We went on a Saturday night and they surprisingly had seating availability. The restaurant does have some outside seating on the sidewalk, but we opted for a table inside. The waitstaff was professional and helpful with menu choices. For a summer night, we found the menu to read more like middle of winter, with heavy food choices including steak, shepherds pie, meatloaf wrapped in bacon, and short rib. While the food is very good, I expected a menu with lighter summer options, maybe incorporating more veggies. Nonetheless, I ordered the short rib which was served over mashed potatoes and spinach. The piece of short rib itself was huge and very tender and flavorful. I was disappointed that they have decided to not serve bread with the meal anymore. It's bread. And for the price we pay for a meal, a few complimentary pieces would have gone a long way. Now, you need to pay for bread if you want it. I also wanted a small side salad with my meal, and not the entrée sized salads available on the menu. Our server was able to give me a bowl of Just greens dressed with their phenomenal vinaigrette dressing. It hit the spot. My husband had the flat iron steak, which he felt was good, but not great. The piece of steak itself was on the smaller side, and he was not a fan of the potato hash or parsnips. Again, heavy winter meal. He did order a side of the mushroom risotto, which was probably one of the best bites of the meal. It was out of this world! This was a good meal, but overall not a great meal. I hope they can pull it together. Maybe the lack of a full house at 6 pm on a Sat summer night should be a call to re-look at what could be improved. read more

The Front Room - Short rib with mashed potato and spinach - American Near Me - Portland, Maine

Cute, comfortable restaurant. Had the chicken marsala and scallops - both were excellent. nice vibe, very friendly service. Menu had some very interesting cocktails. Wasn't a cocktail night though - will def return to try. read more

For such a small space they pack a lot in here! Nice dinner area and bar, service was great! We were in town for a show and wanted Italian. I had the pork schnitzel which was delicious. My friend had the carbonara, also yummy. The standout was the garlic bread which we ordered as it was mentioned in other reviews. It was outstanding, you must get it no matter what else you are ordering, even paired with a couple of drinks. read more

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Went here for brunch the other day and we really enjoyed it here. We heard good things and it lived up to the talk. This is a great spot for a breakfast/brunch on any day of the week. It seems to get quite busy though. We had the smash burger and potatoe salad which were both great. We also got the full breakfast with eggs, potatoes, bacon and toast with a pancake on the side. All of it was so delicious and done perfectly. Their drink options are also good and I got the coffee with makers and maple syrup which I loved. We definitely recommend stopping in if you have the chance. read more

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I came for brunch with three friends over Veteran's Day weekend and had a lovely time. We were seated immediately; service was efficient. The interior is wood-paneled and homey: it looks like a fun neighborhood spot to grab a pint, too. My partner and I split the corned beef benedict and french toast. Our friends shared the huevos rancheros and dollar pancakes. Everything tasted good, but the french toast was my favorite of the bunch. They managed to get it perfectly caramelized, and it's absolutely delicious with the Maine maple syrup and butter. The corned beef benedict was good with some hot sauce. It also comes with a generous amount of corned beef, and the english muffin was well-textured. Overall: a solid spot for brunch. I'm looking forward to returning for a pint sometime. I also hear they have a great oyster happy hour! read more

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Wow. Where do I start! In town from Indiana. Found this place for breakfast. It has such a cool diner vibe. A bit of kitchen smoke adds to the ambience-- it's not bothersome at all! Lots of tightly packed tables create a buzz of happy people here. There's a small bar with one tv for soccer fans. Light pours in from windows on two sides to create a cheery feel on a cold morning. Specialty drinks and delicious food topped our day. read more

The Front Room - Jalapeño infused bloody and cranberry pomegranate mimosa. - American Near Me - Portland, Maine

Neighborhood joint with a local tavern/style vibe. It ticks all the boxes: hefty portions, decent diner-style coffee, delicious corned beef hash and the lingering smell of grease in the air. I got one of the daily specials, a corned beef hash omelet with hollandaise and a side of home fries. The omelet was huge and I would be shocked if it weighed less than 3 pounds. I persevered till I reached halfway before I called it quits. It was delicious and warmed up well when I went back for Round 2 a day later. My cousin ordered a pancake for the table (this is a power move she has started and one that I highly recommend you adopt in your brunch practice). It was fluffy and delightful. I've never been the type to enjoy having my first meal of the day after 10AM, so luckily we went at 9:30AM on a Saturday and had no wait, by the time we left ~10:45, the restaurant was completely full with several parties waiting outside. read more

TRULY Delicious food -- Brunch menu is packed with winners! I wish we discovered this place at the start of our Portland trip! The Bacon Gnocchi was OUTSTANDING! I had the Corned Beef Hash -- YUM!! Service and atmosphere was fantastic... will definitely recommend this place!! read more

