BEST BURGERS EVER, ANYWHERE!!!! I miss this place so much. It opened my eyes to how awesome East Coast beer is. I loved coming here after work, and anytime family was visiting we made a stop. If I ever come back to Portland this will be the FIRST place I stop.
(5)
Bryan S.
How anyone could go to this place and not give it 5 stars is beyond me. The comment about it being the greatest beer bar in New England is pretty accurate. New England has a lot of great local beers, and the Bear carries most of them at one point in time or another. They usually have 30 or more beers on tap and only a small handful are domestic. If you have trouble choosing you can get a rack of beer or buy a few of them by the 3 oz glass. The food is very good and pretty much runs the gamut of what you could expect to find at a casual style place. Even the food menu carries over the lighthearted atmosphere with names for the entrees that will always make you laugh. Very reasonable prices, awesome nachos & burgers and amazing deserts if you can fit it. To put it more succinctly, as a family tradition every year we go out to dinner for our birthdays and pick the place no matter what type of food. I've chosen the Great Lost Bear each of the last 2 years and plan on picking it again this year.
(5)
Matt S.
I ate there 2 nights ago with 3 friends and it was a very cool and laid back atmosphere. The food was very good (Spanokoppitta, fried haddock, turkey melt) and the portions were generous. They have an insane amount of beer on tap as well and the 16oz can specials are hard to beat.
(4)
Rue B.
Excellent beer bar in New England's best brewing city! Good job Portland! Six unique breweries (more than Boston!) in a city of under 70,000 people! Great Lost Bear is a great dark joint, serving beers from all around Maine, that simply aren't available outside state borders. Over 60 taps, nearly all Maine brews, and greasy pub food! You can't go wrong here!
(5)
Karen N.
I used to live there (almost). Great beer menu, wonderful margaritas, and good food. Service tends to be hit-and-miss, though. Don't go if you're on a schedule.
(4)
Catherine S.
My husband and I went here on Saint Paddy's and, surprisingly, it wasn't packed. We went for dinner and were seated immediately. We ordered macaroni and cheese as our appetizer, and it came out still bubbling. One of my biggest pet peeves at a restaurant is when the food isn't HOT. I had to cool it down for several seconds before I could taste it and it was still extremely hot - just the way I like it. We split the buffalo chicken sandwich with fries, and I even put a little more of the Lost Woods hot sauce on my portion. The fries were good, nothing to write home about. Now I can't imagine why someone would go to a place that has over 60 beers on tap and not be able to get something good. I had a Guinness and my man had a Chimay and a Geary. All were outstanding and the perfect accompaniment to dinner.
(4)
Dan L.
Been going here since I was just a cub. The food is good. I usually get a burger, some roughage(salad), and some sort of fried appetizer to share. The prices are a bit higher than I remember, but things change with the times.
(4)
Mehrdad M.
Great juicy burgers. Among the best in Maine. The atmosphere is great too.
(4)
G S.
They have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options, but I wasn't really that impressed with the food or the service. Maybe I'm holding it personally responsible for the fact that I had to wear a sweater in the middle of July in Portland. No one should ever have to wear a sweater in July. T on the other hand swears by this place and can't believe I'm only giving it 3 stars.
(3)
Yours Truly B.
this review is strictly on the beer selection. one of the most amazing beer menus i've ever seen with an incredible variety! and the next time I venture to maine i'm going and getting one of those huge table top dispensers filled with goodness!
(5)
Stephanie B.
Oh.my .Goddddd. I went here last week after brewery hopping and was supposed to continue to other local bars, but didn't want to leave once I found this place. Locals bar, amaaaazing beer selection. Amazing. Started out with the beer sampler, which is always a find. Soooo cheap for this awesome beer. Moved on to the seasonal harvest beer I liked the best mixed with a shot of vanilla vodka soooo good. Last, but not least are the wings. Dear God, the wings. I'm always in search of amazing wings and have been thinking about these ones all week. Haha. Got the plain wings with ranch on the side. Meaty, crispy to the point of perfection.... Like they had the bird out back and just made it into amazingness. GO TO THIS BAR. Realllllly wish I was closer
(5)
Erik P.
Took a trip to Portland to visit the Allagash brewery and stopped here afterward. Was suitably wowed by the huge beer list and i definitely enjoyed the 2 beers i chose. The food menu looked extensive but all i had was a plate of wings(which were pretty good), but with all the great food destinations in Portland i can't see coming here to have a full meal. Definitely worth checking out if your a beer fan, especially for the nice selection of local brews!
(4)
Evan L.
Think T. G. I. Friday's minus the nauseating corporate standardization. Unusually extensive pub menu with something to offer for everyone: vegetarian, beer-lover, hamburger and steak, down to Spanikopita and creative dessert specials. Lots of personality and a very laid-back and fun but not syrupy atmosphere. I wouldn't eat it every day but it's a nice diversion every so often.
(4)
Bob H.
This place is the place to come for great, if artery-busting, entrees and an extensive selection of beer on tap. I've been to a lot of college-hangout bars around the country, and USM folks definitely have one of the best. Burgers are hand-formed and large, nachos mountainous, and the chili is phenomenal. It's veggie friendly without losing sight of the core pub-style menu. You will have a hard time deciding what to order from the menu that provides old standbys, but also some interesting twists such as a unique cheese spread. It's not too expensive, either. Service isn't exactly first rate but you don't expect that at a place like this.
(4)
Robert F.
BEST Beer Selection anywhere in Northern New England. Staff is awesome and food is average to below average. But if you're going to Portland seek this place out as it gets a great crowd. So many beers, so little time!
(5)
Mike D.
Maybe could have been a 5 star if the service wasn't so slow. Our group had loads of time on our hands, so slow service wasn't a big deal. You'd think sitting at the bar would get you better service though. My taco elsalada was incredible. This place definitely has a great local feel to it.
(4)
Roy M.
We stopped for lunch based upon Yelp reviews, and therefore feel a need to share what we experienced. Visually it is a pleasant living relic of another time period, and if all you want to consume is beer it is also great (even though they were out of many beers when we were there). And I assume it is a a friendly scene when when crowded. But I would strongly advise you to not eat the food. And I am giving it one star because they seem to think they are a restaurant, not a bar. The salad tasted like it was artificial, the fish sandwich tasted processed like it was at a fast food chain, the french fries were cold, greasy, limp, and processed. But we found after suffering though as much of it we could eat both of us ended up with messed up stomachs. Our sense was that not only do they serve lifeless, soulless food, they also don't make sure it is fresh and safe. I would strongly advise anyone to drink, not eat here.
(1)
Esther P.
Went for drinks/dinner with my brother. Ordered veggie nachos as an appetizer- we couldn't finish them for fear of not having room for the main course! They were AMAZING - I love it when all chips are covered equally with cheese. I ordered the spanakopita and fries, which were also very yummy. My brother had a sandwich and a side salad. Very good. The waiter was attentive and very polite. Drinks were ordered and promptly brought to our table. I was impressed and happy to have dinner here!
(4)
Joe F.
Stopped in thinking this was just a bar. My 5 stars is based off this bring a bar. It's also a restaurant. This place is on the list from All About Bert as one of the 125 places to have a beer before you die. I've been to many on the list. This place jumped to the top of my list to visit again. They have a great selection of beer many of them from Maine. Fresh beer just tastes better than those who traveled long distances. It was a quick stop had a stout and a hoppy beer. Both great. The atmosphere is really casual but centered around beer. I really liked it. If you are around Portland, stop. It's worth the visit.
(5)
John T.
My GF and I went Sunday afternoon. The decor looked like it was forty years old. Our server came over and asked if we wanted a drink. We said we didn't decide yet. They had a large beer list. He came back with water. Then took the table behind us who came in after us. He took they're drink order and food order before he came back and asked about our drinks. We both got a burger. They're specialty! My GF ordered hers medium. Hers came out OK. She liked it. I ordered mine medium rare. Mine came out well done! I have to learn to start sending things back. But then the person your eating with is waiting for your meal to come back! I would never go back to this place!
(1)
David T.
I am the type of customer that likes to order from a place of panic. By that, I mean I want to have so many choices that I have to just pick at random and hope for the best. At most restaurants I only have to do that with beer or entrees, here I got to do that with both. I had the Not your Dad's root beer and the mother and child reunion and was blown away by the food and the beer. Looking foward to getting back to Portland to try this place again.
(4)
Cameron R.
Restaurants like The Great Lost Bear can be hit-or-miss from my experience. But in this case, they were a hit. We went here for a late lunch while in the area. They have a parking lot to the side of the building, which is nice and convenient. They also boast a ridiculous number of taps and brews on draft. 70-something I think? Most of their beers are from Maine, so as an out of state-r it was awesome to try different Maine brews, especially ones we can't find in NY. I went with a Foundation Brewing beer and was not disappointed. The beer selection is awesome and well organized by beer type. The menu is large, and has a lot of options. I decided to go for the Lewiston Cheesesteak, which had a nice herbed cheese spread rather than nasty cheese whiz. I thought it was tender, juicy, and very delicious. The fries were good too despite being your typical steak cut fries. Two of the patrons I was with ordered the Mac and Cheese and were very satisfied. I took a bite and was happy that it was actually cheesy and gooey, unlike other mac and cheeses. My fiance also got the chili, which appears to have won some awards. The chili boasts being spicy, and it actually was! My fiance loved it, and he always complains that spicy foods usually aren't spicy enough. Overall, we had a great meal. The excellent beer selection paired with delicious food made for an awesome experience.
(5)
Claudio C.
I enjoy the GLB about four times a year. It's a quintessential beer pub. Yesterday, there were 79 beers on tap. If you like artisan beer with some pub food...this is your spot. My advise would be to sit at the bar, as the table service can be spotty. The menu is varied, with lots of sandwich, burger, and salad choices. I'm a fan of their wings....my way is plain fried, with ranch and blue cheese dipping sauce on the side. Ample portion, with crispy outsides and juicy, yet coked on the inside. The burgers are 1/2 lb. with about a dozen menu choices. If you like a medium rare burger, order it rare...as they tend to overcook them. Another favorite of mine is The Mother and Child Reunion....a spicy chicken sandwich with bacon and a fried egg....delicious. The fries are hand cut chip style, but I like them. They are semi thick, always hot, and texturally solid. Decent atmosphere...no tvs....and parking can be a bit of a cluster as their lot is small, and parking near the front on Forest Ave. is always taken. Their menu is basically unchanged for 20 plus years....which is good, as it's a testament to their longevity, but that said, I'd like to see some new fresh variety....a great ahi tuna fish taco would be a good start. Overall...solid...4 stars....recommend
(4)
Nicole O.
This place has been around forever, and with good reason. The food is always fantastic. The beer list is long and varied. It's a great place to take friends. I love the nachos with chili, and the buffalo chicken wrap!
(4)
Franklin M.
Old school restaurant since 1979. This place rocks with atmosphere and drink selection. We met up with a group of 13 people and they had plenty of room for us, we did reserve a table in advance. The beer hit the spot and my Bejesus Burger I ordered was huge but okay in taste, I've had a better similar burger at Grill em All in Los Angeles CA. My teen daughter and friend ordered some kids meals and they loved it.
(5)
Mary G.
My husband and I came here after one of his softball games. I have been here before maybe a year or two ago after work and all I could remember from my last visit was that the service was terrible. Well, nothing has changed. It took the bartender maybe 10 minutes to wait on us, and the bar wasn't even half full! I am only talking about the counter space, but all but one of the surrounding tables were also empty. I don't know where they were but they weren't just busy pouring drinks behind the bar; they were no where to be found. Eventually the man with the glasses and baseball cap got us drinks. The drinks were fine. However he never offered us food menus. We looked around the bar and eventually had to go the hostess to get food menus. I was a wires through college, so trust me I try to avoid being one of those patrons, but this night I was. This bartender even made a comment, "You know if it wasn't pouring and shitty out, we might actually have customers." Well, I hate to break it to you sir, but you did have customers. This gentleman has a red cap and glasses. It seemed that the women also tending the bar with tattoos on her upper right arms was not half as terrible. And he never checked back on us. In fact we had to ask her for extra napkins. She was very quick and very kind. The food and atmosphere however, we're saving graces. I got a fried chicken burger and it was phanomenal, really worth the cost. And boy did they fill up the rest of my plate with their round cut fries. It was a very full in meal. My husband got a bacon cheese burger that was equally delicious and fulling. And the food came out very promptly (after ordering). All in all, dine at your own risk. If you were never a waitress I am sure terrible staff is not as great as a concern and can be overlooked to their fantastic food.
(2)
Sarah W.
I want to love this Portland institution so much more than I do. All 3 stars are for the bar: bartenders, selection, space, and ambiance all intact and excellent. But what on Earth has happened to the table service and the food? On a lazy Saturday we waited interminably for every stage of service in the dining room. Food was OK but just OK. My burger was overcooked past the temperature I requested. Even so I have had a couple of later dinners at the bar since, and they are just lackluster. Inedibly tough beef in a fajita. Chicken pot pie special still slightly frozen in the middle. Really amateur bungles. There is a confluence of cheap ingredients and lazy or inept BOH in my opinion. It may be time to shrink the iconically long menu or shake up the management. I, for one, will be skipping the chow hereafter.
(3)
Shannon H.
Do not order anything with crab! Had the crab roll and my boyfriend had the crab grill cheese...tasted like tuna fish mixed with cat food. So disgusting. Vegan chili bland,service rotten...15 minutes before anyone came to our table. Beer was good, that's about it.
(1)
Natasja G.
Food was good. Nachos could have used a bit more spice but that's a personal preference.
(3)
Courtney C.
The Great Lost Bear is one of the places I will go to once in a great while when I want some drinks, possibly dinner, and don't feel like drudging down to the old port. In a perfect yelp world I could give this place 2.5 stars because that more accurately depicts my feelings for this place. I've been here many times over the past 5 years because of the close proximity to my house, although more times than not I leave feeling like I should have spent my money elsewhere. Like many reviews before me state, the food is just okay. The prices are reasonable though. Just don't expect to be blown away by taste or high quality. What really brings down the stars for me is the service here. It is consistently slow and sometimes friendly, sometimes I feel like an annoyance. Yesterday I came in and sat down at the bar. There were only 4-5 other people there at the time. I ordered a steak and cheese sandwich and a Mikes hard lemonade in the bottle. The meal came out in a reasonable amount of time and it tasted fine. The problem was that I had one sip left of my drink as she was putting my meal down. The entire time I was eating I had an empty drink in front of me. Not good when you're eating a salty steak sandwich and fries! I had finished my meal and stared at the bartender while she walked past me a dozen times for about another 15 minutes before she came over and asked me if I wanted another drink. At that point I just asked for some ice water and the check. If she had been attentive to me I would have ordered one probably two more drinks in the time it took me to eat my meal, and if the service was better I might have hung around longer than the time it took me to eat my meal.
(2)
Shane L.
I have totally mixed feeling about this place. I had heard pretty good things about the beer selection and it did not disappoint in that area. There was a menu that was chocked full of all types of microbrews, domestic brews and was cold and delicious. Now to the food. The two times that I have been here in the past two weeks, both times the food was just ok. One time I dove into the burger and although I dont think that you can go wrong with a burger with a fried egg on top but it was cooked perfectly to my liking but was a little dry. The next time, I had the asian spice wings and they were not very good at all. The full sized wings were cool where the sauce almost had a chilled gelatinous feel to it and really turned off from the taste of the wings in general. The party I was with also had various complaints about the food although the healthy sized portions were good for a hungry bunch. The service was also something that was not was not great. After our first round of beers that we got, our glasses were bone dry and were waiting forever to get a refill on our beverages even having the waitress zip right past us fast and furious style without even checking in on us. I think that there are many places downtown to grab a good burger and a beer with much better and attentive service and although this was on Forest away from the tough parking area of downtown, it would have been much more worth it to go there to have a good experience. And the parking is horrible with a lot of about 10 parking spaces so look for a street spot if you are heading to this place. I dont think that i will be coming back here anytime soon.
(2)
Shannon S.
The beer selection receives 5 stars; there are always great craft brews on here. And I'd even give an extra star for letting one create his or her own sampler. However, I feel the food and service are inconsistent. I've sat in the bar area once with my family and waited 15 minutes to be greeted by our server and another 35 minutes to receive our food. The food was good, but some items better than others (pulled pork nachos are aces.) The most recent time we went, our server took away my husbands plate (with half a burger and mountain of fries on it) and tossed it rather than boxing it up. She felt awful and offered us dessert on her, but he was still pretty bummed about it. All in all, it's definitely the beer that will keep us coming back when we are in the area and I don't think this place tries to be anything it's not. It's comfortable, laid back (maybe too much so) and always worth it if we aren't in a rush.
(3)
Josh M.
Everyone sees GLB as a Portland staple, which it is, even though it's a bit overrated. It's easy, affordable, can be a place to have a nice date or a family gathering. It's as accessible as it is accommodating. The food is good but rarely great and the staff is alright but rarely good. The chili is worth a try.
(3)
chad b.
Good food. Okay service. My boyfriend loves it here so it's absolutely on the go to list. Fried veggies are a favorite!
(4)
Tony W.
My hand trembled a bit while deciding between a 3- or 4-star rating for The Great Lost Bear. I ultimately feel like this place is 3.5 stars, but I'll give them a bump up based on all the good times and memories this place has been an important part of throughout the last decade. Generally, this is a GREAT beer pub with an OUTSTANDING collection of taps just a little bit removed from the Old Port, which really makes this a locals hangout even during the summer. The vintage Maine/beer/road sign/poster decorations and the lighting give it a nice cozy vibe - especially in the back beyond the bar. During the summer it's got a nice (but small) beer garden. Back in the day, TGLB began supporting and promoting the craft beer movement even before there was a craft beer movement. I really believe that Portland has such a vibrant beer scene today because of places like this that prioritized local beers and gave fledgling brewers a reliable distribution outlet. During college, my friends and I started coming here about two nights a week (one of them being 'tall for small' night), and it essentially became the hangout. All the variety really opened me to the idea that it takes more than a floating lime to make a beer good - probably one of the best lessons I ever learned during college! Because of the depth and breadth of their beer menu, I was able to identify styles of beer and breweries that I liked, as well as the ones to avoid. Unfortunately, I'll forever be a beer snob because of this experience. The menu is also vast, which is probably a good thing based on the number of times I've frequented the place. And for the most part, their food is really good. I'd especially like to give shout-outs to the wings (DO YOU FIND YOUR CHICKENS WITH WINGS THAT BIG HANGING OUT AROUND POWER PLANTS?), their chili nachos, their thai roll-ups, and their burgers. Also a special condiment shout-out to their honey mustard of choice - Nance's. I can't tell you how many bottles of this we 'borrowed' during my college days. It's a fine sauce, and it goes well on everything. Even in the privacy of your own apartment. While this sounds like the beginning of a glowing 5- star review, there's a major deficiency that has haunted this place for as long as I can remember: THE SERVICE. I've been coming here since the late-'90's and the service has always been pretty terrible. You might get one good server every few visits, but trust me when I say that getting good table or bar service here is like catching a glimpse of Bigfoot disappearing into the woods - you may never experience it again, and even what you did experience you'll begin to doubt. When you visit this place, you have an 80% chance of one of the following happening: - You will wait to be seated an unusually long time (sometimes while observing many empty tables throughout the restaurant) - Your server takes unusually long to visit your table after you are seated to take your beer order - Your server takes unusually long to bring over your beer order - Your server forgets to put in your beer order - Your server forgets which beers you ordered, and comes back to double-check five minutes later - Your server forgets about you and you need to aggressively flag him/her down to get a second beer - Your server assumes you are only getting beers, and you need to aggressively flag him/her down to place an order - Your food takes an unusually long time to come out Dear The Great Lost Bear, please take your servers to a retreat, do some ice breakers, ropes courses and trust falls AND TEACH YOUR SERVERS TO SERVE. Also, if nothing else, REMEMBER THIS TIP: Always, always, always, have a backup beer in mind and ready to be ordered. On any given night, there is about a 65% chance that TGLB will have already kicked the keg of your first beer of choice from the menu. Unfortunately the beer menus are updated only once a week, so popular beers on short supply will go fast. With a little expectation management you can overcome this setback. TIP #2: Don't wait to be seated in the dining area. Just walk to one of the tables beyond the bar and sit down.
(4)
Chris P.
This bar serves some great food but can be hit or miss. The burgers are spot on and I would be happy getting one every time, but other things like the "fajitas" (quesadilla) could be better like if the veggies were smaller or less of them inside. Dessert here was great, the cake in a jar can't be missed!
(4)
Lindsay M.
Great spot in the city of Portland! Tons of Maine-ish memorabilia scattered around the restaurant, pretty cozy & warm place to eat. The waitress was an older woman who seemed a little frazzled with some items on the menu, but she was friendly and nice. I ordered the tuna steak burger and was in loveeee! I've never had a tuna burger cooked so well that is tasted almost like chicken! (i'm a pescetarian hah) It came with "potato fries" that needed a bit of salt but other than that it was very satisfying! I was shocked at how many vegetarian/gluten-free options there were! I got an Allagash with the meal and it was superb. Whenever I'm in Portland again, this is definitely where I'm headed!
(4)
Monica L.
You can get a giant tower of beer which is awesome for big groups, or you and another person if you're feeling adventurous! They also have a huge menu. The nachos are done right - big, messy, and cheesey. My boyfriend got wings recently and he really liked the sauce, but they come whole, which he didn't really like. Happy hour is a $2.99 special which changes everyday.
(4)
Stella P.
Came here with a group of 5 for dinner on a Saturday evening. Parking was easy in the restaurant's lot and we were seated right away. I ordered the PB&J wings (one of the specials that evening) - it was a delicious combo of the Thai Chili wings and Peanut Sauce wings. I ordered the smaller portion ($8) but you could also get 2lbs (double the wings) for $14. I also got a mini salad with the cucumber wasabi dressing which was super good. The whole meal was delicious and very filling. They have a big beer list with tons of local beers on tap. I got the beer of the night, shipyard gingerhead, on special for $3/pint. Our server was great and very nice about splitting checks.
(5)
Krista L.
Do you find yourself wondering how to please a picky friend? Do you have a friend who wants to try every beer on the menu? Do you have a large group and need to find a place to please all? Do you love Pub food? If you have answered yes to one or any of these questions, then you are in luck, The Great Lost Bear is your choice for the night! With their expansive menu and huge selection of beers you can't really go wrong. As frequent customers of the "Bear" we have our favorites. I drool over the cheesy goodness of their nachos and my significant other would bathe in their chicken wings if he could. The chicken sandwiches are huge and always juicy, the burgers are filling and delicious and the fried veggies make you question if you can pretend they are good for you! You are also lucky enough to stuble upon a large selection of rotating taps at the bar. They have paddles of beer where you can try samples of as many as you want (2-5 per paddle) and that even include the Beligium beer (It costs a bit more, but its always good). They always have an array of Maine made beers, which is perfect if you want a visiting friend to try something new and local, or if you have been dying to try that new seasonal beer your favorite brewer put out. From experience, this bar helped my significant other really find the type of beer he loves but has also opened him up to trying new things. They also have "Talls for Smalls" (on most beers) on Monday and Tuesday nights and a showcase night every Thursday (cheaper beers, prizes and fun!)! So next time you are sitting around and can't agree on if you want fajitas, or a burger, or a tuna melt, head over to the Great Lost Bear. Expand your horizons, you never know, you might find a new "spot"!
(4)
Michelle L.
A beer lover's Mecca. The Great Lost Bear has taps for miles. A new craft brewery opens in Maine basically once a month. Who can keep up? Well, if you want to try, The Great Lost Bear is the place for you. Any local beer you could desire is available, and various imports and craft brews from around the country join their ranks. I struggle every time I come here to decide what to order. Something familiar that I know I'll enjoy? Or something new and strange? To accompany the beer, there is a varied menu that mixes typical bar food with weird Thai influences. The food here is...not healthy. But assuming you're ok with that, they serve some damn delicious things. Now I only wish there were more parking options or better public transportation access from the peninsula.
(4)
Maura Q.
The only reason my boyfriend and I went in was because we had received a gift card. I had heard that the food wasn't that great, but figured we'd try for ourselves. The atmosphere was relaxing and neighborhood-like. The service was horrible. We were sitting at our table after the hostess sat us for at least 10 minutes before the waiter came over to greet us. He took our drink orders and was off on his way. I ordered an angry orchard on tap and my boyfriend ordered a bud light. After delivering our drinks he still didn't take our food order & the cider was warm (not crisp and cold). A little while later he finally took our food order. We ordered chicken nachos as an appetizer (heard they were good) and then each ordered a dinner. The menu was extensive and offered a lot of choices from chicken to vegetarian options. Our food came out, but not the nachos. The waiter must have completely forgotten to put the order in. By that time, we didn't even want the nachos, so we said nothing. The steak & cheese I ordered was dry and the cheese sauce was not good. The meat didn't have very good flavor either. The fries were not very good and were soggy. The burger my boyfriend ordered was better than my steak and cheese, but nothing amazing. In the end our three drinks and two dinners were $40, which I think was way too much for the quality of the food and the service. I probably won't be going back again unless it's for drinks during happy hour.
(2)
Meli L.
I've dined at Great Lost Bear twice -- first time felt like typical pub food and service was pretty slow (this was on a Sunday for lunch). Next time I went was a Monday for dinner, I had the fish and chips and it was fabulous, my dining partners and I were raving about it days later. The fish was 5 very decent size 'sticks' - the breading was great, not too heavy or greasy. Our waitress was very knowledgable and service was much quicker than my previous visit.
(4)
Kim O.
Sit in the bar, it's less noisy and the service is better. My neighborhood go-to for a ditty martini and quick dinner. Quirky and fun, ain't the Ritz by a long shot but decent all around.
(4)
Stephen C.
Didn't eat there or drink there. Took some nachos to go. Nachos were enormous!!! But dry and lacked flavor. If the rest of the food is like that I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Helen H.
The Almighty Cheesus Burger was mighty alright! A 1/2 pound certified Angus beef in-between two grilled cheese sandwiches ($13.99) and you can add in bacon and an egg for a little extra ($15.99 total). It was absolutely delicious! I couldn't finish it though, so that was very sad. TERIYAKI MUSHROOM - delicious as well! MAC N CHEESE - standard. You can't really go wrong with mac right? DESSERT - I don't remember what it's called exactly but it's chocolate brownie with whip cream in a cute mason jar! absolutely delicious! It's a pretty busy restaurant for Portland but seating shouldn't be too big of an issue. It is usually rather loud so plan on projecting your voice a bit. It's not obnoxiously loud or anything so don't worry about it.
(4)
Fred B.
This place is AWESOME! The food was great, the waitress acted like she really wanted to be there and the beer selection is incredible. I have been eating fried fish for 35 years and I can honestly say this was the best fried haddock I have ever tasted. It was so fresh, it could have just been caught before they cooked it. We were in Maine for 5 days and really wanted to go back for a second dinner but there are so many places to try. This one is on the must hit list for me.
(5)
Royal B.
Cleanliness 3 Service 3 Food 4 Likelihood 4 OVERALL 3.5 We are from Omaha and are visiting our family. They decided to come here for lunch. We waiting a very long time for the host to arrive all the time several employee walked passed us standing in foyer. I was starting to walk into kitchen to find someone when a hostess appeared. The server came to our table shortly after being seated and returned quickly with our drinks and was ready for our order. I ordered iced tea and iced water and advised her I drink a lot of both. Both of my beverages where bone dry when she arrived at the table and asked if I wanted them refilled (YES! My meal has not be served yet!) The 4 other times they were refilled she asked each time as well. The food was hot, fresh, and tasty. Good job. Probably a place we would try again if we lived there, or returned.
(3)
Gautam G.
We stopped by here while visiting Portland. Easy to find places to park right on the street. Great service and nice ambience. We went in the afternoon on a weekend and it was packed. Extensive options on the menu. Wings portion size is humongous. Food was good and we enjoyed it. Would recommend a try!
(4)
Rebecca G.
Went here from a friends family recommendation for good beer. At first we thought maybe it was a biker bar from the outside , and though there was a few bikers there ( one with an awesome Mohawk might I add!) the crowd was a mix of family's with small kids to adults to grandparents. The waiter helped us with our beer tasting choices and was very knowledgable with the entire selection. Aside from the beer flight we got the PB&J wings since they sounded interesting. The flavor was ok and the wings are large (you get the wing and drumstick attached) so once you figure out how to tackle it your good to go! Overall good experience and would recommend to anyone looking for good beer in that area!
(4)
Robert O.
Stopped in today for lunch and tried the patty melt. It was out of this world. Perfect crunch and plenty of oozing cheese. My taste buds were in heaven. I recommend this place to everyone.
(5)
Marlene M.
I haven't been here I a long time when my brother suggested it for dinner on our visit to Portland. Sad to say that it's gone down hill. We remember the cheese sauce so fondly so three of us ordered it on some portion of our plate. It came out curdled-looking and tasteless. My sister in law had the cheese steak with coleslaw and disliked the whole plate. The only good thing I can say is that the entire staff was friendly and helpful. I don't think we'll be going again.
(2)
Brett F.
I used to hate this bar. I really did. How dare they have such terrible service, they're not even in the Old Port! And crappy food with rumors of the dirtiest kitchen ever seen. I refused to go. Something happened this past year. Magically the service is great, even at the tables (locals used to know to only sit at the bar). It's still a hopping restaurant that's crowded at all hours, but there isn't the snotty server attitude. The food has also taken leaps. Tonight, my friend and I split a Cajun Steak sandwich. Without any request, they brought the meal out on two plates, with a full order of their delicious fried potatoes on each. The steak was moist and tender and slathered in cheese and veggies. After liberal use of the local Lost Woods sauce, it was a revelation. Great Lost Bear has the second most beers on tap in Portland after Navare Res, and many more on bottle. There's something for everyone, including less common beers, and they have great specials every weeknight. The food menu might be 10 pages long and filled with everything imaginable. If you're on a diet, I hope it was good while it lasted. I've really enjoyed this bar recently. One of the largest beer selections in the state, fair prices, solid food and finally good service. Outside of the Old Port, this and Samuels are my go-to casual picks.
(4)
Ian E.
The Great Lost Bear has a great menu of food and beer. The bayou burger is my favorite burger and has been for about the last 20 years. The French onion soup is delicious and has again been my favorite for at least 20 years running. The mother and child reunion is my favorite sandwich. I recommend trying their hell fire sauce if you really enjoy spicy food. If you stop in for a beer, make sure you try a Bissell Brothers brew.
(4)
Shayla H.
Today's lunch was bullshit. The office decided to order out today and we were quite excited for it. We all want a do-over. Talk about unappetizing. Buffalo chicken fingers were burnt, ridiculously greasy and bordering on inedible. Particularly for the price, it will be difficult to get over and return anytime soon.
(2)
Benjamin M.
It was ok. I went with my cousin becuAse we heard it was good. The atmosphere seems like it can be fun, there was a good beer selection and the food was good. This place was nothing special. I would come back if it stays consistent. Fish and chips were good but the wings were pretty bad and dry. Next time I'm trying the nachos. They looked good.
(3)
Krizmn K.
Awesome place. Family friendly till 7, great bar at night, relaxing outdoor area during the day. Never had a bad experience. This place is a true representation of a Maine bar/pub/restaurant. Gorge on obscenely unhealthy tasty food. Nibble on deep fried veggies. Crunch on a salad. Drink till you vomit. This place has it all. If you like Run of the Mill in Saco, you will probably like this. Ps I did whip-its at this place. They left the whip cream canister next to my table and it was my birthday! :-)
(4)
Robert D.
The beer selection is great, the food is fine, but the customer service was really poor. Maybe I just had a waiter on a bad day, but our experience was below average. First weird thing: I ask for a Maine beer recommendation and he suggests something from Vermont. OK, not the worst, but ummm errr? The waiter never came by once our food to check on us or see if we wanted another round of drinks. We had money to spend, Lost Bear, but no one to take it! After our meal was finished and we were ready to go, we waited about 15 minutes with no sign of our waiter. We finally tracked down another server and asked if she could find our guy, and it took another 10 minutes before he finally arrived. I know restaurants get busy, and people have bad days. I'm not expecting to have a waiter stop by all the time but waiting almost 30 minutes after our meal to get our check and never being checked in results in my low rating. Maybe sitting at the bar gives you better service?
(2)
Mike D.
This is one of our favorite bars in one of our favorite cities. The Great Lost Bear offers up an enormous menu full of great options. The beer selection is one of the largest in Portland and have options that are local and imported. There are always beers on special as well. I've had the wings twice and they are huge. The give you the whole wing section and the sauce is great. I've had the fish and chips which were good but not the best that you can find in Portland, again though, massive portions at reasonable prices. My wife had a vegetarian quesadilla thing that was heavy on the onions but other then that we have enjoyed our meals each time we went there. The dessert might be the best part. They serve a delicious treat in a mason jar with chocolate cake, ice cream, whipped cream, etc. This place is the real deal, kid friendly, safe and affordable.
(4)
Bill T.
Review 800! I wanted a special place for this review and GLB is a special place. Reading about it in the books of John Connolly, I always wanted to go here. When fate offered me the opportunity to visit Portland, I grabbed it. Nay, I embraced it firmly with both arms and a pat on the back. Everyone in the place is amazingly friendly. There are a lot of little coves and nooks that are great for quiet conversations or plotting a murder. Their beer selection is exceptional. I had a flight with a variety of tasty libations. I can't wax quite as poetic on the food. Nachos were a standout, burgers were well received and the toll house cookie sundae was coma-inducing, in a good way. However, the bear fries were limp discs of potatoes lacking flavor, zest and verve. The boneless wings were exceptionally poor..tasting like something a busy, yet sexy, suburban mom pulled out of the freezer and popped in the microwave to satisfy the appetite of her three exasperating, yet lovable, teens. They were pretty awful...I didn't even finish mine and if you've ever seen me eat chicken wings of any ilk, you know I subscribe to the theory of "no wing left behind". However, that minor road bump couldn't tarnish the patina of awesomeness that shines from the GLB. To let you know how much I liked it, I bought a t-shirt. I hope to return another day.
(4)
Allan S.
Nice, fun blue-collar bar ambiance. Prompt friendly service. Expansive (70 varieties!) selection of beers and large menu (although no onion rings .. really?) Sadly, I didn't care for the cuisine. The wings appetizers tasted slightly sweet and weren't spicy even though we ordered medium. The house hot sauce didn't make the wings any spicier. For the entree my wife and I shared a regular burger and the fried fish plate which we were told was the house specialty. The burger was nothing special .. undersized and not a lot of flavor. The fried fish was tasteless and the bread crumb batter over fried (although not dry .. wonder how they did that ... frying at too high a temperature?) The fries accompaniment (slices not strings) weren't crispy. In any case, a fun place to visit with friends especially if you are into beer.
(3)
Jacob L.
A fun dive bar. Lots of beers with very cheap beer flights available. Huge food selection most of which is decent (better than your typical dive bar but certainly not mind-blowing). I'm a pretty big fan of the nachos myself. I'd avoid the French fries as they are actually thick slices of potato rounds that are fried.
(4)
Ashley T.
After some recommendations we went to this place late at night (After Nine) and we had food and beer. The beer selection was pretty good but the food was terrible. Plus it was pricey. I had the veggie melt and was wishing for something less greasy! It kind of smelled musty in the restaurant as well. The place itself was kind of cool. But I would never go back for food again.
(2)
Staci H.
The great lost bear is one of my favorite places to visit in town. They have so many choices, lots of yummy food, unique beers and fabulous mixed drinks. I have never had a bad meal, however the three star rating is due to the slowness of the restaurant, you need to have plenty of time when visiting. The bar is the quickest! Tip-when ordering a bomb make sure you tell the you do not want it made as a mixed drink.
(3)
Bill S.
Great place to drink and sample a variety of brews- Monday and Tuesday 's tall's for small ' s deal are worth the trip! If you looking for food- might want to look elsewhere- Menu looks good lots of choices........ but the wait staff and service is horribly slow and forgetful! Not to mention apathetic- and flippant! - food is not that impressive either- tasteless - and do to the wait staff - generally served colder then it should be. But again - for beer- & -drinks.... worth the trip!
(3)
Nat S.
This place has an extensive draft beer list. When we went they were out of the first couple things I ordered. Beer could have been a bit fresher, but it happens with that many taps sometimes. They often have live music.
(4)
Sean T.
Excellent beer selections on tap. This is a vibrant yet low key place. Lots of table seating and a good sized bar area. Highly recommended
(5)
Flora F.
The name of this place has been enticing me since I moved to Portland a couple of weeks ago. When I finally stopped by today I found that it's a beer-and-burger joint, the kind with a lot of etched glass and vintage signs on the walls. It's good as those places go, but it's not the mystical fusion of hipster-backwoods decor (birch bark and taxidermy on the walls, punched-tin "starlit" ceiling) and Maine-native ingredients fashionably presented (crushed freeze-dried blueberries, moosemeat charcuterie, fiddlehead poutine topped with lobster "caviar") that the name had conjured up in my mind. I had an Angry Orchard cider and two side dishes, the mac-n-cheese and the teriyaki grilled mushrooms. The mac-n-cheese was creamy but bland, not really worth the calories in spite of the breadcrumbs. The mushrooms were good on their own, with plenty of smoky umami flavor, and didn't really need the creamy Parmesan-peppercorn dressing, but I went there anyway... and the two together were a force of nature. Service was extremely fast and helpful. The burgers look good, and they are certainly myriad, whether the traditional meaty kind or the veggie alternative. If I hadn't been there specifically to address a mac-n-cheese craving I would have wanted one. Next time!
(3)
Jared S.
Loved this place. Wish there was one where we lived. Feel of a local's favorite, but with open arms to thirsty travelers. Pub-like. Drink specials every night. Amazing menu with way too much to choose from. I had the fish and chips, local haddock (never frozen) procured from the docks on a daily basis. Words can't describe the bliss. My wife had the made-in-house veggie burger and gave a strong report. Which means a lot, she has sampled veggie burgers from across the globe, and is really a bit of a veggie burger connoisseur. People watching was an A+. Sat next to a couple of old dude locals that talked endlessly about their gardens and heirloom tomatoes. Which was interesting, being gardeners ourselves. My wife wanted to join the conversation at the juncture where they began to discuss the appropriate time to harvest yard dandelions for consumption, but held back cause the timing just didn't feel right. Maybe next time. We love Portland, and DEFINITELY will be back next time we are in town!
(5)
Heather G.
Great Lost Bear has a lot of beer options and the food is ok. Staff are great with helping support local film makers but not super great as waitstaff. It's alright.
(3)
Courty C.
If you are looking for unhealthy food shelter, this is your haven. Menu subtitles include: nachos, wings, burgers, cheesesteaks, burritos. Yes, the fact it's a subtitle means there is not only one choice of burger or nacho, there is a WHOLE SECTION! Even though there's a section called "not so fat city," seriously, DO NOT COME HERE ON A DIET. Just don't torture yourself like that. A few stars are taken off because despite the impressive 40 tap selection, the first 4 (yes 4) beers my boyfriend ordered were on the menu, yet the keg had kicked. I don't blame The Great Lost Bear for that deliciously curated beer being consumed, but it would be great for its patrons to keep the menu up to date.
(3)
Giovanni M.
I was in town for a travel shoot, and covered the location based on their beer selection---which, I found to be exceptional! I went back for dinner two nights after the shoot, just to indulge in the rare and interesting beers available. The Almighty Cheesus Burger. I have to be honest---I ate it two nights in a row. Grilled Cheese sandwiches as the buns surrounding a giant cheeseburger. I still can't believe I finished it twice. I was at the bar both times after the shoot, so I can't speak to service on the floor. The bartenders that took care of me were friendly, helpful if I needed it.
(4)
Christopher S.
My son has been here a couple of times and loves it. My wife wanted to come and try it. Tue greeter was a little impersonal and droney, our server was a little quiet and introverted he was nice and attentive and seem to open up at the end, probably just a little tired (they were very busy) We both got steak sandwiches. The steak was a bit over cooked in both, the cheese sauce is a cross between ricotta and cream cheese which I am not a fan of but others may like it, I prefer melted swiss or such, just my preference. over all the sandwich was dry. The sliced fries were good cooked perfectly. My wife had similar feelings about her sandwich as well. However, we will come back and try other things on the menu that looked good.
(3)
Sam B.
I used to be a wing-hater. I'd turn my snobby little nose up at that florescent orange sauce, those sticky, dripping fingers, those mouths covered in tangy nastiness. Even the smell of buffalo sauce made me wince with disapproval. And then I met The Great Lost Bear. I don't know what enticed me to try them the first time. Perhaps it was the fact that they actually look like chicken wings. Some mutant enormous version of a chicken but a chicken nonetheless. One bite and the Buffalo Wing Switch was flipped within me. Now I find myself daydreaming of their wings. Just writing this review, I have to resist the urge to call and place an order. When people ask me where to go for wings, my eyes glaze over and I tell them in an urgent monotone that they have to eat at The Great Lost Bear. If they resist, I point at them and shriek like a Buffalo Wing Pod Person. If you simply can't bring yourself to go based on their wings alone, I understand. I used to be like you, too. Fortunately, they have an enormous menu with gluten free and vegetarian options. It's almost overwhelming, it's so extensive. They have a comfortable, kitchy interior that is good for large and small groups. Reading all the signs and posters on the walls makes for excellent diversion if your company is less than stellar and the staff is always friendly. But, really, go for no other reason than their wings. Join us.
(4)
Michelle B.
We have never been disappointed with the service, food, beer selection here. They have special events - Thursdays are brewery nights - so make sure you check out their website and/or facebook page! Nice outdoor patio when the weather is nice! Convenient parking w/o meters (as opposed to downtown Portland).. We love the Great Lost Bear!
(4)
Rebecca W.
Great cheesesteaks and the mushroom appetizer is a can't miss dish. The service is friendly and the atmosphere casual and inviting
(3)
Jason B.
They have approximately 1,000,000 beers on tap, and an extensive food menu. Kitschy, fun and definitely a Beer Advocate favorite, Great Lost Bear is a fun spot for a bar bite and a bucket of brew. I stayed relatively safe, with Sierra Nevada, but there are plenty of local brews on tap! Not that I need to say it, but there are definitely some fun options on the menu for vegetarians. I'm not even close to one, but the veggie burger "patty melt" grabbed me! It was more like a reuben with a veggie burger, but it was damn tasty. The steak tip salad did not fail to please - high quality steak, grilled properly. There was a dreadful old lady talking loudly on a cell phone, but that wasn't their fault.
(4)
Allison C.
We lived in Portland for about a year, and this was one of our favorite spots. 70+ beers on tap, and a ginormous menu with something for everyone! Nachos are a stand-out, or anything with their cheese sauce (mac and cheese, cheese fries, etc etc). Wings are also fantastic. I have been known to enjoy a cake sundae in a jar, and I did not regret that decision... GLB is the best. That is all.
(5)
Rich S.
Great place, great food, great service! Came up from Boston with the whole family and had a great time!
(5)
Michael V.
Cool bar, great atmosphere. I have been here twice for beer but I did get a spanikopita and that was good. The menu seems pretty good and I have never heard anyone complain about the food. Its not in the old port area but that is kind of nice as that can get a little stuffy down there. I am a fan and definitely return here for drinks when I am in the area and have to meet a friend! Definitely check this place out! I would probably go 5 star if I spent more time here and had more of their food to try.
(4)
AJ P.
This is one of my favorite places in town to get wings and they have pretty good burgers too! Great beer selection. The place is pretty huge - but really dark inside.
(4)
Matt T.
2.5 stars...good beer selection with locals having a decent part of the menu...but from our tasters, unimpressive locals. The server couldn't describe many of the beers on the menu, and would disappear for long stretches. the food was ok...typical bar and pub food...with a bit on the bland side. I'd pop in here for beer if you are in a session drinking mood, but there are a lot of other better places for dinner.
(3)
Sam S.
Haven't gotten anything here I didn't like. Long list of beers, a great menu, friendly service, huge portions. Not a lot of parking. One of those places that tack lots of kitsch to the walls. Someone should really find that bear already.
(5)
David F.
I don't write yelp reviews that much anymore, but gaaahdamnnn. This is got to be one of the best bars in the world. Any place where you can get this mix of good beer/good cheap food/great specials and prices/awesome atmosphere/good music/great bartenders. Seriously this place is no joke. Go on a Monday.
(5)
Steff D.
The Great Lost Bear is great for beer. Their selection is so diverse and plentiful, there is something available for everyone - even "non-beer drinkers." Craving something fruity? Something hoppy? A porter, a pilsner, a brown, an ESB, an ale, a Belgian style? Something cask conditioned? Something seasonal? Beer aged in bourbon barrels? Want something on draught that isn't beer? No worries! They've got mead and cider, too. And on Thursday nights they have a "Showcase" where they feature a craft brewery and a few of styles of their beer. Brewers are on hand to answer questions, hang-out with locals, and giveaway prizes. The Great Lost Bear is, however, NOT great for service. I'm not entirely sure what's happened over the past couple of years but it seems their once attentive staff has been replaced by apathetic robots. I held off as long as I could from posting this update, but after today's unfortunate lunch experience I just can't keep quiet anymore. Our waitress was rude and disinterested. So much so that it ruined the experience of the out of town family we were with. About mid-way through our meal our conversation turned from laughter and reminiscing to quietly joking about how unfathomably terrible the waitress was. "Would you like some water? How's your meal? Can I get you another beer? Are you all set with this plate? Did you save room for dessert? Thank you so much for coming! Let me know if you need anything else!" These are all phrases that we didn't hear during our time there. "I guess you're trying to tell me something," said in annoyance IS something our waitress said when we started stacking our plates and glasses when nearly a half hour had gone by after finishing our meal and just sitting there. "We're trying to move THESE people out," said in disdain IS something the host said about us, jabbing his finger in our direction, to another group of people. "I'm so sorry about that," IS something I repeated multiple times to our family as I felt supremely embarrassed by the behavior of the restaurant I chose to have them take us to. I wish that I could say this was a one-off experience, but - alas - it's not. We came about a month ago and watched our waiter spend the majority of his time sitting at the bar with friends talking, only paying attention to us when we called him over (after five or ten minutes of waving or saying - as politely as possible - "excuse me, sir?"). Tsk, tsk, Great Lost Bear. Has all your energy and effort gone into the bar? Is customer service on the floor just not as important anymore? Because that's how it feels. You should ABSOLUTELY come to the Great Lost Bear if you want a pre-dinner or post-dinner drink (I definitely do - their bar/beer rocks!). If, however, you're the type of person entertained by being ignored, I suggest risking your evening in the dining room. While you and your dining companions will definitely run out of drinks, you won't run out of conversational topics (i.e. how "awesome" the service is).
(3)
Tara L.
Chicken sandwiches were phenomenal. Daughter had a buffalo chicken and Eric had an angry bird and both were so delicious that they wanted to come back for dinner the next night. My burger was decent although it was literally just meat with some herbed goat cheese on it. I wish they would have been more explicit in saying that it was a very plain burger because I would have asked for toppings on mine...a little onion and tomato would have really made it. Thankfully I had a big thing of yogurt dill dressing that came with my salad and I dunked my burger in it. The beer selection was great and the different dressings for the salad and the chicken sandwiches were yummy. Oh and the fried potatoes also yummy.
(4)
Charles W.
I love the bear, a sweet local hangout place with Tuesday tall beers for small prices ( double the beer for same price as a regular) or theThursday night showcase featured beers for 2.99 and up! Sometimes some beer swag sometimes the brewers are here. The food is pretty good for the most part, prices seem to keep going up which is a bummer. The mother-child reunion is pretty great and the chili is spot on. Never had the deserts but they look pretty good. Two main complaints are the service very hit or miss. Sometimes you get the attentive waitress or waiting forever. Also they will not let you split up checks for a party of 6 which is bush league! But like the beer overall!
(4)
Bethany S.
Stopped in this place for lunch on our vacation. The atmosphere was super cool! I love a good drink list, and this place had everything from awesome microbrews (local and not so local) to house infused vodkas! It seemed like it would be a really fun local watering hole. The food was very good, they had a lemon curry salad dressing that I would likely drink the 3+ hours to Portland, ME to taste again. My issue only issue was the price of the food. Everything was pretty pricey for the bar food that it was. All the salads were over $10 and the burgers were similarly overpriced. That being said, everything we got was tasty. We vacation in ME pretty often, and the next time I'm in town, I will definitely be hitting up this place again!
(4)
Pao T.
Got the great chesus and it was what they said. A meat patty in between two grilled cheese. Aside from that it was good but I think the hype made me expect a lot more from it. Friends got the nachos and those were ah-ma-zing!! People need to at least try these nachos out. There's so much food!
(4)
Ivan J.
I have heard good things from friends about this place so I decided to give it a try last night. We were immediately seated and I must say the service for superb. Our waiter was laid-back and attentive. I am the type of person who goes straight to the burgers section when I open up a menu. This was no different at The Great Lost Bear. I went with the "Super Burger" and jalapeño poppers as an appetizer. The jalapeño poppers were cooked perfectly; with the cheese oozing out! Soon after my burger came and you definitely get what you pay for. I was not able to finish it but the flavors of the four different cheeses and bacon made me wish I could of finished it. Overall a great dining experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone because there menu has all kinds of different items from Mexican, American, to vegetarian and gluten-free options!
(5)
Christine L.
GIANT SERVINGS OF DELICIOUS CHILI is all I'll ever need to remember about Great Lost Bear. While the chili is beyond amazing on it's own, it's a tad spicy so it pairs nicely with both fries and nachos. A nice cold beer helps too. Enjoy!!
(5)
Kevin B.
Great beer list - great service, friendly customers. It's a go-to first stop when I get to Portland. I can't say that their food is anything special, but the stop always is good for a beer or three.
(4)
Michael D.
If you want top notch beer the great lost bear is one of the best around. They carry everything imaginable from craft beer, IPA light beers, heffeweisen and even exotic apricot beers. They are also well know for their burgers here and I have had them on numerous times here. The crowd is typically jolly and a mixed bag of characters.
(4)
Bruce D.
For the beer lover this place is a must. The beer selection is varied across styles and changes daily. Each major style is well represented with a number of niche national and regional / local craft brews. There were three offerings on cask the night I visited. The bar has a decent selection of liquors, a number of which are locally distilled. Prices are very good. The beer sampler of one to five, 5 ounce pours is a great way to try multiple offerings in a combination and quantity of your choosing. Decor is from central casting, dollar bills tacked above the bar, a stuffed bears head, a gazillion stickers plastered on the walk in cooler. You've seen it all before. Not a dive but nothing to write home about. Service is the stumbling block for additional stars. The bartenders are order takers, efficient and competent but not very friendly. Don't expect much conversation on beer styles, specials, etc. They're taking your order, will have it quickly / correctly and that's about it. You won't feel welcome or unwelcome at the bar, you're just there taking up space and so are they. I enjoyed the beer, loved the prices and am glad to have been here. I'll definitely be back to broaden my beer experience at a great price. I'll keep smiling too and someday someone working there may smile back.
(3)
Benjamin C.
I am a big fan of GLB. Great beer, very laid back, always a good time...and a great place to gather with friends. Very expansive menu to meet different preferences. I've been there 4 or 5 times, but I'll write about my most recent experience from Friday. We ordered a round of beers, including the 2.99 special. Great deal! For food, my mother had the turkey melt. My wife and I each ordered a bowl of chili and shared a steak salad (as the appetizer). The salad took a very long time, which our server acknowledged and took off the bill. She was great! The meat was great on the salad...medium-rare as requested. The rest of the salad is just a standard salad. Nothing fancy. My mom would have liked a little more turkey in her melt, but she enjoyed it. The chili is always a win. Spicy and delicious. I like mine with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños. On all past occasions, I have ordered a burger. Only once was it a bit overcooked. All others were delicious. We always take visitors here, as it's a favorite spot. Cool souvenirs for visitors, too! Check it out if you haven't yet!
(4)
Stuart K.
Had one of the best burgers in quite some time. Hand cut fries were excellent. Can't wait to go back to try more!
(5)
Alise K.
Three of us sat at the bar. Seems like a fun bar! I'm only giving a 3 star rating because my Rachel sandwich was not good. My friends got the dirty wings, they were good. A couple of beers each and we were good to go!
(3)
Karen C.
Our first stop in Portland on Friday night around 7:30. Place was hopping, as you would expect, but we were seated promptly. As I am sure everyone knows, the beer list is amazing and one of the main reasons we came here. Food menu is a little overwhelming; I prefer restaurants that specialize in one amazing thing rather than places that have a little of everything and nothing super amazing. That being said, my burger was pretty solid (one eyed bacon cheeseburger) and cooked how I asked for it, medium rare. The fries were good but not my favorite - round slices which took me by surprise when my burger came. Service was friendly although a tad on the slow side. Overall worth a visit when in the area.
(3)
Justin H.
Come on in for lunch and you're guaranteed to get great beer, great food and great service with some sweet tunes playing in the background. Love the bear!!!
(4)
Daniel K.
The only reason I am giving 3 states is because the hot sauce was good. Otherwise, it was over rated. The wings were over-cooked and dry. Service was decent, but wings were terrible.
(3)
Joanna R.
One of the reasons I miss Maine. Great atmosphere for eating great food, drinking great local beer (Allagash!!) and just hanging out with family and friends. I stop here every time I am "home" There is something for everyone on this vast menu. Service consistently nice and on occasion make me laugh. If you haven't stopped in to try this place, you must at least try it.
(5)
Jason P.
This place has an outstanding selection of beers and a big bar. The food here is hit or miss. Someplace to have a few beverages with people from work.
(3)
Zachary G.
Being my first time at the Great Lost Bear, I had high hopes. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. The service was great if not slightly impersonal. Our server brought drinks and food quickly and with a smile. The food was the real star. My dish of choice was the Bayou Burger. The burger was cooked to a perfect charred medium well and the toppings, including fried onions, jack cheese and buffalo sauce, complimented the burger perfectly. I thought the draught list was impressive and I chose the Oxbow Farmhouse. It complimented the burger though not perfectly. Overall I can say that I will certainly be returning.
(5)
Barbara L.
Good beer selection. Food is underwhelming. Fries tepid & soggy. Cole slaw tasteless. stale bun on my clam roll. Atmosphere is fun so just go for a beer.
(3)
Max M.
Fried
(1)
Sarah A.
Come here often and the food is great! but the service is always horrible. Each time I go back I hope our waiter will be on top of things but no such luck. Burgers are always cooked to how I like it, nachos are huge, wings are delicious and the amount of beers on tap is overwhelming (good thing, try the sampler!) I will keep going back but I just wish the service was better.
(3)
Patrick M.
We went to the GLB for a 50th B-Day. I am a huge fan of the Mother and Child and its always good. However the rest of the food is ehh. The fries were cold and soggy. The beer selection is great and it helps offset one of the worst front of house staffs I've run into in a long time. If you go sit at the bar and order from the barmaid/ barman. Otherwise you'll most likely be treated as I have 90% of the time- with indifference. I'm still a fan of the place but won't sit at a table. We were at a small 4 top with beers and just a pile of info from the GLB. Space was hard to come by. We ordered an app and sandwiches. The app came out and the waiter piled up the info bucket right in front of me and 2 minutes later they ran our sandwiches out and kind of piled those in the middle. Nice timing. I ended up putting all of the info stuff- menus-beer lists-promo items on the floor just so we could make a little space.
(3)
Allen I.
I can't deny the fact that the beer selection was a go, but beer in Portland is good ; everywhere. We ordered the mega-chicken nachos. Yes, they came out and they looked good. It's not worth me uploading the picture they all look the same. However, they were flat out weak, and maybe the worst I've ever had. First the cheese which looked so good melted on top had absolutely no flavor at all. Then underneath the cheese was a bunch of undercooked veggies(peppers, jalapeños, almost raw onions). Then, of course was the chicken. I'm sorry. You don't use chicken off the bone w. that harsh gamey flavor it overpowers the nachos. I had pieces of dark meat in there and gristle thinking to myself seriously?I'd 100 percent go back for a drink the 2.99 pint of the day was a great deal but as far as the food...Those were by far the worst nachos I've ever had and would feel much more comfortable making my own with a bag of sargento and a rotiseree chicken, because I consider that the equivalent.
(2)
Mr P.
The Hell Fire Wings are best hot wings in the known universe. I get a side of the Hell Fire Sauce to take home, keeps my sweat glands working until my next visit :)
(5)
Kathryn B.
Great find! We had just driven 13 hours from Canada enroute to Boston and starving! We "yelped" casual dining and this was the first to pop up. What a gem! The tuna burger was excellent (opt for Cajun style and ask for a side of the wasabi cucumber dressing instead of mayo!) and the fish and chips were huge, fresh and tasty. Interior is fun, lots of local kitsch-cool bar area-we had a 10 year old in tow and ambiance was family friendly. It was quiet on a Monday night (8:30ish), the staff was very friendly and efficient; so good my BF is there again right this second having lunch with his friend. Really liked it-we will be back.
(4)
Justine J.
This is an awesome spot, especially as a casual dining spot with friends. Their menu is HUGE and everything I've tried so far has been fantastic -- desserts and drinks included. I've always had a good experience here and continue to go back! PS: Try their chocolate cake in a mason jar. YUM.
(4)
Kevin M.
been going here for over 20 years. Always have a great beer selection on tap and great burgers. Nice little neighborhood bar and grill
(4)
Andrew S.
Three of us flew in on a Sunday afternoon (in early March) and we were craving some food and local brews. Based on yelp reviews, we decided to try out this establishment. It seemed cozy and fairly busy when were being seated. The beer list was extensive, with the waitresses help, we choose three local beers (all of which pleased our slightly beer-snobbish palates). The service was quick and the waitress was both pleasant and helpful. We ordered the mac & cheese as an appetizer and haddock, portobello sandwich, and crab grilled cheese as the main course. My brother, who is a vegetarian, especially liked the portobello and mac & cheese. I would categorize the meals as good pub food (nothing too fancy, just tasty comfort food). The most unique aspect of this place was the cool and funky decorations. It was enjoyable to walk around the view the different pictures and history of Portland/New England's past. Overall, I would come back based on the hearty meals, good beer selection, and local pub-like feel.
(4)
Jamie A.
One of my favorite downtown Portland hangouts! The great: Great local beer selection- tough to rival! Great atmosphere! Awesome food- My favorite= the buffalo chicken wrap (I won't get this anywhere else because it is so good here) The not so great: Parking can be tough on a busy evening
(5)
S And E H.
Large beer selection. HUGE food selection. Something for everyone.
(4)
Puneet M.
I've been here twice with two different experiences. Both times I sat in the same spot at a table near the bar and really enjoyed the ambiance of the place both times. The first time I went I would have found a way to give it a sixth star if I could. We had a older gentlemen as our waiter and he was absolutely amazing. Very pleasant, helpful and fun. Having him as our waiter alone warranted 5 stars. The beer selection is amazing with a great balance in the amount and type of beers they serve. Again 5 star worthy. We had a burger and chili Thai boneless wings. The burger was good but the wings were amazing. The ranch was incredible. The second time was a little different. The waiter was not as nice and not to attentive. We tried the nachos but there must have been a pound of cheese on it which was way over the top. We tried the peanut Thai boneless wings which was just breaded chicken with a side of skippy peanut butter. The buffalo boneless wings was pretty good and again the ranch was amazing. We got a beer tower which was odd. It was really just a pitcher in a tower form. It didn't really stay cold and would have been much better in a pitcher. The second experience really brought the rating down which was a shame but I will be going back hopefully for the first experience.
(4)
Kerry P.
Food is good, staff are nice. It not well-lit but many won't care. Menu includes healthier options and vegetarian as well. Great beers on tap.
(4)
Bobby F.
Stopped in late night for some grub and a beer and I ran into The Almighty Cheesus Burger... Damn that was good... We also split the super nachos which were also very tasty with probably a pound of cheese on them Mmmmm... The beer list is also something I had to tackle but in the end I went local because why not?!
(4)
Jeffrey R.
I've visited here a handful of times. Never have I been disappointed with the food or beer selection - my mouth and stomach leave QUITE satisfied. My feelings towards the hospitality on the other hand... Well let's just say it's been subpar enough times that I'm here talking about it. While the actual items being served make me think "five star!", sadly the service makes me leave disappointed and ends the experience on a "one star :(" note. This most recent visit, our waitress never checked on us during the meal, never came by to pick up any dishes we were done with, and never even suggested dessert/coffee/etc. after the meal. Not until we started stacking a few dishes to help clean up did she begrudgingly come to our table. I will most likely come back, but I will head toward the bar for beverages and hope for the best with the bar staff.
(3)
Kiesha J.
When my husband and I walked in, we stood at the hostess stand for a good five minutes. Finally a server came over and said, "I don't know where the hostess is, but I'll seat you." We then took our seats and our server took our drink orders. He came back to tell us that the beer my husband wanted had kicked. My husband asked for a good Maine beer recommendation and the server suggested a Vermont beer... Okay. He then brought our beers over and mine was only half full because it had also kicked. They graciously didn't charge me for that half-glass. We ordered our food and it arrived and it was fine. Not outstanding, not subpar, but fine. Then we waited nearly 30 minutes to get our check once we were finished. The couple next to us sat down while we were eating and it took nearly 20 minutes for them to even get asked about beverages. I wanted to like this place. The beer list is great, the decor is kitschy and fun, but with service the way it was, I can't imagine ever going back.
(2)
Melanie R.
I am always appreciative of new places, especially foodie places! The Great Lost Bear, or GLB, is a good place to sit and hang out, have a cold glass of beer and eat some pub food. The atmosphere is woodsy lodge meets Maine meets Forest Ave. it works, strangely enough. My friend and I ordered Margaritas. They were decent. I wasn't expecting gold but it was certainly tasty! I had the Veggie Tempura Roll-up and my friend had the Pattymelt. My roll was very tasty and I enjoyed every bite. It had crispy tempura veggies inside a wrap with more veggies and it came with two sauces I asked to have on the side. This worked put perfectly! My friend loved her burger! It looked exactly how she ordered it and wanted it. Our server was Owen, and he was really great!! Knew the menu, chatted with us for a few moments, personable, attentive; overall an added bonus for the GLB.
(4)
George T.
I've been to Buffalo, I tried Anchor and Duff's both sucked compared to Great Lost Bear's wings. Best wings in America as far as I'm concerned.
(5)
Nick W.
Great pub food and huge beer selection. Burgers are solid. Service is good. It is what a good bar should be.
(4)
David G.
I agree with many reviews, in that the menu is ambitious and the beer selection is impressive. They need to improve the refrigeration as it seems I'm stuck with a lukewarm beer at least once a visit. I can appreciate the fact that regulars find every flaw charming. However, the food is average and the atmosphere relies heavily on a random collection of junk adorning the walls and ceiling. Worth a visit but lacking in too many areas to frequent.
(2)
Jason B.
I think people that leave good reviews must be drunk from the large selection of beer or love to hear themselves talk in the form of writing. I want to like the Bear, I really do. But they won't let me. It would be super convenient and we'd be regulars (live and work close) but just can't stand the service / lack of food quality. We've been going on and off for years. Service (with the exception of one exceptional waiter) is always slow and depending who you get they can be rude. It's almost like they have a culture of taking customers for granted. Burgers are consistently burnt. No matter how you ask for it to be cooked it's charred on the outside and raw on the inside and I'm not talking about one experience or I'm in a bad mood. I'm talking about I've given them at least 10 chances and finally gave up. I'm a creature of habit and also have tried other dishes once I gave up on the burgers and they lack consistency as well. O.k. one week, totally screwy the next. The wraps can vary in size so greatly one week you are stuffed- the next you are left hungry. Yeah, there is a good selection of beer, big deal. If I was here just to drink I'd have to wait too long to get my beer and then there is a good chance it might be flat. The service and food don't compute with the ratings on here.
(2)
Kevin S.
I've been here several times and have yet to be disappointed. My favorite is the Mother and Child Reunion. It's a fried chicken sandwich with a fried egg and melted cheese. It's great comfort food in a place that's good for groups.
(4)
Scott M.
Daaaaa Bear! If you are looking for a great assortment of Maine beers and solid bar food, go hunt for a parking spot! If you are looking for a foodie haven, keep driving towards the city. Personal food favs = meat chili, any of the burgers, buffalo chix salad w/ hellfire sauce. Thursday nite beer showcases are great. We have had great experiences with the service...but again, you don't see white tablecloths, so temper your expectations folks! This place is regularly mentioned in Beer Advocate and other brew publications. That is good enough for me! Verdict - I'll be back....A LOT!
(5)
Laurence P.
It is sad, infinitely sad, to have to say that after many attempts to like the food at the GLB, or simply to find it tolerable, it is clear that there is nothing to be done. Everything is microwaved. Even the burgers are mediocre at best. And the fries are no good at all. The beer is brilliant. But do not eat. In a great foodie town, the GLB stands out for not giving a damn. It is a pity, but also a bit of a scandal.
(1)
Ross C.
Fine food, great beer. I watched the bar tender's attempts at pouring beers and cringed accordingly, however. "Tilt the glass at the spout? No, I'll rest the glass flat on the drip tray and let the beer fall into it and then wonder why it's 80% froth when I'm done."
(4)
Haley M.
The service is pretty great with lots of beer choices and amazing food. It's one of my favorite places to go.
(5)
Nick R.
The almighty Cheesus burger was delicious. The fish was super fresh, and the fries were great. Great selection of Maine beers on tap. A little more than I would normally care to pay at a bar, but it was definitely worth it!
(4)
Julian K.
One of my favorite restaurants in the Portland area. Food is good (cheese sauce is amazing) and there is an ample selection of beers and wines (from local to imported, microbrews to macrobrews) to suit any taste or preference. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that parking is very tight, but if you can find a spot, I highly recommended The Great Lost Bear.
(4)
Coleman Q.
HUGE Beer selection. Personally I suggest their amazing house made Chili and then go with a tube thing of beer. It's bigger than a pitcher and it is a great price. Great place for friends and for families. Also can seat large groups. We used to go here before baseball games!
(4)
Adria R.
My first date with my now husband was here, and we got engaged here three years later in November of 2012. So it automatically gets 5 stars forever and ever.
(5)
Jimmy H.
A mystical place for local beer connoisseurs! Feels like a dungeon that's frozen in time and nothing has changed since they opened but that is what makes this place unique. Truly a locals paradise if you want to get away from the downtown scene. Bar food is not bad either. The wings are HUGE and pretty good....check it out and u might be a regular soon.
(4)
Dan B.
Tried this place for the first time last night after walking by many times and smelling the delicious food. The good news is the food tasted as good as it smelled. We were seated as soon as we walked in. The waiter was very nice and knew the menu very well. After ordering our food it arrived quickly. The beer selection was very extensive 75+ on tap.
(5)
Sandra B.
I never go here and find a burger I don't like. My favorites are the One Eye Bacon Burger and the Mushroom Burger (with a huge honking portabella mushroom on top) with some added Swiss for me! My husband likes the Cheeseburger with their special cheese sauce. The hot buffalo wings can't be beat either! They are the full wing not just those wingettes that you get at sub par establishments! And not to mention they always have a tasty beer on tap that I enjoy! I'm so glad I walked into this place several years ago- it has been our go to restaurant when we need a burger/wing fix.
(5)
Mark S.
The beer is the Bear. You can tour many of Maine's craft breweries from a barstool as they have about 60 taps pouring mostly regional beers. There are usually a couple of cask ales on draft as well. Food items from a multiple-page menu include sandwiches, entrees, appetizers and bar food. You can get taster-size pours, which I like since they have so many choices. A must stop whenever I'm in Maine.
(3)
Amy D.
Burgers + wings = awesome!! We were looking for a good burger place in the Portland area to offset all of the seafood we were eating, and are glad we found The Great Lost Bear! We ordered: -Pound of Thai Wings w/Half Peanut and Half Chili Thai Sauce ($7.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): WOW. I ordered this on a whim since wings sounded really good, and was happily surprised by how delicious they were! A pound equals only 4 wings, but it worked out well for us. The peanut sauce was actually tastier than the chili thai, but both were good. I would definitely recommend ordering this! -One Eye Bacon Cheeseburger (w/Fried Egg, Bacon & American Cheese, $11.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Pretty good, but I wish they served you some vegetables on the side so you at least have the option of putting them on your burger (the standard onion, tomato, lettuce). Not sure if I would order this again though. -The Almighty Cheesus Burger (No Bun- Served Between Two Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/Pickles, Lettuce, Tomatoes, $13.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): WOW. The crazy dishes that people come up with! I'm not a fan of grilled cheese, so only took a couple of bites, but I actually really liked it! The pickles they put in one of the grilled cheese sandwiches helps to break up the richness. I don't think I could eat more than half of this sandwich, at the max, but I would definitely recommend trying it. Very unique. Overall, The Great Lost Bear is a great spot to satisfy your craving for comfort food. They have an extenstive menu that also offers a few healthy dishes, so they have something for everyone. I recommend that everyone give their peanut wings a try! They have their own lot so parking is pretty easy, but the lot is a bit squishy.
(4)
Joe M.
Amazing beer selection. Great place to grab a burger or some apps. None of the food really blew me away but it's good for what it is. Try the Holy Cheezus burger. Huge burger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches.
(4)
Thomas N.
finally found the placeafter i wrote the address down wrong, lunch recently, beer barish place and the selection was excellent and the food was great, wife had the buff chicken salad and i had one of the cheese steaks (they had 5 i think) and all was great, would definitely revisit if backin the area, though i expect it is pretty busy at night
(5)
Matt K.
Great fine, would have driven right by if a friend had not recommended. Stopped in for lunch on a snowy Saturday and had an Allagash White and a burger. Huge beer selection and great menu. Beer was great and burger was a top notch "Pub Burger". The ambiance great and the they had a ton of beers on tap. I would recommend if you are in the Portland area to stop by.
(4)
Andrew B.
Giving a rating to the GLB is hard for me. I've been coming here for years, since I grew up in Portland. I used to recommend this place to all of my friends who were visiting, however the last time I took friends there to show off this unique watering hole we were... to say the least... underwhelmed. I always get the same thing: start with the nachos (I think it used to be Frank Sinacho's, but that's not on the current menu), the burger, medium with cheese sauce (no onions and mushrooms) and the brownie and ice cream to close it out. All with an Andrew's Pale. The food is the same, very good but not healthy --- if you are dieting, don't torture yourself --- but the vibe and service in the place has changed over the years. I remember it being dynamic and fun, a definite alternative to the chain restaurants and with better food, but the ambiance was always the difference. From the plasma globe at the hostess station to the funky menus and always fun staff, sitting at the bar with the regular crowd or grabbing one of the booths in the back of the bar and schmoozing with friends over one of their many, very good on-tap beers. The GLB was a great local venue and, IMO, a place to go for those "in the know". Unfortunately, the last few times we have been there, while the food is the same, the vibe and the service were lackluster at best. We were seated in the back, it was cold, and the service was... well, we waited 30 mins for a drink order from a waitress who never made eye contact and was clearly more interested in getting back to chatting with friends than waiting on us. I was embarrassed for having recommended this place and then taking friends to what was my favorite watering hole. (Funny enough, it's the same waitress I have seen there for many years). Maybe I am getting old - it's been 25+ years since I started coming here, but it seems the waitstaff has too, and whatever fun was there has been replaced by obligatory pleasantries. The food and beer is still great, but when I go there I no longer feel like a welcomed regular, it's more like the impersonal treatment you might get at any other restaurant where the staff is as transient as the clientele. The food: 4; ambience: 3/4; service: hit or miss.
(3)
Ari O.
