What a fabulous find! It's tucked away in a neighborhood far from the tourist hot spots. Frankly, I'd be here every week if I lived in the area. We arrived at a weird hour of the day, around 3:30/4:00 p.m. The bartender seated us and took our order as there was only one other patron. She was friendly and attentive, even made a pot of coffee for my daughter. We enjoyed the Scotch egg, bangers and mash, lamb lollipops, French onion soup, and pub salad - all of which were amazing. The decor was fresh and clean. Loved the pictures of pubs from the Cambridge and Somerville - quite unexpected. The Continental made our trip home much more pleasant. Thank you, Continental! read more

Extensive drink menu with all the classics, plus some, and new concoctions. Food menu limited but plenty of good stuff to satisfy most. Would be cozy in the winter for sure. Will be back! read more

Continental - Cocktails! - British Near Me - Portland, Maine

The food was great, the service was good, the ambiance nice. Happy hour ends at 5pm however starts back up at 9pm. Sam our server was great. read more

See all

It is nice to have a neighborhood spot, that is walkable from my place. I love that they have changed up the menu and have a full bar service. Plenty of parking on-site and around the street and seating at tables, booths, and the bar. The menu is good and offers a variety of options. I particularly love evening happy hour. Check it out. read more

See all

Quick service, hot food, affordable prices. $2 beers!!! Happened to be the late night happy hour during our time there, everything we ordered was discounted :) Definitely will be back. read more

Continental - Menu - British Near Me - Portland, Maine

We stopped by for lunch because we were doing errands in the area. What an unexpected nice experience. The pork schnitzel was cooked perfectly and had a nice twist on spaetzle with the kale and grapefruit dressing. It was quiet and the owner greeted us and made us feel welcome. The decor inside is lovely. We will be back to try something else. read more

Well, so far, so great... We were in town to be with our daughter during a medical procedure and a friend had said that the fish and chips at this British-themed restaurant were excellent. We were up for that, so we drove our British-built Mini Cooper over and gave the place a try. It made for a late lunch and the place was so slow that I worried for the place. it is not a broad lunch menu, but there were several British specialties such as Bangers and Mash, Shepherd's Pie, Scotch Eggs and of course the Fish and Chips we were there to try. Our server was a nice young man and the food didn't take very long. I resisted getting a Guinness to go with as I still had two hours of driving head of me later on when we were done at the hospital. The fish and chips were just as good as had been described to us. The batter on the fish was crispy and brown and the fish almost melt in your mouth tender. The French fries were hand cut it seemed and cooked just right. It came with a few pickle chips. We had skipped breakfast so I ate it all, but normally I think some would have come home with us. And if you ask for water it may well not come with ice. Don't be aggrieved; that is the British way. I have even got in the habit of drinking my Guinness at room temperature. So it was quite good and I expect we will be back to try other items on the short menu, if we can overcome the temptation to keep ordering the fish and chips. You know how that can happen with a great dish. Oh, and in a brilliant move I managed to leave my phone there, so I am pleased to be able to report that when we swung back by on the way out of town, the place was packed, so I need not worry about its survival, it seems. Now I have started wondering about their dinner menu, or breakfast for that matter, if they serve that. read more

Unassuming yet an absolute delight! My partner and I ventured cautiously in and found a lovely pub-like setting with great vibes and food! The place was busy and we nestled into a comfy booth. Ordering my standard dirty martini I was very pleased that it was just perfect! From that point on, I knew the night was going to go well. Despite being busy, everyone was attentive and the food was well prepared and excellent. We can't wait to go back! read more

See all

I really like this spot! These guys (Mike and Kevin) also own Nosh, CBG, and the new Nosh Taco. They know their stuff and are some of the kindest people you'll ever meet! They have a pretty solid menu- the potatoes are always cooked to perfection- and it's a fun, English-y vibe. Lots of windows which is nice, decent sized parking lot, and a stacked bar of many good European beers and liquors. Check it out! Definitely a chill place- sort of an older clientele, but that's to be expected in this part of town. Enjoy! read more

