Hoping to please you at every turn: Silly's with a Twist, Portland

Life can be too serious sometimes, which is why I'm thankful for a place like Silly's With a Twist.

The quaint new space is riffing off the original Silly's, which has been a Portland institution for the past 23 years. Located right next door on Washington Avenue, it's got a super-long bar with comfy cushioned bar stools and a few tables. Having opened the week before Christmas, the bar still smelled of fresh paint, and decorations are sparse with the exception of a leg lamp like the one in "A Christmas Story."

A Major League sports bar: Binga's Stadium Smokehouse and Sports Bar

Binga's -- it's fun to say, and it's also a fun place to grab a drink.

I met a friend at Binga's Stadium Smokehouse & Sports Bar in Portland on a recent night to take a break from the hectic holiday shopping. When I arrived, my friend was already sipping on her margarita served in a pint glass. I sat down next to her at one end of the seemingly mile-long bar.

Give in to temptation while sipping: JP's Bistro, Portland

After some shopping with my mom on a recent afternoon, we swung by JP's in Portland for a few drinks to celebrate the bargains we had scored.

We walked in shortly after 5 p.m. and grabbed two of the six seats at the bar. Two pub tables sit up to eight more people, but it's definitely an intimate setting probably best suited for a party of two.

Authentic, Mexican-influenced, high-end bar experiences: Zapoteca, Portland

Maybe it was the night. Maybe it was the atmosphere. Or maybe it was multiple margaritas...

Bringing upscale sophistication and classic drinks back to the city: FortiFem Martini Lounge, Portland

There was a time not so long ago when martini lounges were as popular in the Old Port as brewpubs. Then, they slowly started disappearing.

A dose of culture and international travel: Petite Jacqueline, Portland

Anyone who is looking for a dose of culture and international travel in the Greater Portland area will be well-served to visit Petite Jacqueline, the new French bistro in Longfellow Square.

Sebago Brewing Company has a new atmosphere: Sebago Brewing Co., Portland

Anyone familiar with the Portland brewing scene is familiar with the powerhouse brewery and pub that is Sebago Brewing Company.

Cocktails combine class and creativity: Gingko Blue, Portland

Before visiting Gingko Blue on a recent, hot summer's night, I had probably strolled past the lounge dozens of times, not knowing that it was actually a bar. Looking in through street-side windows at the sleek decor, I wondered whether it was a new high-end salon or perhaps a trendy, big-city oxygen bar. My best guess was something along the lines of a futuristic apothecary.

An up-scale lounge to impress the guests: Point 5 Lounge, Portland

Though difficult to find in the world of the Internet and Google, the Point 5 Lounge has been open since about 2006. Sharing space with the nationally recognized culinary delight that is Five Fifty-Five restaurant, this lounge reminds locals and tourists that Maine is not all L.L. Bean backwoods and laid-back brewpubs.

A place that knows the delicate alchemy of the perfect margarita: Margarita's, Portland

I met a friend for drinks at Margaritas after work, and upon walking through the doors of the boldly decorated bar, I found that my idea was far from original.

Conversation over knickknacks and a starfruit sparkler: Figa, Portland

Figa, from the Brazilian symbol of good luck with the same name, is found on Congress Street by looking for the bright orange sign announcing its presence amongst the surrounding stores and studios.

Recreation meets libation: Bayside Bowl, Portland

Beer and bowling. Is there a better combination? Bayside Bowl, the brainchild of state Sen. Justin Alfond and former state Rep. Charlie Mitchell, has become a staple in the recreation-meets-libation scene, culminating in a funky, fun, completely accessible meeting ground where you can drink, catch some good tunes, grab a tasty bite, and, yup, you guessed it, even bowl.

A classic. And it floats: DiMillo's Restaurant and Lounge, Portland

Classic. That's the word that comes to mind when walking through the doors (and down the gangway, and through the yacht sales area, and past the gift shop, and into the front lobby) of DiMillo's Restaurant & Lounge. You step into a period piece that's reminiscent of family vacations to seaside destinations - Maine style. The interior is warmly lit with dark, shiny wood detailing, rigging hanging about the restaurant like decorative chandeliers, and brass banisters guiding you along the length of the restaurant. And, there's always the novelty that you're on a really big ship. The place hasn't changed since 1982...and that's probably for the best.

Eclectic beer varieties out of the norm: East Ender, Portland

Every good foodie and beer city needs to have a couple of beer gardens. The East Ender might be more like a beer garden patch right now; it is less than a month old and already attracting a clientele looking for delicious drinks they cannot find anywhere else.

Plush ambiance, bourbon and bacon: District, Portland

I have been hearing great things about District since they opened in the upcoming Studio District between the West End and Downtown at the beginning of November 2010. Mostly about the fact that they included a bacon or low-on-the-hog pork product in many of their dishes, had an amazing wine and beer selection, and kept tummies happy with delicious bourbon.

