What an amazing place! The vibe is chill with a great selection of music and the bartender was super friendly. read more

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This place fux. The atmosphere is a whole vibe. The Tower-Tini is a MUST. An espresso martini but so much better! read more

The Jewel Box - Tower-Tini in his "favorite glass" - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Maine

Absolutely nothing bad to say about this place. Everything was over and beyond fantastic. Went on a Tuesday and vibes were still great! Great drinks. Amazing service! read more

I would have to say that the Bearded Lady's Jewel Box was one of the highlights of my trip to Portland. We waited for it to open at 5PM on a Sunday. I loved the speakeasy vibe and decor and it's probably even better at night. We were greeted by the owner Nathaniel and he discussed the drinks of the day. Today was Rollin' for Negronis day so I took a chance. Three die in a tray and you get what you roll. Six different gins, 4 different bitter liquors, and 8 different aromatized wines. I rolled the Tom Cat Aged Gin, Aperol, and Dopo Teatro Cocchi bitter vermouth. The Negroni was excellent, balanced and flavorful. We chatted with Nathaniel as we ordered more cocktails. He was very knowledgeable about classic cocktails and the new aged cocktails. We went back and forth on some of the great cocktail books and he shared his expertise on Chartreuse and let me look through one of his favorite recipe books. We left with dinner recommendations with the intentions of coming back. This is a great quiet, low key spot for drinks before or after dinner. read more

The Jewel Box - Rollin for Negronis- Sunday - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Maine

A cute little bar in the downtown Portland area! It is a little hidden as there is not a large sign with the bar name, just the name on a door. Inside is quite dark and very cool (perfect on a hot day). There is bar seating and a few soft lounge seatings throughout. There also looked to be a little upstairs area. The drink options are mostly fruity/floral but they are strong! I would recommend Jewel Box for a place to grab a few drinks in a cute and intimate environment. read more

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very whimsical, nautical, and sparkly! absolutely love the attention to detail in this place - from the sofas to the bathroom even down to the servers, the aesthetic is held strong throughout the ins and outs of this spot. definitely lesser known and not typically brutally slammed. it's an odd, good crowd and the drink menu is strong and creative. read more

I love knowing nothing about a place, stopping in on a whim, and experiencing a special unexpected joy. That was my night last night, which included my first encounter with The Jewel Box. The specialty cocktails were funky and experimental. I was tempted, but ultimately sided with a simple gin martini. Drinks were great, the staff was warm, there was a Nintendo 64 hooked up to a large projector screen (apparently this is a weekly Sunday tradition here.) I didn't think this place could be any cooler, but then I found the upstairs nook just as we were getting ready to leave. Can't wait to bring friends here! read more

What a beautiful bar! Loved all the quirky decorations. A mix of vintage glassware, dreamy lasers and light projections make for a whimsical hang. The drinks are also appropriately-themed, referencing tarot cards and old-school cocktail recipes. Very nice owner and staff who are attentive and accommodating. Highly recommend as a place to hang with a group, large or small! read more

I really want to like the jewel box as it's one of the only true bars / cocktail bars not in old port. However the bar program is repeatably questionable. On the menus it will list all of the ingredients for the cocktails, and the menu theme often changes. The ingredients always seem interesting but their application or balance is so far off. Anyone remember the overly ample use of leather bitters in the LOTR themed menu? Order the classics and you will be much happier. There will be the occasionally better than average drink but for the price I order the gin and tonics or other simple classics. read more

Delicious cocktail. Amazing vibe. Worth a visit. My partner and I came here after dinner (9 pm) on a Saturday night and were able to grab a couple of drinks. While it was not empty, it was surprisingly not very packed considering the day and time. There was no seating downstairs so the bartender recommend that we go upstairs. The upstairs had a very chill vibe and nice view of the entire bar from above. Both cocktails we had were delicious and very boozy. The cocktail menu rotates so we would definitely love to come back and try the new creations on our next visit to Portland. read more

