speakeasy. Very hard to find - we walked up and down the street until we found another group looking for it. Drinks are $5 and you get what you pay for.

Went here for comedy night. The place was fantastic!! Bartender served us quickly. Everything is SO CHEAP!!! Really reasonable. Comedy night was a fun time. Not every joke was my cup of tea, but hey that's comedy! Can't make everyone laugh. Vibe and set up was awesome. Fun time trying to find which door was the entrance. Definitely come here if you visit Portland!

Hey this place is pretty cool . It's like an old speak easy with a hidden front door to get in. Get to 36 Market st, go down the stairs and the door is in the brick wall. Yeah spoiled your fun. But you didn't come to get lost and pissed, you came to hang out or hide out. All beers and drinks are $5. Cool place and laid back aura.

We had fun figuring out how to get into this little speakeasy after dinner nearby. It's not that difficult--just pay attention to clues once you get into the secret entrance space. $5 beers and a few mixed drink options with liquor. Dark divey vibe, chill bartenders--good place to have an intimate conversation in a laid back, unpretentious setting. They also have comedy on Thursdays. If I lived here, I'd be a regular.

No frills, best deal for drinks in Portland. Welcome to the hidden gem off Market Street. $5 in cash gets you a beverage of your wish. You typically aren't here for craft cocktail artisanship- you're here for a killer ambiance, a G&T with plenty of lime (or rum and coke, or a beer), a heavy pour, and you paid $5 - one whole Lincoln. It's brilliant. Bartenders are friendly, they have had cribbage leagues and Rock-Paper-Scissors tournaments. They place exudes fun.

Omg. They did not have the Chili Mac the night I came **cries**! My friend & I heard great things about this speakeasy & were on the hunt to find the entrance. Apparently, this is a super popular speakeasy because we saw people walking aimlessly around looking for the entrance too. We were all mobbing! Finally, we found the entrance & were excited to find out that it was Comedy Night! Cash only, $5 cocktails.

Everything is $5 and it's cash only (atm is right outside the door). It's not easy to find for us, so give yourself some time. It was a fun but stressful experience because I almost got kick out of a pizza place trying to find it. Good Luck!

First speakeasy I've been too and it was a bit difficult to find but it was worth it! The staff is extremely chill, and they have a heavy pour. It's cash only but when everything is $5 that makes it super easy. It was a nice chill place that 10 of us were able to catch up and talk so that we could hear each other

Fun spot, $5 drinks! It might take you some time to find, but it's fun to find. You can choose from your basic drinks. There was one bartender who was doing a great job and had a good pour. Thursday night was comedy night at 8:30 for a $5 cover. Most of the comedians were funny. This place is the definition of speak easy. Good job!

Stumbled upon this place on their Poetry night & man was I impressed!! The atmosphere was so intimate and welcoming, the space felt so safe and cozy, and the staff were amazing! Jason (I think was his name?) The MC & bartender were awesome!! & $5 drinks??? This place can't be beat! I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Portland!

Lincolns is the best at what it does! Cheap drinks, cool vibe and space, cozy without being overwhelming and staff are friendly and professional. Just gotta find that entrance ;)

This speakeasy was pretty cool once we found it. Our group walked around the area a few times and didn't notice the entrance at first and struggled to find it. We only found the entrance when I saw a few people go in and out of a random unlabeled door and we thought to go down the stairs and try it. The menu was pretty straightforward. A short list of beer / wine, spirits / liquor, and mixers with everything being $5 (tax included). It is cash only but there was also an ATM right outside the door if you needed to withdraw some cash.

What a fun idea for a speakeasy! The entrance was a little tricky, but once we were inside, the decor is super cute with comfortable little nooks and places to sit. The best part of the bar was that everything was $5... you can't get a deal like that pretty much anywhere else. This is a must visit in Portland!

The nostalgia over "the hidden door speakeasy" is played out. Well drinks for $5 cash. Ok. But you're not missing anything by skipping Lincoln's. Limited offerings. Hotter than hades inside even on a cool night. Nice staff though. Easy crowd.

