Novare Res Bier Cafe

Beer hall · Portland

Novare Res Bier Cafe

Beer hall · Portland

2

4 Canal Plaza #1, Portland, ME 04101

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Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by Zak Taillon
Novare Res Bier Cafe by Zak Taillon
Novare Res Bier Cafe by Zak Taillon
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null
Novare Res Bier Cafe by null

Highlights

Novare Res is a hidden Portland gem with a vast international beer menu, cozy indoor vault vibe, and a lively outdoor patio perfect for any craft beer lover.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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4 Canal Plaza #1, Portland, ME 04101 Get directions

novareresbiercafe.com
@novareresbiercafe

$10–20 · Menu

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4 Canal Plaza #1, Portland, ME 04101 Get directions

+1 207 761 2437
novareresbiercafe.com
@novareresbiercafe
𝕏
@novareresbiercf

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 2, 2025

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@afar

"Novare Res Bier Café Down an alley off Exchange Street, serious beer lovers congregate to worship at Novare Res, either at picnic tables on the outdoor patio or at communal tables in the brick-vaulted cellar space. More than 500 small-batch beers from all over the world—at least 25 of them on tap—are available to sample every day. The vast menu is divided by region and taste and style but the waitstaff (or your fellow worshippers) will be happy to steer you to a beer that suits your palate."

The Best Restaurants in Portland, Maine
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@cntraveler

15 Best Bars in Portland, Maine | Condé Nast Traveler

"Novare Res Bier Cafe is one of the best beer bars in New England, if not the country. In summer, the biergarten is packed to the gills; inside, patrons thumb through a a thick menu that will feature, at one time or another, all the heavy hitters in the brewing world. The emphasis is on hard-to-find bottles from​ both local and international breweries. There are also plenty of tap takeovers, strong double IPAs, and quads." - Joe Ricchio

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-bars-in-portland-maine
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Wyvern73

Google
The menu was wicked extensive, more so than my partner or I thought going in. Ended up trying mead for the first time. Vikings Blod, $20 a bottle (a beer sized bottle) and it was worth every penny. Will definitely come back. Recommend trying the Crab Rangoon Grilled Cheese

Orion Sickels

Google
The one and only Novare Res, took me too long to go in and after just one visit I’ve joined the beer list and am working through the some 234 amazing beers. Most are imported and the quality is just unmatched, the staff is amazing and run a tight ship even on the busiest of nights, and ya can’t beat the classic pub food.

David Tatzel

Google
Outstanding beer selection! Variety of great tap lines covering many unique styles. And even more to explore in their great bottle collection! Very good food pairings too! Staff were very beer savvy and recommendations were spot on!

Connor Durochia

Google
Honestly one of the greatest pub experiences I've ever had. Beer selection is insane--ranging from imported brews from Europe and abroad, to local bangers and fresh craft. Something for everyone. 20+ taps. Every style imaginable. And the food is amazing as well, to pair with your beer. Staff is friendly, and fast. Willing to chat with you about your brew and your day. The pub itself is in a lit stone basement style. Feels like an old pub out of Europe. Plenty of vintage beer posters and decor. Highly recommend Novare Res the next time you're in Portland!

Bruno Lemes

Google
Perfect beer 🍻 good food and environment, and very nice service. Loved this place!

Jonathan Malmut

Google
This is a really cool beer garden in downtown Portland. I was really impressed with their beer list, they have a lot of really eclectic beers from different areas and countries, most of which I had not seen before. My wife and I only ordered one beer but this seems like a great place to come and sample different types. We sat outside on the patio and it was a really nice and chill vibe. The outside patio is pretty big and seemed to have plenty of seating.

Longbow Gaming

Google
I'll give it 5 stars with the caveat that sometimes you can get rude/disinterested/dismissive service. It's definitely not everyone though, I had more neutral or positive experiences as of late. On to the positives. They have an amazing beer selection of highly aclaimed European beers along with local options. You can have German Lagers and Belgian Witbeir. They even have bottles of Flemish Ale. The location is also enjoyable, giving off brick basement vibes. If you want to try lesser know beer styles this is a amazing place to go. Or if you want to fight back against IPA bro culture. Try them out and discover a new style you like.