Bank shot: Rack's Sports Bar and Billiards, Portland

Open since October 15th, located at 272 St. John Street, Racks Sports Bar and Billiards is barely visible from the strip mall parking lot.

Heartfelt drinks and fine conversation: Katahdin, Portland

Once located on the corner of Spring and State for over 12 years, Katahdin closed its doors one year ago. Owner Becky Lee Simmons and partner Winnie Moody have taken over the space of George's Bakery and rebuilt Katahdin Wood Fire Grill and Bar from floor to ceiling.

Serving up some Latin flair: Havana South, Portland

THIS VENUE HAS CLOSED

Owner Michael Boland and his wife Deirdre Swords opened Havana 11 years ago, bringing Latin culture and food to Bar Harbor. In June 2010, they opened Havana South, providing Portland with "American fine dining with a Latin flair."

Delicious and satisfying for the soul: Flatbread, Portland

The Flatbread Co. is all about the experience.

Become a regular at this Grill Room and Bar.

The Grill Room is one of three restaurants created and run by Harding Lee Smith, who also has the bragging rights to The Corner Room and The Front Room.

Great beers and a place to check the scores: Nosh, Portland

The smile sets in the moment I step in. What's "in" after all? The first signs of a well-designed new operation on Congress Street are the massive windows that form the left side wall.

A very dark cave of wonders: The Armory

The first sip of icy espresso martini is a doozy. Gotta say, didn't think it'd go down quite like this.

It's the bar on the hill: Mama's Crowbar

It's fun to tell people I met my husband at a bar, but then I say it was George's on the Hill, they kind of look at me funny.

The sensation is real and available most nights: Downtown Lounge

Finally got a chance to watch "Where the Wild Things Are". The movie's alright, a little on the kidsy side, but there were a couple unbelievable sequences where the scruffy CGI cast makes merry by chucking one another around in a sprawling thicket. It looks painful, but it looks fun, and the unabashed rough-housing holds a sure moral: it's ok, in fact it's essential to indulge your wild side.

Savor the all-Italian all-handpicked wine list: The Corner Room

Ho-hum, another Harding Lee Smith joint. I'm sure the plates will be delicious and affordable, there will be a lot of thoughtful attention to detail in the lights, music, layout and drinks, and that the service will be in turns charming and attentive.

New location offers new beginnings at Walters.

Formerly located on Exchange Street, the opportunity arose to move Walter's to 2 Portland Square, and Jeff and Cheryl Buerhaus took the leap to open a fresh space on Dec. 29.

Rising-star restaurant & drinker's escape: Salt Exchange

Sitting at the svelte, handmade curves of the bar at the Salt Exchange, I'm bummed in retrospect that I got lost on the way here. It's a small ways from Munjoy Hill, shares a block with Three Dollar Dewey's, and is up to something really quite special. It's not hard to find either, right on the elbow of Commercial Street's southwestern last hurrah, and there's no excuse for losing time spent, given its hybrid gallery/restaurant aesthetic. Cory, my unusually aware and attentive bartender, has been here since the young establishment opened up in April '09.

Treating Puritanical expectations with a wink: Grace

You know how in old westerns the doors of a tavern are these tiny, chest-high swinging things? Outlaws make grand gunblasting entrances through them, and drunks get tossed out from the bar to the dusty street outside almost like there's no barrier at all.

Old world meets new world traditions: Sonny's

Sister restaurant to Local 188, Sonny's plans to have a different focus.

Sultans of swank: Pearl

The word "chic" originally comes from the German "schick" meaning "skill, finesse, or elegance." Today, it connotes more of an "unce-unce" beat with ubiquitous, tilting cosmos and the click-clack of pumps across a dance floor. At the Old Port's freshest new club, the Pearl, the word must mean both.

The spice is right: 51 Wharf

In all the tawdry glory of an Old Port Saturday night in July, there are a couple hot spots on Wharf Street that are known for giving the carnival its pulse. A certain courage is needed to operate a business that practically invites risky business, but GM Tanner Herget hit every stop on the restaurant biz train, from dishwasher to bouncer to management.

A dueling drink/food identity on Munjoy Hill: Bar Lola

Just what does Bar Lola claim to be? In the first place, if you affix the word "bar" to your title, then what in the name of Longfellow is "Hand Chopped Steak Tartare with Toasted Baguette and Mustard" ($6) doing on the menu?

It's like going home, when you want to be out.

Located on 33 Allen Avenue in Portland, Bob Napolitano is the large built, imposing, yet soft spoken owner of Bruno's Restaurant and Tavern. He knows my dad, my aunt and uncle and most likely, every other Italian in Portland.

