Room for Improvement
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Came here for the espresso martini that I had heard was the best in Portland, and it did not disappoint. It's unique and has a banana flavor with salted coconut foam. Came here right after 5pm on a Wednesday and it was packed. Was lucky to find two seats at the bar and service was super attentive. They immediately grabbed us a water and gave us menus. We also tried a pretzel. The mustard was good but the pretzel itself was a little tough. The ambiance was dark and moody and had some cozy booths in addition to the bar seating. Overall I would definitely come back for drinks as they had a great selection and would want to try some others in addition to the espresso martini next time.
This place was jam packed with drinkers and the bartenders were awesome. They play some really great music and have a super interesting collection of decor, including the crazy bathroom. We loved this place.
There's no words. Such a small spot shouldn't be so magnificent. The place is just cool- like no other words. It doesn't make sense. That many people shouldn't fit, the cocktails shouldn't be that incredible, the staff shouldn't be that amazing. 3 local bartenders told us not to miss this spot and damned if they weren't 100% correct. If you don't visit you missed out.
Cool vibe here. Cocktails and Red Snapper dogs on the menu. Service was great. Cocktails were made to our liking.
I've only heard good things about room for improvement and I was so glad to finally make it there! This low ceiling, cozy bar has moody, lighting, booths, bar seating, and an outdoor standing bar. It's such a vibe for a late night drinking or grabbing a quick bite as they have such good food! They've made using the restroom fun as it's decorated with Polaroids from guests, and another funny item (you'll have to see for yourself) You need to get their espresso martini. The cold foam topping it off is the most delicious thing I've ever had.
I enjoyed the bar that use to be located here that was called Jager. It was all German themed and I mostly went for the beers. Room for Improvement has been around for quite awhile at this point and I have heard nothing but positive about it. My wife and I finally made the time to come here and glad we did. With it being Halloween they have a special theme this week called Doom for Improvement so we thought it was the perfect time to visit! We showed up at opening for a spot to beat Halloween crowd on wharf street. I was reminded of Jager right away in the sense it felt familiar while also feeling new. They decked it out with Halloween decorations and bartenders were dressed up. We had Bojack Horseman serving us who was a top notch bartender, friendly, answered any questions and had good vibes! My wife tried their Pineapple Daiquiri and their Espresso Martini. I went with the Halloween themed drinks and got the Rest In Peeses that was a peanut butter (Reese's) themed Old Fashioned. Secondly I grabbed their Plenty Evil that was inspired by the Good & Plenty candy Absinthe Frappe. My wife's drinks were phenomenal and would both be go to orders for her and we both found a new favorite Espresso Martini. My first drink nailed the perfect mix of peanut butter flavor with a classic Old Fashioned. Secondly despite not being a huge licorice/good & plenty candy this drink was delicious! I look forward to returning for a non Halloween themed visit but we were both extremely impressed. If you are looking for a bar to grab drinks and want a nice and chill vibe this is your spot. Expect friendly bartenders who make high quality drinks!
Cool vibe here. However it's like a speakeasy, not easy to find. The directions from Waze put me on the wrong street and the sign in the alley wasn't clear. Cool bar good cocktail and atmosphere.
I had visitors in town and this spot was on their list. This is a funky little bar, that must be jammed on the weekends with the Old Port crowd. We made a stop before a concert at The State. What a great way to spend a warm late afternoon! Our server was super helpful, friendly, and kind. The bar inside is unique and looks like a dive bar. They make super cocktails and while we didn't eat, it looks like there are a few great choices for bar food. Also, I was told that the bathroom is IG-worthy. Plan a stop!
Room For Improvement was such a fun place. They took over for Yeager. It can accommodate one or 5 people at a time (potentially more). They have some rounded booths as well as seats at the bar. The service was impeccable. Both the bouncer and server tried to make our experience good. We also got some red hot dogs and the soft pretzel with mustard. Everything was exceptional. It may feel pricy with wanting to order many things, but it is very decently priced. It's in a great location - walking distance to many other places. It is not handicap accessible unfortunately. There are a few steps to enter and no designated parking. The best bet is to park on commercial street or fore street. I would definitely come back!
