
The Front Room
A local favorite on Munjoy Hill serving upscale American comfort food with a popular bar and brunch scene.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The Front Room

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A local favorite on Munjoy Hill serving upscale American comfort food with a popular bar and brunch scene.
"The Front Room offers delectable comfort food classics with a gourmet twist in an energetic yet cozy atmosphere."
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid crowds, especially on weekends, by visiting during non-peak times.
Be prepared for waits
Reservations are not accepted; expect to wait at the bar during busy Friday/Saturday evenings.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Comfort Food
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(207) 773-3366
Address
73 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gourmet Comfort Food Classics
Indulge in elevated American comfort food like brioche French toast, crab pappardelle, and juicy wagyu burgers.

Vibrant Brunch Scene
Enjoy a popular brunch with standouts like fluffy pancakes and decadent lobster eggs Benedict.

Energetic, Cozy Atmosphere
Experience a lively yet intimate dining space perfect for conversation and savoring delicious meals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid crowds, especially on weekends, by visiting during non-peak times.
Be prepared for waits
Reservations are not accepted; expect to wait at the bar during busy Friday/Saturday evenings.
Try unique starters
Don't miss the cornbread with chili butter or other locally sourced farm-fresh salads.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid crowds, especially on weekends, by visiting during non-peak times.
Be prepared for waits
Reservations are not accepted; expect to wait at the bar during busy Friday/Saturday evenings.
Try unique starters
Don't miss the cornbread with chili butter or other locally sourced farm-fresh salads.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Front Room offers an energetic yet cozy atmosphere with popular brunch and upscale American comfort food. While many rave about signature dishes like brioche French toast and cornbread with chili butter, some diners have noted that dinner entrees can be mediocre and seasoning is lacking. The restaurant can also get quite hot, with some guests reporting that the AC is insufficient.
"Loved everything about this place. Great atmosphere, energy was great. Noisy but able to have a private conversation so it was the best of both worlds. Service was perfect. Food was divine. Cornbread with chili butter was unmatched, so light and delicious. Farm fresh salad was absolutely perfect. We shared entrees, scallops and wagyu burger with potato salad. Both amazing and packed with flavor."
Gena Sirkel
"Food was great! We loved everything, but the salmon with carrot puree was our favorite (particularly the puree). The staff were great and friendly! But was really really hot inside."
Luna Smith
"Great place for breakfast in Portland! Pancakes and lobster eggs Benedict are amazing! Outdoor seating."
Monica Niess
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular choices include the brioche French toast, cornbread with chili butter, wagyu burgers, and crab pappardelle.
No, the restaurant does not accept reservations. Be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends.
It's described as energetic and lively, yet cozy and conducive to private conversations.
Yes, it's a very popular brunch spot known for dishes like fluffy pancakes and lobster eggs Benedict.
Some diners find dinner entrees to be under-seasoned, and others mention the restaurant can be too hot due to insufficient AC.
Yes, The Front Room has outdoor patio seating where your dog is welcome.
Mentioned in
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10 Best Brunch Spots In Portland Maine
One of the several successful ‘Rooms’ restaurants in Portland owned by chef Harding Lee Smith is The Front Room. It features a spacious open kitchen and fully-stocked bar, contributing to its relaxed atmosphere. Brunch options are based around American-style comfort food classics and the great value caters to the high demands of young professionals.
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When you wake up on a bleary Sunday morning craving a breakfast sandwich, the idea of a full sit-down meal may not sound like something you have the strength to manage. Stay in bed, though, and you'll miss the "Fried Egg Sandwich" at The Grill Room in Portland's East End. For $7, the restaurant's spin on a classic breakfast sandwich sounds overpoweringly intense: Fried eggs, blue cheese, bacon, and mayonnaise on grilled French bread may sound like too much, but the sandwich somehow manages to be surprisingly light and crispy.
9 Best Brunch Spots in Portland, ME
This cozy breakfast and lunch nook in Portland’s East End boasts a semi-open kitchen, bar seating, and charming décor. Specializing in New American Comfort Food, The Front Room is a cherished neighborhood favorite for Savory Brioche French Toast, Biscuits & Gravy, Potato Gnocchi, and eggs any way you want them. Wash down the heaping portions with a state-inspired morning cocktail, like Maine Maple Coffee (Maker’s Mark, coffee, and a splash of maple syrup) or Muddy Moose (vodka, iced coffee, and chocolate liqueur).
