Portland is a small thriving coastal city in the state of Maine and is famous for its picturesque streets lined with cobblestones, art galleries, and, of course, numerous restaurants and eateries. However, the city provides a good number of nice restaurants that offer both expensive and cheaper food that has the same tastes. For the budget conscious travelers, it is important to also get a place where they serve good food that does not have to strain their pockets. This article focuses on five cheap places to eat in Portland that offer great dishes at a cheap price.
The Benefits of Dining in Portland, Maine
If you are planning to dine in Portland, Maine with your loved ones, then you are in for a special treat. The city is widely known as a ‘foodie’ city for it strictly adhere to the concepts of the farm-to-table food systems. There is seafood due to its location near the ocean, and the city also offers a wide range of tasty options. Local dining experience is important and prevalent with numerous families own and managed restaurants with cozy settings. Regarding the quality of food, diners can find affordable restaurants with quality food so the prices do not necessarily have to be high in order to get good food.
Criteria for Selecting Affordable Restaurants
When selecting affordable restaurants for this list, several factors were considered:
– Price: The primary emphasis was given to restaurants in which the price of food items does not exceed $15 per person, excluding drinks.
– Quality: Another factor was the price with the quality that was also taken into consideration to avoid substandard meals. All the restaurants chosen are popular for their delicious, fulfilling, and good quality meals.
– Portion Size: Something else that consumers appreciate is getting a lot of food for the amount they pay; restaurants that offer large portions help visitors have value for their money.
– Local Experience: Priority was given to institutions that would give a perspective of Portland’s culture and the local diet.
– Atmosphere: Being friendly and welcoming is also important in creating a pleasant surrounding of the restaurant which makes eating pleasant even to the consumers with a low budget.
READ ALSO: Portland, Oregon Budget Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Top 5 Affordable Restaurants in Portland, Maine
Location: 390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Cuisine: American, Diner
Specialties: Lobster Roll, Blueberry Pancakes, Seafood Chowder
Price Range: $10-$15 per meal
Becky’s Diner is an endearing culinary establishment in Portland which many residents and tourists would consider familiar. Family owned and situated directly on the water, this diner is a no-nonsense establishment that serves traditional American comfort food. Established in 1991, Becky’s has risen through the ranks to be well-known for its delicious breakfast and lunch meals served in large portions with favorites such as the blueberry pancakes and seafood chowder. Highlights include the lobster roll, a classic New England dish that gives diners a chance to taste local lobster at a fair price. Friendly staff and homely environment play a major role in its favor; therefore, Becky’s Diner serves as an authentic portrayal of Portland’s dining culture.
Location: 37 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Cuisine: American, Pub
Specialties: House-Made Sausages, Craft Beer
Price Range: The spending of consumers falls in the range of $10-$15 per meal.
For those wanting a relaxed atmosphere with satisfying and filling food then The Thirsty Pig is ideal. Located in the area of Old Port this place offers homemade sausages with different tastes and only of the best quality. The menu section includes a standard choice of sausages or a variety of them with additional garnishes; sometimes, the restaurant uses local meat for food preparation. That together with their collection of local craft beers, on the tap ensures that you get the best value for your money when you dine at The Thirsty Pig. The outdoor seating area um is quite common and more preferred during the summer time the area is outstanding and offers good food and beverages.
3. Silly’s
Location: Other locations of this restaurant are at 225 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101.
Cuisine: Eclectic, American
Specialties: Silly’s Burger, Vegan Options, Milkshakes
Price Range: $10-$15 per meal
Silly’s is a fun and colorful restaurant that one can describe as old school that has been operating in Portland for several years now serving a diverse menu to its customers. The interior of Silly’s restaurant is decorated in bright colors and has an entertaining atmosphere. The food is a fusion of American cuisine with a twist and is accompanied with vegan or vegetarian meal selections. The Silly’s Burger is one of the most popular items on the menu, which is topped with a variety of ingredients, and the restaurants fantastic milkshakes that are rich and creamy. Silly offers foods made from fresh ingredients, and it has a policy of accommodating the dietary restrictions of its patrons which makes it an excellent choice for frugal travellers.
4. Otto Pizza
Location: The locations in Portland are 225 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Cuisine: Pizza
Specialties: Mashed Potato, Bacon & Scallion Pizza, Margherita Pizza
Price Range: They cost between $3 and $5 per slice of the pizza.
For pizza enthusiasts, Otto Pizza is undoubtedly the epitome of food joints in Portland. It features varieties of thin-crust pizzas with creative toppings and quality ingredients, and these are reasonably priced. Another innovative creation from Otto’s specialty is the Mashed Potato, Bacon & Scallion Pizza which is most preferred by the locals. It has numerous outlets mainly in Portland and thus fits the bill of those seeking a quick tasty meal. The resultant ambience of the pizzeria can be described as laid-back and as such it can be considered as a good place to grab slice or two of pizza when you do not want to spend so much on food.
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Location: 43 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Cuisine: Belgian, Street Food
Specialties: French Fries, Gravy, Quebec Fries, Potatoes, Cheese Curds, Cultured Milk, Sour Cream, Butter, Ice Cream.
Price Range: The cost ranges between $7 and $12 per meal.
Duckfat Frites Shack is a small version of the famous Duckfat restaurant where custom made Belgian fries cooked in duck schmaltz are served crispy and delicious. Sited on Washington Avenue, the Frites Shack includes a range of dipping sauces for the fries, and, thus, offers people to cook them to their taste. Also included in the menu is poutine which entails fries, cheese curd, and gravy which makes it more of a fulfilling meal. The milkshakes prepared using local ice cream are a great addition to the more “tougher” fries. In terms of its informality, accessibility, feasibility, and customer satisfaction, Duckfat Frites Shack is the best solution for a fast food.
Conclusion
Portland, Maine is a city for good food lovers and this can be seen from the numerous amazing eating joints. There are many opportunities which allows the travellers with a limited budget have a taste of Portland food. So whether you are in the mood for an old school, greasy spoon diner with booths and jukeboxes, hygge-style cafés, the traditional pizzerias or rickety hawker stands the city has a vast offering of budget eateries that offer great flavours, portions and a way into the heart of the city. It is for this reason; we present five eateries; Becky’s Diner, The Thirsty Pig, Silly’s, Otto Pizza, Duckfat Frites Shack as prominent cheap food joints in Portland so that travellers in this beautiful coastal city will not have to break the bank in order to feast on the delectable meals served here.
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