Dope ass bar. I don't like that Yelp makes me write more just to say that. Whatever.

This place was amazing! It has an authentic speak easy feel with super friendly staff! Their drinks are strong and nearly all of them are only $5!! This includes Titos, Jameson, Bombay, etc.. (not the cheap house, wells liquor) - which is hard to find anywhere nowadays! Only downfall is that since the place is small and seating can be hard to come by depending on when you go but if you wait around a bit you'll find a spot to sit. Also it's Cash Only but drinks aren't expensive so it's whatever.

We heard about this place from "Vena's Fizz House" when went there for some cocktails. After leaving they asked us because we look like tourist and told us that if we don't have anything plan today. We can stop by Lincoln for a comedy night and not to mention she said "All the drinks are $5!" I was like damn! I never see or know if any bar drink cost just $5. It was real fosho! It was right about the street. Took us a while to find it, it was hidden. It is at the downstairs of a building. The Entrance to the main bar was so cool its like a desk that you pull it out to go into Lincoln. Their comedy night night were pack. We order our drink. The menu were simple but $5 what can go wrong right?! We have couple of drinks and stayed until the end of the comedy. It was amazing. I would definitely come back to this place again. Highly recommended!

When I think of a "speakeasy" I think of a joint that makes amazing craft cocktails. Not just a lazy shot and limited beer bar. I'm sure college kids love this place, but it's not a sophisticated prohibition era speakeasy like you'd find in many other cities.

It was super fun trying to figure out the entrance to this place. After some time of aimlessly walking around and scratching our heads, my wife and I finally found this place. Super chill staff, $5 drinks, and the awesome feeling of finally having found this place really made the whole experience awesome. If you are visiting Portland, definitely hit this place up (if you can find it!),

Super cool spot in Portland, ME! I love a good challenge and Lincoln's is great for that - it's a speakeasy that's fairly hard to locate from the street level. I won't give away any secrets here but figuring out how to get inside with a bunch of strangers who are trying to do the same thing is pretty fun! The drinks are all $5 (Lincoln's) and cash only. The drinks are STRONG so just be warned. Other than that, waiters are very nice and the vibe inside is cool. Definitely recommend!

You would never find this place unless you already knew it was there or read a review. My brother-in-law brought us here after dinner. We had someone walking by ask us to help him find it as well. This is the best kept secret dive bar I've seen in Portland. It's not fancy by any means and if you're coming to get some crazy cocktail or rare bourbon-look elsewhere. Everything is $5. They serve wine in low ball glasses. They don't take card. There is an ATM out the door. Go check it out!

Unreal. $5 drinks (beer, spirits, and Pepsi products), and a great vibe. The speakeasy aspect of it makes it perfect for a Saturday night as it's not too crowded but still pretty packed. Great music too.

This bar is great! It was a speakeasy, so they keep that hidden vibe. There are a few tricks to find the place and get in, but it was so worth it! I won't tell you how...it's a secret. Everything here is $5 - the drinks, the T-shirt's, and on comedy night (Thursdays)- the cover. We came for the comedy and it was a blast. Some locals and some guest comedians. Funny!

SO glad we found out about this place! We went on a Thursday night for the comedy show which was super fun. Though the drinks are only $5, they are stronggggg. Such a fun way to get to know the local area while you're on vacation! It also wasn't that hard to find after putting the address in - just follow the people ;)

