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    Wayside Tavern

    4.7 (103 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    Wayside Tavern Photos

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    WAYSIDE TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate

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    Recommended Reviews - Wayside Tavern

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    Foie gras truffle (did not taste truffle at all)
    Christine L.

    We chose this place based on location of our air bnb. Loved the decor and coziness of the inside. They do have limited hours so plan accordingly. The food, however was a bit disappointing. We got: -truffle foie gras (no taste of truffle at all) -broiled Maine oysters (way too salty) -smash burger (special of the day) (average burger) We wanted to love the food, but it didn't quite meet our expectations.

    Jose V.

    Great find after arriving in Portland. Sat at the bar and had a great conversation with the bartender who gave us great recommendations. Wine recommendation was great. Visited back in July. Food was delicious and we took recommendations from the regulars sitting at the bar. Cool, comfortable vibe. Will definitely go back. Loved the muscles and foie gras truffles.

    Cristina C.

    We were visiting and staying next door. We had a heavy travel day and wanted something easy so we went next door as walk-ins. Although they were not able to accommodate us (Labor Day weekend), we ordered to go. We asked if they could text us when the food was ready since it was going to be 30 mins, they did and boy were we pleased with our choice. The food was delicious and hot. We ordered the cod cheeks, chicory salad, tonnarelli, and pork schnitzel. All was expertly cooked. Plus we were given a sweet note and dessert. The care behind that note took our breath away. We will be back the next time we visit Portland and come with a reservation. Our pictures were not the best because we were hungry and dug in right away. Lol

    clams casino and foie gras balls
    Anne S.

    My visit to Wayside was a few months back when it was warm and my friends and I sat outside--and I definitely want to get back there soon! We indulged with wonderful cocktails, followed by a round of appetizers: clams casino seared off with Pernod, which left this amazing green finish and I dunno what else was in there, but taaaaasty; some foie gras truffle balls that were both decadent and spicy; a gorgeous tuna carpaccio; and a salad of perfectly in-season heirloom tomatoes that were pretty much just drizzled with oil and fancy salt, because they needed nothing else. Oh, and a cabbage salad with a drool-worthy ranch dressing and bacon. Mmmmm. Wine time! Some of the above are on the menu under "snacks" and some under "small plates"--and clearly we were hungry and chowing down, and even considered ordering another round of apps and smalls (which with Wayside's seasonally rotating menu, is always going to offer up several great options). But we were tempted by the "large plates" part of the menu too, and in fact all three of us got the exact same thing: roast chicken. Now, you may be thinking why order chicken at a restaurant?! and usually that's what I think, but OMG this. It's a generous roasted airline breast on earthy toast spread with ricotta and toasted pine nuts (and raisins, which normally I loathe but weren't bothersome). It is INSANELY good. These plates all definitely lived up to their large size, and we had leftovers to take home that I wasn't mad about the next day. On top of the fabulous food and wonderful table outside in the front, our server (whose name I am unfortunately forgetting) was amazing! She knew a ton about the menu and in fact talked us into the chicken when we were all wondering about it. I can't wait to come back to Wayside!

    Jordan K.

    We had a great dinner at the bar despite a wedding taking up 70% of the restaurant that night. The butter beans were unreal. Chicory salad excellent. Pork schnitzel very good. And the pasta was great too. Really nice restaurant with great food.

    Bill
    The D.

    I'm back for a second round on the "Smash Burger" I come to see what's the consistency! Is it the same hit as the last time... I would say no, was it enjoyable... absolutely! This time the onions have changed I can taste a little more acidity in the burger I don't know how to exactly pin point the flavor but it has to be the onions! I now have to come back for the third repeat next week or maybe the week after to see what will it be! The bun is always a simplicity hit don't over complicate a staple being potato or Hawaiian bun this is what makes a smash burger a smash burger! I had the chicory Caesar which was perfectly dressed and a perfect proportion for myself! Stay tuned to see what the next burger will be!!!

    Foie gras truffle
    Meghan B.

    A high end dining experience. I went here with friends for my birthday dinner and every dish was absolutely amazing. I'd highly recommend doing a dinner of small plates and share an entree for a good sample of the menu choices.

    Such a cozy place to dine during a rain shower. This place just has good vibes, overall. Service was perfect. Both cocktails were expertly prepared and garnished by a bartender who obviously cares. Cod cheeks were amazing. Each person needs their own. Maybe two. Lol. Halibut was absolutely divine perfection. Unfortunately, the scallops lacked any sear and were swimming in mayo-ish sauce. Not sure what the concept was supposed to be but they were not for me. I'd skip those if I had a do-over. It was a wonderful dining experience and we were greeted by a rainbow when we left.

