awesome grilled cheese sandwiches and pretzels. wish we could have stayed for more. This place is a bit of a hidden gem. They need to advertise those cheese sandwiches better. Will definitely return next time I'm in town. read more

I decided to stop in here with a few friends a few weeks back for a dessert and drinks after having dinner in the city. We were craving dessert and Maps apparently has cake that is to die for, so we stopped on by. We ordered a slice of chocolate peanut butter cake which tasted legit like a Funny Bone. It was so moist and delicious and the perfect addition to our night out. We also got a slice of vanilla cake with salted caramel frosting which was very good but the chocolate peanut butter cake is where its at for sure. We also got some beer to wash down our cake; I have recently been turned on to the Samuel Smith Strawberry beer, thanks to my friend's suggestion. OMG. It literally tastes like I'm drinking strawberry jam. The combination of flavors between the cake and the beer were SO GOOD. It was like eating peanut butter and jelly. Very tasty, and so worth the calories! We ordered an americano coffee for my friend as well which came on a tray with cookies and all the fix ins...it was so adorably set up and she loved it. The best part of this place is that they have grilled cheese on the menu....but not only grilled cheese. You can make it a "pickle back" for a small fee too! And at the bottom of the menu we noticed something that said "make it a nickelback" for $49. Naturally we were curious, so I asked, and I don't want to give it all away, so I won't tell you what it means, but it's totally worth it to ask. Next time you're here I dare you to ask too! (the only drawback I can see for this place is that it is very cramped and small, but that's grasping at straws really...this place is lovely) read more

Location || very interesting vibe. It was the basement of a building and at night the street was pretty empty. Once I stepped in though, it was like stepping into a secret bar. Low lighting and great music choice. Food || we stopped in because our waiter said there was great cake here. There were two cake stands on the bar. Chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting and banana cake with vanilla cream frosting. The chocolate cake was amazing. Very moist and the peanut butter frosting wasn't too sweet. There were pieces of peanut butter cups on top which added great texture to the cake. Banana cake was delicious as well but the vanilla frosting was too sweet for my tasting. Price || a little pricy for cake. Two slices costed me $10.50 but I'm chalking it up to the super homemade nature of it. Behind the bar counter I literally saw a cuisinart blender and baking scrapers. Overall delicious cake and very hip environment. Would love to go back to try some of their real food. Kitchen closes at 9 though. read more

Maps Bar - Chocolate cake with peanut butter buttercream and banana cake with vanilla buttercream - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

Stopped in for the first time the other night with some friends. I am NOT a bar fan in general, but I LOVED Maps. The atmosphere is so comfortable, that I immediately felt relaxed. The space is also cozy and beautifully lit with the perfect balance of dark and candlelight. I did not try any food, although their happy hour special of a grilled cheese and a beer for $5 (sounds worth coming back for). They also had soft pretzels on the menu (which I love) and the delicious looking cakes under glass on the bar (who doesn't like cake?). We DID, on the other hand, share a bottle of Sam Smith Strawberry beer. I had never tried this before and it was a game changer! I will absolutely return for more SSS and to order some food. Last night I recommended Maps to a couple from out of town. In the way that sometimes life can be crazy, I ran into the same couple much later in the evening at the Cumberland Farms gas pumps. They told me they absolutely loved everything about Maps, they had ordered the Strawberry beer, sampled two fancy grilled cheese sandwiches and shared a piece of cake. They added that they live in Mass, about a 2 hour drive, that they loved Portland and would considering driving back again just to hangout at Maps! Go maps! read more

Maps Bar - An amazing atmosphere - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