Visited Lincolns on Wednesday night. My experience was definitely impacted by incorrect expectations of a speakeasy cocktail bar, but the lack of service, constant drunk arguments, and less than appealing beer did not help at all. Quality: Lincolns was described to me by a friend as a speakeasy, which I guess it was. However, instead of hiding an intimate cocktail bar, it was a cheap and unruly dive bar. The menu has a selection of five or so beers, a red and white wine, and a bunch of liquors with mixers. I selected Lincoln's Lager thinking it was a speciality of the bar. It was not very good, and afterwards I couldn't tell if it may have been a joke cheap beer. Quantity: It was clear my draft beer pour was not done by someone who usually handles things behind the bar, but that was beneficial for strong mixed drinks and large wine pours Value: $5 for everything on the small menu. Cash only. Ambiance: Lincolns is a dive bar located in Portland. For some it may classify as a speakeasy, but it is really just a dive bar with a hidden entrance. It was not too hard to fine because there were a stream of drunk people filtering out when we arrived. It is a dimly lit basement space with a bar along one wall, long high-top in the center, a few tables surrounding the high-top, and then a stage area, which was turned into a lounge since there was no show this evening. The music was relatively quiet in comparison to the guests, but I was immediately surprised about the poor sound quality. Crowd: There was a decent crowd on Wednesday night, and most guests were very drunk. Multiple arguments and near fights took place at the long center table. Service: It was very rare to see a bartender behind the bar, it was more frequently the bouncer who reluctantly helped with drinks. The bouncer was the star of the night as he had to break up two different fights and kick about five people out during our short visit, in addition to bartending duties. Parking: There were plenty of parking spots along the street outside.

Want a solid bar that doesn't make you feel like you are at a college reunion or a bar that doesn't have oodles of 21-year-olds flocking the bar for their first drink? Behold Lincolns. I appreciate all that Lincolns has to offer. From the hidden doorway, like a speakeasy from the 20s, to the $5 well drinks or beer, Lincolns has a lot to offer in the Portland bar scene. Of course as word gets out about the hidden doorway, it becomes less of a secret, but the concept is still fun. The drinks are consistently made well, and for $5, I will take it! They have a decent selection of beers on tap, again, for $5. They also always have a couple snacks handy, such as chili mac and cheese. Just don't forget the cash, as they do not take credit cards. They have an ATM outside the doorway in case you forget! Overall, Lincoln's is a great bar for typical mixed drinks. It can certainly get busy, but I have never had a problem finding seating within a couple of minutes. The staff is always friendly and they have fun events that happen throughout the week. Check it out!

This place was a pleasant little surprise find, so happy we got to check it out, will be coming again next time we are in Portland.

Tried to visit on our one night in Portland but seemed closed. The door at the bottom of the stairs was bolted shut. Tried at 5pm and 6pm. Bummer.

Great little place with a cool vibe. Even us "famous" (old) people were made to feel welcome by the doorman and staff. STRONG drinks with good liquors. A bit loud on a Saturday night (nothing a dial up of our hearing aids couldn't handle!) but great fun regardless.

We're tourists and we had a lot of fun trying to find this spot! We had asked a local who worked nearby where it was and he gave us a riddle-like clue hahah. The vibe was definitely different from what I was expecting. Loud club music and lots of locals inside. I saw people of all ages but it does seem to be mostly people in their mid-late 20s. Really cool concept. I love how people respect the speakeasy nature of the spot and keep the location hidden. I also love that all drinks are $5 cash since it's called Lincoln's. Definitely would be a spot I'd be at more often if I lived in Portland!

If you can figure out how to find this spot, check it out. Drinks are solid and $5. Music is good; and comedy on Thursdays is a nice change up for the week.

I was referred to this place by a local and I can't thank them enough for sharing this gem with me. My boyfriend and I went to Lincoln's and as we walked in there was a poetry slam going on and it was epic! On top of that, all drinks are $5 and are strong pours. If you are looking for an authentic Portland experience, look no further.

Good old, old fashion fun. You'll know you're at the right place because you'll see gaggles of people walking up and down the street looking confused. Can't tell you where ...but, this speakeasy is conveniently hidden in plain site for your finding. (I actually considered the poor business owners around this place that always have people pulling on their doors and snooping around looking for Lincoln's lol ). Once you find it.. you'll know you're at the right place. It's pretty dimly lit, loud, no frills kinda place. It's CASH ONLY and everything is $5. Yes you heard that right .. $5 for everything. Don't be expecting any frilly drinks here. Perfect spot for a $5 jack and coke or Tito's and lemonade. Ive heard they host some shows too. Very fun experience worth checking out.