The Jewel Box - two glasses of beer on a table - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Maine

chill and laid back, good drinks. asked me to pay cash, and not card, which is why review is 3 stars. I asked if they had an atm and they said I could leave my phone and come back? will come back because karaoke is FUN! read more

Trendy cocktail bar on Congress Street. They have a little upstairs that is cute. The whole place has an interesting vibe, with lots of tool hanging from the ceiling. The upstairs nook is my favorite cause you can look down and see everything. Great service! The reason I'm giving it a three is for the actual drinks. I have tried a few different cocktails and the wine and they weren't that great. I will try again and see if I can find a drink I like there cause the atmosphere is very neat! read more

I'm actually pretty smitten with the Bearded Lady and would say it's one of my favorite cocktail spots in the Greater Portland area. I feel like I find myself here more than I realize (though, admittedly, first thing when they open or midweek -- so I'm not sure what a late night Friday or Saturday crowd looks like). Here's what I love... The lack of signage. That I never know what to expect when I'm walking in -- the decor/flower situation changes just enough that it always feels like something is new or different; I once came when it felt like an 80's wedding had just taken place (bouquets as large as me, enormous flowing gauzy sheets hanging from the ceiling), I've also been when everything was lit up with blue and green lights and it felt like a bar under the sea. I don't know what's really going on here... and I like it. Segue: Same is true of the cocktails. They're always changing. So don't fall too in love with something - and if you wanna try more than one you should since they actually serve half sized options (for half the price). I have never done this, but maybe you have more restraint than me. And, for goodness sake, if you have no idea what the heck something is, just ask. The bar staff here has always been really patient and informative when I've had a multitude of questions. The snacks. I don't know what it is, but the snacks here are actually amazing. Specifically the olives, the dill crackers, and the hummus (if they still have those things, get those three things together on a plate. YUM.). Strong drinks, cool vibe, nice staff, secret upstairs seating, fun bathrooms, not in a touristy part of town. What more could you ask for? read more

What a fun place for a cocktail. I was in town on a business trip and stopped in here with a few coworkers as it was walking distance to our hotel. The vibe was inviting and fun. Great music and interesting drinks, in a good way. The bartender walked us through the menu and made some solid recommendations. He also made us a sample of one of his favorite off-the-menu drinks (Shallow Grave, I believe). It was delish. Seems like a great spot for a first date, or night cap. We wanted to return while visiting, but unfortunately, had no free time in our packed schedule to squeeze another visit in. read more

Well made and DELICIOUS cocktails in a fun environment. Love coming here with friends. We always are served quickly by friendly bartenders. It's an old reliable and feel good place. Not for someone who can't get down with ethereal/whimsical vibes. read more

Jellyfish on the projector, glassware shaped like old men, run do not walk! At this writing the cocktails are themed to Lord of the Rings, but I imagine it rotates frequently. I'm thrilled! If you don't want a pricey cocktail, you can also have a kombucha or a $3 gansett, and just enjoy the vibe. read more

It had been three years since my last visit, and a friend swore this bar had changed. "Give it another shot!" they exclaimed. Imagine throwing up in an alleyway, wiping the remnants off your lips, swishing some Listerine and then spitting it into a glass. This, my friends, must be how the drinks at Bearded Lady are constructed. Fortunately the above drink was ordered by my friend, who will not be giving this bar another shot. My drink was merely putrid. The owner was a few feet from us and I debated discussing the vast effort it must take to create such abominations, but what's the point? Heck, they might as well flush the toilets directly into the glasses and save some money on bartenders. Hipsters will evidently drink anything. read more

The Jewel Box - The single worst drink ever. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Maine

Fun, out of the ordinary spot. This offbeat bar is a welcome change from Portland's usual offerings. Cool vibe yet friendly. More please.