I was in town for work and had read about this place on Yelp so decided to stop by. What a lovely cozy space. I sat at the bar and had order a grilled cheese and a local brew. As I waited for my sandwich to arrive the barman asked me if I wanted to hear anything from their vinyl record collection. I said I'd pass and that I was enjoying what he was currently playing. Then my sandwich arrived. The bread was buttery and crunchy and the cheese had a nice bite and smoothness. I ordered another local brew to wash down all the cheesy goodness. I think that if I lived in Portland and not Nashville I would make this place a regular haunt of mine. Great place to grab a drink, meet up with friends, chill out and listen to good music. If they had a working fireplace I would probably move...for the summers. read more

Maps Bar - Cheesy goodness. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

I've only been to Maps once (so far) but I can't wait to go back! It has everything I want in a bar: - great beer & wine selection - excellent prices - Happy Hour specials - cake - grilled cheese - laid-back atmosphere - juke box - simple, classy decor When we arrived the bar area was full, but the couches & tables were mostly empty. I got a house wine and the wifey got a Bissell Bros beer. Both of us were happy with our choices, and the price! We also ordered cake, and got the last honking slice of peanut butter chocolate cake. Oh. My. Lord. It was delish! It was my birthday, so I didn't feel any guilt when a group walked in after us, and promptly left after learning there was no more cake! This slice-of-heaven cake was huge in portion and flavor, and I loved every bite. We put a few songs on the juke box, lounged on the couch, and did some nice people watching in the intimate space. It was a perfect ending to our night and I am excited to return again soon. Perhaps it was the wine, but I have a rose-colored view of Maps! read more

I miss the Northeast with all my heart, and it's places like Maps that lead you home. The ambiance is adorable--off the beaten path but without being pretentiously unique, including an awesome map that shows the time in many major cities around the world. The owner/server is also a doll, and aims to please. Plus, if you're like me and sometimes would rather indulge a sweet tooth than imbibe an alcoholic drink, you have options including a $5 "tea and cake" plate during happy hour. I got the (generous) slice of chai cake with a green jasmine tea. The cake hit the spot, though like the chai donut at The Holy Donut could have benefited from having a little less sugar. (I lean more towards cheesecake frostings than icings for the sour that balances their sweetness.) The tea, on the other hand, was fine but didn't taste like jasmine. Bottom line: Despite the tea issue, I really loved the ambiance and the fact that I could hang out and find something to order without feeling like a sober outcast. read more

Cozy place with a solid drink menu and friendly bartender. The music felt a tad loud but we got used to it after awhile. I'm not sure why bars / breweries in Portland generally don't serve sides like fries, but this place did have sandwiches if you want food. read more

Such a cool spot! My friend and I were in town visiting and were looking for a place for dessert. After reading the rave reviews about their cake, we knew we had to check it out. The cake that day was chocolate with a maple pecan icing. There were only two slices left when we got there (at 7:30!). We split one slice and it was some of the best cake I've ever had! Often I will only eat the icing on cakes, but the cake was worth eating, too. The cake was fluffy, but moist, and flavorful. The icing was incredible- Sweet, but not sickeningly sweet, and complemented the cake perfectly. The decor was awesome- so many interesting things to look at! read more

Maps Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

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God damn it. Portland does it... again. Maps is cool in ways I haven't normally seen. They sell happy hours pitchers of extremely good craft beer. 10 bucks for everything on the lines. It's such a steal. The bar was born out of one idea. What's the cheapest way to decorate a bar with the least amount of money. Old maps. I'm talking countries and topographical areas that are random as hell. It's very hipster. Like most downtown bars, maps is small as shit. I wouldn't recommend for large groups but such a Good hangout for a group of four. read more

Had a piece of my birthday cake - chocolate Guiness - OMG And a nice porter - and great company! Thank you read more

We walked into this basement bar and Liz Phair's Exile in Guyville was playing on the record player, with a wall full of LP's behind the bar. While we did not get a chance to try the cake everyone raves about (not available Sunday night, FYI) the beer list was on par with Portland standards and the vibe was fun. As the name says, there are maps EVERYWHERE. Felt like a secret college bar, in a good way. Were I a Portland resident, I would make this a regular stop. read more