Chris Holmes

Google
Really great little spot tucked away in downtown Portland. Really incredibly diverse beer menu, with a really simple but delicious food menu. These guys and gals really know their beers and are super friendly. We had a tuna sandwich - just a really solid tuna sandwich, nothing fancy, but tasty - as well as the deviled eggs - delicious, better than moms - and a cheese and meat plate - all super high quality cheeses and meats. Had a few different beers, and all delicious. I would recommend anyone stop by, it’s fantastic.
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Rick C.

Yelp
This is a place for the discriminating craft beers including drinker. The place has a great vibe with young and eclectic staff serving beer and chatting about beer styles. That have an extensive selection of beers from around the world that are on tap or in bottles and cans. No Bud Lite on tap here. Beers are often served in the correct glass style for a wheat, pils, or other styles, but not always with the beer and glass from the same brewer. Prices are reasonable given rare varieties of quality beers on offer.
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Denise F.

Yelp
Great variety of beverages, friendly staff, unique space. Had been recommended by bartender at other establishment. Glad we could find the tucked away place & enjoy some beverages. We support the revolution!
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Danielle V.

Yelp
I always forget about this place in Portland. It's hidden and little hard to find but it's right in the old port. It's a little hidden gem with a large deck outside and its cute inside as well. They have lots of beer on tap and different interesting beer and wines. I got a blueberry wine and it was really great. I have never tried any of their food but it looks like good bar food. The service was quick and friendly. I will have to try to keep this at the top of my list!
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Anna S.

Yelp
Great drink selection, however no seltzers for a seltzer fan like me. Service was quick, fast, and attentive. There was a lot of seating outdoors and plenty inside as well! Will come back in the future!
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Cindy Y.

Yelp
If you are into beer - and I mean REALLY into beer - you absolutely have to get yourself here. A bit tucked away, but you will find it! Lots of outdoor seating and indoor pub seating. Like most pubs, food is overshadowed by the beer and this is no exception. With 33+ beers on tap and more than 170 bottles of beer, there is more than enough variety for any beer lover. If you are local, you can also get "the list" and try to work your way through the whole selection, but this could certainly take several years, unless you are independently wealthy and don't have to drive lol!
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Diana M.

Yelp
I came here back in 2022 and thought it was amazing. I recommended it to friends who went to Portland on a trip and they loved it too. Then, I found out my work was having another meeting and all I could think about was coming back here for the outdoor area to have a beer and some of the chips and onion dip. I was so happy to find it just as I remembered! Service was great, the beer list was perfect, and the snacks were delicious. If you enjoy beer/cider/snacks, do yourself a favor and come here.
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Sonya L.

Yelp
This is a fun place and the has interesting decor. They had a couple cafeteria style tables and the bar to sit at. The night we came in was kind of busy. Nonetheless, our server was attentive and personable. I didn't have beer but everyone in my group enjoyed theirs and they had a selection. I just wanted something to eat. I got the crab Rangoon grilled cheese. It was interesting, I've never really had a crab Rangoon. The bread was nice and toasted without being greasy and the inner bread was still pillowy. The filling was subtle, which is what I imagine crab Rangoon to be like. The sauce it was served with complemented the sandwich. It was a little sweet and tangy.
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Liz M.

Yelp
What an adorable hidden gem. Yes I literally mean hidden. We walked and followed the gps to an alleyway where we found the cutest spot. We sat on the deck as it was nice out. It was very colorful and a joy to sit at. If you like craft beer you will love it here. They have so many , it's hard to choose just one. If beer is not your jam , they have other options. I had a blueberry fizzy drink that was delicious. They have a nice snack menu , and I enjoyed a pretzel with cheese. Our beer tender was great , made recommendations and took good care of us. If you are in the area def stop for a brew and snack !

Val D.

Yelp
Cozy little bar off the beaten path, has a good variety of beers. Heard it's a good bar with locals. The service was not great... We were standing by the bar, and the bartender wasn't very attentive and passed us a couple times before she attended to us. She kind of was rude about our order and because we were standing at the bar, she kept saying we could sit down and get waited on but we just wanted one beer to share and then leave and close out. When we said we're gonna close out, then she said "oh ok" and then gave us our beer.
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Dan S.

Yelp
Best beer selection, excellent service, A+ ambiance, I love this place!! If you are visiting Portland and love beer, put this place on the top of your list. Visit Portland Beer Hub as well.
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Matt S.