The Platonic ideal of a good diner: The Front Room

As Congress Street tips at the peak of Munjoy Hill and tumbles into Casco Bay, the aesthetic appeal of The Front Room is pretty self-explanatory. Around dusk on an autumn Monday, there it is, framed by the leaves left with a deep blue background, slinging drinks for some of the best happy hour values in town.

Let your hair down at Portland’s best Boston bar: Fore Play

There's a particular feel to a good Boston neighborhood bar. A familiar, endearing barley stench, video poker blips and boops tickling the ear drums, and plenty of close talkers to make the outsider feel like family. It's a messy, special experience, comfy like a sandy beach towel.

Only a stranger once: Samuel's Bar and Grill

Everyone is welcome at this local pub.

All in the family: Parker's Restaurant

Not knowing quite what to expect, I arrive at Parker's (Steaks, Drinks, Good Times!) simply hoping the Red Sox put on a show. Admittedly, it's a good omen when I walk-in, sit down, and Boston crushes 2 balls out of Fenway Park on the enormous, loud screen in front of me.

Summer means the Dry Dock is in full swing.

Patience is a virtue. If you have that, you can lounge outside at the Dry Dock and overlook the harbor.

Offering pizza, beers and more at a comfortable location: Siano's

While I possibly overuse the term "neighborhood bar," I cannot help but use it again when describing Siano's Pizzeria.

J's is more than just oysters

With a Cheers-like atmosphere, everyone has a story for J's.

Wharf Gem: Cinque Terre

Felicitously named after the rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is an Italian restaurant and bar located in The Old Port's most rugged street: Wharf.

Drinks, food and entertainment at the Porthole Restaurant

Drinks on the deck of the Porthole almost make up for the long Maine winters.

Get crackin' at Portland Lobster Company

Not just for the tourists, Portland Lobster Company has what the locals need.

West End Gem: Bonobo

Bonobo adds charm, character, and damn good pizza to the West End.

Lounge on Fore and get a Slice

Get all the pie and beer you want at the Slice Bar, where the old, old Granny's Burrito's used to be.

Dapper Drinks at Eve's

For the most part, I have been a little bored with the scene. Maybe it's because of the season. Maybe it's because every place is blending into the next. So when my editor suggested Eve's at the Garden I expected a corny version of the Top of the East or that bar at the airport. Boy, was I wrong.

Get down at Bubba's Sulky Lounge

Can't think of anywhere to get your groove on? I suggest grabbing as many friends as you can and heading to Bubba's Sulky Lounge.

A Touch of Japan: Sapporo

Located on Commercial Street, Sapporo has a sweet view of the bay and all the action on the tourist drag. It's a definite patio drinking spot.

Local yokels on Commercial Street: Silver House Tavern

Today I'm hanging with the locals...

Happy Irish Hours: Ri Ra Irish Pub

"Ri Ra agus Ruaile Buale" is an old Irish phrase that roughly translates to "celebration and good fun" and I can honestly say I've experienced both at Ri Ra.

Happy hour martinis: Shay's Grill Pub

Hi, my name is Amber and I'll be your bartender. Can I get you something to drink tonight?

The Wine Bar

Located on Wharf Street, The Wine Bar is a sophisticated, yet comfortable, spot for small, intimate gatherings.

Newest Bar in the Forest: The Frosty Pint

What used to be CJ's on Forest Avenue is now The Frosty Pint.

Portland Punk'd

Every city needs a punk rock bar. Geno's is ours.

Another sake, please!: Yosaku

I love me some sake. There's little I love more than spending a few hours (and paychecks) in Yosaku.

The Thanksgiving Bar: Sangillo's

Well, it's not like they're serving turkey or anything. It's just where the cool kids are on Thanksgiving Day.

Friends For Life

I've been putting off this review since I took on this blog. I've always loved Amigo's and it's hard to be unbiased.

The Secret Garden

The plan was to review Bonobo, the pizza joint/bar in the West End, but I found, like many venues in Portland, they aren't open on Mondays. A little disappointed, but planning to return this weekend, I headed down Forest Avenue prepared to review the first bar I saw. Just past the bike shop, I spotted a Miller Lite sign and snatched a free parking spot out front.

GLBT Night Life: Styxx

Entering a gay club was a revelation for me. It was at the Pegasus Lounge in Pittsburgh, a decade ago, when I realized the best dance music, dance floors and dancers were at the gay clubs. Those other clubs I'd been frequenting were suddenly lame and flavorless.

The Famous Bear

The Great Lost Bear is most known for it's ginormous beer menu - about 65 different ones on tap.

Back Bay Bar

I imagine that if I keep giving great reviews, you'll think I love every bar, which isn't entirely true.

The Cubic Zirconia in the rough

Everyone loves Pizza Villa. Why? Because the food is good and the atmosphere is welcoming.

Best view of the city

Lounge on leather with a cocktail in hand and a gorgeous view of the bay.

