Wayside Tavern
Restaurant · Portland ·
Comforting New American dishes, creative cocktails, and stellar service
Comforting New American dishes, creative cocktails, and stellar service
"Don’t be fooled by the humble neighborhood demeanor of this West End/Parkside spot: dishes roar with inspiration and precision—I've loved single, perfect broiled Maine scallops with velvety hollandaise and pops of caviar, an eggplant terrine rich with Calabrian chili ricotta, and a steak au poivre accompanied by bone marrow and potato purée; an equally gutsy wine list and creative cocktails (a Sazerac laced with apricot and a salty grapefruit highball) complete the cozy room and attentive service." - Alexandra Hall
"A neighborhood restaurant lauded for its seasonal, thoughtful cooking, well-curated wine list, and an unfussy, welcoming vibe—recommended as a top local spot for reliably excellent food and drink." - Jacqueline Dole Jacqueline Dole Jacqueline Dole is a food and travel journalist based in Maine. A lifelong New Englander, her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, TimeOut, Insider, Thrillist, Eater, and more. With a background as a pastry chef, she’s always on the lookout for the next best snack. She is a theme park enthusiast and expert, and embroidered hotel robes, amazing pools, and hot dogs are some of her favorite things. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The word "tavern" might make you think of a dark and rowdy pub with tired people in need of a heavy drink. And even though Wayside Tavern is snug and dim, this restaurant in a boutique hotel in a historic Portland building is a far cry from what we described in the first sentence. There’s a simple neon sign outside, and a green glowing interior with a fireplace for amped-up coziness inside. The staff is always friendly, and everything on their menu is expertly made and comforting—including pastas, beer-battered cod cheeks, and an eggplant terrine with housemade mozzarella. Wayside is good for dinner with friends, a celebratory Sunday lunch, or just a regular Monday night." - alana dao 2
"The word "tavern" might make you think of a dark and rowdy pub with tired people in need of a heavy drink. And even though Wayside Tavern is snug and dim, this restaurant in a boutique hotel in a historic Portland building is a far cry from what we described in the first sentence. There’s a simple neon sign outside, and a green glowing interior with a fireplace for amped-up coziness inside. The staff is always friendly, and everything on their menu is expertly made and comforting—including pastas, beer-battered cod cheeks, and an eggplant terrine with housemade mozzarella. Wayside is good for dinner with friends, a celebratory Sunday lunch, or just a regular Monday night." - Alana Dao