I'll start off: the beer is fine. We went for beer and burgers, hearing that their burgers were good. And we were sorely disappointed. My girlfriend's burger came almost completely bare--no lettuce, tomato or onion or much of anything else. But that is sort of what she ordered. Mine, however, was overcooked. Way overcooked. I asked for it medium rare and it was very well done. But not only that, it was cold. It seemed that they'd cooked mine well before hers, and then put it out under a not-very-hot heat lamp, at which point the cheese solidified and the whole burger got cold. I *never* send back food but after one bite it was deemed inedible. I called back the waiter and asked for it to be remade. Here's where GLB could have won my heart. They could have gone back and properly cooked my burger, brought it out, and I would have been happy. I've worked in kitchens; things get messed up. Redemption is a beautiful thing. When it came out, it was well done AGAIN. That's inexcusable. It was warm, at least, and I choked it down, but I'm not about to go back for anything that is not cold and liquid. Sorry, guys, it should not be hard to cook a burger medium rare, especially when given two chances.
(2)
Sarah E.
We were here on a Friday night and the place was packed - thankfully our table of 4 was seated right away. That being said, the service was a little slow, but that was understandable. Beer menu is pretty amazing - all sorts of beers! There's a whole lot of local things, so that's nice to see as well. The menu is overwhelming - it's like there's too many options. I ordered a burger - it was eh. Not the best burger I've ever had, but it was still a solid burger for what it was. We also ordered the buffalo chicken mac and cheese as per all the reviews said. I have to say - not impressed. The chicken was in hunks in the mac and cheese and just didn't have any flavor to it. If you're into beer, this is the place for you. The food isn't stellar, but if you're looking for something to eat, it's not bad.
(3)
Kyung R.
They have the best wings I've had in the city of Portland, but I feel like their burgers were overrated. The beer option is amazing here if you go. If you are looking for some decent bar food along with a great selection of beer, this is the place for you! I tried their dirty wings and chili burger. The dirty wings is what I order every time I go there, but their fish and chips looked pretty amazing too!
(3)
Clark K.
Hands down; best burger you'll have in Maine. If you're looking for fine dining experience and an excellent meal, The Great Lost bear is the place for you. Also equipped with an incredible bar, the great lost bear has an warm ambiance and humble waiters and waitresses. If you don't mind a bit of a wait after you order, you've found the perfect dinner-date restaurant.
(5)
Wendy B.
My boyfriend and I visited Portland this past July. This was my first time visiting Maine and I would move there in a heartbeat. Anyway, my love of great beer put this place high on our list of places to visit...it also helped that we were visiting friends that live in Portland and they recommended it. WOW!!! I wish I lived closer. Awesome beer selection and great food. Laid back atmosphere and friendly staff. I can't say enough good things about The Bear....even had to get a shirt to take home with me!! We plan on making Maine our yearly vacation spot so I will definitely be going back when I am there!
(5)
Bob B.
Awesome beer selection! The most ridiculous burger I have ever had. The Almighty Cheesus. Alleluia! What can you say about a burger where the bread is two grilled cheese sandwiches. But no normal grilled cheese sandwich, they have pickles and bacon inside. Then the perfectly cooked burger has cheese, bacon and a fried egg. It is truly a religious experience.
(5)
Jeff H.
For the price, it was exactly what we were looking for. I am surprised there are not more TVs around the bar to feature more of a sports feel and show football games. The food itself was spot on. Spicy chili with a great flavor. The burgers were cooked perfectly. My son was extremely happy with his meal. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Basically, if you want a simple meal with a bar feel, you cannot go wrong.
(4)
Hilary H.
My little brother (I say little... he's 6'4") had his pick of dinner spots while I was visiting him in Portland, ME and The Great Lost Bear is where he chose to go. After eating here, I certainly understand why. The atmosphere is no-fuss, casual and fun. We sat outside on the back porch, ordered up a few pints and a plate of nachos, and the fun began. They have SO MANY different types of beer, and the waitress was more than happy to help us select. The nacho options were plentiful, too - and what we wound up with was so delicious I would have licked the plate. The best part? The burgers. THE BURGERS. Looking over the menu, I saw three options that called to me, and I was having trouble deciding. So, when my friend the waitress came back, I asked her if there was a way to combine them. She let me, and all I have to say is this: bacon, blue cheese, and buffalo wing sauce on a medium-rare patty. Oh lordy, it was indescribably delicious. I think I might be genius, to be honest. Each burger came with its own side of hand cut fries that weren't at all too heavy or greasy, and complimented the burgers perfectly. Also, the burgers came in their own little burger-sized dish on the serving plate, which really helped with the mess. I appreciated that. I love The Great Lost Bear, and will certainly request a return visit on my return visit to Portland!
(5)
Josh G.
My group of friends and I discovered this fantastic little restaurant from a panel of brochures before we went on a sunset cruise, coming all the way from Albany NY to visit for the weekend not knowing where to go or what to do for food we decided hey were all starving let's check out this place since it accommodated all of our dietary restrictions and very picky eaters. Our waiter his name was Stewart I very much recommend him, he was a very hospitable man and very patient with us mispronouncing sebago beer names and other maine things & such also he was very helpful in selecting our 5 choices in the beer sampler and very patient with that. The food was fantastic, the service was amazing and not to mention how extremely helpful the host was with our ripped pants issue. My roommate tried to pants me in the cold and failed, ripped them right off me and thankfully the host had some packing tape to patch up that rip. The vegetarian rueben was fantastic and on point, we also ordered the fish & chips which were fried very lightly and perfectly crispy, the lost sauce offered as a condiment was on point as well, the taco salad was very enjoyable and was everything we wished it would be and more we also ordered a cheese steak the meat was very tender and delicious from what our friend had said. They also have some of the best cole slaw we have ever had. Based on the experience we had we will certainly be returning and hope to see Stewart upon returning. Our date of visit was 03/13/15
(5)
Tara G.
I love this place. I will drive the 2 hours just to get their buffalo wings. They are spicy and a bit sweet, just delicious. Never had one's better then these in my area. They also have one of the best beer menus around. I love trying all the different types they have on tap. If you are into beer then try the beer taster-sampeler, they have some seasonal brews that are worth trying as well. The staff is very informative and helpful. The menu has a great range of different things, to make most anyone in your group happy. Don't let the rough look of the outside, deter you from walking in. It is a great place to grab a few beers and have a tasty meal.
(4)
Ted L.
I first went to The Great Lost Bear last year while visiting Portland. It is a fantastic specialty beer place, with fantastic food to match. The burgers (I had the Formage a trois)are a perfect compliment to the 65-plus beers here. One of my favorite things about it is that you have the ability to try five beer flights in the small tasting glasses... a great way to sample the wide variety. They also have an impressive array of high alcohol content brews and trapist ales. Definitely a must do. The nice thing about the menu too, is that in addition to being eclectic, it has a wide variety of options, ranging from vegetarian to fullblown meat mode.... easily enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest of diners.
(5)
Bethany W.
Best local bar around! Love their nachos!!!
(4)
Roneece D.
The menu was all over the place and the food proved it!!! Maybe after a few beers the food gets better. Our server was very nice.
(2)
Andrew J.
When my family first visited Portland in November 2012, our advance scouting led us to Great Lost Bear. The promise of practically endless local beers, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere was too much to ignore. Having lived here for eight months now, having samples a fair amount of local offerings, and having visited GLB more times than I can count, I can attest that it is easily one if the most exciting "restaurants" around. I put restaurants in quotes for no reason other than GLB is so much more than just that. The food is largely pub fare - albeit SEVEN PAGES worth - and has yet to leave me dissatisfied. The service has been hit-or-miss over the last year or so. A couple of the male servers are great, and Mike (the manager) is always great behind the bar, but the rest of the bartenders and female hosts/waitresses seem pretty put out that customers keep showing up. And this is not a one-off for me, either - I go at least a couple times per month. The tap list? Come on - no review necessary. Tuesdays & Thursdays are my go-to nights. If you have not tried GLB, you're missing out on a great time - time that seems to stand still while you're there.
(4)
None B.
I ate at this establishment recently and had hands down the worst meals of my life. And I made this yelp account for the sole purpose to advice others not to eat there. The reason why, the food is terrible!!! I order some "cheese fries" haha, more like cottage cheese that had been throw into the microwave on top of greasy fries. My main course was still though the biggest disappoint to come, I got the taco salad. Simple enough right? WRONG!! The vegetables tasted past their prime by months and the taco meat tasted like it came from a dog food container!! Everyone else in my party of 4 also found the food repulsive but you get the overall flow for how the food taste and I see no need to carry on with that issue. The waiter i think did a good job he was nice and didn't mess up anyone of the orders of food...... Although chiefs managed to do that on their own still somehow. The parking is tight so those who are nervous drivers it can be a little nerve wracking pulling in and out. Also I hope you love cigarette smoke cause smokers stand right outside the entrance door and light up resulting in a terrible smell. I will never go back and I hope those of you who read this don't waste your money there because it's just terrible!!!
(1)
Marc C.
I have to say, I love a good beer bar. TGLB certainly qualifies as a great one. Sixty-nine beers on tap with at least fifteen being from Maine craft breweries. They generally have four cask conditioned ales available served via beer engines/hand pumps. You're usually lucky to find a bar that offers one or two cask conditioned ales. Four is a real treat! I sampled more beers than I probably should have. They all were great. The wings are huge and perfectly cooked. The spicy/sweet sauce was very nice. The burgers were juicy and flavorful. Mine was cooked medium rare and was topped with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions. The atmosphere is something like the great north woods meets Cheers. The servers are uniformly friendly and engaging. Unfortunately, ours didnt know all that much about beer. I'm not sure how you can work at a place with all those beers on tap and not know about beer. They sould be better trained. That is what made the difference between four and five stars. It is a great place to stop tho. It didn't take long for my long lost Maine accent to comeback and ask for another bee-aahhh!
(4)
Lori R.
What a disappointment! Let me list all my complaints! 1. orrdered a beer sampler and 2 of the 4 beers were flat. (I mentioned it tot hte waiter and he never offered to replace them with anything else. Later in the meal the table next to me complained about the flat beer and was told that it never happens but they would tell the bartender.) 2. Waited over an hour for our food. 3. Cheesesteak served with ricotta cheese!! WTF??? 4. On my way out the door and hear a waitress ( not ours) speaking loudly enough for all to hear, " Those fuc*ing people didn't leave me a tip!" ...Hmmm, I wonder why???? Save your money and avoid this place. HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)
Jon D.
The food is fun, tasty, and quick. This place was recommended to me by many locals when I first came to Portland and I was dubious as it looks like a biker bar, but it's a solid food serving family restaurant. The burgers are great, the ambiance is road-trip classic, and the drink selection encompasses a large chunk of local and imports - still no Shiner Bock though. :-)
(4)
Francis B.
Going for the extensive on-tap beer selection would be enough for most. The Great Lost Bear takes it a step further: a broad menu that goes beyond the typical deep-fry pub fare. Very knowledgeable staff. It appears the staff tastes most of the entrees as well as the premium beers. Their opinions are real, unobtrusive, and help the patron navigate their extensive selection. If in doubt about a new or unusual beer, they will even bring you a 2 ounce sampler to try. Great service!
Awesome beer selection. It would be better if they had PBR on draft instead of in the pounder cans, but there's so many to choose from that it's really a non issue. Huge menu with your standard pub fare, even vegetarian options. They have this burger called "The Cheesus" which is a burger between two grilled cheese sandwiches, I definitely want to try this the next time I'm hung over:) I would stay away from their cheese steaks though, my husband had one and was not impressed. They have their own cheese sauce that looked gross from my vantage point, and my husband was not a fan. Other then that, I loved the atmosphere and beer selection and there are many menu options I would like to try so I definetly plan on going back.
(4)
Steve A.
Service started slow but picked up. Food is worth coming back for. Beer selection is unparalleled - and it's all from Maine! Glad I found this place.
(4)
George H.
Excellent beer selection. The bartenders are friendly and very, very knowledgeable about their beer and beer, generally. We did not eat during our visit. We arrived around 8 on a Friday night and seating was plentiful at the bar. Great spot!
(5)
Jason B.
I grew up in Portland not to far from the GLB and I have eaten here most of my life almost. I recently moved back and was eager to go back and was sadly sadly disappointed. I went with my girlfriend and we went around lunch. It was pretty slow in there so we got a table right away. we then sat there for a good 15-20 MINS! before anyone even came over to take are drink order. The server didn't seem to know the specials for the beer but seem to mention she knew that there were some for that day......so that was no help there. the food was pretty bland nothing I couldn't have made at home for half the cost. I came back for a 2nd time with some friends for dinner one night and experienced the same thing, really awful wait staff service mixed with really poorly done food especially when not one person had their burger done right at the whole table, they were either over done or underdone BY A LOT . I really wanted to like this place and give it a great review seeing as how I grow up right by the GBL and eating there all the time. I was sad to come back after a few years of school and working to find that it's service and food are so bad. In a town like Portland there's no reason to settle for such poor quality when there's a million great places up the street in town so if your a tourist steer clear unless you just want cheap beer.
(1)
Andy G.
The Great Lost Bear on 540 Forest Avenue in Portland Maine will appeal to your senses. Your eyes will be captivated by the decor, your mind will be tested by the novel like size of the menu ( including a Bears load of local brews) and your taste buds will be tantalized by the all the deliciousness that they will experience. This is a place for foodies, families, hippies and college kids alike. Vegans, veg heads and meat eaters unite, I think anybody could find something they would enjoy on this menu. The Great Lost Bear is located just minutes away from a number of schools and colleges in the Portland area, this helps to keep the place hopping at all hours. Parking can be a bit troublesome but if you take the time to drive around a bit, a spot can usually be found in the small lot beside the building or along the street. Once inside you will probably get lost yourself ( apparently just like the Great Bear ). The rooms are a little dark and dimly lit, some may call this romantic, some with bad eye site may consider it a safety hazard. There are many side rooms with a larger dining room and bar area to sit at and if you are lucky you may even get to sit underneath a dead animal head on the wall. After being seated, Simone and I ordered our drinks and got down to the task of looking through the extensive menu options. After much debate, we decided to start with some healthy sounding Teriyaki Grilled Mushrooms with house made Parmesan Peppercorn Dip, and the not so healthy Poutine with local Pineland Farms cheese curds that was being advertised on the specials board. The appetizers arrived and I was completely blown away by how delicious they were. Lets start with the Pountine ( which I have become an expert on over the years). This was better then any I have ever had. The fries were drowned in a rich gravy but somehow remained super crispy. The cheese curds were sharp and fresh tasting in all their melted goodness. Most Poutines I've had, have been sprinkled with bland curds that have just been chunky and stringy with gravy poured over them. The Poutine from the Great Lost Bear is nothing like that. The cheese, the gravy and crispy fries cook and melt together after being baked in a casserole dish in the super hot oven. I think this was the biggest difference and it really works perfectly.I almost ordered a second helping. Not to be outdone by Poutine, the Mushrooms were equally as delectable. A simple sweet Teriyaki glaze combined with the flavors of the Char broiler grill to make these Mushroom morsels addictive. The Parmesan Peppercorn dressing was the best I have ever had. It was thick, cheesy and had just enough bite from the black peppercorns. The Teriyaki Mushrooms and Dressing worked perfectly together . Again, I almost had to order more. After over filling on appetizers it was on to the meal. Simone ordered an appetizer side of the Specka Spanikopita, a Greek pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese and seasonings. It was baked to a flaky golden brown crust and came out of the kitchen piping hot. I found it to be a little bland and needed some salt but Simone enjoyed and finished it completely. For my entree I deiced to have the Thai Peanut Chicken Sandwich with a side of Red Beans and Rice. The chicken was grilled perfectly- moist and tender. The peanut sauce was good, not overly spicy but plenty of flavor. Much like the soanikopita, The red beans and rice were not as flavorful as I was expecting but a little dash of salt fixed that. Both the entrees were good but not as tasty as our appetizers and both of us agreed that we could have just kept eating the apps all night and skipped the actual meals. Somehow we managed to find space for dessert. Although we debated having the Carrot Cake special we ultimately decided upon the Snickers chocolate pie. This was a great choice. The crust was perfect. Flaky and tender. The filling was a semi solid fudgey, deep, dark, milky, chocolate lovers wet dream. And the whipped cream and caramel sauce was the perfect way to top it all off. The Great Lost Bear was as good as I hoped. The appetizers were the best I have ever had, The entrees although not as tasty as the appetizers were still good, and the dessert ( which the waitress told me wins awards) was a perfect rich and filling end to the night. I will definitely be back , especially for that Poutine. 4 stars for the Great Lost Bear.
(4)
Liam S.
5 stars for local beer selection on draft, 3 stars for food. What I really like about this place is that you can get flights for 1.25 each. A great way to sample the beer selection.
(4)
Paul L.
Great beer, good food. BUT, the menu is waaaaaay too big. You may snafu at that but c'mon. The more choices one has, the harder that decision making becomes.
(4)
Bill T.
Fun spot. Lots of beer options. Food is decent. The burger is good and I've also had and liked the buffalo chicken wrap. Head to the Bear!
(4)
Catherine B.
I am in town and visiting and my BFF (local) and I went here for lunch.. I had a Cheesesteak with mushroom and onions to be covered with cheese sauce (which I thought would be a cheese sauce).. this was the worst Cheesesteak I have ever had.. the meat was dry.. the mushroom/onions were on the bottom and the cheese sauce .. I don't know what is thought of as cheese sauce in Portland but in the rest of the USA it's normally either melted cheese (in Philly some use Cheese Whiz or Provolone) I assumed this sauce would be melted velveeta or Cheese Wiz or something like a queso.. this 'sauce' was thick, separated and terrible tasting.. there is a review by a woman who posted a picture and that is exactly what I experienced also.. I think it was over overheated cream cheese? but dry meat with melted perhaps cream cheese isn't a cheese steak with cheese sauce.. I ate my sandwich because 1) I was starving and 2) I didn't want to insult my friend of many years.. Our waiter was cursory and unfriendly.. the whole experienced was poor.. I would try it again if someone could assure me that they could make a decent Philly Cheesesteak hero.. very disappointing..they have a huge menu so perhaps they should cut it in half. Very very disappointing meal.
(2)
Seva K.
This is another must-visit gem for those in Portland, Maine! The interior is somewhat dim-lit, with stuff like old yearbook class photos from area high schools, along with breweriana on the walls. The selection is pretty huge- lots of locals and quality imports, and themed sampler flights are offered. You can also design your own flight to try several things you haven't had before. For food they have pretty solid comfort fried foods, with lots of unique(for this area) items. They have a lot of promos and theme nights. On a recent visit, they had 5 good to awesome offerings from Allagash(and since they occupied their own draft system, it looked liked a dedicated set of taps), as well as Ommegang Aphrodite and some good stuff on cask! It's also next door to a homebrew store, so I see no excuse not to hit this place up while getting some supplies.
(5)
Gary G.
stick with the basic pub fare and you'll be alright. wings, burger, cheesesteak. nothing special about this joint but the patio can be nice on a summer afternoon post work.
(3)
Jacob P.
The service is the worst. The food is terrible. Parking sucks. Damn though they have the best beer selection.
(5)
Katrina H.
Had a SeaDog Blueberry ...can't go wrong here. Also a special burger that was messy and amazing! Every serving coming out of the kitchen was over the top. There was not way anybody was going home hungry.
(5)
Rob W.
Every city has that one restaurant that is considered an "institution" and for Portland Maine its the GLB. I was introduced to the GLB while in college by my parents. They had lived in the deering neighborhood 20 years prior and it had been their goto place back then. It was love at first sight. The beer selection alone could put this place atop most peoples list's. Usually there are over 50 beers on tap, and always a terrific blend of micro's from all over the country. Start your meal with an order of wings. I can easily say that these are the best wings I have ever had. They are big, crispy and fresh. The menu from there is book, big and broad, but unlike most places that carry such a large selection of food, the quality isn't lost. I usually cycle through the burger list, and if all else fails go with the egg one. Be sure to get "cheese sauce" on the side with your fries, you wont be disappointed! Even after moving out of Maine, we go out of our way to hit the GLB at least once a year now... and I hope to some day turn my kids into fans...
(5)
Meredith M.
If you like good places with good beer filled with good people, you will like this PLACE! The service was outstanding, even for a crowded Saturday night. It feels like a place filled with locals. They had a Connect 4 Game at the bar for patrons to play. The beer selection was Amazing. 50+ beers on tap at the time. They also had a 2.99$ pint special that was a delicious stout. If you are a beer lover, or happen to be in Portland with one, go here. You will leave happy!
(5)
Misty S.
What a fun bar! Stopped here during a weekend trip to Portland and I wasn't disappointed. Hubby & I (and the friends we were with) are beer geeks and we were so happy to find this place after seeing it on a "best beer bar" list by beer advocate. It didn't disappoint! Fantastic beer selection, and I was especially happy to see the different meads on the menu too. My friend got the biggest plate of wings (we thought maybe they were Eagle wings they were so big!) I've ever seen! Our bartender was great and could answer all of our beer questions. The back section seemed to be more family oriented and more like a family restaurant. What a fun place!
(4)
Mike M.
Lived in Portland for 3 years and this has been my all time favorite restaurant to go to there. Great beers, cool little bar and a huge menu where everything is good. Service might be kinda slow but it's well worth it. Awesome interior and beer specials weekly. Only way to make this place a lil cooler is to add a two flat screens at the bar.
(4)
C K.
Onion soup was one of the best ever. Would go back just for that, but the beer is really why you'd go.
(5)
Kelly S.
I love a bar that knows their beer. Unfortunately, I can't say The Great Lost Bear is one of them. It started very promising- awesome beer list and the great/nostalgic 'Mr Wendell' was playing. I was ready to settle in. But I received the incorrect pour... twice. And the bartender was really jerky about it (angrily insisted she was right, and then also said there was 'no way to really know'). It was quite annoying to be talked down to by someone who clearly didn't know their stuff. I assume this doesn't go for all the bartenders at The Great Lost Bear, but it really ruined the experience.
(2)
Samantha L.
I guess I missed out on the food-gasm that is GLB? Ok, well Cake in a Jar gave me a happy face and made up for it. But the food was meh to disappointing. Okay, I hear people raving about their burgers. Well, I didn't order the burger (don't eat beef) and I was pretty sad to see what arrived on my table. An overcooked, unattractive and bland tuna steak sandwich. What happened, Yelp? Okay, their curry salad dressing is pretty yummy... but if that is all I enjoyed then there is a problem. But really, Cake in a Jar was pretty awesome. I wanted to steal the jar, not gonna lie. They sat this beer snob guy next to us. Okay, I don't drink beer, but guy shut the hell up about all the beers you've had all over wherever you've been and just drink. If you're going to drink, don't bitch at least not until I'm drunk enough to not care or not hear you. And the girl you were with, trust me she DID NOT CARE no matter how many times she said she agreed.
(3)
Ronald S.
im a vegetarian and i like beer. sometimes its hard to find places to eat while travelling. reading the GLB menu i saw a few veg friendly dishes and we decided it was worth checking out (and they had lots of beers). the parking lot sucks. the parking on the street was a bit sketchy. i saw the webcam on their site and i thought it was going to be a tiny hole in the wall. i was wrong - its freeekin hooj. it wasnt too busy when we were there (a saturday night?) the beer selection was good, i forget what we had - something local, maybe pumpkiny. the food - oh my the nachos were massive and covered with vegetables, really - moving forward, these were the nachos that all others will be judged by. they were damn good. i had a vegetable reuben that didnt have tempeh or any fake-meats, kinda weird but it was really simple and good. if you are veg and looking for a place to go this is a decent reasonably priced bar type establishment. mmmm reubens.
(4)
Patty Z.
The food here is delicious and the servings are hearty. Im impressed with the vegetarian options! Cannot go wrong with anything you eat here.
(5)
Jules V.
The Great Lost Bear is a fantastic pub with surprisingly inconsistent food. They have a massive menu, everything on it sounds tremendous but it can be rather hit or miss. I've eaten there a dozen times or more and had as many disappointments as I've had home runs. The beer list is also massive and thankfully a lot more consistent. Mostly ales from craft breweries around the US with some old European standards thrown in. Throw in a creative cocktail list and even with the spotty food this is a great place to hit in Portland. The Lovely Girlfriend threw back a Burnt Trailer (Allen's Coffee Brandy and Moxie - two Maine staples that horrify most of the rest of the country) and an A-Okay (Allen's and Oakhurst milk, she had it with 2%, with whole milk it's called Fat Ass in a Glass). Odd how much she loves the drink of choice for rural Maine but doesn't like the rural. Babysteps. For my blog and more reviews please check my yelp profile page.
(3)
Marilyn C.
Good service, good food, expectations exceeded = 5 stars. I was a little skeptical of how the food was going to be based on the variety of food options and size of the menu, but the Great Lost Bear delivered. The waiter was helpful with menu choices, the food was all delicious and they have a good beer selection.
(5)
m b.
so my daughter & i went out on a "date" one nite recently, which means she picks the place, which also usually means im doomed! could be any slew of bad restaurants- friendlys, applebees, who knows. but for this occasion- she chose the great lost bear. in about 10 years experience with portland area- i always chose to avoid the great lost bear- bc of some stupid little radio jingle that used to air. when you hear those ads, its almost always a sign of desperation; sure enuff- this place stayed true to that concept. i was shocked to see 4 stars on here for this place, but then again- the clientele there wouldnt know good food, would they? two stars from me might be generous. my daughter ordered chicken nuggets- which we were told was actually the same as chicken strips. the lame, lousy waiter- some foreign guy from the uk or sumthing- was unable to explain the whole thing- nuggets, strips, tenders, who knows what the f they were serving. the guy had zero ability to articulate the whole thing. i ordered a burger with applewood smoked bacon and cheddar. the bacon sucked, and the cheddar sucked. if you cant make those two ingredients good, then what hope do you really have??? the burger came out & was this weird, greasy thing- overcooked, not great beef, and yes- with bacon and cheddar that didnt help the thing. the only positive thing i can say about the burger is that it was a good size. oh- almost forgot- the burger was sumthing like 11 or 12 bucks- a BAD price for a BAD burger. ive often said- you guys wanna move burgers into the $10 plus range?- ok, fine- but it better as hell be a great burger!!! the cheddar was poor grade and tasteless, the bacon- oh plse!!!- im so tired of this whole applewood smoked bacon bs. these places try to make it sound like youre getting some kind of special bacon, or special salad dressing, etc etc etc. gimme a break! the chicken fingers/nuggets/strips/tenders- whatever they were- were actually pretty good. and for the record- they were chicken fingers. one last thing & im done wasting time on this review: i chose the salad as my side item for my burger instaed of fries- bc im sick of fries. the salad was so bad & laughably small that I took a picture of it & sent it around to a couple friends for a laugh. it was served in a dish for dipping sauces or condiments. wilted greens, warm, old carrot shavings- truly awful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the great lost bear oughtta get lost- permanently!!!
(2)
Sarah W.
Excellente. Good for Lunch, Dinner, and right before you hit downtown. Wings are awesome. The beer selection is...wow. Usually pretty good service. They have dining area, bar area, and another dining area beside the bar. 'Tis good, easy to find. Small parking lot or park on the street.
(5)
Robert S.
Probably best beer selection in the state Delicious burgers and meaty buffalo Wings Visit this place every time I come up from Worcester to see my team play the pirates and I am always impressed.
(5)
Matthew M.
OO00ooh! Bad service from a nasty bartender brings this place down a notch. Let me tell ya, Jodie is awesome, but stay away from that grey-haired d#*k that has no idea what customer service is. Trust me, that guy sucks. I know, I know. Sounds like I have a personal problem. Well you are right, I do. But I'm not the only one, and that is why 'The Bear" loses points with me.
(4)
Brian M.
We were looking for a bar with good beer and good buffalo wings, which the girlfriend had a craving for, while we were on vacation and we found it. The place is a little gimmicky with the bear theme, heavily decorated walls, comical menu, and a couple of eye catching items. The one that caught my eye the most was the "Almighty Cheesus Burger". I had no intention of ordering a burger with grilled cheese sandwiches in the place of buns, but it's fantastic knowing that such a thing exists. The beer list is also perfect for someone hoping for a taste of Maine. Nearly all of the beers they offer are from Maine with most of them coming from the Portland area. From Sebago's IPA to Geary's Porter to more than half a dozen different Allagash offerings, you can get your local beer fix here. We went with the half order of wings which was a good call because even the half order was pretty impressive. Eight pieces sat in the basket, but each piece consisted of the wing and the druckstick attached to one another so we're talking 16 wings for $6. I didn't like having the wing and drumstick attached to one another because it gets hot and messy when trying to detach the two, but there's no time to be a sissy when devouring wings. The sauce wasn't very spicy, but it was extremely tasty. A few dashes of the locally made Lost Woods hot sauce from the table added some heat and some more delicious flavor. We made a mental note to find some of the Lost Woods sauce to bring home with us, but alas, mental notes made while drinking beer aren't always very effective so we drove home empty handed. The girlfriend kept with the buffalo theme and ordered the buffalo mac and cheese. The buffalo flavor played better with the wings as it didn't really stand out in the mac and cheese. Not a bad dish, but it didn't have the kick she was hoping for. My burger was pretty good, topped with a tasty barbecue sauce and nice, crispy fried onion strips. We really liked this place and I have a feeling that if we lived in the area we'd dine and drink at the Lost Bear on a fairly regular basis. It was a good time and part of a very good weekend.
(5)
David V.
Says here that The Great Lost Bear has been around since 1979 - pretty much the dark ages in craft beer culture. I'm not sure what they sold back then other than Bud and Michelob - maybe more imports? Either way, a lot has changed beer-wise in the 33 ensuing years, and this bar rivals and might even eclipse the great Novare Res in terms of locally made brews. Here is where I found an offering from one of my favorite breweries on tap for the very first time (Andrews of Lincolnville, ME and their delicious English Pale), and tried quite a few others. No, I didn't get rip-roaring drunk, thanks to their "tasters" - 5oz pours of practically any beer for $1.25. Enough to get a good feel for a beer without guzzling a whole pint. While many beer snob establishments have menus full of Belgians, Lambics, and over-muscled IPA's, The Great Lost Bear's was well-balanced with a large selection of drinkable pale ales, bitters, reds and other delicious but less flashy styles. The atmosphere reminded me a bit of Sunset in Allston, MA - cavernous and walls covered with vintage beer advertising, license plates and other bric-a-brac. Best way you can tell this is an older establishment - old school urinals that stretch all the way down to the floor. No standing in piss for me! While I had already eaten dinner, the menu was several pages long and looked like mostly satisfying pub-grub comfort food. I did get to try the cake in a mason jar though. Chalk up yet another fun way to eat cake. Oh, and as an added bonus, I found $20 on the ground on my way out! First post of the year for my found-money blog!
(4)
Jay H.
So most of the other reviews focus on food and beer. I will briefly reiterate what has already been said. It's a great pub with lots of beers to choose from, friendly staff and satisfying food. The nachos slew my companions and I, meaning our entrees ended up being tomorrow night's entrees at home. Like, we split the chili nachos three ways after running around back bay twice and still barely finished them. Our entrees were excellent the following night reheated in the aluminum containers in which they were sent home. On to the real meat and potatoes of the review. On the patio there is a game our waiter informed me is called ring toss. The equipment consists of a ring on a 3 foot string that is suspended 3ish feet away from a wall with a hook on it. The object of the game is to swing the ring like a pendulum so that it hooks onto the hook. The staff of TGLB made it look childishly simple. I saw at least two of them nonchalantly saunter to the game and get it in two tries. I got it in 37 attempts... or so. My second try I did it in 5. It's one of the most relaxing drinking games I've ever played. If you miss, the ring comes back to you! If you can't catch it, you probably shouldn't be drinking anymore anyway. My only complaint with the game is its moniker. We were thinking that it should be called "hooker" because of the great wordplay enabled. Infantile wordplay? Maybe. But hilarious nonetheless. The hooker definitely showed us a good time. The next time I see the game in a bar it's going to be difficult not to yell "this bar has a hooker!"
(3)
Mark S.
A MUST stop if you are in Portland! Everytime I come to Portland from Boston I am sure to stop here. Not only is there a large selection of well made American style food but the beer selection is AMAZING! They have almost all of the Maine brews on tap or in bottle and offer very reasonably priced samplers of anything on tap. I had a crab grilled cheese sandwhich btw and it was totally awesome.
(5)
Ryan C.
I have been going regularly to the Bear since the early 90's and this is the first time I have ever thought to write a review. its my old standby, its friendly, the food is consistent, the selection of beers is excellent - especially with the mix of some Belgians to go along with all of the traditional ales, lagers, stouts etc.... The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the cheese sauce, but you don't have to have it so problem solved! I love the crispy potato slice fries, the buffalo(esque) sauce is one of the most unique and delicious I have ever tasted - making the wings and buffalo chicken wrap two of my favorite items on the menu. Huge Nachos that can satisfy a crowd, plenty of fun vegetarian options, good burgers and shaved steak sandwiches. One eyed bacon cheeseburger with fries, gearys summer, and tollhouse cookie pie for desert could be my last meal. The bear is like that old t-shirt that you never want to give away, I hope they are always there!
(4)
Bruce R.
Great selection of beers, solidly well prepared and food and a very extensive casual dining menu with lots of options for different tastes
(4)
Erin M.
This review is basically just an echo of everything Brian M. said in his review, since we were there together, but I felt the need to put my 2 cents in anyway! We came for the buffalo wings, which we were both happy with. I tend to like my buffalo wings to be a bit spicier (but not painfully so), but these were definitely very good in their uniqueness! The sauce was on the milder side, but it had a pretty unique sweetness to the sauce instead of just being pure spice. The half order was still pretty enormous and more than enough for two of us to split as an appetizer. We gnawed all of the delicious meat off every wing. As my entree, I ordered the buffalo mac n' cheese, which wasn't buffalo-y enough for my particular preference (it was the same sauce as their wings), but still very yummy. Boyfriend got the baked fajita, which was huge, but he finished it anyway! The beer selection makes this place worthwhile on its own. There were tons of Maine brewed beer, which we appreciated a lot, since we like to drink locally brewed beer when visiting new places. I would definitely like to return here on our next Portland trip!
(4)
Rachel D.
If you are looking for beer this is the place to go! if you are looking for healthy to healthier options for food, this is NOT the place to go! Love the beer and the occasional nacho and chili plate, but sometimes I like to eat a salad that doesn't have something fried on it or a sandwich that isn't either red meat or fried and have the option of a healthy salad. But the atmosphere is good the food is ok, the beer is great, and its a great place to hang.
(3)
Jim B.
Ended up here the day after Thanksgiving with my wife and infant son and it hit the spot. Fun atmosphere, good beer list, fun food options, and space to stick us with the little guy. The servers we dealt with were helpful and attentive.
(5)
Simon L.
I don't even know where to begin trying to describe all that is great about this place. Just go on a Monday night, order wings and have some delicious beer.
(5)
Melissa B.
I had to knock a star off for the lack of lighting. Pretty decent spread of American-fare that made it hard to choose. I ended up with the chicken cordon bleu which was covered in loads of melty swiss and good quality Canadian bacon. The salsa that came with the Ursa Minor appetizer was tasty, not loaded with cilantro like a lot of restaurants are wont to do. My boyfriend really enjoyed his hellfire wings. Sadly we did not get to partake of the many beers on tap because we were seriously caffeine-deprived, otherwise there would have been beer and not soda at our table.
(3)
Stefanie M.
I've never had a bad experience here. Great for groups Monday-Wednesday (they don't take reservations Thurs through Sunday so the wait can be long). Great to try: the beer sampler, the wings (huge and straight from the bird), the nacho selection (not a vegetarian, but "no vaca" were still my favorite) The buffalo mac n' cheese is popular for a reason, and the fries are real slices of potato that can be dipped in buffalo sauce and cheese DO NOT TRY THE PEANUT SAUCE on wings or on anything else. IT TASTES LIKE PEANUT BUTTER. I've been disappointed by the fajitas, simply because they are not fajitas, they are more like a mexican take on the calzone, or a fried burrito. The menu says as much, but I'd rather the menu just use another name. I often park in the corner of the Mobil lot, because the GLB parking spaces are usually taken on a busy night.
(4)
Curt L.
What can I say about the Great Lost Bear (GLB) that has not been said before?.............well I will give it a try. GLB has many accolades from such esteemed sources as Gourmet Magazine, Beeradvocate and Forbes. Truly a great great bar. This is what an American bar is all about. Dark, cozy with lots of nooks and crannies. The walls adorned with funny/unique stickers (Sloppy Joe's Key West!....Yooooooouk!) and beer signage. Money from around the world stapled to the walls. Trivia question on the chalk board. Chrsitmas lights twinkling, Foot rails at the bar for the weary traveler. Great music (from my beertenders IPod). I heard Flaming Lips, Paul Simon, Pink Floyd, The Boss and Aretha Franklin during my brief stay here (Thank God I have the music app Shazam!). And the beer!.............Mucho choices on draught. Even cask conditioned ales. I went with the St. Bernadus Prior 8. A fine Belgian that went well with my onion gratinee burger. The burger is prepared with the onions from the onion soup (well marinated) with a gooey slice of provolone. A fresh side salad with a house made lemon curry dressing. Yummy. The place was packed with all ages/types. The locals, bar flys, older couples, even families with youngsters. I don't know much about the bear and how he got lost...........I am just glad that I found this GLB.
(5)
Tim G.
The Great Lost Bear taproom came up on the list of great Portland beer destinations. They boast something silly like 60+ taps at any given time. It's a couple miles away from the hubbub of the Old Port, so it's not really walkable if you're hanging around downtown. It is totally worth taking a detour to check out. Tons of bumper stickers on the walls, led lights, and bears everywhere. So we hunkered down at the bar and started the endless task of choosing a beer. My Lady Friend wanted something Mainey, and got an Atlantic Bar Harbor Real Ale (brown ale). I went with a Geary's Cask Conditioned IPA. Not bad, but I wouldn't want more than one at a time. The cask-conditioned ales are much smoother than their non-aged siblings, but usually seem much more filling. Despite the myriad of options available, we just stayed for one beer at GLB. They gave me some free bumper stickers, and apparently, they'll give you some too. It was a great place, and I would have liked to stay longer, but we had to be moving on to other destinations.
(4)
Mary J.
we had the poutine and it was awesome. best poutine ever. the burger was also awesome, and so was the beer selection.
(5)
Renee M.
I did not eat here but the beer selection was great!! I LOVED the fact that most of the brews were from Maine, as I came in from Boston and wanted to get a taste of what Maine had to offer in terms of beer. And Maine knows what's up! Allagash, Shipyard and Gritty McDuff's? Yes please! Delicious, delicious. We sat outside and the atmosphere was great. I mean what's better than sittin outside in the warm summer air, drinking some brews and catchin up with friends? Nothin' I tell ya, nothin'!
(4)
jason m.
Dropped in for lunch on our way to bar harbor from new jersey. Great place. The wings are ridiculously great and we split a burger with goat cheese and sun dried tomato pesto, so great. The beer selection is exactly what I expected. It's what all brewpubs should aspire to. Just wish I didn't have to drive so far for a good pint and great food
(5)
Tyler M.
Thank you Yelp for turning my friends and I onto this place. We were driving through Portland and needed somewhere to stop and grab dinner. We weren't expecting much, but The Great Lost Bear was really great! The food here is excellent. The menu is varied, and the portions are HUGE. My group of 4 all got different things (nachos, cheesus burger which was massive, quesadillas, and the guacamole burger) and we all loved our food. The service was a bit slow, but the food and free refills more than made up for it. The atmosphere is casual and kind of pub-like, but not too rowdy, and we could all converse easily. The dining section is separate from the bar, which also keeps the noise down. Speaking of the bar, they offer a tray of beer samples for purchase. My group didn't do this, but we all thought it was a neat idea. Overall an amazing experience. We all left this place weighing more than when we walked in the door!
(4)
Beck N.
Yum! The burgers here are super tasty. I got a regular cheeseburger with their special cheese sauce & enjoyed every bite of it. It was cooked exactly how I ordered it, which I feel is something that a lot of places skip out on. The side salad that came with it was definitely mini, but the ranch dressing was rich & good. Hubby had the buffalo sauce burger & even used some hot sauce that was on the table (I forget the name of it, but he had to find it in a store before we left Maine). Service can be a bit slow at times, but the food comes out very quickly.
(4)
Peter O.
This place is great. I love the atmosphere and their beer selection is amazing (70 plus on tap). I had the Allagash Tripel which is an incredible beer. The meal I got was called the Mother and Child Reunion, an amazing chicken sandwich. It was very size able and fair priced. If you are in the Portland area this should be a top dining location.
(4)
Bethany I.
To add insult to injury, I discovered last night that they charged not only my bill to my account -- but someone else's $22 bill. I talked to Pam and she said she would look into it and call me later today. I'm also checking with my friends to see if the waitress ran my card twice on accident. Edited to Add: The issue was resolved within the week. Thanks! I'm still hesitant to go back, even if the food smells delicious from the street.
(1)
Nicholas S.
We had a very frustrating and unfortunate experience at The Great Lost Bear this weekend. We had high hopes as this was a repeat visit; our first trip was memorable - great beers and good service at a legendary beer bar. Our bartender was rude, unattentive, unnecessarily defensive and - most importantly - exhibited absolutely no knowledge of the great beers being poured. First my wife ordered a saison and she received a beer as dark as night that was roasty, malty, and seasoned with holiday-beer type spices. Despite some mild disappointment (especially as my wife was the driver and this was probably going to be her only beer during this stop) we didn't raise an issue - sometimes the keg gets changed and we aren't so snobbish to expect the bartender to have noticed the error. For the next round, I ordered the La Rulles winter offering (a Belgian dark ale). I was served a hazy copper brew which was almost certainly the triple. When the beer came, I looked at it puzzlingly and asked bashfully whether this was the correct beer, at which time I was dismissively assured it was. At this point, it was clear that we had somehow offended the bartender which made for an awkward end to our experience. We asked to settle up the tab at which time we drew attention to the fact that 2 of the 3 beers we ordered were incorrect (it should be noted that these are high quality Belgian ales that can run $10 a pour). The bartender became defensive, histrionic and made a big show of ripping up our receipt and saying she would comp one of the beers. While that gesture was appreciated, we were more than happy to pay for what we drank - we just wanted her to be on notice that most likely the beer list hadn't been updated with changing kegs. She proceeded to "check the name on the keg" and we were informed the keg simply said "La Rulles" (the brewer) and that they would have no way of knowing which beer is actually in there. It was a bizarre, illogical reaction to the issue we had raised. Normally I would rate this type of experience as a one star, but I have given this pub 2 stars out of deference for the extensive beer selection and a prior 4-star-type experience that we had. I would not "avoid" The Great Lost Bear by any means, but I would hope the management - if they are serious about being a serious beer destination - would take the time to train the staff in some beer basics and customer service.
(2)
Michelle D.
my food was really good, the salad ordered at my table was outstanding, but i asked for a condiment when my food was dropped off and i'd nearly finished eating by the time the mustard found me. loads of beers on tap but few or none that are otherwise difficult to find. lots of seating, tho my section was mostly filled with families and their tiny tots. i'd love to give this place more stars, but for some reason i was underwhelmed. might have been the mustard. or the total lack of parking for such a big place. i'll give it another go and offer an update if i change my mind.
(3)
Brian D.
I visited here on a recent trip through Portland up to Unity Maine, and had an amazing time. I'm a huge fan of burgers and wings that I feasted on while waiting for beer, or maybe its the other way around. There are with out a doubt seriously miles of taps, over 50 on TAP and 100s more in bottles. Some really good stuff here, and the prices are very reasonable on many items. and excellent on the rest. The burgers with great fries were decently priced, and hit the spot with a unique ability to have a huge menu, were most things are above average, and the beer is great, you can't beat this place. If you're ever in Portland be sure to swing by They won't split a bill with if you have more then 6 though which is kind of a shame, cuts down on big groups, but a minor setback does not equal a bad restaurant.
(5)
Courtney N.
This just wasn't the restaurant for me. My first two choices were closed (on a Saturday- weird) and my friend and I were randomly driving around trying to spot somewhere different to try. I will say that my friend loved this place. He got a cream ale and his meal was great. I felt like the menu had way too much, and nothing appealed to me. I wanted to try something that I didn't often have or was unique, and there really wasn't anything. They do have an extensive beer list, and the decor is cute. Our waiter was super nice. I ended up ordering a cheese steak and hated it. It wasn't made like what they have in my area, and I thought it was gross; yes, my poor friend finished it for me and said it was just okay. The fries were pretty good. Also, the lighting was way too dim. I felt like it was unnaturally dark. So, would I go again? Probably since my friend loved it so much. I think I'd just stick to a hamburger next time. Prices were fine, service was great, it was probably more me not liking it than anything they did.
(3)
Allyson W.
I went with a party of 7 at about 7:15 on a Saturday night. The hostesses were able to seat us right away. They have a great beer selection. We ordered burgers and sandwiches, and everything was good. The waitress was helpful when a few of my companions had questions about the menu. I will definitely go back if I am in the area.
(4)
Willie M.
Went on a friends recommendation. Good Call. I sat at the bar, had a couple of good beers.(plenty to choose from) and a Monte Christo with a fresh small salad. Great Pub fare and the atmosphere was friendly and lively... would stop in again...
(4)
Travis D.
Man, I love beer. Bears not so much. I had such high hopes for this place. In fact, it was kind of a focal point on my trip to Portland. Unfortunately, I was little disappointed on more than one front. I am the first to admit that I have no idea how difficult it might be to keep 50 or so craft beers on tap. I image you might be out of one or two from time to time, but they were out of every other beer I tried to order. The server was disinterested at best, but the bartender was very friendly. Definitely sit at the bar if you have the choice. As far as the food, stay away from the Lewiston Cheesesteak... it is the first cheesesteak that I ever met who I didn't enjoy their company.
(3)
Travis K.
Solid option. Beer towers are fund, wings are great. The fires aren't the best and the burgers were all overcooked a bit. Besides that nice place to go out for dinner and drinks. Recommend the Cheese Stake.
(3)
Ridge Y.
The locals know the Great Lost Bear as one of those "go to places" for a cold beer after work. Pub Fare food is generous in portions and with their own Bear Flair. They think outside the box! If you like to try various types of beer they have one of the best selections around. Their website claims to have over 60 beers on tap and I believe it. (I will say don't judge the place by its website. It's probably one of the worst websites I've seen in a LOOOONG Time) GLB people, if you're listening... update your site! Bottom line is for casual lunch or dinner this little hidden gem is a great spot to kick back with a cold beer or good food. *I'd probably give it a 3.75 star rating if I could. Not sure it's truely a 4 star, but not a 3 either. Oh well, such is life! Ridge York, CRS RE/MAX By The Bay Portland, ME
(4)
Bud P.
Lousy food and pretentious staff. The only reason to go here is the beer selection
(1)
Salem S.
Okay, so seriously. I've ordered food from this place fairly often. Over the course of a year, they have proceeded to get my order right only twice. It's not a complex order or anything extravagant, either. By the time I return the food and wait around, it's not even worth it. It ends up being like a part time job just to get things right, get my food, and eat it. I'm not a freeloader, but you would think that after THAT many consistent horrible screw-ups they'd be offering a free lunch or a couple bucks off. Nope. Just an empty apology and repeat screw ups. The food is good... when it manages to be right. It's not great, just good, and combined with the horrible service (which is always on pick-up orders), it's totally not worth it to eat here. Which is a shame, because I love the cheese fries with the white dipping sauce (which, believe it or not, seems to be so difficult to throw together that it's what is usually wrong with the order).
(2)
Alexa B.
Terrible food, awesome beer selection. Best hole-in-the-wall (always the mark of a great hangout) bar in Maine. Plenty of locals come here every week for their special low-price beer nights. It's sort of a Portland institution. As a visitor, you may not get much out of it. But when you live in southern Maine, you can walk in here on a Thursday night and see at least 5 people you won't mind chatting up over some drinks. This is the kind of place you want to have in your neighborhood.
(5)
Tyler C.
Hot damn I love this place. Whenever I come back to my stomping grounds I try to swing into this place for some food and a pint. The atmosphere here is always great, whether you are sitting at the bar or dinning at a table. Also, if you are from out of town and don't know much about Maine, you could learn a lot about Maine and it's history just by checking out the stuff they got hanging up on the walls there. It's practically a museum. The food here is good, not great, but has a nice creative twist on most of your traditional meals. For instance, try the "Mother Child Reunion", it's a chicken sandwich with a fried egg on top. The menu is full of funny oddities like that. My favorite here has been the buffalo chicken wrap. It is pretty typical except they sneak some pieces of shaved carrot in there, which adds a whole new dynamic of texture and sweetness to the wrap. So, finally, the beer. This place probably has the best beer selection in all of Portland. They have 60 or so taps with not just your favorite local brews but other hard to find gems from around the country. If you come with a couple of friends you could also try your hands at a "Beer Tower." I won't take the time to describe it, because I'm sure by now you are already picturing what this majestic tower might look like. Now, I do realize there are plenty of great bars in the Old Port, and it might be hard for you to wander so far from the water front, but trust me this place is worth checking out.
(5)
Tyler A.
Visited in early May while on a quick vacation with my wife. Visited for lunch on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. Fairly standard bar ambiance. Tons of vintage sineage on the walls. L shaped bar that was fairly large. A few different rooms that provided ample restaurant seating. Over 50 taps. Nothing too crazy or rare, but NE locals were WELL represented. Better than average bar food (actually the French Onion Soup was awesome). Very reasonable prices. 5oz sampler pours were offered. Shot the shit for a good while with Mike (the bar manager). He was very friendly and certainly knowledgeable about the local scene and craft beer in general. You're not going to find anything over the top here, but I would put it as a must stop if you have some time to kill in Portland.
(3)
Malcolm B.
The occasional Grateful Dead iconography and cigarette-smoking frat boys outside made me cringe, but when we were seated in the back corner with a 23-ounce Allagash Black, we instantly felt better. This was the kind of place we had been looking for, at least in appearance. It was dark and air conditioned enough to make you forget the late August heat, and the 69 draft beer selection was enough to keep us interested. The Great Lost Bear is the kind of place that TGI Friday's-style places must have been trying to copy, way back in the 70s, before chain restaurants started stockpiling nostalgia and wall-mounted-weirdness in giant warehouses, ready to be shipped at a moment's notice to prime mini-mall locations throughout the Midwest. Old circus posters, street signage, and yes, a mounted bear line the walls, and the lighting is dim enough that you just barely have to squint to see your waiter. We also lucked into being there on a Tuesday, which is "Talls for Smalls" night: 23 ounce beers for the price of a pint. While you could sit all day, soaking up the free Wi-fi and working your way through the beer list, we also wanted to see if the bar food was an option, as well. We started with a half order of Buffalo wings, for $6.99. Instead of getting a tray of baked or breaded wings (what is it with oddball wing preparations around here?), or a plastic basket full of tiny, shriveled wing pieces that had been deep-fried into tortured little nuggets, we were pleasantly surprised to be served four whole, fried chicken wings, dipped in a nice Buffalo wing sauce that was vinegary, if not quite spicy enough. While not breaking the wings into segments may mean less fried surface area, the skin was crispy enough to indicate that the wings had been patted dry before frying, a critical step in Buffalo wing preparation. Getting whole wings also means getting the tip, that wonderfully crunchy third wing section that so many ignore. An oddly huge bowl of blue cheese was provided, which was on the runny side and not particularly remarkable, though it did have a few big chunks of real blue cheese. After wolfing the wings down in seconds, we ordered another round of drinks and two main events: The "Woodford's Cheesesteak" for me at $9.99, a combination of shaved steak, grilled onions, and cheese sauce on a hoagie roll, and the "French Herb Cheeseburger" for Jillian, a $9.99 half pound of beef with an herbed cheese sauce, served on a toasted bulkie roll. We each chose a small salad on the side, though other options included fries, coleslaw, or dirty rice. The cheesesteak was pretty solid. The steak was nicely shaved and cooked, if not particularly flavorful. The onions were carmelized and sweet, and where I expected "Wit Whiz," Philly-style cheese sauce, there was instead a nice, mild white American Bechamel. Overall, the sandwich's biggest success was in its nice combination of textures: chewy, creamy, toasty, and a just a little sweet. Jillian's burger was great. While I wasn't crazy about the "French Herbed Cheese" variation, which seemed like little more than the cheese sauce from my cheesesteak with a fistful of herbes de provence thrown in, the thick, juicy hamburger patty was clearly high quality, and cooked to Jillian's medium-rare specifications. It's nice when a place that bothers to ask you how you want a piece of meat cooked actually follows through and then cooks your meat that way, and we didn't expect that in a bar. The bulkie roll was pillowy and soft, nicely grilled in butter. I will definitely try a different burger variation on our next trip, as I think there's a lot of potential there. The Great Lost Bear succeeds in the ways you need it to, providing a great selection of mostly local draft beers in a cool, calmly-lit environment, serviced by an easygoing, yet attentive staff. Knowing what to order and what to avoid seems key, and it seems like sticking to simpler dishes (chicken wings) and skipping their more "exotic" fare (Peanut Thai Chicken Rollup? Spanakopita? Seriously?) might be the order of the day. So far, it is our favorite choice for a cool place to lay low until October with a few beers and some good pub food.
(4)
Sean B.
This review is for the beer only -we had wings, which were good, but the beer is why you come here. GREAT Lost Beer selection.
(5)
Josh C.
Rebecca, "Authentic memorabilia, and cool ski lodge feel minus the chain restaurant kitschy" Josh, "Great place to play drinking games." Taste: ***** (Watch out for the garlic in the guacamole...whoa!) Wait Time: ***** Price: ****
(5)
Robin W.
Went here Sunday afternoon for a late lunch with Mom & Dad. I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese. It was good although it could've been a little more "buffalo-y". It was hard to taste any buffalo sauce but even just as a chicken mac and cheese it was good. My mom got the svelte melt and that was really good (we traded plates half-way thru). Dad got the patty melt I don't remember what if anything he said about it but it looked tasty. The coleslaw that came with it got rave review from him though. For dessert we split a couple slices of the Tollhouse pie with hot fudge and ice cream...sooooo good. Waiter was friendly and attentive. Great Lost Bear has a small parking lot, made smaller from all the snow. Otherwise there's street parking.
(4)
Fred S.
You have to know what to order if you are eating at the Bear, they have a huge menu and most of it isn't executed very well, but there are a few golden nuggets (Spiro T. Nachos!) There are lots and lots of beers on tap, but I suggest getting Geary's because it is a Portland staple and folks drink it up like water so it is sure to be fresh! There seems to be a waitron dress code that all waitrons must wear a skin tight shirt. Well, some waitrons *should not* wear skin tight shirts, k. The Bear is a mixed bag, but if you want to have a reasonably good time at a reasonably good place, you've got it!
(3)
Jeff W.
Let me first say that I don't drink...so I'm useless to those looking for the best beer. I really enjoyed this place. The food was great: I had the Buffalo Mac'n'Cheese and cheese fries, my girlfriend had fish and chips. On the recommendations of the other reviews here, we got the cake in a jar for dessert. We were not let down. Chocolate cake, topped with caramel, nuts, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream all served up in a mason jar. The place has lots of fun stuff to look at on the walls, and it was busy on the Wednesday night that we went. I will definitely go back next time I'm in the area.
(4)
Tammy S.
I like TGLB. As a vegan they can accommodate me and food is always good and I am completely comfortable going there with non-vagn friends. My husband really likes the selection of beers I do have one complaints and it's pretty major - WHO PUTS SOUR CREAM IN GUACAMOLE???!?!? This is just heresy not to mention very disappointing. This is what knocked them from 4 to 3 stars. Fix that guac guys!
(3)
Geno K.
Good burgers. Really liked the fries (thick potato chip style). The nachos... ehh, a bit too big and overpriced. If you're going with the nachos, don't order a 2nd meal if you're with someone... split the meal because you'll be full after the nachos if you even finish half of them.
(4)
ashley s.
Great food, good service. It has the comfort of a 'regulars' bar, with the relaxing ambiance of a casual restaurant. The tight seating and walkways in the bar area are negligible once the food arrives! Try the wings. And the salad, nachos, chili, burgers, mushrooms.... it's all been great! And that means a lot coming from a gal who orders the same sandwich every time. Not at the Bear! Here, it's all very, very good.
(4)
Ben R.
Perhaps it's the great burgers, perhaps it's the fantastic selection of beer, or perhaps it's simply childhood nostalgia, but The Great Lost Bear has been a mecca for me every time I visit Maine. Their burgers are large, tasty and cooked excellently. They even understand the difference between medium rare, medium and medium well, which many places miss. As a kid, I jumped at the chance to stop at The Great Lost Bear. The staff was always friendly and welcoming when I was little. Add to this a great selection of beers from across New England and the US as well as imports and it's easy to see why this is one of my favorite places. Last time I was there, I collected 4 pint glass (each one full) to build myself a set for when I came home. After all, the best thing about The Great Lost Bear is their logo and slogan: Support the right to arm bears.
(5)
Nick G.
The Great lost bear has gone downhill in the past few years. The prices have jumped significantly over the last year and quality of food has gone WAY DOWN. Several times I have orded food and it has come out cold and the waiter/waitress has gotten pissed at me for sending it back. The waiters are hit or miss as well as the bartenders. The GLB itself is dirty you can see the grime on the walls and the bathrooms are hideous. GLB is a dying as a restaurant and the bar is nothing special...save your money for the old port!
(1)
Bryan M.
The good: beer selection decent food for the price The bad: This place will NOT break up checks for groups larger than 6. Each time I've been here, there's been at least one error on the food, and when pointed out to the wait staff, they've been less than accomidating. Bottom line: go for beer. Do NOT bring groups. They will not thank you for it.
(2)
Missy S.
This place USED to be a solid 5 stars, OMG, the food was amazing, the beer amazing (beer still is amazing) altho I have found that the food in recent years has gone down in quality from what it was in the 90's. Love that they have tons of different burgers to choose from, they still do at least offer a great variety on the menu. I can't really explain what happened with the food, other than the last 3 or so times, at least one person in the party has had to send food back because it was either not cooked properly, or just tasted like crap, or for whatever reason they just screwed up the order. That being said, really if you want to have a burger with an amazing choice of beer, this is the place to do it. However, if you are just looking for a really good burger, you may be better going to Grittys....they certainly have good beer there too, altho not the same type of selection!
(3)
The R.
Great fun place. Stopped by the Great Lost Bear on a recent visit to Portland. Solid selection with reasonable prices. I honestly didn't get enough time there since my friends and I showed up less than 15 minutes before they closed, the bartenders were more than accommodating to make sure we had more than 1 drink in the short time we had. Decent selection of American craft beers, including a lot of the Allagash beers. Reasonable prices, a chill atmosphere, and friendly staff make this a place worth visiting.
(4)
Katy M.
We stopped in for lunch while apartment hunting in Portland, and it's been tough to go anywhere else since. Drinks: 65 beers on tap, most of which are local (or at least from the northeast, found a lot of favorites from back home in MA) and they always have a 2.99 special. Usually the special is something lame like Bud Light, but not here. The first time we went it was Magic Hat Howl (which my boyfriend and I had never tried, and we both loved), and the second time it was Redhook IPA. Not sure if they have a full bar, but who needs one with that kind of selection? Food: It's a dive bar, so don't get fancy-- get dive bar food. The burgers are amazing. Order it one temp lower than you'd like it. I ordered med-well and got it well done, but it was still juicy and amazing. Their fries are great, just big fat oval potato slices. Haven't tried the nachos, but the chips, salsa and guacamole taste fresh. (If they aren't, good work GLB, you fooled me). My boyfriend got the not-a-cheesesteak the second time around, which is a roll full of crunchy grilled veggies and cheese "sauce" (more appealing than it sounds), also delicious. Next time, he said he'll ask for the same thing but with steak. Dessert: Get it. If you're not hungry, take it home. There's always a special, usually cheesecake. Both times we have gone it's been some crazy flavor - cherry garcia and chocolate butterscotch chip - so it's not for cheesecake purists. They both tasted even better than they sound. Service: Nothing to write home about, but solid. Our first server, Petr, was really friendly. The second time we went, the waitress could've definitely smiled more, but she was perfectly attentive. Refill my beer when it's empty and I'm a happy girl. The Great Lost Bear immediately became one of our favorite places. If you're in Portland, it's worth a trip over to USM for lunch.
(4)
Matt L.
If you love beer, this place is flipping fantastic. Tons of taps, and a great selection of beers (including cask conditioned) make this place worth visiting. The Belgian selection is great, and their American craft brew selection is outstanding. I've only eaten food here once - and was pretty happy. My mom likes wine, and she's impressed with the wine selection.
(5)
Julie Y.
Great beer, mediocre food and dirty dishes and utensils. Went with a large party and had to pay 18% for a waiter who barely found time to take our order. Not impressed with service or food, but the beer and atmosphere helped. Go for drinks or burgers: ignore the other parts of the giant unmanageable menu.
(2)
Tom D.
So many taps!! Great beers good pub grub. Plenty of room for dining and a huge bar. Outside deck in the summer.
(4)
Christopher B.
Any time i'm in portland i try to go here. Good food, good beers, and great service. The hot sauce at the table (made by a local company) is really good, too.
(4)
Scott H.
Sitting proudly alongside Ebenezer's and Novare Res, 'The Bear' is one of the best beer bars in Maine (or anywhere north of Boston for that matter). I've been enjoying this place since 1998 when I started a 3-year stint working in Portland. Now that I live in Chicago, my wife and I return each year on our week-long pilgrimage to the Maine coast. 'The Bear' knew craft beer before the term was even widely used. The tap list is always amazing with a focus on selections from the many wonderful Maine breweries. The food pairs well in that it's simple, decadent and delicious. A perfect accompaniment to the typically heavy-bodied and high ABV beers you will likely enjoy here. Always loved the vibe here too. College hangout meets North Woods townie bar. Love everything about this place!
(4)
j v.
Pretty good. You need to eat here a lot as many items are not so great. The cheesus burger is wonderful ) The beer selection is amazing (although no Smuttynose Winter when I went Friday and their blender has been broker for months). The Bear is large so you often do not have to wait long. The burgers and wings are top notch. They have a tiny parking lot so you will probbaly be looking on street for parking. It is easy to find.
(4)
Chris C.
I drink here too much. The food's not bad, but the highlight is the huge selection of beer they have on tap. This is the most in Portland, and was even featured in some magazine whose name I forget. They have some beers that are hard to find elsewhere. They do sampler sizes so you can check out an unknown beer. It's a pretty big place too, so there's always room for more. I've never had to wait here.
(4)
Colin A.
The Great Lost Bear is an excellent just out of downtown restaurant that offers great pub grub fare and a fine selection of different domestic/import brews for the beerista (definitely grab the beer taster). A great place for dinner, the GLB is one of the most popular spots in Portland for people who want a great downtown experience sans the busy crowds and horrible parking. Have a patio and live entertainment in the summertime, the GLB makes its famous claim with the great memorabilia and beer selection (only place I recall with the outdoor ring toss game). :-) Great food, great beer, decent service and prices - definitely make a stop to The GLB on your next stop to Portland!
(4)
Janna H.
Great atmosphere and great food! I am never disappointed with a meal from here. The staff is super friendly and attentive, and you can't beat the selection on beers they have. I always leave with a full belly and a smile.
(5)
Josh T.
This place is great. The Bear has a very laid back feel and hippie type atmosphere and charm. Their tap selection is now up to over 70 beers I believe. Their menu is very deep, and the burgers and very well done and spread over a variety of styles and flavors which only get better with the "Bear Claws" fry slices. I highly recommend the home made flavors of the boneless chicken fingers, they rock and remember to bring your appetite, because the portions are nice and big.
(4)
Captn I.
Love the wings and burgers!
(4)
Brian J.
You simply must visit the Great Lost Bear if you find yourself in the Portland area. They are not doing anything new, here. Or anything really very interesting. But what they do, up-sized casual American pub fare, they do VERY well. Compare it to Eli Canons in Middletown, CT, or Fitzwilly's in Northampton, MA. If you're looking for something fairly simple after a night or two of lobster elsewhere, try The Bear. There is something on the huge menu for every taste. Oh, and of course you should put this spot even higher on your list if you or your partner is a fan of microbrewed beers. I'm sure other reviewers have gone into more detail, there.
(4)
Jeff W.
The service can sometimes be a tad slow, but the beer selection is amazing. Try the Allagash Four and Allagash Black for a special treat. The Almighty Cheesus Burger is not to be missed (a burger between 2 Grilled Cheese Sandwiches)! Get the fries well done as they tend to be undercooked. Nice place, give it a try you're sure to find something that tickles your fancy. They also have a special drink right now called the Catch Twenty 2 made with Maine vodka, basil, mint, white grape juice, lemon juice and a splash of (club) soda. VERY refreshing and only $5!
(4)
Emily A.
The food is okay, I've had better and I've had worse. My main issue with The Bear is I find the food to be extremely overpriced when it's really over-hyped diner fare. They do have a great selection of beers. Despite this I've been here many times with very large groups and the service has always been excellent.
(3)
Marshunda S.
Great place to meet up with folks and have a beer. If you are hungry, the food isn't to bad as well.
(4)
Stacey M.
Went up to Portland for the day last weekend and after a bit of Yelping, we decided to eat dinner here based on the vegetarian choices (for me) and beer variety (for the boy). We got there around 6:00 on Saturday and there were a bunch of people waiting, but the line moved quickly and we only waited 10-15 minutes. We ordered a lot of food. And overall it was pretty good. We started with some cheese fries and the boy got the vegetarian chili. The fries are actually big slices of potato which are fried and then baked in a small casserole dish so the cheese gets all melty. Pretty good. The boy really liked the vegetarian chili. You can also get it vegan if you skip the cheese on top. It comes with tortilla chips. For dinner I got the spinach salad and a side of mac & cheese. The spinach salad was HUGE and so good! Mac & cheese can be hit or miss, but their version was pretty good. The flavor was mild and the texture was creamy and there was a small sprinkle of crunchy breadcrumbs on the top. i wasn't blown away, but it was pretty decent. The boy got the veggie fajita and wasn't too thrilled with it. His main complaints were it looked nothing like a fajita and just like a giant quesadilla and the veggies were mushy. So, my advice is don't go to Maine for Mexican food. For dessert we split the cake in a jar. It is a big Bell canning jar with chocolate cake at the bottom then topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, whipped cream and nuts. Holy crap, so simple but yummy. The boy is still talking about it. This is a fun place serving basic food in large portions. Good for families (they have a separate kids menu) or just a casual night out. I will definitely go back next time I'm near Portland.
(4)
Emily T.
Went there on the drive back to Boston while in Maine for the day. A giant plate of vegan nachos and a sampler platter of beer later and I was ready to explode in the best way possible. For the omnivores: don't cringe at the word vegan because they have their share of burgers and other meaty things as well! Going on a Sunday night it was pretty quiet and casual and I waitress was super nice. If this a was a restaurant closer to me, I would go frequently!
(5)
Topher D.
Food is ok, beer selection is what you come for. I wish I went to college in Portland, this would have been a weekly hangout I'm sure. Terrific draft selections, mainly from Maine. Samples are a modest 1.25 for a 5 oz (2.25 for Belgians I believe). Atmosphere is funky and in a good way. Definitely will stop back my next time going through town.
(5)
Nicole M.
First thing I noticed about this place... the menu selection is veryy extensive. I am talking about the food. They have wraps, mac n cheese, vegetarian dishes, etc, etc, etc. But the number of beers on draft is what I believe The Great Lost Bear is known for. That's pretty cool. The night I went, the bar was offering "tall for smalls," meaning that you could get a large beer for the price of a small. All of my friends enjoyed their beers. I just got an Angry Orchard so I can't speak to the quality of the beers or ciders on tap. The service was a little spotty but the waitstaff was very nice. The atmosphere of this place is chill. The decor is quirky and fun. All in all, a bar worth checking out.
(4)
James P.
I was excited about this place given its reputation but many of the beers I wanted weren't available yet were on the menu. The beer I did have tasted off from what I know it's supposed to taste like. Food was ok, but not presented as I would have expected.
(3)
Todd A.
when i first moved to portland, i lived a block away for a couple months and never went here. its been a destination after having gone. couple things: - wings - jamaican jerk chicken - bumper sticker oh, there's the beer, as well... miles of taps. but, for a connoisseur of wings, this is different and good. a server once told me the secret, and i've been able to come close. flash me your belly button and i'll share... jamaican jerk chicken is sublime. unlike i've ever had anywhere since, and i've looked. full and dark. OH and my fave server of all time was here. he was soooo very stoned, eyes as red as a mighty taco employee (the ORIGINAL) at 5a, but took, from memory, our order (table of 4). perfect. was always around when any one of us needed another round, appearing behind the person opposite you; a quick look, a returned nod. a beer appeared shortly thereafter. prices are good, esp by NYC standards.
(5)
Pat M.
I have a terrible time deciding what to order, and the GLB doesn't help me with my problem. Their beer and food menu is huge. I finally settled on a beer after much deliberation, but when I placed my order I was told they were out. Usually no big deal, but when I asked for a suggestion of something similar, the waitress came up blank. To be fair, it was a unique beer, but at least give me something. I ordered the Philly cheesesteak. It came out warm, not hot, and the steak tasted like it was half meat half fat. My bro-in-law ordered 'The Almighty Cheesus Burger.' It's a buger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches. He devoured it. Based on the other reviews, it seems like I might have just had a bad experience. Maybe I'll just stick to drinking.
(2)
Rick S.
I love GLB. I give the beer selection a very solid 5 stars. They have 60+ beers on tap. Along with the fantastic assortment of local beers, they have numerous Belgians, too. I give the food 4 stars. I love the huge, eclectic menu. It's not fine dining by any means, but I can honestly say that in dozens of visits I've never had a meal that I didn't like.
(5)
Jimmy S.
The Great Lost Bear is one of those places that I rarely skip out on if I'm visiting Portland. There are over 50 beers on tap, 'nuff said. But if the beer selection alone isn't enough to pique your interest--though I don't know why it wouldn't--allow me to expound further. The food is kind of your basic American pub fare--soups, salads, and sandwiches. Personally, I'd recommend one of their many delicious burgers--my favorite being the One-Eyed Bacon Cheeseburger--since the burgers are arguably the best thing on the menu. The atmosphere is also a draw. While there is a bunch of old stuff on the walls, it's not done ad nauseum like at say an Applebee's or T.G.I. Friday's. The lights are somewhat dimmed, giving the place a tone of relaxation--encouraging its patrons to kick back, relax, and drink a beer or two. My biggest complaint would be the service--however, this sort of functions as a double-edged sword. If you're starving or looking for a place to pop in for a quick bite, you might want to look someplace else. However, if you want to meet up with friends, relax, have a meal and a few rounds over some philosophical/comical/life conversation, the slower service lends to that. I've spent hours and hours there just talking with a handful of friends. For that, it's excellent. I suggest you check out this place for yourself, if you haven't, since it has an inexplicable sort of charm. At the very least, you should be charmed by the sheer volume of beer the Great Lost Bear offers.
(5)
CL S.
One of my favorite places to eat in Portland. Shoot, it's one of my favorites to eat *anywhere*. Fantastic burgers, wraps and salads, and the best beer menu you'll find just about anywhere. The only problem with this place is the parking lot, which is terrible (and always full). If you're in Portland and you like pub food and beer, this place needs to be on your itinerary.
(5)
Elizabeth P.
The food is good and the beer selection is terrific.
(4)
Charley Z.
Upon moving in down the street from the Great Lost Bear, my roommate and I decided, without ever having been, that this place was sure to be our own version of "Cheers." Complete with outdoor seating (and smoking after ten!), a beer list that will make you drool, and nachos the size of you and your friend's faces, this place is sure to be your nightly-neighborhood spot. We loved it so much we've become the regulars who don't even need to be seated; and I am frequently greeted by my favorite waiter out on the town. If you're looking for a place for you and a handful of friends, come on down, buy a couple Beer Towers, and get ready for a good night.
