It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
A regular's guide to happy hour in Maine's food capital.
My first time visiting Bissell Brothers Brewery was over a decade ago—shortly after graduating from college. I stood in a long line of fellow beer geeks (it could have seemed a lumberjack look-alike competition to the uninitiated—the Portland beer scene in 2014 was pretty homogenous) outside their little hole-in-the-wall brewery, feverishly awaiting a can of their sought-after flagship IPA, The Substance Ale, or its big brother, Swish. Luckily, I came away with a four-pack of Substance, although I’d have to wait for my first sip of Swish—they were entirely sold out. This, I’m told, was the peak of the Craft Beer Scene—crazy hype over new breweries and new releases, long lines, sold-out cans, and an insane resale market for the highest rated beers.
Walking into Bissell Brothers on this Tuesday evening, those “golden days” of the craft beer scene feel a world away. No longer crammed into the breezeblock-walled corner on Industrial Way, they now inhabit a gorgeous 19th-century brick warehouse on Thompson’s Point, with huge glass windows and 40ft high timber-framed ceilings. The main room houses their brewing operation behind a partition, and simple tables and high-tops—perfect for watching the often-on football (soccer) matches. (It is also worth noting, if you’re an Arsenal fan like me, you’re entering enemy territory—the Bissell Brothers are, for some reason unbeknownst to me, Tottenham Hotspur fans. At least we can agree on our shared love of Portland’s own Hearts!). Through a pair of folding pocket doors is The Garden, a more elevated space with cozier seating and gorgeous greenery soaking in the ample light.
As with most of our weekday visits, the space is quiet—there are no lines, no clamor for cans. Substance and Swish are both available on tap and in cans to take home. There’s even a Graefruit Substance as well as my personal favorite, The Original Substance—a new take on the original homebrew recipe that started it all. They’re playing a Champions League game tonight—the scrappy Norwegian Bodø/Glimt hammering the Italian behemoths, Inter Milan—a great watch between sips of Substance.
We’ve become regulars here on Mondays and Tuesdays. Both offer all-day happy hours and one of the best deals in town: $5 pours of Substance and a $10 burger and fries. In fact, those prices are the only part of the experience that takes me right back to the twenty-teens—I haven’t seen a meal and drink for that price in ages. The food is fantastic—as meals from their kitchen always are! When coming on a weekend, I often opt for the spicy fried chicken sandwich—a messy undertaking, but worth it; however, the burger is no slouch either, with the acidic pickles cutting through the fat of the patty and cheese, all topped with their special sauce. And fries on top of that? Yes please. For reference, the burger and fries would typically run you $25 when not happy hour—sadly, the norm across America’s foodie cities. I’ll happily go on a Tuesday and enjoy mine 60% off, thank you!
Perhaps we’ll see you next Monday at Bissel Brothers? If not, here’s a few other happy hour favorites in Portland:
Camp Pennant — If $1 beers sound too good to be true, head to Camp Pennant any Monday through Thursday between 3 and 6pm and see for yourself. An absolute steal.
Duckfat — Before the summer lines snake out the door, take advantage of one of Portland’s better-kept happy hour secrets. Sunday through Friday, 3-6pm, Duckfat offers deals on draft beer, house wine, popcorn, wings, and other bites before the crowds come after Memorial Day.
Eventide Oyster Co. — Night owls rejoice. Eventide runs a late-night happy hour from 9-11pm with half-off oysters, discounted beer and wine, and burgers with fries. One of the best reasons to stay out past your bedtime in Portland.
Lil Chippy — This counter-service fish and chips shop runs happy hour Wednesday through Sunday, 3-5pm, with cheap oysters, cold beer, bubbles, and hot fish. Unpretentious, delicious, and easy on the wallet.
Ocotillo — This West End brunch spot now runs happy hour Thursday through Monday, 3-5pm, with rotating food and drink specials. Worth building your week around, honestly.
Smalls — The appropriately named tiny cafe offers happy hour daily from 5-8pm: $1.50 oysters, and a dollar off drinks. Just make sure you snag one of the (limited) seats in there!
ZA Pizza — $5 slices, snacks, drinks. Sometimes, simple is best, and so is their pizza!