Love the intrigue getting into the speakeasy...all drinks $5, can't beat that. Good luck finding the entrance!

I reaaalllly like Lincoln's. Wanna know why? I'll tell ya... No BS. Absolutely no BS! [CASH ONLY] $5 strong drinks, comfy area where you can sit and chat with your friends, and a down to earth bartender that is there to please. Did I mention I ordered a Guinness and it was properly poured! Not everyone does this, but they do at Lincoln's! Oh Baby... This place can get packed so we like to get there a little early to get a good spot. After we're liquored up we'll typically head out to fore/wharf street. It's always a great night after Lincoln's. Great hang out spot for some pretty strong $5 drinks! Their chili mac is just okay - nothing amazing, but the drinks - oh the drinks! The bartenders know what they're doing with the drinks :)

Here are things I like: Cheap, strong drinks Good times with friends Unexpected conversations with friendly strangers Laughing so hard it hurts Secrets Bars that rock on week day nights As a result, I think Lincolns might be my perfect bar. A group of us had the opportunity to check out the new speakeasy and had probably one of the best nights out in a long, long time. We met the owner outside near the location of the bar and he led us to the secret entrance. That sort of mystery alone makes me love the place (especially because we live in a town where openings of new places are always flashy, loud, and too "scene"). And now that I know how to get in... and I'm not telling. The drinks are all $5. It's called Lincolns. Get it? GET IT?!?!? No, but seriously - how refreshing is this price point, eh?! FYI: CASH ONLY. Don't make this weird, just go to the ATM, get a $20, then come back and get your drink on. I've been back several times now, and always have a great time - whether it's a Tuesday night at 9pm or Saturday afternoon at 5pm. The bartenders are quick, mostly attentive, and pour one helluva mean ____________ (fill-in-the-blank: first pick a spirit: Tito's vodka, Absolut Mandarin vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin, Bacardi Silver rum, Hornitos tequila, Jameson whiskey, Jim Beam bourbon, Fireball cinnamon whiskey; next [if you want], pick a mixer: coke, diet coke, ginger ale, tonic, soda water, cranberry juice). They maybe just need to be a bit careful about the things they say about "non-locals", "big groups", or "people finding them too easily" under their breath, but loud enough that we can actually hear it... that's tactless, and I know you're all better than that so c'mon now! The place is low-lit in the sexiest way possible; the furniture can be moved to accommodate large groups; the couches are comfortable. Our very large group tended be a bit on the loud side, but it didn't seem to phase the staff or other patrons. And more than once I was chatted up by folks I didn't know who just wanted to talk. Yes, Lincolns. Yes. You've been open for just seconds but you're doing it ALL right.

Went in last Friday and had a great time. Fun place, great drinks.. Joey is AMAZING. He definitely made the experience and will be the reason we go back!!

I keep trying love it here. I really want to, but it always just falls a little short of my expectations I guess. The concept is great, the decor is nice...but it's just so crowded. There really is no seating and everyone is kind of rude. $5 drinks are a great, when they don't taste watered down (which these always do). Maybe I'm just choosing the wrong nights. I'll give them other shot one of these days, but it won't be anytime soon.

So glad we were able to find this place. Comedy night on Thu at 8:30 is well worth the $5 cover! And the drinks are stiff! Had a great time!!

Came here with Portlandians who explained the speakeasy nature of the place. We got there early enough before it got packed and were able to find the last table for 4. It is absolutely a place only locals flock to. Drinks are $5.. cash only. It's dark and loud in here so def not a date-type of speakeasy. It's more of a post/during college spot IMO. Not a bad place to come and get bent. Prices are cheap enough! I personally would not return on my own accord... tons of other places to grab a drink when in town.. but that's me.