Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Bramhall

    4.3 (202 reviews)
    ModerateBars, American
    Open • 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 1 month ago

    Bramhall Photos

    BRAMHALL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Intimate
    Romantic

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Bramhall

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Whitney D.

    Came here for after dinner drinks with some friends. We sat outside in the back area and it got pretty crowded. The person helping us seemed to be very overwhelmed with all the people that were in the back area. I and another friend got mocktails and our other friends got real drinks. The inside of this bar is cool but kinda scary feeling. Feels like you are in a basement or a dungeon. It's dimly lit in the inside area. And has candles in the middle of the place with wax dripping down. The bathroom is kinda spooky too. And the sink you have to use a pedal and I could not figure out for the life of me how to get colder water to wash my hands. The water was super hot. I may want to come back here and try an actual drink and maybe experience the inside atmosphere. This bar is below and the restaurant called Roma Cafe.

    Smashburger
    Emily K.

    I came in on a Sunday night for a quick dinner. I was able to get a seat at the bar. Hot tip, there is trivia on Sundays if you're into that! It was fun to listen and seems like there are a lot of regulars. I ordered the smashburger and fries and they were on point. Fries are hand cut and the burger was the perfect amount of greasy. I also got a cucumber mocktail that was very tasty!

    Manhattan
    Susan S.

    Ambiance is crazy fun. Almost like a speakeasy- in the basement. A Happy Meal is a domestic beer and a well liquor shot.

    Jessica S.

    I thot the drinks here were alright! I got the banana sidecar, which was p good but not my fav (also i need to stop getting bourbon cocktails and this is a reminder to myself to do that)

    Entrance
    Alicia H.

    Terrible service last Sunday night. Me and my party of 4 were all off put by our server. We sat outside and ordered a round of cocktails. When the server brought out the tray of drinks my espresso martini severely spilled (no exaggeration I lost a 1/3 of it). All the server said was "ooo messy" as he handed it to me. No apology, no clean up, no offer to get me a full drink. When the server came by we had to ask for napkins to clean up the mess he handed us. Also had to ask for water. The inside of the bar looks great & maybe if you sit directly at the bar you can enjoy the craft the bartenders work so hard to make. Real bummer cuz I love a good speakeasy.

    Inside
    Rachel O.

    If I lived in Portland, Bramhall would definitely be my haunt. Shotgun review: - Seriously neat interior* - Cheerful staff - Reasonably priced cocktails - Live Laugh Late Nite food menu with good fries - Rotating drink specials - Excellent music** *The pictures speak for themselves. It feels medieval & dark & exciting & punk & cool & mysterious all at the same time. I also loved some of the smaller unique features like the pedal operated sink. **I like to think of myself as the human Shazam. I have a ridiculously large catalogue of music in my brain (that music degree was good for something, right?) but I found myself not knowing quite a few songs that were playing in Bramhall that I really wanted to know. I even brought out the actual Shazam to find out. Whoever was on the aux was killing it - Cool, modern music that heightened the punk feel of the bar without taking away from the archaic vibe.

    Their version of a Black Manhattan
    Alice F.

    We stopped in the late afternoon just for drinks, and I wish I had time on the trip to return for some food. The place is dark, but as other reviews mention, in a good speakeasy vibe way. They have a good selection of whiskeys and bourbons. The bartenders were welcoming and had connections to Arizona, where I live! Their version of the black Manhattan and the boulevardier were a perfect welcome to Portland. I hope to return.

    Jane G.

    If Bramhall has no fans, I'm dead. When I responded "My favorite bar, actually--it's sort of like a medieval dungeon--but in a good way," to my neighbors asking me where I had just come back from on a Friday night, it sure raised some eyebrows. Let me explain. Bramhall is located out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Congress Street just below Roma Cafe (another diamond in the rough). Just down a short flight of worn down stone steps lies a subterranean speakeasy perfect for bibliophiles, those who prefer their coffee black and their whiskey neat, and people (such as myself) who prefer to enjoy a few cocktails under the cover of darkness, add a touch of candlelight. Blyth and Burrow's quieter (in my opinion, better) cousin, Bramhall has a small menu that is seemingly endless and somehow contains all of my favorite foods and drinks. At this point, the amount of times I've ordered Rickety Cricket (think: if a Thin Mint and the Cookie Monster had a baby, and that baby was liquified and poured into a glass I am proud to post on Instagram) is frankly embarrassing. The Hemingway Daiquiri is also worth a try. I would speak to their other drinks, but the grip that Rickety Cricket has on me is unreal and must be the work of witchcraft. Speaking of witchy, Bramhall's staff are my favorite--they all have an inherent suaveness and 'coolness' about them that can only be described as Salem-chic. Not to mention, they are incredibly attentive and thoughtful. One of the servers offered to put in my food order before the kitchen even opened, just because. My go-tos are the Hand Cut Fries (Truffle Style) and Mac n' Cheese. Truly the perfect pairings and portions to accompany my cocktails! The interior is expertly done. A mixture of brick and stone walls are lined with half-melted candles and industrial pendant lights. Harry Potter fans: I find it to be reminiscent of Diagon Alley. Long live Bramhall!!