(4)
Dejia B.
Can't decide what to order.....fish and chips! These suckers are fucking delicious here! Helpful hint: get a side of cheese sauce for your fries and drench 'em with hot sauce. Mmmmm.
(4)
John M.
I couldn't wait to check this place and I must say I'm fucking in love with this joint. The beer selection is like fucking Disney World for beer drinkers and the pub fare is God damned delicious. Try a Super Burger. Sweet merciful crap. I let the bartender pick my final libation for the evening and she poured me an Alligash Black. What a gal. I'd go there every night if I could afford to. The parking situation sucks but it's a small price to pay.
(5)
christy e.
This is a definite on my yearly trips to Portland. Great burgers and awesome beer list! Love the beer specials too!!
(5)
Christian R.
Truth be known, I really love this bar. When my Masonic lodge meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays we go here without fail. The beer selection is without doubt wonderful, with more good draughts, includng three to five cask ales, than anywhere else in Portland. They recently added a stable of belgian draughts which are my consistent favorites. Unfortunately, the downside is bad pub food and highly variable service. This is a pub in the classic sense. You go for a relaxing pint with your friends, not for a great meal and or a quick bite.
(3)
Kat H.
Holy, holy, holy is the Great Lost Bear. Was taken here by some friends--this place is awesome, and I'm saying that as a die-hard New Englander. It took me probably 10 full, intensive, heart-wrenching moments to pick out a meal--a salad with dill-yogurt dressing in a taco shell--and while it ranked top 5 of all salads ever had by me, my friend had the best meal hands-down. And it was.... A fajita. At a beer bar in Maine. I don't know what they do, I couldn't care less if it's authentic, but it was perfect. Grilled tortilla, phenomenal steak, perfect seasoning...my husband and I were shocked, I tell you, shocked. And we've considered driving back up just to have it all to ourselves. And yes, they've got beer-tons of great seasonals, microbrews, and a sign advertising "40 beers on tap." The atmosphere is great too, if albeit a bit frightening with boars heads, neon signs, and vintage newspaper clippings everywhere. Great place that more than deserves a visit, and more than one at that.
(5)
Marilyn C.
Good service, good food, expectations exceeded = 5 stars. I was a little skeptical of how the food was going to be based on the variety of food options and size of the menu, but the Great Lost Bear delivered. The waiter was helpful with menu choices, the food was all delicious and they have a good beer selection.
(5)
Katrina H.
Had a SeaDog Blueberry ...can't go wrong here. Also a special burger that was messy and amazing! Every serving coming out of the kitchen was over the top. There was not way anybody was going home hungry.
(5)
m b.
so my daughter & i went out on a "date" one nite recently, which means she picks the place, which also usually means im doomed! could be any slew of bad restaurants- friendlys, applebees, who knows. but for this occasion- she chose the great lost bear. in about 10 years experience with portland area- i always chose to avoid the great lost bear- bc of some stupid little radio jingle that used to air. when you hear those ads, its almost always a sign of desperation; sure enuff- this place stayed true to that concept. i was shocked to see 4 stars on here for this place, but then again- the clientele there wouldnt know good food, would they? two stars from me might be generous. my daughter ordered chicken nuggets- which we were told was actually the same as chicken strips. the lame, lousy waiter- some foreign guy from the uk or sumthing- was unable to explain the whole thing- nuggets, strips, tenders, who knows what the f they were serving. the guy had zero ability to articulate the whole thing. i ordered a burger with applewood smoked bacon and cheddar. the bacon sucked, and the cheddar sucked. if you cant make those two ingredients good, then what hope do you really have??? the burger came out & was this weird, greasy thing- overcooked, not great beef, and yes- with bacon and cheddar that didnt help the thing. the only positive thing i can say about the burger is that it was a good size. oh- almost forgot- the burger was sumthing like 11 or 12 bucks- a BAD price for a BAD burger. ive often said- you guys wanna move burgers into the $10 plus range?- ok, fine- but it better as hell be a great burger!!! the cheddar was poor grade and tasteless, the bacon- oh plse!!!- im so tired of this whole applewood smoked bacon bs. these places try to make it sound like youre getting some kind of special bacon, or special salad dressing, etc etc etc. gimme a break! the chicken fingers/nuggets/strips/tenders- whatever they were- were actually pretty good. and for the record- they were chicken fingers. one last thing & im done wasting time on this review: i chose the salad as my side item for my burger instaed of fries- bc im sick of fries. the salad was so bad & laughably small that I took a picture of it & sent it around to a couple friends for a laugh. it was served in a dish for dipping sauces or condiments. wilted greens, warm, old carrot shavings- truly awful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the great lost bear oughtta get lost- permanently!!!
(2)
Brian M.
We were looking for a bar with good beer and good buffalo wings, which the girlfriend had a craving for, while we were on vacation and we found it. The place is a little gimmicky with the bear theme, heavily decorated walls, comical menu, and a couple of eye catching items. The one that caught my eye the most was the "Almighty Cheesus Burger". I had no intention of ordering a burger with grilled cheese sandwiches in the place of buns, but it's fantastic knowing that such a thing exists. The beer list is also perfect for someone hoping for a taste of Maine. Nearly all of the beers they offer are from Maine with most of them coming from the Portland area. From Sebago's IPA to Geary's Porter to more than half a dozen different Allagash offerings, you can get your local beer fix here. We went with the half order of wings which was a good call because even the half order was pretty impressive. Eight pieces sat in the basket, but each piece consisted of the wing and the druckstick attached to one another so we're talking 16 wings for $6. I didn't like having the wing and drumstick attached to one another because it gets hot and messy when trying to detach the two, but there's no time to be a sissy when devouring wings. The sauce wasn't very spicy, but it was extremely tasty. A few dashes of the locally made Lost Woods hot sauce from the table added some heat and some more delicious flavor. We made a mental note to find some of the Lost Woods sauce to bring home with us, but alas, mental notes made while drinking beer aren't always very effective so we drove home empty handed. The girlfriend kept with the buffalo theme and ordered the buffalo mac and cheese. The buffalo flavor played better with the wings as it didn't really stand out in the mac and cheese. Not a bad dish, but it didn't have the kick she was hoping for. My burger was pretty good, topped with a tasty barbecue sauce and nice, crispy fried onion strips. We really liked this place and I have a feeling that if we lived in the area we'd dine and drink at the Lost Bear on a fairly regular basis. It was a good time and part of a very good weekend.
(5)
David V.
Says here that The Great Lost Bear has been around since 1979 - pretty much the dark ages in craft beer culture. I'm not sure what they sold back then other than Bud and Michelob - maybe more imports? Either way, a lot has changed beer-wise in the 33 ensuing years, and this bar rivals and might even eclipse the great Novare Res in terms of locally made brews. Here is where I found an offering from one of my favorite breweries on tap for the very first time (Andrews of Lincolnville, ME and their delicious English Pale), and tried quite a few others. No, I didn't get rip-roaring drunk, thanks to their "tasters" - 5oz pours of practically any beer for $1.25. Enough to get a good feel for a beer without guzzling a whole pint. While many beer snob establishments have menus full of Belgians, Lambics, and over-muscled IPA's, The Great Lost Bear's was well-balanced with a large selection of drinkable pale ales, bitters, reds and other delicious but less flashy styles. The atmosphere reminded me a bit of Sunset in Allston, MA - cavernous and walls covered with vintage beer advertising, license plates and other bric-a-brac. Best way you can tell this is an older establishment - old school urinals that stretch all the way down to the floor. No standing in piss for me! While I had already eaten dinner, the menu was several pages long and looked like mostly satisfying pub-grub comfort food. I did get to try the cake in a mason jar though. Chalk up yet another fun way to eat cake. Oh, and as an added bonus, I found $20 on the ground on my way out! First post of the year for my found-money blog!
(4)
Jay H.
So most of the other reviews focus on food and beer. I will briefly reiterate what has already been said. It's a great pub with lots of beers to choose from, friendly staff and satisfying food. The nachos slew my companions and I, meaning our entrees ended up being tomorrow night's entrees at home. Like, we split the chili nachos three ways after running around back bay twice and still barely finished them. Our entrees were excellent the following night reheated in the aluminum containers in which they were sent home. On to the real meat and potatoes of the review. On the patio there is a game our waiter informed me is called ring toss. The equipment consists of a ring on a 3 foot string that is suspended 3ish feet away from a wall with a hook on it. The object of the game is to swing the ring like a pendulum so that it hooks onto the hook. The staff of TGLB made it look childishly simple. I saw at least two of them nonchalantly saunter to the game and get it in two tries. I got it in 37 attempts... or so. My second try I did it in 5. It's one of the most relaxing drinking games I've ever played. If you miss, the ring comes back to you! If you can't catch it, you probably shouldn't be drinking anymore anyway. My only complaint with the game is its moniker. We were thinking that it should be called "hooker" because of the great wordplay enabled. Infantile wordplay? Maybe. But hilarious nonetheless. The hooker definitely showed us a good time. The next time I see the game in a bar it's going to be difficult not to yell "this bar has a hooker!"
(3)
Mark S.
A MUST stop if you are in Portland! Everytime I come to Portland from Boston I am sure to stop here. Not only is there a large selection of well made American style food but the beer selection is AMAZING! They have almost all of the Maine brews on tap or in bottle and offer very reasonably priced samplers of anything on tap. I had a crab grilled cheese sandwhich btw and it was totally awesome.
(5)
Ryan C.
I have been going regularly to the Bear since the early 90's and this is the first time I have ever thought to write a review. its my old standby, its friendly, the food is consistent, the selection of beers is excellent - especially with the mix of some Belgians to go along with all of the traditional ales, lagers, stouts etc.... The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the cheese sauce, but you don't have to have it so problem solved! I love the crispy potato slice fries, the buffalo(esque) sauce is one of the most unique and delicious I have ever tasted - making the wings and buffalo chicken wrap two of my favorite items on the menu. Huge Nachos that can satisfy a crowd, plenty of fun vegetarian options, good burgers and shaved steak sandwiches. One eyed bacon cheeseburger with fries, gearys summer, and tollhouse cookie pie for desert could be my last meal. The bear is like that old t-shirt that you never want to give away, I hope they are always there!
(4)
Bruce R.
Great selection of beers, solidly well prepared and food and a very extensive casual dining menu with lots of options for different tastes
(4)
Erin M.
This review is basically just an echo of everything Brian M. said in his review, since we were there together, but I felt the need to put my 2 cents in anyway! We came for the buffalo wings, which we were both happy with. I tend to like my buffalo wings to be a bit spicier (but not painfully so), but these were definitely very good in their uniqueness! The sauce was on the milder side, but it had a pretty unique sweetness to the sauce instead of just being pure spice. The half order was still pretty enormous and more than enough for two of us to split as an appetizer. We gnawed all of the delicious meat off every wing. As my entree, I ordered the buffalo mac n' cheese, which wasn't buffalo-y enough for my particular preference (it was the same sauce as their wings), but still very yummy. Boyfriend got the baked fajita, which was huge, but he finished it anyway! The beer selection makes this place worthwhile on its own. There were tons of Maine brewed beer, which we appreciated a lot, since we like to drink locally brewed beer when visiting new places. I would definitely like to return here on our next Portland trip!
(4)
Rachel D.
If you are looking for beer this is the place to go! if you are looking for healthy to healthier options for food, this is NOT the place to go! Love the beer and the occasional nacho and chili plate, but sometimes I like to eat a salad that doesn't have something fried on it or a sandwich that isn't either red meat or fried and have the option of a healthy salad. But the atmosphere is good the food is ok, the beer is great, and its a great place to hang.
(3)
Jim B.
Ended up here the day after Thanksgiving with my wife and infant son and it hit the spot. Fun atmosphere, good beer list, fun food options, and space to stick us with the little guy. The servers we dealt with were helpful and attentive.
(5)
Simon L.
I don't even know where to begin trying to describe all that is great about this place. Just go on a Monday night, order wings and have some delicious beer.
(5)
Melissa B.
I had to knock a star off for the lack of lighting. Pretty decent spread of American-fare that made it hard to choose. I ended up with the chicken cordon bleu which was covered in loads of melty swiss and good quality Canadian bacon. The salsa that came with the Ursa Minor appetizer was tasty, not loaded with cilantro like a lot of restaurants are wont to do. My boyfriend really enjoyed his hellfire wings. Sadly we did not get to partake of the many beers on tap because we were seriously caffeine-deprived, otherwise there would have been beer and not soda at our table.
(3)
Stefanie M.
I've never had a bad experience here. Great for groups Monday-Wednesday (they don't take reservations Thurs through Sunday so the wait can be long). Great to try: the beer sampler, the wings (huge and straight from the bird), the nacho selection (not a vegetarian, but "no vaca" were still my favorite) The buffalo mac n' cheese is popular for a reason, and the fries are real slices of potato that can be dipped in buffalo sauce and cheese DO NOT TRY THE PEANUT SAUCE on wings or on anything else. IT TASTES LIKE PEANUT BUTTER. I've been disappointed by the fajitas, simply because they are not fajitas, they are more like a mexican take on the calzone, or a fried burrito. The menu says as much, but I'd rather the menu just use another name. I often park in the corner of the Mobil lot, because the GLB parking spaces are usually taken on a busy night.
(4)
Curt L.
What can I say about the Great Lost Bear (GLB) that has not been said before?.............well I will give it a try. GLB has many accolades from such esteemed sources as Gourmet Magazine, Beeradvocate and Forbes. Truly a great great bar. This is what an American bar is all about. Dark, cozy with lots of nooks and crannies. The walls adorned with funny/unique stickers (Sloppy Joe's Key West!....Yooooooouk!) and beer signage. Money from around the world stapled to the walls. Trivia question on the chalk board. Chrsitmas lights twinkling, Foot rails at the bar for the weary traveler. Great music (from my beertenders IPod). I heard Flaming Lips, Paul Simon, Pink Floyd, The Boss and Aretha Franklin during my brief stay here (Thank God I have the music app Shazam!). And the beer!.............Mucho choices on draught. Even cask conditioned ales. I went with the St. Bernadus Prior 8. A fine Belgian that went well with my onion gratinee burger. The burger is prepared with the onions from the onion soup (well marinated) with a gooey slice of provolone. A fresh side salad with a house made lemon curry dressing. Yummy. The place was packed with all ages/types. The locals, bar flys, older couples, even families with youngsters. I don't know much about the bear and how he got lost...........I am just glad that I found this GLB.
(5)
Tim G.
The Great Lost Bear taproom came up on the list of great Portland beer destinations. They boast something silly like 60+ taps at any given time. It's a couple miles away from the hubbub of the Old Port, so it's not really walkable if you're hanging around downtown. It is totally worth taking a detour to check out. Tons of bumper stickers on the walls, led lights, and bears everywhere. So we hunkered down at the bar and started the endless task of choosing a beer. My Lady Friend wanted something Mainey, and got an Atlantic Bar Harbor Real Ale (brown ale). I went with a Geary's Cask Conditioned IPA. Not bad, but I wouldn't want more than one at a time. The cask-conditioned ales are much smoother than their non-aged siblings, but usually seem much more filling. Despite the myriad of options available, we just stayed for one beer at GLB. They gave me some free bumper stickers, and apparently, they'll give you some too. It was a great place, and I would have liked to stay longer, but we had to be moving on to other destinations.
(4)
Sarah W.
Excellente. Good for Lunch, Dinner, and right before you hit downtown. Wings are awesome. The beer selection is...wow. Usually pretty good service. They have dining area, bar area, and another dining area beside the bar. 'Tis good, easy to find. Small parking lot or park on the street.
(5)
Robert S.
Probably best beer selection in the state Delicious burgers and meaty buffalo Wings Visit this place every time I come up from Worcester to see my team play the pirates and I am always impressed.
(5)
Matthew M.
OO00ooh! Bad service from a nasty bartender brings this place down a notch. Let me tell ya, Jodie is awesome, but stay away from that grey-haired d#*k that has no idea what customer service is. Trust me, that guy sucks. I know, I know. Sounds like I have a personal problem. Well you are right, I do. But I'm not the only one, and that is why 'The Bear" loses points with me.
(4)
Mary J.
we had the poutine and it was awesome. best poutine ever. the burger was also awesome, and so was the beer selection.
(5)
Renee M.
I did not eat here but the beer selection was great!! I LOVED the fact that most of the brews were from Maine, as I came in from Boston and wanted to get a taste of what Maine had to offer in terms of beer. And Maine knows what's up! Allagash, Shipyard and Gritty McDuff's? Yes please! Delicious, delicious. We sat outside and the atmosphere was great. I mean what's better than sittin outside in the warm summer air, drinking some brews and catchin up with friends? Nothin' I tell ya, nothin'!
(4)
jason m.
Dropped in for lunch on our way to bar harbor from new jersey. Great place. The wings are ridiculously great and we split a burger with goat cheese and sun dried tomato pesto, so great. The beer selection is exactly what I expected. It's what all brewpubs should aspire to. Just wish I didn't have to drive so far for a good pint and great food
(5)
Tyler M.
Thank you Yelp for turning my friends and I onto this place. We were driving through Portland and needed somewhere to stop and grab dinner. We weren't expecting much, but The Great Lost Bear was really great! The food here is excellent. The menu is varied, and the portions are HUGE. My group of 4 all got different things (nachos, cheesus burger which was massive, quesadillas, and the guacamole burger) and we all loved our food. The service was a bit slow, but the food and free refills more than made up for it. The atmosphere is casual and kind of pub-like, but not too rowdy, and we could all converse easily. The dining section is separate from the bar, which also keeps the noise down. Speaking of the bar, they offer a tray of beer samples for purchase. My group didn't do this, but we all thought it was a neat idea. Overall an amazing experience. We all left this place weighing more than when we walked in the door!
(4)
Beck N.
Yum! The burgers here are super tasty. I got a regular cheeseburger with their special cheese sauce & enjoyed every bite of it. It was cooked exactly how I ordered it, which I feel is something that a lot of places skip out on. The side salad that came with it was definitely mini, but the ranch dressing was rich & good. Hubby had the buffalo sauce burger & even used some hot sauce that was on the table (I forget the name of it, but he had to find it in a store before we left Maine). Service can be a bit slow at times, but the food comes out very quickly.
(4)
Peter O.
This place is great. I love the atmosphere and their beer selection is amazing (70 plus on tap). I had the Allagash Tripel which is an incredible beer. The meal I got was called the Mother and Child Reunion, an amazing chicken sandwich. It was very size able and fair priced. If you are in the Portland area this should be a top dining location.
(4)
Bethany I.
To add insult to injury, I discovered last night that they charged not only my bill to my account -- but someone else's $22 bill. I talked to Pam and she said she would look into it and call me later today. I'm also checking with my friends to see if the waitress ran my card twice on accident. Edited to Add: The issue was resolved within the week. Thanks! I'm still hesitant to go back, even if the food smells delicious from the street.
(1)
Courtney N.
This just wasn't the restaurant for me. My first two choices were closed (on a Saturday- weird) and my friend and I were randomly driving around trying to spot somewhere different to try. I will say that my friend loved this place. He got a cream ale and his meal was great. I felt like the menu had way too much, and nothing appealed to me. I wanted to try something that I didn't often have or was unique, and there really wasn't anything. They do have an extensive beer list, and the decor is cute. Our waiter was super nice. I ended up ordering a cheese steak and hated it. It wasn't made like what they have in my area, and I thought it was gross; yes, my poor friend finished it for me and said it was just okay. The fries were pretty good. Also, the lighting was way too dim. I felt like it was unnaturally dark. So, would I go again? Probably since my friend loved it so much. I think I'd just stick to a hamburger next time. Prices were fine, service was great, it was probably more me not liking it than anything they did.
(3)
Allyson W.
I went with a party of 7 at about 7:15 on a Saturday night. The hostesses were able to seat us right away. They have a great beer selection. We ordered burgers and sandwiches, and everything was good. The waitress was helpful when a few of my companions had questions about the menu. I will definitely go back if I am in the area.
(4)
Willie M.
Went on a friends recommendation. Good Call. I sat at the bar, had a couple of good beers.(plenty to choose from) and a Monte Christo with a fresh small salad. Great Pub fare and the atmosphere was friendly and lively... would stop in again...
(4)
Nicholas S.
We had a very frustrating and unfortunate experience at The Great Lost Bear this weekend. We had high hopes as this was a repeat visit; our first trip was memorable - great beers and good service at a legendary beer bar. Our bartender was rude, unattentive, unnecessarily defensive and - most importantly - exhibited absolutely no knowledge of the great beers being poured. First my wife ordered a saison and she received a beer as dark as night that was roasty, malty, and seasoned with holiday-beer type spices. Despite some mild disappointment (especially as my wife was the driver and this was probably going to be her only beer during this stop) we didn't raise an issue - sometimes the keg gets changed and we aren't so snobbish to expect the bartender to have noticed the error. For the next round, I ordered the La Rulles winter offering (a Belgian dark ale). I was served a hazy copper brew which was almost certainly the triple. When the beer came, I looked at it puzzlingly and asked bashfully whether this was the correct beer, at which time I was dismissively assured it was. At this point, it was clear that we had somehow offended the bartender which made for an awkward end to our experience. We asked to settle up the tab at which time we drew attention to the fact that 2 of the 3 beers we ordered were incorrect (it should be noted that these are high quality Belgian ales that can run $10 a pour). The bartender became defensive, histrionic and made a big show of ripping up our receipt and saying she would comp one of the beers. While that gesture was appreciated, we were more than happy to pay for what we drank - we just wanted her to be on notice that most likely the beer list hadn't been updated with changing kegs. She proceeded to "check the name on the keg" and we were informed the keg simply said "La Rulles" (the brewer) and that they would have no way of knowing which beer is actually in there. It was a bizarre, illogical reaction to the issue we had raised. Normally I would rate this type of experience as a one star, but I have given this pub 2 stars out of deference for the extensive beer selection and a prior 4-star-type experience that we had. I would not "avoid" The Great Lost Bear by any means, but I would hope the management - if they are serious about being a serious beer destination - would take the time to train the staff in some beer basics and customer service.
(2)
Brian D.
I visited here on a recent trip through Portland up to Unity Maine, and had an amazing time. I'm a huge fan of burgers and wings that I feasted on while waiting for beer, or maybe its the other way around. There are with out a doubt seriously miles of taps, over 50 on TAP and 100s more in bottles. Some really good stuff here, and the prices are very reasonable on many items. and excellent on the rest. The burgers with great fries were decently priced, and hit the spot with a unique ability to have a huge menu, were most things are above average, and the beer is great, you can't beat this place. If you're ever in Portland be sure to swing by They won't split a bill with if you have more then 6 though which is kind of a shame, cuts down on big groups, but a minor setback does not equal a bad restaurant.
(5)
Emily T.
Went there on the drive back to Boston while in Maine for the day. A giant plate of vegan nachos and a sampler platter of beer later and I was ready to explode in the best way possible. For the omnivores: don't cringe at the word vegan because they have their share of burgers and other meaty things as well! Going on a Sunday night it was pretty quiet and casual and I waitress was super nice. If this a was a restaurant closer to me, I would go frequently!
(5)
Topher D.
Food is ok, beer selection is what you come for. I wish I went to college in Portland, this would have been a weekly hangout I'm sure. Terrific draft selections, mainly from Maine. Samples are a modest 1.25 for a 5 oz (2.25 for Belgians I believe). Atmosphere is funky and in a good way. Definitely will stop back my next time going through town.
(5)
Nicole M.
First thing I noticed about this place... the menu selection is veryy extensive. I am talking about the food. They have wraps, mac n cheese, vegetarian dishes, etc, etc, etc. But the number of beers on draft is what I believe The Great Lost Bear is known for. That's pretty cool. The night I went, the bar was offering "tall for smalls," meaning that you could get a large beer for the price of a small. All of my friends enjoyed their beers. I just got an Angry Orchard so I can't speak to the quality of the beers or ciders on tap. The service was a little spotty but the waitstaff was very nice. The atmosphere of this place is chill. The decor is quirky and fun. All in all, a bar worth checking out.
(4)
James P.
I was excited about this place given its reputation but many of the beers I wanted weren't available yet were on the menu. The beer I did have tasted off from what I know it's supposed to taste like. Food was ok, but not presented as I would have expected.
(3)
Todd A.
when i first moved to portland, i lived a block away for a couple months and never went here. its been a destination after having gone. couple things: - wings - jamaican jerk chicken - bumper sticker oh, there's the beer, as well... miles of taps. but, for a connoisseur of wings, this is different and good. a server once told me the secret, and i've been able to come close. flash me your belly button and i'll share... jamaican jerk chicken is sublime. unlike i've ever had anywhere since, and i've looked. full and dark. OH and my fave server of all time was here. he was soooo very stoned, eyes as red as a mighty taco employee (the ORIGINAL) at 5a, but took, from memory, our order (table of 4). perfect. was always around when any one of us needed another round, appearing behind the person opposite you; a quick look, a returned nod. a beer appeared shortly thereafter. prices are good, esp by NYC standards.
(5)
Pat M.
I have a terrible time deciding what to order, and the GLB doesn't help me with my problem. Their beer and food menu is huge. I finally settled on a beer after much deliberation, but when I placed my order I was told they were out. Usually no big deal, but when I asked for a suggestion of something similar, the waitress came up blank. To be fair, it was a unique beer, but at least give me something. I ordered the Philly cheesesteak. It came out warm, not hot, and the steak tasted like it was half meat half fat. My bro-in-law ordered 'The Almighty Cheesus Burger.' It's a buger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches. He devoured it. Based on the other reviews, it seems like I might have just had a bad experience. Maybe I'll just stick to drinking.
(2)
Rick S.
I love GLB. I give the beer selection a very solid 5 stars. They have 60+ beers on tap. Along with the fantastic assortment of local beers, they have numerous Belgians, too. I give the food 4 stars. I love the huge, eclectic menu. It's not fine dining by any means, but I can honestly say that in dozens of visits I've never had a meal that I didn't like.
(5)
Jimmy S.
The Great Lost Bear is one of those places that I rarely skip out on if I'm visiting Portland. There are over 50 beers on tap, 'nuff said. But if the beer selection alone isn't enough to pique your interest--though I don't know why it wouldn't--allow me to expound further. The food is kind of your basic American pub fare--soups, salads, and sandwiches. Personally, I'd recommend one of their many delicious burgers--my favorite being the One-Eyed Bacon Cheeseburger--since the burgers are arguably the best thing on the menu. The atmosphere is also a draw. While there is a bunch of old stuff on the walls, it's not done ad nauseum like at say an Applebee's or T.G.I. Friday's. The lights are somewhat dimmed, giving the place a tone of relaxation--encouraging its patrons to kick back, relax, and drink a beer or two. My biggest complaint would be the service--however, this sort of functions as a double-edged sword. If you're starving or looking for a place to pop in for a quick bite, you might want to look someplace else. However, if you want to meet up with friends, relax, have a meal and a few rounds over some philosophical/comical/life conversation, the slower service lends to that. I've spent hours and hours there just talking with a handful of friends. For that, it's excellent. I suggest you check out this place for yourself, if you haven't, since it has an inexplicable sort of charm. At the very least, you should be charmed by the sheer volume of beer the Great Lost Bear offers.
(5)
CL S.
One of my favorite places to eat in Portland. Shoot, it's one of my favorites to eat *anywhere*. Fantastic burgers, wraps and salads, and the best beer menu you'll find just about anywhere. The only problem with this place is the parking lot, which is terrible (and always full). If you're in Portland and you like pub food and beer, this place needs to be on your itinerary.
(5)
Elizabeth P.
The food is good and the beer selection is terrific.
(4)
Charley Z.
Upon moving in down the street from the Great Lost Bear, my roommate and I decided, without ever having been, that this place was sure to be our own version of "Cheers." Complete with outdoor seating (and smoking after ten!), a beer list that will make you drool, and nachos the size of you and your friend's faces, this place is sure to be your nightly-neighborhood spot. We loved it so much we've become the regulars who don't even need to be seated; and I am frequently greeted by my favorite waiter out on the town. If you're looking for a place for you and a handful of friends, come on down, buy a couple Beer Towers, and get ready for a good night.
(4)
Dejia B.
Can't decide what to order.....fish and chips! These suckers are fucking delicious here! Helpful hint: get a side of cheese sauce for your fries and drench 'em with hot sauce. Mmmmm.
(4)
John M.
I couldn't wait to check this place and I must say I'm fucking in love with this joint. The beer selection is like fucking Disney World for beer drinkers and the pub fare is God damned delicious. Try a Super Burger. Sweet merciful crap. I let the bartender pick my final libation for the evening and she poured me an Alligash Black. What a gal. I'd go there every night if I could afford to. The parking situation sucks but it's a small price to pay.
(5)
christy e.
This is a definite on my yearly trips to Portland. Great burgers and awesome beer list! Love the beer specials too!!
(5)
Christian R.
Truth be known, I really love this bar. When my Masonic lodge meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays we go here without fail. The beer selection is without doubt wonderful, with more good draughts, includng three to five cask ales, than anywhere else in Portland. They recently added a stable of belgian draughts which are my consistent favorites. Unfortunately, the downside is bad pub food and highly variable service. This is a pub in the classic sense. You go for a relaxing pint with your friends, not for a great meal and or a quick bite.
(3)
Kat H.
Holy, holy, holy is the Great Lost Bear. Was taken here by some friends--this place is awesome, and I'm saying that as a die-hard New Englander. It took me probably 10 full, intensive, heart-wrenching moments to pick out a meal--a salad with dill-yogurt dressing in a taco shell--and while it ranked top 5 of all salads ever had by me, my friend had the best meal hands-down. And it was.... A fajita. At a beer bar in Maine. I don't know what they do, I couldn't care less if it's authentic, but it was perfect. Grilled tortilla, phenomenal steak, perfect seasoning...my husband and I were shocked, I tell you, shocked. And we've considered driving back up just to have it all to ourselves. And yes, they've got beer-tons of great seasonals, microbrews, and a sign advertising "40 beers on tap." The atmosphere is great too, if albeit a bit frightening with boars heads, neon signs, and vintage newspaper clippings everywhere. Great place that more than deserves a visit, and more than one at that.
(5)
Nick F.
BEST BURGERS EVER, ANYWHERE!!!! I miss this place so much. It opened my eyes to how awesome East Coast beer is. I loved coming here after work, and anytime family was visiting we made a stop. If I ever come back to Portland this will be the FIRST place I stop.
(5)
Bryan S.
How anyone could go to this place and not give it 5 stars is beyond me. The comment about it being the greatest beer bar in New England is pretty accurate. New England has a lot of great local beers, and the Bear carries most of them at one point in time or another. They usually have 30 or more beers on tap and only a small handful are domestic. If you have trouble choosing you can get a rack of beer or buy a few of them by the 3 oz glass. The food is very good and pretty much runs the gamut of what you could expect to find at a casual style place. Even the food menu carries over the lighthearted atmosphere with names for the entrees that will always make you laugh. Very reasonable prices, awesome nachos & burgers and amazing deserts if you can fit it. To put it more succinctly, as a family tradition every year we go out to dinner for our birthdays and pick the place no matter what type of food. I've chosen the Great Lost Bear each of the last 2 years and plan on picking it again this year.
(5)
Matt S.
I ate there 2 nights ago with 3 friends and it was a very cool and laid back atmosphere. The food was very good (Spanokoppitta, fried haddock, turkey melt) and the portions were generous. They have an insane amount of beer on tap as well and the 16oz can specials are hard to beat.
(4)
Rue B.
Excellent beer bar in New England's best brewing city! Good job Portland! Six unique breweries (more than Boston!) in a city of under 70,000 people! Great Lost Bear is a great dark joint, serving beers from all around Maine, that simply aren't available outside state borders. Over 60 taps, nearly all Maine brews, and greasy pub food! You can't go wrong here!
(5)
Karen N.
I used to live there (almost). Great beer menu, wonderful margaritas, and good food. Service tends to be hit-and-miss, though. Don't go if you're on a schedule.
(4)
Catherine S.
My husband and I went here on Saint Paddy's and, surprisingly, it wasn't packed. We went for dinner and were seated immediately. We ordered macaroni and cheese as our appetizer, and it came out still bubbling. One of my biggest pet peeves at a restaurant is when the food isn't HOT. I had to cool it down for several seconds before I could taste it and it was still extremely hot - just the way I like it. We split the buffalo chicken sandwich with fries, and I even put a little more of the Lost Woods hot sauce on my portion. The fries were good, nothing to write home about. Now I can't imagine why someone would go to a place that has over 60 beers on tap and not be able to get something good. I had a Guinness and my man had a Chimay and a Geary. All were outstanding and the perfect accompaniment to dinner.
(4)
Dan L.
Been going here since I was just a cub. The food is good. I usually get a burger, some roughage(salad), and some sort of fried appetizer to share. The prices are a bit higher than I remember, but things change with the times.
(4)
Mehrdad M.
Great juicy burgers. Among the best in Maine. The atmosphere is great too.
(4)
G S.
They have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options, but I wasn't really that impressed with the food or the service. Maybe I'm holding it personally responsible for the fact that I had to wear a sweater in the middle of July in Portland. No one should ever have to wear a sweater in July. T on the other hand swears by this place and can't believe I'm only giving it 3 stars.
(3)
Yours Truly B.
this review is strictly on the beer selection. one of the most amazing beer menus i've ever seen with an incredible variety! and the next time I venture to maine i'm going and getting one of those huge table top dispensers filled with goodness!
(5)
Stephanie B.
Oh.my .Goddddd. I went here last week after brewery hopping and was supposed to continue to other local bars, but didn't want to leave once I found this place. Locals bar, amaaaazing beer selection. Amazing. Started out with the beer sampler, which is always a find. Soooo cheap for this awesome beer. Moved on to the seasonal harvest beer I liked the best mixed with a shot of vanilla vodka soooo good. Last, but not least are the wings. Dear God, the wings. I'm always in search of amazing wings and have been thinking about these ones all week. Haha. Got the plain wings with ranch on the side. Meaty, crispy to the point of perfection.... Like they had the bird out back and just made it into amazingness. GO TO THIS BAR. Realllllly wish I was closer
(5)
Erik P.
Took a trip to Portland to visit the Allagash brewery and stopped here afterward. Was suitably wowed by the huge beer list and i definitely enjoyed the 2 beers i chose. The food menu looked extensive but all i had was a plate of wings(which were pretty good), but with all the great food destinations in Portland i can't see coming here to have a full meal. Definitely worth checking out if your a beer fan, especially for the nice selection of local brews!
(4)
Evan L.
Think T. G. I. Friday's minus the nauseating corporate standardization. Unusually extensive pub menu with something to offer for everyone: vegetarian, beer-lover, hamburger and steak, down to Spanikopita and creative dessert specials. Lots of personality and a very laid-back and fun but not syrupy atmosphere. I wouldn't eat it every day but it's a nice diversion every so often.
(4)
Bob H.
This place is the place to come for great, if artery-busting, entrees and an extensive selection of beer on tap. I've been to a lot of college-hangout bars around the country, and USM folks definitely have one of the best. Burgers are hand-formed and large, nachos mountainous, and the chili is phenomenal. It's veggie friendly without losing sight of the core pub-style menu. You will have a hard time deciding what to order from the menu that provides old standbys, but also some interesting twists such as a unique cheese spread. It's not too expensive, either. Service isn't exactly first rate but you don't expect that at a place like this.
(4)
Robert F.
BEST Beer Selection anywhere in Northern New England. Staff is awesome and food is average to below average. But if you're going to Portland seek this place out as it gets a great crowd. So many beers, so little time!
(5)
Mike D.
Maybe could have been a 5 star if the service wasn't so slow. Our group had loads of time on our hands, so slow service wasn't a big deal. You'd think sitting at the bar would get you better service though. My taco elsalada was incredible. This place definitely has a great local feel to it.
(4)
Roy M.
We stopped for lunch based upon Yelp reviews, and therefore feel a need to share what we experienced. Visually it is a pleasant living relic of another time period, and if all you want to consume is beer it is also great (even though they were out of many beers when we were there). And I assume it is a a friendly scene when when crowded. But I would strongly advise you to not eat the food. And I am giving it one star because they seem to think they are a restaurant, not a bar. The salad tasted like it was artificial, the fish sandwich tasted processed like it was at a fast food chain, the french fries were cold, greasy, limp, and processed. But we found after suffering though as much of it we could eat both of us ended up with messed up stomachs. Our sense was that not only do they serve lifeless, soulless food, they also don't make sure it is fresh and safe. I would strongly advise anyone to drink, not eat here.
(1)
Travis D.
Man, I love beer. Bears not so much. I had such high hopes for this place. In fact, it was kind of a focal point on my trip to Portland. Unfortunately, I was little disappointed on more than one front. I am the first to admit that I have no idea how difficult it might be to keep 50 or so craft beers on tap. I image you might be out of one or two from time to time, but they were out of every other beer I tried to order. The server was disinterested at best, but the bartender was very friendly. Definitely sit at the bar if you have the choice. As far as the food, stay away from the Lewiston Cheesesteak... it is the first cheesesteak that I ever met who I didn't enjoy their company.
(3)
Michelle D.
my food was really good, the salad ordered at my table was outstanding, but i asked for a condiment when my food was dropped off and i'd nearly finished eating by the time the mustard found me. loads of beers on tap but few or none that are otherwise difficult to find. lots of seating, tho my section was mostly filled with families and their tiny tots. i'd love to give this place more stars, but for some reason i was underwhelmed. might have been the mustard. or the total lack of parking for such a big place. i'll give it another go and offer an update if i change my mind.
(3)
Travis K.
Solid option. Beer towers are fund, wings are great. The fires aren't the best and the burgers were all overcooked a bit. Besides that nice place to go out for dinner and drinks. Recommend the Cheese Stake.
(3)
Ridge Y.
The locals know the Great Lost Bear as one of those "go to places" for a cold beer after work. Pub Fare food is generous in portions and with their own Bear Flair. They think outside the box! If you like to try various types of beer they have one of the best selections around. Their website claims to have over 60 beers on tap and I believe it. (I will say don't judge the place by its website. It's probably one of the worst websites I've seen in a LOOOONG Time) GLB people, if you're listening... update your site! Bottom line is for casual lunch or dinner this little hidden gem is a great spot to kick back with a cold beer or good food. *I'd probably give it a 3.75 star rating if I could. Not sure it's truely a 4 star, but not a 3 either. Oh well, such is life! Ridge York, CRS RE/MAX By The Bay Portland, ME
(4)
Bud P.
Lousy food and pretentious staff. The only reason to go here is the beer selection
(1)
Salem S.
Okay, so seriously. I've ordered food from this place fairly often. Over the course of a year, they have proceeded to get my order right only twice. It's not a complex order or anything extravagant, either. By the time I return the food and wait around, it's not even worth it. It ends up being like a part time job just to get things right, get my food, and eat it. I'm not a freeloader, but you would think that after THAT many consistent horrible screw-ups they'd be offering a free lunch or a couple bucks off. Nope. Just an empty apology and repeat screw ups. The food is good... when it manages to be right. It's not great, just good, and combined with the horrible service (which is always on pick-up orders), it's totally not worth it to eat here. Which is a shame, because I love the cheese fries with the white dipping sauce (which, believe it or not, seems to be so difficult to throw together that it's what is usually wrong with the order).
(2)
Tyler C.
Hot damn I love this place. Whenever I come back to my stomping grounds I try to swing into this place for some food and a pint. The atmosphere here is always great, whether you are sitting at the bar or dinning at a table. Also, if you are from out of town and don't know much about Maine, you could learn a lot about Maine and it's history just by checking out the stuff they got hanging up on the walls there. It's practically a museum. The food here is good, not great, but has a nice creative twist on most of your traditional meals. For instance, try the "Mother Child Reunion", it's a chicken sandwich with a fried egg on top. The menu is full of funny oddities like that. My favorite here has been the buffalo chicken wrap. It is pretty typical except they sneak some pieces of shaved carrot in there, which adds a whole new dynamic of texture and sweetness to the wrap. So, finally, the beer. This place probably has the best beer selection in all of Portland. They have 60 or so taps with not just your favorite local brews but other hard to find gems from around the country. If you come with a couple of friends you could also try your hands at a "Beer Tower." I won't take the time to describe it, because I'm sure by now you are already picturing what this majestic tower might look like. Now, I do realize there are plenty of great bars in the Old Port, and it might be hard for you to wander so far from the water front, but trust me this place is worth checking out.
(5)
Tyler A.
Visited in early May while on a quick vacation with my wife. Visited for lunch on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. Fairly standard bar ambiance. Tons of vintage sineage on the walls. L shaped bar that was fairly large. A few different rooms that provided ample restaurant seating. Over 50 taps. Nothing too crazy or rare, but NE locals were WELL represented. Better than average bar food (actually the French Onion Soup was awesome). Very reasonable prices. 5oz sampler pours were offered. Shot the shit for a good while with Mike (the bar manager). He was very friendly and certainly knowledgeable about the local scene and craft beer in general. You're not going to find anything over the top here, but I would put it as a must stop if you have some time to kill in Portland.
(3)
Malcolm B.
The occasional Grateful Dead iconography and cigarette-smoking frat boys outside made me cringe, but when we were seated in the back corner with a 23-ounce Allagash Black, we instantly felt better. This was the kind of place we had been looking for, at least in appearance. It was dark and air conditioned enough to make you forget the late August heat, and the 69 draft beer selection was enough to keep us interested. The Great Lost Bear is the kind of place that TGI Friday's-style places must have been trying to copy, way back in the 70s, before chain restaurants started stockpiling nostalgia and wall-mounted-weirdness in giant warehouses, ready to be shipped at a moment's notice to prime mini-mall locations throughout the Midwest. Old circus posters, street signage, and yes, a mounted bear line the walls, and the lighting is dim enough that you just barely have to squint to see your waiter. We also lucked into being there on a Tuesday, which is "Talls for Smalls" night: 23 ounce beers for the price of a pint. While you could sit all day, soaking up the free Wi-fi and working your way through the beer list, we also wanted to see if the bar food was an option, as well. We started with a half order of Buffalo wings, for $6.99. Instead of getting a tray of baked or breaded wings (what is it with oddball wing preparations around here?), or a plastic basket full of tiny, shriveled wing pieces that had been deep-fried into tortured little nuggets, we were pleasantly surprised to be served four whole, fried chicken wings, dipped in a nice Buffalo wing sauce that was vinegary, if not quite spicy enough. While not breaking the wings into segments may mean less fried surface area, the skin was crispy enough to indicate that the wings had been patted dry before frying, a critical step in Buffalo wing preparation. Getting whole wings also means getting the tip, that wonderfully crunchy third wing section that so many ignore. An oddly huge bowl of blue cheese was provided, which was on the runny side and not particularly remarkable, though it did have a few big chunks of real blue cheese. After wolfing the wings down in seconds, we ordered another round of drinks and two main events: The "Woodford's Cheesesteak" for me at $9.99, a combination of shaved steak, grilled onions, and cheese sauce on a hoagie roll, and the "French Herb Cheeseburger" for Jillian, a $9.99 half pound of beef with an herbed cheese sauce, served on a toasted bulkie roll. We each chose a small salad on the side, though other options included fries, coleslaw, or dirty rice. The cheesesteak was pretty solid. The steak was nicely shaved and cooked, if not particularly flavorful. The onions were carmelized and sweet, and where I expected "Wit Whiz," Philly-style cheese sauce, there was instead a nice, mild white American Bechamel. Overall, the sandwich's biggest success was in its nice combination of textures: chewy, creamy, toasty, and a just a little sweet. Jillian's burger was great. While I wasn't crazy about the "French Herbed Cheese" variation, which seemed like little more than the cheese sauce from my cheesesteak with a fistful of herbes de provence thrown in, the thick, juicy hamburger patty was clearly high quality, and cooked to Jillian's medium-rare specifications. It's nice when a place that bothers to ask you how you want a piece of meat cooked actually follows through and then cooks your meat that way, and we didn't expect that in a bar. The bulkie roll was pillowy and soft, nicely grilled in butter. I will definitely try a different burger variation on our next trip, as I think there's a lot of potential there. The Great Lost Bear succeeds in the ways you need it to, providing a great selection of mostly local draft beers in a cool, calmly-lit environment, serviced by an easygoing, yet attentive staff. Knowing what to order and what to avoid seems key, and it seems like sticking to simpler dishes (chicken wings) and skipping their more "exotic" fare (Peanut Thai Chicken Rollup? Spanakopita? Seriously?) might be the order of the day. So far, it is our favorite choice for a cool place to lay low until October with a few beers and some good pub food.
(4)
Sean B.
This review is for the beer only -we had wings, which were good, but the beer is why you come here. GREAT Lost Beer selection.
(5)
Josh C.
Rebecca, "Authentic memorabilia, and cool ski lodge feel minus the chain restaurant kitschy" Josh, "Great place to play drinking games." Taste: ***** (Watch out for the garlic in the guacamole...whoa!) Wait Time: ***** Price: ****
(5)
Robin W.
Went here Sunday afternoon for a late lunch with Mom & Dad. I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese. It was good although it could've been a little more "buffalo-y". It was hard to taste any buffalo sauce but even just as a chicken mac and cheese it was good. My mom got the svelte melt and that was really good (we traded plates half-way thru). Dad got the patty melt I don't remember what if anything he said about it but it looked tasty. The coleslaw that came with it got rave review from him though. For dessert we split a couple slices of the Tollhouse pie with hot fudge and ice cream...sooooo good. Waiter was friendly and attentive. Great Lost Bear has a small parking lot, made smaller from all the snow. Otherwise there's street parking.
(4)
Fred S.
You have to know what to order if you are eating at the Bear, they have a huge menu and most of it isn't executed very well, but there are a few golden nuggets (Spiro T. Nachos!) There are lots and lots of beers on tap, but I suggest getting Geary's because it is a Portland staple and folks drink it up like water so it is sure to be fresh! There seems to be a waitron dress code that all waitrons must wear a skin tight shirt. Well, some waitrons *should not* wear skin tight shirts, k. The Bear is a mixed bag, but if you want to have a reasonably good time at a reasonably good place, you've got it!
(3)
Jeff W.
Let me first say that I don't drink...so I'm useless to those looking for the best beer. I really enjoyed this place. The food was great: I had the Buffalo Mac'n'Cheese and cheese fries, my girlfriend had fish and chips. On the recommendations of the other reviews here, we got the cake in a jar for dessert. We were not let down. Chocolate cake, topped with caramel, nuts, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream all served up in a mason jar. The place has lots of fun stuff to look at on the walls, and it was busy on the Wednesday night that we went. I will definitely go back next time I'm in the area.
(4)
Tammy S.
I like TGLB. As a vegan they can accommodate me and food is always good and I am completely comfortable going there with non-vagn friends. My husband really likes the selection of beers I do have one complaints and it's pretty major - WHO PUTS SOUR CREAM IN GUACAMOLE???!?!? This is just heresy not to mention very disappointing. This is what knocked them from 4 to 3 stars. Fix that guac guys!
(3)
Geno K.
Good burgers. Really liked the fries (thick potato chip style). The nachos... ehh, a bit too big and overpriced. If you're going with the nachos, don't order a 2nd meal if you're with someone... split the meal because you'll be full after the nachos if you even finish half of them.
(4)
ashley s.
Great food, good service. It has the comfort of a 'regulars' bar, with the relaxing ambiance of a casual restaurant. The tight seating and walkways in the bar area are negligible once the food arrives! Try the wings. And the salad, nachos, chili, burgers, mushrooms.... it's all been great! And that means a lot coming from a gal who orders the same sandwich every time. Not at the Bear! Here, it's all very, very good.
(4)
Ben R.
Perhaps it's the great burgers, perhaps it's the fantastic selection of beer, or perhaps it's simply childhood nostalgia, but The Great Lost Bear has been a mecca for me every time I visit Maine. Their burgers are large, tasty and cooked excellently. They even understand the difference between medium rare, medium and medium well, which many places miss. As a kid, I jumped at the chance to stop at The Great Lost Bear. The staff was always friendly and welcoming when I was little. Add to this a great selection of beers from across New England and the US as well as imports and it's easy to see why this is one of my favorite places. Last time I was there, I collected 4 pint glass (each one full) to build myself a set for when I came home. After all, the best thing about The Great Lost Bear is their logo and slogan: Support the right to arm bears.
(5)
Nick G.
The Great lost bear has gone downhill in the past few years. The prices have jumped significantly over the last year and quality of food has gone WAY DOWN. Several times I have orded food and it has come out cold and the waiter/waitress has gotten pissed at me for sending it back. The waiters are hit or miss as well as the bartenders. The GLB itself is dirty you can see the grime on the walls and the bathrooms are hideous. GLB is a dying as a restaurant and the bar is nothing special...save your money for the old port!
(1)
Bryan M.
The good: beer selection decent food for the price The bad: This place will NOT break up checks for groups larger than 6. Each time I've been here, there's been at least one error on the food, and when pointed out to the wait staff, they've been less than accomidating. Bottom line: go for beer. Do NOT bring groups. They will not thank you for it.
(2)
Missy S.
This place USED to be a solid 5 stars, OMG, the food was amazing, the beer amazing (beer still is amazing) altho I have found that the food in recent years has gone down in quality from what it was in the 90's. Love that they have tons of different burgers to choose from, they still do at least offer a great variety on the menu. I can't really explain what happened with the food, other than the last 3 or so times, at least one person in the party has had to send food back because it was either not cooked properly, or just tasted like crap, or for whatever reason they just screwed up the order. That being said, really if you want to have a burger with an amazing choice of beer, this is the place to do it. However, if you are just looking for a really good burger, you may be better going to Grittys....they certainly have good beer there too, altho not the same type of selection!
(3)
Alexa B.
Terrible food, awesome beer selection. Best hole-in-the-wall (always the mark of a great hangout) bar in Maine. Plenty of locals come here every week for their special low-price beer nights. It's sort of a Portland institution. As a visitor, you may not get much out of it. But when you live in southern Maine, you can walk in here on a Thursday night and see at least 5 people you won't mind chatting up over some drinks. This is the kind of place you want to have in your neighborhood.
(5)
Katy M.
We stopped in for lunch while apartment hunting in Portland, and it's been tough to go anywhere else since. Drinks: 65 beers on tap, most of which are local (or at least from the northeast, found a lot of favorites from back home in MA) and they always have a 2.99 special. Usually the special is something lame like Bud Light, but not here. The first time we went it was Magic Hat Howl (which my boyfriend and I had never tried, and we both loved), and the second time it was Redhook IPA. Not sure if they have a full bar, but who needs one with that kind of selection? Food: It's a dive bar, so don't get fancy-- get dive bar food. The burgers are amazing. Order it one temp lower than you'd like it. I ordered med-well and got it well done, but it was still juicy and amazing. Their fries are great, just big fat oval potato slices. Haven't tried the nachos, but the chips, salsa and guacamole taste fresh. (If they aren't, good work GLB, you fooled me). My boyfriend got the not-a-cheesesteak the second time around, which is a roll full of crunchy grilled veggies and cheese "sauce" (more appealing than it sounds), also delicious. Next time, he said he'll ask for the same thing but with steak. Dessert: Get it. If you're not hungry, take it home. There's always a special, usually cheesecake. Both times we have gone it's been some crazy flavor - cherry garcia and chocolate butterscotch chip - so it's not for cheesecake purists. They both tasted even better than they sound. Service: Nothing to write home about, but solid. Our first server, Petr, was really friendly. The second time we went, the waitress could've definitely smiled more, but she was perfectly attentive. Refill my beer when it's empty and I'm a happy girl. The Great Lost Bear immediately became one of our favorite places. If you're in Portland, it's worth a trip over to USM for lunch.
(4)
Matt L.
If you love beer, this place is flipping fantastic. Tons of taps, and a great selection of beers (including cask conditioned) make this place worth visiting. The Belgian selection is great, and their American craft brew selection is outstanding. I've only eaten food here once - and was pretty happy. My mom likes wine, and she's impressed with the wine selection.
(5)
Julie Y.
Great beer, mediocre food and dirty dishes and utensils. Went with a large party and had to pay 18% for a waiter who barely found time to take our order. Not impressed with service or food, but the beer and atmosphere helped. Go for drinks or burgers: ignore the other parts of the giant unmanageable menu.
(2)
Tom D.
So many taps!! Great beers good pub grub. Plenty of room for dining and a huge bar. Outside deck in the summer.
(4)
Christopher B.
Any time i'm in portland i try to go here. Good food, good beers, and great service. The hot sauce at the table (made by a local company) is really good, too.
(4)
Scott H.
Sitting proudly alongside Ebenezer's and Novare Res, 'The Bear' is one of the best beer bars in Maine (or anywhere north of Boston for that matter). I've been enjoying this place since 1998 when I started a 3-year stint working in Portland. Now that I live in Chicago, my wife and I return each year on our week-long pilgrimage to the Maine coast. 'The Bear' knew craft beer before the term was even widely used. The tap list is always amazing with a focus on selections from the many wonderful Maine breweries. The food pairs well in that it's simple, decadent and delicious. A perfect accompaniment to the typically heavy-bodied and high ABV beers you will likely enjoy here. Always loved the vibe here too. College hangout meets North Woods townie bar. Love everything about this place!
(4)
j v.
Pretty good. You need to eat here a lot as many items are not so great. The cheesus burger is wonderful ) The beer selection is amazing (although no Smuttynose Winter when I went Friday and their blender has been broker for months). The Bear is large so you often do not have to wait long. The burgers and wings are top notch. They have a tiny parking lot so you will probbaly be looking on street for parking. It is easy to find.
(4)
Chris C.
I drink here too much. The food's not bad, but the highlight is the huge selection of beer they have on tap. This is the most in Portland, and was even featured in some magazine whose name I forget. They have some beers that are hard to find elsewhere. They do sampler sizes so you can check out an unknown beer. It's a pretty big place too, so there's always room for more. I've never had to wait here.
(4)
Colin A.
The Great Lost Bear is an excellent just out of downtown restaurant that offers great pub grub fare and a fine selection of different domestic/import brews for the beerista (definitely grab the beer taster). A great place for dinner, the GLB is one of the most popular spots in Portland for people who want a great downtown experience sans the busy crowds and horrible parking. Have a patio and live entertainment in the summertime, the GLB makes its famous claim with the great memorabilia and beer selection (only place I recall with the outdoor ring toss game). :-) Great food, great beer, decent service and prices - definitely make a stop to The GLB on your next stop to Portland!
(4)
Janna H.
Great atmosphere and great food! I am never disappointed with a meal from here. The staff is super friendly and attentive, and you can't beat the selection on beers they have. I always leave with a full belly and a smile.
(5)
Josh T.
This place is great. The Bear has a very laid back feel and hippie type atmosphere and charm. Their tap selection is now up to over 70 beers I believe. Their menu is very deep, and the burgers and very well done and spread over a variety of styles and flavors which only get better with the "Bear Claws" fry slices. I highly recommend the home made flavors of the boneless chicken fingers, they rock and remember to bring your appetite, because the portions are nice and big.
(4)
Captn I.
Love the wings and burgers!
(4)
The R.
Great fun place. Stopped by the Great Lost Bear on a recent visit to Portland. Solid selection with reasonable prices. I honestly didn't get enough time there since my friends and I showed up less than 15 minutes before they closed, the bartenders were more than accommodating to make sure we had more than 1 drink in the short time we had. Decent selection of American craft beers, including a lot of the Allagash beers. Reasonable prices, a chill atmosphere, and friendly staff make this a place worth visiting.
(4)
Brian J.
You simply must visit the Great Lost Bear if you find yourself in the Portland area. They are not doing anything new, here. Or anything really very interesting. But what they do, up-sized casual American pub fare, they do VERY well. Compare it to Eli Canons in Middletown, CT, or Fitzwilly's in Northampton, MA. If you're looking for something fairly simple after a night or two of lobster elsewhere, try The Bear. There is something on the huge menu for every taste. Oh, and of course you should put this spot even higher on your list if you or your partner is a fan of microbrewed beers. I'm sure other reviewers have gone into more detail, there.
(4)
Jeff W.
The service can sometimes be a tad slow, but the beer selection is amazing. Try the Allagash Four and Allagash Black for a special treat. The Almighty Cheesus Burger is not to be missed (a burger between 2 Grilled Cheese Sandwiches)! Get the fries well done as they tend to be undercooked. Nice place, give it a try you're sure to find something that tickles your fancy. They also have a special drink right now called the Catch Twenty 2 made with Maine vodka, basil, mint, white grape juice, lemon juice and a splash of (club) soda. VERY refreshing and only $5!
(4)
Emily A.
The food is okay, I've had better and I've had worse. My main issue with The Bear is I find the food to be extremely overpriced when it's really over-hyped diner fare. They do have a great selection of beers. Despite this I've been here many times with very large groups and the service has always been excellent.
(3)
Marshunda S.
Great place to meet up with folks and have a beer. If you are hungry, the food isn't to bad as well.
(4)
Stacey M.
Went up to Portland for the day last weekend and after a bit of Yelping, we decided to eat dinner here based on the vegetarian choices (for me) and beer variety (for the boy). We got there around 6:00 on Saturday and there were a bunch of people waiting, but the line moved quickly and we only waited 10-15 minutes. We ordered a lot of food. And overall it was pretty good. We started with some cheese fries and the boy got the vegetarian chili. The fries are actually big slices of potato which are fried and then baked in a small casserole dish so the cheese gets all melty. Pretty good. The boy really liked the vegetarian chili. You can also get it vegan if you skip the cheese on top. It comes with tortilla chips. For dinner I got the spinach salad and a side of mac & cheese. The spinach salad was HUGE and so good! Mac & cheese can be hit or miss, but their version was pretty good. The flavor was mild and the texture was creamy and there was a small sprinkle of crunchy breadcrumbs on the top. i wasn't blown away, but it was pretty decent. The boy got the veggie fajita and wasn't too thrilled with it. His main complaints were it looked nothing like a fajita and just like a giant quesadilla and the veggies were mushy. So, my advice is don't go to Maine for Mexican food. For dessert we split the cake in a jar. It is a big Bell canning jar with chocolate cake at the bottom then topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, whipped cream and nuts. Holy crap, so simple but yummy. The boy is still talking about it. This is a fun place serving basic food in large portions. Good for families (they have a separate kids menu) or just a casual night out. I will definitely go back next time I'm near Portland.
(4)
Ross C.
Fine food, great beer. I watched the bar tender's attempts at pouring beers and cringed accordingly, however. "Tilt the glass at the spout? No, I'll rest the glass flat on the drip tray and let the beer fall into it and then wonder why it's 80% froth when I'm done."
(4)
Haley M.
The service is pretty great with lots of beer choices and amazing food. It's one of my favorite places to go.
(5)
Nick R.
The almighty Cheesus burger was delicious. The fish was super fresh, and the fries were great. Great selection of Maine beers on tap. A little more than I would normally care to pay at a bar, but it was definitely worth it!
(4)
Julian K.
One of my favorite restaurants in the Portland area. Food is good (cheese sauce is amazing) and there is an ample selection of beers and wines (from local to imported, microbrews to macrobrews) to suit any taste or preference. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that parking is very tight, but if you can find a spot, I highly recommended The Great Lost Bear.
(4)
Coleman Q.
HUGE Beer selection. Personally I suggest their amazing house made Chili and then go with a tube thing of beer. It's bigger than a pitcher and it is a great price. Great place for friends and for families. Also can seat large groups. We used to go here before baseball games!
(4)
Adria R.
My first date with my now husband was here, and we got engaged here three years later in November of 2012. So it automatically gets 5 stars forever and ever.
(5)
Jimmy H.
A mystical place for local beer connoisseurs! Feels like a dungeon that's frozen in time and nothing has changed since they opened but that is what makes this place unique. Truly a locals paradise if you want to get away from the downtown scene. Bar food is not bad either. The wings are HUGE and pretty good....check it out and u might be a regular soon.
(4)
Dan B.
Tried this place for the first time last night after walking by many times and smelling the delicious food. The good news is the food tasted as good as it smelled. We were seated as soon as we walked in. The waiter was very nice and knew the menu very well. After ordering our food it arrived quickly. The beer selection was very extensive 75+ on tap.
(5)
Sandra B.
I never go here and find a burger I don't like. My favorites are the One Eye Bacon Burger and the Mushroom Burger (with a huge honking portabella mushroom on top) with some added Swiss for me! My husband likes the Cheeseburger with their special cheese sauce. The hot buffalo wings can't be beat either! They are the full wing not just those wingettes that you get at sub par establishments! And not to mention they always have a tasty beer on tap that I enjoy! I'm so glad I walked into this place several years ago- it has been our go to restaurant when we need a burger/wing fix.
(5)
Mark S.
The beer is the Bear. You can tour many of Maine's craft breweries from a barstool as they have about 60 taps pouring mostly regional beers. There are usually a couple of cask ales on draft as well. Food items from a multiple-page menu include sandwiches, entrees, appetizers and bar food. You can get taster-size pours, which I like since they have so many choices. A must stop whenever I'm in Maine.
(3)
Amy D.
Burgers + wings = awesome!! We were looking for a good burger place in the Portland area to offset all of the seafood we were eating, and are glad we found The Great Lost Bear! We ordered: -Pound of Thai Wings w/Half Peanut and Half Chili Thai Sauce ($7.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): WOW. I ordered this on a whim since wings sounded really good, and was happily surprised by how delicious they were! A pound equals only 4 wings, but it worked out well for us. The peanut sauce was actually tastier than the chili thai, but both were good. I would definitely recommend ordering this! -One Eye Bacon Cheeseburger (w/Fried Egg, Bacon & American Cheese, $11.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Pretty good, but I wish they served you some vegetables on the side so you at least have the option of putting them on your burger (the standard onion, tomato, lettuce). Not sure if I would order this again though. -The Almighty Cheesus Burger (No Bun- Served Between Two Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/Pickles, Lettuce, Tomatoes, $13.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): WOW. The crazy dishes that people come up with! I'm not a fan of grilled cheese, so only took a couple of bites, but I actually really liked it! The pickles they put in one of the grilled cheese sandwiches helps to break up the richness. I don't think I could eat more than half of this sandwich, at the max, but I would definitely recommend trying it. Very unique. Overall, The Great Lost Bear is a great spot to satisfy your craving for comfort food. They have an extenstive menu that also offers a few healthy dishes, so they have something for everyone. I recommend that everyone give their peanut wings a try! They have their own lot so parking is pretty easy, but the lot is a bit squishy.
(4)
Joe M.
Amazing beer selection. Great place to grab a burger or some apps. None of the food really blew me away but it's good for what it is. Try the Holy Cheezus burger. Huge burger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches.
(4)
Sarah A.
Come here often and the food is great! but the service is always horrible. Each time I go back I hope our waiter will be on top of things but no such luck. Burgers are always cooked to how I like it, nachos are huge, wings are delicious and the amount of beers on tap is overwhelming (good thing, try the sampler!) I will keep going back but I just wish the service was better.
(3)
Thomas N.
finally found the placeafter i wrote the address down wrong, lunch recently, beer barish place and the selection was excellent and the food was great, wife had the buff chicken salad and i had one of the cheese steaks (they had 5 i think) and all was great, would definitely revisit if backin the area, though i expect it is pretty busy at night
(5)
Andrew B.
Giving a rating to the GLB is hard for me. I've been coming here for years, since I grew up in Portland. I used to recommend this place to all of my friends who were visiting, however the last time I took friends there to show off this unique watering hole we were... to say the least... underwhelmed. I always get the same thing: start with the nachos (I think it used to be Frank Sinacho's, but that's not on the current menu), the burger, medium with cheese sauce (no onions and mushrooms) and the brownie and ice cream to close it out. All with an Andrew's Pale. The food is the same, very good but not healthy --- if you are dieting, don't torture yourself --- but the vibe and service in the place has changed over the years. I remember it being dynamic and fun, a definite alternative to the chain restaurants and with better food, but the ambiance was always the difference. From the plasma globe at the hostess station to the funky menus and always fun staff, sitting at the bar with the regular crowd or grabbing one of the booths in the back of the bar and schmoozing with friends over one of their many, very good on-tap beers. The GLB was a great local venue and, IMO, a place to go for those "in the know". Unfortunately, the last few times we have been there, while the food is the same, the vibe and the service were lackluster at best. We were seated in the back, it was cold, and the service was... well, we waited 30 mins for a drink order from a waitress who never made eye contact and was clearly more interested in getting back to chatting with friends than waiting on us. I was embarrassed for having recommended this place and then taking friends to what was my favorite watering hole. (Funny enough, it's the same waitress I have seen there for many years). Maybe I am getting old - it's been 25+ years since I started coming here, but it seems the waitstaff has too, and whatever fun was there has been replaced by obligatory pleasantries. The food and beer is still great, but when I go there I no longer feel like a welcomed regular, it's more like the impersonal treatment you might get at any other restaurant where the staff is as transient as the clientele. The food: 4; ambience: 3/4; service: hit or miss.
(3)
Ari O.
I'll start off: the beer is fine. We went for beer and burgers, hearing that their burgers were good. And we were sorely disappointed. My girlfriend's burger came almost completely bare--no lettuce, tomato or onion or much of anything else. But that is sort of what she ordered. Mine, however, was overcooked. Way overcooked. I asked for it medium rare and it was very well done. But not only that, it was cold. It seemed that they'd cooked mine well before hers, and then put it out under a not-very-hot heat lamp, at which point the cheese solidified and the whole burger got cold. I *never* send back food but after one bite it was deemed inedible. I called back the waiter and asked for it to be remade. Here's where GLB could have won my heart. They could have gone back and properly cooked my burger, brought it out, and I would have been happy. I've worked in kitchens; things get messed up. Redemption is a beautiful thing. When it came out, it was well done AGAIN. That's inexcusable. It was warm, at least, and I choked it down, but I'm not about to go back for anything that is not cold and liquid. Sorry, guys, it should not be hard to cook a burger medium rare, especially when given two chances.
(2)
Sarah E.
We were here on a Friday night and the place was packed - thankfully our table of 4 was seated right away. That being said, the service was a little slow, but that was understandable. Beer menu is pretty amazing - all sorts of beers! There's a whole lot of local things, so that's nice to see as well. The menu is overwhelming - it's like there's too many options. I ordered a burger - it was eh. Not the best burger I've ever had, but it was still a solid burger for what it was. We also ordered the buffalo chicken mac and cheese as per all the reviews said. I have to say - not impressed. The chicken was in hunks in the mac and cheese and just didn't have any flavor to it. If you're into beer, this is the place for you. The food isn't stellar, but if you're looking for something to eat, it's not bad.
(3)
Kyung R.
They have the best wings I've had in the city of Portland, but I feel like their burgers were overrated. The beer option is amazing here if you go. If you are looking for some decent bar food along with a great selection of beer, this is the place for you! I tried their dirty wings and chili burger. The dirty wings is what I order every time I go there, but their fish and chips looked pretty amazing too!
(3)
Clark K.
Hands down; best burger you'll have in Maine. If you're looking for fine dining experience and an excellent meal, The Great Lost bear is the place for you. Also equipped with an incredible bar, the great lost bear has an warm ambiance and humble waiters and waitresses. If you don't mind a bit of a wait after you order, you've found the perfect dinner-date restaurant.
(5)
Wendy B.
My boyfriend and I visited Portland this past July. This was my first time visiting Maine and I would move there in a heartbeat. Anyway, my love of great beer put this place high on our list of places to visit...it also helped that we were visiting friends that live in Portland and they recommended it. WOW!!! I wish I lived closer. Awesome beer selection and great food. Laid back atmosphere and friendly staff. I can't say enough good things about The Bear....even had to get a shirt to take home with me!! We plan on making Maine our yearly vacation spot so I will definitely be going back when I am there!
(5)
Bob B.
Awesome beer selection! The most ridiculous burger I have ever had. The Almighty Cheesus. Alleluia! What can you say about a burger where the bread is two grilled cheese sandwiches. But no normal grilled cheese sandwich, they have pickles and bacon inside. Then the perfectly cooked burger has cheese, bacon and a fried egg. It is truly a religious experience.
(5)
Jeff H.
For the price, it was exactly what we were looking for. I am surprised there are not more TVs around the bar to feature more of a sports feel and show football games. The food itself was spot on. Spicy chili with a great flavor. The burgers were cooked perfectly. My son was extremely happy with his meal. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Basically, if you want a simple meal with a bar feel, you cannot go wrong.
(4)
Max M.
Fried
(1)
Hilary H.
My little brother (I say little... he's 6'4") had his pick of dinner spots while I was visiting him in Portland, ME and The Great Lost Bear is where he chose to go. After eating here, I certainly understand why. The atmosphere is no-fuss, casual and fun. We sat outside on the back porch, ordered up a few pints and a plate of nachos, and the fun began. They have SO MANY different types of beer, and the waitress was more than happy to help us select. The nacho options were plentiful, too - and what we wound up with was so delicious I would have licked the plate. The best part? The burgers. THE BURGERS. Looking over the menu, I saw three options that called to me, and I was having trouble deciding. So, when my friend the waitress came back, I asked her if there was a way to combine them. She let me, and all I have to say is this: bacon, blue cheese, and buffalo wing sauce on a medium-rare patty. Oh lordy, it was indescribably delicious. I think I might be genius, to be honest. Each burger came with its own side of hand cut fries that weren't at all too heavy or greasy, and complimented the burgers perfectly. Also, the burgers came in their own little burger-sized dish on the serving plate, which really helped with the mess. I appreciated that. I love The Great Lost Bear, and will certainly request a return visit on my return visit to Portland!
(5)
Josh G.
My group of friends and I discovered this fantastic little restaurant from a panel of brochures before we went on a sunset cruise, coming all the way from Albany NY to visit for the weekend not knowing where to go or what to do for food we decided hey were all starving let's check out this place since it accommodated all of our dietary restrictions and very picky eaters. Our waiter his name was Stewart I very much recommend him, he was a very hospitable man and very patient with us mispronouncing sebago beer names and other maine things & such also he was very helpful in selecting our 5 choices in the beer sampler and very patient with that. The food was fantastic, the service was amazing and not to mention how extremely helpful the host was with our ripped pants issue. My roommate tried to pants me in the cold and failed, ripped them right off me and thankfully the host had some packing tape to patch up that rip. The vegetarian rueben was fantastic and on point, we also ordered the fish & chips which were fried very lightly and perfectly crispy, the lost sauce offered as a condiment was on point as well, the taco salad was very enjoyable and was everything we wished it would be and more we also ordered a cheese steak the meat was very tender and delicious from what our friend had said. They also have some of the best cole slaw we have ever had. Based on the experience we had we will certainly be returning and hope to see Stewart upon returning. Our date of visit was 03/13/15
(5)
Tara G.
I love this place. I will drive the 2 hours just to get their buffalo wings. They are spicy and a bit sweet, just delicious. Never had one's better then these in my area. They also have one of the best beer menus around. I love trying all the different types they have on tap. If you are into beer then try the beer taster-sampeler, they have some seasonal brews that are worth trying as well. The staff is very informative and helpful. The menu has a great range of different things, to make most anyone in your group happy. Don't let the rough look of the outside, deter you from walking in. It is a great place to grab a few beers and have a tasty meal.
(4)
Matt K.
Great fine, would have driven right by if a friend had not recommended. Stopped in for lunch on a snowy Saturday and had an Allagash White and a burger. Huge beer selection and great menu. Beer was great and burger was a top notch "Pub Burger". The ambiance great and the they had a ton of beers on tap. I would recommend if you are in the Portland area to stop by.
(4)
Ted L.
I first went to The Great Lost Bear last year while visiting Portland. It is a fantastic specialty beer place, with fantastic food to match. The burgers (I had the Formage a trois)are a perfect compliment to the 65-plus beers here. One of my favorite things about it is that you have the ability to try five beer flights in the small tasting glasses... a great way to sample the wide variety. They also have an impressive array of high alcohol content brews and trapist ales. Definitely a must do. The nice thing about the menu too, is that in addition to being eclectic, it has a wide variety of options, ranging from vegetarian to fullblown meat mode.... easily enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest of diners.