    Cucumber with tahini

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    5 months ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thank you, Geoff!!

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    6 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    Siobhan S.

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    7 months ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thanks Jose! We'll look forward to seeing you next time!

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    5 days ago

    Excellent food, high quality of ingredients and inventive takes on classic dishes. Great ambience too.

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    3 months ago

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    Siobhan S.

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    6 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Aww thanks Cristina! We are lucky to have such a thoughtful staff :)

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    5 months ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thank you, Allen! We hope to see you again soon.

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    1 year ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thank you!! We're excited to have you back in soon!

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    7 months ago

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    Siobhan S.

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    27 days ago

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    8 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Menu was very limited and not appealing. Green interior makes food and people look sickly.

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    Siobhan S.

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    10 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thanks Meghan!

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thank you, Jacob! Glad you enjoyed the bar!

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    3 months ago

    Small Portions but tasty. Nice effort to be unique. Next time will get more food. Great service and vibes.

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    Siobhan S.

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    2 years ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thank you, Mikayla!

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    7 months ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thanks Filippo!

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    9 months ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thanks Catie, we'll hope to see you again soon!

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    2 years ago

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    Siobhan S.

    thank you so much for the kind words, Andrew!

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    2 years ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thank you, Sonya! We hope to see you again soon.

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    1 year ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thank you, Heidi!!

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    7 months ago

    Food was amazing and the server was very knowledgeable about the menu, including the wine list.

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    2 years ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thank you, Hannah!!

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    1 year ago

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    Siobhan S.

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    8 months ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thanks Sydney! Cassie is wonderful :)

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    1 year ago

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    Siobhan S.

    We're so glad you enjoyed it!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    Siobhan S.

    Thank you, Anne! We're so happy you paid us a visit!

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Wayside Tavern

    What dish or dishes would you suggest for a semi adventurous 16 year old? I am thinking the default is the steak. My daughter loves most pasta dishes.

    Their current menu has a Tonnarelli pasta dish offering. All of their large plate menu items could be enjoyed by a semi-adventurous eater.

    Do you have gluten free options?

    We do! Some of our dishes are already gluten free and others we are happy to modify to make GF.

    Are there vegetarian options?

    Hi Colleen, Yes! We have plenty of items for vegetarians. More variety in the small plates &… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    My understanding is this is a sister restaurant to scales and fore street. Street & co does not…read morehave the water views like scales but is tucked in this cute cobblestone street and you feel like you are walking into an original historic Portland building. I did a similar meal at street & co as I did scales - oysters and scallops. I enjoyed the scallops slightly better at scales but this was still a win. And the octopus! Don't be afraid of that order, it was outstanding. We also sampled desserts and I was blown away. I wish I could go back more often, another phenomenal meal in Portland.

    What an amazing dinner! Everything was perfect from start to finish…read more The space is beautiful. It's down a cobblestone alleyway, and the interior is cozy and rustic. It feels like a secret, but I know it's not a well kept one! Our server Nico (apologies if I've misspelled that!) was wonderful. He was friendly and helpful when we made our dinner choices. The other servers were also always on top of keeping our table clear and our water filled. The food was absolute perfection. We started with a salad and grilled octopus. The salad was bright and acidic which paired perfectly with the best octopus dish I've had. It was so tender and delicious, I've never had octopus that was that tender. The grilled flavor came through immediately, but never overwhelmed the delicate flavor of the octopus. For mains I had sole francaise and my husband had bone in monkfish. The sole was melt in your mouth good. It was lightly breaded and cooked in a pan with brown butter. It was so toasty and nutty and coated the green beans and simple, but perfect, red potatoes it was served with. My husband's monkfish was fresh and perfectly toothsome, served with fluffy Roman gnocchi and romesco sauce. My only regret is not having enough room for dessert because I'm sure it's incredible as well! I can't wait to return the next time we're in Portland. Just to note: this is one of the least accessibility-friendly areas of the city. The old cobblestone road that it's located on is foot traffic only. The closest approach is if you're dropped off at the end of and it you would still have a short distance to travel. There is a brick footpath on the sides of the cobblestone road that is slightly smoother, but still not ideal. Earlier in the day I was able to navigate the street okay on foot so it will depend on your capabilities. That being said, I took my motorized travel chair down there in the evening and Street and co were happy to let me fold it up and store it near the door.

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    Wayside Tavern - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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