TL;DR: best cocktail bar we tried in Portland, with great service, fun vibes and the most amazing drinks! We almost walked past the door to this place which made me like it immediately - it's on a busy alleyway with a bunch of other bars and restaurants and has a nondescript entrance. It doesn't try hard at all and that is what sold me on the place. It's very divey looking on the inside, and has super fun decor and played rock music amongst other things. The service was extremely friendly, helpful and fast and our server was so friendly. The drinks were really well executed and the furthest from divey I've ever tasted! The bathroom is fun - check it out when you're there. Their menu has great aesthetics and very fun to read. One of the bartenders is a bartender I've seen featured on the Food52 channel so I was feeling very positive about our drinks. And they were... So. Good. And very reasonably priced after drinking through bars in NYC and SF Aviation: I loved the addition of pomegranate and cardamom. This is one of my favorite drinks and I loved their take on it. Espresso martini: ridiculously good - they need to bottle that salty coconut foam and sell it Pimms Cup: extremely well balanced and not too sweet, this was so refreshing Oaxacan Old fashioned: not as smokey as expected since they had both mezcal and tequila, and the chili demerara added a nice kick We got seated right away after an early dinner. But the bar got packed very quickly, though they also had seats outdoors. The bar serves food too but we didn't try anything.
I loved this bar so much I went twice in three days, first time with a group of five and the second time with my partner. Room for Improvement is a spunky dive bar that serves incredible cocktails - their gimlet is the best one I've ever tasted. I also loved their "Ground Control" cocktail, which is surprising and vegetal and delicious. The bartenders are wonderful, this place has such a chill, fun atmosphere, and they've got great bar food (cheese balls, hot dogs, soft pretzels). There are a few larger group tables that seat 5-6, but this place gets crowded pretty early so the tables are in high demand. We sat at the bar the second time round, which was also a great time. We can't wait to be back!
Great cocktails and very attentive staff. Great dive bar ambiance with excellent cocktails. Didn't try the hot dogs.
We had a great time here! All the bartenders were beyond nice--super friendly and welcoming. Dan was the greatest made our experience phenomenal. The hot dogs were delicious, and we loved the upbeat vibes and great music. It's definitely a fun spot to hang out. Just a heads-up: the space is pretty small and fills up quickly, so it can get crowded fast. But if you're okay with that, it's totally worth it!
1 month ago
4 months ago
Great place to have cocktails!! Bartender very friendly and makes awesome drinks!! Unique decor will have you taking pics and reminiscing Loved it! read more
We stopped here on a Tuesday night and found a spot at the bar right away. The vibes inside are super cool! We ordered the pineapple daiquiri and espresso martini. Both were really good. The espresso martini had banana and coconut which added great flavor. This is a great place to stop for drinks! read more
Came here for the espresso martini that I had heard was the best in Portland, and it did not disappoint. It's unique and has a banana flavor with salted coconut foam. Came here right after 5pm on a Wednesday and it was packed. Was lucky to find two seats at the bar and service was super attentive. They immediately grabbed us a water and gave us menus. We also tried a pretzel. The mustard was good but the pretzel itself was a little tough. The ambiance was dark and moody and had some cozy booths in addition to the bar seating. Overall I would definitely come back for drinks as they had a great selection and would want to try some others in addition to the espresso martini next time. read more
3 months ago
There's no words. Such a small spot shouldn't be so magnificent. The place is just cool- like no other words. It doesn't make sense. That many people shouldn't fit, the cocktails shouldn't be that incredible, the staff shouldn't be that amazing. 3 local bartenders told us not to miss this spot and damned if they weren't 100% correct. If you don't visit you missed out. read more
16 days ago
I've only heard good things about room for improvement and I was so glad to finally make it there! This low ceiling, cozy bar has moody, lighting, booths, bar seating, and an outdoor standing bar. It's such a vibe for a late night drinking or grabbing a quick bite as they have such good food! They've made using the restroom fun as it's decorated with Polaroids from guests, and another funny item (you'll have to see for yourself) You need to get their espresso martini. The cold foam topping it off is the most delicious thing I've ever had. read more