So our friend Pam and Jim took us here for drinks before our dinner. Interesting set up but, They don't mess with the mixed drinks. I don't usually enjoy mixed drinks due to too much sugar but what they offer is pretty thoughtfully curated. I got drink called Pan Am which was Brandy based, and boy it was good and strong. We got a pita chips and oilves to share and that was just right for us. A cute place for getting and drink and having some talk! read more

The Jewel Box - Feeling the vibe yet?? - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Maine

My friends and I stopped by Bearded Lady's Jewel Box while we waited for seats at the nearby Empire Kitchen for dinner, and this was definitely a fun visit, mostly just for the aesthetics alone and what my review stands for. I ordered a rose - sparkling and sweeter than what I prefer, but that's on me for ordering it. Didn't get a chance to try their cocktails which is what they're clearly more known for. Overall though, the setting and ambiance is why I'd recommend visiting. It feels like you're in a dark Neverland and a fairy is going to creep up behind you, so if that doesn't entice you, not sure what will. read more

The Jewel Box - Decor - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Maine

I am pretty certain there is not a single bar in the world more perfect than Bearded Lady's Jewel Box. The name begs images of dark rendezvous, stolen moments spent in a twisted bliss, complete Bacchanalia, i.e., mysteries best not explained but savored forever. We entered within moments of opening and got to enjoy the place when it was completely empty. Framed menus offer up a brief but enchanting selection of drinks , as well as several small plates that seem perfect for Thumbelina, but in actuality are portions generous enough for Ethel Darling herself. My eyes landed on Commander Ramona and the promise of smoky Mezcal with spices was hard to resist. This is Christmas in a cup! Mezcal infused with cinnamon, orange & allspice liqueurs aquafaba (aka bean juice, a plant-based egg white alternative) and apple cider vinegar... aka, the perfect cocktail. We also ordered hummus with dill crackers and olives. As I mentioned, this plate truly surprised me, as it is both abundant and delicious! Food is not an afterthought here. The hummus is surely homemade (I can't prove it but who cares). This hit the spot and afforded the possibility of ordering a second drink, perhaps even a third, if we had the time, which we sadly did not. I look forward to late nights and hazy memories of the Jewel Box. read more

we'd heard it was the best cocktail bar in Portland we found parking around the corner we couldn't remember the name it looked closed from the outside no lights we tried the door the entryway was blocked by a table a sign said that vax cards were mandatory the barback was manning the door we were interviewed as tho they were deciding if we were their kind we were! yay! there were only a few other customers we sat at the bar we perused the menu, which was oddly framed and typed, like 1990 it took a bit to get used to the disco lights we kept our phones hidden it's the kind of place where you don't want to be that person the barback turned us over to the bartender the bartender conversated us congenitally they both were sweeties i ordered from the menu, after consulting with the tender the bartender made my date a drink to her tastes both drinks were very good we drank and conversated it was civilized the place filled up we conversated with other customers it's that kind of place the lights read more

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PS-This place is open. But tbh the drinks are gross. Tried 5 of them. All of...."DANK" Service was good though. read more

Bearded Lady's Jewel Box is a hidden gem in the heart of Portland. The reason why I say it's hidden is because there is no sign, except for the lettering on their door. If you are like me, I have walked past this bar numerous times and have never known of it's existence, which certainly adds to it's charm. The moment you walk through the doors and push aside the velvet curtains, you are immediately captured by the high ceilings, the hanging tulle, and the darkness with spurts of light from candles. Their menus are also given in golden frames, and it's these little touches that give this bar an added flair. The staff working here are incredibly nice and accomodating. I ended up getting a drink with gin (I forget the name of it) and my husband got a spicy drink with tequila. Both were very strong and good! We were impressed with the strength of the drinks, which is never a bad thing. We were also impressed by the knowledge of them changing their drink menus weekly! That is a tough feat due to them using a lot of homemade products, such as their bitters. Overall, this is a great hang out spot that you should check out for drinks when in Portland! read more