See all

A great local, neighborhood restaurant bar. Super casual. Great food. Good service. I hope they are here for a long time to come. I'm there a few times a month. read more

Stopped here for a drink the other night. The atmosphere is very nice. With a long bar and lots of tables. The bar tender was quick and friendly. I got a cosmo and it was delicious. We didn't get any food but I would be back to try! read more

See all

We stopped in before an event in on Stevens as it was close. This place was fine. The food was fine. I feel like everything came out either slightly burned (mainly the scotch eggs) or not done enough (maybe the bangers were done fine but seemed a little undercooked) but nothing inedible. The service was not great but there was only one server and it was starting to get busy so maybe he was just overwhelmed? I will say I really liked the bar. Good selection of beers and some british stuff you dont get everywhere- also got a cocktail which was a delight. The cocktail menu was really large. Would go back for a drink, but would probably give the rest a pass. read more

Food and service were both very good but we really didn't care for the atmosphere. The decor is very dark and the tables and booths are set up in a strange way. I'm not usually that invested in the interior of a restaurant but both my dining companion and I felt like it was depressing! We are planning on returning during the daylight hours to see if we can get past the weird vibe. read more

Tonight we wanted to try a new place so we went down Brighton Ave to the old 7-11 now a Euro Pub called Continental. We were greeted by a waitress and asked if this booth is ok we said yes. We were asked if we wanted a drink we both had water. We ordered, my wife got boxty, two potato pancakes with sour cream and chives and she ordered fish and chips . I ordered French onion soup and lamb lollies, Everything was so good nothing was left The potato pancakes were great and my wife said the fish and chips were superb. My soup was awesome great flavor and my lamb lollies were cooked to perfection and with great flavor Our waitress was great never told us her name and wasn't on check. I want to just add this little thing, dessert is not an option it's not on the menu but I hear it's sometimes special! The places is very quant and very nice ambiance and we will be back!! Thanks read more

See all

Totally surprising new local English pub-like joint. We were waiting too long for this ideal spot to grow from the 7-11 store ashes. And the food was a shocker! Excellent fresh, tasty, fast, friendly...the works. Good beer list despite running out of a couple at 5pm (we were walking to the Seadogs from there). The lamb chops were outstanding, perfectly cooked and savory. The baked cod flakey and delicious. Potato pancakes nice. Fish and chips good even with a bit too much grease. Scotch eggs also perfectly fried, but a little more spices would be better. Service was attentive. While the one room space was a bit boring, we were comfy. So happy they're open! read more

See all

Place is solid. Food is very good, prices are fair. Terrific H-hour. It's not ground zero for tourist so you can park a car and always get served. read more

Horrible service food was not good. Waiter had the personality of jello, I won't ever be back and highly disappointed for what it cost.

It's so nice that someone finally took advantage of the big empty space on this corner, and the Continental is a welcome addition. If you're looking for a casual, laid-back place with a solid pub menu, this is it. My friends and I ordered a range of appetizers: delicious lamb lollipops, boxty (basically a big potato cake), and clams with chorizo, which was probably our favorite for its spicy sauce. For our mains we went for some of the classics: fish and chips, Schnitzel, and the shepherd's pie. The portions are generous and we enjoyed everything, along with some good cocktails and terrific service. Another reviewer mentioned the big plate-glass windows (which I like), but aside from that the vibe inside is really like wandering into a neighborhood English pub where you already know everyone. And what's great is that they're open daily from 11am to 11pm, with continuous service! I'll definitely be back when I'm wanting comfort food again (and crossing fingers they might have outside seating during the summer). read more

See all

The burger is so good that I've started to question my sexuality, and the drinks are the only thing left in this cruel, unfair world that allow me to feel feelings. Simply put, the Continental is without fault and I refuse to hear otherwise. read more