    Tavia G.

    This place is so cute! The ambiance is amazing, it really feels like you're in a cozy cellar or speakeasy. The cocktail list is extensive and they are all delicious. One of my fav things about the beverage menu here is that there are several super affordable domestic beers here ($4ish) so you can enjoy it on a budget. A lot of cocktail bars around Portland don't have anything u set $7, so we definitely appreciate that. Absolutely check this place out if you're in the area!

    Karley M.

    This was my favorite bar and cocktail that I had during my entire trip in Maine. The basement ambience with dim lighting and candles was amazing. Staff was friendly and prompt during our visit. The innovative cocktail list, along with traditional drinks is sure to please all types. I loved my tiki drink and the smoke penicillin was unreal. This is a MUST if visiting Portland.

    Inside area
    Danielle V.

    Stopped here for a drink the other night. Such a cool and cozy speakeasy vibe. The atmosphere here is like no other. They have a pretty big bar and very neat decorations. The drinks are great and the service is good as well. I have never had their food but would come back to try it. A great fall, and winter bar!

    Kitschy menu items + descriptions

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    22 days ago

    The best local bar/speak-easy around! The staff is super friendly and the drinks are delicious!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Went here for dinner and trivia night. Great food and cocktails, really loved the atmosphere.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Very cool vibe and nice cocktails. Sit by the candles if you can. Caters to a younger crowd.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Saleen M.
    1067
    2598
    2312

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Doug P.
    8
    22
    30

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Bramhall

    Review Highlights - Bramhall

    “We also had the loaded crisps which were BBQ chips covered in sour cream, bacon, cheez whiz, and scallions.”

    $6 Loaded Crisps

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Bars 3,635 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Duckfat - OAXACAN STYLE HOUSE SMOKED BRISKET

    Duckfat

    4.3(3.4k reviews)
    1.1 mi•East Bayside
    •$$

    Amazing place for duck overall. We got the duck poutine that was delicious. The fries were well…read morecooked and crispy, the cheese curds were good and hot and not too big, the gravy was great and not overworking and the duck confit on it was soft tender and flavorful. We also got the duck Caesar salad and that was amazing. The smoked duck delicious and soft and tasted similar to pastrami. The duck yolk was also a good complement to the Caesar. The cream of tomato fennel soup was also excellent and the doughnut holes were a nice sweet treat. The staff was very nice and attentive and friendly. They were very informative of the dishes and menu. The atmosphere was lively with some dark but good visibility for both outside and inside seating. This place can get real busy with up to an hour wait potentially.

    Rolled in w no reservations, and no problem. It was a Monday night so probably helpful. Waiter was…read morefantastic. I feel badly that I can't remember his name but he was great. Fries were delicious. Not sure the duck fat thing was actually a thing but they were quite good nonetheless. Caesar salad with duck confit. Caesar was way too salty but the duck confit was so good. Definitely add it. So. Good. Caesar salad shouldn't be salty. It has no salt in it. So they have to figure that out. My companion enjoyed her green goddess salad and got the duck confit as well. She tried the Bluett wine which I had a sip of, and while she couldn't really describe it, she (and I) found it quite lovely. Fizzy, not too sweet, tasted like wine (rather than blueberry sweetness ). I'd order it. Nice experience. Small place. Limited menu but I'd eat it again.

