Blue
650 Congress St, Portland, ME, 04101
Blue Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Portland for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
650 Congress St
Portland, ME, 04101 - Phone (207) 774-4111
- Website https://www.portcityblue.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Ambience : Intimate
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Happy Hour : Yes
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Has TV : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Jack G.
Visiting Blue here is basically like walking into a musicians living room and spying on them while they jam out. This was such a neat experience for me and my fiance and we really enjoyed listening to these talented musicians. Plus, a $4 Guinness doesn't hurt.
(5)Jonathan K.
I stopped here for brunch and had the hash n eggs. The food was fantastic and reasonably priced. We also lucked out and had some fresh baked banana bread. They have a collection of records to listen to or you can bring your own. Friendly staff and fun spot. I'd recommend stopping in here.
(5)John W.
Twice the space, twice the taps, twice the food, twice the potential for major acts. All that without losing the charm that makes Blue Blue.
(5)Tarra H.
A (very) cozy spot to see local live music. Although I am usually interested in the acts playing, I rarely feel up to the standing-room-only situation that arises with well known groups or the demand to buy a drink as soon as you sit down (there is a one purchase minimum) sometimes they insist you make a decision before your coat is off. Overall, a decent wine list and fair prices if you can find a seat and know what you want.
(4)Emily B.
Blue seems to get skipped over when planning a night out and, while I can understand why (I'll get to this in a minute), it's also one of my favorite spots for a relaxing night. Blue hosts different local bands each night, with a focus on jazz, and occasionally holds ticketed shows. You can check their Facebook page for regular schedule updates. The atmosphere is relaxed, staff is friendly, and audience interaction with musicians is often encouraged. They offer local beers, a decent wine list, coffee, tea, and food. Overall, this is a great place that offers a cozy environment for listening to live music. Which brings me to the downside of Blue. Like I said, it's cozy. Cozy enough that if you're talking loudly over the band, you will be interrupting your neighbors. And sometimes the musicians. Blue is a great space to watch music, but not so much for catch up with old friends. Go for the performance and please don't be the person that everyone else in the room is forced to listen to all night.
(4)Justin H.
Magic. One of the best venues I've been in, in any town. Intimate and cozy, friendly and neighborly. Listen to local legends like Samuel James and Dana Gross play like they are in the living room of your good friend. Always good beer on tap, and a well curated wine list. The food is home, yet sophisticated - the pasta bowl, the olives, Barry's hummus. Barry and Terez make this place feel like the hippest B&B you've ever seen.
(5)Tara W.
Loved it!! Intimate, friendly.inviting atmosphere. Fiesty owner. Great service. Saw an egyptian trio and a fabulous 6 member band the Evan King Group. No cover - suggested donations. Didn't eat - had a few beers. Made me want to move to Portland. Would definitely go again!
(4)Bryan V.
My second five star review. Classic jazz club bar but high quality and unique food and drinks. The Red Snapper hot dog (Craziest. Bestest hot dog ever. Curry aioli, jalapeño bacon (wha?) and pickled cucumbers. OMG time five) is worth the visit. This is a neighborhood gem that all of Portland can and should enjoy.
(5)Nicole M.
This place came highly recommended. The level of talent was exceptional however, after sitting for 15 minutes the hostess insisted the crowd donate a minimum of $15 to the band. It was quite nervy and I was totally turned off. I will not be revisiting. Would have had no problem throwing in money but did not appreciate being strongly urged.
(2)Bai L.
Quaint restaurant with local beers, always a plus. We went to listen to a friend play. We ordered the cheese board, which was delicious. The menu is a bit limited so we didn't have dinner.
(3)Dawn T.
