Thames Landing

Thames Landing sits right on the water in Portland, slinging Maine seafood and American fare in a casual-to-upscale setting. The igloo dining is the headline act, especially in winter. You'll find tourists, locals celebrating, and folks who come back for the lobster roll and unexpected rib game. Service runs hot and cold depending on the night.

• Igloo dining is unique and genuinely cozy in winter.
• Lobster roll, ribs, and chowder hit the mark.
• Dockside views and cold beer in one spot.
• Staff are friendly and make walk-ins feel welcome.

Start with the Caesar salad if crispy elements appeal to you, or the deviled eggs and cod croquettes. The lobster roll is generous and worth it. Ribs come fall-off-the-bone with sauce. Surf and turf (steak and scallops) and steak with blue cheese both show up in raves. Chowder is the warm hug you came for.

The igloos are quiet and comfortable. The main room feels sterile and office-like, hard to navigate, lacking much Maine character. Dockside views help, but the space doesn't quite know what it wants to be.

Lunch & Dinner Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat–Sun 3:30 pm–9:00 pm

Brunch Sat–Sun 10:00 am–3:30 pm

Closed - No regular closures listed; verify holiday hours on the website.

Thames Landing fills up, especially on weekends and holiday weeks. Reservations through OpenTable are recommended, particularly for dinner service and for groups of four or more. Walk-ins can work on quieter weeknights (Monday–Wednesday lunch and early dinner). The restaurant accommodates bar seating for walk-ups on NYE and other busy nights, and guests who request specific seating (bar vs. table) have found the team willing to work with them. Call (207) 805-1110 if you have a special request or want to secure a private room for a group.

Diners love the igloos and the lobster, ribs, and chowder. One recent visitor called the ribs "fall-off-the-bone rebels that nearly upstage the lobsters." Service is consistently friendly, though execution wavers. Some guests feel the prices don't match the polished experience promised.

Thames Landing sits on Thames Street in Portland's Old Port, a block off the water and steps from the walking district. It's easy to miss if you're not looking - off the beaten path by design, which means it doesn't feel touristy.

• From downtown Portland - 5-minute walk via Congress Street toward the harbor.
• From Portland International Jetport - 12 minutes by car (I-295 south to downtown).
• From Cape Elizabeth and Prouts Neck - 15–20 minutes via Route 77.
• Day trip from Brunswick or Freeport - 20–25 minutes; pair with a walk through the Old Port or Congress Street galleries.
• Day trip from Camden or Rockland (Midcoast) - 45–55 minutes; worth combining with lunch or an afternoon at Portland Observatory.
• Parking - Complimentary valet on site. Free validated lot directly across Thames Street. Street parking also available nearby.

Is a reservation required? Recommended, especially weekends and dinners. OpenTable takes reservations; walk-ins work on quieter weeknights, and the bar seats walk-ups on busy nights. Call ahead if you want bar seating or a private room.

What's the dress code in practice? Business casual listed; in reality, it's casual. Jeans and a shirt are fine. No one is wearing a tie, and no one needs to.

Is there vegetarian or vegan food? Yes. The menu includes multiple salads (goat cheese with salmon, others) and vegetable-forward plates. Call ahead if you have strict dietary needs.

Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible? The reviews don't flag accessibility issues, which is a good sign. Call (207) 805-1110 to confirm entry and restroom access if you need it.

Does Thames Landing have a tasting menu or prix-fixe option? Not regularly, but they offered a Maine Restaurant Week $48 four-course menu in March, and guests praised it as good value. Watch for seasonal fixed-price offerings.

What about outdoor seating in winter? Yes. The patio is year-round with heated igloos. They're popular, though one guest noted that "unexpectedly freezing" weather meant eating indoors instead - a gentle reminder to dress warmly or have a backup expectation.

How far is it from Portland's other dining neighborhoods? Congress Street and Dock Square are a 10-minute walk away. Larger restaurants and bars cluster there. Thames Landing is quieter by comparison, a real neighborhood spot despite being downtown.

Can I bring a group or book a private room? Yes. The private dining room is available and has been used for bachelorette parties, birthday dinners, and business meals. Call to reserve and discuss menu options.