Loved my beer, really loved the atmosphere!! We ordered the "english" which my companion adored but I thought was a wee sweet. The bartender literally made our sandwich right there in the corner on a panini machine while we waited! We beat the rush on a Sunday at 430pm thankfully because it is a tiny joint but very comfortable! Just expect it to be loud due to the fact it is tiny. It had that really cool atmosphere w comfy chairs along a wall and bookshelves of records and of course maps everywhere! Also a really cool working stereophonic! Its chill and no frills. Enjoy read more

Cake! Need I say any more? This place serves huge pieces of cake. Whatever cake the baker feels like making that day. The day we went we had our choice of carrot cake or carrot cake so we went with the carrot cake and boy are we glad we did! It was perfectly spiced, nice and moist, and covered with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting! I also got a cappuccino which was spot on! I was hoping that they made espresso martinis but was told that they only did beer and wine (oh and did I mention CAKE?) We shame ate our cake off in the corner and then walked back to our hotel and went to bed! #perfectending #welcometothemid30s read more

Maps was the perfect place to grab a quick espresso and a bite with my parents before a show at the Merrill Auditorium. Though this place seemed like it might be "divey", the great presentation of espresso drinks and the grilled cheese made it feel like a Portland treasure. read more

My girlfriend and I were visiting from San Diego and spent our last day in Portland. We stumbled on this spot walking around and we're so glad we did; it was the highlight of the day! It's a very hip place with a warm vibe, drinks are great and the sandwiches are amazing! Most of all, the company is great. The bartender was one of the nicest people I've met here and it felt like we were among friends. Highly recommend this place! read more

Having lived in Portland for the past almost 15 years, it's hard to pick a "favorite" bar. If I'm in the mood for a massive beer selection, Novare calls my name, if I want to catch a game I have a favorite bar for that, and sometimes I just need a tall glass of bourbon or Irish whiskey and Portland has plenty a hideaway for that as well. But if I have friends or family in town, and none of the above are dire necessities, it has to be Maps. If you're any kind of music fan, at some point in your life you must have been at a friend's house who has a great collection of music; all those albums you wished you had or used to have and as the conversation goes in different directions they keep throwing on other amazing songs and digging out other albums you forgot about. One of the two owners here has a massive record collection, more on his iPod, and this is that happy place. Even if you're not part of the conversation the music is still your backdrop and that's the best I can do to try and explain what makes this place feel so special. Other things that help: small, but refined draft list, some great bottles as well, wonderful owners/staff that won't make your relatives feel like assholes (unless they are), and a tea set-up that made my British sister-in-law feel like she was back home in England. I read recently how smitten the owners were with Portland, and how after a lot of time on the road they hope to make this a retirement plan of sorts. I can only hope that's true as I want Maps to be there for many more years to come. Check it out, be nice, and take it all in. read more

A really fun local place with delicious beer always ready. Their grilled cheese sandwiches are sooooo on point. read more

Maps Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

Maps really does have almost everything you could ask for. Beer, cake, grilled cheese, kick-ass music, and maps! I like maps a lot, so Maps is fun place to hang out. My favorite map in the place is the light-up moving time zone map. It shows you what parts of the world are currently daytime. It's pretty sweet. But not as sweet as the $7 cake and port special. All of the prices at Maps are super reasonable. The only thing I wish they had that they don't is liquor. I wouldn't want them to have a full bar, that would be out of place. But a small selection of whiskeys and brandy's would fit in very nicely with the ambiance, and the cake. So go someplace else. Because nobody wants you clogging up Maps. read more