I enjoyed the bar that use to be located here that was called Jager. It was all German themed and I mostly went for the beers. Room for Improvement has been around for quite awhile at this point and I have heard nothing but positive about it. My wife and I finally made the time to come here and glad we did. With it being Halloween they have a special theme this week called Doom for Improvement so we thought it was the perfect time to visit! We showed up at opening for a spot to beat Halloween crowd on wharf street. I was reminded of Jager right away in the sense it felt familiar while also feeling new. They decked it out with Halloween decorations and bartenders were dressed up. We had Bojack Horseman serving us who was a top notch bartender, friendly, answered any questions and had good vibes! My wife tried their Pineapple Daiquiri and their Espresso Martini. I went with the Halloween themed drinks and got the Rest In Peeses that was a peanut butter (Reese's) themed Old Fashioned. Secondly I grabbed their Plenty Evil that was inspired by the Good & Plenty candy Absinthe Frappe. My wife's drinks were phenomenal and would both be go to orders for her and we both found a new favorite Espresso Martini. My first drink nailed the perfect mix of peanut butter flavor with a classic Old Fashioned. Secondly despite not being a huge licorice/good & plenty candy this drink was delicious! I look forward to returning for a non Halloween themed visit but we were both extremely impressed. If you are looking for a bar to grab drinks and want a nice and chill vibe this is your spot. Expect friendly bartenders who make high quality drinks! read more
2 months ago
8 months ago
Cool vibe here. However it's like a speakeasy, not easy to find. The directions from Waze put me on the wrong street and the sign in the alley wasn't clear. Cool bar good cocktail and atmosphere. read more
I had visitors in town and this spot was on their list. This is a funky little bar, that must be jammed on the weekends with the Old Port crowd. We made a stop before a concert at The State. What a great way to spend a warm late afternoon! Our server was super helpful, friendly, and kind. The bar inside is unique and looks like a dive bar. They make super cocktails and while we didn't eat, it looks like there are a few great choices for bar food. Also, I was told that the bathroom is IG-worthy. Plan a stop! read more
Room For Improvement was such a fun place. They took over for Yeager. It can accommodate one or 5 people at a time (potentially more). They have some rounded booths as well as seats at the bar. The service was impeccable. Both the bouncer and server tried to make our experience good. We also got some red hot dogs and the soft pretzel with mustard. Everything was exceptional. It may feel pricy with wanting to order many things, but it is very decently priced. It's in a great location - walking distance to many other places. It is not handicap accessible unfortunately. There are a few steps to enter and no designated parking. The best bet is to park on commercial street or fore street. I would definitely come back! read more
11 months ago
TL;DR: best cocktail bar we tried in Portland, with great service, fun vibes and the most amazing drinks! We almost walked past the door to this place which made me like it immediately - it's on a busy alleyway with a bunch of other bars and restaurants and has a nondescript entrance. It doesn't try hard at all and that is what sold me on the place. It's very divey looking on the inside, and has super fun decor and played rock music amongst other things. The service was extremely friendly, helpful and fast and our server was so friendly. The drinks were really well executed and the furthest from divey I've ever tasted! The bathroom is fun - check it out when you're there. Their menu has great aesthetics and very fun to read. One of the bartenders is a bartender I've seen featured on the Food52 channel so I was feeling very positive about our drinks. And they were... So. Good. And very reasonably priced after drinking through bars in NYC and SF Aviation: I loved the addition of pomegranate and cardamom. This is one of my favorite drinks and I loved their take on it. Espresso martini: ridiculously good - they need to bottle that salty coconut foam and sell it Pimms Cup: extremely well balanced and not too sweet, this was so refreshing Oaxacan Old fashioned: not as smokey as expected since they had both mezcal and tequila, and the chili demerara added a nice kick We got seated right away after an early dinner. But the bar got packed very quickly, though they also had seats outdoors. The bar serves food too but we didn't try anything. read more
