Family Dining

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

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

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

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

Imperial China

South Portland has no shortage of Chinese restaurants. This popular place near the Maine Mall has efficient service and an ample sit-down menu.
220 Maine Mall Rd., 207-774-4292

Longhorn Steakhouse

Located at the Maine Mall, Longhorn offers steaks, coconut fried shrimp, burgers, salads, fries. The place is packed at lunchtime with office workers on weekdays and also is popular for dinner on the weekends.
300 Maine Mall Rd., 207-780-0800

Macaroni Grill

Macaroni Grill is popular with the office crowds that work near the mall as well as families with young children, who enjoy the affordable prices and appreciate the kid-friendly menu focus_ pasta, American style.
415 Philbrook Ave., 207-780-6620

Make Thyme for Dinner

This innovative commercial kitchen lets enterprising customers assemble their own meals, with the help of equipment and recipes. Asian Ginger Salmon and Barbecued Pork Sirloin are among the choices at Make Thyme for Dinner. Phone ahead for information and reservations. Customers can make up to a month’s worth of meals to be heated at home.
4438 Western Ave., 207-221-5194

Old Country Buffet

This chain restaurant offers rows and rows of buffet tables filled with meats, vegetables, salads and desserts. Pay a single price and come back for seconds, thirds and fourths. A glutton’s delight.
517 Maine Mall Rd., 207-775-2076

Olive Garden

The Italian-American restaurant is a favorite mall-area destination for Mainer diners.
200 Gorham Rd., 207-874-9005