The South Portlander: Dining Guide

Applebee’s

From sandwiches and burgers to salads. Applebee’s also is a favorite of school PTAs, which use the restaurant for breakfast fund raisers.
200 Running Hill Rd., 207-879-9155

Asia Restaurant

A long buffet table and heavily-sauced American-Asian favorites are the staples at this Mill Creek restaurant, open for lunch and dinner.
51 Market St., 207-767-1882

Beale Street Barbeque

The neighborhood chicken and ribs joint has kept its casual ambiance and welcome style at its new location in the Thomas Banquet Facility. The menu of dry-rub BBQ has been expanded to include wet sauces. In addition to the jambalaya, pulled pork and quesadillas that are favorites, the expanded menu now includes some creative takes on an affordable mac and cheese entree, such as Mexican style or sausage mixed in with the noodles. Beale Street also has several beers on tap and a comfortable bar area.
725 Broadway, 207-767-0130

Bridgeway

Step back in time at Bridgeway, once the go-to place when Ocean Street linked with the bridge to Portland. The old-time restaurant offers traditional American cuisine and cocktails.
71 Ocean St., 207-799-5418

Bugaboo Creek

Maybe it’s the mounted moosehead that talks like a Disney character or the ever-friendly staff, but Bugaboo Creek draws in young families where the kids are welcomed and entertained. The steaks and burgers are not bad either at this mall-area restaurant.
264 Gorham Rd., 207-773-5400

Buttered Biscuit

Buttered Biscuit serves freshly made, take-home dishes that include chicken pot pies, homemade mac ‘n cheese, meat loaf and other comfort foods popular with families. The wide variety of offerings also includes fresh vegetables, pulled pork, grilled salmon fillets and wild rice salad. Healthy sandwich wraps are offered at lunch. Order ahead at holidays, and you can get your entire meal prepared.
347 Cottage Rd., 799-5005

Costa Vida

The key to Costa Vida‘s popularity seems to be the fresh ingredients it uses for its burritos, tacos and enchiladas. Customers have the choice of pulled pork, steak or chicken as well as shredded lettuce, mango salsa, tomatoes and other fillings. The service is fast and its fun to watch the staff prepare the flour burritos.
209 Western Ave., 207-772-8432

David’s 388

Located in SoPo’s tiny arts district, David’s 388 has quickly established itself for creative, fine dining that rivals the best Old Port restaurants. Owner-Chef David Turn already has a solid reputation for David’s Restaurant in Portland’s Monument Square. At his new SoPo restaurant, Turin offers the same high quality and innovative approach to American cuisine. The small setting—with six tables and a bar—as well as the open-air kitchen add coziness and intimacy to the place. Reservations recommended.
388 Cottage Rd., 347-7388

DiPietro’s

Pizza, subs and Italian specialties are offered as takeout at this family-run store, which also sells wine, beer, liquor and a limited amount of food and household items.
387 Cottage Road. 207-799-2839

Domino’s Pizza

The chain pizza delivery joint is open till midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Deliveries to SoPo and Cape.
980 Broadway, 207-799-8131

Dunkin’ Donuts

Doughnuts, personal pizzas, toasted breakfast sandwiches. Oh yeah, and coffee.
Three restaurants, at 617 Broadway, 633 Main St., and 325 Gorham Road.

Eggspectation

Where else can you order a martini to go with our scrambled eggs or eggs benedict, but Eggspectations? Chicken, fish steaks and pasta also are on the menu at this national chain restaurant.
125 Western Ave., 871-7000

Fresh!

Fresh! is the latest dining spot from Walter Loeman, known for developing Walter’s and Pefetto in the Old Port. This new tiny restaurant is tucked in a storefront space on Ocean Street. Expect organic greens, soups and sandwiches for lunch. Dinners include baked chicken, steak and pastas. The focus here is on fresh, local ingredients. Service is ultra casual.
171 Ocean St., 207-699-2646

Governor’s Restaurant

Governor’s Restaurant is a SoPo perennial, offering traditional American fare that includes burgers with fries, steaks and chicken. Breakfast is served all day.
700 Main St., 773-2177.

House of Pizza

This neighborhood spot next to Cumby’s on Cottage Road offers fresh-from-the-oven pizza, subs, pasta and salad. House of Pizza does a brisk business, and many families choose to order at the counter and dine in at the booths.
433 Cottage Rd., 207-767-2300