    Photos
    Duckfat - Inside

    Inside

    Duckfat - French Dip

    French Dip

    Duckfat - Donut with caramel sauce

    See all

    Donut with caramel sauce

    The Highroller Lobster - The HighRoller (captured by @a.bite.of.life)

    The Highroller Lobster

    4.3(2.4k reviews)
    0.8 mi•Old Port
    •$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Outdoor seating

    Some of the best lobster I've had in Portland. It's a very chill, retro vibe, and though seating…read moremay take a while on busy nights, you can also order takeout (and merch) from the left-side area. The restaurant is larger than it looks since there's a second seating area too. I'd recommend the Flight of mini lobster rolls (3x 2oz lobster rolls), which can be chilled or warmed. Prices are fair, at about $20 a lobster roll. Their ghee butter add another level to their lobster rolls and they don't skimp on meat! Definitely try out the Highroller and maybe get some of their iconic merch.

    When me and my friend walked up, they said a table would be an hour so we opted for take-out…read more However, the table ended up taking just 30 minutes, so if you really want a table, I would say it could be worth waiting. We ended up taking out order to a park nearby that had benches so it worked out. Me and my friend shared a flight, where it included 3 lobster rolls with 2 oz. of lobster and we chose the jalapeño mayo, lime mayo, and lobster ghee ones. My favorite one was probably the jalapeño mayo because I loved the kick, but all three were delicious. I would definitely recommend getting the flight since the rolls are smaller and you get to try the different sauces.

    Photos
    The Highroller Lobster - SO GOOD. Lobster tasted so fresh and tender. Bread was hefty and a great compliment. (Lobster Roll)

    SO GOOD. Lobster tasted so fresh and tender. Bread was hefty and a great compliment. (Lobster Roll)

    The Highroller Lobster
    The Highroller Lobster - Lobster Cheese Crisp Taco, Lobster Roll

    See all

    Lobster Cheese Crisp Taco, Lobster Roll

    Hot Suppa - French toast

    Hot Suppa

    4.4(1.2k reviews)
    0.2 mi•West End
    •$$

    Went here for brunch, it was pretty busy even on a Thursday mid-morning so definitely make sure to…read moreget there sooner than you might expect. Really good portions, the waffles were outstanding - crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, reminded me of an Eggo waffle! And we also got the biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs and grits. The biscuits were homemade and delicious! Super soft and flavorful. The gravy was creamy and super flavorful too. Scrambled eggs and grits were both cooked very very well. Server was funny and kind also.

    We've been trying to visit Hot Suppa during our past few trips to Portland, but never really had a…read morechance to. When we finally came during the off season, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity since wait times were shorter. The wait on a Saturday afternoon was about 15-20 minutes. I will say - I had high hopes for Hot Suppa. Between my fiance and I, we ordered the waffle, side of corned beef hash, and the fried green tomatoes eggs benny. The corned beef hash here is excellent - that I do have to acknowledge. I was a bit underwhelmed by the fried green tomatoes though. The tomatoes were just okay, but the excessive hollandaise sauce really just made the whole dish waaay too heavy. It was also just messy. Service was slow & our waitress tended to disappear for long periods of time. Coffee & water refills both took a long time. Parking here is difficult but not impossible. Most spots are only for an hour or so.

    Photos
    Hot Suppa - Entrance

    Entrance

    Hot Suppa - Cute dish, but the beef is a bit overcook, and dry. Overall, everything is good

    Cute dish, but the beef is a bit overcook, and dry. Overall, everything is good

    Hot Suppa - Waffle plate

    See all

    Waffle plate

    Twelve - lobster roll

    Twelve

    4.6(251 reviews)
    1.5 mi•East End
    •$$$$

    I ate here last week for the 3rd time and loved it. It's a splendid experience, beginning to end!…read moreFor the third time, my spouse and i came here for our wedding anniversary. How lucky that we've been in Portland at the same time these years! The sous chef who headed the kitchen that Sunday night was a delight to watch. They seemed to manage everything so well -- the kitchen ran smoothly and all relationships appeared amicable. The food, though, is why we've returned yet again! I've never had so much fun eating. Though we choose from the menu, each item is still a surprise because of the care and creativity of the preparation. The food is a feast for the eyes and my palate -- it's all so beautiful and also delicious. I've described Twelve to people as the most accessible of the nicer restaurants at which I've had the pleasure of dining. I can read the menu and know (basically) what I'm ordering! And yet, as I mentioned earlier, all the food still feels new to me. I've eaten broccolini with potatoes before, for example, but it's never been plated or tasted like this to me! The service is fantastic as well! My spouse and I don't drink much alcohol, but the individual who was describing wines to me (I was having trouble deciding on a glass) gave the most vivid descriptions I've ever received. Oh, and the explanations given as each dish was served were also helpful and interesting. My only suggestion for Twelve is to add hooks below the chef's counter (and maybe the bar is also lacking them?). At present, where is one supposed to put their bag while they're dining? My leather handbag was on the floor below me, which is definitely unexpected at most restaurants these days.