Maps is the place I want to live above. I want to go down there to grab some Sam Smiths and read, or some Sam Smiths and gab with friends, or some Sam Smiths at the end of a long day... sensing a theme? I throughly enjoy a place that does drinks and coffee. I have been out with friends, and sometimes I don't feel like a beer. I want a coffee to perk me up. When they bring you your coffee, you get it on a tray with a small sugar cookie. Yes, sometimes I fall prey to the tiny factor that wows me. Maps is comfortable and quirky without trying to hard to be either. The grilled cheese is great too. I have yet to try the cake, but that will be just another reason to go again... because I am pretty sure other reasons for me include: It's Tuesday, or hey look, I am still breathing, Maps sure sounds good right now. I just want to go there a lot! read more

This place is cool AF. The bartender, well I hesitate to call him a bartender. I'm just going to call him "The Man". The Man put on the best bar performance I've ever seen. The Man was serving up the best small menu craft beer in Portland along with simultaneously mixing both vinyl and his iPod seamlessly. All this whilst cooking and serving the best grilled cheese this side of my adolescence. P.S. Get whatever the F they have baked up for the day under glass. read more

Have you ever stepped into a local establishment only to feel like you'd been transported to some chic corner of a city so much larger than Portland? During my first visit to Maps, I settled into the cozy spot and felt like I could have easily been stopping for a drink in some distant locale. Perhaps it was the traveler-friendly aesthetic that featured maps of distant places and a ready-to-go suitcase in the restroom, or maybe the quick trip I took down route 1 before my visit made me feel more like I was vacationing than I realized. Maybe for some the ideal watering hole is one where everyone knows your name and the regulars have been regulars since before you were allowed in. I don't mean to downplay the comfort of some of Portland's longstanding establishments, but every once in a while it's kind of nice to feel like you're experiencing something new and different in your hometown. I'll definitely be back, and I expect that as the spot becomes more familiar, none of its charm will wear off. The owners were delightfully friendly, managing conversation with the constant stream of customers without skipping a beat in refilling beverages and the complimentary cups of pretzels. As an added bonus, they have a daily homemade cake available. Stop by after dinner for their dessert wine and cake happy hour. read more

I love Maps. I don't know if it's the hipster vibe or the cozy atmosphere or the cake... oh wait, its definitely the cake. I have been here a couple of times. I liked it, but the cake definitely bumped this from a three to a four star review. This cake is (I'm gonna use the m-word here, sorry) moist, flavorful, and well crafted. I used to bake cakes on the side and sell them for monies (as opposed to other things, like kittens). I can tell when a cake is well constructed and homemade. These cakes are way better than I could ever make. YUM. As far as the rest of Maps, it has a small but well cultivated stock of beverages and the grilled cheese options are definitely a guilty pleasure. I like that it is small, but the acoustics aren't great. I like the bar and the cool bartenders are always friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Be warned, if it is busy, you might wait for your grilled cheese. They can only make two at a time. I will definitely be back and I will definitely get more cake. read more

I was in town on Wednesday to attend a show with a buddy from high school. We've maintained a friendship and a love of politics, music, and all things local for more than 30 years. Of course, I got the date wrong and Jeff Black was playing the next night. Oh well--we enjoyed hanging out at Maps. I suggested that we meet up at Maps as I had just read a really intriguing review (in the Phoenix again--why is Brian Duff not the food writer at the MST? Oh I forget--they prefer food/writing hacks). Great space, downstairs off Market Street. It's small and intimate and the vibe works well. Owners Kyle and Vikki make you feel like you're being entertained in their living room. Oh, and Kyle likes vinyl (that's records for the young 'uns), and played a bunch of records for my buddy and I, while we were there for beer and sandwiches. Spoon's latest was just one example. The food was great. We both went with the English sandwich, made with aged cheddar and provolone, sweetened by a roasted garlic jam, with a slice of red onion that worked perfectly in combination with the others. They also have some amazing desserts, too. Maybe next time on the sweets. I was impressed with the beer selection. While not as extensive as other well-known tap rooms in Portland, what they have is quality. Two varieties from Bissell Brothers--their Substance, and a fall red ale were both excellent. They have Allagash (their lager) on tap. They have a decent selection of bottled beers, too. Wine, also. The only negative aspect of our evening was the two hipsters to our left who spent about 90 minutes taking selfies of themselves, not talking, and totally being assholes, as only this variety of 20-something seems capable of (and seems to be ubiquitous in Portland when out at dining/drinking establishments). Put the phone down, ladies, and interact with your fellow humans, please! But that's not the fault of Maps, so I'm definitely coming back here. I almost hate to post this review, for fear that others will discover the place and the next time I show up, there won't be a spot for me to belly up to the bar and listen to what Kyle is spinning that night. read more