(5)
Bethany W.
Best local bar around! Love their nachos!!!
(4)
Roneece D.
The menu was all over the place and the food proved it!!! Maybe after a few beers the food gets better. Our server was very nice.
(2)
Andrew J.
When my family first visited Portland in November 2012, our advance scouting led us to Great Lost Bear. The promise of practically endless local beers, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere was too much to ignore. Having lived here for eight months now, having samples a fair amount of local offerings, and having visited GLB more times than I can count, I can attest that it is easily one if the most exciting "restaurants" around. I put restaurants in quotes for no reason other than GLB is so much more than just that. The food is largely pub fare - albeit SEVEN PAGES worth - and has yet to leave me dissatisfied. The service has been hit-or-miss over the last year or so. A couple of the male servers are great, and Mike (the manager) is always great behind the bar, but the rest of the bartenders and female hosts/waitresses seem pretty put out that customers keep showing up. And this is not a one-off for me, either - I go at least a couple times per month. The tap list? Come on - no review necessary. Tuesdays & Thursdays are my go-to nights. If you have not tried GLB, you're missing out on a great time - time that seems to stand still while you're there.
(4)
Francis B.
Going for the extensive on-tap beer selection would be enough for most. The Great Lost Bear takes it a step further: a broad menu that goes beyond the typical deep-fry pub fare. Very knowledgeable staff. It appears the staff tastes most of the entrees as well as the premium beers. Their opinions are real, unobtrusive, and help the patron navigate their extensive selection. If in doubt about a new or unusual beer, they will even bring you a 2 ounce sampler to try. Great service!
(4)
None B.
I ate at this establishment recently and had hands down the worst meals of my life. And I made this yelp account for the sole purpose to advice others not to eat there. The reason why, the food is terrible!!! I order some "cheese fries" haha, more like cottage cheese that had been throw into the microwave on top of greasy fries. My main course was still though the biggest disappoint to come, I got the taco salad. Simple enough right? WRONG!! The vegetables tasted past their prime by months and the taco meat tasted like it came from a dog food container!! Everyone else in my party of 4 also found the food repulsive but you get the overall flow for how the food taste and I see no need to carry on with that issue. The waiter i think did a good job he was nice and didn't mess up anyone of the orders of food...... Although chiefs managed to do that on their own still somehow. The parking is tight so those who are nervous drivers it can be a little nerve wracking pulling in and out. Also I hope you love cigarette smoke cause smokers stand right outside the entrance door and light up resulting in a terrible smell. I will never go back and I hope those of you who read this don't waste your money there because it's just terrible!!!
(1)
Marc C.
I have to say, I love a good beer bar. TGLB certainly qualifies as a great one. Sixty-nine beers on tap with at least fifteen being from Maine craft breweries. They generally have four cask conditioned ales available served via beer engines/hand pumps. You're usually lucky to find a bar that offers one or two cask conditioned ales. Four is a real treat! I sampled more beers than I probably should have. They all were great. The wings are huge and perfectly cooked. The spicy/sweet sauce was very nice. The burgers were juicy and flavorful. Mine was cooked medium rare and was topped with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions. The atmosphere is something like the great north woods meets Cheers. The servers are uniformly friendly and engaging. Unfortunately, ours didnt know all that much about beer. I'm not sure how you can work at a place with all those beers on tap and not know about beer. They sould be better trained. That is what made the difference between four and five stars. It is a great place to stop tho. It didn't take long for my long lost Maine accent to comeback and ask for another bee-aahhh!
(4)
Lori R.
What a disappointment! Let me list all my complaints! 1. orrdered a beer sampler and 2 of the 4 beers were flat. (I mentioned it tot hte waiter and he never offered to replace them with anything else. Later in the meal the table next to me complained about the flat beer and was told that it never happens but they would tell the bartender.) 2. Waited over an hour for our food. 3. Cheesesteak served with ricotta cheese!! WTF??? 4. On my way out the door and hear a waitress ( not ours) speaking loudly enough for all to hear, " Those fuc*ing people didn't leave me a tip!" ...Hmmm, I wonder why???? Save your money and avoid this place. HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)
Jon D.
The food is fun, tasty, and quick. This place was recommended to me by many locals when I first came to Portland and I was dubious as it looks like a biker bar, but it's a solid food serving family restaurant. The burgers are great, the ambiance is road-trip classic, and the drink selection encompasses a large chunk of local and imports - still no Shiner Bock though. :-)
Awesome beer selection. It would be better if they had PBR on draft instead of in the pounder cans, but there's so many to choose from that it's really a non issue. Huge menu with your standard pub fare, even vegetarian options. They have this burger called "The Cheesus" which is a burger between two grilled cheese sandwiches, I definitely want to try this the next time I'm hung over:) I would stay away from their cheese steaks though, my husband had one and was not impressed. They have their own cheese sauce that looked gross from my vantage point, and my husband was not a fan. Other then that, I loved the atmosphere and beer selection and there are many menu options I would like to try so I definetly plan on going back.
(4)
Steve A.
Service started slow but picked up. Food is worth coming back for. Beer selection is unparalleled - and it's all from Maine! Glad I found this place.
(4)
George H.
Excellent beer selection. The bartenders are friendly and very, very knowledgeable about their beer and beer, generally. We did not eat during our visit. We arrived around 8 on a Friday night and seating was plentiful at the bar. Great spot!
(5)
Jason B.
I grew up in Portland not to far from the GLB and I have eaten here most of my life almost. I recently moved back and was eager to go back and was sadly sadly disappointed. I went with my girlfriend and we went around lunch. It was pretty slow in there so we got a table right away. we then sat there for a good 15-20 MINS! before anyone even came over to take are drink order. The server didn't seem to know the specials for the beer but seem to mention she knew that there were some for that day......so that was no help there. the food was pretty bland nothing I couldn't have made at home for half the cost. I came back for a 2nd time with some friends for dinner one night and experienced the same thing, really awful wait staff service mixed with really poorly done food especially when not one person had their burger done right at the whole table, they were either over done or underdone BY A LOT . I really wanted to like this place and give it a great review seeing as how I grow up right by the GBL and eating there all the time. I was sad to come back after a few years of school and working to find that it's service and food are so bad. In a town like Portland there's no reason to settle for such poor quality when there's a million great places up the street in town so if your a tourist steer clear unless you just want cheap beer.
(1)
Andy G.
The Great Lost Bear on 540 Forest Avenue in Portland Maine will appeal to your senses. Your eyes will be captivated by the decor, your mind will be tested by the novel like size of the menu ( including a Bears load of local brews) and your taste buds will be tantalized by the all the deliciousness that they will experience. This is a place for foodies, families, hippies and college kids alike. Vegans, veg heads and meat eaters unite, I think anybody could find something they would enjoy on this menu. The Great Lost Bear is located just minutes away from a number of schools and colleges in the Portland area, this helps to keep the place hopping at all hours. Parking can be a bit troublesome but if you take the time to drive around a bit, a spot can usually be found in the small lot beside the building or along the street. Once inside you will probably get lost yourself ( apparently just like the Great Bear ). The rooms are a little dark and dimly lit, some may call this romantic, some with bad eye site may consider it a safety hazard. There are many side rooms with a larger dining room and bar area to sit at and if you are lucky you may even get to sit underneath a dead animal head on the wall. After being seated, Simone and I ordered our drinks and got down to the task of looking through the extensive menu options. After much debate, we decided to start with some healthy sounding Teriyaki Grilled Mushrooms with house made Parmesan Peppercorn Dip, and the not so healthy Poutine with local Pineland Farms cheese curds that was being advertised on the specials board. The appetizers arrived and I was completely blown away by how delicious they were. Lets start with the Pountine ( which I have become an expert on over the years). This was better then any I have ever had. The fries were drowned in a rich gravy but somehow remained super crispy. The cheese curds were sharp and fresh tasting in all their melted goodness. Most Poutines I've had, have been sprinkled with bland curds that have just been chunky and stringy with gravy poured over them. The Poutine from the Great Lost Bear is nothing like that. The cheese, the gravy and crispy fries cook and melt together after being baked in a casserole dish in the super hot oven. I think this was the biggest difference and it really works perfectly.I almost ordered a second helping. Not to be outdone by Poutine, the Mushrooms were equally as delectable. A simple sweet Teriyaki glaze combined with the flavors of the Char broiler grill to make these Mushroom morsels addictive. The Parmesan Peppercorn dressing was the best I have ever had. It was thick, cheesy and had just enough bite from the black peppercorns. The Teriyaki Mushrooms and Dressing worked perfectly together . Again, I almost had to order more. After over filling on appetizers it was on to the meal. Simone ordered an appetizer side of the Specka Spanikopita, a Greek pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese and seasonings. It was baked to a flaky golden brown crust and came out of the kitchen piping hot. I found it to be a little bland and needed some salt but Simone enjoyed and finished it completely. For my entree I deiced to have the Thai Peanut Chicken Sandwich with a side of Red Beans and Rice. The chicken was grilled perfectly- moist and tender. The peanut sauce was good, not overly spicy but plenty of flavor. Much like the soanikopita, The red beans and rice were not as flavorful as I was expecting but a little dash of salt fixed that. Both the entrees were good but not as tasty as our appetizers and both of us agreed that we could have just kept eating the apps all night and skipped the actual meals. Somehow we managed to find space for dessert. Although we debated having the Carrot Cake special we ultimately decided upon the Snickers chocolate pie. This was a great choice. The crust was perfect. Flaky and tender. The filling was a semi solid fudgey, deep, dark, milky, chocolate lovers wet dream. And the whipped cream and caramel sauce was the perfect way to top it all off. The Great Lost Bear was as good as I hoped. The appetizers were the best I have ever had, The entrees although not as tasty as the appetizers were still good, and the dessert ( which the waitress told me wins awards) was a perfect rich and filling end to the night. I will definitely be back , especially for that Poutine. 4 stars for the Great Lost Bear.
(4)
Liam S.
5 stars for local beer selection on draft, 3 stars for food. What I really like about this place is that you can get flights for 1.25 each. A great way to sample the beer selection.
(4)
Paul L.
Great beer, good food. BUT, the menu is waaaaaay too big. You may snafu at that but c'mon. The more choices one has, the harder that decision making becomes.
(4)
Bill T.
Fun spot. Lots of beer options. Food is decent. The burger is good and I've also had and liked the buffalo chicken wrap. Head to the Bear!
(4)
Catherine B.
I am in town and visiting and my BFF (local) and I went here for lunch.. I had a Cheesesteak with mushroom and onions to be covered with cheese sauce (which I thought would be a cheese sauce).. this was the worst Cheesesteak I have ever had.. the meat was dry.. the mushroom/onions were on the bottom and the cheese sauce .. I don't know what is thought of as cheese sauce in Portland but in the rest of the USA it's normally either melted cheese (in Philly some use Cheese Whiz or Provolone) I assumed this sauce would be melted velveeta or Cheese Wiz or something like a queso.. this 'sauce' was thick, separated and terrible tasting.. there is a review by a woman who posted a picture and that is exactly what I experienced also.. I think it was over overheated cream cheese? but dry meat with melted perhaps cream cheese isn't a cheese steak with cheese sauce.. I ate my sandwich because 1) I was starving and 2) I didn't want to insult my friend of many years.. Our waiter was cursory and unfriendly.. the whole experienced was poor.. I would try it again if someone could assure me that they could make a decent Philly Cheesesteak hero.. very disappointing..they have a huge menu so perhaps they should cut it in half. Very very disappointing meal.
(2)
Seva K.
This is another must-visit gem for those in Portland, Maine! The interior is somewhat dim-lit, with stuff like old yearbook class photos from area high schools, along with breweriana on the walls. The selection is pretty huge- lots of locals and quality imports, and themed sampler flights are offered. You can also design your own flight to try several things you haven't had before. For food they have pretty solid comfort fried foods, with lots of unique(for this area) items. They have a lot of promos and theme nights. On a recent visit, they had 5 good to awesome offerings from Allagash(and since they occupied their own draft system, it looked liked a dedicated set of taps), as well as Ommegang Aphrodite and some good stuff on cask! It's also next door to a homebrew store, so I see no excuse not to hit this place up while getting some supplies.
(5)
Gary G.
stick with the basic pub fare and you'll be alright. wings, burger, cheesesteak. nothing special about this joint but the patio can be nice on a summer afternoon post work.
(3)
Rob W.
Every city has that one restaurant that is considered an "institution" and for Portland Maine its the GLB. I was introduced to the GLB while in college by my parents. They had lived in the deering neighborhood 20 years prior and it had been their goto place back then. It was love at first sight. The beer selection alone could put this place atop most peoples list's. Usually there are over 50 beers on tap, and always a terrific blend of micro's from all over the country. Start your meal with an order of wings. I can easily say that these are the best wings I have ever had. They are big, crispy and fresh. The menu from there is book, big and broad, but unlike most places that carry such a large selection of food, the quality isn't lost. I usually cycle through the burger list, and if all else fails go with the egg one. Be sure to get "cheese sauce" on the side with your fries, you wont be disappointed! Even after moving out of Maine, we go out of our way to hit the GLB at least once a year now... and I hope to some day turn my kids into fans...
(5)
Sam B.
I used to be a wing-hater. I'd turn my snobby little nose up at that florescent orange sauce, those sticky, dripping fingers, those mouths covered in tangy nastiness. Even the smell of buffalo sauce made me wince with disapproval. And then I met The Great Lost Bear. I don't know what enticed me to try them the first time. Perhaps it was the fact that they actually look like chicken wings. Some mutant enormous version of a chicken but a chicken nonetheless. One bite and the Buffalo Wing Switch was flipped within me. Now I find myself daydreaming of their wings. Just writing this review, I have to resist the urge to call and place an order. When people ask me where to go for wings, my eyes glaze over and I tell them in an urgent monotone that they have to eat at The Great Lost Bear. If they resist, I point at them and shriek like a Buffalo Wing Pod Person. If you simply can't bring yourself to go based on their wings alone, I understand. I used to be like you, too. Fortunately, they have an enormous menu with gluten free and vegetarian options. It's almost overwhelming, it's so extensive. They have a comfortable, kitchy interior that is good for large and small groups. Reading all the signs and posters on the walls makes for excellent diversion if your company is less than stellar and the staff is always friendly. But, really, go for no other reason than their wings. Join us.
(4)
Michelle B.
We have never been disappointed with the service, food, beer selection here. They have special events - Thursdays are brewery nights - so make sure you check out their website and/or facebook page! Nice outdoor patio when the weather is nice! Convenient parking w/o meters (as opposed to downtown Portland).. We love the Great Lost Bear!
(4)
Rebecca W.
Great cheesesteaks and the mushroom appetizer is a can't miss dish. The service is friendly and the atmosphere casual and inviting
(3)
Jason B.
They have approximately 1,000,000 beers on tap, and an extensive food menu. Kitschy, fun and definitely a Beer Advocate favorite, Great Lost Bear is a fun spot for a bar bite and a bucket of brew. I stayed relatively safe, with Sierra Nevada, but there are plenty of local brews on tap! Not that I need to say it, but there are definitely some fun options on the menu for vegetarians. I'm not even close to one, but the veggie burger "patty melt" grabbed me! It was more like a reuben with a veggie burger, but it was damn tasty. The steak tip salad did not fail to please - high quality steak, grilled properly. There was a dreadful old lady talking loudly on a cell phone, but that wasn't their fault.
(4)
Allison C.
We lived in Portland for about a year, and this was one of our favorite spots. 70+ beers on tap, and a ginormous menu with something for everyone! Nachos are a stand-out, or anything with their cheese sauce (mac and cheese, cheese fries, etc etc). Wings are also fantastic. I have been known to enjoy a cake sundae in a jar, and I did not regret that decision... GLB is the best. That is all.
(5)
Rich S.
Great place, great food, great service! Came up from Boston with the whole family and had a great time!
(5)
Michael V.
Cool bar, great atmosphere. I have been here twice for beer but I did get a spanikopita and that was good. The menu seems pretty good and I have never heard anyone complain about the food. Its not in the old port area but that is kind of nice as that can get a little stuffy down there. I am a fan and definitely return here for drinks when I am in the area and have to meet a friend! Definitely check this place out! I would probably go 5 star if I spent more time here and had more of their food to try.
(4)
Charles W.
I love the bear, a sweet local hangout place with Tuesday tall beers for small prices ( double the beer for same price as a regular) or theThursday night showcase featured beers for 2.99 and up! Sometimes some beer swag sometimes the brewers are here. The food is pretty good for the most part, prices seem to keep going up which is a bummer. The mother-child reunion is pretty great and the chili is spot on. Never had the deserts but they look pretty good. Two main complaints are the service very hit or miss. Sometimes you get the attentive waitress or waiting forever. Also they will not let you split up checks for a party of 6 which is bush league! But like the beer overall!
(4)
Bethany S.
Stopped in this place for lunch on our vacation. The atmosphere was super cool! I love a good drink list, and this place had everything from awesome microbrews (local and not so local) to house infused vodkas! It seemed like it would be a really fun local watering hole. The food was very good, they had a lemon curry salad dressing that I would likely drink the 3+ hours to Portland, ME to taste again. My issue only issue was the price of the food. Everything was pretty pricey for the bar food that it was. All the salads were over $10 and the burgers were similarly overpriced. That being said, everything we got was tasty. We vacation in ME pretty often, and the next time I'm in town, I will definitely be hitting up this place again!
(4)
Pao T.
Got the great chesus and it was what they said. A meat patty in between two grilled cheese. Aside from that it was good but I think the hype made me expect a lot more from it. Friends got the nachos and those were ah-ma-zing!! People need to at least try these nachos out. There's so much food!
(4)
Steff D.
The Great Lost Bear is great for beer. Their selection is so diverse and plentiful, there is something available for everyone - even "non-beer drinkers." Craving something fruity? Something hoppy? A porter, a pilsner, a brown, an ESB, an ale, a Belgian style? Something cask conditioned? Something seasonal? Beer aged in bourbon barrels? Want something on draught that isn't beer? No worries! They've got mead and cider, too. And on Thursday nights they have a "Showcase" where they feature a craft brewery and a few of styles of their beer. Brewers are on hand to answer questions, hang-out with locals, and giveaway prizes. The Great Lost Bear is, however, NOT great for service. I'm not entirely sure what's happened over the past couple of years but it seems their once attentive staff has been replaced by apathetic robots. I held off as long as I could from posting this update, but after today's unfortunate lunch experience I just can't keep quiet anymore. Our waitress was rude and disinterested. So much so that it ruined the experience of the out of town family we were with. About mid-way through our meal our conversation turned from laughter and reminiscing to quietly joking about how unfathomably terrible the waitress was. "Would you like some water? How's your meal? Can I get you another beer? Are you all set with this plate? Did you save room for dessert? Thank you so much for coming! Let me know if you need anything else!" These are all phrases that we didn't hear during our time there. "I guess you're trying to tell me something," said in annoyance IS something our waitress said when we started stacking our plates and glasses when nearly a half hour had gone by after finishing our meal and just sitting there. "We're trying to move THESE people out," said in disdain IS something the host said about us, jabbing his finger in our direction, to another group of people. "I'm so sorry about that," IS something I repeated multiple times to our family as I felt supremely embarrassed by the behavior of the restaurant I chose to have them take us to. I wish that I could say this was a one-off experience, but - alas - it's not. We came about a month ago and watched our waiter spend the majority of his time sitting at the bar with friends talking, only paying attention to us when we called him over (after five or ten minutes of waving or saying - as politely as possible - "excuse me, sir?"). Tsk, tsk, Great Lost Bear. Has all your energy and effort gone into the bar? Is customer service on the floor just not as important anymore? Because that's how it feels. You should ABSOLUTELY come to the Great Lost Bear if you want a pre-dinner or post-dinner drink (I definitely do - their bar/beer rocks!). If, however, you're the type of person entertained by being ignored, I suggest risking your evening in the dining room. While you and your dining companions will definitely run out of drinks, you won't run out of conversational topics (i.e. how "awesome" the service is).
(3)
Tara L.
Chicken sandwiches were phenomenal. Daughter had a buffalo chicken and Eric had an angry bird and both were so delicious that they wanted to come back for dinner the next night. My burger was decent although it was literally just meat with some herbed goat cheese on it. I wish they would have been more explicit in saying that it was a very plain burger because I would have asked for toppings on mine...a little onion and tomato would have really made it. Thankfully I had a big thing of yogurt dill dressing that came with my salad and I dunked my burger in it. The beer selection was great and the different dressings for the salad and the chicken sandwiches were yummy. Oh and the fried potatoes also yummy.
(4)
Ivan J.
I have heard good things from friends about this place so I decided to give it a try last night. We were immediately seated and I must say the service for superb. Our waiter was laid-back and attentive. I am the type of person who goes straight to the burgers section when I open up a menu. This was no different at The Great Lost Bear. I went with the "Super Burger" and jalapeño poppers as an appetizer. The jalapeño poppers were cooked perfectly; with the cheese oozing out! Soon after my burger came and you definitely get what you pay for. I was not able to finish it but the flavors of the four different cheeses and bacon made me wish I could of finished it. Overall a great dining experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone because there menu has all kinds of different items from Mexican, American, to vegetarian and gluten-free options!
(5)
Christine L.
GIANT SERVINGS OF DELICIOUS CHILI is all I'll ever need to remember about Great Lost Bear. While the chili is beyond amazing on it's own, it's a tad spicy so it pairs nicely with both fries and nachos. A nice cold beer helps too. Enjoy!!
(5)
Kevin B.
Great beer list - great service, friendly customers. It's a go-to first stop when I get to Portland. I can't say that their food is anything special, but the stop always is good for a beer or three.
(4)
AJ P.
This is one of my favorite places in town to get wings and they have pretty good burgers too! Great beer selection. The place is pretty huge - but really dark inside.
(4)
Matt T.
2.5 stars...good beer selection with locals having a decent part of the menu...but from our tasters, unimpressive locals. The server couldn't describe many of the beers on the menu, and would disappear for long stretches. the food was ok...typical bar and pub food...with a bit on the bland side. I'd pop in here for beer if you are in a session drinking mood, but there are a lot of other better places for dinner.
(3)
Sam S.
Haven't gotten anything here I didn't like. Long list of beers, a great menu, friendly service, huge portions. Not a lot of parking. One of those places that tack lots of kitsch to the walls. Someone should really find that bear already.
(5)
David F.
I don't write yelp reviews that much anymore, but gaaahdamnnn. This is got to be one of the best bars in the world. Any place where you can get this mix of good beer/good cheap food/great specials and prices/awesome atmosphere/good music/great bartenders. Seriously this place is no joke. Go on a Monday.
(5)
Michael D.
If you want top notch beer the great lost bear is one of the best around. They carry everything imaginable from craft beer, IPA light beers, heffeweisen and even exotic apricot beers. They are also well know for their burgers here and I have had them on numerous times here. The crowd is typically jolly and a mixed bag of characters.
(4)
Bruce D.
For the beer lover this place is a must. The beer selection is varied across styles and changes daily. Each major style is well represented with a number of niche national and regional / local craft brews. There were three offerings on cask the night I visited. The bar has a decent selection of liquors, a number of which are locally distilled. Prices are very good. The beer sampler of one to five, 5 ounce pours is a great way to try multiple offerings in a combination and quantity of your choosing. Decor is from central casting, dollar bills tacked above the bar, a stuffed bears head, a gazillion stickers plastered on the walk in cooler. You've seen it all before. Not a dive but nothing to write home about. Service is the stumbling block for additional stars. The bartenders are order takers, efficient and competent but not very friendly. Don't expect much conversation on beer styles, specials, etc. They're taking your order, will have it quickly / correctly and that's about it. You won't feel welcome or unwelcome at the bar, you're just there taking up space and so are they. I enjoyed the beer, loved the prices and am glad to have been here. I'll definitely be back to broaden my beer experience at a great price. I'll keep smiling too and someday someone working there may smile back.
(3)
Benjamin C.
I am a big fan of GLB. Great beer, very laid back, always a good time...and a great place to gather with friends. Very expansive menu to meet different preferences. I've been there 4 or 5 times, but I'll write about my most recent experience from Friday. We ordered a round of beers, including the 2.99 special. Great deal! For food, my mother had the turkey melt. My wife and I each ordered a bowl of chili and shared a steak salad (as the appetizer). The salad took a very long time, which our server acknowledged and took off the bill. She was great! The meat was great on the salad...medium-rare as requested. The rest of the salad is just a standard salad. Nothing fancy. My mom would have liked a little more turkey in her melt, but she enjoyed it. The chili is always a win. Spicy and delicious. I like mine with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños. On all past occasions, I have ordered a burger. Only once was it a bit overcooked. All others were delicious. We always take visitors here, as it's a favorite spot. Cool souvenirs for visitors, too! Check it out if you haven't yet!
(4)
Stuart K.
Had one of the best burgers in quite some time. Hand cut fries were excellent. Can't wait to go back to try more!
(5)
Alise K.
Three of us sat at the bar. Seems like a fun bar! I'm only giving a 3 star rating because my Rachel sandwich was not good. My friends got the dirty wings, they were good. A couple of beers each and we were good to go!
(3)
Karen C.
Our first stop in Portland on Friday night around 7:30. Place was hopping, as you would expect, but we were seated promptly. As I am sure everyone knows, the beer list is amazing and one of the main reasons we came here. Food menu is a little overwhelming; I prefer restaurants that specialize in one amazing thing rather than places that have a little of everything and nothing super amazing. That being said, my burger was pretty solid (one eyed bacon cheeseburger) and cooked how I asked for it, medium rare. The fries were good but not my favorite - round slices which took me by surprise when my burger came. Service was friendly although a tad on the slow side. Overall worth a visit when in the area.
(3)
Justin H.
Come on in for lunch and you're guaranteed to get great beer, great food and great service with some sweet tunes playing in the background. Love the bear!!!
(4)
Daniel K.
The only reason I am giving 3 states is because the hot sauce was good. Otherwise, it was over rated. The wings were over-cooked and dry. Service was decent, but wings were terrible.
(3)
Joanna R.
One of the reasons I miss Maine. Great atmosphere for eating great food, drinking great local beer (Allagash!!) and just hanging out with family and friends. I stop here every time I am "home" There is something for everyone on this vast menu. Service consistently nice and on occasion make me laugh. If you haven't stopped in to try this place, you must at least try it.
(5)
Jason P.
This place has an outstanding selection of beers and a big bar. The food here is hit or miss. Someplace to have a few beverages with people from work.
(3)
Zachary G.
Being my first time at the Great Lost Bear, I had high hopes. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. The service was great if not slightly impersonal. Our server brought drinks and food quickly and with a smile. The food was the real star. My dish of choice was the Bayou Burger. The burger was cooked to a perfect charred medium well and the toppings, including fried onions, jack cheese and buffalo sauce, complimented the burger perfectly. I thought the draught list was impressive and I chose the Oxbow Farmhouse. It complimented the burger though not perfectly. Overall I can say that I will certainly be returning.
(5)
Barbara L.
Good beer selection. Food is underwhelming. Fries tepid & soggy. Cole slaw tasteless. stale bun on my clam roll. Atmosphere is fun so just go for a beer.
(3)
Patrick M.
We went to the GLB for a 50th B-Day. I am a huge fan of the Mother and Child and its always good. However the rest of the food is ehh. The fries were cold and soggy. The beer selection is great and it helps offset one of the worst front of house staffs I've run into in a long time. If you go sit at the bar and order from the barmaid/ barman. Otherwise you'll most likely be treated as I have 90% of the time- with indifference. I'm still a fan of the place but won't sit at a table. We were at a small 4 top with beers and just a pile of info from the GLB. Space was hard to come by. We ordered an app and sandwiches. The app came out and the waiter piled up the info bucket right in front of me and 2 minutes later they ran our sandwiches out and kind of piled those in the middle. Nice timing. I ended up putting all of the info stuff- menus-beer lists-promo items on the floor just so we could make a little space.
(3)
Allen I.
I can't deny the fact that the beer selection was a go, but beer in Portland is good ; everywhere. We ordered the mega-chicken nachos. Yes, they came out and they looked good. It's not worth me uploading the picture they all look the same. However, they were flat out weak, and maybe the worst I've ever had. First the cheese which looked so good melted on top had absolutely no flavor at all. Then underneath the cheese was a bunch of undercooked veggies(peppers, jalapeños, almost raw onions). Then, of course was the chicken. I'm sorry. You don't use chicken off the bone w. that harsh gamey flavor it overpowers the nachos. I had pieces of dark meat in there and gristle thinking to myself seriously?I'd 100 percent go back for a drink the 2.99 pint of the day was a great deal but as far as the food...Those were by far the worst nachos I've ever had and would feel much more comfortable making my own with a bag of sargento and a rotiseree chicken, because I consider that the equivalent.
(2)
Mr P.
The Hell Fire Wings are best hot wings in the known universe. I get a side of the Hell Fire Sauce to take home, keeps my sweat glands working until my next visit :)
(5)
Kathryn B.
Great find! We had just driven 13 hours from Canada enroute to Boston and starving! We "yelped" casual dining and this was the first to pop up. What a gem! The tuna burger was excellent (opt for Cajun style and ask for a side of the wasabi cucumber dressing instead of mayo!) and the fish and chips were huge, fresh and tasty. Interior is fun, lots of local kitsch-cool bar area-we had a 10 year old in tow and ambiance was family friendly. It was quiet on a Monday night (8:30ish), the staff was very friendly and efficient; so good my BF is there again right this second having lunch with his friend. Really liked it-we will be back.
(4)
Justine J.
This is an awesome spot, especially as a casual dining spot with friends. Their menu is HUGE and everything I've tried so far has been fantastic -- desserts and drinks included. I've always had a good experience here and continue to go back! PS: Try their chocolate cake in a mason jar. YUM.
(4)
Kevin M.
been going here for over 20 years. Always have a great beer selection on tap and great burgers. Nice little neighborhood bar and grill
(4)
Andrew S.
Three of us flew in on a Sunday afternoon (in early March) and we were craving some food and local brews. Based on yelp reviews, we decided to try out this establishment. It seemed cozy and fairly busy when were being seated. The beer list was extensive, with the waitresses help, we choose three local beers (all of which pleased our slightly beer-snobbish palates). The service was quick and the waitress was both pleasant and helpful. We ordered the mac & cheese as an appetizer and haddock, portobello sandwich, and crab grilled cheese as the main course. My brother, who is a vegetarian, especially liked the portobello and mac & cheese. I would categorize the meals as good pub food (nothing too fancy, just tasty comfort food). The most unique aspect of this place was the cool and funky decorations. It was enjoyable to walk around the view the different pictures and history of Portland/New England's past. Overall, I would come back based on the hearty meals, good beer selection, and local pub-like feel.
(4)
Jamie A.
One of my favorite downtown Portland hangouts! The great: Great local beer selection- tough to rival! Great atmosphere! Awesome food- My favorite= the buffalo chicken wrap (I won't get this anywhere else because it is so good here) The not so great: Parking can be tough on a busy evening
(5)
S And E H.
Large beer selection. HUGE food selection. Something for everyone.
(4)
Puneet M.
I've been here twice with two different experiences. Both times I sat in the same spot at a table near the bar and really enjoyed the ambiance of the place both times. The first time I went I would have found a way to give it a sixth star if I could. We had a older gentlemen as our waiter and he was absolutely amazing. Very pleasant, helpful and fun. Having him as our waiter alone warranted 5 stars. The beer selection is amazing with a great balance in the amount and type of beers they serve. Again 5 star worthy. We had a burger and chili Thai boneless wings. The burger was good but the wings were amazing. The ranch was incredible. The second time was a little different. The waiter was not as nice and not to attentive. We tried the nachos but there must have been a pound of cheese on it which was way over the top. We tried the peanut Thai boneless wings which was just breaded chicken with a side of skippy peanut butter. The buffalo boneless wings was pretty good and again the ranch was amazing. We got a beer tower which was odd. It was really just a pitcher in a tower form. It didn't really stay cold and would have been much better in a pitcher. The second experience really brought the rating down which was a shame but I will be going back hopefully for the first experience.
(4)
Kerry P.
Food is good, staff are nice. It not well-lit but many won't care. Menu includes healthier options and vegetarian as well. Great beers on tap.
(4)
Bobby F.
Stopped in late night for some grub and a beer and I ran into The Almighty Cheesus Burger... Damn that was good... We also split the super nachos which were also very tasty with probably a pound of cheese on them Mmmmm... The beer list is also something I had to tackle but in the end I went local because why not?!
(4)
Jeffrey R.
I've visited here a handful of times. Never have I been disappointed with the food or beer selection - my mouth and stomach leave QUITE satisfied. My feelings towards the hospitality on the other hand... Well let's just say it's been subpar enough times that I'm here talking about it. While the actual items being served make me think "five star!", sadly the service makes me leave disappointed and ends the experience on a "one star :(" note. This most recent visit, our waitress never checked on us during the meal, never came by to pick up any dishes we were done with, and never even suggested dessert/coffee/etc. after the meal. Not until we started stacking a few dishes to help clean up did she begrudgingly come to our table. I will most likely come back, but I will head toward the bar for beverages and hope for the best with the bar staff.
(3)
Kiesha J.
When my husband and I walked in, we stood at the hostess stand for a good five minutes. Finally a server came over and said, "I don't know where the hostess is, but I'll seat you." We then took our seats and our server took our drink orders. He came back to tell us that the beer my husband wanted had kicked. My husband asked for a good Maine beer recommendation and the server suggested a Vermont beer... Okay. He then brought our beers over and mine was only half full because it had also kicked. They graciously didn't charge me for that half-glass. We ordered our food and it arrived and it was fine. Not outstanding, not subpar, but fine. Then we waited nearly 30 minutes to get our check once we were finished. The couple next to us sat down while we were eating and it took nearly 20 minutes for them to even get asked about beverages. I wanted to like this place. The beer list is great, the decor is kitschy and fun, but with service the way it was, I can't imagine ever going back.
(2)
Melanie R.
I am always appreciative of new places, especially foodie places! The Great Lost Bear, or GLB, is a good place to sit and hang out, have a cold glass of beer and eat some pub food. The atmosphere is woodsy lodge meets Maine meets Forest Ave. it works, strangely enough. My friend and I ordered Margaritas. They were decent. I wasn't expecting gold but it was certainly tasty! I had the Veggie Tempura Roll-up and my friend had the Pattymelt. My roll was very tasty and I enjoyed every bite. It had crispy tempura veggies inside a wrap with more veggies and it came with two sauces I asked to have on the side. This worked put perfectly! My friend loved her burger! It looked exactly how she ordered it and wanted it. Our server was Owen, and he was really great!! Knew the menu, chatted with us for a few moments, personable, attentive; overall an added bonus for the GLB.
(4)
George T.
I've been to Buffalo, I tried Anchor and Duff's both sucked compared to Great Lost Bear's wings. Best wings in America as far as I'm concerned.
(5)
Nick W.
Great pub food and huge beer selection. Burgers are solid. Service is good. It is what a good bar should be.
(4)
David G.
I agree with many reviews, in that the menu is ambitious and the beer selection is impressive. They need to improve the refrigeration as it seems I'm stuck with a lukewarm beer at least once a visit. I can appreciate the fact that regulars find every flaw charming. However, the food is average and the atmosphere relies heavily on a random collection of junk adorning the walls and ceiling. Worth a visit but lacking in too many areas to frequent.
(2)
Jason B.
I think people that leave good reviews must be drunk from the large selection of beer or love to hear themselves talk in the form of writing. I want to like the Bear, I really do. But they won't let me. It would be super convenient and we'd be regulars (live and work close) but just can't stand the service / lack of food quality. We've been going on and off for years. Service (with the exception of one exceptional waiter) is always slow and depending who you get they can be rude. It's almost like they have a culture of taking customers for granted. Burgers are consistently burnt. No matter how you ask for it to be cooked it's charred on the outside and raw on the inside and I'm not talking about one experience or I'm in a bad mood. I'm talking about I've given them at least 10 chances and finally gave up. I'm a creature of habit and also have tried other dishes once I gave up on the burgers and they lack consistency as well. O.k. one week, totally screwy the next. The wraps can vary in size so greatly one week you are stuffed- the next you are left hungry. Yeah, there is a good selection of beer, big deal. If I was here just to drink I'd have to wait too long to get my beer and then there is a good chance it might be flat. The service and food don't compute with the ratings on here.
(2)
Kevin S.
I've been here several times and have yet to be disappointed. My favorite is the Mother and Child Reunion. It's a fried chicken sandwich with a fried egg and melted cheese. It's great comfort food in a place that's good for groups.
(4)
Scott M.
Daaaaa Bear! If you are looking for a great assortment of Maine beers and solid bar food, go hunt for a parking spot! If you are looking for a foodie haven, keep driving towards the city. Personal food favs = meat chili, any of the burgers, buffalo chix salad w/ hellfire sauce. Thursday nite beer showcases are great. We have had great experiences with the service...but again, you don't see white tablecloths, so temper your expectations folks! This place is regularly mentioned in Beer Advocate and other brew publications. That is good enough for me! Verdict - I'll be back....A LOT!
(5)
Laurence P.
It is sad, infinitely sad, to have to say that after many attempts to like the food at the GLB, or simply to find it tolerable, it is clear that there is nothing to be done. Everything is microwaved. Even the burgers are mediocre at best. And the fries are no good at all. The beer is brilliant. But do not eat. In a great foodie town, the GLB stands out for not giving a damn. It is a pity, but also a bit of a scandal.
(1)
Esther P.
Went for drinks/dinner with my brother. Ordered veggie nachos as an appetizer- we couldn't finish them for fear of not having room for the main course! They were AMAZING - I love it when all chips are covered equally with cheese. I ordered the spanakopita and fries, which were also very yummy. My brother had a sandwich and a side salad. Very good. The waiter was attentive and very polite. Drinks were ordered and promptly brought to our table. I was impressed and happy to have dinner here!
(4)
Joe F.
Stopped in thinking this was just a bar. My 5 stars is based off this bring a bar. It's also a restaurant. This place is on the list from All About Bert as one of the 125 places to have a beer before you die. I've been to many on the list. This place jumped to the top of my list to visit again. They have a great selection of beer many of them from Maine. Fresh beer just tastes better than those who traveled long distances. It was a quick stop had a stout and a hoppy beer. Both great. The atmosphere is really casual but centered around beer. I really liked it. If you are around Portland, stop. It's worth the visit.
(5)
Cameron R.
Restaurants like The Great Lost Bear can be hit-or-miss from my experience. But in this case, they were a hit. We went here for a late lunch while in the area. They have a parking lot to the side of the building, which is nice and convenient. They also boast a ridiculous number of taps and brews on draft. 70-something I think? Most of their beers are from Maine, so as an out of state-r it was awesome to try different Maine brews, especially ones we can't find in NY. I went with a Foundation Brewing beer and was not disappointed. The beer selection is awesome and well organized by beer type. The menu is large, and has a lot of options. I decided to go for the Lewiston Cheesesteak, which had a nice herbed cheese spread rather than nasty cheese whiz. I thought it was tender, juicy, and very delicious. The fries were good too despite being your typical steak cut fries. Two of the patrons I was with ordered the Mac and Cheese and were very satisfied. I took a bite and was happy that it was actually cheesy and gooey, unlike other mac and cheeses. My fiance also got the chili, which appears to have won some awards. The chili boasts being spicy, and it actually was! My fiance loved it, and he always complains that spicy foods usually aren't spicy enough. Overall, we had a great meal. The excellent beer selection paired with delicious food made for an awesome experience.
(5)
John T.
My GF and I went Sunday afternoon. The decor looked like it was forty years old. Our server came over and asked if we wanted a drink. We said we didn't decide yet. They had a large beer list. He came back with water. Then took the table behind us who came in after us. He took they're drink order and food order before he came back and asked about our drinks. We both got a burger. They're specialty! My GF ordered hers medium. Hers came out OK. She liked it. I ordered mine medium rare. Mine came out well done! I have to learn to start sending things back. But then the person your eating with is waiting for your meal to come back! I would never go back to this place!
(1)
Claudio C.
I enjoy the GLB about four times a year. It's a quintessential beer pub. Yesterday, there were 79 beers on tap. If you like artisan beer with some pub food...this is your spot. My advise would be to sit at the bar, as the table service can be spotty. The menu is varied, with lots of sandwich, burger, and salad choices. I'm a fan of their wings....my way is plain fried, with ranch and blue cheese dipping sauce on the side. Ample portion, with crispy outsides and juicy, yet coked on the inside. The burgers are 1/2 lb. with about a dozen menu choices. If you like a medium rare burger, order it rare...as they tend to overcook them. Another favorite of mine is The Mother and Child Reunion....a spicy chicken sandwich with bacon and a fried egg....delicious. The fries are hand cut chip style, but I like them. They are semi thick, always hot, and texturally solid. Decent atmosphere...no tvs....and parking can be a bit of a cluster as their lot is small, and parking near the front on Forest Ave. is always taken. Their menu is basically unchanged for 20 plus years....which is good, as it's a testament to their longevity, but that said, I'd like to see some new fresh variety....a great ahi tuna fish taco would be a good start. Overall...solid...4 stars....recommend
(4)
Nicole O.
This place has been around forever, and with good reason. The food is always fantastic. The beer list is long and varied. It's a great place to take friends. I love the nachos with chili, and the buffalo chicken wrap!
(4)
Franklin M.
Old school restaurant since 1979. This place rocks with atmosphere and drink selection. We met up with a group of 13 people and they had plenty of room for us, we did reserve a table in advance. The beer hit the spot and my Bejesus Burger I ordered was huge but okay in taste, I've had a better similar burger at Grill em All in Los Angeles CA. My teen daughter and friend ordered some kids meals and they loved it.
(5)
Shannon H.
Do not order anything with crab! Had the crab roll and my boyfriend had the crab grill cheese...tasted like tuna fish mixed with cat food. So disgusting. Vegan chili bland,service rotten...15 minutes before anyone came to our table. Beer was good, that's about it.
(1)
Natasja G.
Food was good. Nachos could have used a bit more spice but that's a personal preference.
(3)
Stella P.
Came here with a group of 5 for dinner on a Saturday evening. Parking was easy in the restaurant's lot and we were seated right away. I ordered the PB&J wings (one of the specials that evening) - it was a delicious combo of the Thai Chili wings and Peanut Sauce wings. I ordered the smaller portion ($8) but you could also get 2lbs (double the wings) for $14. I also got a mini salad with the cucumber wasabi dressing which was super good. The whole meal was delicious and very filling. They have a big beer list with tons of local beers on tap. I got the beer of the night, shipyard gingerhead, on special for $3/pint. Our server was great and very nice about splitting checks.
(5)
Mary G.
My husband and I came here after one of his softball games. I have been here before maybe a year or two ago after work and all I could remember from my last visit was that the service was terrible. Well, nothing has changed. It took the bartender maybe 10 minutes to wait on us, and the bar wasn't even half full! I am only talking about the counter space, but all but one of the surrounding tables were also empty. I don't know where they were but they weren't just busy pouring drinks behind the bar; they were no where to be found. Eventually the man with the glasses and baseball cap got us drinks. The drinks were fine. However he never offered us food menus. We looked around the bar and eventually had to go the hostess to get food menus. I was a wires through college, so trust me I try to avoid being one of those patrons, but this night I was. This bartender even made a comment, "You know if it wasn't pouring and shitty out, we might actually have customers." Well, I hate to break it to you sir, but you did have customers. This gentleman has a red cap and glasses. It seemed that the women also tending the bar with tattoos on her upper right arms was not half as terrible. And he never checked back on us. In fact we had to ask her for extra napkins. She was very quick and very kind. The food and atmosphere however, we're saving graces. I got a fried chicken burger and it was phanomenal, really worth the cost. And boy did they fill up the rest of my plate with their round cut fries. It was a very full in meal. My husband got a bacon cheese burger that was equally delicious and fulling. And the food came out very promptly (after ordering). All in all, dine at your own risk. If you were never a waitress I am sure terrible staff is not as great as a concern and can be overlooked to their fantastic food.
(2)
Sarah W.
I want to love this Portland institution so much more than I do. All 3 stars are for the bar: bartenders, selection, space, and ambiance all intact and excellent. But what on Earth has happened to the table service and the food? On a lazy Saturday we waited interminably for every stage of service in the dining room. Food was OK but just OK. My burger was overcooked past the temperature I requested. Even so I have had a couple of later dinners at the bar since, and they are just lackluster. Inedibly tough beef in a fajita. Chicken pot pie special still slightly frozen in the middle. Really amateur bungles. There is a confluence of cheap ingredients and lazy or inept BOH in my opinion. It may be time to shrink the iconically long menu or shake up the management. I, for one, will be skipping the chow hereafter.
(3)
David T.
I am the type of customer that likes to order from a place of panic. By that, I mean I want to have so many choices that I have to just pick at random and hope for the best. At most restaurants I only have to do that with beer or entrees, here I got to do that with both. I had the Not your Dad's root beer and the mother and child reunion and was blown away by the food and the beer. Looking foward to getting back to Portland to try this place again.
(4)
Courtney C.
The Great Lost Bear is one of the places I will go to once in a great while when I want some drinks, possibly dinner, and don't feel like drudging down to the old port. In a perfect yelp world I could give this place 2.5 stars because that more accurately depicts my feelings for this place. I've been here many times over the past 5 years because of the close proximity to my house, although more times than not I leave feeling like I should have spent my money elsewhere. Like many reviews before me state, the food is just okay. The prices are reasonable though. Just don't expect to be blown away by taste or high quality. What really brings down the stars for me is the service here. It is consistently slow and sometimes friendly, sometimes I feel like an annoyance. Yesterday I came in and sat down at the bar. There were only 4-5 other people there at the time. I ordered a steak and cheese sandwich and a Mikes hard lemonade in the bottle. The meal came out in a reasonable amount of time and it tasted fine. The problem was that I had one sip left of my drink as she was putting my meal down. The entire time I was eating I had an empty drink in front of me. Not good when you're eating a salty steak sandwich and fries! I had finished my meal and stared at the bartender while she walked past me a dozen times for about another 15 minutes before she came over and asked me if I wanted another drink. At that point I just asked for some ice water and the check. If she had been attentive to me I would have ordered one probably two more drinks in the time it took me to eat my meal, and if the service was better I might have hung around longer than the time it took me to eat my meal.
(2)
Shane L.
I have totally mixed feeling about this place. I had heard pretty good things about the beer selection and it did not disappoint in that area. There was a menu that was chocked full of all types of microbrews, domestic brews and was cold and delicious. Now to the food. The two times that I have been here in the past two weeks, both times the food was just ok. One time I dove into the burger and although I dont think that you can go wrong with a burger with a fried egg on top but it was cooked perfectly to my liking but was a little dry. The next time, I had the asian spice wings and they were not very good at all. The full sized wings were cool where the sauce almost had a chilled gelatinous feel to it and really turned off from the taste of the wings in general. The party I was with also had various complaints about the food although the healthy sized portions were good for a hungry bunch. The service was also something that was not was not great. After our first round of beers that we got, our glasses were bone dry and were waiting forever to get a refill on our beverages even having the waitress zip right past us fast and furious style without even checking in on us. I think that there are many places downtown to grab a good burger and a beer with much better and attentive service and although this was on Forest away from the tough parking area of downtown, it would have been much more worth it to go there to have a good experience. And the parking is horrible with a lot of about 10 parking spaces so look for a street spot if you are heading to this place. I dont think that i will be coming back here anytime soon.
(2)
Shannon S.
The beer selection receives 5 stars; there are always great craft brews on here. And I'd even give an extra star for letting one create his or her own sampler. However, I feel the food and service are inconsistent. I've sat in the bar area once with my family and waited 15 minutes to be greeted by our server and another 35 minutes to receive our food. The food was good, but some items better than others (pulled pork nachos are aces.) The most recent time we went, our server took away my husbands plate (with half a burger and mountain of fries on it) and tossed it rather than boxing it up. She felt awful and offered us dessert on her, but he was still pretty bummed about it. All in all, it's definitely the beer that will keep us coming back when we are in the area and I don't think this place tries to be anything it's not. It's comfortable, laid back (maybe too much so) and always worth it if we aren't in a rush.
(3)
Josh M.
Everyone sees GLB as a Portland staple, which it is, even though it's a bit overrated. It's easy, affordable, can be a place to have a nice date or a family gathering. It's as accessible as it is accommodating. The food is good but rarely great and the staff is alright but rarely good. The chili is worth a try.
(3)
chad b.
Good food. Okay service. My boyfriend loves it here so it's absolutely on the go to list. Fried veggies are a favorite!
(4)
Tony W.
My hand trembled a bit while deciding between a 3- or 4-star rating for The Great Lost Bear. I ultimately feel like this place is 3.5 stars, but I'll give them a bump up based on all the good times and memories this place has been an important part of throughout the last decade. Generally, this is a GREAT beer pub with an OUTSTANDING collection of taps just a little bit removed from the Old Port, which really makes this a locals hangout even during the summer. The vintage Maine/beer/road sign/poster decorations and the lighting give it a nice cozy vibe - especially in the back beyond the bar. During the summer it's got a nice (but small) beer garden. Back in the day, TGLB began supporting and promoting the craft beer movement even before there was a craft beer movement. I really believe that Portland has such a vibrant beer scene today because of places like this that prioritized local beers and gave fledgling brewers a reliable distribution outlet. During college, my friends and I started coming here about two nights a week (one of them being 'tall for small' night), and it essentially became the hangout. All the variety really opened me to the idea that it takes more than a floating lime to make a beer good - probably one of the best lessons I ever learned during college! Because of the depth and breadth of their beer menu, I was able to identify styles of beer and breweries that I liked, as well as the ones to avoid. Unfortunately, I'll forever be a beer snob because of this experience. The menu is also vast, which is probably a good thing based on the number of times I've frequented the place. And for the most part, their food is really good. I'd especially like to give shout-outs to the wings (DO YOU FIND YOUR CHICKENS WITH WINGS THAT BIG HANGING OUT AROUND POWER PLANTS?), their chili nachos, their thai roll-ups, and their burgers. Also a special condiment shout-out to their honey mustard of choice - Nance's. I can't tell you how many bottles of this we 'borrowed' during my college days. It's a fine sauce, and it goes well on everything. Even in the privacy of your own apartment. While this sounds like the beginning of a glowing 5- star review, there's a major deficiency that has haunted this place for as long as I can remember: THE SERVICE. I've been coming here since the late-'90's and the service has always been pretty terrible. You might get one good server every few visits, but trust me when I say that getting good table or bar service here is like catching a glimpse of Bigfoot disappearing into the woods - you may never experience it again, and even what you did experience you'll begin to doubt. When you visit this place, you have an 80% chance of one of the following happening: - You will wait to be seated an unusually long time (sometimes while observing many empty tables throughout the restaurant) - Your server takes unusually long to visit your table after you are seated to take your beer order - Your server takes unusually long to bring over your beer order - Your server forgets to put in your beer order - Your server forgets which beers you ordered, and comes back to double-check five minutes later - Your server forgets about you and you need to aggressively flag him/her down to get a second beer - Your server assumes you are only getting beers, and you need to aggressively flag him/her down to place an order - Your food takes an unusually long time to come out Dear The Great Lost Bear, please take your servers to a retreat, do some ice breakers, ropes courses and trust falls AND TEACH YOUR SERVERS TO SERVE. Also, if nothing else, REMEMBER THIS TIP: Always, always, always, have a backup beer in mind and ready to be ordered. On any given night, there is about a 65% chance that TGLB will have already kicked the keg of your first beer of choice from the menu. Unfortunately the beer menus are updated only once a week, so popular beers on short supply will go fast. With a little expectation management you can overcome this setback. TIP #2: Don't wait to be seated in the dining area. Just walk to one of the tables beyond the bar and sit down.
(4)
Chris P.
This bar serves some great food but can be hit or miss. The burgers are spot on and I would be happy getting one every time, but other things like the "fajitas" (quesadilla) could be better like if the veggies were smaller or less of them inside. Dessert here was great, the cake in a jar can't be missed!
(4)
Lindsay M.
Great spot in the city of Portland! Tons of Maine-ish memorabilia scattered around the restaurant, pretty cozy & warm place to eat. The waitress was an older woman who seemed a little frazzled with some items on the menu, but she was friendly and nice. I ordered the tuna steak burger and was in loveeee! I've never had a tuna burger cooked so well that is tasted almost like chicken! (i'm a pescetarian hah) It came with "potato fries" that needed a bit of salt but other than that it was very satisfying! I was shocked at how many vegetarian/gluten-free options there were! I got an Allagash with the meal and it was superb. Whenever I'm in Portland again, this is definitely where I'm headed!
(4)
Monica L.
You can get a giant tower of beer which is awesome for big groups, or you and another person if you're feeling adventurous! They also have a huge menu. The nachos are done right - big, messy, and cheesey. My boyfriend got wings recently and he really liked the sauce, but they come whole, which he didn't really like. Happy hour is a $2.99 special which changes everyday.
(4)
Krista L.
Do you find yourself wondering how to please a picky friend? Do you have a friend who wants to try every beer on the menu? Do you have a large group and need to find a place to please all? Do you love Pub food? If you have answered yes to one or any of these questions, then you are in luck, The Great Lost Bear is your choice for the night! With their expansive menu and huge selection of beers you can't really go wrong. As frequent customers of the "Bear" we have our favorites. I drool over the cheesy goodness of their nachos and my significant other would bathe in their chicken wings if he could. The chicken sandwiches are huge and always juicy, the burgers are filling and delicious and the fried veggies make you question if you can pretend they are good for you! You are also lucky enough to stuble upon a large selection of rotating taps at the bar. They have paddles of beer where you can try samples of as many as you want (2-5 per paddle) and that even include the Beligium beer (It costs a bit more, but its always good). They always have an array of Maine made beers, which is perfect if you want a visiting friend to try something new and local, or if you have been dying to try that new seasonal beer your favorite brewer put out. From experience, this bar helped my significant other really find the type of beer he loves but has also opened him up to trying new things. They also have "Talls for Smalls" (on most beers) on Monday and Tuesday nights and a showcase night every Thursday (cheaper beers, prizes and fun!)! So next time you are sitting around and can't agree on if you want fajitas, or a burger, or a tuna melt, head over to the Great Lost Bear. Expand your horizons, you never know, you might find a new "spot"!
(4)
Michelle L.
A beer lover's Mecca. The Great Lost Bear has taps for miles. A new craft brewery opens in Maine basically once a month. Who can keep up? Well, if you want to try, The Great Lost Bear is the place for you. Any local beer you could desire is available, and various imports and craft brews from around the country join their ranks. I struggle every time I come here to decide what to order. Something familiar that I know I'll enjoy? Or something new and strange? To accompany the beer, there is a varied menu that mixes typical bar food with weird Thai influences. The food here is...not healthy. But assuming you're ok with that, they serve some damn delicious things. Now I only wish there were more parking options or better public transportation access from the peninsula.
(4)
Fred B.
This place is AWESOME! The food was great, the waitress acted like she really wanted to be there and the beer selection is incredible. I have been eating fried fish for 35 years and I can honestly say this was the best fried haddock I have ever tasted. It was so fresh, it could have just been caught before they cooked it. We were in Maine for 5 days and really wanted to go back for a second dinner but there are so many places to try. This one is on the must hit list for me.
(5)
Maura Q.
The only reason my boyfriend and I went in was because we had received a gift card. I had heard that the food wasn't that great, but figured we'd try for ourselves. The atmosphere was relaxing and neighborhood-like. The service was horrible. We were sitting at our table after the hostess sat us for at least 10 minutes before the waiter came over to greet us. He took our drink orders and was off on his way. I ordered an angry orchard on tap and my boyfriend ordered a bud light. After delivering our drinks he still didn't take our food order & the cider was warm (not crisp and cold). A little while later he finally took our food order. We ordered chicken nachos as an appetizer (heard they were good) and then each ordered a dinner. The menu was extensive and offered a lot of choices from chicken to vegetarian options. Our food came out, but not the nachos. The waiter must have completely forgotten to put the order in. By that time, we didn't even want the nachos, so we said nothing. The steak & cheese I ordered was dry and the cheese sauce was not good. The meat didn't have very good flavor either. The fries were not very good and were soggy. The burger my boyfriend ordered was better than my steak and cheese, but nothing amazing. In the end our three drinks and two dinners were $40, which I think was way too much for the quality of the food and the service. I probably won't be going back again unless it's for drinks during happy hour.
(2)
Meli L.
I've dined at Great Lost Bear twice -- first time felt like typical pub food and service was pretty slow (this was on a Sunday for lunch). Next time I went was a Monday for dinner, I had the fish and chips and it was fabulous, my dining partners and I were raving about it days later. The fish was 5 very decent size 'sticks' - the breading was great, not too heavy or greasy. Our waitress was very knowledgable and service was much quicker than my previous visit.
(4)
Kim O.
Sit in the bar, it's less noisy and the service is better. My neighborhood go-to for a ditty martini and quick dinner. Quirky and fun, ain't the Ritz by a long shot but decent all around.
(4)
Stephen C.
Didn't eat there or drink there. Took some nachos to go. Nachos were enormous!!! But dry and lacked flavor. If the rest of the food is like that I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Helen H.
The Almighty Cheesus Burger was mighty alright! A 1/2 pound certified Angus beef in-between two grilled cheese sandwiches ($13.99) and you can add in bacon and an egg for a little extra ($15.99 total). It was absolutely delicious! I couldn't finish it though, so that was very sad. TERIYAKI MUSHROOM - delicious as well! MAC N CHEESE - standard. You can't really go wrong with mac right? DESSERT - I don't remember what it's called exactly but it's chocolate brownie with whip cream in a cute mason jar! absolutely delicious! It's a pretty busy restaurant for Portland but seating shouldn't be too big of an issue. It is usually rather loud so plan on projecting your voice a bit. It's not obnoxiously loud or anything so don't worry about it.
(4)
Royal B.
Cleanliness 3 Service 3 Food 4 Likelihood 4 OVERALL 3.5 We are from Omaha and are visiting our family. They decided to come here for lunch. We waiting a very long time for the host to arrive all the time several employee walked passed us standing in foyer. I was starting to walk into kitchen to find someone when a hostess appeared. The server came to our table shortly after being seated and returned quickly with our drinks and was ready for our order. I ordered iced tea and iced water and advised her I drink a lot of both. Both of my beverages where bone dry when she arrived at the table and asked if I wanted them refilled (YES! My meal has not be served yet!) The 4 other times they were refilled she asked each time as well. The food was hot, fresh, and tasty. Good job. Probably a place we would try again if we lived there, or returned.
(3)
Gautam G.
We stopped by here while visiting Portland. Easy to find places to park right on the street. Great service and nice ambience. We went in the afternoon on a weekend and it was packed. Extensive options on the menu. Wings portion size is humongous. Food was good and we enjoyed it. Would recommend a try!
(4)
Rebecca G.
Went here from a friends family recommendation for good beer. At first we thought maybe it was a biker bar from the outside , and though there was a few bikers there ( one with an awesome Mohawk might I add!) the crowd was a mix of family's with small kids to adults to grandparents. The waiter helped us with our beer tasting choices and was very knowledgable with the entire selection. Aside from the beer flight we got the PB&J wings since they sounded interesting. The flavor was ok and the wings are large (you get the wing and drumstick attached) so once you figure out how to tackle it your good to go! Overall good experience and would recommend to anyone looking for good beer in that area!
(4)
Robert O.
Stopped in today for lunch and tried the patty melt. It was out of this world. Perfect crunch and plenty of oozing cheese. My taste buds were in heaven. I recommend this place to everyone.
(5)
Marlene M.
I haven't been here I a long time when my brother suggested it for dinner on our visit to Portland. Sad to say that it's gone down hill. We remember the cheese sauce so fondly so three of us ordered it on some portion of our plate. It came out curdled-looking and tasteless. My sister in law had the cheese steak with coleslaw and disliked the whole plate. The only good thing I can say is that the entire staff was friendly and helpful. I don't think we'll be going again.
(2)
Giovanni M.
I was in town for a travel shoot, and covered the location based on their beer selection---which, I found to be exceptional! I went back for dinner two nights after the shoot, just to indulge in the rare and interesting beers available. The Almighty Cheesus Burger. I have to be honest---I ate it two nights in a row. Grilled Cheese sandwiches as the buns surrounding a giant cheeseburger. I still can't believe I finished it twice. I was at the bar both times after the shoot, so I can't speak to service on the floor. The bartenders that took care of me were friendly, helpful if I needed it.
(4)
Brett F.
I used to hate this bar. I really did. How dare they have such terrible service, they're not even in the Old Port! And crappy food with rumors of the dirtiest kitchen ever seen. I refused to go. Something happened this past year. Magically the service is great, even at the tables (locals used to know to only sit at the bar). It's still a hopping restaurant that's crowded at all hours, but there isn't the snotty server attitude. The food has also taken leaps. Tonight, my friend and I split a Cajun Steak sandwich. Without any request, they brought the meal out on two plates, with a full order of their delicious fried potatoes on each. The steak was moist and tender and slathered in cheese and veggies. After liberal use of the local Lost Woods sauce, it was a revelation. Great Lost Bear has the second most beers on tap in Portland after Navare Res, and many more on bottle. There's something for everyone, including less common beers, and they have great specials every weeknight. The food menu might be 10 pages long and filled with everything imaginable. If you're on a diet, I hope it was good while it lasted. I've really enjoyed this bar recently. One of the largest beer selections in the state, fair prices, solid food and finally good service. Outside of the Old Port, this and Samuels are my go-to casual picks.
(4)
Ian E.
The Great Lost Bear has a great menu of food and beer. The bayou burger is my favorite burger and has been for about the last 20 years. The French onion soup is delicious and has again been my favorite for at least 20 years running. The mother and child reunion is my favorite sandwich. I recommend trying their hell fire sauce if you really enjoy spicy food. If you stop in for a beer, make sure you try a Bissell Brothers brew.
(4)
Shayla H.
Today's lunch was bullshit. The office decided to order out today and we were quite excited for it. We all want a do-over. Talk about unappetizing. Buffalo chicken fingers were burnt, ridiculously greasy and bordering on inedible. Particularly for the price, it will be difficult to get over and return anytime soon.
(2)
Benjamin M.
It was ok. I went with my cousin becuAse we heard it was good. The atmosphere seems like it can be fun, there was a good beer selection and the food was good. This place was nothing special. I would come back if it stays consistent. Fish and chips were good but the wings were pretty bad and dry. Next time I'm trying the nachos. They looked good.
(3)
Krizmn K.
Awesome place. Family friendly till 7, great bar at night, relaxing outdoor area during the day. Never had a bad experience. This place is a true representation of a Maine bar/pub/restaurant. Gorge on obscenely unhealthy tasty food. Nibble on deep fried veggies. Crunch on a salad. Drink till you vomit. This place has it all. If you like Run of the Mill in Saco, you will probably like this. Ps I did whip-its at this place. They left the whip cream canister next to my table and it was my birthday! :-)
(4)
Robert D.
The beer selection is great, the food is fine, but the customer service was really poor. Maybe I just had a waiter on a bad day, but our experience was below average. First weird thing: I ask for a Maine beer recommendation and he suggests something from Vermont. OK, not the worst, but ummm errr? The waiter never came by once our food to check on us or see if we wanted another round of drinks. We had money to spend, Lost Bear, but no one to take it! After our meal was finished and we were ready to go, we waited about 15 minutes with no sign of our waiter. We finally tracked down another server and asked if she could find our guy, and it took another 10 minutes before he finally arrived. I know restaurants get busy, and people have bad days. I'm not expecting to have a waiter stop by all the time but waiting almost 30 minutes after our meal to get our check and never being checked in results in my low rating. Maybe sitting at the bar gives you better service?
(2)
Mike D.
This is one of our favorite bars in one of our favorite cities. The Great Lost Bear offers up an enormous menu full of great options. The beer selection is one of the largest in Portland and have options that are local and imported. There are always beers on special as well. I've had the wings twice and they are huge. The give you the whole wing section and the sauce is great. I've had the fish and chips which were good but not the best that you can find in Portland, again though, massive portions at reasonable prices. My wife had a vegetarian quesadilla thing that was heavy on the onions but other then that we have enjoyed our meals each time we went there. The dessert might be the best part. They serve a delicious treat in a mason jar with chocolate cake, ice cream, whipped cream, etc. This place is the real deal, kid friendly, safe and affordable.
(4)
Bill T.
Review 800! I wanted a special place for this review and GLB is a special place. Reading about it in the books of John Connolly, I always wanted to go here. When fate offered me the opportunity to visit Portland, I grabbed it. Nay, I embraced it firmly with both arms and a pat on the back. Everyone in the place is amazingly friendly. There are a lot of little coves and nooks that are great for quiet conversations or plotting a murder. Their beer selection is exceptional. I had a flight with a variety of tasty libations. I can't wax quite as poetic on the food. Nachos were a standout, burgers were well received and the toll house cookie sundae was coma-inducing, in a good way. However, the bear fries were limp discs of potatoes lacking flavor, zest and verve. The boneless wings were exceptionally poor..tasting like something a busy, yet sexy, suburban mom pulled out of the freezer and popped in the microwave to satisfy the appetite of her three exasperating, yet lovable, teens. They were pretty awful...I didn't even finish mine and if you've ever seen me eat chicken wings of any ilk, you know I subscribe to the theory of "no wing left behind". However, that minor road bump couldn't tarnish the patina of awesomeness that shines from the GLB. To let you know how much I liked it, I bought a t-shirt. I hope to return another day.
(4)
Allan S.
Nice, fun blue-collar bar ambiance. Prompt friendly service. Expansive (70 varieties!) selection of beers and large menu (although no onion rings .. really?) Sadly, I didn't care for the cuisine. The wings appetizers tasted slightly sweet and weren't spicy even though we ordered medium. The house hot sauce didn't make the wings any spicier. For the entree my wife and I shared a regular burger and the fried fish plate which we were told was the house specialty. The burger was nothing special .. undersized and not a lot of flavor. The fried fish was tasteless and the bread crumb batter over fried (although not dry .. wonder how they did that ... frying at too high a temperature?) The fries accompaniment (slices not strings) weren't crispy. In any case, a fun place to visit with friends especially if you are into beer.
(3)
Jacob L.
A fun dive bar. Lots of beers with very cheap beer flights available. Huge food selection most of which is decent (better than your typical dive bar but certainly not mind-blowing). I'm a pretty big fan of the nachos myself. I'd avoid the French fries as they are actually thick slices of potato rounds that are fried.
(4)
Ashley T.
After some recommendations we went to this place late at night (After Nine) and we had food and beer. The beer selection was pretty good but the food was terrible. Plus it was pricey. I had the veggie melt and was wishing for something less greasy! It kind of smelled musty in the restaurant as well. The place itself was kind of cool. But I would never go back for food again.
(2)
Staci H.
The great lost bear is one of my favorite places to visit in town. They have so many choices, lots of yummy food, unique beers and fabulous mixed drinks. I have never had a bad meal, however the three star rating is due to the slowness of the restaurant, you need to have plenty of time when visiting. The bar is the quickest! Tip-when ordering a bomb make sure you tell the you do not want it made as a mixed drink.
(3)
Bill S.
Great place to drink and sample a variety of brews- Monday and Tuesday 's tall's for small ' s deal are worth the trip! If you looking for food- might want to look elsewhere- Menu looks good lots of choices........ but the wait staff and service is horribly slow and forgetful! Not to mention apathetic- and flippant! - food is not that impressive either- tasteless - and do to the wait staff - generally served colder then it should be. But again - for beer- & -drinks.... worth the trip!
(3)
Nat S.
This place has an extensive draft beer list. When we went they were out of the first couple things I ordered. Beer could have been a bit fresher, but it happens with that many taps sometimes. They often have live music.
(4)
Sean T.
Excellent beer selections on tap. This is a vibrant yet low key place. Lots of table seating and a good sized bar area. Highly recommended
(5)
Flora F.
The name of this place has been enticing me since I moved to Portland a couple of weeks ago. When I finally stopped by today I found that it's a beer-and-burger joint, the kind with a lot of etched glass and vintage signs on the walls. It's good as those places go, but it's not the mystical fusion of hipster-backwoods decor (birch bark and taxidermy on the walls, punched-tin "starlit" ceiling) and Maine-native ingredients fashionably presented (crushed freeze-dried blueberries, moosemeat charcuterie, fiddlehead poutine topped with lobster "caviar") that the name had conjured up in my mind. I had an Angry Orchard cider and two side dishes, the mac-n-cheese and the teriyaki grilled mushrooms. The mac-n-cheese was creamy but bland, not really worth the calories in spite of the breadcrumbs. The mushrooms were good on their own, with plenty of smoky umami flavor, and didn't really need the creamy Parmesan-peppercorn dressing, but I went there anyway... and the two together were a force of nature. Service was extremely fast and helpful. The burgers look good, and they are certainly myriad, whether the traditional meaty kind or the veggie alternative. If I hadn't been there specifically to address a mac-n-cheese craving I would have wanted one. Next time!
(3)
Jared S.
Loved this place. Wish there was one where we lived. Feel of a local's favorite, but with open arms to thirsty travelers. Pub-like. Drink specials every night. Amazing menu with way too much to choose from. I had the fish and chips, local haddock (never frozen) procured from the docks on a daily basis. Words can't describe the bliss. My wife had the made-in-house veggie burger and gave a strong report. Which means a lot, she has sampled veggie burgers from across the globe, and is really a bit of a veggie burger connoisseur. People watching was an A+. Sat next to a couple of old dude locals that talked endlessly about their gardens and heirloom tomatoes. Which was interesting, being gardeners ourselves. My wife wanted to join the conversation at the juncture where they began to discuss the appropriate time to harvest yard dandelions for consumption, but held back cause the timing just didn't feel right. Maybe next time. We love Portland, and DEFINITELY will be back next time we are in town!
(5)
Heather G.
Great Lost Bear has a lot of beer options and the food is ok. Staff are great with helping support local film makers but not super great as waitstaff. It's alright.
(3)
Courty C.
If you are looking for unhealthy food shelter, this is your haven. Menu subtitles include: nachos, wings, burgers, cheesesteaks, burritos. Yes, the fact it's a subtitle means there is not only one choice of burger or nacho, there is a WHOLE SECTION! Even though there's a section called "not so fat city," seriously, DO NOT COME HERE ON A DIET. Just don't torture yourself like that. A few stars are taken off because despite the impressive 40 tap selection, the first 4 (yes 4) beers my boyfriend ordered were on the menu, yet the keg had kicked. I don't blame The Great Lost Bear for that deliciously curated beer being consumed, but it would be great for its patrons to keep the menu up to date.
(3)
Christopher S.
My son has been here a couple of times and loves it. My wife wanted to come and try it. Tue greeter was a little impersonal and droney, our server was a little quiet and introverted he was nice and attentive and seem to open up at the end, probably just a little tired (they were very busy) We both got steak sandwiches. The steak was a bit over cooked in both, the cheese sauce is a cross between ricotta and cream cheese which I am not a fan of but others may like it, I prefer melted swiss or such, just my preference. over all the sandwich was dry. The sliced fries were good cooked perfectly. My wife had similar feelings about her sandwich as well. However, we will come back and try other things on the menu that looked good.
(3)
Meredith M.
If you like good places with good beer filled with good people, you will like this PLACE! The service was outstanding, even for a crowded Saturday night. It feels like a place filled with locals. They had a Connect 4 Game at the bar for patrons to play. The beer selection was Amazing. 50+ beers on tap at the time. They also had a 2.99$ pint special that was a delicious stout. If you are a beer lover, or happen to be in Portland with one, go here. You will leave happy!
