Dock Fore

Dock Fore is a hidden gem tucked into a small building just off the cobblestone on Fore st. I'm hesitant to share this information because I want to hoard their secret for myself but in all honesty they deserve to thrive and make the best homemade jello shots you will find anywhere in Maine. They also sport one of the last good and cheap rotating drink specials in the old port! Lastly the bar tenders are all top class and are not just talented at making drinks but some of the best conversation I've had in town too! Certainly worth the trip, if you're visiting or a local who hasn't dropped in yet - do yourself a favor and check Dock Fore out !

One of my absolute favorite bars. My first time in was probably about 20 years ago (since that's when I turned 21!) and since then lots of bars have come and gone, trends have changed, Portland got crazy expensive... but one thing that thankfully hasn't changed much is Dock Fore. The beer deals are still the best in the Old Port, there's a small pub food menu now for when you get into a fun conversation with a stranger and all of a sudden you realize you're 4 beers and a shot deep. And what's becoming Portland's worst-kept secret, the Jello-shots are the best in the city... maybe the northeast?? I mean, have you ever had a lemon meringue Jello shot with whipped cream and graham cracker crust before?? The best part for me is the vibe though. It's like Cheers but instead of being in a basement you're on the quieter side of Fore Street with big windows for people watching (and prime patio seating come summer). It's in the heart of the Old Port so it can get crazy at times, but it's not a bro-bar on Wharf St, and while it's a townie bar, it's not the creepy kind. The bartenders are the sweetest; Val, Chelsea, and Shanna are the nicest around. In this ever developing city, I hope Dock Fore is around for a lot longer.