Fun little underground bar. They hand out bowls of pretzels to all guests. Decor is awesome, kitschy vintage items all over the walls and ceiling. Fun to just look around at everything on the wall. A jukebox was available, though I didn't stay long enough to select any tunes. Only real drawback is that it is a beer only bar. However, the selection is good, including some cider options. Despite being only beer I would still comeback next time I'm in the area. I'd love to try one of their grilled cheeses! read more

A great hidden, local spot! We loved looking at all the maps we sharing pitchers or beer and warm pretzels on a cold night. No fuss, no line, and a good price. read more

I almost don't want to write this review because I love it here, and I'm torn between wanting others to known how awesome it is, and also keeping it AS it is, more of a locals spot, with sOmE tourist traffic. Maps is a cozy, intimate bar space that while only a few steps down, (and I mean literal steps down below), from Market Street, seems removed from all the hullabaloo of the Old Port. It's got funky, homey decor and of course maps of all manner, scattered around. The make a killer grilled cheese, with a variety of fixings. The Blue, with the Blueberry Chutney from Stonewall Kitchen (Also a Maine Business), is the s**t! Their draft list is full of local freshness. The staff are super friendly and are in the know about what's happening all around town if you're looking for some recommends. If Andrew is your bartender, he may look eerily familiar...this is because he also works at Jay's and is co-owner of the Highroller Lobster Roll cart! Go here, try it, I guarantee you'll love it as much as I do. read more

So cute, so fun and free Juke Box! Vicki and Kyle, owners/bartenders invite you in and treat you as a guest in their home. We stayed much longer than we thought due to record breaking rainfall, and so glad we did. Enjoyed some lemon cake and a glass of Rośe, great music and conversation. read more

Maps Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

Always have loved Maps. A good thing can't last forever I guess. The new owners must not have acquired the skill to bake or the previous owners recipes. Sadly the cake is no longer any good. I have had few and have been dry or something wrong with each. Sadly the beer selection was slipped as well. read more

Great little living room...I mean bar. I love the vibe, the music, the location, the drinks, the concept. We came here on a Friday night and they were blasting Blondie on vinyl. Apparently this place has not yet been discovered because seating was plentiful for such a small basement space. I may or may not have been sitting on an old timey barber's chair, one of the many eclectic/vintage/groovy furniture options. With maps and books everywhere, you seriously get the feeling that you're hanging out in the study of an elderly Geography professor - the only thing missing is a bowl of butterscotch candies. Even the bathroom has a steamer trunk in it. We both kept it simple and ordered fancy beers. After reading the other reviews for the cocktails, food and desserts, I'm eager to come back! I'm especially fond of the espresso machine located front and center on the bar. This gives the place a distinctly European touch. This place is bittersweet because I feel like if they get more than a casual occupancy (15-20 people) it may lose its charm, but I honestly don't know how this place can remain open if it doesn't. I'm happy to keep coming back until either of those things happen, however! read more

Whyyy do I love it here so much? I think it's because you kind of feel like you're at a cool high school basement party. The sultry lighting mixed with weird anatomy posters on the wall make it super friendly, not super romantic. They have a good wine & beer selection, and prices are reasonable with the rest of Portland. I have to say that I didn't even know they served food until I came to their Yelp page. Maybe this is because I'm always here so late and they stopped serving? I'll have to try checking them out earlier in the night... read more