Continental - [drools and wolf whistles] - British Near Me - Portland, Maine

Really wanted to like this place as we live two blocks away, but it seems like it's trying to cater to a tourist experience as if it was in old port rather than deep in a residential neighborhood. We ended up here because the great lost bear had over an hour wait. The menu is overly focused on British pub food, I'm told the fish and chips is good, but I can get that so many places and wanted a non tourist meal. The shepherds pie was very good, but kind of small, partner had the kale ceaser salad with very dry chicken. How there isn't a pub burger on the menu is astounding to me, or a few other menu items that would appeal to locals. I'm told the menu has expanded but we went only a few months ago and it was still the "opening week" menu which is very limited in options. Will definitely update when we go back. read more

A few years ago on a bus tour around Ireland, we pulled over at a small fishing village and I ordered fish and chips from a local pub. They were the best fish and chips I've ever had, and I have been on a journey here in Portland trying to find somewhere that could fill that craving in the states. I've found it here at Continental, with their beer battered fish and chips. (!!!) This building on the corner of Brighton and St. John has been abandoned for a while, and definitely used to be a gas station, but you would never know stepping in. Continental is cozy, with booths, tables, and bar. Staff is super friendly. I asked if there was anyway I could have a mocktail, and they made me a delicious grapefruit spritz. For appetizers, we split their pub salad. The creamy tarragon dressing is delicious. Golden beets, hard boiled egg, and Boston Bibb lettuce might seem simple enough, but I wouldn't sleep on this one! It was delicious. We also ordered a Boxty which was a fried potato patty with chive sour cream. How can you go wrong? You can't. Obviously, my main event was the fish and chips. It's a must have if you're at all into fish and chips. I loved it. I think the secret is their beer battered with Guinness (don't quote me on this!) there's a depth there that is so good. I'll be back! I'm already craving it again :-) read more

Great food and delish drinks!! The menu has something for everyone! The bar has the best menu for cocktails. read more

I love the pub style atmosphere, it's warm and cozy. We were prompyly greeted at the door. We were seated in the window booth which was very comfortable except for the painfully glaring headlights of cars pulling in a parking space. Def needs some shrub coverage or window treatment! I had a nice crisp rose and orderd the onion soup and boxty! Potato pancakes were quite good as was the onion soup with ample cheese. The lighting was good when we arrived but they dimmed the lights way too much for my liking. Service was good but not great. The place was packed by the time we left. I'll go back again so I can sit at the bar as it looked very inviting. read more

2nd visit. Greeted & seated quickly. Great beer list & yummy mixed drinks. Loved the Scotch Eggs, Curry with veggies & chicken was really good. My husband liked his grilled cheese with tomato & ham. As the server brought out the food he realized the kitchen had gotten my husband's sandwich wrong. Mistakes happen, how they handled it was above & beyond. They boxed up the mistake for us to take & enjoy at home,quickly made correct sandwich & then took it off bill. I was amazed at their level of service. Inside is like a cozy Irish pub. We've had the same booth both times which we love. read more

We visited on a Monday night and they were not busy. Service was friendly. Cocktails were small but tasted right. The surroundings weren't very cozy as there are large plate glass windows all along the front, feeling kind of like a dressed up laundromat. The food was very good. My fish and chips were fried just right and the malt vinegar tartar sauce was quite tasty. The bangers and mash were also good, but partner said the mash was a bit loose and not his favorite. Smallish menu but we liked what was on offer and may return. The wine list was very limited but the beer list expansive. read more

See all

In had lunch here yesterday with two friends- very warm, charming atmosphere- had French Onion Spiod which was delicious -one of my companions had the grilled cheese sandwich with tomato-the sandwich was huge and delightful- I was jealous- not something I would order out usually but would again in the future- the service was very attentive - definitely will go again- my only complaint is the menu is very small- a few additions would be welcome read more

Everything was great and prices are great. But when I asked for salt instead of a salt shaker they gave me a small plate with salt on it?? Odd read more