(5)
Misty S.
What a fun bar! Stopped here during a weekend trip to Portland and I wasn't disappointed. Hubby & I (and the friends we were with) are beer geeks and we were so happy to find this place after seeing it on a "best beer bar" list by beer advocate. It didn't disappoint! Fantastic beer selection, and I was especially happy to see the different meads on the menu too. My friend got the biggest plate of wings (we thought maybe they were Eagle wings they were so big!) I've ever seen! Our bartender was great and could answer all of our beer questions. The back section seemed to be more family oriented and more like a family restaurant. What a fun place!
(4)
Mike M.
Lived in Portland for 3 years and this has been my all time favorite restaurant to go to there. Great beers, cool little bar and a huge menu where everything is good. Service might be kinda slow but it's well worth it. Awesome interior and beer specials weekly. Only way to make this place a lil cooler is to add a two flat screens at the bar.
(4)
C K.
Onion soup was one of the best ever. Would go back just for that, but the beer is really why you'd go.
(5)
Kelly S.
I love a bar that knows their beer. Unfortunately, I can't say The Great Lost Bear is one of them. It started very promising- awesome beer list and the great/nostalgic 'Mr Wendell' was playing. I was ready to settle in. But I received the incorrect pour... twice. And the bartender was really jerky about it (angrily insisted she was right, and then also said there was 'no way to really know'). It was quite annoying to be talked down to by someone who clearly didn't know their stuff. I assume this doesn't go for all the bartenders at The Great Lost Bear, but it really ruined the experience.
(2)
Jacob P.
The service is the worst. The food is terrible. Parking sucks. Damn though they have the best beer selection.
(5)
Samantha L.
I guess I missed out on the food-gasm that is GLB? Ok, well Cake in a Jar gave me a happy face and made up for it. But the food was meh to disappointing. Okay, I hear people raving about their burgers. Well, I didn't order the burger (don't eat beef) and I was pretty sad to see what arrived on my table. An overcooked, unattractive and bland tuna steak sandwich. What happened, Yelp? Okay, their curry salad dressing is pretty yummy... but if that is all I enjoyed then there is a problem. But really, Cake in a Jar was pretty awesome. I wanted to steal the jar, not gonna lie. They sat this beer snob guy next to us. Okay, I don't drink beer, but guy shut the hell up about all the beers you've had all over wherever you've been and just drink. If you're going to drink, don't bitch at least not until I'm drunk enough to not care or not hear you. And the girl you were with, trust me she DID NOT CARE no matter how many times she said she agreed.
(3)
Ronald S.
im a vegetarian and i like beer. sometimes its hard to find places to eat while travelling. reading the GLB menu i saw a few veg friendly dishes and we decided it was worth checking out (and they had lots of beers). the parking lot sucks. the parking on the street was a bit sketchy. i saw the webcam on their site and i thought it was going to be a tiny hole in the wall. i was wrong - its freeekin hooj. it wasnt too busy when we were there (a saturday night?) the beer selection was good, i forget what we had - something local, maybe pumpkiny. the food - oh my the nachos were massive and covered with vegetables, really - moving forward, these were the nachos that all others will be judged by. they were damn good. i had a vegetable reuben that didnt have tempeh or any fake-meats, kinda weird but it was really simple and good. if you are veg and looking for a place to go this is a decent reasonably priced bar type establishment. mmmm reubens.
(4)
Patty Z.
The food here is delicious and the servings are hearty. Im impressed with the vegetarian options! Cannot go wrong with anything you eat here.
(5)
Jules V.
The Great Lost Bear is a fantastic pub with surprisingly inconsistent food. They have a massive menu, everything on it sounds tremendous but it can be rather hit or miss. I've eaten there a dozen times or more and had as many disappointments as I've had home runs. The beer list is also massive and thankfully a lot more consistent. Mostly ales from craft breweries around the US with some old European standards thrown in. Throw in a creative cocktail list and even with the spotty food this is a great place to hit in Portland. The Lovely Girlfriend threw back a Burnt Trailer (Allen's Coffee Brandy and Moxie - two Maine staples that horrify most of the rest of the country) and an A-Okay (Allen's and Oakhurst milk, she had it with 2%, with whole milk it's called Fat Ass in a Glass). Odd how much she loves the drink of choice for rural Maine but doesn't like the rural. Babysteps. For my blog and more reviews please check my yelp profile page.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Nick F.
BEST BURGERS EVER, ANYWHERE!!!! I miss this place so much. It opened my eyes to how awesome East Coast beer is. I loved coming here after work, and anytime family was visiting we made a stop. If I ever come back to Portland this will be the FIRST place I stop.
(5)Bryan S.
How anyone could go to this place and not give it 5 stars is beyond me. The comment about it being the greatest beer bar in New England is pretty accurate. New England has a lot of great local beers, and the Bear carries most of them at one point in time or another. They usually have 30 or more beers on tap and only a small handful are domestic. If you have trouble choosing you can get a rack of beer or buy a few of them by the 3 oz glass. The food is very good and pretty much runs the gamut of what you could expect to find at a casual style place. Even the food menu carries over the lighthearted atmosphere with names for the entrees that will always make you laugh. Very reasonable prices, awesome nachos & burgers and amazing deserts if you can fit it. To put it more succinctly, as a family tradition every year we go out to dinner for our birthdays and pick the place no matter what type of food. I've chosen the Great Lost Bear each of the last 2 years and plan on picking it again this year.
(5)Matt S.
I ate there 2 nights ago with 3 friends and it was a very cool and laid back atmosphere. The food was very good (Spanokoppitta, fried haddock, turkey melt) and the portions were generous. They have an insane amount of beer on tap as well and the 16oz can specials are hard to beat.
(4)Rue B.
Excellent beer bar in New England's best brewing city! Good job Portland! Six unique breweries (more than Boston!) in a city of under 70,000 people! Great Lost Bear is a great dark joint, serving beers from all around Maine, that simply aren't available outside state borders. Over 60 taps, nearly all Maine brews, and greasy pub food! You can't go wrong here!
(5)Karen N.
I used to live there (almost). Great beer menu, wonderful margaritas, and good food. Service tends to be hit-and-miss, though. Don't go if you're on a schedule.
(4)Catherine S.
My husband and I went here on Saint Paddy's and, surprisingly, it wasn't packed. We went for dinner and were seated immediately. We ordered macaroni and cheese as our appetizer, and it came out still bubbling. One of my biggest pet peeves at a restaurant is when the food isn't HOT. I had to cool it down for several seconds before I could taste it and it was still extremely hot - just the way I like it. We split the buffalo chicken sandwich with fries, and I even put a little more of the Lost Woods hot sauce on my portion. The fries were good, nothing to write home about. Now I can't imagine why someone would go to a place that has over 60 beers on tap and not be able to get something good. I had a Guinness and my man had a Chimay and a Geary. All were outstanding and the perfect accompaniment to dinner.
(4)Dan L.
Been going here since I was just a cub. The food is good. I usually get a burger, some roughage(salad), and some sort of fried appetizer to share. The prices are a bit higher than I remember, but things change with the times.
(4)Mehrdad M.
Great juicy burgers. Among the best in Maine. The atmosphere is great too.
(4)G S.
They have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options, but I wasn't really that impressed with the food or the service. Maybe I'm holding it personally responsible for the fact that I had to wear a sweater in the middle of July in Portland. No one should ever have to wear a sweater in July. T on the other hand swears by this place and can't believe I'm only giving it 3 stars.
(3)Yours Truly B.
this review is strictly on the beer selection. one of the most amazing beer menus i've ever seen with an incredible variety! and the next time I venture to maine i'm going and getting one of those huge table top dispensers filled with goodness!
(5)Stephanie B.
Oh.my .Goddddd. I went here last week after brewery hopping and was supposed to continue to other local bars, but didn't want to leave once I found this place. Locals bar, amaaaazing beer selection. Amazing. Started out with the beer sampler, which is always a find. Soooo cheap for this awesome beer. Moved on to the seasonal harvest beer I liked the best mixed with a shot of vanilla vodka soooo good. Last, but not least are the wings. Dear God, the wings. I'm always in search of amazing wings and have been thinking about these ones all week. Haha. Got the plain wings with ranch on the side. Meaty, crispy to the point of perfection.... Like they had the bird out back and just made it into amazingness. GO TO THIS BAR. Realllllly wish I was closer
(5)Erik P.
Took a trip to Portland to visit the Allagash brewery and stopped here afterward. Was suitably wowed by the huge beer list and i definitely enjoyed the 2 beers i chose. The food menu looked extensive but all i had was a plate of wings(which were pretty good), but with all the great food destinations in Portland i can't see coming here to have a full meal. Definitely worth checking out if your a beer fan, especially for the nice selection of local brews!
(4)Evan L.
Think T. G. I. Friday's minus the nauseating corporate standardization. Unusually extensive pub menu with something to offer for everyone: vegetarian, beer-lover, hamburger and steak, down to Spanikopita and creative dessert specials. Lots of personality and a very laid-back and fun but not syrupy atmosphere. I wouldn't eat it every day but it's a nice diversion every so often.
(4)Bob H.
This place is the place to come for great, if artery-busting, entrees and an extensive selection of beer on tap. I've been to a lot of college-hangout bars around the country, and USM folks definitely have one of the best. Burgers are hand-formed and large, nachos mountainous, and the chili is phenomenal. It's veggie friendly without losing sight of the core pub-style menu. You will have a hard time deciding what to order from the menu that provides old standbys, but also some interesting twists such as a unique cheese spread. It's not too expensive, either. Service isn't exactly first rate but you don't expect that at a place like this.
(4)Robert F.
BEST Beer Selection anywhere in Northern New England. Staff is awesome and food is average to below average. But if you're going to Portland seek this place out as it gets a great crowd. So many beers, so little time!
(5)Mike D.
Maybe could have been a 5 star if the service wasn't so slow. Our group had loads of time on our hands, so slow service wasn't a big deal. You'd think sitting at the bar would get you better service though. My taco elsalada was incredible. This place definitely has a great local feel to it.
(4)Roy M.
We stopped for lunch based upon Yelp reviews, and therefore feel a need to share what we experienced. Visually it is a pleasant living relic of another time period, and if all you want to consume is beer it is also great (even though they were out of many beers when we were there). And I assume it is a a friendly scene when when crowded. But I would strongly advise you to not eat the food. And I am giving it one star because they seem to think they are a restaurant, not a bar. The salad tasted like it was artificial, the fish sandwich tasted processed like it was at a fast food chain, the french fries were cold, greasy, limp, and processed. But we found after suffering though as much of it we could eat both of us ended up with messed up stomachs. Our sense was that not only do they serve lifeless, soulless food, they also don't make sure it is fresh and safe. I would strongly advise anyone to drink, not eat here.
(1)Esther P.
Went for drinks/dinner with my brother. Ordered veggie nachos as an appetizer- we couldn't finish them for fear of not having room for the main course! They were AMAZING - I love it when all chips are covered equally with cheese. I ordered the spanakopita and fries, which were also very yummy. My brother had a sandwich and a side salad. Very good. The waiter was attentive and very polite. Drinks were ordered and promptly brought to our table. I was impressed and happy to have dinner here!
(4)Joe F.
Stopped in thinking this was just a bar. My 5 stars is based off this bring a bar. It's also a restaurant. This place is on the list from All About Bert as one of the 125 places to have a beer before you die. I've been to many on the list. This place jumped to the top of my list to visit again. They have a great selection of beer many of them from Maine. Fresh beer just tastes better than those who traveled long distances. It was a quick stop had a stout and a hoppy beer. Both great. The atmosphere is really casual but centered around beer. I really liked it. If you are around Portland, stop. It's worth the visit.
(5)John T.
My GF and I went Sunday afternoon. The decor looked like it was forty years old. Our server came over and asked if we wanted a drink. We said we didn't decide yet. They had a large beer list. He came back with water. Then took the table behind us who came in after us. He took they're drink order and food order before he came back and asked about our drinks. We both got a burger. They're specialty! My GF ordered hers medium. Hers came out OK. She liked it. I ordered mine medium rare. Mine came out well done! I have to learn to start sending things back. But then the person your eating with is waiting for your meal to come back! I would never go back to this place!
(1)David T.
I am the type of customer that likes to order from a place of panic. By that, I mean I want to have so many choices that I have to just pick at random and hope for the best. At most restaurants I only have to do that with beer or entrees, here I got to do that with both. I had the Not your Dad's root beer and the mother and child reunion and was blown away by the food and the beer. Looking foward to getting back to Portland to try this place again.
(4)Cameron R.
Restaurants like The Great Lost Bear can be hit-or-miss from my experience. But in this case, they were a hit. We went here for a late lunch while in the area. They have a parking lot to the side of the building, which is nice and convenient. They also boast a ridiculous number of taps and brews on draft. 70-something I think? Most of their beers are from Maine, so as an out of state-r it was awesome to try different Maine brews, especially ones we can't find in NY. I went with a Foundation Brewing beer and was not disappointed. The beer selection is awesome and well organized by beer type. The menu is large, and has a lot of options. I decided to go for the Lewiston Cheesesteak, which had a nice herbed cheese spread rather than nasty cheese whiz. I thought it was tender, juicy, and very delicious. The fries were good too despite being your typical steak cut fries. Two of the patrons I was with ordered the Mac and Cheese and were very satisfied. I took a bite and was happy that it was actually cheesy and gooey, unlike other mac and cheeses. My fiance also got the chili, which appears to have won some awards. The chili boasts being spicy, and it actually was! My fiance loved it, and he always complains that spicy foods usually aren't spicy enough. Overall, we had a great meal. The excellent beer selection paired with delicious food made for an awesome experience.
(5)Claudio C.
I enjoy the GLB about four times a year. It's a quintessential beer pub. Yesterday, there were 79 beers on tap. If you like artisan beer with some pub food...this is your spot. My advise would be to sit at the bar, as the table service can be spotty. The menu is varied, with lots of sandwich, burger, and salad choices. I'm a fan of their wings....my way is plain fried, with ranch and blue cheese dipping sauce on the side. Ample portion, with crispy outsides and juicy, yet coked on the inside. The burgers are 1/2 lb. with about a dozen menu choices. If you like a medium rare burger, order it rare...as they tend to overcook them. Another favorite of mine is The Mother and Child Reunion....a spicy chicken sandwich with bacon and a fried egg....delicious. The fries are hand cut chip style, but I like them. They are semi thick, always hot, and texturally solid. Decent atmosphere...no tvs....and parking can be a bit of a cluster as their lot is small, and parking near the front on Forest Ave. is always taken. Their menu is basically unchanged for 20 plus years....which is good, as it's a testament to their longevity, but that said, I'd like to see some new fresh variety....a great ahi tuna fish taco would be a good start. Overall...solid...4 stars....recommend
(4)Nicole O.
This place has been around forever, and with good reason. The food is always fantastic. The beer list is long and varied. It's a great place to take friends. I love the nachos with chili, and the buffalo chicken wrap!
(4)Franklin M.
Old school restaurant since 1979. This place rocks with atmosphere and drink selection. We met up with a group of 13 people and they had plenty of room for us, we did reserve a table in advance. The beer hit the spot and my Bejesus Burger I ordered was huge but okay in taste, I've had a better similar burger at Grill em All in Los Angeles CA. My teen daughter and friend ordered some kids meals and they loved it.
(5)Mary G.
My husband and I came here after one of his softball games. I have been here before maybe a year or two ago after work and all I could remember from my last visit was that the service was terrible. Well, nothing has changed. It took the bartender maybe 10 minutes to wait on us, and the bar wasn't even half full! I am only talking about the counter space, but all but one of the surrounding tables were also empty. I don't know where they were but they weren't just busy pouring drinks behind the bar; they were no where to be found. Eventually the man with the glasses and baseball cap got us drinks. The drinks were fine. However he never offered us food menus. We looked around the bar and eventually had to go the hostess to get food menus. I was a wires through college, so trust me I try to avoid being one of those patrons, but this night I was. This bartender even made a comment, "You know if it wasn't pouring and shitty out, we might actually have customers." Well, I hate to break it to you sir, but you did have customers. This gentleman has a red cap and glasses. It seemed that the women also tending the bar with tattoos on her upper right arms was not half as terrible. And he never checked back on us. In fact we had to ask her for extra napkins. She was very quick and very kind. The food and atmosphere however, we're saving graces. I got a fried chicken burger and it was phanomenal, really worth the cost. And boy did they fill up the rest of my plate with their round cut fries. It was a very full in meal. My husband got a bacon cheese burger that was equally delicious and fulling. And the food came out very promptly (after ordering). All in all, dine at your own risk. If you were never a waitress I am sure terrible staff is not as great as a concern and can be overlooked to their fantastic food.
(2)Sarah W.
I want to love this Portland institution so much more than I do. All 3 stars are for the bar: bartenders, selection, space, and ambiance all intact and excellent. But what on Earth has happened to the table service and the food? On a lazy Saturday we waited interminably for every stage of service in the dining room. Food was OK but just OK. My burger was overcooked past the temperature I requested. Even so I have had a couple of later dinners at the bar since, and they are just lackluster. Inedibly tough beef in a fajita. Chicken pot pie special still slightly frozen in the middle. Really amateur bungles. There is a confluence of cheap ingredients and lazy or inept BOH in my opinion. It may be time to shrink the iconically long menu or shake up the management. I, for one, will be skipping the chow hereafter.
(3)Shannon H.
Do not order anything with crab! Had the crab roll and my boyfriend had the crab grill cheese...tasted like tuna fish mixed with cat food. So disgusting. Vegan chili bland,service rotten...15 minutes before anyone came to our table. Beer was good, that's about it.
(1)Natasja G.
Food was good. Nachos could have used a bit more spice but that's a personal preference.
(3)Courtney C.
The Great Lost Bear is one of the places I will go to once in a great while when I want some drinks, possibly dinner, and don't feel like drudging down to the old port. In a perfect yelp world I could give this place 2.5 stars because that more accurately depicts my feelings for this place. I've been here many times over the past 5 years because of the close proximity to my house, although more times than not I leave feeling like I should have spent my money elsewhere. Like many reviews before me state, the food is just okay. The prices are reasonable though. Just don't expect to be blown away by taste or high quality. What really brings down the stars for me is the service here. It is consistently slow and sometimes friendly, sometimes I feel like an annoyance. Yesterday I came in and sat down at the bar. There were only 4-5 other people there at the time. I ordered a steak and cheese sandwich and a Mikes hard lemonade in the bottle. The meal came out in a reasonable amount of time and it tasted fine. The problem was that I had one sip left of my drink as she was putting my meal down. The entire time I was eating I had an empty drink in front of me. Not good when you're eating a salty steak sandwich and fries! I had finished my meal and stared at the bartender while she walked past me a dozen times for about another 15 minutes before she came over and asked me if I wanted another drink. At that point I just asked for some ice water and the check. If she had been attentive to me I would have ordered one probably two more drinks in the time it took me to eat my meal, and if the service was better I might have hung around longer than the time it took me to eat my meal.
(2)Shane L.
I have totally mixed feeling about this place. I had heard pretty good things about the beer selection and it did not disappoint in that area. There was a menu that was chocked full of all types of microbrews, domestic brews and was cold and delicious. Now to the food. The two times that I have been here in the past two weeks, both times the food was just ok. One time I dove into the burger and although I dont think that you can go wrong with a burger with a fried egg on top but it was cooked perfectly to my liking but was a little dry. The next time, I had the asian spice wings and they were not very good at all. The full sized wings were cool where the sauce almost had a chilled gelatinous feel to it and really turned off from the taste of the wings in general. The party I was with also had various complaints about the food although the healthy sized portions were good for a hungry bunch. The service was also something that was not was not great. After our first round of beers that we got, our glasses were bone dry and were waiting forever to get a refill on our beverages even having the waitress zip right past us fast and furious style without even checking in on us. I think that there are many places downtown to grab a good burger and a beer with much better and attentive service and although this was on Forest away from the tough parking area of downtown, it would have been much more worth it to go there to have a good experience. And the parking is horrible with a lot of about 10 parking spaces so look for a street spot if you are heading to this place. I dont think that i will be coming back here anytime soon.
(2)Shannon S.
The beer selection receives 5 stars; there are always great craft brews on here. And I'd even give an extra star for letting one create his or her own sampler. However, I feel the food and service are inconsistent. I've sat in the bar area once with my family and waited 15 minutes to be greeted by our server and another 35 minutes to receive our food. The food was good, but some items better than others (pulled pork nachos are aces.) The most recent time we went, our server took away my husbands plate (with half a burger and mountain of fries on it) and tossed it rather than boxing it up. She felt awful and offered us dessert on her, but he was still pretty bummed about it. All in all, it's definitely the beer that will keep us coming back when we are in the area and I don't think this place tries to be anything it's not. It's comfortable, laid back (maybe too much so) and always worth it if we aren't in a rush.
(3)Josh M.
Everyone sees GLB as a Portland staple, which it is, even though it's a bit overrated. It's easy, affordable, can be a place to have a nice date or a family gathering. It's as accessible as it is accommodating. The food is good but rarely great and the staff is alright but rarely good. The chili is worth a try.
(3)chad b.
Good food. Okay service. My boyfriend loves it here so it's absolutely on the go to list. Fried veggies are a favorite!
(4)Tony W.
My hand trembled a bit while deciding between a 3- or 4-star rating for The Great Lost Bear. I ultimately feel like this place is 3.5 stars, but I'll give them a bump up based on all the good times and memories this place has been an important part of throughout the last decade. Generally, this is a GREAT beer pub with an OUTSTANDING collection of taps just a little bit removed from the Old Port, which really makes this a locals hangout even during the summer. The vintage Maine/beer/road sign/poster decorations and the lighting give it a nice cozy vibe - especially in the back beyond the bar. During the summer it's got a nice (but small) beer garden. Back in the day, TGLB began supporting and promoting the craft beer movement even before there was a craft beer movement. I really believe that Portland has such a vibrant beer scene today because of places like this that prioritized local beers and gave fledgling brewers a reliable distribution outlet. During college, my friends and I started coming here about two nights a week (one of them being 'tall for small' night), and it essentially became the hangout. All the variety really opened me to the idea that it takes more than a floating lime to make a beer good - probably one of the best lessons I ever learned during college! Because of the depth and breadth of their beer menu, I was able to identify styles of beer and breweries that I liked, as well as the ones to avoid. Unfortunately, I'll forever be a beer snob because of this experience. The menu is also vast, which is probably a good thing based on the number of times I've frequented the place. And for the most part, their food is really good. I'd especially like to give shout-outs to the wings (DO YOU FIND YOUR CHICKENS WITH WINGS THAT BIG HANGING OUT AROUND POWER PLANTS?), their chili nachos, their thai roll-ups, and their burgers. Also a special condiment shout-out to their honey mustard of choice - Nance's. I can't tell you how many bottles of this we 'borrowed' during my college days. It's a fine sauce, and it goes well on everything. Even in the privacy of your own apartment. While this sounds like the beginning of a glowing 5- star review, there's a major deficiency that has haunted this place for as long as I can remember: THE SERVICE. I've been coming here since the late-'90's and the service has always been pretty terrible. You might get one good server every few visits, but trust me when I say that getting good table or bar service here is like catching a glimpse of Bigfoot disappearing into the woods - you may never experience it again, and even what you did experience you'll begin to doubt. When you visit this place, you have an 80% chance of one of the following happening: - You will wait to be seated an unusually long time (sometimes while observing many empty tables throughout the restaurant) - Your server takes unusually long to visit your table after you are seated to take your beer order - Your server takes unusually long to bring over your beer order - Your server forgets to put in your beer order - Your server forgets which beers you ordered, and comes back to double-check five minutes later - Your server forgets about you and you need to aggressively flag him/her down to get a second beer - Your server assumes you are only getting beers, and you need to aggressively flag him/her down to place an order - Your food takes an unusually long time to come out Dear The Great Lost Bear, please take your servers to a retreat, do some ice breakers, ropes courses and trust falls AND TEACH YOUR SERVERS TO SERVE. Also, if nothing else, REMEMBER THIS TIP: Always, always, always, have a backup beer in mind and ready to be ordered. On any given night, there is about a 65% chance that TGLB will have already kicked the keg of your first beer of choice from the menu. Unfortunately the beer menus are updated only once a week, so popular beers on short supply will go fast. With a little expectation management you can overcome this setback. TIP #2: Don't wait to be seated in the dining area. Just walk to one of the tables beyond the bar and sit down.
(4)Chris P.
This bar serves some great food but can be hit or miss. The burgers are spot on and I would be happy getting one every time, but other things like the "fajitas" (quesadilla) could be better like if the veggies were smaller or less of them inside. Dessert here was great, the cake in a jar can't be missed!
(4)Lindsay M.
Great spot in the city of Portland! Tons of Maine-ish memorabilia scattered around the restaurant, pretty cozy & warm place to eat. The waitress was an older woman who seemed a little frazzled with some items on the menu, but she was friendly and nice. I ordered the tuna steak burger and was in loveeee! I've never had a tuna burger cooked so well that is tasted almost like chicken! (i'm a pescetarian hah) It came with "potato fries" that needed a bit of salt but other than that it was very satisfying! I was shocked at how many vegetarian/gluten-free options there were! I got an Allagash with the meal and it was superb. Whenever I'm in Portland again, this is definitely where I'm headed!
(4)Monica L.
You can get a giant tower of beer which is awesome for big groups, or you and another person if you're feeling adventurous! They also have a huge menu. The nachos are done right - big, messy, and cheesey. My boyfriend got wings recently and he really liked the sauce, but they come whole, which he didn't really like. Happy hour is a $2.99 special which changes everyday.
(4)Stella P.
Came here with a group of 5 for dinner on a Saturday evening. Parking was easy in the restaurant's lot and we were seated right away. I ordered the PB&J wings (one of the specials that evening) - it was a delicious combo of the Thai Chili wings and Peanut Sauce wings. I ordered the smaller portion ($8) but you could also get 2lbs (double the wings) for $14. I also got a mini salad with the cucumber wasabi dressing which was super good. The whole meal was delicious and very filling. They have a big beer list with tons of local beers on tap. I got the beer of the night, shipyard gingerhead, on special for $3/pint. Our server was great and very nice about splitting checks.
(5)Krista L.
Do you find yourself wondering how to please a picky friend? Do you have a friend who wants to try every beer on the menu? Do you have a large group and need to find a place to please all? Do you love Pub food? If you have answered yes to one or any of these questions, then you are in luck, The Great Lost Bear is your choice for the night! With their expansive menu and huge selection of beers you can't really go wrong. As frequent customers of the "Bear" we have our favorites. I drool over the cheesy goodness of their nachos and my significant other would bathe in their chicken wings if he could. The chicken sandwiches are huge and always juicy, the burgers are filling and delicious and the fried veggies make you question if you can pretend they are good for you! You are also lucky enough to stuble upon a large selection of rotating taps at the bar. They have paddles of beer where you can try samples of as many as you want (2-5 per paddle) and that even include the Beligium beer (It costs a bit more, but its always good). They always have an array of Maine made beers, which is perfect if you want a visiting friend to try something new and local, or if you have been dying to try that new seasonal beer your favorite brewer put out. From experience, this bar helped my significant other really find the type of beer he loves but has also opened him up to trying new things. They also have "Talls for Smalls" (on most beers) on Monday and Tuesday nights and a showcase night every Thursday (cheaper beers, prizes and fun!)! So next time you are sitting around and can't agree on if you want fajitas, or a burger, or a tuna melt, head over to the Great Lost Bear. Expand your horizons, you never know, you might find a new "spot"!
(4)Michelle L.
A beer lover's Mecca. The Great Lost Bear has taps for miles. A new craft brewery opens in Maine basically once a month. Who can keep up? Well, if you want to try, The Great Lost Bear is the place for you. Any local beer you could desire is available, and various imports and craft brews from around the country join their ranks. I struggle every time I come here to decide what to order. Something familiar that I know I'll enjoy? Or something new and strange? To accompany the beer, there is a varied menu that mixes typical bar food with weird Thai influences. The food here is...not healthy. But assuming you're ok with that, they serve some damn delicious things. Now I only wish there were more parking options or better public transportation access from the peninsula.
(4)Maura Q.
The only reason my boyfriend and I went in was because we had received a gift card. I had heard that the food wasn't that great, but figured we'd try for ourselves. The atmosphere was relaxing and neighborhood-like. The service was horrible. We were sitting at our table after the hostess sat us for at least 10 minutes before the waiter came over to greet us. He took our drink orders and was off on his way. I ordered an angry orchard on tap and my boyfriend ordered a bud light. After delivering our drinks he still didn't take our food order & the cider was warm (not crisp and cold). A little while later he finally took our food order. We ordered chicken nachos as an appetizer (heard they were good) and then each ordered a dinner. The menu was extensive and offered a lot of choices from chicken to vegetarian options. Our food came out, but not the nachos. The waiter must have completely forgotten to put the order in. By that time, we didn't even want the nachos, so we said nothing. The steak & cheese I ordered was dry and the cheese sauce was not good. The meat didn't have very good flavor either. The fries were not very good and were soggy. The burger my boyfriend ordered was better than my steak and cheese, but nothing amazing. In the end our three drinks and two dinners were $40, which I think was way too much for the quality of the food and the service. I probably won't be going back again unless it's for drinks during happy hour.
(2)Meli L.
I've dined at Great Lost Bear twice -- first time felt like typical pub food and service was pretty slow (this was on a Sunday for lunch). Next time I went was a Monday for dinner, I had the fish and chips and it was fabulous, my dining partners and I were raving about it days later. The fish was 5 very decent size 'sticks' - the breading was great, not too heavy or greasy. Our waitress was very knowledgable and service was much quicker than my previous visit.
(4)Kim O.
Sit in the bar, it's less noisy and the service is better. My neighborhood go-to for a ditty martini and quick dinner. Quirky and fun, ain't the Ritz by a long shot but decent all around.
(4)Stephen C.
Didn't eat there or drink there. Took some nachos to go. Nachos were enormous!!! But dry and lacked flavor. If the rest of the food is like that I wouldn't go back.
(2)Helen H.
The Almighty Cheesus Burger was mighty alright! A 1/2 pound certified Angus beef in-between two grilled cheese sandwiches ($13.99) and you can add in bacon and an egg for a little extra ($15.99 total). It was absolutely delicious! I couldn't finish it though, so that was very sad. TERIYAKI MUSHROOM - delicious as well! MAC N CHEESE - standard. You can't really go wrong with mac right? DESSERT - I don't remember what it's called exactly but it's chocolate brownie with whip cream in a cute mason jar! absolutely delicious! It's a pretty busy restaurant for Portland but seating shouldn't be too big of an issue. It is usually rather loud so plan on projecting your voice a bit. It's not obnoxiously loud or anything so don't worry about it.
(4)Fred B.
This place is AWESOME! The food was great, the waitress acted like she really wanted to be there and the beer selection is incredible. I have been eating fried fish for 35 years and I can honestly say this was the best fried haddock I have ever tasted. It was so fresh, it could have just been caught before they cooked it. We were in Maine for 5 days and really wanted to go back for a second dinner but there are so many places to try. This one is on the must hit list for me.
(5)Royal B.
Cleanliness 3 Service 3 Food 4 Likelihood 4 OVERALL 3.5 We are from Omaha and are visiting our family. They decided to come here for lunch. We waiting a very long time for the host to arrive all the time several employee walked passed us standing in foyer. I was starting to walk into kitchen to find someone when a hostess appeared. The server came to our table shortly after being seated and returned quickly with our drinks and was ready for our order. I ordered iced tea and iced water and advised her I drink a lot of both. Both of my beverages where bone dry when she arrived at the table and asked if I wanted them refilled (YES! My meal has not be served yet!) The 4 other times they were refilled she asked each time as well. The food was hot, fresh, and tasty. Good job. Probably a place we would try again if we lived there, or returned.
(3)Gautam G.
We stopped by here while visiting Portland. Easy to find places to park right on the street. Great service and nice ambience. We went in the afternoon on a weekend and it was packed. Extensive options on the menu. Wings portion size is humongous. Food was good and we enjoyed it. Would recommend a try!
(4)Rebecca G.
Went here from a friends family recommendation for good beer. At first we thought maybe it was a biker bar from the outside , and though there was a few bikers there ( one with an awesome Mohawk might I add!) the crowd was a mix of family's with small kids to adults to grandparents. The waiter helped us with our beer tasting choices and was very knowledgable with the entire selection. Aside from the beer flight we got the PB&J wings since they sounded interesting. The flavor was ok and the wings are large (you get the wing and drumstick attached) so once you figure out how to tackle it your good to go! Overall good experience and would recommend to anyone looking for good beer in that area!
(4)Robert O.
Stopped in today for lunch and tried the patty melt. It was out of this world. Perfect crunch and plenty of oozing cheese. My taste buds were in heaven. I recommend this place to everyone.
(5)Marlene M.
I haven't been here I a long time when my brother suggested it for dinner on our visit to Portland. Sad to say that it's gone down hill. We remember the cheese sauce so fondly so three of us ordered it on some portion of our plate. It came out curdled-looking and tasteless. My sister in law had the cheese steak with coleslaw and disliked the whole plate. The only good thing I can say is that the entire staff was friendly and helpful. I don't think we'll be going again.
(2)Brett F.
I used to hate this bar. I really did. How dare they have such terrible service, they're not even in the Old Port! And crappy food with rumors of the dirtiest kitchen ever seen. I refused to go. Something happened this past year. Magically the service is great, even at the tables (locals used to know to only sit at the bar). It's still a hopping restaurant that's crowded at all hours, but there isn't the snotty server attitude. The food has also taken leaps. Tonight, my friend and I split a Cajun Steak sandwich. Without any request, they brought the meal out on two plates, with a full order of their delicious fried potatoes on each. The steak was moist and tender and slathered in cheese and veggies. After liberal use of the local Lost Woods sauce, it was a revelation. Great Lost Bear has the second most beers on tap in Portland after Navare Res, and many more on bottle. There's something for everyone, including less common beers, and they have great specials every weeknight. The food menu might be 10 pages long and filled with everything imaginable. If you're on a diet, I hope it was good while it lasted. I've really enjoyed this bar recently. One of the largest beer selections in the state, fair prices, solid food and finally good service. Outside of the Old Port, this and Samuels are my go-to casual picks.
(4)Ian E.
The Great Lost Bear has a great menu of food and beer. The bayou burger is my favorite burger and has been for about the last 20 years. The French onion soup is delicious and has again been my favorite for at least 20 years running. The mother and child reunion is my favorite sandwich. I recommend trying their hell fire sauce if you really enjoy spicy food. If you stop in for a beer, make sure you try a Bissell Brothers brew.
(4)Shayla H.
Today's lunch was bullshit. The office decided to order out today and we were quite excited for it. We all want a do-over. Talk about unappetizing. Buffalo chicken fingers were burnt, ridiculously greasy and bordering on inedible. Particularly for the price, it will be difficult to get over and return anytime soon.
(2)Benjamin M.
It was ok. I went with my cousin becuAse we heard it was good. The atmosphere seems like it can be fun, there was a good beer selection and the food was good. This place was nothing special. I would come back if it stays consistent. Fish and chips were good but the wings were pretty bad and dry. Next time I'm trying the nachos. They looked good.
(3)Krizmn K.
Awesome place. Family friendly till 7, great bar at night, relaxing outdoor area during the day. Never had a bad experience. This place is a true representation of a Maine bar/pub/restaurant. Gorge on obscenely unhealthy tasty food. Nibble on deep fried veggies. Crunch on a salad. Drink till you vomit. This place has it all. If you like Run of the Mill in Saco, you will probably like this. Ps I did whip-its at this place. They left the whip cream canister next to my table and it was my birthday! :-)
(4)Robert D.
The beer selection is great, the food is fine, but the customer service was really poor. Maybe I just had a waiter on a bad day, but our experience was below average. First weird thing: I ask for a Maine beer recommendation and he suggests something from Vermont. OK, not the worst, but ummm errr? The waiter never came by once our food to check on us or see if we wanted another round of drinks. We had money to spend, Lost Bear, but no one to take it! After our meal was finished and we were ready to go, we waited about 15 minutes with no sign of our waiter. We finally tracked down another server and asked if she could find our guy, and it took another 10 minutes before he finally arrived. I know restaurants get busy, and people have bad days. I'm not expecting to have a waiter stop by all the time but waiting almost 30 minutes after our meal to get our check and never being checked in results in my low rating. Maybe sitting at the bar gives you better service?
(2)Mike D.
This is one of our favorite bars in one of our favorite cities. The Great Lost Bear offers up an enormous menu full of great options. The beer selection is one of the largest in Portland and have options that are local and imported. There are always beers on special as well. I've had the wings twice and they are huge. The give you the whole wing section and the sauce is great. I've had the fish and chips which were good but not the best that you can find in Portland, again though, massive portions at reasonable prices. My wife had a vegetarian quesadilla thing that was heavy on the onions but other then that we have enjoyed our meals each time we went there. The dessert might be the best part. They serve a delicious treat in a mason jar with chocolate cake, ice cream, whipped cream, etc. This place is the real deal, kid friendly, safe and affordable.
(4)Bill T.
Review 800! I wanted a special place for this review and GLB is a special place. Reading about it in the books of John Connolly, I always wanted to go here. When fate offered me the opportunity to visit Portland, I grabbed it. Nay, I embraced it firmly with both arms and a pat on the back. Everyone in the place is amazingly friendly. There are a lot of little coves and nooks that are great for quiet conversations or plotting a murder. Their beer selection is exceptional. I had a flight with a variety of tasty libations. I can't wax quite as poetic on the food. Nachos were a standout, burgers were well received and the toll house cookie sundae was coma-inducing, in a good way. However, the bear fries were limp discs of potatoes lacking flavor, zest and verve. The boneless wings were exceptionally poor..tasting like something a busy, yet sexy, suburban mom pulled out of the freezer and popped in the microwave to satisfy the appetite of her three exasperating, yet lovable, teens. They were pretty awful...I didn't even finish mine and if you've ever seen me eat chicken wings of any ilk, you know I subscribe to the theory of "no wing left behind". However, that minor road bump couldn't tarnish the patina of awesomeness that shines from the GLB. To let you know how much I liked it, I bought a t-shirt. I hope to return another day.
(4)Allan S.
Nice, fun blue-collar bar ambiance. Prompt friendly service. Expansive (70 varieties!) selection of beers and large menu (although no onion rings .. really?) Sadly, I didn't care for the cuisine. The wings appetizers tasted slightly sweet and weren't spicy even though we ordered medium. The house hot sauce didn't make the wings any spicier. For the entree my wife and I shared a regular burger and the fried fish plate which we were told was the house specialty. The burger was nothing special .. undersized and not a lot of flavor. The fried fish was tasteless and the bread crumb batter over fried (although not dry .. wonder how they did that ... frying at too high a temperature?) The fries accompaniment (slices not strings) weren't crispy. In any case, a fun place to visit with friends especially if you are into beer.
(3)Jacob L.
A fun dive bar. Lots of beers with very cheap beer flights available. Huge food selection most of which is decent (better than your typical dive bar but certainly not mind-blowing). I'm a pretty big fan of the nachos myself. I'd avoid the French fries as they are actually thick slices of potato rounds that are fried.
(4)Ashley T.
After some recommendations we went to this place late at night (After Nine) and we had food and beer. The beer selection was pretty good but the food was terrible. Plus it was pricey. I had the veggie melt and was wishing for something less greasy! It kind of smelled musty in the restaurant as well. The place itself was kind of cool. But I would never go back for food again.
(2)Staci H.
The great lost bear is one of my favorite places to visit in town. They have so many choices, lots of yummy food, unique beers and fabulous mixed drinks. I have never had a bad meal, however the three star rating is due to the slowness of the restaurant, you need to have plenty of time when visiting. The bar is the quickest! Tip-when ordering a bomb make sure you tell the you do not want it made as a mixed drink.
(3)Bill S.
Great place to drink and sample a variety of brews- Monday and Tuesday 's tall's for small ' s deal are worth the trip! If you looking for food- might want to look elsewhere- Menu looks good lots of choices........ but the wait staff and service is horribly slow and forgetful! Not to mention apathetic- and flippant! - food is not that impressive either- tasteless - and do to the wait staff - generally served colder then it should be. But again - for beer- & -drinks.... worth the trip!
(3)Nat S.
This place has an extensive draft beer list. When we went they were out of the first couple things I ordered. Beer could have been a bit fresher, but it happens with that many taps sometimes. They often have live music.
(4)Sean T.
Excellent beer selections on tap. This is a vibrant yet low key place. Lots of table seating and a good sized bar area. Highly recommended
(5)Flora F.
The name of this place has been enticing me since I moved to Portland a couple of weeks ago. When I finally stopped by today I found that it's a beer-and-burger joint, the kind with a lot of etched glass and vintage signs on the walls. It's good as those places go, but it's not the mystical fusion of hipster-backwoods decor (birch bark and taxidermy on the walls, punched-tin "starlit" ceiling) and Maine-native ingredients fashionably presented (crushed freeze-dried blueberries, moosemeat charcuterie, fiddlehead poutine topped with lobster "caviar") that the name had conjured up in my mind. I had an Angry Orchard cider and two side dishes, the mac-n-cheese and the teriyaki grilled mushrooms. The mac-n-cheese was creamy but bland, not really worth the calories in spite of the breadcrumbs. The mushrooms were good on their own, with plenty of smoky umami flavor, and didn't really need the creamy Parmesan-peppercorn dressing, but I went there anyway... and the two together were a force of nature. Service was extremely fast and helpful. The burgers look good, and they are certainly myriad, whether the traditional meaty kind or the veggie alternative. If I hadn't been there specifically to address a mac-n-cheese craving I would have wanted one. Next time!
(3)Jared S.
Loved this place. Wish there was one where we lived. Feel of a local's favorite, but with open arms to thirsty travelers. Pub-like. Drink specials every night. Amazing menu with way too much to choose from. I had the fish and chips, local haddock (never frozen) procured from the docks on a daily basis. Words can't describe the bliss. My wife had the made-in-house veggie burger and gave a strong report. Which means a lot, she has sampled veggie burgers from across the globe, and is really a bit of a veggie burger connoisseur. People watching was an A+. Sat next to a couple of old dude locals that talked endlessly about their gardens and heirloom tomatoes. Which was interesting, being gardeners ourselves. My wife wanted to join the conversation at the juncture where they began to discuss the appropriate time to harvest yard dandelions for consumption, but held back cause the timing just didn't feel right. Maybe next time. We love Portland, and DEFINITELY will be back next time we are in town!
(5)Heather G.
Great Lost Bear has a lot of beer options and the food is ok. Staff are great with helping support local film makers but not super great as waitstaff. It's alright.
(3)Courty C.
If you are looking for unhealthy food shelter, this is your haven. Menu subtitles include: nachos, wings, burgers, cheesesteaks, burritos. Yes, the fact it's a subtitle means there is not only one choice of burger or nacho, there is a WHOLE SECTION! Even though there's a section called "not so fat city," seriously, DO NOT COME HERE ON A DIET. Just don't torture yourself like that. A few stars are taken off because despite the impressive 40 tap selection, the first 4 (yes 4) beers my boyfriend ordered were on the menu, yet the keg had kicked. I don't blame The Great Lost Bear for that deliciously curated beer being consumed, but it would be great for its patrons to keep the menu up to date.
(3)Giovanni M.
I was in town for a travel shoot, and covered the location based on their beer selection---which, I found to be exceptional! I went back for dinner two nights after the shoot, just to indulge in the rare and interesting beers available. The Almighty Cheesus Burger. I have to be honest---I ate it two nights in a row. Grilled Cheese sandwiches as the buns surrounding a giant cheeseburger. I still can't believe I finished it twice. I was at the bar both times after the shoot, so I can't speak to service on the floor. The bartenders that took care of me were friendly, helpful if I needed it.
(4)Christopher S.
My son has been here a couple of times and loves it. My wife wanted to come and try it. Tue greeter was a little impersonal and droney, our server was a little quiet and introverted he was nice and attentive and seem to open up at the end, probably just a little tired (they were very busy) We both got steak sandwiches. The steak was a bit over cooked in both, the cheese sauce is a cross between ricotta and cream cheese which I am not a fan of but others may like it, I prefer melted swiss or such, just my preference. over all the sandwich was dry. The sliced fries were good cooked perfectly. My wife had similar feelings about her sandwich as well. However, we will come back and try other things on the menu that looked good.
(3)Sam B.
I used to be a wing-hater. I'd turn my snobby little nose up at that florescent orange sauce, those sticky, dripping fingers, those mouths covered in tangy nastiness. Even the smell of buffalo sauce made me wince with disapproval. And then I met The Great Lost Bear. I don't know what enticed me to try them the first time. Perhaps it was the fact that they actually look like chicken wings. Some mutant enormous version of a chicken but a chicken nonetheless. One bite and the Buffalo Wing Switch was flipped within me. Now I find myself daydreaming of their wings. Just writing this review, I have to resist the urge to call and place an order. When people ask me where to go for wings, my eyes glaze over and I tell them in an urgent monotone that they have to eat at The Great Lost Bear. If they resist, I point at them and shriek like a Buffalo Wing Pod Person. If you simply can't bring yourself to go based on their wings alone, I understand. I used to be like you, too. Fortunately, they have an enormous menu with gluten free and vegetarian options. It's almost overwhelming, it's so extensive. They have a comfortable, kitchy interior that is good for large and small groups. Reading all the signs and posters on the walls makes for excellent diversion if your company is less than stellar and the staff is always friendly. But, really, go for no other reason than their wings. Join us.
(4)Michelle B.
We have never been disappointed with the service, food, beer selection here. They have special events - Thursdays are brewery nights - so make sure you check out their website and/or facebook page! Nice outdoor patio when the weather is nice! Convenient parking w/o meters (as opposed to downtown Portland).. We love the Great Lost Bear!
(4)Rebecca W.
Great cheesesteaks and the mushroom appetizer is a can't miss dish. The service is friendly and the atmosphere casual and inviting
(3)Jason B.
They have approximately 1,000,000 beers on tap, and an extensive food menu. Kitschy, fun and definitely a Beer Advocate favorite, Great Lost Bear is a fun spot for a bar bite and a bucket of brew. I stayed relatively safe, with Sierra Nevada, but there are plenty of local brews on tap! Not that I need to say it, but there are definitely some fun options on the menu for vegetarians. I'm not even close to one, but the veggie burger "patty melt" grabbed me! It was more like a reuben with a veggie burger, but it was damn tasty. The steak tip salad did not fail to please - high quality steak, grilled properly. There was a dreadful old lady talking loudly on a cell phone, but that wasn't their fault.
(4)Allison C.
We lived in Portland for about a year, and this was one of our favorite spots. 70+ beers on tap, and a ginormous menu with something for everyone! Nachos are a stand-out, or anything with their cheese sauce (mac and cheese, cheese fries, etc etc). Wings are also fantastic. I have been known to enjoy a cake sundae in a jar, and I did not regret that decision... GLB is the best. That is all.
(5)Rich S.
Great place, great food, great service! Came up from Boston with the whole family and had a great time!
(5)Michael V.
Cool bar, great atmosphere. I have been here twice for beer but I did get a spanikopita and that was good. The menu seems pretty good and I have never heard anyone complain about the food. Its not in the old port area but that is kind of nice as that can get a little stuffy down there. I am a fan and definitely return here for drinks when I am in the area and have to meet a friend! Definitely check this place out! I would probably go 5 star if I spent more time here and had more of their food to try.
(4)AJ P.
This is one of my favorite places in town to get wings and they have pretty good burgers too! Great beer selection. The place is pretty huge - but really dark inside.
(4)Matt T.
2.5 stars...good beer selection with locals having a decent part of the menu...but from our tasters, unimpressive locals. The server couldn't describe many of the beers on the menu, and would disappear for long stretches. the food was ok...typical bar and pub food...with a bit on the bland side. I'd pop in here for beer if you are in a session drinking mood, but there are a lot of other better places for dinner.
(3)Sam S.
Haven't gotten anything here I didn't like. Long list of beers, a great menu, friendly service, huge portions. Not a lot of parking. One of those places that tack lots of kitsch to the walls. Someone should really find that bear already.
(5)David F.
I don't write yelp reviews that much anymore, but gaaahdamnnn. This is got to be one of the best bars in the world. Any place where you can get this mix of good beer/good cheap food/great specials and prices/awesome atmosphere/good music/great bartenders. Seriously this place is no joke. Go on a Monday.
(5)Steff D.
The Great Lost Bear is great for beer. Their selection is so diverse and plentiful, there is something available for everyone - even "non-beer drinkers." Craving something fruity? Something hoppy? A porter, a pilsner, a brown, an ESB, an ale, a Belgian style? Something cask conditioned? Something seasonal? Beer aged in bourbon barrels? Want something on draught that isn't beer? No worries! They've got mead and cider, too. And on Thursday nights they have a "Showcase" where they feature a craft brewery and a few of styles of their beer. Brewers are on hand to answer questions, hang-out with locals, and giveaway prizes. The Great Lost Bear is, however, NOT great for service. I'm not entirely sure what's happened over the past couple of years but it seems their once attentive staff has been replaced by apathetic robots. I held off as long as I could from posting this update, but after today's unfortunate lunch experience I just can't keep quiet anymore. Our waitress was rude and disinterested. So much so that it ruined the experience of the out of town family we were with. About mid-way through our meal our conversation turned from laughter and reminiscing to quietly joking about how unfathomably terrible the waitress was. "Would you like some water? How's your meal? Can I get you another beer? Are you all set with this plate? Did you save room for dessert? Thank you so much for coming! Let me know if you need anything else!" These are all phrases that we didn't hear during our time there. "I guess you're trying to tell me something," said in annoyance IS something our waitress said when we started stacking our plates and glasses when nearly a half hour had gone by after finishing our meal and just sitting there. "We're trying to move THESE people out," said in disdain IS something the host said about us, jabbing his finger in our direction, to another group of people. "I'm so sorry about that," IS something I repeated multiple times to our family as I felt supremely embarrassed by the behavior of the restaurant I chose to have them take us to. I wish that I could say this was a one-off experience, but - alas - it's not. We came about a month ago and watched our waiter spend the majority of his time sitting at the bar with friends talking, only paying attention to us when we called him over (after five or ten minutes of waving or saying - as politely as possible - "excuse me, sir?"). Tsk, tsk, Great Lost Bear. Has all your energy and effort gone into the bar? Is customer service on the floor just not as important anymore? Because that's how it feels. You should ABSOLUTELY come to the Great Lost Bear if you want a pre-dinner or post-dinner drink (I definitely do - their bar/beer rocks!). If, however, you're the type of person entertained by being ignored, I suggest risking your evening in the dining room. While you and your dining companions will definitely run out of drinks, you won't run out of conversational topics (i.e. how "awesome" the service is).
(3)Tara L.
Chicken sandwiches were phenomenal. Daughter had a buffalo chicken and Eric had an angry bird and both were so delicious that they wanted to come back for dinner the next night. My burger was decent although it was literally just meat with some herbed goat cheese on it. I wish they would have been more explicit in saying that it was a very plain burger because I would have asked for toppings on mine...a little onion and tomato would have really made it. Thankfully I had a big thing of yogurt dill dressing that came with my salad and I dunked my burger in it. The beer selection was great and the different dressings for the salad and the chicken sandwiches were yummy. Oh and the fried potatoes also yummy.
(4)Charles W.
I love the bear, a sweet local hangout place with Tuesday tall beers for small prices ( double the beer for same price as a regular) or theThursday night showcase featured beers for 2.99 and up! Sometimes some beer swag sometimes the brewers are here. The food is pretty good for the most part, prices seem to keep going up which is a bummer. The mother-child reunion is pretty great and the chili is spot on. Never had the deserts but they look pretty good. Two main complaints are the service very hit or miss. Sometimes you get the attentive waitress or waiting forever. Also they will not let you split up checks for a party of 6 which is bush league! But like the beer overall!
(4)Bethany S.
Stopped in this place for lunch on our vacation. The atmosphere was super cool! I love a good drink list, and this place had everything from awesome microbrews (local and not so local) to house infused vodkas! It seemed like it would be a really fun local watering hole. The food was very good, they had a lemon curry salad dressing that I would likely drink the 3+ hours to Portland, ME to taste again. My issue only issue was the price of the food. Everything was pretty pricey for the bar food that it was. All the salads were over $10 and the burgers were similarly overpriced. That being said, everything we got was tasty. We vacation in ME pretty often, and the next time I'm in town, I will definitely be hitting up this place again!
(4)Pao T.
Got the great chesus and it was what they said. A meat patty in between two grilled cheese. Aside from that it was good but I think the hype made me expect a lot more from it. Friends got the nachos and those were ah-ma-zing!! People need to at least try these nachos out. There's so much food!
(4)Ivan J.
I have heard good things from friends about this place so I decided to give it a try last night. We were immediately seated and I must say the service for superb. Our waiter was laid-back and attentive. I am the type of person who goes straight to the burgers section when I open up a menu. This was no different at The Great Lost Bear. I went with the "Super Burger" and jalapeño poppers as an appetizer. The jalapeño poppers were cooked perfectly; with the cheese oozing out! Soon after my burger came and you definitely get what you pay for. I was not able to finish it but the flavors of the four different cheeses and bacon made me wish I could of finished it. Overall a great dining experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone because there menu has all kinds of different items from Mexican, American, to vegetarian and gluten-free options!
(5)Christine L.
GIANT SERVINGS OF DELICIOUS CHILI is all I'll ever need to remember about Great Lost Bear. While the chili is beyond amazing on it's own, it's a tad spicy so it pairs nicely with both fries and nachos. A nice cold beer helps too. Enjoy!!
(5)Kevin B.
Great beer list - great service, friendly customers. It's a go-to first stop when I get to Portland. I can't say that their food is anything special, but the stop always is good for a beer or three.
(4)Michael D.
If you want top notch beer the great lost bear is one of the best around. They carry everything imaginable from craft beer, IPA light beers, heffeweisen and even exotic apricot beers. They are also well know for their burgers here and I have had them on numerous times here. The crowd is typically jolly and a mixed bag of characters.
(4)Bruce D.
For the beer lover this place is a must. The beer selection is varied across styles and changes daily. Each major style is well represented with a number of niche national and regional / local craft brews. There were three offerings on cask the night I visited. The bar has a decent selection of liquors, a number of which are locally distilled. Prices are very good. The beer sampler of one to five, 5 ounce pours is a great way to try multiple offerings in a combination and quantity of your choosing. Decor is from central casting, dollar bills tacked above the bar, a stuffed bears head, a gazillion stickers plastered on the walk in cooler. You've seen it all before. Not a dive but nothing to write home about. Service is the stumbling block for additional stars. The bartenders are order takers, efficient and competent but not very friendly. Don't expect much conversation on beer styles, specials, etc. They're taking your order, will have it quickly / correctly and that's about it. You won't feel welcome or unwelcome at the bar, you're just there taking up space and so are they. I enjoyed the beer, loved the prices and am glad to have been here. I'll definitely be back to broaden my beer experience at a great price. I'll keep smiling too and someday someone working there may smile back.
(3)Benjamin C.
I am a big fan of GLB. Great beer, very laid back, always a good time...and a great place to gather with friends. Very expansive menu to meet different preferences. I've been there 4 or 5 times, but I'll write about my most recent experience from Friday. We ordered a round of beers, including the 2.99 special. Great deal! For food, my mother had the turkey melt. My wife and I each ordered a bowl of chili and shared a steak salad (as the appetizer). The salad took a very long time, which our server acknowledged and took off the bill. She was great! The meat was great on the salad...medium-rare as requested. The rest of the salad is just a standard salad. Nothing fancy. My mom would have liked a little more turkey in her melt, but she enjoyed it. The chili is always a win. Spicy and delicious. I like mine with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños. On all past occasions, I have ordered a burger. Only once was it a bit overcooked. All others were delicious. We always take visitors here, as it's a favorite spot. Cool souvenirs for visitors, too! Check it out if you haven't yet!
(4)Stuart K.
Had one of the best burgers in quite some time. Hand cut fries were excellent. Can't wait to go back to try more!
(5)Alise K.
Three of us sat at the bar. Seems like a fun bar! I'm only giving a 3 star rating because my Rachel sandwich was not good. My friends got the dirty wings, they were good. A couple of beers each and we were good to go!
(3)Karen C.
Our first stop in Portland on Friday night around 7:30. Place was hopping, as you would expect, but we were seated promptly. As I am sure everyone knows, the beer list is amazing and one of the main reasons we came here. Food menu is a little overwhelming; I prefer restaurants that specialize in one amazing thing rather than places that have a little of everything and nothing super amazing. That being said, my burger was pretty solid (one eyed bacon cheeseburger) and cooked how I asked for it, medium rare. The fries were good but not my favorite - round slices which took me by surprise when my burger came. Service was friendly although a tad on the slow side. Overall worth a visit when in the area.
(3)Justin H.
Come on in for lunch and you're guaranteed to get great beer, great food and great service with some sweet tunes playing in the background. Love the bear!!!
(4)Daniel K.
The only reason I am giving 3 states is because the hot sauce was good. Otherwise, it was over rated. The wings were over-cooked and dry. Service was decent, but wings were terrible.
(3)Joanna R.
One of the reasons I miss Maine. Great atmosphere for eating great food, drinking great local beer (Allagash!!) and just hanging out with family and friends. I stop here every time I am "home" There is something for everyone on this vast menu. Service consistently nice and on occasion make me laugh. If you haven't stopped in to try this place, you must at least try it.
(5)Jason P.
This place has an outstanding selection of beers and a big bar. The food here is hit or miss. Someplace to have a few beverages with people from work.
(3)Zachary G.
Being my first time at the Great Lost Bear, I had high hopes. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. The service was great if not slightly impersonal. Our server brought drinks and food quickly and with a smile. The food was the real star. My dish of choice was the Bayou Burger. The burger was cooked to a perfect charred medium well and the toppings, including fried onions, jack cheese and buffalo sauce, complimented the burger perfectly. I thought the draught list was impressive and I chose the Oxbow Farmhouse. It complimented the burger though not perfectly. Overall I can say that I will certainly be returning.
(5)Barbara L.
Good beer selection. Food is underwhelming. Fries tepid & soggy. Cole slaw tasteless. stale bun on my clam roll. Atmosphere is fun so just go for a beer.
(3)Max M.
Fried
(1)Sarah A.
Come here often and the food is great! but the service is always horrible. Each time I go back I hope our waiter will be on top of things but no such luck. Burgers are always cooked to how I like it, nachos are huge, wings are delicious and the amount of beers on tap is overwhelming (good thing, try the sampler!) I will keep going back but I just wish the service was better.
(3)Patrick M.
We went to the GLB for a 50th B-Day. I am a huge fan of the Mother and Child and its always good. However the rest of the food is ehh. The fries were cold and soggy. The beer selection is great and it helps offset one of the worst front of house staffs I've run into in a long time. If you go sit at the bar and order from the barmaid/ barman. Otherwise you'll most likely be treated as I have 90% of the time- with indifference. I'm still a fan of the place but won't sit at a table. We were at a small 4 top with beers and just a pile of info from the GLB. Space was hard to come by. We ordered an app and sandwiches. The app came out and the waiter piled up the info bucket right in front of me and 2 minutes later they ran our sandwiches out and kind of piled those in the middle. Nice timing. I ended up putting all of the info stuff- menus-beer lists-promo items on the floor just so we could make a little space.
(3)Allen I.
I can't deny the fact that the beer selection was a go, but beer in Portland is good ; everywhere. We ordered the mega-chicken nachos. Yes, they came out and they looked good. It's not worth me uploading the picture they all look the same. However, they were flat out weak, and maybe the worst I've ever had. First the cheese which looked so good melted on top had absolutely no flavor at all. Then underneath the cheese was a bunch of undercooked veggies(peppers, jalapeños, almost raw onions). Then, of course was the chicken. I'm sorry. You don't use chicken off the bone w. that harsh gamey flavor it overpowers the nachos. I had pieces of dark meat in there and gristle thinking to myself seriously?I'd 100 percent go back for a drink the 2.99 pint of the day was a great deal but as far as the food...Those were by far the worst nachos I've ever had and would feel much more comfortable making my own with a bag of sargento and a rotiseree chicken, because I consider that the equivalent.
(2)Mr P.
The Hell Fire Wings are best hot wings in the known universe. I get a side of the Hell Fire Sauce to take home, keeps my sweat glands working until my next visit :)
(5)Kathryn B.
Great find! We had just driven 13 hours from Canada enroute to Boston and starving! We "yelped" casual dining and this was the first to pop up. What a gem! The tuna burger was excellent (opt for Cajun style and ask for a side of the wasabi cucumber dressing instead of mayo!) and the fish and chips were huge, fresh and tasty. Interior is fun, lots of local kitsch-cool bar area-we had a 10 year old in tow and ambiance was family friendly. It was quiet on a Monday night (8:30ish), the staff was very friendly and efficient; so good my BF is there again right this second having lunch with his friend. Really liked it-we will be back.
(4)Justine J.
This is an awesome spot, especially as a casual dining spot with friends. Their menu is HUGE and everything I've tried so far has been fantastic -- desserts and drinks included. I've always had a good experience here and continue to go back! PS: Try their chocolate cake in a mason jar. YUM.
(4)Kevin M.
been going here for over 20 years. Always have a great beer selection on tap and great burgers. Nice little neighborhood bar and grill
(4)Andrew S.
Three of us flew in on a Sunday afternoon (in early March) and we were craving some food and local brews. Based on yelp reviews, we decided to try out this establishment. It seemed cozy and fairly busy when were being seated. The beer list was extensive, with the waitresses help, we choose three local beers (all of which pleased our slightly beer-snobbish palates). The service was quick and the waitress was both pleasant and helpful. We ordered the mac & cheese as an appetizer and haddock, portobello sandwich, and crab grilled cheese as the main course. My brother, who is a vegetarian, especially liked the portobello and mac & cheese. I would categorize the meals as good pub food (nothing too fancy, just tasty comfort food). The most unique aspect of this place was the cool and funky decorations. It was enjoyable to walk around the view the different pictures and history of Portland/New England's past. Overall, I would come back based on the hearty meals, good beer selection, and local pub-like feel.
(4)Jamie A.
One of my favorite downtown Portland hangouts! The great: Great local beer selection- tough to rival! Great atmosphere! Awesome food- My favorite= the buffalo chicken wrap (I won't get this anywhere else because it is so good here) The not so great: Parking can be tough on a busy evening
(5)S And E H.
Large beer selection. HUGE food selection. Something for everyone.
(4)Puneet M.
I've been here twice with two different experiences. Both times I sat in the same spot at a table near the bar and really enjoyed the ambiance of the place both times. The first time I went I would have found a way to give it a sixth star if I could. We had a older gentlemen as our waiter and he was absolutely amazing. Very pleasant, helpful and fun. Having him as our waiter alone warranted 5 stars. The beer selection is amazing with a great balance in the amount and type of beers they serve. Again 5 star worthy. We had a burger and chili Thai boneless wings. The burger was good but the wings were amazing. The ranch was incredible. The second time was a little different. The waiter was not as nice and not to attentive. We tried the nachos but there must have been a pound of cheese on it which was way over the top. We tried the peanut Thai boneless wings which was just breaded chicken with a side of skippy peanut butter. The buffalo boneless wings was pretty good and again the ranch was amazing. We got a beer tower which was odd. It was really just a pitcher in a tower form. It didn't really stay cold and would have been much better in a pitcher. The second experience really brought the rating down which was a shame but I will be going back hopefully for the first experience.
(4)Kerry P.
Food is good, staff are nice. It not well-lit but many won't care. Menu includes healthier options and vegetarian as well. Great beers on tap.
(4)Bobby F.
Stopped in late night for some grub and a beer and I ran into The Almighty Cheesus Burger... Damn that was good... We also split the super nachos which were also very tasty with probably a pound of cheese on them Mmmmm... The beer list is also something I had to tackle but in the end I went local because why not?!
(4)Jeffrey R.
I've visited here a handful of times. Never have I been disappointed with the food or beer selection - my mouth and stomach leave QUITE satisfied. My feelings towards the hospitality on the other hand... Well let's just say it's been subpar enough times that I'm here talking about it. While the actual items being served make me think "five star!", sadly the service makes me leave disappointed and ends the experience on a "one star :(" note. This most recent visit, our waitress never checked on us during the meal, never came by to pick up any dishes we were done with, and never even suggested dessert/coffee/etc. after the meal. Not until we started stacking a few dishes to help clean up did she begrudgingly come to our table. I will most likely come back, but I will head toward the bar for beverages and hope for the best with the bar staff.
(3)Kiesha J.
When my husband and I walked in, we stood at the hostess stand for a good five minutes. Finally a server came over and said, "I don't know where the hostess is, but I'll seat you." We then took our seats and our server took our drink orders. He came back to tell us that the beer my husband wanted had kicked. My husband asked for a good Maine beer recommendation and the server suggested a Vermont beer... Okay. He then brought our beers over and mine was only half full because it had also kicked. They graciously didn't charge me for that half-glass. We ordered our food and it arrived and it was fine. Not outstanding, not subpar, but fine. Then we waited nearly 30 minutes to get our check once we were finished. The couple next to us sat down while we were eating and it took nearly 20 minutes for them to even get asked about beverages. I wanted to like this place. The beer list is great, the decor is kitschy and fun, but with service the way it was, I can't imagine ever going back.
(2)Melanie R.
I am always appreciative of new places, especially foodie places! The Great Lost Bear, or GLB, is a good place to sit and hang out, have a cold glass of beer and eat some pub food. The atmosphere is woodsy lodge meets Maine meets Forest Ave. it works, strangely enough. My friend and I ordered Margaritas. They were decent. I wasn't expecting gold but it was certainly tasty! I had the Veggie Tempura Roll-up and my friend had the Pattymelt. My roll was very tasty and I enjoyed every bite. It had crispy tempura veggies inside a wrap with more veggies and it came with two sauces I asked to have on the side. This worked put perfectly! My friend loved her burger! It looked exactly how she ordered it and wanted it. Our server was Owen, and he was really great!! Knew the menu, chatted with us for a few moments, personable, attentive; overall an added bonus for the GLB.
(4)George T.
I've been to Buffalo, I tried Anchor and Duff's both sucked compared to Great Lost Bear's wings. Best wings in America as far as I'm concerned.
(5)Nick W.
Great pub food and huge beer selection. Burgers are solid. Service is good. It is what a good bar should be.
(4)David G.
I agree with many reviews, in that the menu is ambitious and the beer selection is impressive. They need to improve the refrigeration as it seems I'm stuck with a lukewarm beer at least once a visit. I can appreciate the fact that regulars find every flaw charming. However, the food is average and the atmosphere relies heavily on a random collection of junk adorning the walls and ceiling. Worth a visit but lacking in too many areas to frequent.
(2)Jason B.
I think people that leave good reviews must be drunk from the large selection of beer or love to hear themselves talk in the form of writing. I want to like the Bear, I really do. But they won't let me. It would be super convenient and we'd be regulars (live and work close) but just can't stand the service / lack of food quality. We've been going on and off for years. Service (with the exception of one exceptional waiter) is always slow and depending who you get they can be rude. It's almost like they have a culture of taking customers for granted. Burgers are consistently burnt. No matter how you ask for it to be cooked it's charred on the outside and raw on the inside and I'm not talking about one experience or I'm in a bad mood. I'm talking about I've given them at least 10 chances and finally gave up. I'm a creature of habit and also have tried other dishes once I gave up on the burgers and they lack consistency as well. O.k. one week, totally screwy the next. The wraps can vary in size so greatly one week you are stuffed- the next you are left hungry. Yeah, there is a good selection of beer, big deal. If I was here just to drink I'd have to wait too long to get my beer and then there is a good chance it might be flat. The service and food don't compute with the ratings on here.
(2)Kevin S.
I've been here several times and have yet to be disappointed. My favorite is the Mother and Child Reunion. It's a fried chicken sandwich with a fried egg and melted cheese. It's great comfort food in a place that's good for groups.
(4)Scott M.
Daaaaa Bear! If you are looking for a great assortment of Maine beers and solid bar food, go hunt for a parking spot! If you are looking for a foodie haven, keep driving towards the city. Personal food favs = meat chili, any of the burgers, buffalo chix salad w/ hellfire sauce. Thursday nite beer showcases are great. We have had great experiences with the service...but again, you don't see white tablecloths, so temper your expectations folks! This place is regularly mentioned in Beer Advocate and other brew publications. That is good enough for me! Verdict - I'll be back....A LOT!
(5)Laurence P.
It is sad, infinitely sad, to have to say that after many attempts to like the food at the GLB, or simply to find it tolerable, it is clear that there is nothing to be done. Everything is microwaved. Even the burgers are mediocre at best. And the fries are no good at all. The beer is brilliant. But do not eat. In a great foodie town, the GLB stands out for not giving a damn. It is a pity, but also a bit of a scandal.
(1)Ross C.
Fine food, great beer. I watched the bar tender's attempts at pouring beers and cringed accordingly, however. "Tilt the glass at the spout? No, I'll rest the glass flat on the drip tray and let the beer fall into it and then wonder why it's 80% froth when I'm done."
(4)Haley M.
The service is pretty great with lots of beer choices and amazing food. It's one of my favorite places to go.
(5)Nick R.
The almighty Cheesus burger was delicious. The fish was super fresh, and the fries were great. Great selection of Maine beers on tap. A little more than I would normally care to pay at a bar, but it was definitely worth it!
(4)Julian K.
One of my favorite restaurants in the Portland area. Food is good (cheese sauce is amazing) and there is an ample selection of beers and wines (from local to imported, microbrews to macrobrews) to suit any taste or preference. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that parking is very tight, but if you can find a spot, I highly recommended The Great Lost Bear.
(4)Coleman Q.
HUGE Beer selection. Personally I suggest their amazing house made Chili and then go with a tube thing of beer. It's bigger than a pitcher and it is a great price. Great place for friends and for families. Also can seat large groups. We used to go here before baseball games!
(4)Adria R.
My first date with my now husband was here, and we got engaged here three years later in November of 2012. So it automatically gets 5 stars forever and ever.
(5)Jimmy H.
A mystical place for local beer connoisseurs! Feels like a dungeon that's frozen in time and nothing has changed since they opened but that is what makes this place unique. Truly a locals paradise if you want to get away from the downtown scene. Bar food is not bad either. The wings are HUGE and pretty good....check it out and u might be a regular soon.
(4)Dan B.
Tried this place for the first time last night after walking by many times and smelling the delicious food. The good news is the food tasted as good as it smelled. We were seated as soon as we walked in. The waiter was very nice and knew the menu very well. After ordering our food it arrived quickly. The beer selection was very extensive 75+ on tap.
(5)Sandra B.
I never go here and find a burger I don't like. My favorites are the One Eye Bacon Burger and the Mushroom Burger (with a huge honking portabella mushroom on top) with some added Swiss for me! My husband likes the Cheeseburger with their special cheese sauce. The hot buffalo wings can't be beat either! They are the full wing not just those wingettes that you get at sub par establishments! And not to mention they always have a tasty beer on tap that I enjoy! I'm so glad I walked into this place several years ago- it has been our go to restaurant when we need a burger/wing fix.
(5)Mark S.
The beer is the Bear. You can tour many of Maine's craft breweries from a barstool as they have about 60 taps pouring mostly regional beers. There are usually a couple of cask ales on draft as well. Food items from a multiple-page menu include sandwiches, entrees, appetizers and bar food. You can get taster-size pours, which I like since they have so many choices. A must stop whenever I'm in Maine.
(3)Amy D.