Portland doesn't have a lot of bars that feel like 70's basement family bars. Maps has a genuineness to it that matches its vinyl collection. Don't belabor the hipster moniker that this place will get tagged with. It's a lovely fit for all sorts. Wine selection is simple but solid and well-priced. Local beers as expected. They have tea and coffee too. It's a good transport to European cafes. read more

Update: I've back a couple of times and the experiences were much better. I still miss old staff but service has been better than the visit I wrote about, the music has been interesting, and having three cakes plus grilled cheese after 11 are genuine improvements. It's not my go-to spot anymore, mostly because of the crowds, but I'm bumping the rating up because it's still a notch above the rest of the Old Port bars. Sad to see what's happened with the new ownership. Some of the key pieces are still there - the cake is as good as it ever was - but the service has slipped badly and the atmosphere has completely changed to your typical Old Port doofus party scene. I'll give it one or two more tries to see how it varies with day and time, as a Thursday night a couple of weeks ago was like nothing had changed, but last Saturday night sucked completely, with a lame DJ in the corner playing monotonous 80's dance music and the 'whooooo!!!' crowd knocking back Dr. McGuillicuddy nips. I understand that things change, but when it comes along with a precipitous drop off in the quality of service there isn't much reason to accept it. Oh yeah, the prices have all gone up as well - maybe that's why the nips are so popular. read more

One of my favorite places! Great little bar tucked away from the word. Bartenders spin vinyl all night. Eclectic speakeasy feel to the place. Interior design includes a barbers chair and a handful of tables. read more

Go to Maps. Just do it. Its a cool little basement bar, maps all over the place, record player, decent beer and wine selection. They sell homemade cakes, and have a cake and port happy hour from 7-11. Yeah. It's pretty cool. read more

Great great local hipster basement bar with a great beer selection. Records playing in the background and dim lighting with vintage chairs give this place a relaxed kick back vibe. Bartender was super nice and gave me a taste of a local beer. Didn't try the food but the sandwiches looked tasty AF. I could spend a few hours sipping beers and relaxing to the music they have going. Check out if in the area read more

Maps Bar - Awesome seating - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

What a great place! My friends and I are in town, and Maps was recommended to us by a few different people so we decided to give it a shot. The whole bar is on the small side, but, it has a few tables and the bar can sit quite a few people. Nice chill place, decent selection of beers, and cake!!' Their cherry and chocolate cake, heaven!!! Totally give it a shot!! The bar is decorated with maps everywhere, hence, the name! Bartenders were very sweet and knew a thing or two about the beer! Enjoy! read more

The cake is great, and at $4 a slice, a steal. The grilled cheese is also great, but at $7 or $8, a little pricey. They hit the spot after a couple of drinks though! I love that maps offers a quick bite if you're in the mood for salty and savory or sweet. Atmosphere is quaint, cozy, underground and LOUD. The volume of the music is my only turn-off with the atmosphere. The music selection itself is good; they even played "Maps" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs when I was there! read more

This place is so great! First of all, I love a basement bar. And it's got a jukebox like no other (free!) and grilled cheese and delicious booze and soft pretzels and cake and it is super cozy. Wouldn't change a thing! read more

Maps Bar - Best 45's! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

Maps is a welcoming little oasis in the Old Port. Candlelit, comfortable, and funky. It's like hanging out at your friend's basement bar...if your friend was super-cool. I've gone to read, gone with friends, had a business meeting. It suits all purposes. If I'm not in the mood for one of the 6 or so beers on tap, I know there's a great bottle selection. The Sam Smiths is a great choice!! I love that you can even order a 10 oz pour of anything on tap. Glasses of house wine are a great value and if you like coffee, you must try their's. Bold and delicious. I'm not often visiting for food, but I've tried the grilled cheese and would recommend it. Especially because then you don't have to leave the place just as the bartender/DJ gets in a good groove with the vinyl! read more