Yelp
In the area for work and several people recommended this place to me and it was an incredible find! The have rotating beers from all over the globe that other patrons had said you can rarely find in the states. What an awesome concept!! This will be a definite visit every time I come back
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Olivia P.

Yelp
Great selection of beers and nice staff! I enjoyed the pretzel with cheese as a snack and the cider was good.

Keirstin S.

Yelp
Great food, beer, staff, and atmosphere! Enough space to gather outside comfortably and move about. Kid friendly outside. Highly recommend a stop in.
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Josh G.

Yelp
It can be difficult to get a good pulse on places when you're on vacation. Often, you hit a restaurant or bar once and walk away with a single experience to review it on. That's not the case with Novare Res Bier Café as this spectacular spot was visited by my fiancée and I three times on our recent Portland trip. I mean after one night here, you might figure things out as to why it's so worthy of returning. Well, first you have to find the place. Novare is somewhat hidden which is a big part of its appeal. Acting like a speakeasy biergarten just makes things that much more fun. Okay, so it's not a "knock on the door three times" or "what's the password" kind of spot, but if you don't realize the pathway off of Exchange Street (they do put out a small sign to find them), you'll end up on a little adventure through an outdoor plaza and down a flight of stairs before you locate the brick building with a nestled outdoor patio right next to it. That first night we ventured here, the air conditioning brought us inside (it was as humid as an oven). We were fine with it as the beer hall feel and tin signs along the wall made for a relatively comfortable setup. The laidback employees who were informative and helpful in choosing out drinks can't go unstated either. When we returned the next night (on a slightly less scorcher of an evening), we sat in the outdoor patio area and had the same casual, attentive (by the staff) and just enjoyable experience (chill music was a nice backdrop too). It's that moment when things just click at a place like Novare that makes you wish it was in your own backyard. Yeah, I will say those first two trips were midweek and when we came on a Friday night for our third and final visit it was louder and bustling, but it still didn't take away from the enjoyment of the place. Now I love a good ambiance, but something I haven't mentioned yet (which is rather important) would be beer. Oh the beer! Novare has a great menu of non-local and local brews on tap. The Orono Totally Tubular IPA I had the first night and the Oxbow Black & Blau farmhouse ale from night two were some of the best beers I had while in Portland (shout out to Mast Landing's Gunner's Daughter and Maine Beer Company's Post Ride Snack also). Though the greatest piece of info comes from the fact that Novare serves their draft beers from glasses that match the brewery. Maybe this means nothing to you, but I can't stand drinking one brewery's beer out of someone else's brewery glass. This attention to detail just makes Novare that much more amazing. What also shouldn't be forgotten were the drinks beyond the beer. My fiancée was able to get a good wine recommendation from a staff member, had a tart yet tasty blueberry cider, and was able to sample some mead from a local Portland meadery we had visited and she loved. Yeah "bier" might be in the name, but Novare is about much more than that. Overall, Novare Res Bier Café is just wonderful. I honestly miss the feeling of going there and hanging out almost every night before we headed back to our hotel. There was such a casually cool vibe that came off the place while delivering an outstanding beer (and liquor) selection. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I'll return to Novare in a heartbeat if/when I find myself in Portland again. And I'll bet that if you find yourself here, you'll be coming back more than just once as well.
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Heidi U.

Yelp
loved this hidden gem...but it wasn't easy to find! tons of beers from which to choose and a server who told us all about all of them! a wonderful evening.
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Misti M.

Yelp
We loved Novare Res Bier Cafe! Their COVID protocols were fantastic to make us feel incredibly safe with the staff and with other patrons. I was so pleased with how friendly everyone was and how great the service was. The deck was only about half full when we arrived, but it started to see more tables as the afternoon went on. We were all spaced well and the service stayed on point. We had a few beers and ordered the chips and dip. Tasty snack, great beers. Very pleased with our first stop in Portland. If I find myself back in the city, I'll also be sure to find myself back on the Bier Cafe's deck!
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Lu-Shien T.

Yelp
Cosy pub on the interior of a square. The approach is from a parking lot behind the buildings and you might miss it if you're not looking carefully. The host briefs you on the pandemic procedure--mask and hand sanitizer use required. Then you are escorted to a designated cloistered area to dine and drink with more sanitizer on the table and an air purifier! Partitions have been built to limit air exchange between tables. The host also explains that the server will bring and place your items some distance from you to retrieve. The beer on tap is excellent, snacks are yummy.