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The food is great, The service unobtrusively fine And The ambiance sublime. What more could you ask for? read more

We stopped here for brunch on a nice fall day and were able to sit outside on their "deck." The service was great from start to finish, especially given how busy they were. The food was all fine, but some issues along the way that held this place back. I started with the french onion soup that was unfortunately left under the broiler too long and was past charred to the point of being burnt. I still enjoyed it, but the kitchen should have corrected the issue in this instance. I had the steak benedict as my main mean, which was under-seasoned and the bearnaise sauce was incredibly bland. The overall combination was still fine (bonus points for the mushrooms), but not quite as good as I would have expected. read more

Really incredible and good quality brunch place! This is a hot spot for brunch in town, so get here early or be prepared to wait for a while. They luckily accommodated a last-minute 10-person group. I got the bacon gnocchi, which is exactly how it sounds like, but there was some sauce they added to it that just made this dish from great to spectacular. Great brunch spot in town! You should definitely try this place! read more

We had such a great experience at The Front Room! Our group of 7 came in on a Friday around noon and got a table without issue - Amy did a fantastic job taking care of us, despite having a few folks join late. We could see (and smell!) the fresh bread as we came in and sat down. The food is remarkable - French toast was amazing, and the steak and eggs with chimichurri was soo perfect to start a busy day. Definitely add Front Room to your Portland must-eats! read more

Had a salad that was full of chicken gristle......service was not that great..... I was surprised because it has been good in the past... read more

We'll be dreaming about this adorable brunch spot until we make it back to Portland! It is the coziest spot and the service was excellent. You have to get the French onion soup, it's divine. When the sweet potato hash came out I will admit I didn't think it would be a knockout, HOWEVER every bite was super flavorful and I was so happy to have something that wasn't the typical omelet or pancakes, although those things looked great too. read more

The Front Room - Sweet potato hash - American Near Me - Portland, Maine

This week's brunch experience at The Front Room in Portland, Maine was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we walked through the door until the moment we left, the entire experience was simply outstanding. Here's why I believe this place deserves a glowing five-star review. First and foremost, the ambiance at The Front Room is warm, cozy, and inviting. The rustic decor and charming atmosphere create a relaxed and comfortable setting that immediately puts you at ease. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch with friends or family. The menu selection was a delightful surprise, offering a wide range of options to satisfy every palate. Whether you're a fan of classic brunch staples or looking for something more unique and adventurous, The Front Room has you covered. The attention to detail and the use of locally sourced ingredients truly shine through in each dish, elevating the overall dining experience. Speaking of the food, the flavors and presentation were absolutely outstanding. Every bite was a burst of culinary excellence. I highly recommend trying their Veggie Gnocchi--perfectly poached eggs nestled on a bed of fresh, homemade gnocchi and roasted veggies, topped with a velvety hollandaise sauce that was simply heavenly. The Biscuits & Gravy also has me raving--savory fennel and thyme sausage gravy, over fluffy biscuits, with a side of eggs is the epitome of comfort food! The service at The Front Room was impeccable. The staff was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making us feel like valued guests from the moment we sat down. Her genuine passion for food and dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience was evident throughout our visit. Not to mention-- she was so personable! Lastly, I must mention the delightful outdoor seating area. It provided a lovely atmosphere with fresh air and beautiful views, adding an extra touch of enjoyment to our brunch experience. The Front Room has truly mastered the art of creating a serene environment for their guests to indulge in a delicious meal. In conclusion, The Front Room in Portland, Maine is an absolute gem that deserves every accolade it receives. From the inviting ambiance to the mouthwatering food and exceptional service, this place is a true brunch haven. If you're looking for a memorable culinary experience in Portland, The Front Room should be at the top of your list. I can't wait to return and explore more of their delectable offerings and even their dinner menu. read more

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Stopped in for brunch before a show. Food was tasty. I had a mimosa which I thought was great, my husband wasn't into the drink options and beer isn't his thing with breakfast so I took 1 star off for that. The bread was homemade and delicious! read more

Vibe: nice open room with kitchen in the back corner, some outdoor seating Service: great service from wait staff although there were only two people in the kitchen so we waited just under an hour for food Food: very good, absolutely LOVED the french toast: delicious custard, good texture, perfect portion, real maple syrup. Had a bite of the croque madam which was very good. Home fries were good but nothing special. Had a mocha latte which was fine. Value: $$ pricing felt on point for quality and quantity of food Other: street parking nearby is somewhat limited, we were able to park down at the end of the road in a lot near the shore. Overall this was a good breakfast although food service was on the slow side. Highly recommend the french toast. read more