What an interesting freaking place - feels like it is out of some fantasyland or dreamscape. It attracts an eclectic crowd and is exactly peak hip. Ambient lighting mixed with trance-like music makes for interesting people-watching while enjoying the cocktails. The drinks are all reasonably priced, IMO. When the bill came I was expecting it to be $20 or $30 more than what it was. All the drinks were delicious and the staff were attentive as long as it wasn't crowded. read more

Not really sure how I ended up here. The Bearded Lady's Jewel Box is unlike any other place I have been in Portland. First off, the place is VERY dark. To look at the menu I had to be one of those lame people that turned the flashlight on my phone on to actually read it. Also, the menu is in a picture frame, which is kindof odd given that this is a bar and I can only imagine how many drunk people drop them and have the glass break everywhere. But other than that, it was a cool idea. The cocktail options were pretty good with a few different options. I ordered the tequila option which was really good. The bartender really knew what he was doing and made some great drinks... although I'm not sure how he could see what he was doing in the dark. The bar is pretty big and offers a lot of seating, but there is also some lounge seating by the windows and some high tops across from the bar. On the back side of the bar, there is some sort of display with a framed picture of Aleyah (I think). Not sure what this was about, but it totally fit in with the odd vibe of this place. We stayed downstairs, however I did notice that there was an upstairs area with some disco lights going on. I decided not to explore that area... maybe on a night when I have had more to drink. Overall, the drinks were great and it was a pretty cool and different place. My one recommendation is for them to have just a little more lighting so that I can actually see the people I am sitting with and talking to. read more

Since Jewel Box has opened (I can't believe it was 2014!) it's become my go to late night spot. They are deserved of an updated 5 star review! Nan'l's drinks are bomb and all of my friends I bring here leave happy. They've added FRESH flowers to the bar and it just adds even more to the beautiful aesthetic. It was once a strange car dealership many decades ago and had one or two cars in the space. Upstairs you can chill with a disco light or you can grab a seat at the bar (my favorite spot), or even the window so you can people watch (they won't see you looking). You are not going to find a cocktail that's better, in Portland. You heard it here first folks. They also play the BEST music. My favorite time to go is either super late on a weeknight or really early on a Sunday, so I can have most of the place to myself. VIVA LA JEWEL BOX! read more

The Jewel Box - Game of Thorns - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Two weeks ago (Dec 2018), I visited Portland with a girl who I am newly "seeing" for our first trip together. We ended up at The Jewel Box after begging a local couple at dinner to tell us where to go for a "relaxing time, great drinks and a great atmosphere and that the Bearded Lady's Jewel Box is what they suggested (they knew we were on a date). I don't know who that couple was but they are my heroes. It was a random Sunday night and it was quiet inside. We almost missed it but someone walking buy showed us the somewhat hidden door. I walked into a dream...or at least what felt like one. Everything from the incredible and unique cocktails, to the vintage-y eclectic and elegant ambiance, solid indie/alt playlist, lighting, UPSTAIRS LOUNGE CHAIRS (thank you Brittney for telling us about it) to the temporary tattoos on the way out. It was as if I had found some hidden gem and I did. This place will forever be in my memory as one of the best nights parts of one of the best nights of my life. I can't wait to travel to Portland again and relive that it. I've been to my fair share of bars across the country in my 30+ years and this was, by far, hands down my absolute favorite. I've never seen anyplace so aesthetically pleasing, visually stunning, comfortable and romantic. If you're in Portland, GO TO THE BEARDED LADY'S JEWEL BOX. You won't be disappointed. I'm still gushing and it's been weeks. read more