Paul H.

Yelp
This was our second visit to Novare Res. Both have been fantastic. We have sat outside both times. The inside is simply too loud for old people like us. So I will restrict my comments to the outdoor experience. That experience is a craft beer lover's dream. Their list is large and includes a number of top-end meads and ciders. The variety is excellent - this is NOT a place where 80% of the offerings are hazy IPAs. Plenty of malty beers, sours, big beers, small beers, the whole 9 yards. The beers rotate quickly, so nothing is left on tap too long. I know from talking to the staff that lines are cleaned regularly. Speaking of that staff, everyone we've dealt with has been friendly and efficient and DEEPLY knowledgeable about the offerings. Go ahead and ask detailed questions. Either your server will know the answer or he'll know who does. These are people committed to their work. The snacks are tasty. The outdoor area is clean and quiet enough for conversation. The prices reflect the quality but are not astronomic. Any craft beer lover who comes through Portland absolutely needs to budget time for a visit here.

Dol C.

Yelp
Very rude and snobby lady working there. The crassness and condescending attitude is unbelievable. Very snippy. You can hear it in her voice.

Oisin H.

Yelp
An outstanding place for a beer lover to visit, with an incredible amount of choice and knowledgeable staff. Big shout out to Lacey for curating my beer experience when I spent a few hours there on a beer tasting expedition, she was amazing, steering me to the really good stuff, making sure I didn't waste my beer limits on brews that weren't 100% fantastic.
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Deb S.

Yelp
We stopped in twice when we visited Portland and we are so happy we did. The staff is gracious and helpful and the relaxing vibe is just what we needed after wandering the shops in Portland. The beer list is extensive and everything came at a perfect beer temp. The snacks are wonderful - loved the charcuterie plates and all their accompaniments. We can't thank you enough for the gracious welcome and delicious visit.
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Caleb M.

Yelp
This review is mostly in regards to just the beer available here. The small amount of food I have tried here have been great but haven't tried enough to say more than that. Besides that though, if you are a craft beer fan and you are in the area, you NEED to stop here. Arguably the best taplist and bottle list of the whole state with a great friendly and inviting atmosphere. With a wide range of local Maine brews to beers from all over the country and world, they have tons of options. They also often host special tap takeovers and events for specific breweries and/or styles. Including IPAs for the hop heads, stouts/porters for the dark beer fans, easy drinking lagers, world class sours, and rare bottles to share with a group. During the weekend this place will probably be quite busy but during warm times they have a large outdoor patio to make you not feel as stuffed. Friendly and helpful bartenders can help with any questions and give recommendations while your eyes glaze over all the available options. Coming to Portland for a beercation, this is a must stop!
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Todd K.

Yelp
I've been here a number of times but tonight we had a very rude and overwhelmed server. I understand that she was busy but there was no need to scold and get snippy with customers. The vibe this server gave off was way too uptight.

Jason B.

Yelp
Great atmosphere - tremendous beer selection - knowledgeable and very friendly staff - will definitely be back to try the food.
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Jenni W.

Yelp
I came here on a Friday with several friends and honestly was a little let down by the expectations that I had for this place. We were able to get a table right away for four people on a Friday at 6 pm, which I was grateful for and the host/hostess upon arrival was very pleasant, but after we were seated, the waitress that we had just irked me. She wasn't very friendly, was pretty short and curt with the questions that I had. And FYI, if you're not a beer and/or wine person, this place might not be for you. I'm generally someone who orders cocktails and/or some sort of liquor based alcohol when I go out, so when I asked the waitress if there was any sort of cocktails that they offered, she just responded very matter of factly, "we don't serve cocktails here." They have a pretty extensive menu of beers and some food items if you get hungry. We ended up ordering a couple of pretzels, beers, and I ordered the nonino amaro. The pretzels were tasty, but at $8, I thought they would be slightly bigger than they were. A little pricey for the pretzels, if you ask me. My Nonino Amaro was quite good, but I'm not sure if I can say the same about the beers. While I didn't try any of the beers, one of my friend's beers came out 40% foam. How unfortunate. The liquor was served with a large ice cube to prevent it from melting too quickly. While we were still drinking our drinks, the waiters kept coming up to ask us if we wanted to order additional items, and seemed to try to be urging us to leave. Since we were all working on our drinks, I thought it was kinda rude to keep pestering us. Customer service could be improved at this place. Not sure if I would visit this place again. P.S. They do a good job of keeping COVID-19 at bay. Outdoor/patio seating is available. Masks are required to be worn when not seated at the table, drinks and food are served at a small barrel at the end of your table so that the waitress/waiters are able to keep their distance from your table and not reaching all over the place when serving and collecting orders. They also have hand sanitizer and ask you to sanitize your hands right when you get to the place.
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Joanna R.

