WEEKEND BRUNCH SERIES: EVENTIDE OYSTER CO. IN PORTLAND, MAINE

If you couldn’t tell by the name of this blog, brunch is one of my favorite things in this life. Scratch that, it’s a necessity. To me, it’s right up there with air, water, and shelter. Okay, kidding. But seriously, any brunch lovers in the building?! If you’re a brunch lover like me, then you can probably second the fact that there’s not much better than a delicious meal with someone or people you love to either get the weekend kicked off or to wind down your weekend.

If you’re located in New England (or even if you aren’t), Eventide Oyster Co. is one of those places that is completely worth the trip. In fact, Portland, Maine in general, is probably my favorite little foodie city I’ve been to yet (dare I say, even more than Boston). There are endless sea-to-table and farm-to-table spots where you’re sure to leave impressed (and full), and Eventide is at the top of the top.

I’d been trying to eat at Eventide for years (yes, seriously), but for some reason or another it has never worked out. Eventide only takes reservations for parties of six or more, so it’s often the type of place you go to on a whim, wait in line to put your name in, and hope for the best, or you’re there waiting in line when they open the doors. They’re perhaps best known for their brown butter lobster roll, but they also have an amazing selection of oysters and raw bar items, and other to-die-for seafood items with a unique twist.

We were finally able to go this past Sunday after coming back from Great Diamond Island which is also located in Portland. Eventide is located very close to the Casco Bay Ferry landing (within walking distance) and is easily walkable from popular foodie street, Fore Street. We got in line and only had to wait 30 minutes which seems like a miracle, but you know when you get so hungry that you need to eat at that absolute second? Okay, just me….? Anyways, I was beyond that point. Like having a borderline hissy fit lol (poor Geoff). I found some chex mix out of a vending machine to hold me over (so classy, I know) and the wait actually didn’t end up seeming too long. Bottom line, WORTH THE WAIT even when you’re hungry. You’ll thank yourself after.

The word fresh doesn’t even do Eventide justice. This is one of the reasons that I love ordering seafood in Portland. Having grown up in Maine, it’s made me a bit of a seafood snob (I cringe even writing this), as we’re used to having the freshest and best that’s available. Honestly, even some of the best seafood restaurants in Boston don’t compare to just how much fresher and better the seafood is in Portland, Maine. Geoff deemed the oysters the best he’s ever had in his life (unfortunately, I don’t like raw oysters so I couldn’t vouch for this). He can be a touch critic, so you know they’re legit.

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What We Ordered:

Oysters (Long Reach from Harpswell, Maine and Basket Island from Casco Bay, Maine)

Eventide Brown Butter Lobster Roll

Fried Maine Oysters

Maine Lobster Stew

Lobster Benedict

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THE VIBE:

The space is bright with glass windows and white and turquoise shades of blue throughout the interior. As you walk in, you’ll immediately notice the attractive raw bar which is located on a portion of the bar. The entire vibe is laid back, “chill,” and I guess you could say a bit hipster. Food comes out as it’s ready, so if you’re type A and need things to come out at a specific time in a specific way, this may not be for you. In some ways, it reminds me of a tapas style restaurant because food comes out as it’s prepared. There’s table seating, bar seating (yes, you still need to be on the waiting list even for the bar), counter seating at the window (where we sat), and outdoor tables. You can also stand at the raw bar and watch the raw bar employees shuck oysters and clams as you sip drinks and eat your way to bliss (a fun option if you’re not from New England and want to chat with locals and watch them work their magic). If you’ve been to Charleston, the vibe reminded me a lot of 167 Raw (read more about it here), however, Eventide is a much larger space.

DOES IT LIVE UP TO THE HYPE?

100% yes. Eventide’s brown butter lobster roll has made its way into my top three of favorite lobster rolls ever. It’s decadent and savory without being so rich that you can’t enjoy it. The house made split top bun is perhaps the softest and best tasting bun I’ve ever had as a bun for a lobster roll. I could probably eat ten of them. Eventide Oyster Co.’s amazing attention to detail and flavors without trying too hard is why it ranks high on my list of favorite restaurants. No trying to reinvent the wheel here. Just straight up fresh, local ingredients, an amazing attention to detail, a wonderful knowledge of food and flavor pairings; zero pretentiousness. Run there now!

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Do you have a favorite restaurant that needs to make it to Brunch on Sunday’s Weekend Brunch Series? Do you operate/own a restaurant and want to be featured on Weekend Brunch Series? Shoot me an email (contact@brunchonsunday.com) or comment below!

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