Burgers + wings = awesome!! We were looking for a good burger place in the Portland area to offset all of the seafood we were eating, and are glad we found The Great Lost Bear! We ordered: -Pound of Thai Wings w/Half Peanut and Half Chili Thai Sauce ($7.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): WOW. I ordered this on a whim since wings sounded really good, and was happily surprised by how delicious they were! A pound equals only 4 wings, but it worked out well for us. The peanut sauce was actually tastier than the chili thai, but both were good. I would definitely recommend ordering this! -One Eye Bacon Cheeseburger (w/Fried Egg, Bacon & American Cheese, $11.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Pretty good, but I wish they served you some vegetables on the side so you at least have the option of putting them on your burger (the standard onion, tomato, lettuce). Not sure if I would order this again though. -The Almighty Cheesus Burger (No Bun- Served Between Two Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/Pickles, Lettuce, Tomatoes, $13.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): WOW. The crazy dishes that people come up with! I'm not a fan of grilled cheese, so only took a couple of bites, but I actually really liked it! The pickles they put in one of the grilled cheese sandwiches helps to break up the richness. I don't think I could eat more than half of this sandwich, at the max, but I would definitely recommend trying it. Very unique. Overall, The Great Lost Bear is a great spot to satisfy your craving for comfort food. They have an extenstive menu that also offers a few healthy dishes, so they have something for everyone. I recommend that everyone give their peanut wings a try! They have their own lot so parking is pretty easy, but the lot is a bit squishy.
(4)Joe M.
Amazing beer selection. Great place to grab a burger or some apps. None of the food really blew me away but it's good for what it is. Try the Holy Cheezus burger. Huge burger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches.
(4)Thomas N.
finally found the placeafter i wrote the address down wrong, lunch recently, beer barish place and the selection was excellent and the food was great, wife had the buff chicken salad and i had one of the cheese steaks (they had 5 i think) and all was great, would definitely revisit if backin the area, though i expect it is pretty busy at night
(5)Matt K.
Great fine, would have driven right by if a friend had not recommended. Stopped in for lunch on a snowy Saturday and had an Allagash White and a burger. Huge beer selection and great menu. Beer was great and burger was a top notch "Pub Burger". The ambiance great and the they had a ton of beers on tap. I would recommend if you are in the Portland area to stop by.
(4)Andrew B.
Giving a rating to the GLB is hard for me. I've been coming here for years, since I grew up in Portland. I used to recommend this place to all of my friends who were visiting, however the last time I took friends there to show off this unique watering hole we were... to say the least... underwhelmed. I always get the same thing: start with the nachos (I think it used to be Frank Sinacho's, but that's not on the current menu), the burger, medium with cheese sauce (no onions and mushrooms) and the brownie and ice cream to close it out. All with an Andrew's Pale. The food is the same, very good but not healthy --- if you are dieting, don't torture yourself --- but the vibe and service in the place has changed over the years. I remember it being dynamic and fun, a definite alternative to the chain restaurants and with better food, but the ambiance was always the difference. From the plasma globe at the hostess station to the funky menus and always fun staff, sitting at the bar with the regular crowd or grabbing one of the booths in the back of the bar and schmoozing with friends over one of their many, very good on-tap beers. The GLB was a great local venue and, IMO, a place to go for those "in the know". Unfortunately, the last few times we have been there, while the food is the same, the vibe and the service were lackluster at best. We were seated in the back, it was cold, and the service was... well, we waited 30 mins for a drink order from a waitress who never made eye contact and was clearly more interested in getting back to chatting with friends than waiting on us. I was embarrassed for having recommended this place and then taking friends to what was my favorite watering hole. (Funny enough, it's the same waitress I have seen there for many years). Maybe I am getting old - it's been 25+ years since I started coming here, but it seems the waitstaff has too, and whatever fun was there has been replaced by obligatory pleasantries. The food and beer is still great, but when I go there I no longer feel like a welcomed regular, it's more like the impersonal treatment you might get at any other restaurant where the staff is as transient as the clientele. The food: 4; ambience: 3/4; service: hit or miss.
(3)Ari O.
I'll start off: the beer is fine. We went for beer and burgers, hearing that their burgers were good. And we were sorely disappointed. My girlfriend's burger came almost completely bare--no lettuce, tomato or onion or much of anything else. But that is sort of what she ordered. Mine, however, was overcooked. Way overcooked. I asked for it medium rare and it was very well done. But not only that, it was cold. It seemed that they'd cooked mine well before hers, and then put it out under a not-very-hot heat lamp, at which point the cheese solidified and the whole burger got cold. I *never* send back food but after one bite it was deemed inedible. I called back the waiter and asked for it to be remade. Here's where GLB could have won my heart. They could have gone back and properly cooked my burger, brought it out, and I would have been happy. I've worked in kitchens; things get messed up. Redemption is a beautiful thing. When it came out, it was well done AGAIN. That's inexcusable. It was warm, at least, and I choked it down, but I'm not about to go back for anything that is not cold and liquid. Sorry, guys, it should not be hard to cook a burger medium rare, especially when given two chances.
(2)Sarah E.
We were here on a Friday night and the place was packed - thankfully our table of 4 was seated right away. That being said, the service was a little slow, but that was understandable. Beer menu is pretty amazing - all sorts of beers! There's a whole lot of local things, so that's nice to see as well. The menu is overwhelming - it's like there's too many options. I ordered a burger - it was eh. Not the best burger I've ever had, but it was still a solid burger for what it was. We also ordered the buffalo chicken mac and cheese as per all the reviews said. I have to say - not impressed. The chicken was in hunks in the mac and cheese and just didn't have any flavor to it. If you're into beer, this is the place for you. The food isn't stellar, but if you're looking for something to eat, it's not bad.
(3)Kyung R.
They have the best wings I've had in the city of Portland, but I feel like their burgers were overrated. The beer option is amazing here if you go. If you are looking for some decent bar food along with a great selection of beer, this is the place for you! I tried their dirty wings and chili burger. The dirty wings is what I order every time I go there, but their fish and chips looked pretty amazing too!
(3)Clark K.
Hands down; best burger you'll have in Maine. If you're looking for fine dining experience and an excellent meal, The Great Lost bear is the place for you. Also equipped with an incredible bar, the great lost bear has an warm ambiance and humble waiters and waitresses. If you don't mind a bit of a wait after you order, you've found the perfect dinner-date restaurant.
(5)Wendy B.
My boyfriend and I visited Portland this past July. This was my first time visiting Maine and I would move there in a heartbeat. Anyway, my love of great beer put this place high on our list of places to visit...it also helped that we were visiting friends that live in Portland and they recommended it. WOW!!! I wish I lived closer. Awesome beer selection and great food. Laid back atmosphere and friendly staff. I can't say enough good things about The Bear....even had to get a shirt to take home with me!! We plan on making Maine our yearly vacation spot so I will definitely be going back when I am there!
(5)Bob B.
Awesome beer selection! The most ridiculous burger I have ever had. The Almighty Cheesus. Alleluia! What can you say about a burger where the bread is two grilled cheese sandwiches. But no normal grilled cheese sandwich, they have pickles and bacon inside. Then the perfectly cooked burger has cheese, bacon and a fried egg. It is truly a religious experience.
(5)Jeff H.
For the price, it was exactly what we were looking for. I am surprised there are not more TVs around the bar to feature more of a sports feel and show football games. The food itself was spot on. Spicy chili with a great flavor. The burgers were cooked perfectly. My son was extremely happy with his meal. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Basically, if you want a simple meal with a bar feel, you cannot go wrong.
(4)Hilary H.
My little brother (I say little... he's 6'4") had his pick of dinner spots while I was visiting him in Portland, ME and The Great Lost Bear is where he chose to go. After eating here, I certainly understand why. The atmosphere is no-fuss, casual and fun. We sat outside on the back porch, ordered up a few pints and a plate of nachos, and the fun began. They have SO MANY different types of beer, and the waitress was more than happy to help us select. The nacho options were plentiful, too - and what we wound up with was so delicious I would have licked the plate. The best part? The burgers. THE BURGERS. Looking over the menu, I saw three options that called to me, and I was having trouble deciding. So, when my friend the waitress came back, I asked her if there was a way to combine them. She let me, and all I have to say is this: bacon, blue cheese, and buffalo wing sauce on a medium-rare patty. Oh lordy, it was indescribably delicious. I think I might be genius, to be honest. Each burger came with its own side of hand cut fries that weren't at all too heavy or greasy, and complimented the burgers perfectly. Also, the burgers came in their own little burger-sized dish on the serving plate, which really helped with the mess. I appreciated that. I love The Great Lost Bear, and will certainly request a return visit on my return visit to Portland!
(5)Josh G.
My group of friends and I discovered this fantastic little restaurant from a panel of brochures before we went on a sunset cruise, coming all the way from Albany NY to visit for the weekend not knowing where to go or what to do for food we decided hey were all starving let's check out this place since it accommodated all of our dietary restrictions and very picky eaters. Our waiter his name was Stewart I very much recommend him, he was a very hospitable man and very patient with us mispronouncing sebago beer names and other maine things & such also he was very helpful in selecting our 5 choices in the beer sampler and very patient with that. The food was fantastic, the service was amazing and not to mention how extremely helpful the host was with our ripped pants issue. My roommate tried to pants me in the cold and failed, ripped them right off me and thankfully the host had some packing tape to patch up that rip. The vegetarian rueben was fantastic and on point, we also ordered the fish & chips which were fried very lightly and perfectly crispy, the lost sauce offered as a condiment was on point as well, the taco salad was very enjoyable and was everything we wished it would be and more we also ordered a cheese steak the meat was very tender and delicious from what our friend had said. They also have some of the best cole slaw we have ever had. Based on the experience we had we will certainly be returning and hope to see Stewart upon returning. Our date of visit was 03/13/15
(5)Tara G.
I love this place. I will drive the 2 hours just to get their buffalo wings. They are spicy and a bit sweet, just delicious. Never had one's better then these in my area. They also have one of the best beer menus around. I love trying all the different types they have on tap. If you are into beer then try the beer taster-sampeler, they have some seasonal brews that are worth trying as well. The staff is very informative and helpful. The menu has a great range of different things, to make most anyone in your group happy. Don't let the rough look of the outside, deter you from walking in. It is a great place to grab a few beers and have a tasty meal.
(4)Ted L.
I first went to The Great Lost Bear last year while visiting Portland. It is a fantastic specialty beer place, with fantastic food to match. The burgers (I had the Formage a trois)are a perfect compliment to the 65-plus beers here. One of my favorite things about it is that you have the ability to try five beer flights in the small tasting glasses... a great way to sample the wide variety. They also have an impressive array of high alcohol content brews and trapist ales. Definitely a must do. The nice thing about the menu too, is that in addition to being eclectic, it has a wide variety of options, ranging from vegetarian to fullblown meat mode.... easily enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest of diners.
(5)Bethany W.
Best local bar around! Love their nachos!!!
(4)Roneece D.
The menu was all over the place and the food proved it!!! Maybe after a few beers the food gets better. Our server was very nice.
(2)Andrew J.
When my family first visited Portland in November 2012, our advance scouting led us to Great Lost Bear. The promise of practically endless local beers, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere was too much to ignore. Having lived here for eight months now, having samples a fair amount of local offerings, and having visited GLB more times than I can count, I can attest that it is easily one if the most exciting "restaurants" around. I put restaurants in quotes for no reason other than GLB is so much more than just that. The food is largely pub fare - albeit SEVEN PAGES worth - and has yet to leave me dissatisfied. The service has been hit-or-miss over the last year or so. A couple of the male servers are great, and Mike (the manager) is always great behind the bar, but the rest of the bartenders and female hosts/waitresses seem pretty put out that customers keep showing up. And this is not a one-off for me, either - I go at least a couple times per month. The tap list? Come on - no review necessary. Tuesdays & Thursdays are my go-to nights. If you have not tried GLB, you're missing out on a great time - time that seems to stand still while you're there.
(4)None B.
I ate at this establishment recently and had hands down the worst meals of my life. And I made this yelp account for the sole purpose to advice others not to eat there. The reason why, the food is terrible!!! I order some "cheese fries" haha, more like cottage cheese that had been throw into the microwave on top of greasy fries. My main course was still though the biggest disappoint to come, I got the taco salad. Simple enough right? WRONG!! The vegetables tasted past their prime by months and the taco meat tasted like it came from a dog food container!! Everyone else in my party of 4 also found the food repulsive but you get the overall flow for how the food taste and I see no need to carry on with that issue. The waiter i think did a good job he was nice and didn't mess up anyone of the orders of food...... Although chiefs managed to do that on their own still somehow. The parking is tight so those who are nervous drivers it can be a little nerve wracking pulling in and out. Also I hope you love cigarette smoke cause smokers stand right outside the entrance door and light up resulting in a terrible smell. I will never go back and I hope those of you who read this don't waste your money there because it's just terrible!!!
(1)Marc C.
I have to say, I love a good beer bar. TGLB certainly qualifies as a great one. Sixty-nine beers on tap with at least fifteen being from Maine craft breweries. They generally have four cask conditioned ales available served via beer engines/hand pumps. You're usually lucky to find a bar that offers one or two cask conditioned ales. Four is a real treat! I sampled more beers than I probably should have. They all were great. The wings are huge and perfectly cooked. The spicy/sweet sauce was very nice. The burgers were juicy and flavorful. Mine was cooked medium rare and was topped with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions. The atmosphere is something like the great north woods meets Cheers. The servers are uniformly friendly and engaging. Unfortunately, ours didnt know all that much about beer. I'm not sure how you can work at a place with all those beers on tap and not know about beer. They sould be better trained. That is what made the difference between four and five stars. It is a great place to stop tho. It didn't take long for my long lost Maine accent to comeback and ask for another bee-aahhh!
(4)Lori R.
What a disappointment! Let me list all my complaints! 1. orrdered a beer sampler and 2 of the 4 beers were flat. (I mentioned it tot hte waiter and he never offered to replace them with anything else. Later in the meal the table next to me complained about the flat beer and was told that it never happens but they would tell the bartender.) 2. Waited over an hour for our food. 3. Cheesesteak served with ricotta cheese!! WTF??? 4. On my way out the door and hear a waitress ( not ours) speaking loudly enough for all to hear, " Those fuc*ing people didn't leave me a tip!" ...Hmmm, I wonder why???? Save your money and avoid this place. HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)Jon D.
The food is fun, tasty, and quick. This place was recommended to me by many locals when I first came to Portland and I was dubious as it looks like a biker bar, but it's a solid food serving family restaurant. The burgers are great, the ambiance is road-trip classic, and the drink selection encompasses a large chunk of local and imports - still no Shiner Bock though. :-)
(4)Francis B.
Going for the extensive on-tap beer selection would be enough for most. The Great Lost Bear takes it a step further: a broad menu that goes beyond the typical deep-fry pub fare. Very knowledgeable staff. It appears the staff tastes most of the entrees as well as the premium beers. Their opinions are real, unobtrusive, and help the patron navigate their extensive selection. If in doubt about a new or unusual beer, they will even bring you a 2 ounce sampler to try. Great service!
(4)Tuck C.
Several people recommended this place when they heard I was in Portland. I had a long drive back to Boston and a low tolerance for loch oil, so I skipped the beer. I did, however, have the best cheesesteak that I've ever tasted. Rather than a glob of neon yellow cheese sauce, this came with a house made white cheese sauce, sort of like a béchamel sauce--it was incredible! I can't wait to get back to Portland and try more.
(5)Kristin S.
Awesome beer selection. It would be better if they had PBR on draft instead of in the pounder cans, but there's so many to choose from that it's really a non issue. Huge menu with your standard pub fare, even vegetarian options. They have this burger called "The Cheesus" which is a burger between two grilled cheese sandwiches, I definitely want to try this the next time I'm hung over:) I would stay away from their cheese steaks though, my husband had one and was not impressed. They have their own cheese sauce that looked gross from my vantage point, and my husband was not a fan. Other then that, I loved the atmosphere and beer selection and there are many menu options I would like to try so I definetly plan on going back.
(4)Steve A.
Service started slow but picked up. Food is worth coming back for. Beer selection is unparalleled - and it's all from Maine! Glad I found this place.
(4)George H.
Excellent beer selection. The bartenders are friendly and very, very knowledgeable about their beer and beer, generally. We did not eat during our visit. We arrived around 8 on a Friday night and seating was plentiful at the bar. Great spot!
(5)Jason B.
I grew up in Portland not to far from the GLB and I have eaten here most of my life almost. I recently moved back and was eager to go back and was sadly sadly disappointed. I went with my girlfriend and we went around lunch. It was pretty slow in there so we got a table right away. we then sat there for a good 15-20 MINS! before anyone even came over to take are drink order. The server didn't seem to know the specials for the beer but seem to mention she knew that there were some for that day......so that was no help there. the food was pretty bland nothing I couldn't have made at home for half the cost. I came back for a 2nd time with some friends for dinner one night and experienced the same thing, really awful wait staff service mixed with really poorly done food especially when not one person had their burger done right at the whole table, they were either over done or underdone BY A LOT . I really wanted to like this place and give it a great review seeing as how I grow up right by the GBL and eating there all the time. I was sad to come back after a few years of school and working to find that it's service and food are so bad. In a town like Portland there's no reason to settle for such poor quality when there's a million great places up the street in town so if your a tourist steer clear unless you just want cheap beer.
(1)Andy G.
The Great Lost Bear on 540 Forest Avenue in Portland Maine will appeal to your senses. Your eyes will be captivated by the decor, your mind will be tested by the novel like size of the menu ( including a Bears load of local brews) and your taste buds will be tantalized by the all the deliciousness that they will experience. This is a place for foodies, families, hippies and college kids alike. Vegans, veg heads and meat eaters unite, I think anybody could find something they would enjoy on this menu. The Great Lost Bear is located just minutes away from a number of schools and colleges in the Portland area, this helps to keep the place hopping at all hours. Parking can be a bit troublesome but if you take the time to drive around a bit, a spot can usually be found in the small lot beside the building or along the street. Once inside you will probably get lost yourself ( apparently just like the Great Bear ). The rooms are a little dark and dimly lit, some may call this romantic, some with bad eye site may consider it a safety hazard. There are many side rooms with a larger dining room and bar area to sit at and if you are lucky you may even get to sit underneath a dead animal head on the wall. After being seated, Simone and I ordered our drinks and got down to the task of looking through the extensive menu options. After much debate, we decided to start with some healthy sounding Teriyaki Grilled Mushrooms with house made Parmesan Peppercorn Dip, and the not so healthy Poutine with local Pineland Farms cheese curds that was being advertised on the specials board. The appetizers arrived and I was completely blown away by how delicious they were. Lets start with the Pountine ( which I have become an expert on over the years). This was better then any I have ever had. The fries were drowned in a rich gravy but somehow remained super crispy. The cheese curds were sharp and fresh tasting in all their melted goodness. Most Poutines I've had, have been sprinkled with bland curds that have just been chunky and stringy with gravy poured over them. The Poutine from the Great Lost Bear is nothing like that. The cheese, the gravy and crispy fries cook and melt together after being baked in a casserole dish in the super hot oven. I think this was the biggest difference and it really works perfectly.I almost ordered a second helping. Not to be outdone by Poutine, the Mushrooms were equally as delectable. A simple sweet Teriyaki glaze combined with the flavors of the Char broiler grill to make these Mushroom morsels addictive. The Parmesan Peppercorn dressing was the best I have ever had. It was thick, cheesy and had just enough bite from the black peppercorns. The Teriyaki Mushrooms and Dressing worked perfectly together . Again, I almost had to order more. After over filling on appetizers it was on to the meal. Simone ordered an appetizer side of the Specka Spanikopita, a Greek pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese and seasonings. It was baked to a flaky golden brown crust and came out of the kitchen piping hot. I found it to be a little bland and needed some salt but Simone enjoyed and finished it completely. For my entree I deiced to have the Thai Peanut Chicken Sandwich with a side of Red Beans and Rice. The chicken was grilled perfectly- moist and tender. The peanut sauce was good, not overly spicy but plenty of flavor. Much like the soanikopita, The red beans and rice were not as flavorful as I was expecting but a little dash of salt fixed that. Both the entrees were good but not as tasty as our appetizers and both of us agreed that we could have just kept eating the apps all night and skipped the actual meals. Somehow we managed to find space for dessert. Although we debated having the Carrot Cake special we ultimately decided upon the Snickers chocolate pie. This was a great choice. The crust was perfect. Flaky and tender. The filling was a semi solid fudgey, deep, dark, milky, chocolate lovers wet dream. And the whipped cream and caramel sauce was the perfect way to top it all off. The Great Lost Bear was as good as I hoped. The appetizers were the best I have ever had, The entrees although not as tasty as the appetizers were still good, and the dessert ( which the waitress told me wins awards) was a perfect rich and filling end to the night. I will definitely be back , especially for that Poutine. 4 stars for the Great Lost Bear.
(4)Liam S.
5 stars for local beer selection on draft, 3 stars for food. What I really like about this place is that you can get flights for 1.25 each. A great way to sample the beer selection.
(4)Paul L.
Great beer, good food. BUT, the menu is waaaaaay too big. You may snafu at that but c'mon. The more choices one has, the harder that decision making becomes.
(4)Bill T.
Fun spot. Lots of beer options. Food is decent. The burger is good and I've also had and liked the buffalo chicken wrap. Head to the Bear!
(4)Catherine B.
I am in town and visiting and my BFF (local) and I went here for lunch.. I had a Cheesesteak with mushroom and onions to be covered with cheese sauce (which I thought would be a cheese sauce).. this was the worst Cheesesteak I have ever had.. the meat was dry.. the mushroom/onions were on the bottom and the cheese sauce .. I don't know what is thought of as cheese sauce in Portland but in the rest of the USA it's normally either melted cheese (in Philly some use Cheese Whiz or Provolone) I assumed this sauce would be melted velveeta or Cheese Wiz or something like a queso.. this 'sauce' was thick, separated and terrible tasting.. there is a review by a woman who posted a picture and that is exactly what I experienced also.. I think it was over overheated cream cheese? but dry meat with melted perhaps cream cheese isn't a cheese steak with cheese sauce.. I ate my sandwich because 1) I was starving and 2) I didn't want to insult my friend of many years.. Our waiter was cursory and unfriendly.. the whole experienced was poor.. I would try it again if someone could assure me that they could make a decent Philly Cheesesteak hero.. very disappointing..they have a huge menu so perhaps they should cut it in half. Very very disappointing meal.
(2)Seva K.
This is another must-visit gem for those in Portland, Maine! The interior is somewhat dim-lit, with stuff like old yearbook class photos from area high schools, along with breweriana on the walls. The selection is pretty huge- lots of locals and quality imports, and themed sampler flights are offered. You can also design your own flight to try several things you haven't had before. For food they have pretty solid comfort fried foods, with lots of unique(for this area) items. They have a lot of promos and theme nights. On a recent visit, they had 5 good to awesome offerings from Allagash(and since they occupied their own draft system, it looked liked a dedicated set of taps), as well as Ommegang Aphrodite and some good stuff on cask! It's also next door to a homebrew store, so I see no excuse not to hit this place up while getting some supplies.
(5)Gary G.
stick with the basic pub fare and you'll be alright. wings, burger, cheesesteak. nothing special about this joint but the patio can be nice on a summer afternoon post work.
(3)Jacob P.
The service is the worst. The food is terrible. Parking sucks. Damn though they have the best beer selection.
(5)Katrina H.
Had a SeaDog Blueberry ...can't go wrong here. Also a special burger that was messy and amazing! Every serving coming out of the kitchen was over the top. There was not way anybody was going home hungry.
(5)Rob W.
Every city has that one restaurant that is considered an "institution" and for Portland Maine its the GLB. I was introduced to the GLB while in college by my parents. They had lived in the deering neighborhood 20 years prior and it had been their goto place back then. It was love at first sight. The beer selection alone could put this place atop most peoples list's. Usually there are over 50 beers on tap, and always a terrific blend of micro's from all over the country. Start your meal with an order of wings. I can easily say that these are the best wings I have ever had. They are big, crispy and fresh. The menu from there is book, big and broad, but unlike most places that carry such a large selection of food, the quality isn't lost. I usually cycle through the burger list, and if all else fails go with the egg one. Be sure to get "cheese sauce" on the side with your fries, you wont be disappointed! Even after moving out of Maine, we go out of our way to hit the GLB at least once a year now... and I hope to some day turn my kids into fans...
(5)Meredith M.
If you like good places with good beer filled with good people, you will like this PLACE! The service was outstanding, even for a crowded Saturday night. It feels like a place filled with locals. They had a Connect 4 Game at the bar for patrons to play. The beer selection was Amazing. 50+ beers on tap at the time. They also had a 2.99$ pint special that was a delicious stout. If you are a beer lover, or happen to be in Portland with one, go here. You will leave happy!
(5)Misty S.
What a fun bar! Stopped here during a weekend trip to Portland and I wasn't disappointed. Hubby & I (and the friends we were with) are beer geeks and we were so happy to find this place after seeing it on a "best beer bar" list by beer advocate. It didn't disappoint! Fantastic beer selection, and I was especially happy to see the different meads on the menu too. My friend got the biggest plate of wings (we thought maybe they were Eagle wings they were so big!) I've ever seen! Our bartender was great and could answer all of our beer questions. The back section seemed to be more family oriented and more like a family restaurant. What a fun place!
(4)Mike M.
Lived in Portland for 3 years and this has been my all time favorite restaurant to go to there. Great beers, cool little bar and a huge menu where everything is good. Service might be kinda slow but it's well worth it. Awesome interior and beer specials weekly. Only way to make this place a lil cooler is to add a two flat screens at the bar.
(4)C K.
Onion soup was one of the best ever. Would go back just for that, but the beer is really why you'd go.
(5)Kelly S.
I love a bar that knows their beer. Unfortunately, I can't say The Great Lost Bear is one of them. It started very promising- awesome beer list and the great/nostalgic 'Mr Wendell' was playing. I was ready to settle in. But I received the incorrect pour... twice. And the bartender was really jerky about it (angrily insisted she was right, and then also said there was 'no way to really know'). It was quite annoying to be talked down to by someone who clearly didn't know their stuff. I assume this doesn't go for all the bartenders at The Great Lost Bear, but it really ruined the experience.
(2)Samantha L.
I guess I missed out on the food-gasm that is GLB? Ok, well Cake in a Jar gave me a happy face and made up for it. But the food was meh to disappointing. Okay, I hear people raving about their burgers. Well, I didn't order the burger (don't eat beef) and I was pretty sad to see what arrived on my table. An overcooked, unattractive and bland tuna steak sandwich. What happened, Yelp? Okay, their curry salad dressing is pretty yummy... but if that is all I enjoyed then there is a problem. But really, Cake in a Jar was pretty awesome. I wanted to steal the jar, not gonna lie. They sat this beer snob guy next to us. Okay, I don't drink beer, but guy shut the hell up about all the beers you've had all over wherever you've been and just drink. If you're going to drink, don't bitch at least not until I'm drunk enough to not care or not hear you. And the girl you were with, trust me she DID NOT CARE no matter how many times she said she agreed.
(3)Ronald S.
im a vegetarian and i like beer. sometimes its hard to find places to eat while travelling. reading the GLB menu i saw a few veg friendly dishes and we decided it was worth checking out (and they had lots of beers). the parking lot sucks. the parking on the street was a bit sketchy. i saw the webcam on their site and i thought it was going to be a tiny hole in the wall. i was wrong - its freeekin hooj. it wasnt too busy when we were there (a saturday night?) the beer selection was good, i forget what we had - something local, maybe pumpkiny. the food - oh my the nachos were massive and covered with vegetables, really - moving forward, these were the nachos that all others will be judged by. they were damn good. i had a vegetable reuben that didnt have tempeh or any fake-meats, kinda weird but it was really simple and good. if you are veg and looking for a place to go this is a decent reasonably priced bar type establishment. mmmm reubens.
(4)Patty Z.
The food here is delicious and the servings are hearty. Im impressed with the vegetarian options! Cannot go wrong with anything you eat here.
(5)Jules V.
The Great Lost Bear is a fantastic pub with surprisingly inconsistent food. They have a massive menu, everything on it sounds tremendous but it can be rather hit or miss. I've eaten there a dozen times or more and had as many disappointments as I've had home runs. The beer list is also massive and thankfully a lot more consistent. Mostly ales from craft breweries around the US with some old European standards thrown in. Throw in a creative cocktail list and even with the spotty food this is a great place to hit in Portland. The Lovely Girlfriend threw back a Burnt Trailer (Allen's Coffee Brandy and Moxie - two Maine staples that horrify most of the rest of the country) and an A-Okay (Allen's and Oakhurst milk, she had it with 2%, with whole milk it's called Fat Ass in a Glass). Odd how much she loves the drink of choice for rural Maine but doesn't like the rural. Babysteps. For my blog and more reviews please check my yelp profile page.
(3)Marilyn C.
Good service, good food, expectations exceeded = 5 stars. I was a little skeptical of how the food was going to be based on the variety of food options and size of the menu, but the Great Lost Bear delivered. The waiter was helpful with menu choices, the food was all delicious and they have a good beer selection.
(5)m b.
so my daughter & i went out on a "date" one nite recently, which means she picks the place, which also usually means im doomed! could be any slew of bad restaurants- friendlys, applebees, who knows. but for this occasion- she chose the great lost bear. in about 10 years experience with portland area- i always chose to avoid the great lost bear- bc of some stupid little radio jingle that used to air. when you hear those ads, its almost always a sign of desperation; sure enuff- this place stayed true to that concept. i was shocked to see 4 stars on here for this place, but then again- the clientele there wouldnt know good food, would they? two stars from me might be generous. my daughter ordered chicken nuggets- which we were told was actually the same as chicken strips. the lame, lousy waiter- some foreign guy from the uk or sumthing- was unable to explain the whole thing- nuggets, strips, tenders, who knows what the f they were serving. the guy had zero ability to articulate the whole thing. i ordered a burger with applewood smoked bacon and cheddar. the bacon sucked, and the cheddar sucked. if you cant make those two ingredients good, then what hope do you really have??? the burger came out & was this weird, greasy thing- overcooked, not great beef, and yes- with bacon and cheddar that didnt help the thing. the only positive thing i can say about the burger is that it was a good size. oh- almost forgot- the burger was sumthing like 11 or 12 bucks- a BAD price for a BAD burger. ive often said- you guys wanna move burgers into the $10 plus range?- ok, fine- but it better as hell be a great burger!!! the cheddar was poor grade and tasteless, the bacon- oh plse!!!- im so tired of this whole applewood smoked bacon bs. these places try to make it sound like youre getting some kind of special bacon, or special salad dressing, etc etc etc. gimme a break! the chicken fingers/nuggets/strips/tenders- whatever they were- were actually pretty good. and for the record- they were chicken fingers. one last thing & im done wasting time on this review: i chose the salad as my side item for my burger instaed of fries- bc im sick of fries. the salad was so bad & laughably small that I took a picture of it & sent it around to a couple friends for a laugh. it was served in a dish for dipping sauces or condiments. wilted greens, warm, old carrot shavings- truly awful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the great lost bear oughtta get lost- permanently!!!
(2)Sarah W.
Excellente. Good for Lunch, Dinner, and right before you hit downtown. Wings are awesome. The beer selection is...wow. Usually pretty good service. They have dining area, bar area, and another dining area beside the bar. 'Tis good, easy to find. Small parking lot or park on the street.
(5)Robert S.
Probably best beer selection in the state Delicious burgers and meaty buffalo Wings Visit this place every time I come up from Worcester to see my team play the pirates and I am always impressed.
(5)Matthew M.
OO00ooh! Bad service from a nasty bartender brings this place down a notch. Let me tell ya, Jodie is awesome, but stay away from that grey-haired d#*k that has no idea what customer service is. Trust me, that guy sucks. I know, I know. Sounds like I have a personal problem. Well you are right, I do. But I'm not the only one, and that is why 'The Bear" loses points with me.
(4)Brian M.
We were looking for a bar with good beer and good buffalo wings, which the girlfriend had a craving for, while we were on vacation and we found it. The place is a little gimmicky with the bear theme, heavily decorated walls, comical menu, and a couple of eye catching items. The one that caught my eye the most was the "Almighty Cheesus Burger". I had no intention of ordering a burger with grilled cheese sandwiches in the place of buns, but it's fantastic knowing that such a thing exists. The beer list is also perfect for someone hoping for a taste of Maine. Nearly all of the beers they offer are from Maine with most of them coming from the Portland area. From Sebago's IPA to Geary's Porter to more than half a dozen different Allagash offerings, you can get your local beer fix here. We went with the half order of wings which was a good call because even the half order was pretty impressive. Eight pieces sat in the basket, but each piece consisted of the wing and the druckstick attached to one another so we're talking 16 wings for $6. I didn't like having the wing and drumstick attached to one another because it gets hot and messy when trying to detach the two, but there's no time to be a sissy when devouring wings. The sauce wasn't very spicy, but it was extremely tasty. A few dashes of the locally made Lost Woods hot sauce from the table added some heat and some more delicious flavor. We made a mental note to find some of the Lost Woods sauce to bring home with us, but alas, mental notes made while drinking beer aren't always very effective so we drove home empty handed. The girlfriend kept with the buffalo theme and ordered the buffalo mac and cheese. The buffalo flavor played better with the wings as it didn't really stand out in the mac and cheese. Not a bad dish, but it didn't have the kick she was hoping for. My burger was pretty good, topped with a tasty barbecue sauce and nice, crispy fried onion strips. We really liked this place and I have a feeling that if we lived in the area we'd dine and drink at the Lost Bear on a fairly regular basis. It was a good time and part of a very good weekend.
(5)David V.
Says here that The Great Lost Bear has been around since 1979 - pretty much the dark ages in craft beer culture. I'm not sure what they sold back then other than Bud and Michelob - maybe more imports? Either way, a lot has changed beer-wise in the 33 ensuing years, and this bar rivals and might even eclipse the great Novare Res in terms of locally made brews. Here is where I found an offering from one of my favorite breweries on tap for the very first time (Andrews of Lincolnville, ME and their delicious English Pale), and tried quite a few others. No, I didn't get rip-roaring drunk, thanks to their "tasters" - 5oz pours of practically any beer for $1.25. Enough to get a good feel for a beer without guzzling a whole pint. While many beer snob establishments have menus full of Belgians, Lambics, and over-muscled IPA's, The Great Lost Bear's was well-balanced with a large selection of drinkable pale ales, bitters, reds and other delicious but less flashy styles. The atmosphere reminded me a bit of Sunset in Allston, MA - cavernous and walls covered with vintage beer advertising, license plates and other bric-a-brac. Best way you can tell this is an older establishment - old school urinals that stretch all the way down to the floor. No standing in piss for me! While I had already eaten dinner, the menu was several pages long and looked like mostly satisfying pub-grub comfort food. I did get to try the cake in a mason jar though. Chalk up yet another fun way to eat cake. Oh, and as an added bonus, I found $20 on the ground on my way out! First post of the year for my found-money blog!
(4)Jay H.
So most of the other reviews focus on food and beer. I will briefly reiterate what has already been said. It's a great pub with lots of beers to choose from, friendly staff and satisfying food. The nachos slew my companions and I, meaning our entrees ended up being tomorrow night's entrees at home. Like, we split the chili nachos three ways after running around back bay twice and still barely finished them. Our entrees were excellent the following night reheated in the aluminum containers in which they were sent home. On to the real meat and potatoes of the review. On the patio there is a game our waiter informed me is called ring toss. The equipment consists of a ring on a 3 foot string that is suspended 3ish feet away from a wall with a hook on it. The object of the game is to swing the ring like a pendulum so that it hooks onto the hook. The staff of TGLB made it look childishly simple. I saw at least two of them nonchalantly saunter to the game and get it in two tries. I got it in 37 attempts... or so. My second try I did it in 5. It's one of the most relaxing drinking games I've ever played. If you miss, the ring comes back to you! If you can't catch it, you probably shouldn't be drinking anymore anyway. My only complaint with the game is its moniker. We were thinking that it should be called "hooker" because of the great wordplay enabled. Infantile wordplay? Maybe. But hilarious nonetheless. The hooker definitely showed us a good time. The next time I see the game in a bar it's going to be difficult not to yell "this bar has a hooker!"
(3)Mark S.
A MUST stop if you are in Portland! Everytime I come to Portland from Boston I am sure to stop here. Not only is there a large selection of well made American style food but the beer selection is AMAZING! They have almost all of the Maine brews on tap or in bottle and offer very reasonably priced samplers of anything on tap. I had a crab grilled cheese sandwhich btw and it was totally awesome.
(5)Ryan C.
I have been going regularly to the Bear since the early 90's and this is the first time I have ever thought to write a review. its my old standby, its friendly, the food is consistent, the selection of beers is excellent - especially with the mix of some Belgians to go along with all of the traditional ales, lagers, stouts etc.... The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the cheese sauce, but you don't have to have it so problem solved! I love the crispy potato slice fries, the buffalo(esque) sauce is one of the most unique and delicious I have ever tasted - making the wings and buffalo chicken wrap two of my favorite items on the menu. Huge Nachos that can satisfy a crowd, plenty of fun vegetarian options, good burgers and shaved steak sandwiches. One eyed bacon cheeseburger with fries, gearys summer, and tollhouse cookie pie for desert could be my last meal. The bear is like that old t-shirt that you never want to give away, I hope they are always there!
(4)Bruce R.
Great selection of beers, solidly well prepared and food and a very extensive casual dining menu with lots of options for different tastes
(4)Erin M.
This review is basically just an echo of everything Brian M. said in his review, since we were there together, but I felt the need to put my 2 cents in anyway! We came for the buffalo wings, which we were both happy with. I tend to like my buffalo wings to be a bit spicier (but not painfully so), but these were definitely very good in their uniqueness! The sauce was on the milder side, but it had a pretty unique sweetness to the sauce instead of just being pure spice. The half order was still pretty enormous and more than enough for two of us to split as an appetizer. We gnawed all of the delicious meat off every wing. As my entree, I ordered the buffalo mac n' cheese, which wasn't buffalo-y enough for my particular preference (it was the same sauce as their wings), but still very yummy. Boyfriend got the baked fajita, which was huge, but he finished it anyway! The beer selection makes this place worthwhile on its own. There were tons of Maine brewed beer, which we appreciated a lot, since we like to drink locally brewed beer when visiting new places. I would definitely like to return here on our next Portland trip!
(4)Rachel D.
If you are looking for beer this is the place to go! if you are looking for healthy to healthier options for food, this is NOT the place to go! Love the beer and the occasional nacho and chili plate, but sometimes I like to eat a salad that doesn't have something fried on it or a sandwich that isn't either red meat or fried and have the option of a healthy salad. But the atmosphere is good the food is ok, the beer is great, and its a great place to hang.
(3)Jim B.
Ended up here the day after Thanksgiving with my wife and infant son and it hit the spot. Fun atmosphere, good beer list, fun food options, and space to stick us with the little guy. The servers we dealt with were helpful and attentive.
(5)Simon L.
I don't even know where to begin trying to describe all that is great about this place. Just go on a Monday night, order wings and have some delicious beer.
(5)Melissa B.
I had to knock a star off for the lack of lighting. Pretty decent spread of American-fare that made it hard to choose. I ended up with the chicken cordon bleu which was covered in loads of melty swiss and good quality Canadian bacon. The salsa that came with the Ursa Minor appetizer was tasty, not loaded with cilantro like a lot of restaurants are wont to do. My boyfriend really enjoyed his hellfire wings. Sadly we did not get to partake of the many beers on tap because we were seriously caffeine-deprived, otherwise there would have been beer and not soda at our table.
(3)Stefanie M.
I've never had a bad experience here. Great for groups Monday-Wednesday (they don't take reservations Thurs through Sunday so the wait can be long). Great to try: the beer sampler, the wings (huge and straight from the bird), the nacho selection (not a vegetarian, but "no vaca" were still my favorite) The buffalo mac n' cheese is popular for a reason, and the fries are real slices of potato that can be dipped in buffalo sauce and cheese DO NOT TRY THE PEANUT SAUCE on wings or on anything else. IT TASTES LIKE PEANUT BUTTER. I've been disappointed by the fajitas, simply because they are not fajitas, they are more like a mexican take on the calzone, or a fried burrito. The menu says as much, but I'd rather the menu just use another name. I often park in the corner of the Mobil lot, because the GLB parking spaces are usually taken on a busy night.
(4)Curt L.
What can I say about the Great Lost Bear (GLB) that has not been said before?.............well I will give it a try. GLB has many accolades from such esteemed sources as Gourmet Magazine, Beeradvocate and Forbes. Truly a great great bar. This is what an American bar is all about. Dark, cozy with lots of nooks and crannies. The walls adorned with funny/unique stickers (Sloppy Joe's Key West!....Yooooooouk!) and beer signage. Money from around the world stapled to the walls. Trivia question on the chalk board. Chrsitmas lights twinkling, Foot rails at the bar for the weary traveler. Great music (from my beertenders IPod). I heard Flaming Lips, Paul Simon, Pink Floyd, The Boss and Aretha Franklin during my brief stay here (Thank God I have the music app Shazam!). And the beer!.............Mucho choices on draught. Even cask conditioned ales. I went with the St. Bernadus Prior 8. A fine Belgian that went well with my onion gratinee burger. The burger is prepared with the onions from the onion soup (well marinated) with a gooey slice of provolone. A fresh side salad with a house made lemon curry dressing. Yummy. The place was packed with all ages/types. The locals, bar flys, older couples, even families with youngsters. I don't know much about the bear and how he got lost...........I am just glad that I found this GLB.
(5)Tim G.
The Great Lost Bear taproom came up on the list of great Portland beer destinations. They boast something silly like 60+ taps at any given time. It's a couple miles away from the hubbub of the Old Port, so it's not really walkable if you're hanging around downtown. It is totally worth taking a detour to check out. Tons of bumper stickers on the walls, led lights, and bears everywhere. So we hunkered down at the bar and started the endless task of choosing a beer. My Lady Friend wanted something Mainey, and got an Atlantic Bar Harbor Real Ale (brown ale). I went with a Geary's Cask Conditioned IPA. Not bad, but I wouldn't want more than one at a time. The cask-conditioned ales are much smoother than their non-aged siblings, but usually seem much more filling. Despite the myriad of options available, we just stayed for one beer at GLB. They gave me some free bumper stickers, and apparently, they'll give you some too. It was a great place, and I would have liked to stay longer, but we had to be moving on to other destinations.
(4)Mary J.
we had the poutine and it was awesome. best poutine ever. the burger was also awesome, and so was the beer selection.
(5)Renee M.
I did not eat here but the beer selection was great!! I LOVED the fact that most of the brews were from Maine, as I came in from Boston and wanted to get a taste of what Maine had to offer in terms of beer. And Maine knows what's up! Allagash, Shipyard and Gritty McDuff's? Yes please! Delicious, delicious. We sat outside and the atmosphere was great. I mean what's better than sittin outside in the warm summer air, drinking some brews and catchin up with friends? Nothin' I tell ya, nothin'!
(4)jason m.
Dropped in for lunch on our way to bar harbor from new jersey. Great place. The wings are ridiculously great and we split a burger with goat cheese and sun dried tomato pesto, so great. The beer selection is exactly what I expected. It's what all brewpubs should aspire to. Just wish I didn't have to drive so far for a good pint and great food
(5)Tyler M.
Thank you Yelp for turning my friends and I onto this place. We were driving through Portland and needed somewhere to stop and grab dinner. We weren't expecting much, but The Great Lost Bear was really great! The food here is excellent. The menu is varied, and the portions are HUGE. My group of 4 all got different things (nachos, cheesus burger which was massive, quesadillas, and the guacamole burger) and we all loved our food. The service was a bit slow, but the food and free refills more than made up for it. The atmosphere is casual and kind of pub-like, but not too rowdy, and we could all converse easily. The dining section is separate from the bar, which also keeps the noise down. Speaking of the bar, they offer a tray of beer samples for purchase. My group didn't do this, but we all thought it was a neat idea. Overall an amazing experience. We all left this place weighing more than when we walked in the door!
(4)Beck N.
Yum! The burgers here are super tasty. I got a regular cheeseburger with their special cheese sauce & enjoyed every bite of it. It was cooked exactly how I ordered it, which I feel is something that a lot of places skip out on. The side salad that came with it was definitely mini, but the ranch dressing was rich & good. Hubby had the buffalo sauce burger & even used some hot sauce that was on the table (I forget the name of it, but he had to find it in a store before we left Maine). Service can be a bit slow at times, but the food comes out very quickly.
(4)Peter O.
This place is great. I love the atmosphere and their beer selection is amazing (70 plus on tap). I had the Allagash Tripel which is an incredible beer. The meal I got was called the Mother and Child Reunion, an amazing chicken sandwich. It was very size able and fair priced. If you are in the Portland area this should be a top dining location.
(4)Bethany I.
To add insult to injury, I discovered last night that they charged not only my bill to my account -- but someone else's $22 bill. I talked to Pam and she said she would look into it and call me later today. I'm also checking with my friends to see if the waitress ran my card twice on accident. Edited to Add: The issue was resolved within the week. Thanks! I'm still hesitant to go back, even if the food smells delicious from the street.
(1)Nicholas S.
We had a very frustrating and unfortunate experience at The Great Lost Bear this weekend. We had high hopes as this was a repeat visit; our first trip was memorable - great beers and good service at a legendary beer bar. Our bartender was rude, unattentive, unnecessarily defensive and - most importantly - exhibited absolutely no knowledge of the great beers being poured. First my wife ordered a saison and she received a beer as dark as night that was roasty, malty, and seasoned with holiday-beer type spices. Despite some mild disappointment (especially as my wife was the driver and this was probably going to be her only beer during this stop) we didn't raise an issue - sometimes the keg gets changed and we aren't so snobbish to expect the bartender to have noticed the error. For the next round, I ordered the La Rulles winter offering (a Belgian dark ale). I was served a hazy copper brew which was almost certainly the triple. When the beer came, I looked at it puzzlingly and asked bashfully whether this was the correct beer, at which time I was dismissively assured it was. At this point, it was clear that we had somehow offended the bartender which made for an awkward end to our experience. We asked to settle up the tab at which time we drew attention to the fact that 2 of the 3 beers we ordered were incorrect (it should be noted that these are high quality Belgian ales that can run $10 a pour). The bartender became defensive, histrionic and made a big show of ripping up our receipt and saying she would comp one of the beers. While that gesture was appreciated, we were more than happy to pay for what we drank - we just wanted her to be on notice that most likely the beer list hadn't been updated with changing kegs. She proceeded to "check the name on the keg" and we were informed the keg simply said "La Rulles" (the brewer) and that they would have no way of knowing which beer is actually in there. It was a bizarre, illogical reaction to the issue we had raised. Normally I would rate this type of experience as a one star, but I have given this pub 2 stars out of deference for the extensive beer selection and a prior 4-star-type experience that we had. I would not "avoid" The Great Lost Bear by any means, but I would hope the management - if they are serious about being a serious beer destination - would take the time to train the staff in some beer basics and customer service.
(2)Michelle D.
my food was really good, the salad ordered at my table was outstanding, but i asked for a condiment when my food was dropped off and i'd nearly finished eating by the time the mustard found me. loads of beers on tap but few or none that are otherwise difficult to find. lots of seating, tho my section was mostly filled with families and their tiny tots. i'd love to give this place more stars, but for some reason i was underwhelmed. might have been the mustard. or the total lack of parking for such a big place. i'll give it another go and offer an update if i change my mind.
(3)Brian D.
I visited here on a recent trip through Portland up to Unity Maine, and had an amazing time. I'm a huge fan of burgers and wings that I feasted on while waiting for beer, or maybe its the other way around. There are with out a doubt seriously miles of taps, over 50 on TAP and 100s more in bottles. Some really good stuff here, and the prices are very reasonable on many items. and excellent on the rest. The burgers with great fries were decently priced, and hit the spot with a unique ability to have a huge menu, were most things are above average, and the beer is great, you can't beat this place. If you're ever in Portland be sure to swing by They won't split a bill with if you have more then 6 though which is kind of a shame, cuts down on big groups, but a minor setback does not equal a bad restaurant.
(5)Courtney N.
This just wasn't the restaurant for me. My first two choices were closed (on a Saturday- weird) and my friend and I were randomly driving around trying to spot somewhere different to try. I will say that my friend loved this place. He got a cream ale and his meal was great. I felt like the menu had way too much, and nothing appealed to me. I wanted to try something that I didn't often have or was unique, and there really wasn't anything. They do have an extensive beer list, and the decor is cute. Our waiter was super nice. I ended up ordering a cheese steak and hated it. It wasn't made like what they have in my area, and I thought it was gross; yes, my poor friend finished it for me and said it was just okay. The fries were pretty good. Also, the lighting was way too dim. I felt like it was unnaturally dark. So, would I go again? Probably since my friend loved it so much. I think I'd just stick to a hamburger next time. Prices were fine, service was great, it was probably more me not liking it than anything they did.
(3)Allyson W.
I went with a party of 7 at about 7:15 on a Saturday night. The hostesses were able to seat us right away. They have a great beer selection. We ordered burgers and sandwiches, and everything was good. The waitress was helpful when a few of my companions had questions about the menu. I will definitely go back if I am in the area.
(4)Willie M.
Went on a friends recommendation. Good Call. I sat at the bar, had a couple of good beers.(plenty to choose from) and a Monte Christo with a fresh small salad. Great Pub fare and the atmosphere was friendly and lively... would stop in again...
(4)Travis D.
Man, I love beer. Bears not so much. I had such high hopes for this place. In fact, it was kind of a focal point on my trip to Portland. Unfortunately, I was little disappointed on more than one front. I am the first to admit that I have no idea how difficult it might be to keep 50 or so craft beers on tap. I image you might be out of one or two from time to time, but they were out of every other beer I tried to order. The server was disinterested at best, but the bartender was very friendly. Definitely sit at the bar if you have the choice. As far as the food, stay away from the Lewiston Cheesesteak... it is the first cheesesteak that I ever met who I didn't enjoy their company.
(3)Travis K.
Solid option. Beer towers are fund, wings are great. The fires aren't the best and the burgers were all overcooked a bit. Besides that nice place to go out for dinner and drinks. Recommend the Cheese Stake.
(3)Ridge Y.
The locals know the Great Lost Bear as one of those "go to places" for a cold beer after work. Pub Fare food is generous in portions and with their own Bear Flair. They think outside the box! If you like to try various types of beer they have one of the best selections around. Their website claims to have over 60 beers on tap and I believe it. (I will say don't judge the place by its website. It's probably one of the worst websites I've seen in a LOOOONG Time) GLB people, if you're listening... update your site! Bottom line is for casual lunch or dinner this little hidden gem is a great spot to kick back with a cold beer or good food. *I'd probably give it a 3.75 star rating if I could. Not sure it's truely a 4 star, but not a 3 either. Oh well, such is life! Ridge York, CRS RE/MAX By The Bay Portland, ME
(4)Bud P.
Lousy food and pretentious staff. The only reason to go here is the beer selection
(1)Salem S.
Okay, so seriously. I've ordered food from this place fairly often. Over the course of a year, they have proceeded to get my order right only twice. It's not a complex order or anything extravagant, either. By the time I return the food and wait around, it's not even worth it. It ends up being like a part time job just to get things right, get my food, and eat it. I'm not a freeloader, but you would think that after THAT many consistent horrible screw-ups they'd be offering a free lunch or a couple bucks off. Nope. Just an empty apology and repeat screw ups. The food is good... when it manages to be right. It's not great, just good, and combined with the horrible service (which is always on pick-up orders), it's totally not worth it to eat here. Which is a shame, because I love the cheese fries with the white dipping sauce (which, believe it or not, seems to be so difficult to throw together that it's what is usually wrong with the order).
(2)Alexa B.
Terrible food, awesome beer selection. Best hole-in-the-wall (always the mark of a great hangout) bar in Maine. Plenty of locals come here every week for their special low-price beer nights. It's sort of a Portland institution. As a visitor, you may not get much out of it. But when you live in southern Maine, you can walk in here on a Thursday night and see at least 5 people you won't mind chatting up over some drinks. This is the kind of place you want to have in your neighborhood.
(5)Tyler C.
Hot damn I love this place. Whenever I come back to my stomping grounds I try to swing into this place for some food and a pint. The atmosphere here is always great, whether you are sitting at the bar or dinning at a table. Also, if you are from out of town and don't know much about Maine, you could learn a lot about Maine and it's history just by checking out the stuff they got hanging up on the walls there. It's practically a museum. The food here is good, not great, but has a nice creative twist on most of your traditional meals. For instance, try the "Mother Child Reunion", it's a chicken sandwich with a fried egg on top. The menu is full of funny oddities like that. My favorite here has been the buffalo chicken wrap. It is pretty typical except they sneak some pieces of shaved carrot in there, which adds a whole new dynamic of texture and sweetness to the wrap. So, finally, the beer. This place probably has the best beer selection in all of Portland. They have 60 or so taps with not just your favorite local brews but other hard to find gems from around the country. If you come with a couple of friends you could also try your hands at a "Beer Tower." I won't take the time to describe it, because I'm sure by now you are already picturing what this majestic tower might look like. Now, I do realize there are plenty of great bars in the Old Port, and it might be hard for you to wander so far from the water front, but trust me this place is worth checking out.
(5)Tyler A.
Visited in early May while on a quick vacation with my wife. Visited for lunch on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. Fairly standard bar ambiance. Tons of vintage sineage on the walls. L shaped bar that was fairly large. A few different rooms that provided ample restaurant seating. Over 50 taps. Nothing too crazy or rare, but NE locals were WELL represented. Better than average bar food (actually the French Onion Soup was awesome). Very reasonable prices. 5oz sampler pours were offered. Shot the shit for a good while with Mike (the bar manager). He was very friendly and certainly knowledgeable about the local scene and craft beer in general. You're not going to find anything over the top here, but I would put it as a must stop if you have some time to kill in Portland.
(3)Malcolm B.
The occasional Grateful Dead iconography and cigarette-smoking frat boys outside made me cringe, but when we were seated in the back corner with a 23-ounce Allagash Black, we instantly felt better. This was the kind of place we had been looking for, at least in appearance. It was dark and air conditioned enough to make you forget the late August heat, and the 69 draft beer selection was enough to keep us interested. The Great Lost Bear is the kind of place that TGI Friday's-style places must have been trying to copy, way back in the 70s, before chain restaurants started stockpiling nostalgia and wall-mounted-weirdness in giant warehouses, ready to be shipped at a moment's notice to prime mini-mall locations throughout the Midwest. Old circus posters, street signage, and yes, a mounted bear line the walls, and the lighting is dim enough that you just barely have to squint to see your waiter. We also lucked into being there on a Tuesday, which is "Talls for Smalls" night: 23 ounce beers for the price of a pint. While you could sit all day, soaking up the free Wi-fi and working your way through the beer list, we also wanted to see if the bar food was an option, as well. We started with a half order of Buffalo wings, for $6.99. Instead of getting a tray of baked or breaded wings (what is it with oddball wing preparations around here?), or a plastic basket full of tiny, shriveled wing pieces that had been deep-fried into tortured little nuggets, we were pleasantly surprised to be served four whole, fried chicken wings, dipped in a nice Buffalo wing sauce that was vinegary, if not quite spicy enough. While not breaking the wings into segments may mean less fried surface area, the skin was crispy enough to indicate that the wings had been patted dry before frying, a critical step in Buffalo wing preparation. Getting whole wings also means getting the tip, that wonderfully crunchy third wing section that so many ignore. An oddly huge bowl of blue cheese was provided, which was on the runny side and not particularly remarkable, though it did have a few big chunks of real blue cheese. After wolfing the wings down in seconds, we ordered another round of drinks and two main events: The "Woodford's Cheesesteak" for me at $9.99, a combination of shaved steak, grilled onions, and cheese sauce on a hoagie roll, and the "French Herb Cheeseburger" for Jillian, a $9.99 half pound of beef with an herbed cheese sauce, served on a toasted bulkie roll. We each chose a small salad on the side, though other options included fries, coleslaw, or dirty rice. The cheesesteak was pretty solid. The steak was nicely shaved and cooked, if not particularly flavorful. The onions were carmelized and sweet, and where I expected "Wit Whiz," Philly-style cheese sauce, there was instead a nice, mild white American Bechamel. Overall, the sandwich's biggest success was in its nice combination of textures: chewy, creamy, toasty, and a just a little sweet. Jillian's burger was great. While I wasn't crazy about the "French Herbed Cheese" variation, which seemed like little more than the cheese sauce from my cheesesteak with a fistful of herbes de provence thrown in, the thick, juicy hamburger patty was clearly high quality, and cooked to Jillian's medium-rare specifications. It's nice when a place that bothers to ask you how you want a piece of meat cooked actually follows through and then cooks your meat that way, and we didn't expect that in a bar. The bulkie roll was pillowy and soft, nicely grilled in butter. I will definitely try a different burger variation on our next trip, as I think there's a lot of potential there. The Great Lost Bear succeeds in the ways you need it to, providing a great selection of mostly local draft beers in a cool, calmly-lit environment, serviced by an easygoing, yet attentive staff. Knowing what to order and what to avoid seems key, and it seems like sticking to simpler dishes (chicken wings) and skipping their more "exotic" fare (Peanut Thai Chicken Rollup? Spanakopita? Seriously?) might be the order of the day. So far, it is our favorite choice for a cool place to lay low until October with a few beers and some good pub food.
(4)Sean B.
This review is for the beer only -we had wings, which were good, but the beer is why you come here. GREAT Lost Beer selection.
(5)Josh C.
Rebecca, "Authentic memorabilia, and cool ski lodge feel minus the chain restaurant kitschy" Josh, "Great place to play drinking games." Taste: ***** (Watch out for the garlic in the guacamole...whoa!) Wait Time: ***** Price: ****
(5)Robin W.
Went here Sunday afternoon for a late lunch with Mom & Dad. I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese. It was good although it could've been a little more "buffalo-y". It was hard to taste any buffalo sauce but even just as a chicken mac and cheese it was good. My mom got the svelte melt and that was really good (we traded plates half-way thru). Dad got the patty melt I don't remember what if anything he said about it but it looked tasty. The coleslaw that came with it got rave review from him though. For dessert we split a couple slices of the Tollhouse pie with hot fudge and ice cream...sooooo good. Waiter was friendly and attentive. Great Lost Bear has a small parking lot, made smaller from all the snow. Otherwise there's street parking.
(4)Fred S.
You have to know what to order if you are eating at the Bear, they have a huge menu and most of it isn't executed very well, but there are a few golden nuggets (Spiro T. Nachos!) There are lots and lots of beers on tap, but I suggest getting Geary's because it is a Portland staple and folks drink it up like water so it is sure to be fresh! There seems to be a waitron dress code that all waitrons must wear a skin tight shirt. Well, some waitrons *should not* wear skin tight shirts, k. The Bear is a mixed bag, but if you want to have a reasonably good time at a reasonably good place, you've got it!
(3)Jeff W.
Let me first say that I don't drink...so I'm useless to those looking for the best beer. I really enjoyed this place. The food was great: I had the Buffalo Mac'n'Cheese and cheese fries, my girlfriend had fish and chips. On the recommendations of the other reviews here, we got the cake in a jar for dessert. We were not let down. Chocolate cake, topped with caramel, nuts, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream all served up in a mason jar. The place has lots of fun stuff to look at on the walls, and it was busy on the Wednesday night that we went. I will definitely go back next time I'm in the area.
(4)Tammy S.
I like TGLB. As a vegan they can accommodate me and food is always good and I am completely comfortable going there with non-vagn friends. My husband really likes the selection of beers I do have one complaints and it's pretty major - WHO PUTS SOUR CREAM IN GUACAMOLE???!?!? This is just heresy not to mention very disappointing. This is what knocked them from 4 to 3 stars. Fix that guac guys!
(3)Geno K.
Good burgers. Really liked the fries (thick potato chip style). The nachos... ehh, a bit too big and overpriced. If you're going with the nachos, don't order a 2nd meal if you're with someone... split the meal because you'll be full after the nachos if you even finish half of them.
(4)ashley s.
Great food, good service. It has the comfort of a 'regulars' bar, with the relaxing ambiance of a casual restaurant. The tight seating and walkways in the bar area are negligible once the food arrives! Try the wings. And the salad, nachos, chili, burgers, mushrooms.... it's all been great! And that means a lot coming from a gal who orders the same sandwich every time. Not at the Bear! Here, it's all very, very good.
(4)Ben R.
Perhaps it's the great burgers, perhaps it's the fantastic selection of beer, or perhaps it's simply childhood nostalgia, but The Great Lost Bear has been a mecca for me every time I visit Maine. Their burgers are large, tasty and cooked excellently. They even understand the difference between medium rare, medium and medium well, which many places miss. As a kid, I jumped at the chance to stop at The Great Lost Bear. The staff was always friendly and welcoming when I was little. Add to this a great selection of beers from across New England and the US as well as imports and it's easy to see why this is one of my favorite places. Last time I was there, I collected 4 pint glass (each one full) to build myself a set for when I came home. After all, the best thing about The Great Lost Bear is their logo and slogan: Support the right to arm bears.
(5)Nick G.
The Great lost bear has gone downhill in the past few years. The prices have jumped significantly over the last year and quality of food has gone WAY DOWN. Several times I have orded food and it has come out cold and the waiter/waitress has gotten pissed at me for sending it back. The waiters are hit or miss as well as the bartenders. The GLB itself is dirty you can see the grime on the walls and the bathrooms are hideous. GLB is a dying as a restaurant and the bar is nothing special...save your money for the old port!
(1)Bryan M.
The good: beer selection decent food for the price The bad: This place will NOT break up checks for groups larger than 6. Each time I've been here, there's been at least one error on the food, and when pointed out to the wait staff, they've been less than accomidating. Bottom line: go for beer. Do NOT bring groups. They will not thank you for it.
(2)Missy S.
This place USED to be a solid 5 stars, OMG, the food was amazing, the beer amazing (beer still is amazing) altho I have found that the food in recent years has gone down in quality from what it was in the 90's. Love that they have tons of different burgers to choose from, they still do at least offer a great variety on the menu. I can't really explain what happened with the food, other than the last 3 or so times, at least one person in the party has had to send food back because it was either not cooked properly, or just tasted like crap, or for whatever reason they just screwed up the order. That being said, really if you want to have a burger with an amazing choice of beer, this is the place to do it. However, if you are just looking for a really good burger, you may be better going to Grittys....they certainly have good beer there too, altho not the same type of selection!
(3)The R.
Great fun place. Stopped by the Great Lost Bear on a recent visit to Portland. Solid selection with reasonable prices. I honestly didn't get enough time there since my friends and I showed up less than 15 minutes before they closed, the bartenders were more than accommodating to make sure we had more than 1 drink in the short time we had. Decent selection of American craft beers, including a lot of the Allagash beers. Reasonable prices, a chill atmosphere, and friendly staff make this a place worth visiting.
(4)Katy M.
We stopped in for lunch while apartment hunting in Portland, and it's been tough to go anywhere else since. Drinks: 65 beers on tap, most of which are local (or at least from the northeast, found a lot of favorites from back home in MA) and they always have a 2.99 special. Usually the special is something lame like Bud Light, but not here. The first time we went it was Magic Hat Howl (which my boyfriend and I had never tried, and we both loved), and the second time it was Redhook IPA. Not sure if they have a full bar, but who needs one with that kind of selection? Food: It's a dive bar, so don't get fancy-- get dive bar food. The burgers are amazing. Order it one temp lower than you'd like it. I ordered med-well and got it well done, but it was still juicy and amazing. Their fries are great, just big fat oval potato slices. Haven't tried the nachos, but the chips, salsa and guacamole taste fresh. (If they aren't, good work GLB, you fooled me). My boyfriend got the not-a-cheesesteak the second time around, which is a roll full of crunchy grilled veggies and cheese "sauce" (more appealing than it sounds), also delicious. Next time, he said he'll ask for the same thing but with steak. Dessert: Get it. If you're not hungry, take it home. There's always a special, usually cheesecake. Both times we have gone it's been some crazy flavor - cherry garcia and chocolate butterscotch chip - so it's not for cheesecake purists. They both tasted even better than they sound. Service: Nothing to write home about, but solid. Our first server, Petr, was really friendly. The second time we went, the waitress could've definitely smiled more, but she was perfectly attentive. Refill my beer when it's empty and I'm a happy girl. The Great Lost Bear immediately became one of our favorite places. If you're in Portland, it's worth a trip over to USM for lunch.
(4)Matt L.
If you love beer, this place is flipping fantastic. Tons of taps, and a great selection of beers (including cask conditioned) make this place worth visiting. The Belgian selection is great, and their American craft brew selection is outstanding. I've only eaten food here once - and was pretty happy. My mom likes wine, and she's impressed with the wine selection.
(5)Julie Y.
Great beer, mediocre food and dirty dishes and utensils. Went with a large party and had to pay 18% for a waiter who barely found time to take our order. Not impressed with service or food, but the beer and atmosphere helped. Go for drinks or burgers: ignore the other parts of the giant unmanageable menu.
(2)Tom D.
So many taps!! Great beers good pub grub. Plenty of room for dining and a huge bar. Outside deck in the summer.
(4)Christopher B.
Any time i'm in portland i try to go here. Good food, good beers, and great service. The hot sauce at the table (made by a local company) is really good, too.
(4)Scott H.
Sitting proudly alongside Ebenezer's and Novare Res, 'The Bear' is one of the best beer bars in Maine (or anywhere north of Boston for that matter). I've been enjoying this place since 1998 when I started a 3-year stint working in Portland. Now that I live in Chicago, my wife and I return each year on our week-long pilgrimage to the Maine coast. 'The Bear' knew craft beer before the term was even widely used. The tap list is always amazing with a focus on selections from the many wonderful Maine breweries. The food pairs well in that it's simple, decadent and delicious. A perfect accompaniment to the typically heavy-bodied and high ABV beers you will likely enjoy here. Always loved the vibe here too. College hangout meets North Woods townie bar. Love everything about this place!
(4)j v.
Pretty good. You need to eat here a lot as many items are not so great. The cheesus burger is wonderful ) The beer selection is amazing (although no Smuttynose Winter when I went Friday and their blender has been broker for months). The Bear is large so you often do not have to wait long. The burgers and wings are top notch. They have a tiny parking lot so you will probbaly be looking on street for parking. It is easy to find.
(4)Chris C.
I drink here too much. The food's not bad, but the highlight is the huge selection of beer they have on tap. This is the most in Portland, and was even featured in some magazine whose name I forget. They have some beers that are hard to find elsewhere. They do sampler sizes so you can check out an unknown beer. It's a pretty big place too, so there's always room for more. I've never had to wait here.
(4)Colin A.
The Great Lost Bear is an excellent just out of downtown restaurant that offers great pub grub fare and a fine selection of different domestic/import brews for the beerista (definitely grab the beer taster). A great place for dinner, the GLB is one of the most popular spots in Portland for people who want a great downtown experience sans the busy crowds and horrible parking. Have a patio and live entertainment in the summertime, the GLB makes its famous claim with the great memorabilia and beer selection (only place I recall with the outdoor ring toss game). :-) Great food, great beer, decent service and prices - definitely make a stop to The GLB on your next stop to Portland!
(4)Janna H.
Great atmosphere and great food! I am never disappointed with a meal from here. The staff is super friendly and attentive, and you can't beat the selection on beers they have. I always leave with a full belly and a smile.
(5)Josh T.
This place is great. The Bear has a very laid back feel and hippie type atmosphere and charm. Their tap selection is now up to over 70 beers I believe. Their menu is very deep, and the burgers and very well done and spread over a variety of styles and flavors which only get better with the "Bear Claws" fry slices. I highly recommend the home made flavors of the boneless chicken fingers, they rock and remember to bring your appetite, because the portions are nice and big.
(4)Captn I.
Love the wings and burgers!
(4)Brian J.
You simply must visit the Great Lost Bear if you find yourself in the Portland area. They are not doing anything new, here. Or anything really very interesting. But what they do, up-sized casual American pub fare, they do VERY well. Compare it to Eli Canons in Middletown, CT, or Fitzwilly's in Northampton, MA. If you're looking for something fairly simple after a night or two of lobster elsewhere, try The Bear. There is something on the huge menu for every taste. Oh, and of course you should put this spot even higher on your list if you or your partner is a fan of microbrewed beers. I'm sure other reviewers have gone into more detail, there.
(4)Jeff W.
The service can sometimes be a tad slow, but the beer selection is amazing. Try the Allagash Four and Allagash Black for a special treat. The Almighty Cheesus Burger is not to be missed (a burger between 2 Grilled Cheese Sandwiches)! Get the fries well done as they tend to be undercooked. Nice place, give it a try you're sure to find something that tickles your fancy. They also have a special drink right now called the Catch Twenty 2 made with Maine vodka, basil, mint, white grape juice, lemon juice and a splash of (club) soda. VERY refreshing and only $5!
(4)Emily A.
The food is okay, I've had better and I've had worse. My main issue with The Bear is I find the food to be extremely overpriced when it's really over-hyped diner fare. They do have a great selection of beers. Despite this I've been here many times with very large groups and the service has always been excellent.
(3)Marshunda S.
Great place to meet up with folks and have a beer. If you are hungry, the food isn't to bad as well.
(4)Stacey M.
Went up to Portland for the day last weekend and after a bit of Yelping, we decided to eat dinner here based on the vegetarian choices (for me) and beer variety (for the boy). We got there around 6:00 on Saturday and there were a bunch of people waiting, but the line moved quickly and we only waited 10-15 minutes. We ordered a lot of food. And overall it was pretty good. We started with some cheese fries and the boy got the vegetarian chili. The fries are actually big slices of potato which are fried and then baked in a small casserole dish so the cheese gets all melty. Pretty good. The boy really liked the vegetarian chili. You can also get it vegan if you skip the cheese on top. It comes with tortilla chips. For dinner I got the spinach salad and a side of mac & cheese. The spinach salad was HUGE and so good! Mac & cheese can be hit or miss, but their version was pretty good. The flavor was mild and the texture was creamy and there was a small sprinkle of crunchy breadcrumbs on the top. i wasn't blown away, but it was pretty decent. The boy got the veggie fajita and wasn't too thrilled with it. His main complaints were it looked nothing like a fajita and just like a giant quesadilla and the veggies were mushy. So, my advice is don't go to Maine for Mexican food. For dessert we split the cake in a jar. It is a big Bell canning jar with chocolate cake at the bottom then topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, whipped cream and nuts. Holy crap, so simple but yummy. The boy is still talking about it. This is a fun place serving basic food in large portions. Good for families (they have a separate kids menu) or just a casual night out. I will definitely go back next time I'm near Portland.
(4)Emily T.
Went there on the drive back to Boston while in Maine for the day. A giant plate of vegan nachos and a sampler platter of beer later and I was ready to explode in the best way possible. For the omnivores: don't cringe at the word vegan because they have their share of burgers and other meaty things as well! Going on a Sunday night it was pretty quiet and casual and I waitress was super nice. If this a was a restaurant closer to me, I would go frequently!
(5)Topher D.
Food is ok, beer selection is what you come for. I wish I went to college in Portland, this would have been a weekly hangout I'm sure. Terrific draft selections, mainly from Maine. Samples are a modest 1.25 for a 5 oz (2.25 for Belgians I believe). Atmosphere is funky and in a good way. Definitely will stop back my next time going through town.
(5)Nicole M.
First thing I noticed about this place... the menu selection is veryy extensive. I am talking about the food. They have wraps, mac n cheese, vegetarian dishes, etc, etc, etc. But the number of beers on draft is what I believe The Great Lost Bear is known for. That's pretty cool. The night I went, the bar was offering "tall for smalls," meaning that you could get a large beer for the price of a small. All of my friends enjoyed their beers. I just got an Angry Orchard so I can't speak to the quality of the beers or ciders on tap. The service was a little spotty but the waitstaff was very nice. The atmosphere of this place is chill. The decor is quirky and fun. All in all, a bar worth checking out.
