The Jewel Box
Cocktail bar · Portland
644 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Highlights
Creative, unique cocktails in a moody, candlelit vintage setting
Creative, unique cocktails in a moody, candlelit vintage setting
"Bartender and owner Nathanial “Nan’l” Meiklejohn creates an atmosphere described as one of comfort and delight that attracts a crowd of artists, queer folks, and bon vivants—"people with open minds and good taste." Amid curated grandma‑core decor and a dreamy wall mural, the creative cocktails and playlists are consistently praised; example cocktails include the Lovers, a blend of fenugreek and coconut rums, lime juice, cane sugar syrup, and Bluet, Maine blueberry sparkling wine." - Stasia Brewczynski
"Has a walk-up window with options like bouquet carré or a non-alcoholic cordial." - Stasia Brewczynski
"Dim lights, mostly from candles and vintage lamps, illuminate the wall art, while the bar at this Downtown Portland spot takes center stage. The menu offers a limited but ever-changing selection that contains some very unlikely combinations; Drinks are inspired by everything from the turn of the 20th century to Game of Thrones. The Jewel Box is, quite simply, the place to go for Portland's most creative cocktails." - Joe Ricchio
"It’s easy to miss this cocktail bar on Congress Street because there’s essentially no signage outside. Once you find it though, the Bearded Lady’s Jewel Box is one of the more interesting places to have a drink in Portland. There are candlesticks everywhere, an elaborate cocktail list on a silver framed menu, and white chiffon hanging from the ceilings, all of which make this place look like a Marie Antoinette-themed surrealist playground. But the best part of coming here is how helpful and knowledgeable the staff is, because if you’re going to drink something with hellfire habanero shrub bitters in a dark, loud room, you’re better off with a friendly bartender to guide you." - Team Infatuation
