Wednesday, May 22, 2013
By Ray Routhier rrouthier@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
(Continued from page 2)
Nemo Burian hoists a freshly baked potato, bacon and scallion pizza at Otto Pizza on Congress Street in Portland, the Readers Choice winner for best pizza.
Photos by John Patriquin/Staff Photographer
Stylist Jessica Parzych, right, takes care of Krista Wood of South Portland at Head Games Salon for Hair & Body in Portland, the readers favorite for best hair and nail salon.
Honorable Mention: Norm's, Portland
BEST BAGEL
Mister Bagel
Various locations
Started in Portland in 1977 by transplanted New Yorkers Rick and Gail Hartglass, Mister Bagel now has locations throughout southern Maine, so it's never too hard to find one.
Second Place: Scratch Baking Co., South Portland
Honorable Mention: The Works Bakery Cafe, Portland
BEST HOT DOG
Chicago Dogs
285 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough
510-6363; www.chicagodogsofmaine.com
The signature "Chicago Dog" at this place has tomato, pickle, mustard, bright green relish, peppers and celery salt among its ingredients. There are lots of other dog options as well.
Second Place: Mark's Hot Dogs, Portland
Honorable Mention: Wasses, Rockland and Belfast
BEST BREAKFAST OR BRUNCH
Garofalo's Restaurant at The Higgins Beach Inn
34 Ocean Ave., Scarborough
883-6684; higginsbeachinn.com
Brunch on the beach -- what could be better? Breakfast ranges from the McHiggins Egg Sandwich to a Lobster Benedict and Eggs Chesterfield (poached eggs on English muffin with smoked salmon and dilled hollandaise sauce).
Second Place: Bintliff's, Portland and Ogunquit
Honorable Mention: Becky's Diner, Portland
BEST BAR
Novare Res Bier Cafe
4 Canal Plaza, Portland
761-2437; ovareresbiercafe.com
This is a beer aficionado's dream, with 25 rotating taps, two hand pumps and hundreds of kinds of bottled beer. It's a little tricky to find: go down lower Exchange Street and look for the alley at the Key Bank sign.
Second Place: The Great Lost Bear, Portland
Honorable Mention (TIE): -- Ri Ra, Portland, and Gritty McDuff's, Portland, Freeport and Auburn
BEST SPORTS BAR
Rivalries Sports Pub and Grill
10 Cotton St., Portland
774-6044; rivalriesportland.com
This place has a great location for a sports bar -- just a one-minute walk to the Cumberland County Civic Center. It also has 30 HD big-screen TVs.
Second Place: Binga's Stadium, Portland
Honorable Mention: Fore Play, Portland
BEST HAPPY HOUR
DiMillo's
25 Long Wharf, Portland
772-2216; dimillos.com
A full bar, with a wide selection of beer, wine and cocktails. Add a floating restaurant on the waterfront, and you've got yourself all sorts of happiness.
Second Place: Porthole, Portland
Honorable Mention: Margaritas, Portland, Auburn, Augusta and Orono
BEST BREW PUB
Gritty McDuff's
396 Fore St., Portland (Freeport and Auburn locations as well)
772-2739; grittys.com
This brew pub has been making fine beer since 1988, when most of us had never heard the term "brew pub." Gritty's is also known for its "mug club," where members get their own personal mug for a membership fee.
Second Place: Sebago Brewing Company, various locations
Honorable Mention: Sea Dog Brewing Company, South Portland, Bangor and Topsham
BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE -- INDOOR
State Theatre
609 Congress St., Portland
956-6000; statetheatreportland.com
This 1929 movie palace had been shuttered for more than four years before re-opening last October. Since then, the place has been booking a full schedule of top-name acts, from Elvis Costello and The Pixies to Lily Tomlin and Buddy Guy.
Second Place: Merrill Auditorium, Portland
Honorable Mention: Port City Music Hall, Portland
BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE -- OUTDOOR
L.L. Bean Discovery Park
95 Main St., Freeport
(877) 755-2326; llbean.com/shop/retailStores/summerInThePark
L.L. Bean hosts a great concert series every summer in Discovery Park, and it's free! Rickie Lee Jones and America are among the acts still set to perform this summer.
Second Place: Maine State Pier, Portland
Honorable Mention: Monument Square, Portland
BEST KARAOKE/OPEN MIC -- TIE
Old Port Tavern
11 Moulton St., Portland
774-0444; oldporttavern.com
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Bayside Bowl in Portland is the Readers Choice winner for best bowling alley. It also has a bar, pub food and a performance space. |
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The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth wins the most votes from readers for the best lobster roll and for best outdoor dining. |
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Novare Res Bier Cafe in Portland is the top vote-getter for best bar. Staff file photo |
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University of Southern Maine students Ry Russell, left, Tyler Wells and Patric Brophy run the Saco Drive-In, awinner with readers. Staff file photo |
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