First time here and it has promise. The place is open and airy. Maybe too much so. When I think of an English Pub something more intimate comes to mind. Everything is immaculately clean. A big plus in my book. First physical improvement I would suggest is window treatments along the long expanse of the frontage. As for the food, it is excellent. The wait staff is very professional. Started with a Guinness and a glass of a French Pinot Noir. To accompany we shared an excellent Scotch egg. We followed up with a Shepherds Pie and a Chicken Schnitzel off a fairly limited menu. Both were very tasty. We also ordered the Bread Pudding to share. A portion so large we could not finish it. All in all Continental shows great promise. A few cosmetic tweaks and some additional menu items and they will be off to the races. read more

We went back a few nights later to discover the first round of excellence was no fluke - this time, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie and - yeah, well, you try not having the bread pudding once you know what you might expect. Stunning, again. Service impeccable, again! read more

I so wanted to love this place but alas it did not live up to reviews. Portland Herald Staff writer Aimsel Ponti wrote a love letter about the Toasty yesterday so I had to head over for Toasty lunch a day later. Sandwich I was served looked nothing like the photo. I ordered mine with ham and tomato. The tomato was cut so thickly the sandwich was not grilled to "masterful perfection. It was barely grilled and ever so greasy. The place was clean and cozy, wait staff was pleasant and helpful. But I go for the food. Meh! The mountain of fries were reheated and served. Why do restaurants do this? Warm and limp. Meh 2x read more

no online ordering for busy people that can't come in dine. bummer because I have been wanting to try it. No contact info either to call

Awesome food and best happy hour in Portland. Relaxed atmosphere. It's nice to have a good bar/restaurant in the neighborhood!

wow! don't normally write reviews but went here with a group and had the BEST time. Friendly staff, really quick service (even for our large grp) and you must try the desserts (their brownie has some buttery, rich, crispy but chewy thing going on). Uniquely, despite being full, we could easily hear and chat at our table!! And have to give a shout out to the fresh coffee made just for me :) read more

Continental - celebrating with friends (and cocktails) - British Near Me - Portland, Maine

The wait staff, atmosphere and service are great. The food is passable. A neighbor and I got the fish and chips. Hake is not a good choice when there is haddock and cod readily available. We agreed that the hake had a very bland flavor and seemed under cooked inside - kind of a "watery" texture. I believe that is more a problem with the type of fish chosen rather than the chef. My husband got the curry and found it quite bland. read more

One of the worst restaurant experiences we've ever experienced. Hands down - do not go to this restaurant. The owner spent more time with his friends, wouldn't serve us our dinner (it sat under the heat lamp for a looong time), was rude when we asked for a second round of drinks, cursed us out, called us names, told us to leave the restaurant, threatened us as we walked out of the building and threatened to call the police. Don't waste your time, your money, or your sanity. read more

Excellent food and service!! Warm welcoming local restaurant with a touch of an Irish pub. . Boxty anyone?

This place is the best with an incredibly kind staff and a wonderful neighborhood atmosphere. The drinks are amazing and the food is great! It's unfortunate that a certain someone from AZ misrepresented his experience 100%. I was there the same nite and witnessed something VERY different. I can't say enough good things about The Continental! read more

Great food and beautifully decorated. Service was wonderful too! I keep recommending it to my friends so I thought I'd drop in a review. Will be back ! read more

I wanted so badly to fall in love with this place before it even opened but man, I was disappointed. I brought a friend from out of town here on a Tuesday and the neon lights were all the way up, the ambiance non-existent, the vibe - confused and the choice of music clearly does not match the clientele. The food felt like it came right off the cafeteria line. I want this place to work - the neighborhood needs it! I will definitely give it some time and try again. read more

Love this neighborhood gem! My friend and I had heard good things about their experience.The decor is warm and unique. The food was outstanding. We had French onion soup, Boxty (potato pancakes), the grilled cheese with tomato and fish and chips. The fish was perfectly cooked, moist and flaky. Mike (one of the owners) was awesome, attentive and asked us if our meal was ok. He asked us to be honest. I can say that there was nothing to improve in my humble opinion. Spread the word and give this new business a try! read more