I loved this bar so much I went twice in three days, first time with a group of five and the second time with my partner. Room for Improvement is a spunky dive bar that serves incredible cocktails - their gimlet is the best one I've ever tasted. I also loved their "Ground Control" cocktail, which is surprising and vegetal and delicious. The bartenders are wonderful, this place has such a chill, fun atmosphere, and they've got great bar food (cheese balls, hot dogs, soft pretzels). There are a few larger group tables that seat 5-6, but this place gets crowded pretty early so the tables are in high demand. We sat at the bar the second time round, which was also a great time. We can't wait to be back! read more
1 year ago
Great cocktails and very attentive staff. Great dive bar ambiance with excellent cocktails. Didn't try the hot dogs. read more
1 year ago
We had a great time here! All the bartenders were beyond nice--super friendly and welcoming. Dan was the greatest made our experience phenomenal. The hot dogs were delicious, and we loved the upbeat vibes and great music. It's definitely a fun spot to hang out. Just a heads-up: the space is pretty small and fills up quickly, so it can get crowded fast. But if you're okay with that, it's totally worth it! read more
4 months ago
2 years ago
Solid drinks. Simple without many ingredients. Food wise they have fantastic hotdog. I'm not even a hot dog person but theirs is truly spectacular. Sit by the bar if you can. Bartenders work like a factory and bang it every single time. Super quick service. If you come during dinner time on the weekend, u will get a spot immediately. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Do not sleep on this place. We got right in when they opened, and glad we snagged a spot at the bar! It's a small place but worth the wait. Their gin martini and white negroni was two of the best cocktails I've ever had. Loved the vibe in there and the bartenders were awesome! Definitely a must for your trip to Portland. read more
1 year ago
A dive bar that actually makes well-balanced and tasty cocktails - sign me up!! Add in cheese balls eaten with chopsticks, to avoid orange fingers, and it's the cherry on top :) Vibe is definitely chill and is a great place to hang for a few before or after dinner. They do have a small food menu too if you get too settled and decide to stay put ;) read more
1 year ago
Great dive bar feel with cool decor, yummy cocktails, and a great bartender. The drinks were reasonably priced for Portland. must get the espresso martini shot!!! read more
2 years ago
Cocktails are lovely, recently rated one of the top espresso martinis, and I understand why! Lively atmosphere, gets crowded at night read more
1 year ago
I love, love, LOVE room for improvement, not only because it is a great bar serving top level bar food, but because it actually is a new bar that feels like OLD Portland. Dive bar vibes with an elevated food and Bev menu. And when I say elevated I don't mean caviar. I mean red snapper hot dogs in fresh locally made brioche-esque buns with Morse's kraut, pickles, and their amazing grainy mustard sauce. The pretzels come from the same Portland bakery as the buns and were the perfect bite, again featuring that delicious mustard sauce. Will be back for sure! read more
2 years ago
Cool place for a late night cocktails with the girls or for date night! I love the interior vibes and the drinks were so good! Service was also fantastic! read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
I really want to love this place, but I have been here twice and both times they weren't my favorite. It is in a great location right on wharf street and the service is super friendly. The bar tenders were great and the drinks were okay. There is nothing wrong with this place, maybe it just isn't my vibe. My friend loves this bar- so maybe it's just me. It is a hipster bar with fancy cocktails. The only food they have is hot dogs and a few apps. I would suggest checking it out but unless someone else wants to go I probably wouldn't suggest it. read more
Business owner information
Nick C.
We at Room for Improvement would suggest having a better time at our…
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More info about Room for Improvement
41 Wharf St
Portland, ME 04101
Old Port
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https://www.roomforimprovement.me
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