Yelp
I have been to Novare a few times with some of my "chalice" friends. This place serves so many delicious beers from local craft beers to delicious beers from around the world. It can be intimidating but thankfully my friends can help me navigate the list. If you are new to the area, don't hesitate to ask the staff for assistance, but please be prepared to know what type of beers you like or don't like. Not a place you should order a macro beer because you will get some stink eyes :) This place has top quality beer and they also have a small food menu, and from what I have seen my friends order, like pork shank, it is top quality food. Inside can get a little crowded, but it's worth the wait and I don't mind standing around if I have a delicious beverage in my hand. When the weather is nice, they have a wonderful patio area with a ton of tables. If you like a wonderful variety of beer with a laid back atmosphere with beer aficionados (not snobs) you should come here. Love the people and the staff here.
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Marc B.

Yelp
Novare Res is the promised land of beers on tap. Looking for local beers? Looking for unique beers from around the country? Novare Res is your kind of place. I always enjoy coming here because I like to try different beers and they lay out all of their options in an organized way. Their menu is separated based on the types of beers they are featuring. Fancying a sour? There is a page for that. Craving an IPA? There is also a page for that! The bartenders and servers are also incredibly nice and are happy to answer your questions to find a beer that you will be interested in. Novare Res can sometimes be overlooked due to it's location, as it is set back, however, it's a place worth checking out. The inside facility is dark and rustic, and during the summer months, they have a large deck with picnic tables and lawn games. Their patio is lit up with lights and it really gives it a backyard feeling, which makes it a fun place during the summer months. I have never tried their food, but I am itching to do so. Crab Rangoon grilled cheese? Sign me up! They also provide a variety of interesting-sounding items if you are looking for something to munch or snack on while sipping some beer. Definitely a place to check out while in the Portland area!
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Matt D.

Yelp
The uprising has fizzled. Something has changed, this place has been amazing for years, it's now a pompous bar, dirty, with rude employees. Good luck.
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Fahrina H.

Yelp
I am so glad that we stumbled on this cute little place on our trip to Portland. They were still maintaining their covid protocols, and made my friend and I feel safe while visiting. I am not a big beer person, but I had to try their stout which was fantastic. The patio is adorable! The tables are well spaced out, well lit and decorated. Fantastic for a little night out with friends or even would make for a cute date spot. Would happily come back!
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Nat Z.

Yelp
Novare Res is one of those places that, to the uninitiated, might look a bit more precious than it ends up being-- an utterly unpretentious, accessible spot with a menu to suit all tastes. We ended up with a cloudy, vibrantly-colored blackberry sour, which wasn't too sour but had a rather well-developed body that made it taste more like ice cream than sour beer (in the best possible way), and a lovely single malt whiskey of some kind from Liquid Riot, Nova Res's affiliated distillery. There is a great patio, but we opted for the bar. Staff were very helpful in helping us decide what to get, as I waffled on the question of whether I could stomach a 12oz fernet slushie (I opted for the whiskey instead and I question why I even thought a 12oz fernet slushie might have been a remotely good idea at the time). Still, this is an interesting and unusual feature for those who love, uh, that sort of taste.

Jack M.

Yelp
Great place, great beer and a true German bier garden. Also it's open late when the rest of town closes down at 6pm
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Christina B.

Yelp
Wonderful bar/restaurant with an absolutely amazing beer selection and great menu. We sampled many beers and appetizers and nothing disappointed. The staff was courteous, knowledgeable, funny, and helpful. The inside was clean and well designed. The cafe is in a convenient location with lots of space. Overall great experience. I would recommend this establishment to anyone visiting Portland. I can't wait to come back when the weather is nice because they have a huge, beautiful outdoor patio!
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Teresa M.