The Big Easy

The Big Easy has been a staple for live music in Portland for about a dozen years. By far, it has the best sound system (which is why most bands love to play there) and sound guy, Jim Begley, who's engineered and produced tons of recordings at The Studio. It's where you go to hear a good band, dance and have a few drinks.

Ruski's Restaurant & Pub

I love this place so much I almost don't want to write about it. Good publicity usually means more business, resulting in crowds of people (potentially undesirable ones) polluting my favorite bar. But I'm banking those people are illiterate.

An Old Port Classic: Rosie's

Owning a bar is like a tinkering with an equation. What combination of services do you offer that will create the ideal atmosphere, the right customers and the steadiest stream of dollars?

Revolution: Novare Res

Portland's beer selection just got bigger. A lot bigger.

Bringing drinkers and diners together: Dogfish Bar and Grille

Sage advice from everyone from high-profile athletes to politicians boils down to this: life is all about balance. Balancing work, play, family, mistresses, gambling, etc. When a bar wants to be known for its food or a restaurant wants to attract a bar crowd, this presents a balancing act as difficult as any, because the two groups are so different.

For when you are feeling: Blue

Kevin McElroy introduced a song to Blue that he had played a few weeks back for a 200-person dinner. The dinner crowd was eating and talking, not listening to his music, so McElroy played the song on a continuous loop for 45 minutes. No one noticed.

Guinness is good: Brian Boru

“Guinness is good for you” - Slogan used before health officials decided promoting alcohol use for people as healthy was counterproductive.

From the Bleachers to the skybox: G&R DiMillo's Bayside

The turnover in Portland's bar scene can be downright ridiculous. While scanning news stories from the past, I consistently spot familiar bars that closed and became other watering holes, many in just the past couple of years.

Don't forget about: Local 188

"Normally, I would buy something crappy. But this place is too nice to drink bad beer," my burly comrade said, a profound musing on Local 188.

More than a funny name: Three Dollar Deweys

Well known for its massive beer selection (36 to be exact), pub grub and free popcorn, Three Dollar Deweys is one of the Old Port's flagship bars, a name just about everyone in Greater Portland is familiar with. But what about that name?

Goin' crazy: Asylum

Whether it was seeing Rustic Overtones or Vermont jam band RAQ, most of Southern Maine's "going out" crowd has been to a show at Asylum. They know it as a mid-sized venue that grabs high-profile local and national acts. Bill Kespert, the bar manager at Asylum, readily admits the nightspot's first responsibility is to concertgoers.

Brewing for 20 years: Gritty McDuff's

Opinions are sharply divided about Gritty McDuff's in Portland nightlife circles.

We all love that Gritty's brews its own (delicious) beer, serves good food and is a comfortable, sociable place with nice patrons and relaible staff.

Nice and cozy: The Snug

Sitting in a snug at The Snug while clutching a Harp, I could have closed my eyes and imagined I was in Dublin, surrounded by Guinness-swilling Irishmen. Instead I was at the foot of Munjoy Hill boozing with Mainahs. The Irish vibe at The Snug is strong, and pretty authentic.

Fill me up: Flask Lounge

Though just a baby compared to the old-timers dotting the Old Port, Flask Lounge is off to a good start. It is an interesting space that serves up affordable drinks and food with some cool features that set it apart from other bars.

Seriously sporting: Rivalries

We've all been there. You're sitting in a tavern during the All-Star Game, wondering why a NordicTrack is the closest thing to sports on the TV. That is the downfall for many "sports bars." You need more than just a bunch of TVs to call yourself one.

Yeah you know me: OPT

The (re)development of Portland has changed the face of our city. Some of these makeovers include: The razing of "Little Italy" to accommodate the Franklin Arterial, I-295 cutting a swath through Deering Oaks and the replacement of historic Union Station with a strip mall.

Lounge-tastic: Slainte

“I’m going to Slainte (pronounced Slon-cha).”
“What is that? I’ve never heard of that.”
“Have you heard of Slainte (pronounced rhyming with paint)?”
“Oh. That’s how you pronounce that?”

A bar for Mainahs: Andy's

Andy's Old Port Pub sits in the same spot Nappi's long occupied in the heart of tourist-infested Commercial Street. The pub retains a nearly identical layout to the Nappi's of yore, but that is where the similarities end.

The Old Port's neighborhood bar: Dock Fore

Every night spot needs a niche. There are places to be seen, dance halls, rock clubs. Then there are neighborhood bars. You don't go to eat. You don't go to dance. You go to drink.

New kid on the block: Empire

The Time and Temperature Building read 5 degrees on a miserable Wednesday night, when revelers were recovering from New Years and the energy downtown was at an all-time low. It was a time to sit inside and watch the Celtics squeak by the Rockets, not a night to go out and get crunk.