Well this is a mixed review. There were several things about Blue that put me off. That said, there were some things that I appreciated. Many reviews commented on the intimate atmosphere in Blue which is code for this place is very small. There's seating for about 22 people at tables, then additional seating at the L shaped bar. On the evening I attended, there were only two servers and one of them was the bar hostess. That means there was a lot of work for only two people with a full house. The bartender and hostess had to pour all the drinks in addition to making all the food and managing the audience. Granted the food menu is small plates and nothing requires cooking. The pricing on the menu seemed in line with other bars with similar offerings. For my budget, it's pricey for very small bits of food. 2 very small pieces of cheese, an ounce of honey, 8 olives, and 15 almonds = $12. Like I said, normal for Portland, but still pricey for what gets served. The food and drink menus are on big chalkboards on a wall over 3 tables. If you don't have great vision, you have to stand over seated people to see the menus. This was a little uncomfortable for me, and I imagine those seated. This is not a cocktail bar, only wine and beer are served. For that reason I would have expected a better wine list. There were only three whites, I ordered one and wasn't that thrilled with it, but that's a matter of taste, you might love all the choices. The part I enjoyed the least was when the hostess addressed the audience, as the band stands watch, to explain that this bar doesn't charge a cover but expects that you will contribute cash to a basket that she brings around and puts in your face. There was a distinct sensation that this was not optional. Imagine the discomfort of those lured in by seemingly free live music (which exists all around Portland) then faced with having to stare down the lady with the basket if you didn't want to 'voluntarily' contribute. Additionally, when I sat at the bar I immediately ordered a bottled water, then a glass of wine, then (when I could get her attention) a food plate. When my friend joined me at the bar I gave him my glass of wine but the bartender insisted that he had to order a drink because the bar has a one drink minimum. This policy is in place because they don't charge a cover and they offer live music which is understandable. So I ordered another bottle water and a cup of tea for my friend. When I was finished and ready to pay, I waited through 4 songs and the banter between the songs before I was able to get the attention of the bartender without shouting at her. She washed a sink full of dishes with her back to the bar while I studiously watched for even a glimpse over her shoulder. Eventually, waving my credit card, she noticed and brought me a bill. I agree with the other reviewers that there's an intimate atmosphere for live music at Blue and that deserves to be appreciated. I added a star to this otherwise 3 star review. It was the aura, the ultimate price tag, and the service that made me decide this place is out of my league.
(4)Christine L.
While I still think this place is great (see original review), I was totally let down last time! My friends and I came in and sat at the bar, and we ordered a bottle of wine in anticipation of a jazz singer + band. Half an hour passes by, and the music doesn't begin. We look at the nearly empty stage... where are the instruments? While the singer was fantastic, we didn't hear a note of the jazz that we specifically came for on this particular night. Downed the wine and headed elsewhere for the evening.
(4)Karen D.
A small intimate music venue with big sound and welcoming atmosphere. I went to the Sean Mecher show and never being here before didn't know what to expect. The place is very small, but I had no trouble getting a seat at the bar at 7:40 for the 8 pm show. And they have half price happy hour before 8 with a nice beer selection that is already cheaper prices than I'm used to. There was no cover-just a donation request part way through the show. The five person band that barely fit on the little stage and put on a 90 minute full-on show that I would gladly have paid an admission charge to see.
(5)Abi T.
Blue is a cozy little room with everything you want in a small music venue. They've got a nicely edited wine and beer list and just a few items to nosh on: cheese, bread, olives, desserts and a couple of dishes you could make a meal out of like Baked Meatballs, mmm. The music is immediate and intimate, mostly jazz, blues, old-time, and singer-songwriters, and there is never a cover. The crowd seems to be a mix of folks who come out to see the artists and those who want to meet friends for a drink and enjoy the music while they chat. This can be a tough balance to pull off, but when it's right, there's a great casual, social atmosphere. The staff is also super friendly and helpful, so I have no complaints. Except that Portland is too cold for me to live there and go to Blue all the time!
(5)Kat D.
If you like live music in an intimate venue, this place is for you! They have a variety of musical acts from blues, jazz and bluegrass to Irish night and even Turkish music with belly dancers. This is a tiny venue, but the acoustics are good and the focus is on the musicians. This is definitely not background music. They have a nice selection of wines by the glass and their draft beer selection is always stellar with some of the best local brews on tap. The food options are simple but delicious, not to mention affordable. I can't give this place enough praise. Give it a try!!
(5)Vanessa H.
What a great discovery. I went here to see Port Veritas and it was packed. A glass of chianti, tempranillo, then bites of rice/spiced wrapped in grapes leaves (and fresh baugettes)....I found the experience relaxing, and suprisingly affordable.The service was attentive without being intrusive. I am looking forward to coming back to hear music.
(5)Liz H.
Love this place; a breath of fresh air in the Old Port. Wonderful owners, good food, great music. I'm not much of a drinker, so I love that they have gourmet coffee (FRENCH PRESS) for me to enjoy. It makes the already stellar music that much better.
(5)Grammy L.
Nice place to check out the local music scene. The night we were here Luna Madidus, a band from up north of here, was headlining. They were excellent--great musicians and great selections, some original stuff--very impressive. The venue itself is small but lends itself to an intimate experience. We enjoyed wine with the marcona almonds and I splurged on a dessert of ice cream with a yummy sherry. Would come here more often if we didn't live 5 hours drive from here.
(4)