The 33 Best Places to Eat & Drink in Portland, Maine
At The Front Room, you're invited to experience comfort food with a gourmet twist. Nestled in a cozy, welcoming space, it's the perfect spot for leisurely brunches that feel like dining in a friend's kitchen. Renowned for their rich, fluffy pancakes and locally sourced ingredients, it's a neighborhood gem where each dish tells a story of Portland's culinary prowess.
Portland, ME - Where to eat?
This is closer to the east end and a longer walk than a lot of the other places - might be worth a cab or Uber unless you're staying at one of the hotels on the east side of Franklin. This is a popular neighborhood place that doesn't take reservations, so be prepared to wait at the bar for a bit if you go Fri/Sat at 7 or something.
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While the bar at this Munjoy Hill restaurant is only 10 or so seats, they’re constantly full during prime hours due to some of the best happy hour specials in town. With many local beers on tap and an extensive wine list, this casual neighborhood spot has been satisfying drinkers for years. 73 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
These 10 Restaurants Serve The Best Pancakes In Maine
Blueberry pancakes are one thing, but strawberry pancakes are a whole new level of breakfast!. You might know Front Room best for their awesome brunch or even dinner, but if you can manage it be sure to be there while they're serving the fluffiest pancakes in town. They're located at: 73 Congress St., Portland / 207-773-3366.
7 Spots for the Best Breakfast in Portland Maine
The Front Room, conveniently located on Munjoy Hill in the East End, serves up some upscale New American comfort food. With an industrial design and a quaint interior, you can come enjoy the Front Room for both brunch and dinner. It’s got a popular bar scene in the evenings, but that’s a story for another blog.
Dog Friendly American Restaurants in South Portland, ME
The Front Room is a pet-friendly restaurant in Portland, ME. Your pup is welcome to relax with you at a table on their outdoor patio. Their menu offers a variety of brunch options as well as classic American fare for dinner. Start the day off with an omelette or brioche French toast for breakfast.
Let's Brunch! Current Brunch Offerings in Portland
The Front Room: One of the many local eateries to adorn the crest of Portland’s Munjoy Hill, The Front Room offers re-imagined American staples and home-cooked meals. Open for brunch Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9 AM – 2:30 PM; Sunday at 8 AM. You can view their most recent menu here.
Local Guide To BEST Restaurants In Portland Maine [2024]
The Front Room is widely considered Portland’s go-to comfort diner and neighborhood hangout. Here, you can find hearty burgers and sandwiches, such as Cubanos, Reubens, and BLTs. Also, there are entrees galore with options such as shepherd’s pie, roast chicken, sirloin steak, and scallops.
15 Best Brunch Spots in Portland, ME
73 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101Phone: 207-773-3366 Visit Website. A post shared by The Front Room (@frontroomportland). With an eye for reimagined American brunch staples, the laid-back dining at The Front Room will make you feel like you’re sitting in your grandmother’s kitchen.
A weekend in Portland... (South Portland, Cape Elizabeth: restaurant, prices, shops) - Maine (ME) -Portland, ME metro area
The Porthole Restaurant in the Old Port was featured on Diner's Drive-ins and Dive and that would be one of my favorite breakfast spots, although you should also check out The Bayou Kitchen for breakfast. Lots of great choices, that's for sure.
Highest-rated Brunch Restaurants in Portland, Maine, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (403 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 73 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101-3661- Read more on Tripadvisor
37 places to brunch in Greater Portland
One of Portland’s most popular brunches is a five-day-a-week event. The menu ranges from biscuits and gravy to bacon or veggie gnocchi (made with poached eggs) to silver dollar pancakes. Don’t forget a side of bacon and a daily muffin.
Restaurant Report 88: Violations at two popular restaurants; plus Elevation Burger stays true to mantra
Further up Congress St; The Front Room failed a health inspection for the second time in two years. A health inspection report showed several repeat violations, including, "Items cooking in the walk-in uncovered on the floor".
What to do in Dog Friendly Portland, Maine | by Tyler Lund
The Front Room should be your go to brunch spot in Portland. It is located in the “Brooklyn of Portland”, Marjan Hill, and has some great brunch items. The outside seating is dog friendly as is the staff.
How to Spend a Day in Portland's East End Neighborhood
You can't go wrong with any of the Rooms restaurants in Portland, but The Front Room at the very top of Munjoy Hill is the coziest, homiest eatery in the city. Get the mac and cheese with hot dogs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit