The Grill Room & Bar

The Grill Room & Bar is a steakhouse in the heart of Portland that takes its grilling seriously. They work a wood-fired oven for salmon and pizza, sear their chops to order, and lean on a menu that lets you go à la carte or follow the chef's lead. The room draws regulars and special-occasion diners alike, and the staff seems to genuinely know what they're talking about.

• Wood-fired salmon charred outside, tender inside
• Prime rib and pork chops cooked to order
• Waiter Julio and team know the menu cold
• Oysters Rockefeller and scallop starters shine

Start with the oysters Rockefeller or seared scallops. The Caesar salad is worth ordering even if you're here for steak. Go for the prime rib with horseradish mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, or the wood-fired salmon. If you're not in a beef mood, the pork chop is standout. Don't skip the kimchi if it shows up on the table.

Corner spot with a warm but slightly cool dining room. Parkside windows and outdoor seating give it a neighborhood feel despite the upscale kitchen.

Happy Hour: Mon–Sat, 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (small bites, drinks specials)

Dinner: Mon–Thu, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. | Fri–Sat, 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are highly recommended - the restaurant carries the "Most Booked" tag for a reason. Book at least one week ahead for Friday or Saturday, especially around holidays and summer weekends. For groups of 8+, call the restaurant directly at (207) 774-2333 or email thegrillroom@gmail.com.

OpenTable often shows the earliest availability; you can also call or visit thegrillroomandbar.com. The 4–6 p.m. happy hour is genuinely walkable, though it fills quickly on weekends.

Guests rave about the service, naming waiters like Julio and Colby as knowledgeable and attentive without hovering. The kitchen earns consistent praise for technique and flavor. One recent visitor called the prime rib the best steak they'd ever had. People come back for date nights and group dinners alike.

84 Exchange Street sits in the heart of Portland's historic Old Port, a neighborhood that's part working waterfront, part boutiques and galleries. The location is walkable from most of downtown.

• Walk to the waterfront - 5 minutes. Harbor Park, the Eastern Promenade, and working docks.
• Nearby dining and bars - Exchange Street has a dozen restaurants within a two-block radius. The Front Room and Corner Room (sister restaurants) are in the same building.
• Parking - Street parking can be tight on weekends; use one of the several garages in the surrounding area (typically $2–$4 per hour).
• Drive to Cape Elizabeth lighthouses - 15 minutes south. Portland Head Light, Two Lights State Park.
• Drive to Freeport shopping - 25 minutes north. L.L.Bean, local outlets, another dozen restaurants.
• Day trip to Midcoast - Rockland (40 min), Camden (50 min), Boothbay (45 min). Pair dinner with an afternoon on the coast.
• Airport - Portland International (PWM) is 10 minutes northwest.

Is a reservation required? Walk-ins are welcome, but the restaurant is frequently booked, especially weekends. Reserve online or call (207) 774-2333 at least a week ahead for Friday or Saturday.

What's the dress code? Smart casual. Blazers, nice jeans, closed-toe shoes. The room is upscale but not black-tie.

Is it wheelchair accessible? The restaurant is on Exchange Street in the Old Port. Call ahead to confirm specific accessibility details and entrance logistics.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options? Yes. Sides (salads, grilled asparagus, roasted mushrooms, Brussels sprouts) can be ordered à la carte. Wood-oven roasted brie is an excellent vegetarian starter. Discuss dietary needs with your server or call ahead.

Is there outdoor seating? Yes. A pet-friendly patio is available seasonally (spring through fall, weather dependent). Request it when booking.

Can I get a private dining room? The restaurant does not advertise a dedicated private room. Call (207) 774-2333 for groups of 8+ to discuss options.

Is it kid-friendly? Yes, but the noise level and late-night energy suit older children better. Simpler dishes (steak, fish, fries, salad) are available. Ask for high chairs or booster seats when booking.

How far is it from the coast? The restaurant is 5 minutes from the waterfront and Eastern Promenade. The Midcoast (Rockland, Camden) is 40–50 minutes north; Freeport and Cape Elizabeth are 15–25 minutes away.