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I thought Front Room was only for breakfast/brunch, and boy was I wrong. Their dinners were excellent. Lots of choices, good portions, decent prices. The wine pours are the largest I have seen in Portland and the prices by glass are at or below average. Staff are casual and very friendly and fun to get to know. This restaurant can be quite loud when full, so expect that. And the bathrooms are shared by both men and women. read more

My wife and I just went for an overnight trip to Portland and the next morning went here for brunch which was great. They were busy but very efficient, seating and serving us without missing a beat. We ordered a couple of cappuccinos, I had a 3-egg omelet, my wife had the blueberry pancakes, and it was all excellent. For visitors like us, it really was worth venturing a bit outside of the Old Port to have a great meal! Next time we're in town, we'll definitely return. read more

Absolutely incredible meal. I ordered the crab pasta and I'm not a pasta connoisseur BUT this exceeded my expectations. It was almost sweet but savory and I could not get enough. Service was impeccable as well ! read more

The Front Room - Crab pasta - American Near Me - Portland, Maine

Shared I have dairy and gluten sensitivities. Waiter was great and reassuring. I enjoyed the pan seared scallops, no dressing and switched out risotto for potatoes in order to make in dairy free, otherwise it was naturally gluten free. Happy with the service and quality of the food!! read more

This 3 easily could have been a 4 if the inside dining area wasn't extremely warm. Great service and food. Will definitely be back on a cooler day. Outdoor seating available. Good cocktails. read more

The Front Room - people sitting at tables in a restaurant - American Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Food was great and vibe was great. Always very busy when I'm up in Portland so the only downfall is parking.

The omelette seemed like it was simply a large sheet of cooked egg that was laid over top of the cooked innards. Sadly, the egg part was dry, rubberty, tasteless. The feta wasn't really melted, the mushrooms were small, and there wasn't a ton of spinach. Worse yet, I added bacon, thinking there would be some crispy strips but they came cut up inside the omelette. They therefore weren't very crispy, and imparted a greasy flavor into what I thought would be a standalone healthy omelette (I only ordered cheese/veg in it). My friend got the burger, which said it came with aioli, but it seemed like there was a red salsa instead. He didn't love it. This was our second mediocre experience here. We probably won't go back. ‍ read more

Jerry our server was awesome. Professional servers are awesome, as they make the restaurant. Cocktails were amazing and we came back 2 nights in a row. Wife said the oysters were the best she ever had. Salmon was stunning. Daughter had the pork loin and it was unreal. I had Caesar salad with steak. Perfectly cooked. Great food and great real neighborhood feel. Made you want to just hang out there. You could tell everyone there loved their job. This is serious food and not just a fad. This place rocks and you get what you pay for. Quality ob service and food is second to none. read more

The Front Room - Top sirloin - American Near Me - Portland, Maine

My friend and I sat outside because the inside was extremely noisy. I took her here as a special thank you and I had told her how good it was. She had a mushroom and squash dish which was served in a small bowl and was like a lump of congealed goop. She had a few mouthfuls and then couldn't eat any more. I had pasta carbonara which was also served in a small bowl. It was okay but under the pasta was a yellow, watery broth which was gross looking. Not sure what that was. The presentation of both dishes was terrible. Just a small bowl and flatware. No bread or sprig of parsley to spruce it up a bit. I was embarrassed looking at the table when we were served. The server was nice and attentive. When I asked for a spoon to use to eat the carbonara, I received a teaspoon. The Front Room has always been a stand by. What has happened to this place? Truly disappointing. read more

Went for dinner last evening. Saturday they start seating at 5:00. Place is small so reservations are essentially mandatory. I had the halibut special and wife had braised short ribs. Both were very good. Drinks - blueberry sangria hit well too. Not much in way of parking. All of it is on street so be prepared to look for a spot. Would recommend and go back for sure. read more

The Front Room - Halibut special - American Near Me - Portland, Maine

The Front Room is THE place for an upscale American brunch! The Lobster Benedict is a standout dish that elevates a classic brunch favorite with lobster, poached eggs and a toasted English muffin, all drizzled with a creamy hollandaise sauce. Pair it with one of their signature mimosas--my favorite flavors are the blood orange, apple cider, and pomegranate. The Front Room is a cozy brunch spot in the East End with friendly service that will have anyone going back for more. read more