Yelp
I am an out of towner and a friend of mine said this was his favorite bar in Maine! So we had to stop... by the way, said friend was with us on the trip, so we followed him through the windy roads around many bars in the area... this area was bumping! Such a fun place! Novare Res was also really busy! But luckily we got a table outside right away. The beer selection was on point. There were servers walking around on occasion, but it was best suited to go inside to the bar to get drinks quickly. Water was self serve. I really liked the vibes here, picnic tables, graffiti, really chill and good beers. I did not go inside, but I heard it was a really cool atmosphere!
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Ryan F.

Yelp
Had a fun Saturday evening at Novare Res Bier Cafe with a large group of friends. The beer list is top notch, they have plenty of solid bar food options, and it is a good space for any size group. Quality: Novare Res Bier Cafe is an excellent beer bar. I was a big fan of how they put together their beer list. A long menu of both old and new world beers on draught, with over 30 if I counted right, which made sure to leave nearly half the taps for Maine beers. It gave me as an out of towner a chance to sample some different options from across the area. Members of my group were also raving about some of the wines and meads on the menu, so it is not just a place for beer. The food menu offered some fun and interesting choices as well. As a group we ordered a large chunk of the menu, and I liked the few items I tried. The Chips & French Onion Dip were quite addictive and the Crab Rangoon Grilled Cheese is excessive, yet perfect for an evening of beer drinking. I was not crazy about the Meat & Cheese Board, we ordered all the options and nothing really stood out. Quantity: Good size beer pours and tons of tasty bar food made to share. Value: $8-$11 for Draught Beers. $6 for Chips & French Onion Dip. $8 for a Crab Rangoon Grilled Cheese. $4.50 for Each Selection on the Meat & Cheese Board. Ambiance: Novare Res Bier Cafe is located in Portland, Maine. We selected the spot knowing we needed a large space for our group, but I could see myself retuning on my own for a beer. They have two areas, a basement style indoor bar, and an outdoor beer garden. With our group we took up two picnic tables in the outdoor area, which had enough umbrellas and tree cover to protect us from the few drops of rain that were coming down. It is a nice space during the day as well as when it transitions to night, but on the night we visited the very loud and intense house music outside was out of place. Inside was a much different and in my opinion cooler vibe. Here the music was classic R&B, which feel right at home in a warm and inviting brick and wood space. The bar is long, the lights are dim, and beer bottles are everywhere. Crowd: It was busy on Saturday night, but they have a large enough space that it never was an issue. Tons of tables outside and bar seating inside. It is a good spot for big groups. Service: The hostess was very accommodating of our large group, which grew and shrunk throughout the evening. The server was also fantastic, ensuring drinks never sat empty long. Parking: Street parking surrounds this beer spot towards the center of Portland.
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Fallon F.

Yelp
I've heard great things about this place so I came to check it out with some friends after work. Super hip place with cute and colorful picnic tables on the deck. They are being super good about their COVID precautions. There is a barrel at the end of each table separating you from the waiter/waitress and all food and drinks are placed on the barrel when brought to the table or picked up from the table. I thought this was a cool way of making the process contactless and I appreciated their initiatives! The beer and crab Rangoon app were delicious!! The spicy duck sauce it came with was amazing. I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a cute place to get drinks in portland!

John R.

Yelp
Ok...the selection of beer is incredible and amazing but the relatively small food menu is pretty incredible. I had the Crab Rangoon Grilled Cheese. Wow. What exactly was that? Ok, let's we if I can describe this without blowing up the Yelpinator. Really tasty, really well seasoned, really well grilled and crispy yet gooey on the inside with a dipping sauce that is spicy and sweet. The flavors and the textures are CRAZY! If you like crab rangoons on the many Chinese menus around this will knock you into next week. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did...happy eats.
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Nancy H.

Yelp
Really cool spot to stop for the best beer selection. The indoor and outdoor seating options are very different, so depending on your vibe, make a decision. The indoor seating is a little bit more divey with a old school feel and the outdoor seating is hip with music. The bartender was awesome and super helpful. He gave some suggestions for other cool places to stop on our trip.
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Keizzel C.