    Very disappointing and misleading reservation experience…read more I had been planning this dinner for over a year. I dined here by myself the year prior and specifically wanted to return with my husband for a special celebration while we were visiting from out of town. Last year, I booked "bar" seating and was seated at the counter facing the kitchen. This year, I booked the same "bar" seating assuming it meant the same thing, only to arrive and be placed at the actual bar. The problem is that when booking dinner, the only seating options presented were "bar" or "table." There was no "chef's kitchen," "kitchen counter," or other option that would have made the distinction clear. Had there been, I obviously would have selected it. What made the situation worse was how it was handled. Both the host and general manager were incredibly condescending and showed very little empathy when I tried to explain the confusion. For a restaurant serving a multi-course menu and positioning itself around hospitality, I expected much better. I would never have knowingly booked a special multi-course dinner at a regular bar. What should have been a memorable celebration was ruined before it even began. After looking forward to returning for more than a year, unfortunately, I won't be back.

    Photos
    Twelve - Chefs view

    Chefs view

    Twelve - Swordfish

    Swordfish

    Twelve - View from the bar

    See all

    View from the bar

    Fore Street - ROASTED CARROTS, BULGARIAN FETA, SUNFLOWER SEEDS

    Fore Street

    4.1(1.5k reviews)
    1.1 mi•Old Port
    •$$$

    Fore Street is one of the most raved about restaurants in the Portland area, and for good reason…read more This surely was one of the best and most meticulous meals I have had in a long time. The Tuna Tataki, while rather small for the price, was incredible. The oysters were fresh and flavorful. The mussels had a delicious sauce, which was perfect with the fresh bread that comes from the bakery below the restaurant. We went with the cod and the scallops for our entrees. The cod was perfectly cooked and had a tomato based sauce, but for me it was the scallops that stole the show. The blueberry pie was also incredible. Our server was kind and helpful, giving us recommendations and tips every step of the way. The restaurant is warm and charming, and I can't wait to go back.

    Fore Street had been on my radar for a while. Having visited other businesses the restaurant group…read moreowns, this came highly recommended by several of my friends as one of the top dining spots in Portland. That being said, I made it my intention to dine here during my most recent trip to Maine. The name Fore Street can mean several things - in addition to being the name of this restaurant, it's also a main thoroughfare in Old Port, and the name of the group that owns this restaurant. In addition to FS, the group also owns two other restaurants (Street and Co, Scales) and a bakery (Standard Baking). I have been to the latter two, with the bakery being one of my favorites in the city. Fore Street opened to much fanfare in the 90s, and has been included on several best-of lists. That being said, I was excited to check it out for myself. The restaurant is located in the same building as Standard Baking, with the bakery being on the lower level and the restaurant being above it. The entrance is really inconspicuous, however once you enter you're greeted by a warm, bustling space. The aesthetics are beautiful - dim lights, wood tones, and an overall upscale feel while still being down to Earth. I did not have a reservation, but the bar area (which serves their full menu) is first-come first-serve, and after about 45 minutes I was able to snag a seat. The menu has a large selection of starters and mains, with each being separated by the way the dishes are prepared. I was started with some sourdough from Standard Baking and some whipped butter. I love carbs so I tore though that no problem. The grilled squid was speaking to me as a starter - the squid was prepared in long strands, and paired with lentils and a chunky sauce with a lot of flavors. The dish worked really well - I'm a sucker for lentils so the dish was set up for success. For my main I had the pork loin - this came glazed and served with a corn and black bean salsa. The dish was solid - the pork was cooked well (not well done), and the sauce was tasty. Dare I say the salsa was the component that tied it all together? It seemed out of place to me when I first read it on the menu, but it worked. For dessert I had blueberry pie because Maine. This one had a thicker than usual top crust, almost like a closed tart. Service was great. Since I was at the bar, I was served by the bartender who was super friendly; food came out at a good pace. Overall, I'm glad I finally got to try Fore Street. While I don't feel my experience warrants 5 stars, I understand why this is one of the top restaurants in Portland and wouldn't hesitate to return for another meal.

    Photos
    Fore Street - Bar

    Bar

    Fore Street - Skate Wing

    Skate Wing

    Fore Street - Delicata squash

    See all

    Delicata squash

    Bramhall - bars - Updated October 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...