If you seriously have a hard time finding the Jewel Box, then it's probably a good thing you weren't alive during Prohibition. It would have been a dry 13 years for you. This is a place you will either love or hate, get or don't get. And I wholeheartedly get a dark and funky speakeasy-style bar where you can sip Prohibition-era inspired cocktails whilst admiring a wall mural of cats and bearded Victorian ladies and bumping to old school hip hop. The cocktails featured on the ever-changing menu are inventive and not for the unadventurous. They even won over my sister, a gal who usually can't forgo her fruity cocktails. And the bartenders put on a hell of a show while whipping them up. We loved the Jewel Box so much that we spent two of our three nights in Portland there. Hell, I missed the "Better Call Saul" season finale because I didn't want to leave. It's rare for a bar to impress me to this degree. I daresay I've found the holy grail of them all. read more

The Jewel Box - Perfection - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Maine

Super chill and skillfully crafted cocktails are always available. I remember prior to the opening of the Jewel Box attending some serious happenings hosted by the now owner and that spirit carries thru. Drinks are $10 (well worth it) along with a few beer and wine options. I'd say more but I've already said too much. read more

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Hot new bar on Congress near the arts district with classic cocktails and small bites. (note: very cocktail centric with one beer on tap and no wine list) Generally younger crowd with a very "re-energized" vibe reflecting Portland's entry into the foodie elite. Open only a few days so far and not widely advertised yet, we were there twice last night for before and after dinner cocktails. All seats taken at 7:00 and standing room only at 10:30. Fun place, unobtrusive upbeat music playlist, great conversation and the bar staff headed by Nan'l, the owner, are true cocktail professionals. Highly recommended. read more

The Jewel Box - Nan'l is my hero! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Maine

Dark, quiet, a friendly bartender and ample seating? Count me in. The drinks here are kind of intense, my first "the Hemingway daiquiri" was super tart, but very delightful. The second featured Laphroaig scotch and mostly just tasted like scotch. Don't get me wrong, I love scotch, but I'm not sure this one was all there. I love a good cocktail bar, and this one is 100% on the right path, I'd ideally call it like a 3.5 for now (expensive snacks, drinks not always winners) but I could see coming back here on the regular cause the atmosphere was 100% and the service was a delight. read more

The Jewel Box - The Hemingway Daiquiri. Grapefruit juice, rum and some other delicious things. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Maine

I went to the Jewel Box a couple of times after it first opened but it never really stood out to me. Two years away from Portland and I revisited last night. I have to say - I'm a big fan. A friend and I went in at 7pm on a Monday night and, not surprisingly, it was empty. So we pulled up a seat at the bar and chatted with a bartender who we've both decided we now want to be friends with. She gave us a great rundown of the cocktail menu and steered us in the right direction because we both LOVED our drinks and ordered a few (four) more. I got the Buns Glazing which was the perfect way to get a little tropical flavor on a January night in Maine without feeling weighed down or like I was just drinking my dessert. My friend got the Ghoul's Night which had a subtle fruit flavor beneath a great kick of spice. We also ordered an assortment of snacks which did not disappoint. Olives, herbed feta dip, cucumbers, and hummus. I would order them all again and gladly try the rest of the menu if these 4 choices are any indication of how good the snacks are. As the night went on, people trickled in and by the time we left, the bar was full. I'm not sure how much I'll like it when I'm back on a weekend night where there's standing room only and I can't hear the epic soundtrack they're playing, but it's good enough that I'm definitely coming back to give it a shot. read more

Yesterday was my second visit to the Bearded Lady's Jewel Box. What a great atmosphere! Want delicious cocktails with a dark, fairy-like ambiance? This is the place for you. Let's discuss that ambiance, as it is my favorite part of this bar. There is chiffon (I think) fabric hanging from the ceiling, fresh flowers and plants (including living plants hanging from the ceiling), dark lighting, with small beams of light coming from multiple directions to add almost a rainbow like effect when shining through the chiffon. Do yourself a favor and look past the dark lighting to see the artwork on the bar wall, it's beautiful. Are these expensive cocktails? Yup, about $10 each. But it's worth it. They're unique and always changing, so chances are that this place will expand your pallet every visit. Not a cocktail fan? No problem! They have beer and wine as well. The Bearded Lady's Jewel Box is also a wonderful place for apps and snacks. During my last visit I tried the "Crack Pop". What a delicious, addicting little snack! Although I haven't tried their other apps, I looked at the tables next to me and awed over their gorgeous presentation and how delicious they looked. I'll be back soon for apps, don't you worry. An important thing to note, the app prices are pretty reasonable! Good thing, because I have more cocktails to buy! The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars and not 5, is because I need to come back and eat more food here. Next on my to do list is to come back thirsty and hungry, so I can turn this 4 star review into a 5. read more