(4)James P.
I was excited about this place given its reputation but many of the beers I wanted weren't available yet were on the menu. The beer I did have tasted off from what I know it's supposed to taste like. Food was ok, but not presented as I would have expected.
(3)Todd A.
when i first moved to portland, i lived a block away for a couple months and never went here. its been a destination after having gone. couple things: - wings - jamaican jerk chicken - bumper sticker oh, there's the beer, as well... miles of taps. but, for a connoisseur of wings, this is different and good. a server once told me the secret, and i've been able to come close. flash me your belly button and i'll share... jamaican jerk chicken is sublime. unlike i've ever had anywhere since, and i've looked. full and dark. OH and my fave server of all time was here. he was soooo very stoned, eyes as red as a mighty taco employee (the ORIGINAL) at 5a, but took, from memory, our order (table of 4). perfect. was always around when any one of us needed another round, appearing behind the person opposite you; a quick look, a returned nod. a beer appeared shortly thereafter. prices are good, esp by NYC standards.
(5)Pat M.
I have a terrible time deciding what to order, and the GLB doesn't help me with my problem. Their beer and food menu is huge. I finally settled on a beer after much deliberation, but when I placed my order I was told they were out. Usually no big deal, but when I asked for a suggestion of something similar, the waitress came up blank. To be fair, it was a unique beer, but at least give me something. I ordered the Philly cheesesteak. It came out warm, not hot, and the steak tasted like it was half meat half fat. My bro-in-law ordered 'The Almighty Cheesus Burger.' It's a buger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches. He devoured it. Based on the other reviews, it seems like I might have just had a bad experience. Maybe I'll just stick to drinking.
(2)Rick S.
I love GLB. I give the beer selection a very solid 5 stars. They have 60+ beers on tap. Along with the fantastic assortment of local beers, they have numerous Belgians, too. I give the food 4 stars. I love the huge, eclectic menu. It's not fine dining by any means, but I can honestly say that in dozens of visits I've never had a meal that I didn't like.
(5)Jimmy S.
The Great Lost Bear is one of those places that I rarely skip out on if I'm visiting Portland. There are over 50 beers on tap, 'nuff said. But if the beer selection alone isn't enough to pique your interest--though I don't know why it wouldn't--allow me to expound further. The food is kind of your basic American pub fare--soups, salads, and sandwiches. Personally, I'd recommend one of their many delicious burgers--my favorite being the One-Eyed Bacon Cheeseburger--since the burgers are arguably the best thing on the menu. The atmosphere is also a draw. While there is a bunch of old stuff on the walls, it's not done ad nauseum like at say an Applebee's or T.G.I. Friday's. The lights are somewhat dimmed, giving the place a tone of relaxation--encouraging its patrons to kick back, relax, and drink a beer or two. My biggest complaint would be the service--however, this sort of functions as a double-edged sword. If you're starving or looking for a place to pop in for a quick bite, you might want to look someplace else. However, if you want to meet up with friends, relax, have a meal and a few rounds over some philosophical/comical/life conversation, the slower service lends to that. I've spent hours and hours there just talking with a handful of friends. For that, it's excellent. I suggest you check out this place for yourself, if you haven't, since it has an inexplicable sort of charm. At the very least, you should be charmed by the sheer volume of beer the Great Lost Bear offers.
(5)CL S.
One of my favorite places to eat in Portland. Shoot, it's one of my favorites to eat *anywhere*. Fantastic burgers, wraps and salads, and the best beer menu you'll find just about anywhere. The only problem with this place is the parking lot, which is terrible (and always full). If you're in Portland and you like pub food and beer, this place needs to be on your itinerary.
(5)Elizabeth P.
The food is good and the beer selection is terrific.
(4)Charley Z.
Upon moving in down the street from the Great Lost Bear, my roommate and I decided, without ever having been, that this place was sure to be our own version of "Cheers." Complete with outdoor seating (and smoking after ten!), a beer list that will make you drool, and nachos the size of you and your friend's faces, this place is sure to be your nightly-neighborhood spot. We loved it so much we've become the regulars who don't even need to be seated; and I am frequently greeted by my favorite waiter out on the town. If you're looking for a place for you and a handful of friends, come on down, buy a couple Beer Towers, and get ready for a good night.
(4)Dejia B.
Can't decide what to order.....fish and chips! These suckers are fucking delicious here! Helpful hint: get a side of cheese sauce for your fries and drench 'em with hot sauce. Mmmmm.
(4)John M.
I couldn't wait to check this place and I must say I'm fucking in love with this joint. The beer selection is like fucking Disney World for beer drinkers and the pub fare is God damned delicious. Try a Super Burger. Sweet merciful crap. I let the bartender pick my final libation for the evening and she poured me an Alligash Black. What a gal. I'd go there every night if I could afford to. The parking situation sucks but it's a small price to pay.
(5)christy e.
This is a definite on my yearly trips to Portland. Great burgers and awesome beer list! Love the beer specials too!!
(5)Christian R.
Truth be known, I really love this bar. When my Masonic lodge meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays we go here without fail. The beer selection is without doubt wonderful, with more good draughts, includng three to five cask ales, than anywhere else in Portland. They recently added a stable of belgian draughts which are my consistent favorites. Unfortunately, the downside is bad pub food and highly variable service. This is a pub in the classic sense. You go for a relaxing pint with your friends, not for a great meal and or a quick bite.
(3)Kat H.
Holy, holy, holy is the Great Lost Bear. Was taken here by some friends--this place is awesome, and I'm saying that as a die-hard New Englander. It took me probably 10 full, intensive, heart-wrenching moments to pick out a meal--a salad with dill-yogurt dressing in a taco shell--and while it ranked top 5 of all salads ever had by me, my friend had the best meal hands-down. And it was.... A fajita. At a beer bar in Maine. I don't know what they do, I couldn't care less if it's authentic, but it was perfect. Grilled tortilla, phenomenal steak, perfect seasoning...my husband and I were shocked, I tell you, shocked. And we've considered driving back up just to have it all to ourselves. And yes, they've got beer-tons of great seasonals, microbrews, and a sign advertising "40 beers on tap." The atmosphere is great too, if albeit a bit frightening with boars heads, neon signs, and vintage newspaper clippings everywhere. Great place that more than deserves a visit, and more than one at that.
(5)Marilyn C.
Good service, good food, expectations exceeded = 5 stars. I was a little skeptical of how the food was going to be based on the variety of food options and size of the menu, but the Great Lost Bear delivered. The waiter was helpful with menu choices, the food was all delicious and they have a good beer selection.
(5)Katrina H.
Had a SeaDog Blueberry ...can't go wrong here. Also a special burger that was messy and amazing! Every serving coming out of the kitchen was over the top. There was not way anybody was going home hungry.
(5)m b.
so my daughter & i went out on a "date" one nite recently, which means she picks the place, which also usually means im doomed! could be any slew of bad restaurants- friendlys, applebees, who knows. but for this occasion- she chose the great lost bear. in about 10 years experience with portland area- i always chose to avoid the great lost bear- bc of some stupid little radio jingle that used to air. when you hear those ads, its almost always a sign of desperation; sure enuff- this place stayed true to that concept. i was shocked to see 4 stars on here for this place, but then again- the clientele there wouldnt know good food, would they? two stars from me might be generous. my daughter ordered chicken nuggets- which we were told was actually the same as chicken strips. the lame, lousy waiter- some foreign guy from the uk or sumthing- was unable to explain the whole thing- nuggets, strips, tenders, who knows what the f they were serving. the guy had zero ability to articulate the whole thing. i ordered a burger with applewood smoked bacon and cheddar. the bacon sucked, and the cheddar sucked. if you cant make those two ingredients good, then what hope do you really have??? the burger came out & was this weird, greasy thing- overcooked, not great beef, and yes- with bacon and cheddar that didnt help the thing. the only positive thing i can say about the burger is that it was a good size. oh- almost forgot- the burger was sumthing like 11 or 12 bucks- a BAD price for a BAD burger. ive often said- you guys wanna move burgers into the $10 plus range?- ok, fine- but it better as hell be a great burger!!! the cheddar was poor grade and tasteless, the bacon- oh plse!!!- im so tired of this whole applewood smoked bacon bs. these places try to make it sound like youre getting some kind of special bacon, or special salad dressing, etc etc etc. gimme a break! the chicken fingers/nuggets/strips/tenders- whatever they were- were actually pretty good. and for the record- they were chicken fingers. one last thing & im done wasting time on this review: i chose the salad as my side item for my burger instaed of fries- bc im sick of fries. the salad was so bad & laughably small that I took a picture of it & sent it around to a couple friends for a laugh. it was served in a dish for dipping sauces or condiments. wilted greens, warm, old carrot shavings- truly awful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the great lost bear oughtta get lost- permanently!!!
(2)Brian M.
We were looking for a bar with good beer and good buffalo wings, which the girlfriend had a craving for, while we were on vacation and we found it. The place is a little gimmicky with the bear theme, heavily decorated walls, comical menu, and a couple of eye catching items. The one that caught my eye the most was the "Almighty Cheesus Burger". I had no intention of ordering a burger with grilled cheese sandwiches in the place of buns, but it's fantastic knowing that such a thing exists. The beer list is also perfect for someone hoping for a taste of Maine. Nearly all of the beers they offer are from Maine with most of them coming from the Portland area. From Sebago's IPA to Geary's Porter to more than half a dozen different Allagash offerings, you can get your local beer fix here. We went with the half order of wings which was a good call because even the half order was pretty impressive. Eight pieces sat in the basket, but each piece consisted of the wing and the druckstick attached to one another so we're talking 16 wings for $6. I didn't like having the wing and drumstick attached to one another because it gets hot and messy when trying to detach the two, but there's no time to be a sissy when devouring wings. The sauce wasn't very spicy, but it was extremely tasty. A few dashes of the locally made Lost Woods hot sauce from the table added some heat and some more delicious flavor. We made a mental note to find some of the Lost Woods sauce to bring home with us, but alas, mental notes made while drinking beer aren't always very effective so we drove home empty handed. The girlfriend kept with the buffalo theme and ordered the buffalo mac and cheese. The buffalo flavor played better with the wings as it didn't really stand out in the mac and cheese. Not a bad dish, but it didn't have the kick she was hoping for. My burger was pretty good, topped with a tasty barbecue sauce and nice, crispy fried onion strips. We really liked this place and I have a feeling that if we lived in the area we'd dine and drink at the Lost Bear on a fairly regular basis. It was a good time and part of a very good weekend.
(5)David V.
Says here that The Great Lost Bear has been around since 1979 - pretty much the dark ages in craft beer culture. I'm not sure what they sold back then other than Bud and Michelob - maybe more imports? Either way, a lot has changed beer-wise in the 33 ensuing years, and this bar rivals and might even eclipse the great Novare Res in terms of locally made brews. Here is where I found an offering from one of my favorite breweries on tap for the very first time (Andrews of Lincolnville, ME and their delicious English Pale), and tried quite a few others. No, I didn't get rip-roaring drunk, thanks to their "tasters" - 5oz pours of practically any beer for $1.25. Enough to get a good feel for a beer without guzzling a whole pint. While many beer snob establishments have menus full of Belgians, Lambics, and over-muscled IPA's, The Great Lost Bear's was well-balanced with a large selection of drinkable pale ales, bitters, reds and other delicious but less flashy styles. The atmosphere reminded me a bit of Sunset in Allston, MA - cavernous and walls covered with vintage beer advertising, license plates and other bric-a-brac. Best way you can tell this is an older establishment - old school urinals that stretch all the way down to the floor. No standing in piss for me! While I had already eaten dinner, the menu was several pages long and looked like mostly satisfying pub-grub comfort food. I did get to try the cake in a mason jar though. Chalk up yet another fun way to eat cake. Oh, and as an added bonus, I found $20 on the ground on my way out! First post of the year for my found-money blog!
(4)Jay H.
So most of the other reviews focus on food and beer. I will briefly reiterate what has already been said. It's a great pub with lots of beers to choose from, friendly staff and satisfying food. The nachos slew my companions and I, meaning our entrees ended up being tomorrow night's entrees at home. Like, we split the chili nachos three ways after running around back bay twice and still barely finished them. Our entrees were excellent the following night reheated in the aluminum containers in which they were sent home. On to the real meat and potatoes of the review. On the patio there is a game our waiter informed me is called ring toss. The equipment consists of a ring on a 3 foot string that is suspended 3ish feet away from a wall with a hook on it. The object of the game is to swing the ring like a pendulum so that it hooks onto the hook. The staff of TGLB made it look childishly simple. I saw at least two of them nonchalantly saunter to the game and get it in two tries. I got it in 37 attempts... or so. My second try I did it in 5. It's one of the most relaxing drinking games I've ever played. If you miss, the ring comes back to you! If you can't catch it, you probably shouldn't be drinking anymore anyway. My only complaint with the game is its moniker. We were thinking that it should be called "hooker" because of the great wordplay enabled. Infantile wordplay? Maybe. But hilarious nonetheless. The hooker definitely showed us a good time. The next time I see the game in a bar it's going to be difficult not to yell "this bar has a hooker!"
(3)Mark S.
A MUST stop if you are in Portland! Everytime I come to Portland from Boston I am sure to stop here. Not only is there a large selection of well made American style food but the beer selection is AMAZING! They have almost all of the Maine brews on tap or in bottle and offer very reasonably priced samplers of anything on tap. I had a crab grilled cheese sandwhich btw and it was totally awesome.
(5)Ryan C.
I have been going regularly to the Bear since the early 90's and this is the first time I have ever thought to write a review. its my old standby, its friendly, the food is consistent, the selection of beers is excellent - especially with the mix of some Belgians to go along with all of the traditional ales, lagers, stouts etc.... The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the cheese sauce, but you don't have to have it so problem solved! I love the crispy potato slice fries, the buffalo(esque) sauce is one of the most unique and delicious I have ever tasted - making the wings and buffalo chicken wrap two of my favorite items on the menu. Huge Nachos that can satisfy a crowd, plenty of fun vegetarian options, good burgers and shaved steak sandwiches. One eyed bacon cheeseburger with fries, gearys summer, and tollhouse cookie pie for desert could be my last meal. The bear is like that old t-shirt that you never want to give away, I hope they are always there!
(4)Bruce R.
Great selection of beers, solidly well prepared and food and a very extensive casual dining menu with lots of options for different tastes
(4)Erin M.
This review is basically just an echo of everything Brian M. said in his review, since we were there together, but I felt the need to put my 2 cents in anyway! We came for the buffalo wings, which we were both happy with. I tend to like my buffalo wings to be a bit spicier (but not painfully so), but these were definitely very good in their uniqueness! The sauce was on the milder side, but it had a pretty unique sweetness to the sauce instead of just being pure spice. The half order was still pretty enormous and more than enough for two of us to split as an appetizer. We gnawed all of the delicious meat off every wing. As my entree, I ordered the buffalo mac n' cheese, which wasn't buffalo-y enough for my particular preference (it was the same sauce as their wings), but still very yummy. Boyfriend got the baked fajita, which was huge, but he finished it anyway! The beer selection makes this place worthwhile on its own. There were tons of Maine brewed beer, which we appreciated a lot, since we like to drink locally brewed beer when visiting new places. I would definitely like to return here on our next Portland trip!
(4)Rachel D.
If you are looking for beer this is the place to go! if you are looking for healthy to healthier options for food, this is NOT the place to go! Love the beer and the occasional nacho and chili plate, but sometimes I like to eat a salad that doesn't have something fried on it or a sandwich that isn't either red meat or fried and have the option of a healthy salad. But the atmosphere is good the food is ok, the beer is great, and its a great place to hang.
(3)Jim B.
Ended up here the day after Thanksgiving with my wife and infant son and it hit the spot. Fun atmosphere, good beer list, fun food options, and space to stick us with the little guy. The servers we dealt with were helpful and attentive.
(5)Simon L.
I don't even know where to begin trying to describe all that is great about this place. Just go on a Monday night, order wings and have some delicious beer.
(5)Melissa B.
I had to knock a star off for the lack of lighting. Pretty decent spread of American-fare that made it hard to choose. I ended up with the chicken cordon bleu which was covered in loads of melty swiss and good quality Canadian bacon. The salsa that came with the Ursa Minor appetizer was tasty, not loaded with cilantro like a lot of restaurants are wont to do. My boyfriend really enjoyed his hellfire wings. Sadly we did not get to partake of the many beers on tap because we were seriously caffeine-deprived, otherwise there would have been beer and not soda at our table.
(3)Stefanie M.
I've never had a bad experience here. Great for groups Monday-Wednesday (they don't take reservations Thurs through Sunday so the wait can be long). Great to try: the beer sampler, the wings (huge and straight from the bird), the nacho selection (not a vegetarian, but "no vaca" were still my favorite) The buffalo mac n' cheese is popular for a reason, and the fries are real slices of potato that can be dipped in buffalo sauce and cheese DO NOT TRY THE PEANUT SAUCE on wings or on anything else. IT TASTES LIKE PEANUT BUTTER. I've been disappointed by the fajitas, simply because they are not fajitas, they are more like a mexican take on the calzone, or a fried burrito. The menu says as much, but I'd rather the menu just use another name. I often park in the corner of the Mobil lot, because the GLB parking spaces are usually taken on a busy night.
(4)Curt L.
What can I say about the Great Lost Bear (GLB) that has not been said before?.............well I will give it a try. GLB has many accolades from such esteemed sources as Gourmet Magazine, Beeradvocate and Forbes. Truly a great great bar. This is what an American bar is all about. Dark, cozy with lots of nooks and crannies. The walls adorned with funny/unique stickers (Sloppy Joe's Key West!....Yooooooouk!) and beer signage. Money from around the world stapled to the walls. Trivia question on the chalk board. Chrsitmas lights twinkling, Foot rails at the bar for the weary traveler. Great music (from my beertenders IPod). I heard Flaming Lips, Paul Simon, Pink Floyd, The Boss and Aretha Franklin during my brief stay here (Thank God I have the music app Shazam!). And the beer!.............Mucho choices on draught. Even cask conditioned ales. I went with the St. Bernadus Prior 8. A fine Belgian that went well with my onion gratinee burger. The burger is prepared with the onions from the onion soup (well marinated) with a gooey slice of provolone. A fresh side salad with a house made lemon curry dressing. Yummy. The place was packed with all ages/types. The locals, bar flys, older couples, even families with youngsters. I don't know much about the bear and how he got lost...........I am just glad that I found this GLB.
(5)Tim G.
The Great Lost Bear taproom came up on the list of great Portland beer destinations. They boast something silly like 60+ taps at any given time. It's a couple miles away from the hubbub of the Old Port, so it's not really walkable if you're hanging around downtown. It is totally worth taking a detour to check out. Tons of bumper stickers on the walls, led lights, and bears everywhere. So we hunkered down at the bar and started the endless task of choosing a beer. My Lady Friend wanted something Mainey, and got an Atlantic Bar Harbor Real Ale (brown ale). I went with a Geary's Cask Conditioned IPA. Not bad, but I wouldn't want more than one at a time. The cask-conditioned ales are much smoother than their non-aged siblings, but usually seem much more filling. Despite the myriad of options available, we just stayed for one beer at GLB. They gave me some free bumper stickers, and apparently, they'll give you some too. It was a great place, and I would have liked to stay longer, but we had to be moving on to other destinations.
(4)Sarah W.
Excellente. Good for Lunch, Dinner, and right before you hit downtown. Wings are awesome. The beer selection is...wow. Usually pretty good service. They have dining area, bar area, and another dining area beside the bar. 'Tis good, easy to find. Small parking lot or park on the street.
(5)Robert S.
Probably best beer selection in the state Delicious burgers and meaty buffalo Wings Visit this place every time I come up from Worcester to see my team play the pirates and I am always impressed.
(5)Matthew M.
OO00ooh! Bad service from a nasty bartender brings this place down a notch. Let me tell ya, Jodie is awesome, but stay away from that grey-haired d#*k that has no idea what customer service is. Trust me, that guy sucks. I know, I know. Sounds like I have a personal problem. Well you are right, I do. But I'm not the only one, and that is why 'The Bear" loses points with me.
(4)Mary J.
we had the poutine and it was awesome. best poutine ever. the burger was also awesome, and so was the beer selection.
(5)Renee M.
I did not eat here but the beer selection was great!! I LOVED the fact that most of the brews were from Maine, as I came in from Boston and wanted to get a taste of what Maine had to offer in terms of beer. And Maine knows what's up! Allagash, Shipyard and Gritty McDuff's? Yes please! Delicious, delicious. We sat outside and the atmosphere was great. I mean what's better than sittin outside in the warm summer air, drinking some brews and catchin up with friends? Nothin' I tell ya, nothin'!
(4)jason m.
Dropped in for lunch on our way to bar harbor from new jersey. Great place. The wings are ridiculously great and we split a burger with goat cheese and sun dried tomato pesto, so great. The beer selection is exactly what I expected. It's what all brewpubs should aspire to. Just wish I didn't have to drive so far for a good pint and great food
(5)Tyler M.
Thank you Yelp for turning my friends and I onto this place. We were driving through Portland and needed somewhere to stop and grab dinner. We weren't expecting much, but The Great Lost Bear was really great! The food here is excellent. The menu is varied, and the portions are HUGE. My group of 4 all got different things (nachos, cheesus burger which was massive, quesadillas, and the guacamole burger) and we all loved our food. The service was a bit slow, but the food and free refills more than made up for it. The atmosphere is casual and kind of pub-like, but not too rowdy, and we could all converse easily. The dining section is separate from the bar, which also keeps the noise down. Speaking of the bar, they offer a tray of beer samples for purchase. My group didn't do this, but we all thought it was a neat idea. Overall an amazing experience. We all left this place weighing more than when we walked in the door!
(4)Beck N.
Yum! The burgers here are super tasty. I got a regular cheeseburger with their special cheese sauce & enjoyed every bite of it. It was cooked exactly how I ordered it, which I feel is something that a lot of places skip out on. The side salad that came with it was definitely mini, but the ranch dressing was rich & good. Hubby had the buffalo sauce burger & even used some hot sauce that was on the table (I forget the name of it, but he had to find it in a store before we left Maine). Service can be a bit slow at times, but the food comes out very quickly.
(4)Peter O.
This place is great. I love the atmosphere and their beer selection is amazing (70 plus on tap). I had the Allagash Tripel which is an incredible beer. The meal I got was called the Mother and Child Reunion, an amazing chicken sandwich. It was very size able and fair priced. If you are in the Portland area this should be a top dining location.
(4)Bethany I.
To add insult to injury, I discovered last night that they charged not only my bill to my account -- but someone else's $22 bill. I talked to Pam and she said she would look into it and call me later today. I'm also checking with my friends to see if the waitress ran my card twice on accident. Edited to Add: The issue was resolved within the week. Thanks! I'm still hesitant to go back, even if the food smells delicious from the street.
(1)Courtney N.
This just wasn't the restaurant for me. My first two choices were closed (on a Saturday- weird) and my friend and I were randomly driving around trying to spot somewhere different to try. I will say that my friend loved this place. He got a cream ale and his meal was great. I felt like the menu had way too much, and nothing appealed to me. I wanted to try something that I didn't often have or was unique, and there really wasn't anything. They do have an extensive beer list, and the decor is cute. Our waiter was super nice. I ended up ordering a cheese steak and hated it. It wasn't made like what they have in my area, and I thought it was gross; yes, my poor friend finished it for me and said it was just okay. The fries were pretty good. Also, the lighting was way too dim. I felt like it was unnaturally dark. So, would I go again? Probably since my friend loved it so much. I think I'd just stick to a hamburger next time. Prices were fine, service was great, it was probably more me not liking it than anything they did.
(3)Allyson W.
I went with a party of 7 at about 7:15 on a Saturday night. The hostesses were able to seat us right away. They have a great beer selection. We ordered burgers and sandwiches, and everything was good. The waitress was helpful when a few of my companions had questions about the menu. I will definitely go back if I am in the area.
(4)Willie M.
Went on a friends recommendation. Good Call. I sat at the bar, had a couple of good beers.(plenty to choose from) and a Monte Christo with a fresh small salad. Great Pub fare and the atmosphere was friendly and lively... would stop in again...
(4)Nicholas S.
We had a very frustrating and unfortunate experience at The Great Lost Bear this weekend. We had high hopes as this was a repeat visit; our first trip was memorable - great beers and good service at a legendary beer bar. Our bartender was rude, unattentive, unnecessarily defensive and - most importantly - exhibited absolutely no knowledge of the great beers being poured. First my wife ordered a saison and she received a beer as dark as night that was roasty, malty, and seasoned with holiday-beer type spices. Despite some mild disappointment (especially as my wife was the driver and this was probably going to be her only beer during this stop) we didn't raise an issue - sometimes the keg gets changed and we aren't so snobbish to expect the bartender to have noticed the error. For the next round, I ordered the La Rulles winter offering (a Belgian dark ale). I was served a hazy copper brew which was almost certainly the triple. When the beer came, I looked at it puzzlingly and asked bashfully whether this was the correct beer, at which time I was dismissively assured it was. At this point, it was clear that we had somehow offended the bartender which made for an awkward end to our experience. We asked to settle up the tab at which time we drew attention to the fact that 2 of the 3 beers we ordered were incorrect (it should be noted that these are high quality Belgian ales that can run $10 a pour). The bartender became defensive, histrionic and made a big show of ripping up our receipt and saying she would comp one of the beers. While that gesture was appreciated, we were more than happy to pay for what we drank - we just wanted her to be on notice that most likely the beer list hadn't been updated with changing kegs. She proceeded to "check the name on the keg" and we were informed the keg simply said "La Rulles" (the brewer) and that they would have no way of knowing which beer is actually in there. It was a bizarre, illogical reaction to the issue we had raised. Normally I would rate this type of experience as a one star, but I have given this pub 2 stars out of deference for the extensive beer selection and a prior 4-star-type experience that we had. I would not "avoid" The Great Lost Bear by any means, but I would hope the management - if they are serious about being a serious beer destination - would take the time to train the staff in some beer basics and customer service.
(2)Brian D.
I visited here on a recent trip through Portland up to Unity Maine, and had an amazing time. I'm a huge fan of burgers and wings that I feasted on while waiting for beer, or maybe its the other way around. There are with out a doubt seriously miles of taps, over 50 on TAP and 100s more in bottles. Some really good stuff here, and the prices are very reasonable on many items. and excellent on the rest. The burgers with great fries were decently priced, and hit the spot with a unique ability to have a huge menu, were most things are above average, and the beer is great, you can't beat this place. If you're ever in Portland be sure to swing by They won't split a bill with if you have more then 6 though which is kind of a shame, cuts down on big groups, but a minor setback does not equal a bad restaurant.
(5)Emily T.
Went there on the drive back to Boston while in Maine for the day. A giant plate of vegan nachos and a sampler platter of beer later and I was ready to explode in the best way possible. For the omnivores: don't cringe at the word vegan because they have their share of burgers and other meaty things as well! Going on a Sunday night it was pretty quiet and casual and I waitress was super nice. If this a was a restaurant closer to me, I would go frequently!
(5)Topher D.
Food is ok, beer selection is what you come for. I wish I went to college in Portland, this would have been a weekly hangout I'm sure. Terrific draft selections, mainly from Maine. Samples are a modest 1.25 for a 5 oz (2.25 for Belgians I believe). Atmosphere is funky and in a good way. Definitely will stop back my next time going through town.
(5)Nicole M.
First thing I noticed about this place... the menu selection is veryy extensive. I am talking about the food. They have wraps, mac n cheese, vegetarian dishes, etc, etc, etc. But the number of beers on draft is what I believe The Great Lost Bear is known for. That's pretty cool. The night I went, the bar was offering "tall for smalls," meaning that you could get a large beer for the price of a small. All of my friends enjoyed their beers. I just got an Angry Orchard so I can't speak to the quality of the beers or ciders on tap. The service was a little spotty but the waitstaff was very nice. The atmosphere of this place is chill. The decor is quirky and fun. All in all, a bar worth checking out.
(4)James P.
I was excited about this place given its reputation but many of the beers I wanted weren't available yet were on the menu. The beer I did have tasted off from what I know it's supposed to taste like. Food was ok, but not presented as I would have expected.
(3)Todd A.
when i first moved to portland, i lived a block away for a couple months and never went here. its been a destination after having gone. couple things: - wings - jamaican jerk chicken - bumper sticker oh, there's the beer, as well... miles of taps. but, for a connoisseur of wings, this is different and good. a server once told me the secret, and i've been able to come close. flash me your belly button and i'll share... jamaican jerk chicken is sublime. unlike i've ever had anywhere since, and i've looked. full and dark. OH and my fave server of all time was here. he was soooo very stoned, eyes as red as a mighty taco employee (the ORIGINAL) at 5a, but took, from memory, our order (table of 4). perfect. was always around when any one of us needed another round, appearing behind the person opposite you; a quick look, a returned nod. a beer appeared shortly thereafter. prices are good, esp by NYC standards.
(5)Pat M.
I have a terrible time deciding what to order, and the GLB doesn't help me with my problem. Their beer and food menu is huge. I finally settled on a beer after much deliberation, but when I placed my order I was told they were out. Usually no big deal, but when I asked for a suggestion of something similar, the waitress came up blank. To be fair, it was a unique beer, but at least give me something. I ordered the Philly cheesesteak. It came out warm, not hot, and the steak tasted like it was half meat half fat. My bro-in-law ordered 'The Almighty Cheesus Burger.' It's a buger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches. He devoured it. Based on the other reviews, it seems like I might have just had a bad experience. Maybe I'll just stick to drinking.
(2)Rick S.
I love GLB. I give the beer selection a very solid 5 stars. They have 60+ beers on tap. Along with the fantastic assortment of local beers, they have numerous Belgians, too. I give the food 4 stars. I love the huge, eclectic menu. It's not fine dining by any means, but I can honestly say that in dozens of visits I've never had a meal that I didn't like.
(5)Jimmy S.
The Great Lost Bear is one of those places that I rarely skip out on if I'm visiting Portland. There are over 50 beers on tap, 'nuff said. But if the beer selection alone isn't enough to pique your interest--though I don't know why it wouldn't--allow me to expound further. The food is kind of your basic American pub fare--soups, salads, and sandwiches. Personally, I'd recommend one of their many delicious burgers--my favorite being the One-Eyed Bacon Cheeseburger--since the burgers are arguably the best thing on the menu. The atmosphere is also a draw. While there is a bunch of old stuff on the walls, it's not done ad nauseum like at say an Applebee's or T.G.I. Friday's. The lights are somewhat dimmed, giving the place a tone of relaxation--encouraging its patrons to kick back, relax, and drink a beer or two. My biggest complaint would be the service--however, this sort of functions as a double-edged sword. If you're starving or looking for a place to pop in for a quick bite, you might want to look someplace else. However, if you want to meet up with friends, relax, have a meal and a few rounds over some philosophical/comical/life conversation, the slower service lends to that. I've spent hours and hours there just talking with a handful of friends. For that, it's excellent. I suggest you check out this place for yourself, if you haven't, since it has an inexplicable sort of charm. At the very least, you should be charmed by the sheer volume of beer the Great Lost Bear offers.
(5)CL S.
One of my favorite places to eat in Portland. Shoot, it's one of my favorites to eat *anywhere*. Fantastic burgers, wraps and salads, and the best beer menu you'll find just about anywhere. The only problem with this place is the parking lot, which is terrible (and always full). If you're in Portland and you like pub food and beer, this place needs to be on your itinerary.
(5)Elizabeth P.
The food is good and the beer selection is terrific.
(4)Charley Z.
Upon moving in down the street from the Great Lost Bear, my roommate and I decided, without ever having been, that this place was sure to be our own version of "Cheers." Complete with outdoor seating (and smoking after ten!), a beer list that will make you drool, and nachos the size of you and your friend's faces, this place is sure to be your nightly-neighborhood spot. We loved it so much we've become the regulars who don't even need to be seated; and I am frequently greeted by my favorite waiter out on the town. If you're looking for a place for you and a handful of friends, come on down, buy a couple Beer Towers, and get ready for a good night.
(4)Dejia B.
Can't decide what to order.....fish and chips! These suckers are fucking delicious here! Helpful hint: get a side of cheese sauce for your fries and drench 'em with hot sauce. Mmmmm.
(4)John M.
I couldn't wait to check this place and I must say I'm fucking in love with this joint. The beer selection is like fucking Disney World for beer drinkers and the pub fare is God damned delicious. Try a Super Burger. Sweet merciful crap. I let the bartender pick my final libation for the evening and she poured me an Alligash Black. What a gal. I'd go there every night if I could afford to. The parking situation sucks but it's a small price to pay.
(5)christy e.
This is a definite on my yearly trips to Portland. Great burgers and awesome beer list! Love the beer specials too!!
(5)Christian R.
Truth be known, I really love this bar. When my Masonic lodge meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays we go here without fail. The beer selection is without doubt wonderful, with more good draughts, includng three to five cask ales, than anywhere else in Portland. They recently added a stable of belgian draughts which are my consistent favorites. Unfortunately, the downside is bad pub food and highly variable service. This is a pub in the classic sense. You go for a relaxing pint with your friends, not for a great meal and or a quick bite.
(3)Kat H.
Holy, holy, holy is the Great Lost Bear. Was taken here by some friends--this place is awesome, and I'm saying that as a die-hard New Englander. It took me probably 10 full, intensive, heart-wrenching moments to pick out a meal--a salad with dill-yogurt dressing in a taco shell--and while it ranked top 5 of all salads ever had by me, my friend had the best meal hands-down. And it was.... A fajita. At a beer bar in Maine. I don't know what they do, I couldn't care less if it's authentic, but it was perfect. Grilled tortilla, phenomenal steak, perfect seasoning...my husband and I were shocked, I tell you, shocked. And we've considered driving back up just to have it all to ourselves. And yes, they've got beer-tons of great seasonals, microbrews, and a sign advertising "40 beers on tap." The atmosphere is great too, if albeit a bit frightening with boars heads, neon signs, and vintage newspaper clippings everywhere. Great place that more than deserves a visit, and more than one at that.
(5)Nick F.
BEST BURGERS EVER, ANYWHERE!!!! I miss this place so much. It opened my eyes to how awesome East Coast beer is. I loved coming here after work, and anytime family was visiting we made a stop. If I ever come back to Portland this will be the FIRST place I stop.
(5)Bryan S.
How anyone could go to this place and not give it 5 stars is beyond me. The comment about it being the greatest beer bar in New England is pretty accurate. New England has a lot of great local beers, and the Bear carries most of them at one point in time or another. They usually have 30 or more beers on tap and only a small handful are domestic. If you have trouble choosing you can get a rack of beer or buy a few of them by the 3 oz glass. The food is very good and pretty much runs the gamut of what you could expect to find at a casual style place. Even the food menu carries over the lighthearted atmosphere with names for the entrees that will always make you laugh. Very reasonable prices, awesome nachos & burgers and amazing deserts if you can fit it. To put it more succinctly, as a family tradition every year we go out to dinner for our birthdays and pick the place no matter what type of food. I've chosen the Great Lost Bear each of the last 2 years and plan on picking it again this year.
(5)Matt S.
I ate there 2 nights ago with 3 friends and it was a very cool and laid back atmosphere. The food was very good (Spanokoppitta, fried haddock, turkey melt) and the portions were generous. They have an insane amount of beer on tap as well and the 16oz can specials are hard to beat.
(4)Rue B.
Excellent beer bar in New England's best brewing city! Good job Portland! Six unique breweries (more than Boston!) in a city of under 70,000 people! Great Lost Bear is a great dark joint, serving beers from all around Maine, that simply aren't available outside state borders. Over 60 taps, nearly all Maine brews, and greasy pub food! You can't go wrong here!
(5)Karen N.
I used to live there (almost). Great beer menu, wonderful margaritas, and good food. Service tends to be hit-and-miss, though. Don't go if you're on a schedule.
(4)Catherine S.
My husband and I went here on Saint Paddy's and, surprisingly, it wasn't packed. We went for dinner and were seated immediately. We ordered macaroni and cheese as our appetizer, and it came out still bubbling. One of my biggest pet peeves at a restaurant is when the food isn't HOT. I had to cool it down for several seconds before I could taste it and it was still extremely hot - just the way I like it. We split the buffalo chicken sandwich with fries, and I even put a little more of the Lost Woods hot sauce on my portion. The fries were good, nothing to write home about. Now I can't imagine why someone would go to a place that has over 60 beers on tap and not be able to get something good. I had a Guinness and my man had a Chimay and a Geary. All were outstanding and the perfect accompaniment to dinner.
(4)Dan L.
Been going here since I was just a cub. The food is good. I usually get a burger, some roughage(salad), and some sort of fried appetizer to share. The prices are a bit higher than I remember, but things change with the times.
(4)Mehrdad M.
Great juicy burgers. Among the best in Maine. The atmosphere is great too.
(4)G S.
They have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options, but I wasn't really that impressed with the food or the service. Maybe I'm holding it personally responsible for the fact that I had to wear a sweater in the middle of July in Portland. No one should ever have to wear a sweater in July. T on the other hand swears by this place and can't believe I'm only giving it 3 stars.
(3)Yours Truly B.
this review is strictly on the beer selection. one of the most amazing beer menus i've ever seen with an incredible variety! and the next time I venture to maine i'm going and getting one of those huge table top dispensers filled with goodness!
(5)Stephanie B.
Oh.my .Goddddd. I went here last week after brewery hopping and was supposed to continue to other local bars, but didn't want to leave once I found this place. Locals bar, amaaaazing beer selection. Amazing. Started out with the beer sampler, which is always a find. Soooo cheap for this awesome beer. Moved on to the seasonal harvest beer I liked the best mixed with a shot of vanilla vodka soooo good. Last, but not least are the wings. Dear God, the wings. I'm always in search of amazing wings and have been thinking about these ones all week. Haha. Got the plain wings with ranch on the side. Meaty, crispy to the point of perfection.... Like they had the bird out back and just made it into amazingness. GO TO THIS BAR. Realllllly wish I was closer
(5)Erik P.
Took a trip to Portland to visit the Allagash brewery and stopped here afterward. Was suitably wowed by the huge beer list and i definitely enjoyed the 2 beers i chose. The food menu looked extensive but all i had was a plate of wings(which were pretty good), but with all the great food destinations in Portland i can't see coming here to have a full meal. Definitely worth checking out if your a beer fan, especially for the nice selection of local brews!
(4)Evan L.
Think T. G. I. Friday's minus the nauseating corporate standardization. Unusually extensive pub menu with something to offer for everyone: vegetarian, beer-lover, hamburger and steak, down to Spanikopita and creative dessert specials. Lots of personality and a very laid-back and fun but not syrupy atmosphere. I wouldn't eat it every day but it's a nice diversion every so often.
(4)Bob H.
This place is the place to come for great, if artery-busting, entrees and an extensive selection of beer on tap. I've been to a lot of college-hangout bars around the country, and USM folks definitely have one of the best. Burgers are hand-formed and large, nachos mountainous, and the chili is phenomenal. It's veggie friendly without losing sight of the core pub-style menu. You will have a hard time deciding what to order from the menu that provides old standbys, but also some interesting twists such as a unique cheese spread. It's not too expensive, either. Service isn't exactly first rate but you don't expect that at a place like this.
(4)Robert F.
BEST Beer Selection anywhere in Northern New England. Staff is awesome and food is average to below average. But if you're going to Portland seek this place out as it gets a great crowd. So many beers, so little time!
(5)Mike D.
Maybe could have been a 5 star if the service wasn't so slow. Our group had loads of time on our hands, so slow service wasn't a big deal. You'd think sitting at the bar would get you better service though. My taco elsalada was incredible. This place definitely has a great local feel to it.
(4)Roy M.
We stopped for lunch based upon Yelp reviews, and therefore feel a need to share what we experienced. Visually it is a pleasant living relic of another time period, and if all you want to consume is beer it is also great (even though they were out of many beers when we were there). And I assume it is a a friendly scene when when crowded. But I would strongly advise you to not eat the food. And I am giving it one star because they seem to think they are a restaurant, not a bar. The salad tasted like it was artificial, the fish sandwich tasted processed like it was at a fast food chain, the french fries were cold, greasy, limp, and processed. But we found after suffering though as much of it we could eat both of us ended up with messed up stomachs. Our sense was that not only do they serve lifeless, soulless food, they also don't make sure it is fresh and safe. I would strongly advise anyone to drink, not eat here.
(1)Travis D.
Man, I love beer. Bears not so much. I had such high hopes for this place. In fact, it was kind of a focal point on my trip to Portland. Unfortunately, I was little disappointed on more than one front. I am the first to admit that I have no idea how difficult it might be to keep 50 or so craft beers on tap. I image you might be out of one or two from time to time, but they were out of every other beer I tried to order. The server was disinterested at best, but the bartender was very friendly. Definitely sit at the bar if you have the choice. As far as the food, stay away from the Lewiston Cheesesteak... it is the first cheesesteak that I ever met who I didn't enjoy their company.
(3)Michelle D.
my food was really good, the salad ordered at my table was outstanding, but i asked for a condiment when my food was dropped off and i'd nearly finished eating by the time the mustard found me. loads of beers on tap but few or none that are otherwise difficult to find. lots of seating, tho my section was mostly filled with families and their tiny tots. i'd love to give this place more stars, but for some reason i was underwhelmed. might have been the mustard. or the total lack of parking for such a big place. i'll give it another go and offer an update if i change my mind.
(3)Travis K.
Solid option. Beer towers are fund, wings are great. The fires aren't the best and the burgers were all overcooked a bit. Besides that nice place to go out for dinner and drinks. Recommend the Cheese Stake.
(3)Ridge Y.
The locals know the Great Lost Bear as one of those "go to places" for a cold beer after work. Pub Fare food is generous in portions and with their own Bear Flair. They think outside the box! If you like to try various types of beer they have one of the best selections around. Their website claims to have over 60 beers on tap and I believe it. (I will say don't judge the place by its website. It's probably one of the worst websites I've seen in a LOOOONG Time) GLB people, if you're listening... update your site! Bottom line is for casual lunch or dinner this little hidden gem is a great spot to kick back with a cold beer or good food. *I'd probably give it a 3.75 star rating if I could. Not sure it's truely a 4 star, but not a 3 either. Oh well, such is life! Ridge York, CRS RE/MAX By The Bay Portland, ME
(4)Bud P.
Lousy food and pretentious staff. The only reason to go here is the beer selection
(1)Salem S.
Okay, so seriously. I've ordered food from this place fairly often. Over the course of a year, they have proceeded to get my order right only twice. It's not a complex order or anything extravagant, either. By the time I return the food and wait around, it's not even worth it. It ends up being like a part time job just to get things right, get my food, and eat it. I'm not a freeloader, but you would think that after THAT many consistent horrible screw-ups they'd be offering a free lunch or a couple bucks off. Nope. Just an empty apology and repeat screw ups. The food is good... when it manages to be right. It's not great, just good, and combined with the horrible service (which is always on pick-up orders), it's totally not worth it to eat here. Which is a shame, because I love the cheese fries with the white dipping sauce (which, believe it or not, seems to be so difficult to throw together that it's what is usually wrong with the order).
(2)Tyler C.
Hot damn I love this place. Whenever I come back to my stomping grounds I try to swing into this place for some food and a pint. The atmosphere here is always great, whether you are sitting at the bar or dinning at a table. Also, if you are from out of town and don't know much about Maine, you could learn a lot about Maine and it's history just by checking out the stuff they got hanging up on the walls there. It's practically a museum. The food here is good, not great, but has a nice creative twist on most of your traditional meals. For instance, try the "Mother Child Reunion", it's a chicken sandwich with a fried egg on top. The menu is full of funny oddities like that. My favorite here has been the buffalo chicken wrap. It is pretty typical except they sneak some pieces of shaved carrot in there, which adds a whole new dynamic of texture and sweetness to the wrap. So, finally, the beer. This place probably has the best beer selection in all of Portland. They have 60 or so taps with not just your favorite local brews but other hard to find gems from around the country. If you come with a couple of friends you could also try your hands at a "Beer Tower." I won't take the time to describe it, because I'm sure by now you are already picturing what this majestic tower might look like. Now, I do realize there are plenty of great bars in the Old Port, and it might be hard for you to wander so far from the water front, but trust me this place is worth checking out.
(5)Tyler A.
Visited in early May while on a quick vacation with my wife. Visited for lunch on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. Fairly standard bar ambiance. Tons of vintage sineage on the walls. L shaped bar that was fairly large. A few different rooms that provided ample restaurant seating. Over 50 taps. Nothing too crazy or rare, but NE locals were WELL represented. Better than average bar food (actually the French Onion Soup was awesome). Very reasonable prices. 5oz sampler pours were offered. Shot the shit for a good while with Mike (the bar manager). He was very friendly and certainly knowledgeable about the local scene and craft beer in general. You're not going to find anything over the top here, but I would put it as a must stop if you have some time to kill in Portland.
(3)Malcolm B.
The occasional Grateful Dead iconography and cigarette-smoking frat boys outside made me cringe, but when we were seated in the back corner with a 23-ounce Allagash Black, we instantly felt better. This was the kind of place we had been looking for, at least in appearance. It was dark and air conditioned enough to make you forget the late August heat, and the 69 draft beer selection was enough to keep us interested. The Great Lost Bear is the kind of place that TGI Friday's-style places must have been trying to copy, way back in the 70s, before chain restaurants started stockpiling nostalgia and wall-mounted-weirdness in giant warehouses, ready to be shipped at a moment's notice to prime mini-mall locations throughout the Midwest. Old circus posters, street signage, and yes, a mounted bear line the walls, and the lighting is dim enough that you just barely have to squint to see your waiter. We also lucked into being there on a Tuesday, which is "Talls for Smalls" night: 23 ounce beers for the price of a pint. While you could sit all day, soaking up the free Wi-fi and working your way through the beer list, we also wanted to see if the bar food was an option, as well. We started with a half order of Buffalo wings, for $6.99. Instead of getting a tray of baked or breaded wings (what is it with oddball wing preparations around here?), or a plastic basket full of tiny, shriveled wing pieces that had been deep-fried into tortured little nuggets, we were pleasantly surprised to be served four whole, fried chicken wings, dipped in a nice Buffalo wing sauce that was vinegary, if not quite spicy enough. While not breaking the wings into segments may mean less fried surface area, the skin was crispy enough to indicate that the wings had been patted dry before frying, a critical step in Buffalo wing preparation. Getting whole wings also means getting the tip, that wonderfully crunchy third wing section that so many ignore. An oddly huge bowl of blue cheese was provided, which was on the runny side and not particularly remarkable, though it did have a few big chunks of real blue cheese. After wolfing the wings down in seconds, we ordered another round of drinks and two main events: The "Woodford's Cheesesteak" for me at $9.99, a combination of shaved steak, grilled onions, and cheese sauce on a hoagie roll, and the "French Herb Cheeseburger" for Jillian, a $9.99 half pound of beef with an herbed cheese sauce, served on a toasted bulkie roll. We each chose a small salad on the side, though other options included fries, coleslaw, or dirty rice. The cheesesteak was pretty solid. The steak was nicely shaved and cooked, if not particularly flavorful. The onions were carmelized and sweet, and where I expected "Wit Whiz," Philly-style cheese sauce, there was instead a nice, mild white American Bechamel. Overall, the sandwich's biggest success was in its nice combination of textures: chewy, creamy, toasty, and a just a little sweet. Jillian's burger was great. While I wasn't crazy about the "French Herbed Cheese" variation, which seemed like little more than the cheese sauce from my cheesesteak with a fistful of herbes de provence thrown in, the thick, juicy hamburger patty was clearly high quality, and cooked to Jillian's medium-rare specifications. It's nice when a place that bothers to ask you how you want a piece of meat cooked actually follows through and then cooks your meat that way, and we didn't expect that in a bar. The bulkie roll was pillowy and soft, nicely grilled in butter. I will definitely try a different burger variation on our next trip, as I think there's a lot of potential there. The Great Lost Bear succeeds in the ways you need it to, providing a great selection of mostly local draft beers in a cool, calmly-lit environment, serviced by an easygoing, yet attentive staff. Knowing what to order and what to avoid seems key, and it seems like sticking to simpler dishes (chicken wings) and skipping their more "exotic" fare (Peanut Thai Chicken Rollup? Spanakopita? Seriously?) might be the order of the day. So far, it is our favorite choice for a cool place to lay low until October with a few beers and some good pub food.
(4)Sean B.
This review is for the beer only -we had wings, which were good, but the beer is why you come here. GREAT Lost Beer selection.
(5)Josh C.
Rebecca, "Authentic memorabilia, and cool ski lodge feel minus the chain restaurant kitschy" Josh, "Great place to play drinking games." Taste: ***** (Watch out for the garlic in the guacamole...whoa!) Wait Time: ***** Price: ****
(5)Robin W.
Went here Sunday afternoon for a late lunch with Mom & Dad. I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese. It was good although it could've been a little more "buffalo-y". It was hard to taste any buffalo sauce but even just as a chicken mac and cheese it was good. My mom got the svelte melt and that was really good (we traded plates half-way thru). Dad got the patty melt I don't remember what if anything he said about it but it looked tasty. The coleslaw that came with it got rave review from him though. For dessert we split a couple slices of the Tollhouse pie with hot fudge and ice cream...sooooo good. Waiter was friendly and attentive. Great Lost Bear has a small parking lot, made smaller from all the snow. Otherwise there's street parking.
(4)Fred S.
You have to know what to order if you are eating at the Bear, they have a huge menu and most of it isn't executed very well, but there are a few golden nuggets (Spiro T. Nachos!) There are lots and lots of beers on tap, but I suggest getting Geary's because it is a Portland staple and folks drink it up like water so it is sure to be fresh! There seems to be a waitron dress code that all waitrons must wear a skin tight shirt. Well, some waitrons *should not* wear skin tight shirts, k. The Bear is a mixed bag, but if you want to have a reasonably good time at a reasonably good place, you've got it!
(3)Jeff W.
Let me first say that I don't drink...so I'm useless to those looking for the best beer. I really enjoyed this place. The food was great: I had the Buffalo Mac'n'Cheese and cheese fries, my girlfriend had fish and chips. On the recommendations of the other reviews here, we got the cake in a jar for dessert. We were not let down. Chocolate cake, topped with caramel, nuts, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream all served up in a mason jar. The place has lots of fun stuff to look at on the walls, and it was busy on the Wednesday night that we went. I will definitely go back next time I'm in the area.
(4)Tammy S.
I like TGLB. As a vegan they can accommodate me and food is always good and I am completely comfortable going there with non-vagn friends. My husband really likes the selection of beers I do have one complaints and it's pretty major - WHO PUTS SOUR CREAM IN GUACAMOLE???!?!? This is just heresy not to mention very disappointing. This is what knocked them from 4 to 3 stars. Fix that guac guys!
(3)Geno K.
Good burgers. Really liked the fries (thick potato chip style). The nachos... ehh, a bit too big and overpriced. If you're going with the nachos, don't order a 2nd meal if you're with someone... split the meal because you'll be full after the nachos if you even finish half of them.
(4)ashley s.
Great food, good service. It has the comfort of a 'regulars' bar, with the relaxing ambiance of a casual restaurant. The tight seating and walkways in the bar area are negligible once the food arrives! Try the wings. And the salad, nachos, chili, burgers, mushrooms.... it's all been great! And that means a lot coming from a gal who orders the same sandwich every time. Not at the Bear! Here, it's all very, very good.
(4)Ben R.
Perhaps it's the great burgers, perhaps it's the fantastic selection of beer, or perhaps it's simply childhood nostalgia, but The Great Lost Bear has been a mecca for me every time I visit Maine. Their burgers are large, tasty and cooked excellently. They even understand the difference between medium rare, medium and medium well, which many places miss. As a kid, I jumped at the chance to stop at The Great Lost Bear. The staff was always friendly and welcoming when I was little. Add to this a great selection of beers from across New England and the US as well as imports and it's easy to see why this is one of my favorite places. Last time I was there, I collected 4 pint glass (each one full) to build myself a set for when I came home. After all, the best thing about The Great Lost Bear is their logo and slogan: Support the right to arm bears.
(5)Nick G.
The Great lost bear has gone downhill in the past few years. The prices have jumped significantly over the last year and quality of food has gone WAY DOWN. Several times I have orded food and it has come out cold and the waiter/waitress has gotten pissed at me for sending it back. The waiters are hit or miss as well as the bartenders. The GLB itself is dirty you can see the grime on the walls and the bathrooms are hideous. GLB is a dying as a restaurant and the bar is nothing special...save your money for the old port!
(1)Bryan M.
The good: beer selection decent food for the price The bad: This place will NOT break up checks for groups larger than 6. Each time I've been here, there's been at least one error on the food, and when pointed out to the wait staff, they've been less than accomidating. Bottom line: go for beer. Do NOT bring groups. They will not thank you for it.
(2)Missy S.
This place USED to be a solid 5 stars, OMG, the food was amazing, the beer amazing (beer still is amazing) altho I have found that the food in recent years has gone down in quality from what it was in the 90's. Love that they have tons of different burgers to choose from, they still do at least offer a great variety on the menu. I can't really explain what happened with the food, other than the last 3 or so times, at least one person in the party has had to send food back because it was either not cooked properly, or just tasted like crap, or for whatever reason they just screwed up the order. That being said, really if you want to have a burger with an amazing choice of beer, this is the place to do it. However, if you are just looking for a really good burger, you may be better going to Grittys....they certainly have good beer there too, altho not the same type of selection!
(3)Alexa B.
Terrible food, awesome beer selection. Best hole-in-the-wall (always the mark of a great hangout) bar in Maine. Plenty of locals come here every week for their special low-price beer nights. It's sort of a Portland institution. As a visitor, you may not get much out of it. But when you live in southern Maine, you can walk in here on a Thursday night and see at least 5 people you won't mind chatting up over some drinks. This is the kind of place you want to have in your neighborhood.
(5)Katy M.
We stopped in for lunch while apartment hunting in Portland, and it's been tough to go anywhere else since. Drinks: 65 beers on tap, most of which are local (or at least from the northeast, found a lot of favorites from back home in MA) and they always have a 2.99 special. Usually the special is something lame like Bud Light, but not here. The first time we went it was Magic Hat Howl (which my boyfriend and I had never tried, and we both loved), and the second time it was Redhook IPA. Not sure if they have a full bar, but who needs one with that kind of selection? Food: It's a dive bar, so don't get fancy-- get dive bar food. The burgers are amazing. Order it one temp lower than you'd like it. I ordered med-well and got it well done, but it was still juicy and amazing. Their fries are great, just big fat oval potato slices. Haven't tried the nachos, but the chips, salsa and guacamole taste fresh. (If they aren't, good work GLB, you fooled me). My boyfriend got the not-a-cheesesteak the second time around, which is a roll full of crunchy grilled veggies and cheese "sauce" (more appealing than it sounds), also delicious. Next time, he said he'll ask for the same thing but with steak. Dessert: Get it. If you're not hungry, take it home. There's always a special, usually cheesecake. Both times we have gone it's been some crazy flavor - cherry garcia and chocolate butterscotch chip - so it's not for cheesecake purists. They both tasted even better than they sound. Service: Nothing to write home about, but solid. Our first server, Petr, was really friendly. The second time we went, the waitress could've definitely smiled more, but she was perfectly attentive. Refill my beer when it's empty and I'm a happy girl. The Great Lost Bear immediately became one of our favorite places. If you're in Portland, it's worth a trip over to USM for lunch.
(4)Matt L.
If you love beer, this place is flipping fantastic. Tons of taps, and a great selection of beers (including cask conditioned) make this place worth visiting. The Belgian selection is great, and their American craft brew selection is outstanding. I've only eaten food here once - and was pretty happy. My mom likes wine, and she's impressed with the wine selection.
(5)Julie Y.
Great beer, mediocre food and dirty dishes and utensils. Went with a large party and had to pay 18% for a waiter who barely found time to take our order. Not impressed with service or food, but the beer and atmosphere helped. Go for drinks or burgers: ignore the other parts of the giant unmanageable menu.
(2)Tom D.
So many taps!! Great beers good pub grub. Plenty of room for dining and a huge bar. Outside deck in the summer.
(4)Christopher B.
Any time i'm in portland i try to go here. Good food, good beers, and great service. The hot sauce at the table (made by a local company) is really good, too.
(4)Scott H.
Sitting proudly alongside Ebenezer's and Novare Res, 'The Bear' is one of the best beer bars in Maine (or anywhere north of Boston for that matter). I've been enjoying this place since 1998 when I started a 3-year stint working in Portland. Now that I live in Chicago, my wife and I return each year on our week-long pilgrimage to the Maine coast. 'The Bear' knew craft beer before the term was even widely used. The tap list is always amazing with a focus on selections from the many wonderful Maine breweries. The food pairs well in that it's simple, decadent and delicious. A perfect accompaniment to the typically heavy-bodied and high ABV beers you will likely enjoy here. Always loved the vibe here too. College hangout meets North Woods townie bar. Love everything about this place!
(4)j v.
Pretty good. You need to eat here a lot as many items are not so great. The cheesus burger is wonderful ) The beer selection is amazing (although no Smuttynose Winter when I went Friday and their blender has been broker for months). The Bear is large so you often do not have to wait long. The burgers and wings are top notch. They have a tiny parking lot so you will probbaly be looking on street for parking. It is easy to find.
(4)Chris C.
I drink here too much. The food's not bad, but the highlight is the huge selection of beer they have on tap. This is the most in Portland, and was even featured in some magazine whose name I forget. They have some beers that are hard to find elsewhere. They do sampler sizes so you can check out an unknown beer. It's a pretty big place too, so there's always room for more. I've never had to wait here.
(4)Colin A.
The Great Lost Bear is an excellent just out of downtown restaurant that offers great pub grub fare and a fine selection of different domestic/import brews for the beerista (definitely grab the beer taster). A great place for dinner, the GLB is one of the most popular spots in Portland for people who want a great downtown experience sans the busy crowds and horrible parking. Have a patio and live entertainment in the summertime, the GLB makes its famous claim with the great memorabilia and beer selection (only place I recall with the outdoor ring toss game). :-) Great food, great beer, decent service and prices - definitely make a stop to The GLB on your next stop to Portland!
(4)Janna H.
Great atmosphere and great food! I am never disappointed with a meal from here. The staff is super friendly and attentive, and you can't beat the selection on beers they have. I always leave with a full belly and a smile.
(5)Josh T.
This place is great. The Bear has a very laid back feel and hippie type atmosphere and charm. Their tap selection is now up to over 70 beers I believe. Their menu is very deep, and the burgers and very well done and spread over a variety of styles and flavors which only get better with the "Bear Claws" fry slices. I highly recommend the home made flavors of the boneless chicken fingers, they rock and remember to bring your appetite, because the portions are nice and big.
(4)Captn I.
Love the wings and burgers!
(4)The R.
Great fun place. Stopped by the Great Lost Bear on a recent visit to Portland. Solid selection with reasonable prices. I honestly didn't get enough time there since my friends and I showed up less than 15 minutes before they closed, the bartenders were more than accommodating to make sure we had more than 1 drink in the short time we had. Decent selection of American craft beers, including a lot of the Allagash beers. Reasonable prices, a chill atmosphere, and friendly staff make this a place worth visiting.
(4)Brian J.
You simply must visit the Great Lost Bear if you find yourself in the Portland area. They are not doing anything new, here. Or anything really very interesting. But what they do, up-sized casual American pub fare, they do VERY well. Compare it to Eli Canons in Middletown, CT, or Fitzwilly's in Northampton, MA. If you're looking for something fairly simple after a night or two of lobster elsewhere, try The Bear. There is something on the huge menu for every taste. Oh, and of course you should put this spot even higher on your list if you or your partner is a fan of microbrewed beers. I'm sure other reviewers have gone into more detail, there.
(4)Jeff W.
The service can sometimes be a tad slow, but the beer selection is amazing. Try the Allagash Four and Allagash Black for a special treat. The Almighty Cheesus Burger is not to be missed (a burger between 2 Grilled Cheese Sandwiches)! Get the fries well done as they tend to be undercooked. Nice place, give it a try you're sure to find something that tickles your fancy. They also have a special drink right now called the Catch Twenty 2 made with Maine vodka, basil, mint, white grape juice, lemon juice and a splash of (club) soda. VERY refreshing and only $5!
(4)Emily A.
The food is okay, I've had better and I've had worse. My main issue with The Bear is I find the food to be extremely overpriced when it's really over-hyped diner fare. They do have a great selection of beers. Despite this I've been here many times with very large groups and the service has always been excellent.
(3)Marshunda S.
Great place to meet up with folks and have a beer. If you are hungry, the food isn't to bad as well.
(4)Stacey M.
Went up to Portland for the day last weekend and after a bit of Yelping, we decided to eat dinner here based on the vegetarian choices (for me) and beer variety (for the boy). We got there around 6:00 on Saturday and there were a bunch of people waiting, but the line moved quickly and we only waited 10-15 minutes. We ordered a lot of food. And overall it was pretty good. We started with some cheese fries and the boy got the vegetarian chili. The fries are actually big slices of potato which are fried and then baked in a small casserole dish so the cheese gets all melty. Pretty good. The boy really liked the vegetarian chili. You can also get it vegan if you skip the cheese on top. It comes with tortilla chips. For dinner I got the spinach salad and a side of mac & cheese. The spinach salad was HUGE and so good! Mac & cheese can be hit or miss, but their version was pretty good. The flavor was mild and the texture was creamy and there was a small sprinkle of crunchy breadcrumbs on the top. i wasn't blown away, but it was pretty decent. The boy got the veggie fajita and wasn't too thrilled with it. His main complaints were it looked nothing like a fajita and just like a giant quesadilla and the veggies were mushy. So, my advice is don't go to Maine for Mexican food. For dessert we split the cake in a jar. It is a big Bell canning jar with chocolate cake at the bottom then topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, whipped cream and nuts. Holy crap, so simple but yummy. The boy is still talking about it. This is a fun place serving basic food in large portions. Good for families (they have a separate kids menu) or just a casual night out. I will definitely go back next time I'm near Portland.
(4)Ross C.
Fine food, great beer. I watched the bar tender's attempts at pouring beers and cringed accordingly, however. "Tilt the glass at the spout? No, I'll rest the glass flat on the drip tray and let the beer fall into it and then wonder why it's 80% froth when I'm done."
(4)Haley M.
The service is pretty great with lots of beer choices and amazing food. It's one of my favorite places to go.
(5)Nick R.
The almighty Cheesus burger was delicious. The fish was super fresh, and the fries were great. Great selection of Maine beers on tap. A little more than I would normally care to pay at a bar, but it was definitely worth it!
(4)Julian K.
One of my favorite restaurants in the Portland area. Food is good (cheese sauce is amazing) and there is an ample selection of beers and wines (from local to imported, microbrews to macrobrews) to suit any taste or preference. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that parking is very tight, but if you can find a spot, I highly recommended The Great Lost Bear.
(4)Coleman Q.
HUGE Beer selection. Personally I suggest their amazing house made Chili and then go with a tube thing of beer. It's bigger than a pitcher and it is a great price. Great place for friends and for families. Also can seat large groups. We used to go here before baseball games!
(4)Adria R.
My first date with my now husband was here, and we got engaged here three years later in November of 2012. So it automatically gets 5 stars forever and ever.
(5)Jimmy H.
A mystical place for local beer connoisseurs! Feels like a dungeon that's frozen in time and nothing has changed since they opened but that is what makes this place unique. Truly a locals paradise if you want to get away from the downtown scene. Bar food is not bad either. The wings are HUGE and pretty good....check it out and u might be a regular soon.
(4)Dan B.
Tried this place for the first time last night after walking by many times and smelling the delicious food. The good news is the food tasted as good as it smelled. We were seated as soon as we walked in. The waiter was very nice and knew the menu very well. After ordering our food it arrived quickly. The beer selection was very extensive 75+ on tap.
(5)Sandra B.
I never go here and find a burger I don't like. My favorites are the One Eye Bacon Burger and the Mushroom Burger (with a huge honking portabella mushroom on top) with some added Swiss for me! My husband likes the Cheeseburger with their special cheese sauce. The hot buffalo wings can't be beat either! They are the full wing not just those wingettes that you get at sub par establishments! And not to mention they always have a tasty beer on tap that I enjoy! I'm so glad I walked into this place several years ago- it has been our go to restaurant when we need a burger/wing fix.
(5)Mark S.
The beer is the Bear. You can tour many of Maine's craft breweries from a barstool as they have about 60 taps pouring mostly regional beers. There are usually a couple of cask ales on draft as well. Food items from a multiple-page menu include sandwiches, entrees, appetizers and bar food. You can get taster-size pours, which I like since they have so many choices. A must stop whenever I'm in Maine.
(3)Amy D.
Burgers + wings = awesome!! We were looking for a good burger place in the Portland area to offset all of the seafood we were eating, and are glad we found The Great Lost Bear! We ordered: -Pound of Thai Wings w/Half Peanut and Half Chili Thai Sauce ($7.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): WOW. I ordered this on a whim since wings sounded really good, and was happily surprised by how delicious they were! A pound equals only 4 wings, but it worked out well for us. The peanut sauce was actually tastier than the chili thai, but both were good. I would definitely recommend ordering this! -One Eye Bacon Cheeseburger (w/Fried Egg, Bacon & American Cheese, $11.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Pretty good, but I wish they served you some vegetables on the side so you at least have the option of putting them on your burger (the standard onion, tomato, lettuce). Not sure if I would order this again though. -The Almighty Cheesus Burger (No Bun- Served Between Two Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/Pickles, Lettuce, Tomatoes, $13.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): WOW. The crazy dishes that people come up with! I'm not a fan of grilled cheese, so only took a couple of bites, but I actually really liked it! The pickles they put in one of the grilled cheese sandwiches helps to break up the richness. I don't think I could eat more than half of this sandwich, at the max, but I would definitely recommend trying it. Very unique. Overall, The Great Lost Bear is a great spot to satisfy your craving for comfort food. They have an extenstive menu that also offers a few healthy dishes, so they have something for everyone. I recommend that everyone give their peanut wings a try! They have their own lot so parking is pretty easy, but the lot is a bit squishy.
(4)Joe M.
Amazing beer selection. Great place to grab a burger or some apps. None of the food really blew me away but it's good for what it is. Try the Holy Cheezus burger. Huge burger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches.
(4)Sarah A.
Come here often and the food is great! but the service is always horrible. Each time I go back I hope our waiter will be on top of things but no such luck. Burgers are always cooked to how I like it, nachos are huge, wings are delicious and the amount of beers on tap is overwhelming (good thing, try the sampler!) I will keep going back but I just wish the service was better.
(3)Thomas N.
finally found the placeafter i wrote the address down wrong, lunch recently, beer barish place and the selection was excellent and the food was great, wife had the buff chicken salad and i had one of the cheese steaks (they had 5 i think) and all was great, would definitely revisit if backin the area, though i expect it is pretty busy at night
(5)Andrew B.
Giving a rating to the GLB is hard for me. I've been coming here for years, since I grew up in Portland. I used to recommend this place to all of my friends who were visiting, however the last time I took friends there to show off this unique watering hole we were... to say the least... underwhelmed. I always get the same thing: start with the nachos (I think it used to be Frank Sinacho's, but that's not on the current menu), the burger, medium with cheese sauce (no onions and mushrooms) and the brownie and ice cream to close it out. All with an Andrew's Pale. The food is the same, very good but not healthy --- if you are dieting, don't torture yourself --- but the vibe and service in the place has changed over the years. I remember it being dynamic and fun, a definite alternative to the chain restaurants and with better food, but the ambiance was always the difference. From the plasma globe at the hostess station to the funky menus and always fun staff, sitting at the bar with the regular crowd or grabbing one of the booths in the back of the bar and schmoozing with friends over one of their many, very good on-tap beers. The GLB was a great local venue and, IMO, a place to go for those "in the know". Unfortunately, the last few times we have been there, while the food is the same, the vibe and the service were lackluster at best. We were seated in the back, it was cold, and the service was... well, we waited 30 mins for a drink order from a waitress who never made eye contact and was clearly more interested in getting back to chatting with friends than waiting on us. I was embarrassed for having recommended this place and then taking friends to what was my favorite watering hole. (Funny enough, it's the same waitress I have seen there for many years). Maybe I am getting old - it's been 25+ years since I started coming here, but it seems the waitstaff has too, and whatever fun was there has been replaced by obligatory pleasantries. The food and beer is still great, but when I go there I no longer feel like a welcomed regular, it's more like the impersonal treatment you might get at any other restaurant where the staff is as transient as the clientele. The food: 4; ambience: 3/4; service: hit or miss.
(3)Ari O.
I'll start off: the beer is fine. We went for beer and burgers, hearing that their burgers were good. And we were sorely disappointed. My girlfriend's burger came almost completely bare--no lettuce, tomato or onion or much of anything else. But that is sort of what she ordered. Mine, however, was overcooked. Way overcooked. I asked for it medium rare and it was very well done. But not only that, it was cold. It seemed that they'd cooked mine well before hers, and then put it out under a not-very-hot heat lamp, at which point the cheese solidified and the whole burger got cold. I *never* send back food but after one bite it was deemed inedible. I called back the waiter and asked for it to be remade. Here's where GLB could have won my heart. They could have gone back and properly cooked my burger, brought it out, and I would have been happy. I've worked in kitchens; things get messed up. Redemption is a beautiful thing. When it came out, it was well done AGAIN. That's inexcusable. It was warm, at least, and I choked it down, but I'm not about to go back for anything that is not cold and liquid. Sorry, guys, it should not be hard to cook a burger medium rare, especially when given two chances.
(2)Sarah E.
We were here on a Friday night and the place was packed - thankfully our table of 4 was seated right away. That being said, the service was a little slow, but that was understandable. Beer menu is pretty amazing - all sorts of beers! There's a whole lot of local things, so that's nice to see as well. The menu is overwhelming - it's like there's too many options. I ordered a burger - it was eh. Not the best burger I've ever had, but it was still a solid burger for what it was. We also ordered the buffalo chicken mac and cheese as per all the reviews said. I have to say - not impressed. The chicken was in hunks in the mac and cheese and just didn't have any flavor to it. If you're into beer, this is the place for you. The food isn't stellar, but if you're looking for something to eat, it's not bad.
(3)Kyung R.
They have the best wings I've had in the city of Portland, but I feel like their burgers were overrated. The beer option is amazing here if you go. If you are looking for some decent bar food along with a great selection of beer, this is the place for you! I tried their dirty wings and chili burger. The dirty wings is what I order every time I go there, but their fish and chips looked pretty amazing too!
(3)Clark K.
Hands down; best burger you'll have in Maine. If you're looking for fine dining experience and an excellent meal, The Great Lost bear is the place for you. Also equipped with an incredible bar, the great lost bear has an warm ambiance and humble waiters and waitresses. If you don't mind a bit of a wait after you order, you've found the perfect dinner-date restaurant.
(5)Wendy B.
My boyfriend and I visited Portland this past July. This was my first time visiting Maine and I would move there in a heartbeat. Anyway, my love of great beer put this place high on our list of places to visit...it also helped that we were visiting friends that live in Portland and they recommended it. WOW!!! I wish I lived closer. Awesome beer selection and great food. Laid back atmosphere and friendly staff. I can't say enough good things about The Bear....even had to get a shirt to take home with me!! We plan on making Maine our yearly vacation spot so I will definitely be going back when I am there!
(5)Bob B.
Awesome beer selection! The most ridiculous burger I have ever had. The Almighty Cheesus. Alleluia! What can you say about a burger where the bread is two grilled cheese sandwiches. But no normal grilled cheese sandwich, they have pickles and bacon inside. Then the perfectly cooked burger has cheese, bacon and a fried egg. It is truly a religious experience.
(5)Jeff H.