Went today for brunch. Wow, wow, wow! French toast was the bomb! They dip it in vanilla custard and it was freaking awesome. We also got an omelette which was fantastic and the Eggs Benedict. I like Eggs Benedict. But I typically scape some hollandaise to the side because I only like it in moderation. I could have drank this hollandaise from a mug. It was delicious! And a little bit spicy which was delightful. We also had some other sides which were all great. Special mention for the griddled blueberry muffin. Cool way of preparing it. Service was great. And they had more than enough staff in the restaurant and they all were attentive and helping each other. Very well run restaurant based on this first time going. We will go back and try dinner. Our brunch was fantastic. read more

We waited over an hour to get our food. Home fries were hard and under cooked. Ridiculous pricing and the eggs were hard. read more

The Front Room - Gross eggs - American Near Me - Portland, Maine

Our new favorite restaurant in our favorite City. Excellent and friendly service in a casual atmosphere. Incredibly delicious food. We've tried the tuna tartare, the mussels, the truffle burrito, the deviled eggs, the Delicata squash, and the crispy Brussels sprouts. After more than 15 years dining in this town, this is our new favorite. In addition to the items listed above, the duck breast, the roasted bird, the spaghetti squash and mushroom "pasta", and the pork schnitzel have all been fabulous. Great food, casual setting, no pretense. Go here and you may just be pleasantly surprised....but don't tell anyone about it! read more

Stopped in for dinner from a recommendation from a friend while driving from Bar Harbor to Philadelphia. Even though it was a bit late, Jerry our server was fantastic. He did not rush us, was very pleasant and knowledgeable about the cuisine available. We took his recommendations and it was all superb. Highly recommend and will be stopping in again on our travels. read more

Was told about 45 minutes wait. Waited for 1.5 hours outside and there were still no seating available. At least give people realistic expectations about the real wait time. read more

Cute quaint brunch place in Portland!! Very rich flavors and a nice home style feel. Got the eggs benedict and the potato gnocchi. Both were topped with a generous portion of Hollandaise sauce. The gnocchi were so soft, basically a delicious cloud ball that melted in your mouth, and when paired with the spinach very refreshing. Side of home fries for $2 was a very good deal too. Overall a nice first restaurant to visit in Portland! Glad we stopped by. read more

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Great brunch with fabulous eggs Benedict options. Bloody Mary's are great as well as mimosas in many flavors read more

The Front Room - Mango mamosa - American Near Me - Portland, Maine

Our monthly breakfast Club met here this past Saturday and we were all very pleased with the stellar service and the exceptional brunch menu. I highly recommend the Bloody Mary with the jalapeño infused vodka to start you off. Yes!! read more

This place is so yummy, if you are in town and you want to have a good breakfast experience you have to try this place!! Food is sooo good and the staff is really friendly.Brioche French Toast read more

The Front Room - We order a side of. Pancakes, two egg plate, potato salad, mimosas & French toast. You must try it!!!! - American Near Me - Portland, Maine

The Front Room was an excellent first meal in Portland! We arrived hungry and our Airbnb host immediately told us to check this place out. The food was unexpectedly amazing. I wasn't too excited because the menu looked basic. I ended up getting the crispy chicken sandwich and it left me speechless. It was so juicy and tender and spicy and flavorful and crisp! Not oily at all! BF had the lamb shepherds pie. He said it was a bit different than traditional but delicious nonetheless. I had a few scoops, too... *drool* We basically ate in silence because the food was that good. Even the cornbread side was better and tastier than it needed to be. Service was super attentive and friendly and quirky! Would definitely recommend! read more

The Front Room - American Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Loved this place. The whole experience was fantastic. It's cozy and warm the minute you walk in. Our server Jerry was funny, friendly, very professional...everything you hope for in excellent service. He made the experience a great one. The deviled eggs were AMAZING. Entrees of pork tenderloin and short ribs were cooked to perfection. Also, the cocktails were delicious. Next time we're in Portland we won't hesitate coming back. read more

My wife and I haven't eaten at the Front Room for 5 plus years. We always enjoyed it and never had a below average meal. Tonight I would consider it a below average meal. Starting with the positive, my wife's half chicken and vegetable was quite good, but the fingering potatoes were lack-luster. I ordered the braised beef short rib. I've never had short rib without it coming with the rib, hence the name, short rib. There was a good amount of meat, which was basically pot roast. It was a bit dry. The short rib was supposed to come with "smashed" potatoes, but they were cubed. The oddest thing was it was served in a bowl, so the potatoes were under the pot roast (I refuse to call it short rib). I should have sent the dish back. I was so convinced that the Front Room was the place of old, that I doubled down and ordered the coconut cream pie. Total disappointment. The presentation was sloppy, fairly small piece from either an 7 or 8 inch pie pan, there was no coconut, and the price for a small piece of pie was $10. There's so many good restaurants out there, I don't think we will be returning any time soon. read more