Great cocktails - our celebratory crowd was happy with their drinks. I had the Penicillin, and it was SO refreshing. The atmosphere was okay... it wasn't overly visually stimulating, but that means it wasn't cluttered either. The crowd was a variety of ages, but all happily consuming the cleverly crafted cocktails, and made for interesting people - watching. The later it got, the busier they got , and thus the louder it got - keep in mind if you're looking for a quiet place to chat. Our server was kept busy, and I tried to flag her down for 20 minutes before going to the bar for my tab - I'm a server, I know how busy it can be :) As of right now, they only have a snack menu (try the pickle party!) so plan accordingly! I will definitely go back! read more

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I absolutely love the vibe here. My wife and I walked in and it was humid, and smelled faintly floral, like we just had walked into some garden. It's dimly lit inside and decorated like something out of the great gatsby. Whatever comes to mind when you hear the name "Bearded Lady's Jewel Box" they totally hit that vibe on the head. We arrived when they opened at 5 on a Sunday and were able to get half priced food. I got Armenian naan and a cocktail. The drink was delicious and inspired and the bread was a perfect little compliment. It's a perfect place for a first date or a fiftieth. There is also a loungey upstairs area with couches if you need to relax after a long day. Would absolutely recommend this place to anyone who just wants to relax with a nice cocktail after a tough day. read more

Worst bar in Portland. I'd rather go to Amigos. It feels like somebody went to a cool bar once and tried their most mediocre to copy that vibe. I'm writing this review while in this bar sipping a Narragansett since the original cocktail that I ordered was undrinkable. Just close. read more

What a hidden gem! There's not a lot of signage here, so you feel like you're in on a secret. Incredible drinks and stunning decor.

Another trip is in order. I wasn't paying enough attention. Add to that this is a cocktail bar and I'm a neophyte with cocktails, having been in the wine business for a very long time. Lucky us, we arrived when there were seats,,,they did not last long for sure. There aren't many, but the space isn't that big, I had a hard time imagining how to get more seating without killing the ambiance. My friend and I are both over 50 and had a hell of a time trying to read the drink menu. Thankfully the iphone has a flashlight which proved invaluable once again. Nan'l, the owner, recognizing that I was very tentative about choosing a cocktail due to lack of experience, made a drink for us while we were trying to decide. I've heard others comment on how delicious this drink is, so there's no question it was simply my lack of grasp that accounts for the squinching of my face upon tasting it. He was not the least bit offended, and happily produced the drinks we ordered in no time. Mine was called Penicillin and had a distinct aroma of bandaids which was strangely enticing, CLEARLY the goal of this barman. We both enjoyed our drinks while chatting along and visiting with other folks we knew that were there or came in. If I could have read the menu with ease, or even knew there was a food menu, my experience would have been 5 stars. I have no doubt the next time will be. Updates soon..... read more

The Jewel Box - The Bearded Lady of course - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Maine

Girly, lovely, unique cocktails. The space is beautiful and is great for a girls night out or a date night. I loved the happy hour spritzer but my partner ordered a very licorice forward drink. To be fair the menu did warn him but he was quite surprised by the strength of the flavor and did not have the best time. I'd like to come back and try some of their bar snacks another time - it looks quite diverse and great for fancy bar snacks to slowly enjoy with cocktails read more