Yelp
Not the easiest place to spot from the street but there is a certain charm this place gets for being hidden. We only stopped by to enjoy drinks in their outdoor area so I can't speak to the food, but as waiters were bringing out food items they smelled tasty. The outdoor area was one of the best parts of this place (in addition to the rose cider they had on tap) since they had cool art lining the walls outside and there's even cornhole to play. They had plenty of benches and bar seating to enjoy your drinks but if you're feeling a little chilly or want to get out of the sun they also have a pretty decent indoor seating area. As for their menu they have a great selection of brews to fill any of your cravings. As mentioned above I went for the rose cider they had on tap and I was not disappointed. It was unique and the first I've had of it's kind. Would get it again since it was refreshing to enjoy on the outdoor patio.
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Terrell W.

Yelp
We were recommended this place by a Vermonter childhood buddy, so he knew just what I needed. And he was SPOT ON. The ambiance is amazing, low key but with a gothic treehouse opulence. Excellent service. Dope brews and great drinks!!
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Kristina N.

Yelp
Chill spot for drinks- we ordered 2 rounds on a Thursday night. Waitress had a lil spunk. We ordered 3 frozen cocktails - I had the one with casamigos and then we ordered beer and wine, would return. Could be poppin on the weekends.
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Thomas P.

Yelp
Huge choice of fabulous beers and small plates. Nice place to get together with a few friends.
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Ben S.

Yelp
Magnificent beer list Delectable food Accommodating staff When the weather is nice, most people venture into Portland for its quaint ambience, great food scene, and delicious beverage availability. For my money, that winning combination is on display in few places better than Novare Res. My party wandered in on an evening where the weather could have beckoned for outdoor seating, but we chose indoor - if that was a mistake, we were no worse off for it, because the ambience was warm conviviality within. We were seated right away and greeted quickly by the engaging waitstaff, who knew the taps and menu well enough to guide an indecisive crew to some winning decisions right away. Beers - plenty of selections from the immediate vicinity, further interior Maine and surrounding areas, and even from tougher gets like Russian River. Molto bene. Food - such delights as deviled eggs, landjager, vegan crab cakes, and hearty vegetarian fare were all served in generous portions. Their cheese selections were also choice. This was our first stop in town, but even for being in the city a mere 36 hours, we flirted with going back. While we elected to keep trying new places, I have no doubt this'll be my first stop upon returning. Simply excellent.
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Jedsada Y.

Yelp
Definitely THE beer garden to stop by if you're visiting Portland, Maine! There are two sections here; the patio and the basement bar. We decided to sit in the patio since it's kinda chilly out. Get ready to be amazed by the collection of their vintage beer, dated back to 2009. Regular beer on draft is great too. I've got Tropical Storm and Atlantic-Style Vintage Ale, and they're both true to their style. Food is good as well. We ordered Deviled Eggs and Bierwurst Plate--definitely a must-try. Crowd can be rowdy, but that's what makes this place so awesome. Staff are laid back and friendly.

Carissa M.

Yelp
This place likes to serve customers until they are sloppy drunk and obnoxiously screaming on their patio. If that's the atmosphere you're into, this is the place for you.

Moneys W.

Yelp
I keep wanting to like the place, but it is overpriced on everything. $21 for 2 beers. Get real.
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Kate C.

Yelp
Great place to stop for a quick drink in Portland. We came here to warm up and ended up staying for two hours. The warm pretzel and beer cheese is a must - regardless of what you're having to drink!
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Brittany G.

Yelp
Great beer selection. Love the hidden deck in between buildings, such a cool vibe. They even had a few selections of Meade on the menu which I thought was cool.
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Kate S.

Yelp
THE FOOD: Delicious, though not a huge selection. I had the Fatty Wad sandwich and cole slaw and my wife had the grilled cheese and soup (the soup of the day, which was French onion). We loved it all. We also got the chips and dip, which was okay but probably not worth it. THE DRINKS: Enormous selection of beers as well as some wines and liquors. I did not like that it was split into a confusing array of menus. We got a cider and a mead and enjoyed both. THE SERVICE: Friendly and informative/helpful without being overbearing. THE ATMOSPHERE: Warm, inviting. Variously sized tables for small and large groups or communal seating. They couldn't seem to get the music the way they wanted because each song that played over the sound system started out too loud. THE LOCATION: Somewhat hard to find being behind other buildings and only apparently accessible through alleys etc. Nearby parking is also therefore not necessarily easy to find.
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Cody R.

Yelp
Amazing beer bar with an extensive beer menu featuring beers from all over the world. If you are a lambic fan then they have some true gems here waiting for you! The outside beer garden is beatiful and perfect for a nice day , and they have cornhole stations for people to play which is also great.