CBG in Portland, Maine

CBG looks like a dive bar but cooks comfort food with actual care. There's a Big Lebowski vibe, a jukebox spinning early 2000s tracks, and a bartender named PD who'll remember your name fast. Locals fill the room most nights, especially after shows. Prices don't punish your wallet, and the kitchen handles crowds better than most places in town.

• Crispy fish and chips with tender fish inside.
• Mac and cheese that regulars rave about.
• Breakfast fried rice with runny eggs on top.
• Bartenders who actually know how to mix drinks.

Start with the fish and chips, the breading stays crispy and the fish is cooked through. The mac and cheese shows up on multiple wishlists, and the breakfast fried rice begs for a couple of over easy eggs on top so the yolk becomes sauce. The chicken sandwich is solid, though ask about fries instead of house chips if that matters to you. Pair anything with one of their cocktails or something from the beer list.

Loud and lively, packed with locals especially late night or after shows. The decor channels The Big Lebowski, and the jukebox leans on early 2000s rock.

Come here for late-night food after a show, a first date where you don't want to try too hard, or just to sit at the bar and watch PD work. The drinks are thoughtful (cocktails, solid beer, wines, aperitifs), the service is efficient and warm, and nothing feels fussy.

Guests say the staff treats strangers like regulars and the kitchen keeps its game tight even when the room's packed shoulder to shoulder. One recent visitor praised the bartender's customer service and the way the cook handles special requests. Regulars call it the best late-night food option in town.