For the price, it was exactly what we were looking for. I am surprised there are not more TVs around the bar to feature more of a sports feel and show football games. The food itself was spot on. Spicy chili with a great flavor. The burgers were cooked perfectly. My son was extremely happy with his meal. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Basically, if you want a simple meal with a bar feel, you cannot go wrong.
(4)Max M.
Fried
(1)Hilary H.
My little brother (I say little... he's 6'4") had his pick of dinner spots while I was visiting him in Portland, ME and The Great Lost Bear is where he chose to go. After eating here, I certainly understand why. The atmosphere is no-fuss, casual and fun. We sat outside on the back porch, ordered up a few pints and a plate of nachos, and the fun began. They have SO MANY different types of beer, and the waitress was more than happy to help us select. The nacho options were plentiful, too - and what we wound up with was so delicious I would have licked the plate. The best part? The burgers. THE BURGERS. Looking over the menu, I saw three options that called to me, and I was having trouble deciding. So, when my friend the waitress came back, I asked her if there was a way to combine them. She let me, and all I have to say is this: bacon, blue cheese, and buffalo wing sauce on a medium-rare patty. Oh lordy, it was indescribably delicious. I think I might be genius, to be honest. Each burger came with its own side of hand cut fries that weren't at all too heavy or greasy, and complimented the burgers perfectly. Also, the burgers came in their own little burger-sized dish on the serving plate, which really helped with the mess. I appreciated that. I love The Great Lost Bear, and will certainly request a return visit on my return visit to Portland!
(5)Josh G.
My group of friends and I discovered this fantastic little restaurant from a panel of brochures before we went on a sunset cruise, coming all the way from Albany NY to visit for the weekend not knowing where to go or what to do for food we decided hey were all starving let's check out this place since it accommodated all of our dietary restrictions and very picky eaters. Our waiter his name was Stewart I very much recommend him, he was a very hospitable man and very patient with us mispronouncing sebago beer names and other maine things & such also he was very helpful in selecting our 5 choices in the beer sampler and very patient with that. The food was fantastic, the service was amazing and not to mention how extremely helpful the host was with our ripped pants issue. My roommate tried to pants me in the cold and failed, ripped them right off me and thankfully the host had some packing tape to patch up that rip. The vegetarian rueben was fantastic and on point, we also ordered the fish & chips which were fried very lightly and perfectly crispy, the lost sauce offered as a condiment was on point as well, the taco salad was very enjoyable and was everything we wished it would be and more we also ordered a cheese steak the meat was very tender and delicious from what our friend had said. They also have some of the best cole slaw we have ever had. Based on the experience we had we will certainly be returning and hope to see Stewart upon returning. Our date of visit was 03/13/15
(5)Tara G.
I love this place. I will drive the 2 hours just to get their buffalo wings. They are spicy and a bit sweet, just delicious. Never had one's better then these in my area. They also have one of the best beer menus around. I love trying all the different types they have on tap. If you are into beer then try the beer taster-sampeler, they have some seasonal brews that are worth trying as well. The staff is very informative and helpful. The menu has a great range of different things, to make most anyone in your group happy. Don't let the rough look of the outside, deter you from walking in. It is a great place to grab a few beers and have a tasty meal.
(4)Matt K.
Great fine, would have driven right by if a friend had not recommended. Stopped in for lunch on a snowy Saturday and had an Allagash White and a burger. Huge beer selection and great menu. Beer was great and burger was a top notch "Pub Burger". The ambiance great and the they had a ton of beers on tap. I would recommend if you are in the Portland area to stop by.
(4)Ted L.
I first went to The Great Lost Bear last year while visiting Portland. It is a fantastic specialty beer place, with fantastic food to match. The burgers (I had the Formage a trois)are a perfect compliment to the 65-plus beers here. One of my favorite things about it is that you have the ability to try five beer flights in the small tasting glasses... a great way to sample the wide variety. They also have an impressive array of high alcohol content brews and trapist ales. Definitely a must do. The nice thing about the menu too, is that in addition to being eclectic, it has a wide variety of options, ranging from vegetarian to fullblown meat mode.... easily enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest of diners.
(5)Bethany W.
Best local bar around! Love their nachos!!!
(4)Roneece D.
The menu was all over the place and the food proved it!!! Maybe after a few beers the food gets better. Our server was very nice.
(2)Andrew J.
When my family first visited Portland in November 2012, our advance scouting led us to Great Lost Bear. The promise of practically endless local beers, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere was too much to ignore. Having lived here for eight months now, having samples a fair amount of local offerings, and having visited GLB more times than I can count, I can attest that it is easily one if the most exciting "restaurants" around. I put restaurants in quotes for no reason other than GLB is so much more than just that. The food is largely pub fare - albeit SEVEN PAGES worth - and has yet to leave me dissatisfied. The service has been hit-or-miss over the last year or so. A couple of the male servers are great, and Mike (the manager) is always great behind the bar, but the rest of the bartenders and female hosts/waitresses seem pretty put out that customers keep showing up. And this is not a one-off for me, either - I go at least a couple times per month. The tap list? Come on - no review necessary. Tuesdays & Thursdays are my go-to nights. If you have not tried GLB, you're missing out on a great time - time that seems to stand still while you're there.
(4)Francis B.
Going for the extensive on-tap beer selection would be enough for most. The Great Lost Bear takes it a step further: a broad menu that goes beyond the typical deep-fry pub fare. Very knowledgeable staff. It appears the staff tastes most of the entrees as well as the premium beers. Their opinions are real, unobtrusive, and help the patron navigate their extensive selection. If in doubt about a new or unusual beer, they will even bring you a 2 ounce sampler to try. Great service!
(4)None B.
I ate at this establishment recently and had hands down the worst meals of my life. And I made this yelp account for the sole purpose to advice others not to eat there. The reason why, the food is terrible!!! I order some "cheese fries" haha, more like cottage cheese that had been throw into the microwave on top of greasy fries. My main course was still though the biggest disappoint to come, I got the taco salad. Simple enough right? WRONG!! The vegetables tasted past their prime by months and the taco meat tasted like it came from a dog food container!! Everyone else in my party of 4 also found the food repulsive but you get the overall flow for how the food taste and I see no need to carry on with that issue. The waiter i think did a good job he was nice and didn't mess up anyone of the orders of food...... Although chiefs managed to do that on their own still somehow. The parking is tight so those who are nervous drivers it can be a little nerve wracking pulling in and out. Also I hope you love cigarette smoke cause smokers stand right outside the entrance door and light up resulting in a terrible smell. I will never go back and I hope those of you who read this don't waste your money there because it's just terrible!!!
(1)Marc C.
I have to say, I love a good beer bar. TGLB certainly qualifies as a great one. Sixty-nine beers on tap with at least fifteen being from Maine craft breweries. They generally have four cask conditioned ales available served via beer engines/hand pumps. You're usually lucky to find a bar that offers one or two cask conditioned ales. Four is a real treat! I sampled more beers than I probably should have. They all were great. The wings are huge and perfectly cooked. The spicy/sweet sauce was very nice. The burgers were juicy and flavorful. Mine was cooked medium rare and was topped with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions. The atmosphere is something like the great north woods meets Cheers. The servers are uniformly friendly and engaging. Unfortunately, ours didnt know all that much about beer. I'm not sure how you can work at a place with all those beers on tap and not know about beer. They sould be better trained. That is what made the difference between four and five stars. It is a great place to stop tho. It didn't take long for my long lost Maine accent to comeback and ask for another bee-aahhh!
(4)Lori R.
What a disappointment! Let me list all my complaints! 1. orrdered a beer sampler and 2 of the 4 beers were flat. (I mentioned it tot hte waiter and he never offered to replace them with anything else. Later in the meal the table next to me complained about the flat beer and was told that it never happens but they would tell the bartender.) 2. Waited over an hour for our food. 3. Cheesesteak served with ricotta cheese!! WTF??? 4. On my way out the door and hear a waitress ( not ours) speaking loudly enough for all to hear, " Those fuc*ing people didn't leave me a tip!" ...Hmmm, I wonder why???? Save your money and avoid this place. HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)Jon D.
The food is fun, tasty, and quick. This place was recommended to me by many locals when I first came to Portland and I was dubious as it looks like a biker bar, but it's a solid food serving family restaurant. The burgers are great, the ambiance is road-trip classic, and the drink selection encompasses a large chunk of local and imports - still no Shiner Bock though. :-)
(4)Tuck C.
Several people recommended this place when they heard I was in Portland. I had a long drive back to Boston and a low tolerance for loch oil, so I skipped the beer. I did, however, have the best cheesesteak that I've ever tasted. Rather than a glob of neon yellow cheese sauce, this came with a house made white cheese sauce, sort of like a béchamel sauce--it was incredible! I can't wait to get back to Portland and try more.
(5)Kristin S.
Awesome beer selection. It would be better if they had PBR on draft instead of in the pounder cans, but there's so many to choose from that it's really a non issue. Huge menu with your standard pub fare, even vegetarian options. They have this burger called "The Cheesus" which is a burger between two grilled cheese sandwiches, I definitely want to try this the next time I'm hung over:) I would stay away from their cheese steaks though, my husband had one and was not impressed. They have their own cheese sauce that looked gross from my vantage point, and my husband was not a fan. Other then that, I loved the atmosphere and beer selection and there are many menu options I would like to try so I definetly plan on going back.
(4)Steve A.
Service started slow but picked up. Food is worth coming back for. Beer selection is unparalleled - and it's all from Maine! Glad I found this place.
(4)George H.
Excellent beer selection. The bartenders are friendly and very, very knowledgeable about their beer and beer, generally. We did not eat during our visit. We arrived around 8 on a Friday night and seating was plentiful at the bar. Great spot!
(5)Jason B.
I grew up in Portland not to far from the GLB and I have eaten here most of my life almost. I recently moved back and was eager to go back and was sadly sadly disappointed. I went with my girlfriend and we went around lunch. It was pretty slow in there so we got a table right away. we then sat there for a good 15-20 MINS! before anyone even came over to take are drink order. The server didn't seem to know the specials for the beer but seem to mention she knew that there were some for that day......so that was no help there. the food was pretty bland nothing I couldn't have made at home for half the cost. I came back for a 2nd time with some friends for dinner one night and experienced the same thing, really awful wait staff service mixed with really poorly done food especially when not one person had their burger done right at the whole table, they were either over done or underdone BY A LOT . I really wanted to like this place and give it a great review seeing as how I grow up right by the GBL and eating there all the time. I was sad to come back after a few years of school and working to find that it's service and food are so bad. In a town like Portland there's no reason to settle for such poor quality when there's a million great places up the street in town so if your a tourist steer clear unless you just want cheap beer.
(1)Andy G.
The Great Lost Bear on 540 Forest Avenue in Portland Maine will appeal to your senses. Your eyes will be captivated by the decor, your mind will be tested by the novel like size of the menu ( including a Bears load of local brews) and your taste buds will be tantalized by the all the deliciousness that they will experience. This is a place for foodies, families, hippies and college kids alike. Vegans, veg heads and meat eaters unite, I think anybody could find something they would enjoy on this menu. The Great Lost Bear is located just minutes away from a number of schools and colleges in the Portland area, this helps to keep the place hopping at all hours. Parking can be a bit troublesome but if you take the time to drive around a bit, a spot can usually be found in the small lot beside the building or along the street. Once inside you will probably get lost yourself ( apparently just like the Great Bear ). The rooms are a little dark and dimly lit, some may call this romantic, some with bad eye site may consider it a safety hazard. There are many side rooms with a larger dining room and bar area to sit at and if you are lucky you may even get to sit underneath a dead animal head on the wall. After being seated, Simone and I ordered our drinks and got down to the task of looking through the extensive menu options. After much debate, we decided to start with some healthy sounding Teriyaki Grilled Mushrooms with house made Parmesan Peppercorn Dip, and the not so healthy Poutine with local Pineland Farms cheese curds that was being advertised on the specials board. The appetizers arrived and I was completely blown away by how delicious they were. Lets start with the Pountine ( which I have become an expert on over the years). This was better then any I have ever had. The fries were drowned in a rich gravy but somehow remained super crispy. The cheese curds were sharp and fresh tasting in all their melted goodness. Most Poutines I've had, have been sprinkled with bland curds that have just been chunky and stringy with gravy poured over them. The Poutine from the Great Lost Bear is nothing like that. The cheese, the gravy and crispy fries cook and melt together after being baked in a casserole dish in the super hot oven. I think this was the biggest difference and it really works perfectly.I almost ordered a second helping. Not to be outdone by Poutine, the Mushrooms were equally as delectable. A simple sweet Teriyaki glaze combined with the flavors of the Char broiler grill to make these Mushroom morsels addictive. The Parmesan Peppercorn dressing was the best I have ever had. It was thick, cheesy and had just enough bite from the black peppercorns. The Teriyaki Mushrooms and Dressing worked perfectly together . Again, I almost had to order more. After over filling on appetizers it was on to the meal. Simone ordered an appetizer side of the Specka Spanikopita, a Greek pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese and seasonings. It was baked to a flaky golden brown crust and came out of the kitchen piping hot. I found it to be a little bland and needed some salt but Simone enjoyed and finished it completely. For my entree I deiced to have the Thai Peanut Chicken Sandwich with a side of Red Beans and Rice. The chicken was grilled perfectly- moist and tender. The peanut sauce was good, not overly spicy but plenty of flavor. Much like the soanikopita, The red beans and rice were not as flavorful as I was expecting but a little dash of salt fixed that. Both the entrees were good but not as tasty as our appetizers and both of us agreed that we could have just kept eating the apps all night and skipped the actual meals. Somehow we managed to find space for dessert. Although we debated having the Carrot Cake special we ultimately decided upon the Snickers chocolate pie. This was a great choice. The crust was perfect. Flaky and tender. The filling was a semi solid fudgey, deep, dark, milky, chocolate lovers wet dream. And the whipped cream and caramel sauce was the perfect way to top it all off. The Great Lost Bear was as good as I hoped. The appetizers were the best I have ever had, The entrees although not as tasty as the appetizers were still good, and the dessert ( which the waitress told me wins awards) was a perfect rich and filling end to the night. I will definitely be back , especially for that Poutine. 4 stars for the Great Lost Bear.
(4)Liam S.
5 stars for local beer selection on draft, 3 stars for food. What I really like about this place is that you can get flights for 1.25 each. A great way to sample the beer selection.
(4)Paul L.
Great beer, good food. BUT, the menu is waaaaaay too big. You may snafu at that but c'mon. The more choices one has, the harder that decision making becomes.
(4)Bill T.
Fun spot. Lots of beer options. Food is decent. The burger is good and I've also had and liked the buffalo chicken wrap. Head to the Bear!
(4)Catherine B.
I am in town and visiting and my BFF (local) and I went here for lunch.. I had a Cheesesteak with mushroom and onions to be covered with cheese sauce (which I thought would be a cheese sauce).. this was the worst Cheesesteak I have ever had.. the meat was dry.. the mushroom/onions were on the bottom and the cheese sauce .. I don't know what is thought of as cheese sauce in Portland but in the rest of the USA it's normally either melted cheese (in Philly some use Cheese Whiz or Provolone) I assumed this sauce would be melted velveeta or Cheese Wiz or something like a queso.. this 'sauce' was thick, separated and terrible tasting.. there is a review by a woman who posted a picture and that is exactly what I experienced also.. I think it was over overheated cream cheese? but dry meat with melted perhaps cream cheese isn't a cheese steak with cheese sauce.. I ate my sandwich because 1) I was starving and 2) I didn't want to insult my friend of many years.. Our waiter was cursory and unfriendly.. the whole experienced was poor.. I would try it again if someone could assure me that they could make a decent Philly Cheesesteak hero.. very disappointing..they have a huge menu so perhaps they should cut it in half. Very very disappointing meal.
(2)Seva K.
This is another must-visit gem for those in Portland, Maine! The interior is somewhat dim-lit, with stuff like old yearbook class photos from area high schools, along with breweriana on the walls. The selection is pretty huge- lots of locals and quality imports, and themed sampler flights are offered. You can also design your own flight to try several things you haven't had before. For food they have pretty solid comfort fried foods, with lots of unique(for this area) items. They have a lot of promos and theme nights. On a recent visit, they had 5 good to awesome offerings from Allagash(and since they occupied their own draft system, it looked liked a dedicated set of taps), as well as Ommegang Aphrodite and some good stuff on cask! It's also next door to a homebrew store, so I see no excuse not to hit this place up while getting some supplies.
(5)Gary G.
stick with the basic pub fare and you'll be alright. wings, burger, cheesesteak. nothing special about this joint but the patio can be nice on a summer afternoon post work.
(3)Rob W.
Every city has that one restaurant that is considered an "institution" and for Portland Maine its the GLB. I was introduced to the GLB while in college by my parents. They had lived in the deering neighborhood 20 years prior and it had been their goto place back then. It was love at first sight. The beer selection alone could put this place atop most peoples list's. Usually there are over 50 beers on tap, and always a terrific blend of micro's from all over the country. Start your meal with an order of wings. I can easily say that these are the best wings I have ever had. They are big, crispy and fresh. The menu from there is book, big and broad, but unlike most places that carry such a large selection of food, the quality isn't lost. I usually cycle through the burger list, and if all else fails go with the egg one. Be sure to get "cheese sauce" on the side with your fries, you wont be disappointed! Even after moving out of Maine, we go out of our way to hit the GLB at least once a year now... and I hope to some day turn my kids into fans...
(5)Sam B.
I used to be a wing-hater. I'd turn my snobby little nose up at that florescent orange sauce, those sticky, dripping fingers, those mouths covered in tangy nastiness. Even the smell of buffalo sauce made me wince with disapproval. And then I met The Great Lost Bear. I don't know what enticed me to try them the first time. Perhaps it was the fact that they actually look like chicken wings. Some mutant enormous version of a chicken but a chicken nonetheless. One bite and the Buffalo Wing Switch was flipped within me. Now I find myself daydreaming of their wings. Just writing this review, I have to resist the urge to call and place an order. When people ask me where to go for wings, my eyes glaze over and I tell them in an urgent monotone that they have to eat at The Great Lost Bear. If they resist, I point at them and shriek like a Buffalo Wing Pod Person. If you simply can't bring yourself to go based on their wings alone, I understand. I used to be like you, too. Fortunately, they have an enormous menu with gluten free and vegetarian options. It's almost overwhelming, it's so extensive. They have a comfortable, kitchy interior that is good for large and small groups. Reading all the signs and posters on the walls makes for excellent diversion if your company is less than stellar and the staff is always friendly. But, really, go for no other reason than their wings. Join us.
(4)Michelle B.
We have never been disappointed with the service, food, beer selection here. They have special events - Thursdays are brewery nights - so make sure you check out their website and/or facebook page! Nice outdoor patio when the weather is nice! Convenient parking w/o meters (as opposed to downtown Portland).. We love the Great Lost Bear!
(4)Rebecca W.
Great cheesesteaks and the mushroom appetizer is a can't miss dish. The service is friendly and the atmosphere casual and inviting
(3)Jason B.
They have approximately 1,000,000 beers on tap, and an extensive food menu. Kitschy, fun and definitely a Beer Advocate favorite, Great Lost Bear is a fun spot for a bar bite and a bucket of brew. I stayed relatively safe, with Sierra Nevada, but there are plenty of local brews on tap! Not that I need to say it, but there are definitely some fun options on the menu for vegetarians. I'm not even close to one, but the veggie burger "patty melt" grabbed me! It was more like a reuben with a veggie burger, but it was damn tasty. The steak tip salad did not fail to please - high quality steak, grilled properly. There was a dreadful old lady talking loudly on a cell phone, but that wasn't their fault.
(4)Allison C.
We lived in Portland for about a year, and this was one of our favorite spots. 70+ beers on tap, and a ginormous menu with something for everyone! Nachos are a stand-out, or anything with their cheese sauce (mac and cheese, cheese fries, etc etc). Wings are also fantastic. I have been known to enjoy a cake sundae in a jar, and I did not regret that decision... GLB is the best. That is all.
(5)Rich S.
Great place, great food, great service! Came up from Boston with the whole family and had a great time!
(5)Michael V.
Cool bar, great atmosphere. I have been here twice for beer but I did get a spanikopita and that was good. The menu seems pretty good and I have never heard anyone complain about the food. Its not in the old port area but that is kind of nice as that can get a little stuffy down there. I am a fan and definitely return here for drinks when I am in the area and have to meet a friend! Definitely check this place out! I would probably go 5 star if I spent more time here and had more of their food to try.
(4)Charles W.
I love the bear, a sweet local hangout place with Tuesday tall beers for small prices ( double the beer for same price as a regular) or theThursday night showcase featured beers for 2.99 and up! Sometimes some beer swag sometimes the brewers are here. The food is pretty good for the most part, prices seem to keep going up which is a bummer. The mother-child reunion is pretty great and the chili is spot on. Never had the deserts but they look pretty good. Two main complaints are the service very hit or miss. Sometimes you get the attentive waitress or waiting forever. Also they will not let you split up checks for a party of 6 which is bush league! But like the beer overall!
(4)Bethany S.
Stopped in this place for lunch on our vacation. The atmosphere was super cool! I love a good drink list, and this place had everything from awesome microbrews (local and not so local) to house infused vodkas! It seemed like it would be a really fun local watering hole. The food was very good, they had a lemon curry salad dressing that I would likely drink the 3+ hours to Portland, ME to taste again. My issue only issue was the price of the food. Everything was pretty pricey for the bar food that it was. All the salads were over $10 and the burgers were similarly overpriced. That being said, everything we got was tasty. We vacation in ME pretty often, and the next time I'm in town, I will definitely be hitting up this place again!
(4)Pao T.
Got the great chesus and it was what they said. A meat patty in between two grilled cheese. Aside from that it was good but I think the hype made me expect a lot more from it. Friends got the nachos and those were ah-ma-zing!! People need to at least try these nachos out. There's so much food!
(4)Steff D.
The Great Lost Bear is great for beer. Their selection is so diverse and plentiful, there is something available for everyone - even "non-beer drinkers." Craving something fruity? Something hoppy? A porter, a pilsner, a brown, an ESB, an ale, a Belgian style? Something cask conditioned? Something seasonal? Beer aged in bourbon barrels? Want something on draught that isn't beer? No worries! They've got mead and cider, too. And on Thursday nights they have a "Showcase" where they feature a craft brewery and a few of styles of their beer. Brewers are on hand to answer questions, hang-out with locals, and giveaway prizes. The Great Lost Bear is, however, NOT great for service. I'm not entirely sure what's happened over the past couple of years but it seems their once attentive staff has been replaced by apathetic robots. I held off as long as I could from posting this update, but after today's unfortunate lunch experience I just can't keep quiet anymore. Our waitress was rude and disinterested. So much so that it ruined the experience of the out of town family we were with. About mid-way through our meal our conversation turned from laughter and reminiscing to quietly joking about how unfathomably terrible the waitress was. "Would you like some water? How's your meal? Can I get you another beer? Are you all set with this plate? Did you save room for dessert? Thank you so much for coming! Let me know if you need anything else!" These are all phrases that we didn't hear during our time there. "I guess you're trying to tell me something," said in annoyance IS something our waitress said when we started stacking our plates and glasses when nearly a half hour had gone by after finishing our meal and just sitting there. "We're trying to move THESE people out," said in disdain IS something the host said about us, jabbing his finger in our direction, to another group of people. "I'm so sorry about that," IS something I repeated multiple times to our family as I felt supremely embarrassed by the behavior of the restaurant I chose to have them take us to. I wish that I could say this was a one-off experience, but - alas - it's not. We came about a month ago and watched our waiter spend the majority of his time sitting at the bar with friends talking, only paying attention to us when we called him over (after five or ten minutes of waving or saying - as politely as possible - "excuse me, sir?"). Tsk, tsk, Great Lost Bear. Has all your energy and effort gone into the bar? Is customer service on the floor just not as important anymore? Because that's how it feels. You should ABSOLUTELY come to the Great Lost Bear if you want a pre-dinner or post-dinner drink (I definitely do - their bar/beer rocks!). If, however, you're the type of person entertained by being ignored, I suggest risking your evening in the dining room. While you and your dining companions will definitely run out of drinks, you won't run out of conversational topics (i.e. how "awesome" the service is).
(3)Tara L.
Chicken sandwiches were phenomenal. Daughter had a buffalo chicken and Eric had an angry bird and both were so delicious that they wanted to come back for dinner the next night. My burger was decent although it was literally just meat with some herbed goat cheese on it. I wish they would have been more explicit in saying that it was a very plain burger because I would have asked for toppings on mine...a little onion and tomato would have really made it. Thankfully I had a big thing of yogurt dill dressing that came with my salad and I dunked my burger in it. The beer selection was great and the different dressings for the salad and the chicken sandwiches were yummy. Oh and the fried potatoes also yummy.
(4)Ivan J.
I have heard good things from friends about this place so I decided to give it a try last night. We were immediately seated and I must say the service for superb. Our waiter was laid-back and attentive. I am the type of person who goes straight to the burgers section when I open up a menu. This was no different at The Great Lost Bear. I went with the "Super Burger" and jalapeño poppers as an appetizer. The jalapeño poppers were cooked perfectly; with the cheese oozing out! Soon after my burger came and you definitely get what you pay for. I was not able to finish it but the flavors of the four different cheeses and bacon made me wish I could of finished it. Overall a great dining experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone because there menu has all kinds of different items from Mexican, American, to vegetarian and gluten-free options!
(5)Christine L.
GIANT SERVINGS OF DELICIOUS CHILI is all I'll ever need to remember about Great Lost Bear. While the chili is beyond amazing on it's own, it's a tad spicy so it pairs nicely with both fries and nachos. A nice cold beer helps too. Enjoy!!
(5)Kevin B.
Great beer list - great service, friendly customers. It's a go-to first stop when I get to Portland. I can't say that their food is anything special, but the stop always is good for a beer or three.
(4)AJ P.
This is one of my favorite places in town to get wings and they have pretty good burgers too! Great beer selection. The place is pretty huge - but really dark inside.
(4)Matt T.
2.5 stars...good beer selection with locals having a decent part of the menu...but from our tasters, unimpressive locals. The server couldn't describe many of the beers on the menu, and would disappear for long stretches. the food was ok...typical bar and pub food...with a bit on the bland side. I'd pop in here for beer if you are in a session drinking mood, but there are a lot of other better places for dinner.
(3)Sam S.
Haven't gotten anything here I didn't like. Long list of beers, a great menu, friendly service, huge portions. Not a lot of parking. One of those places that tack lots of kitsch to the walls. Someone should really find that bear already.
(5)David F.
I don't write yelp reviews that much anymore, but gaaahdamnnn. This is got to be one of the best bars in the world. Any place where you can get this mix of good beer/good cheap food/great specials and prices/awesome atmosphere/good music/great bartenders. Seriously this place is no joke. Go on a Monday.
(5)Michael D.
If you want top notch beer the great lost bear is one of the best around. They carry everything imaginable from craft beer, IPA light beers, heffeweisen and even exotic apricot beers. They are also well know for their burgers here and I have had them on numerous times here. The crowd is typically jolly and a mixed bag of characters.
(4)Bruce D.
For the beer lover this place is a must. The beer selection is varied across styles and changes daily. Each major style is well represented with a number of niche national and regional / local craft brews. There were three offerings on cask the night I visited. The bar has a decent selection of liquors, a number of which are locally distilled. Prices are very good. The beer sampler of one to five, 5 ounce pours is a great way to try multiple offerings in a combination and quantity of your choosing. Decor is from central casting, dollar bills tacked above the bar, a stuffed bears head, a gazillion stickers plastered on the walk in cooler. You've seen it all before. Not a dive but nothing to write home about. Service is the stumbling block for additional stars. The bartenders are order takers, efficient and competent but not very friendly. Don't expect much conversation on beer styles, specials, etc. They're taking your order, will have it quickly / correctly and that's about it. You won't feel welcome or unwelcome at the bar, you're just there taking up space and so are they. I enjoyed the beer, loved the prices and am glad to have been here. I'll definitely be back to broaden my beer experience at a great price. I'll keep smiling too and someday someone working there may smile back.
(3)Benjamin C.
I am a big fan of GLB. Great beer, very laid back, always a good time...and a great place to gather with friends. Very expansive menu to meet different preferences. I've been there 4 or 5 times, but I'll write about my most recent experience from Friday. We ordered a round of beers, including the 2.99 special. Great deal! For food, my mother had the turkey melt. My wife and I each ordered a bowl of chili and shared a steak salad (as the appetizer). The salad took a very long time, which our server acknowledged and took off the bill. She was great! The meat was great on the salad...medium-rare as requested. The rest of the salad is just a standard salad. Nothing fancy. My mom would have liked a little more turkey in her melt, but she enjoyed it. The chili is always a win. Spicy and delicious. I like mine with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños. On all past occasions, I have ordered a burger. Only once was it a bit overcooked. All others were delicious. We always take visitors here, as it's a favorite spot. Cool souvenirs for visitors, too! Check it out if you haven't yet!
(4)Stuart K.
Had one of the best burgers in quite some time. Hand cut fries were excellent. Can't wait to go back to try more!
(5)Alise K.
Three of us sat at the bar. Seems like a fun bar! I'm only giving a 3 star rating because my Rachel sandwich was not good. My friends got the dirty wings, they were good. A couple of beers each and we were good to go!
(3)Karen C.
Our first stop in Portland on Friday night around 7:30. Place was hopping, as you would expect, but we were seated promptly. As I am sure everyone knows, the beer list is amazing and one of the main reasons we came here. Food menu is a little overwhelming; I prefer restaurants that specialize in one amazing thing rather than places that have a little of everything and nothing super amazing. That being said, my burger was pretty solid (one eyed bacon cheeseburger) and cooked how I asked for it, medium rare. The fries were good but not my favorite - round slices which took me by surprise when my burger came. Service was friendly although a tad on the slow side. Overall worth a visit when in the area.
(3)Justin H.
Come on in for lunch and you're guaranteed to get great beer, great food and great service with some sweet tunes playing in the background. Love the bear!!!
(4)Daniel K.
The only reason I am giving 3 states is because the hot sauce was good. Otherwise, it was over rated. The wings were over-cooked and dry. Service was decent, but wings were terrible.
(3)Joanna R.
One of the reasons I miss Maine. Great atmosphere for eating great food, drinking great local beer (Allagash!!) and just hanging out with family and friends. I stop here every time I am "home" There is something for everyone on this vast menu. Service consistently nice and on occasion make me laugh. If you haven't stopped in to try this place, you must at least try it.
(5)Jason P.
This place has an outstanding selection of beers and a big bar. The food here is hit or miss. Someplace to have a few beverages with people from work.
(3)Zachary G.
Being my first time at the Great Lost Bear, I had high hopes. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. The service was great if not slightly impersonal. Our server brought drinks and food quickly and with a smile. The food was the real star. My dish of choice was the Bayou Burger. The burger was cooked to a perfect charred medium well and the toppings, including fried onions, jack cheese and buffalo sauce, complimented the burger perfectly. I thought the draught list was impressive and I chose the Oxbow Farmhouse. It complimented the burger though not perfectly. Overall I can say that I will certainly be returning.
(5)Barbara L.
Good beer selection. Food is underwhelming. Fries tepid & soggy. Cole slaw tasteless. stale bun on my clam roll. Atmosphere is fun so just go for a beer.
(3)Patrick M.
We went to the GLB for a 50th B-Day. I am a huge fan of the Mother and Child and its always good. However the rest of the food is ehh. The fries were cold and soggy. The beer selection is great and it helps offset one of the worst front of house staffs I've run into in a long time. If you go sit at the bar and order from the barmaid/ barman. Otherwise you'll most likely be treated as I have 90% of the time- with indifference. I'm still a fan of the place but won't sit at a table. We were at a small 4 top with beers and just a pile of info from the GLB. Space was hard to come by. We ordered an app and sandwiches. The app came out and the waiter piled up the info bucket right in front of me and 2 minutes later they ran our sandwiches out and kind of piled those in the middle. Nice timing. I ended up putting all of the info stuff- menus-beer lists-promo items on the floor just so we could make a little space.
(3)Allen I.
I can't deny the fact that the beer selection was a go, but beer in Portland is good ; everywhere. We ordered the mega-chicken nachos. Yes, they came out and they looked good. It's not worth me uploading the picture they all look the same. However, they were flat out weak, and maybe the worst I've ever had. First the cheese which looked so good melted on top had absolutely no flavor at all. Then underneath the cheese was a bunch of undercooked veggies(peppers, jalapeños, almost raw onions). Then, of course was the chicken. I'm sorry. You don't use chicken off the bone w. that harsh gamey flavor it overpowers the nachos. I had pieces of dark meat in there and gristle thinking to myself seriously?I'd 100 percent go back for a drink the 2.99 pint of the day was a great deal but as far as the food...Those were by far the worst nachos I've ever had and would feel much more comfortable making my own with a bag of sargento and a rotiseree chicken, because I consider that the equivalent.
(2)Mr P.
The Hell Fire Wings are best hot wings in the known universe. I get a side of the Hell Fire Sauce to take home, keeps my sweat glands working until my next visit :)
(5)Kathryn B.
Great find! We had just driven 13 hours from Canada enroute to Boston and starving! We "yelped" casual dining and this was the first to pop up. What a gem! The tuna burger was excellent (opt for Cajun style and ask for a side of the wasabi cucumber dressing instead of mayo!) and the fish and chips were huge, fresh and tasty. Interior is fun, lots of local kitsch-cool bar area-we had a 10 year old in tow and ambiance was family friendly. It was quiet on a Monday night (8:30ish), the staff was very friendly and efficient; so good my BF is there again right this second having lunch with his friend. Really liked it-we will be back.
(4)Justine J.
This is an awesome spot, especially as a casual dining spot with friends. Their menu is HUGE and everything I've tried so far has been fantastic -- desserts and drinks included. I've always had a good experience here and continue to go back! PS: Try their chocolate cake in a mason jar. YUM.
(4)Kevin M.
been going here for over 20 years. Always have a great beer selection on tap and great burgers. Nice little neighborhood bar and grill
(4)Andrew S.
Three of us flew in on a Sunday afternoon (in early March) and we were craving some food and local brews. Based on yelp reviews, we decided to try out this establishment. It seemed cozy and fairly busy when were being seated. The beer list was extensive, with the waitresses help, we choose three local beers (all of which pleased our slightly beer-snobbish palates). The service was quick and the waitress was both pleasant and helpful. We ordered the mac & cheese as an appetizer and haddock, portobello sandwich, and crab grilled cheese as the main course. My brother, who is a vegetarian, especially liked the portobello and mac & cheese. I would categorize the meals as good pub food (nothing too fancy, just tasty comfort food). The most unique aspect of this place was the cool and funky decorations. It was enjoyable to walk around the view the different pictures and history of Portland/New England's past. Overall, I would come back based on the hearty meals, good beer selection, and local pub-like feel.
(4)Jamie A.
One of my favorite downtown Portland hangouts! The great: Great local beer selection- tough to rival! Great atmosphere! Awesome food- My favorite= the buffalo chicken wrap (I won't get this anywhere else because it is so good here) The not so great: Parking can be tough on a busy evening
(5)S And E H.
Large beer selection. HUGE food selection. Something for everyone.
(4)Puneet M.
I've been here twice with two different experiences. Both times I sat in the same spot at a table near the bar and really enjoyed the ambiance of the place both times. The first time I went I would have found a way to give it a sixth star if I could. We had a older gentlemen as our waiter and he was absolutely amazing. Very pleasant, helpful and fun. Having him as our waiter alone warranted 5 stars. The beer selection is amazing with a great balance in the amount and type of beers they serve. Again 5 star worthy. We had a burger and chili Thai boneless wings. The burger was good but the wings were amazing. The ranch was incredible. The second time was a little different. The waiter was not as nice and not to attentive. We tried the nachos but there must have been a pound of cheese on it which was way over the top. We tried the peanut Thai boneless wings which was just breaded chicken with a side of skippy peanut butter. The buffalo boneless wings was pretty good and again the ranch was amazing. We got a beer tower which was odd. It was really just a pitcher in a tower form. It didn't really stay cold and would have been much better in a pitcher. The second experience really brought the rating down which was a shame but I will be going back hopefully for the first experience.
(4)Kerry P.
Food is good, staff are nice. It not well-lit but many won't care. Menu includes healthier options and vegetarian as well. Great beers on tap.
(4)Bobby F.
Stopped in late night for some grub and a beer and I ran into The Almighty Cheesus Burger... Damn that was good... We also split the super nachos which were also very tasty with probably a pound of cheese on them Mmmmm... The beer list is also something I had to tackle but in the end I went local because why not?!
(4)Jeffrey R.
I've visited here a handful of times. Never have I been disappointed with the food or beer selection - my mouth and stomach leave QUITE satisfied. My feelings towards the hospitality on the other hand... Well let's just say it's been subpar enough times that I'm here talking about it. While the actual items being served make me think "five star!", sadly the service makes me leave disappointed and ends the experience on a "one star :(" note. This most recent visit, our waitress never checked on us during the meal, never came by to pick up any dishes we were done with, and never even suggested dessert/coffee/etc. after the meal. Not until we started stacking a few dishes to help clean up did she begrudgingly come to our table. I will most likely come back, but I will head toward the bar for beverages and hope for the best with the bar staff.
(3)Kiesha J.
When my husband and I walked in, we stood at the hostess stand for a good five minutes. Finally a server came over and said, "I don't know where the hostess is, but I'll seat you." We then took our seats and our server took our drink orders. He came back to tell us that the beer my husband wanted had kicked. My husband asked for a good Maine beer recommendation and the server suggested a Vermont beer... Okay. He then brought our beers over and mine was only half full because it had also kicked. They graciously didn't charge me for that half-glass. We ordered our food and it arrived and it was fine. Not outstanding, not subpar, but fine. Then we waited nearly 30 minutes to get our check once we were finished. The couple next to us sat down while we were eating and it took nearly 20 minutes for them to even get asked about beverages. I wanted to like this place. The beer list is great, the decor is kitschy and fun, but with service the way it was, I can't imagine ever going back.
(2)Melanie R.
I am always appreciative of new places, especially foodie places! The Great Lost Bear, or GLB, is a good place to sit and hang out, have a cold glass of beer and eat some pub food. The atmosphere is woodsy lodge meets Maine meets Forest Ave. it works, strangely enough. My friend and I ordered Margaritas. They were decent. I wasn't expecting gold but it was certainly tasty! I had the Veggie Tempura Roll-up and my friend had the Pattymelt. My roll was very tasty and I enjoyed every bite. It had crispy tempura veggies inside a wrap with more veggies and it came with two sauces I asked to have on the side. This worked put perfectly! My friend loved her burger! It looked exactly how she ordered it and wanted it. Our server was Owen, and he was really great!! Knew the menu, chatted with us for a few moments, personable, attentive; overall an added bonus for the GLB.
(4)George T.
I've been to Buffalo, I tried Anchor and Duff's both sucked compared to Great Lost Bear's wings. Best wings in America as far as I'm concerned.
(5)Nick W.
Great pub food and huge beer selection. Burgers are solid. Service is good. It is what a good bar should be.
(4)David G.
I agree with many reviews, in that the menu is ambitious and the beer selection is impressive. They need to improve the refrigeration as it seems I'm stuck with a lukewarm beer at least once a visit. I can appreciate the fact that regulars find every flaw charming. However, the food is average and the atmosphere relies heavily on a random collection of junk adorning the walls and ceiling. Worth a visit but lacking in too many areas to frequent.
(2)Jason B.
I think people that leave good reviews must be drunk from the large selection of beer or love to hear themselves talk in the form of writing. I want to like the Bear, I really do. But they won't let me. It would be super convenient and we'd be regulars (live and work close) but just can't stand the service / lack of food quality. We've been going on and off for years. Service (with the exception of one exceptional waiter) is always slow and depending who you get they can be rude. It's almost like they have a culture of taking customers for granted. Burgers are consistently burnt. No matter how you ask for it to be cooked it's charred on the outside and raw on the inside and I'm not talking about one experience or I'm in a bad mood. I'm talking about I've given them at least 10 chances and finally gave up. I'm a creature of habit and also have tried other dishes once I gave up on the burgers and they lack consistency as well. O.k. one week, totally screwy the next. The wraps can vary in size so greatly one week you are stuffed- the next you are left hungry. Yeah, there is a good selection of beer, big deal. If I was here just to drink I'd have to wait too long to get my beer and then there is a good chance it might be flat. The service and food don't compute with the ratings on here.
(2)Kevin S.
I've been here several times and have yet to be disappointed. My favorite is the Mother and Child Reunion. It's a fried chicken sandwich with a fried egg and melted cheese. It's great comfort food in a place that's good for groups.
(4)Scott M.
Daaaaa Bear! If you are looking for a great assortment of Maine beers and solid bar food, go hunt for a parking spot! If you are looking for a foodie haven, keep driving towards the city. Personal food favs = meat chili, any of the burgers, buffalo chix salad w/ hellfire sauce. Thursday nite beer showcases are great. We have had great experiences with the service...but again, you don't see white tablecloths, so temper your expectations folks! This place is regularly mentioned in Beer Advocate and other brew publications. That is good enough for me! Verdict - I'll be back....A LOT!
(5)Laurence P.
It is sad, infinitely sad, to have to say that after many attempts to like the food at the GLB, or simply to find it tolerable, it is clear that there is nothing to be done. Everything is microwaved. Even the burgers are mediocre at best. And the fries are no good at all. The beer is brilliant. But do not eat. In a great foodie town, the GLB stands out for not giving a damn. It is a pity, but also a bit of a scandal.
(1)Esther P.
Went for drinks/dinner with my brother. Ordered veggie nachos as an appetizer- we couldn't finish them for fear of not having room for the main course! They were AMAZING - I love it when all chips are covered equally with cheese. I ordered the spanakopita and fries, which were also very yummy. My brother had a sandwich and a side salad. Very good. The waiter was attentive and very polite. Drinks were ordered and promptly brought to our table. I was impressed and happy to have dinner here!
(4)Joe F.
Stopped in thinking this was just a bar. My 5 stars is based off this bring a bar. It's also a restaurant. This place is on the list from All About Bert as one of the 125 places to have a beer before you die. I've been to many on the list. This place jumped to the top of my list to visit again. They have a great selection of beer many of them from Maine. Fresh beer just tastes better than those who traveled long distances. It was a quick stop had a stout and a hoppy beer. Both great. The atmosphere is really casual but centered around beer. I really liked it. If you are around Portland, stop. It's worth the visit.
(5)Cameron R.
Restaurants like The Great Lost Bear can be hit-or-miss from my experience. But in this case, they were a hit. We went here for a late lunch while in the area. They have a parking lot to the side of the building, which is nice and convenient. They also boast a ridiculous number of taps and brews on draft. 70-something I think? Most of their beers are from Maine, so as an out of state-r it was awesome to try different Maine brews, especially ones we can't find in NY. I went with a Foundation Brewing beer and was not disappointed. The beer selection is awesome and well organized by beer type. The menu is large, and has a lot of options. I decided to go for the Lewiston Cheesesteak, which had a nice herbed cheese spread rather than nasty cheese whiz. I thought it was tender, juicy, and very delicious. The fries were good too despite being your typical steak cut fries. Two of the patrons I was with ordered the Mac and Cheese and were very satisfied. I took a bite and was happy that it was actually cheesy and gooey, unlike other mac and cheeses. My fiance also got the chili, which appears to have won some awards. The chili boasts being spicy, and it actually was! My fiance loved it, and he always complains that spicy foods usually aren't spicy enough. Overall, we had a great meal. The excellent beer selection paired with delicious food made for an awesome experience.
(5)John T.
My GF and I went Sunday afternoon. The decor looked like it was forty years old. Our server came over and asked if we wanted a drink. We said we didn't decide yet. They had a large beer list. He came back with water. Then took the table behind us who came in after us. He took they're drink order and food order before he came back and asked about our drinks. We both got a burger. They're specialty! My GF ordered hers medium. Hers came out OK. She liked it. I ordered mine medium rare. Mine came out well done! I have to learn to start sending things back. But then the person your eating with is waiting for your meal to come back! I would never go back to this place!
(1)Claudio C.
I enjoy the GLB about four times a year. It's a quintessential beer pub. Yesterday, there were 79 beers on tap. If you like artisan beer with some pub food...this is your spot. My advise would be to sit at the bar, as the table service can be spotty. The menu is varied, with lots of sandwich, burger, and salad choices. I'm a fan of their wings....my way is plain fried, with ranch and blue cheese dipping sauce on the side. Ample portion, with crispy outsides and juicy, yet coked on the inside. The burgers are 1/2 lb. with about a dozen menu choices. If you like a medium rare burger, order it rare...as they tend to overcook them. Another favorite of mine is The Mother and Child Reunion....a spicy chicken sandwich with bacon and a fried egg....delicious. The fries are hand cut chip style, but I like them. They are semi thick, always hot, and texturally solid. Decent atmosphere...no tvs....and parking can be a bit of a cluster as their lot is small, and parking near the front on Forest Ave. is always taken. Their menu is basically unchanged for 20 plus years....which is good, as it's a testament to their longevity, but that said, I'd like to see some new fresh variety....a great ahi tuna fish taco would be a good start. Overall...solid...4 stars....recommend
(4)Nicole O.
This place has been around forever, and with good reason. The food is always fantastic. The beer list is long and varied. It's a great place to take friends. I love the nachos with chili, and the buffalo chicken wrap!
(4)Franklin M.
Old school restaurant since 1979. This place rocks with atmosphere and drink selection. We met up with a group of 13 people and they had plenty of room for us, we did reserve a table in advance. The beer hit the spot and my Bejesus Burger I ordered was huge but okay in taste, I've had a better similar burger at Grill em All in Los Angeles CA. My teen daughter and friend ordered some kids meals and they loved it.
(5)Shannon H.
Do not order anything with crab! Had the crab roll and my boyfriend had the crab grill cheese...tasted like tuna fish mixed with cat food. So disgusting. Vegan chili bland,service rotten...15 minutes before anyone came to our table. Beer was good, that's about it.
(1)Natasja G.
Food was good. Nachos could have used a bit more spice but that's a personal preference.
(3)Stella P.
Came here with a group of 5 for dinner on a Saturday evening. Parking was easy in the restaurant's lot and we were seated right away. I ordered the PB&J wings (one of the specials that evening) - it was a delicious combo of the Thai Chili wings and Peanut Sauce wings. I ordered the smaller portion ($8) but you could also get 2lbs (double the wings) for $14. I also got a mini salad with the cucumber wasabi dressing which was super good. The whole meal was delicious and very filling. They have a big beer list with tons of local beers on tap. I got the beer of the night, shipyard gingerhead, on special for $3/pint. Our server was great and very nice about splitting checks.
(5)Mary G.
My husband and I came here after one of his softball games. I have been here before maybe a year or two ago after work and all I could remember from my last visit was that the service was terrible. Well, nothing has changed. It took the bartender maybe 10 minutes to wait on us, and the bar wasn't even half full! I am only talking about the counter space, but all but one of the surrounding tables were also empty. I don't know where they were but they weren't just busy pouring drinks behind the bar; they were no where to be found. Eventually the man with the glasses and baseball cap got us drinks. The drinks were fine. However he never offered us food menus. We looked around the bar and eventually had to go the hostess to get food menus. I was a wires through college, so trust me I try to avoid being one of those patrons, but this night I was. This bartender even made a comment, "You know if it wasn't pouring and shitty out, we might actually have customers." Well, I hate to break it to you sir, but you did have customers. This gentleman has a red cap and glasses. It seemed that the women also tending the bar with tattoos on her upper right arms was not half as terrible. And he never checked back on us. In fact we had to ask her for extra napkins. She was very quick and very kind. The food and atmosphere however, we're saving graces. I got a fried chicken burger and it was phanomenal, really worth the cost. And boy did they fill up the rest of my plate with their round cut fries. It was a very full in meal. My husband got a bacon cheese burger that was equally delicious and fulling. And the food came out very promptly (after ordering). All in all, dine at your own risk. If you were never a waitress I am sure terrible staff is not as great as a concern and can be overlooked to their fantastic food.
(2)Sarah W.
I want to love this Portland institution so much more than I do. All 3 stars are for the bar: bartenders, selection, space, and ambiance all intact and excellent. But what on Earth has happened to the table service and the food? On a lazy Saturday we waited interminably for every stage of service in the dining room. Food was OK but just OK. My burger was overcooked past the temperature I requested. Even so I have had a couple of later dinners at the bar since, and they are just lackluster. Inedibly tough beef in a fajita. Chicken pot pie special still slightly frozen in the middle. Really amateur bungles. There is a confluence of cheap ingredients and lazy or inept BOH in my opinion. It may be time to shrink the iconically long menu or shake up the management. I, for one, will be skipping the chow hereafter.
(3)David T.
I am the type of customer that likes to order from a place of panic. By that, I mean I want to have so many choices that I have to just pick at random and hope for the best. At most restaurants I only have to do that with beer or entrees, here I got to do that with both. I had the Not your Dad's root beer and the mother and child reunion and was blown away by the food and the beer. Looking foward to getting back to Portland to try this place again.
(4)Courtney C.
The Great Lost Bear is one of the places I will go to once in a great while when I want some drinks, possibly dinner, and don't feel like drudging down to the old port. In a perfect yelp world I could give this place 2.5 stars because that more accurately depicts my feelings for this place. I've been here many times over the past 5 years because of the close proximity to my house, although more times than not I leave feeling like I should have spent my money elsewhere. Like many reviews before me state, the food is just okay. The prices are reasonable though. Just don't expect to be blown away by taste or high quality. What really brings down the stars for me is the service here. It is consistently slow and sometimes friendly, sometimes I feel like an annoyance. Yesterday I came in and sat down at the bar. There were only 4-5 other people there at the time. I ordered a steak and cheese sandwich and a Mikes hard lemonade in the bottle. The meal came out in a reasonable amount of time and it tasted fine. The problem was that I had one sip left of my drink as she was putting my meal down. The entire time I was eating I had an empty drink in front of me. Not good when you're eating a salty steak sandwich and fries! I had finished my meal and stared at the bartender while she walked past me a dozen times for about another 15 minutes before she came over and asked me if I wanted another drink. At that point I just asked for some ice water and the check. If she had been attentive to me I would have ordered one probably two more drinks in the time it took me to eat my meal, and if the service was better I might have hung around longer than the time it took me to eat my meal.
(2)Shane L.
I have totally mixed feeling about this place. I had heard pretty good things about the beer selection and it did not disappoint in that area. There was a menu that was chocked full of all types of microbrews, domestic brews and was cold and delicious. Now to the food. The two times that I have been here in the past two weeks, both times the food was just ok. One time I dove into the burger and although I dont think that you can go wrong with a burger with a fried egg on top but it was cooked perfectly to my liking but was a little dry. The next time, I had the asian spice wings and they were not very good at all. The full sized wings were cool where the sauce almost had a chilled gelatinous feel to it and really turned off from the taste of the wings in general. The party I was with also had various complaints about the food although the healthy sized portions were good for a hungry bunch. The service was also something that was not was not great. After our first round of beers that we got, our glasses were bone dry and were waiting forever to get a refill on our beverages even having the waitress zip right past us fast and furious style without even checking in on us. I think that there are many places downtown to grab a good burger and a beer with much better and attentive service and although this was on Forest away from the tough parking area of downtown, it would have been much more worth it to go there to have a good experience. And the parking is horrible with a lot of about 10 parking spaces so look for a street spot if you are heading to this place. I dont think that i will be coming back here anytime soon.
(2)Shannon S.
The beer selection receives 5 stars; there are always great craft brews on here. And I'd even give an extra star for letting one create his or her own sampler. However, I feel the food and service are inconsistent. I've sat in the bar area once with my family and waited 15 minutes to be greeted by our server and another 35 minutes to receive our food. The food was good, but some items better than others (pulled pork nachos are aces.) The most recent time we went, our server took away my husbands plate (with half a burger and mountain of fries on it) and tossed it rather than boxing it up. She felt awful and offered us dessert on her, but he was still pretty bummed about it. All in all, it's definitely the beer that will keep us coming back when we are in the area and I don't think this place tries to be anything it's not. It's comfortable, laid back (maybe too much so) and always worth it if we aren't in a rush.
(3)Josh M.
Everyone sees GLB as a Portland staple, which it is, even though it's a bit overrated. It's easy, affordable, can be a place to have a nice date or a family gathering. It's as accessible as it is accommodating. The food is good but rarely great and the staff is alright but rarely good. The chili is worth a try.
(3)chad b.
Good food. Okay service. My boyfriend loves it here so it's absolutely on the go to list. Fried veggies are a favorite!
(4)Tony W.
My hand trembled a bit while deciding between a 3- or 4-star rating for The Great Lost Bear. I ultimately feel like this place is 3.5 stars, but I'll give them a bump up based on all the good times and memories this place has been an important part of throughout the last decade. Generally, this is a GREAT beer pub with an OUTSTANDING collection of taps just a little bit removed from the Old Port, which really makes this a locals hangout even during the summer. The vintage Maine/beer/road sign/poster decorations and the lighting give it a nice cozy vibe - especially in the back beyond the bar. During the summer it's got a nice (but small) beer garden. Back in the day, TGLB began supporting and promoting the craft beer movement even before there was a craft beer movement. I really believe that Portland has such a vibrant beer scene today because of places like this that prioritized local beers and gave fledgling brewers a reliable distribution outlet. During college, my friends and I started coming here about two nights a week (one of them being 'tall for small' night), and it essentially became the hangout. All the variety really opened me to the idea that it takes more than a floating lime to make a beer good - probably one of the best lessons I ever learned during college! Because of the depth and breadth of their beer menu, I was able to identify styles of beer and breweries that I liked, as well as the ones to avoid. Unfortunately, I'll forever be a beer snob because of this experience. The menu is also vast, which is probably a good thing based on the number of times I've frequented the place. And for the most part, their food is really good. I'd especially like to give shout-outs to the wings (DO YOU FIND YOUR CHICKENS WITH WINGS THAT BIG HANGING OUT AROUND POWER PLANTS?), their chili nachos, their thai roll-ups, and their burgers. Also a special condiment shout-out to their honey mustard of choice - Nance's. I can't tell you how many bottles of this we 'borrowed' during my college days. It's a fine sauce, and it goes well on everything. Even in the privacy of your own apartment. While this sounds like the beginning of a glowing 5- star review, there's a major deficiency that has haunted this place for as long as I can remember: THE SERVICE. I've been coming here since the late-'90's and the service has always been pretty terrible. You might get one good server every few visits, but trust me when I say that getting good table or bar service here is like catching a glimpse of Bigfoot disappearing into the woods - you may never experience it again, and even what you did experience you'll begin to doubt. When you visit this place, you have an 80% chance of one of the following happening: - You will wait to be seated an unusually long time (sometimes while observing many empty tables throughout the restaurant) - Your server takes unusually long to visit your table after you are seated to take your beer order - Your server takes unusually long to bring over your beer order - Your server forgets to put in your beer order - Your server forgets which beers you ordered, and comes back to double-check five minutes later - Your server forgets about you and you need to aggressively flag him/her down to get a second beer - Your server assumes you are only getting beers, and you need to aggressively flag him/her down to place an order - Your food takes an unusually long time to come out Dear The Great Lost Bear, please take your servers to a retreat, do some ice breakers, ropes courses and trust falls AND TEACH YOUR SERVERS TO SERVE. Also, if nothing else, REMEMBER THIS TIP: Always, always, always, have a backup beer in mind and ready to be ordered. On any given night, there is about a 65% chance that TGLB will have already kicked the keg of your first beer of choice from the menu. Unfortunately the beer menus are updated only once a week, so popular beers on short supply will go fast. With a little expectation management you can overcome this setback. TIP #2: Don't wait to be seated in the dining area. Just walk to one of the tables beyond the bar and sit down.
(4)Chris P.
This bar serves some great food but can be hit or miss. The burgers are spot on and I would be happy getting one every time, but other things like the "fajitas" (quesadilla) could be better like if the veggies were smaller or less of them inside. Dessert here was great, the cake in a jar can't be missed!
(4)Lindsay M.
Great spot in the city of Portland! Tons of Maine-ish memorabilia scattered around the restaurant, pretty cozy & warm place to eat. The waitress was an older woman who seemed a little frazzled with some items on the menu, but she was friendly and nice. I ordered the tuna steak burger and was in loveeee! I've never had a tuna burger cooked so well that is tasted almost like chicken! (i'm a pescetarian hah) It came with "potato fries" that needed a bit of salt but other than that it was very satisfying! I was shocked at how many vegetarian/gluten-free options there were! I got an Allagash with the meal and it was superb. Whenever I'm in Portland again, this is definitely where I'm headed!
(4)Monica L.
You can get a giant tower of beer which is awesome for big groups, or you and another person if you're feeling adventurous! They also have a huge menu. The nachos are done right - big, messy, and cheesey. My boyfriend got wings recently and he really liked the sauce, but they come whole, which he didn't really like. Happy hour is a $2.99 special which changes everyday.
(4)Krista L.
Do you find yourself wondering how to please a picky friend? Do you have a friend who wants to try every beer on the menu? Do you have a large group and need to find a place to please all? Do you love Pub food? If you have answered yes to one or any of these questions, then you are in luck, The Great Lost Bear is your choice for the night! With their expansive menu and huge selection of beers you can't really go wrong. As frequent customers of the "Bear" we have our favorites. I drool over the cheesy goodness of their nachos and my significant other would bathe in their chicken wings if he could. The chicken sandwiches are huge and always juicy, the burgers are filling and delicious and the fried veggies make you question if you can pretend they are good for you! You are also lucky enough to stuble upon a large selection of rotating taps at the bar. They have paddles of beer where you can try samples of as many as you want (2-5 per paddle) and that even include the Beligium beer (It costs a bit more, but its always good). They always have an array of Maine made beers, which is perfect if you want a visiting friend to try something new and local, or if you have been dying to try that new seasonal beer your favorite brewer put out. From experience, this bar helped my significant other really find the type of beer he loves but has also opened him up to trying new things. They also have "Talls for Smalls" (on most beers) on Monday and Tuesday nights and a showcase night every Thursday (cheaper beers, prizes and fun!)! So next time you are sitting around and can't agree on if you want fajitas, or a burger, or a tuna melt, head over to the Great Lost Bear. Expand your horizons, you never know, you might find a new "spot"!
(4)Michelle L.
A beer lover's Mecca. The Great Lost Bear has taps for miles. A new craft brewery opens in Maine basically once a month. Who can keep up? Well, if you want to try, The Great Lost Bear is the place for you. Any local beer you could desire is available, and various imports and craft brews from around the country join their ranks. I struggle every time I come here to decide what to order. Something familiar that I know I'll enjoy? Or something new and strange? To accompany the beer, there is a varied menu that mixes typical bar food with weird Thai influences. The food here is...not healthy. But assuming you're ok with that, they serve some damn delicious things. Now I only wish there were more parking options or better public transportation access from the peninsula.
(4)Fred B.
This place is AWESOME! The food was great, the waitress acted like she really wanted to be there and the beer selection is incredible. I have been eating fried fish for 35 years and I can honestly say this was the best fried haddock I have ever tasted. It was so fresh, it could have just been caught before they cooked it. We were in Maine for 5 days and really wanted to go back for a second dinner but there are so many places to try. This one is on the must hit list for me.
(5)Maura Q.
The only reason my boyfriend and I went in was because we had received a gift card. I had heard that the food wasn't that great, but figured we'd try for ourselves. The atmosphere was relaxing and neighborhood-like. The service was horrible. We were sitting at our table after the hostess sat us for at least 10 minutes before the waiter came over to greet us. He took our drink orders and was off on his way. I ordered an angry orchard on tap and my boyfriend ordered a bud light. After delivering our drinks he still didn't take our food order & the cider was warm (not crisp and cold). A little while later he finally took our food order. We ordered chicken nachos as an appetizer (heard they were good) and then each ordered a dinner. The menu was extensive and offered a lot of choices from chicken to vegetarian options. Our food came out, but not the nachos. The waiter must have completely forgotten to put the order in. By that time, we didn't even want the nachos, so we said nothing. The steak & cheese I ordered was dry and the cheese sauce was not good. The meat didn't have very good flavor either. The fries were not very good and were soggy. The burger my boyfriend ordered was better than my steak and cheese, but nothing amazing. In the end our three drinks and two dinners were $40, which I think was way too much for the quality of the food and the service. I probably won't be going back again unless it's for drinks during happy hour.
(2)Meli L.
I've dined at Great Lost Bear twice -- first time felt like typical pub food and service was pretty slow (this was on a Sunday for lunch). Next time I went was a Monday for dinner, I had the fish and chips and it was fabulous, my dining partners and I were raving about it days later. The fish was 5 very decent size 'sticks' - the breading was great, not too heavy or greasy. Our waitress was very knowledgable and service was much quicker than my previous visit.
(4)Kim O.
Sit in the bar, it's less noisy and the service is better. My neighborhood go-to for a ditty martini and quick dinner. Quirky and fun, ain't the Ritz by a long shot but decent all around.
(4)Stephen C.
Didn't eat there or drink there. Took some nachos to go. Nachos were enormous!!! But dry and lacked flavor. If the rest of the food is like that I wouldn't go back.
(2)Helen H.
The Almighty Cheesus Burger was mighty alright! A 1/2 pound certified Angus beef in-between two grilled cheese sandwiches ($13.99) and you can add in bacon and an egg for a little extra ($15.99 total). It was absolutely delicious! I couldn't finish it though, so that was very sad. TERIYAKI MUSHROOM - delicious as well! MAC N CHEESE - standard. You can't really go wrong with mac right? DESSERT - I don't remember what it's called exactly but it's chocolate brownie with whip cream in a cute mason jar! absolutely delicious! It's a pretty busy restaurant for Portland but seating shouldn't be too big of an issue. It is usually rather loud so plan on projecting your voice a bit. It's not obnoxiously loud or anything so don't worry about it.
(4)Royal B.
Cleanliness 3 Service 3 Food 4 Likelihood 4 OVERALL 3.5 We are from Omaha and are visiting our family. They decided to come here for lunch. We waiting a very long time for the host to arrive all the time several employee walked passed us standing in foyer. I was starting to walk into kitchen to find someone when a hostess appeared. The server came to our table shortly after being seated and returned quickly with our drinks and was ready for our order. I ordered iced tea and iced water and advised her I drink a lot of both. Both of my beverages where bone dry when she arrived at the table and asked if I wanted them refilled (YES! My meal has not be served yet!) The 4 other times they were refilled she asked each time as well. The food was hot, fresh, and tasty. Good job. Probably a place we would try again if we lived there, or returned.
(3)Gautam G.
We stopped by here while visiting Portland. Easy to find places to park right on the street. Great service and nice ambience. We went in the afternoon on a weekend and it was packed. Extensive options on the menu. Wings portion size is humongous. Food was good and we enjoyed it. Would recommend a try!
(4)Rebecca G.
Went here from a friends family recommendation for good beer. At first we thought maybe it was a biker bar from the outside , and though there was a few bikers there ( one with an awesome Mohawk might I add!) the crowd was a mix of family's with small kids to adults to grandparents. The waiter helped us with our beer tasting choices and was very knowledgable with the entire selection. Aside from the beer flight we got the PB&J wings since they sounded interesting. The flavor was ok and the wings are large (you get the wing and drumstick attached) so once you figure out how to tackle it your good to go! Overall good experience and would recommend to anyone looking for good beer in that area!
(4)Robert O.
Stopped in today for lunch and tried the patty melt. It was out of this world. Perfect crunch and plenty of oozing cheese. My taste buds were in heaven. I recommend this place to everyone.
(5)Marlene M.
I haven't been here I a long time when my brother suggested it for dinner on our visit to Portland. Sad to say that it's gone down hill. We remember the cheese sauce so fondly so three of us ordered it on some portion of our plate. It came out curdled-looking and tasteless. My sister in law had the cheese steak with coleslaw and disliked the whole plate. The only good thing I can say is that the entire staff was friendly and helpful. I don't think we'll be going again.
(2)Giovanni M.
I was in town for a travel shoot, and covered the location based on their beer selection---which, I found to be exceptional! I went back for dinner two nights after the shoot, just to indulge in the rare and interesting beers available. The Almighty Cheesus Burger. I have to be honest---I ate it two nights in a row. Grilled Cheese sandwiches as the buns surrounding a giant cheeseburger. I still can't believe I finished it twice. I was at the bar both times after the shoot, so I can't speak to service on the floor. The bartenders that took care of me were friendly, helpful if I needed it.
(4)Brett F.
I used to hate this bar. I really did. How dare they have such terrible service, they're not even in the Old Port! And crappy food with rumors of the dirtiest kitchen ever seen. I refused to go. Something happened this past year. Magically the service is great, even at the tables (locals used to know to only sit at the bar). It's still a hopping restaurant that's crowded at all hours, but there isn't the snotty server attitude. The food has also taken leaps. Tonight, my friend and I split a Cajun Steak sandwich. Without any request, they brought the meal out on two plates, with a full order of their delicious fried potatoes on each. The steak was moist and tender and slathered in cheese and veggies. After liberal use of the local Lost Woods sauce, it was a revelation. Great Lost Bear has the second most beers on tap in Portland after Navare Res, and many more on bottle. There's something for everyone, including less common beers, and they have great specials every weeknight. The food menu might be 10 pages long and filled with everything imaginable. If you're on a diet, I hope it was good while it lasted. I've really enjoyed this bar recently. One of the largest beer selections in the state, fair prices, solid food and finally good service. Outside of the Old Port, this and Samuels are my go-to casual picks.
(4)Ian E.
The Great Lost Bear has a great menu of food and beer. The bayou burger is my favorite burger and has been for about the last 20 years. The French onion soup is delicious and has again been my favorite for at least 20 years running. The mother and child reunion is my favorite sandwich. I recommend trying their hell fire sauce if you really enjoy spicy food. If you stop in for a beer, make sure you try a Bissell Brothers brew.
(4)Shayla H.
Today's lunch was bullshit. The office decided to order out today and we were quite excited for it. We all want a do-over. Talk about unappetizing. Buffalo chicken fingers were burnt, ridiculously greasy and bordering on inedible. Particularly for the price, it will be difficult to get over and return anytime soon.
(2)Benjamin M.
It was ok. I went with my cousin becuAse we heard it was good. The atmosphere seems like it can be fun, there was a good beer selection and the food was good. This place was nothing special. I would come back if it stays consistent. Fish and chips were good but the wings were pretty bad and dry. Next time I'm trying the nachos. They looked good.
(3)Krizmn K.
Awesome place. Family friendly till 7, great bar at night, relaxing outdoor area during the day. Never had a bad experience. This place is a true representation of a Maine bar/pub/restaurant. Gorge on obscenely unhealthy tasty food. Nibble on deep fried veggies. Crunch on a salad. Drink till you vomit. This place has it all. If you like Run of the Mill in Saco, you will probably like this. Ps I did whip-its at this place. They left the whip cream canister next to my table and it was my birthday! :-)
(4)Robert D.
The beer selection is great, the food is fine, but the customer service was really poor. Maybe I just had a waiter on a bad day, but our experience was below average. First weird thing: I ask for a Maine beer recommendation and he suggests something from Vermont. OK, not the worst, but ummm errr? The waiter never came by once our food to check on us or see if we wanted another round of drinks. We had money to spend, Lost Bear, but no one to take it! After our meal was finished and we were ready to go, we waited about 15 minutes with no sign of our waiter. We finally tracked down another server and asked if she could find our guy, and it took another 10 minutes before he finally arrived. I know restaurants get busy, and people have bad days. I'm not expecting to have a waiter stop by all the time but waiting almost 30 minutes after our meal to get our check and never being checked in results in my low rating. Maybe sitting at the bar gives you better service?
(2)Mike D.
This is one of our favorite bars in one of our favorite cities. The Great Lost Bear offers up an enormous menu full of great options. The beer selection is one of the largest in Portland and have options that are local and imported. There are always beers on special as well. I've had the wings twice and they are huge. The give you the whole wing section and the sauce is great. I've had the fish and chips which were good but not the best that you can find in Portland, again though, massive portions at reasonable prices. My wife had a vegetarian quesadilla thing that was heavy on the onions but other then that we have enjoyed our meals each time we went there. The dessert might be the best part. They serve a delicious treat in a mason jar with chocolate cake, ice cream, whipped cream, etc. This place is the real deal, kid friendly, safe and affordable.
(4)Bill T.
Review 800! I wanted a special place for this review and GLB is a special place. Reading about it in the books of John Connolly, I always wanted to go here. When fate offered me the opportunity to visit Portland, I grabbed it. Nay, I embraced it firmly with both arms and a pat on the back. Everyone in the place is amazingly friendly. There are a lot of little coves and nooks that are great for quiet conversations or plotting a murder. Their beer selection is exceptional. I had a flight with a variety of tasty libations. I can't wax quite as poetic on the food. Nachos were a standout, burgers were well received and the toll house cookie sundae was coma-inducing, in a good way. However, the bear fries were limp discs of potatoes lacking flavor, zest and verve. The boneless wings were exceptionally poor..tasting like something a busy, yet sexy, suburban mom pulled out of the freezer and popped in the microwave to satisfy the appetite of her three exasperating, yet lovable, teens. They were pretty awful...I didn't even finish mine and if you've ever seen me eat chicken wings of any ilk, you know I subscribe to the theory of "no wing left behind". However, that minor road bump couldn't tarnish the patina of awesomeness that shines from the GLB. To let you know how much I liked it, I bought a t-shirt. I hope to return another day.
(4)Allan S.
Nice, fun blue-collar bar ambiance. Prompt friendly service. Expansive (70 varieties!) selection of beers and large menu (although no onion rings .. really?) Sadly, I didn't care for the cuisine. The wings appetizers tasted slightly sweet and weren't spicy even though we ordered medium. The house hot sauce didn't make the wings any spicier. For the entree my wife and I shared a regular burger and the fried fish plate which we were told was the house specialty. The burger was nothing special .. undersized and not a lot of flavor. The fried fish was tasteless and the bread crumb batter over fried (although not dry .. wonder how they did that ... frying at too high a temperature?) The fries accompaniment (slices not strings) weren't crispy. In any case, a fun place to visit with friends especially if you are into beer.
(3)Jacob L.
A fun dive bar. Lots of beers with very cheap beer flights available. Huge food selection most of which is decent (better than your typical dive bar but certainly not mind-blowing). I'm a pretty big fan of the nachos myself. I'd avoid the French fries as they are actually thick slices of potato rounds that are fried.
(4)Ashley T.
After some recommendations we went to this place late at night (After Nine) and we had food and beer. The beer selection was pretty good but the food was terrible. Plus it was pricey. I had the veggie melt and was wishing for something less greasy! It kind of smelled musty in the restaurant as well. The place itself was kind of cool. But I would never go back for food again.
(2)Staci H.
The great lost bear is one of my favorite places to visit in town. They have so many choices, lots of yummy food, unique beers and fabulous mixed drinks. I have never had a bad meal, however the three star rating is due to the slowness of the restaurant, you need to have plenty of time when visiting. The bar is the quickest! Tip-when ordering a bomb make sure you tell the you do not want it made as a mixed drink.
(3)Bill S.
Great place to drink and sample a variety of brews- Monday and Tuesday 's tall's for small ' s deal are worth the trip! If you looking for food- might want to look elsewhere- Menu looks good lots of choices........ but the wait staff and service is horribly slow and forgetful! Not to mention apathetic- and flippant! - food is not that impressive either- tasteless - and do to the wait staff - generally served colder then it should be. But again - for beer- & -drinks.... worth the trip!
(3)Nat S.
This place has an extensive draft beer list. When we went they were out of the first couple things I ordered. Beer could have been a bit fresher, but it happens with that many taps sometimes. They often have live music.
(4)Sean T.
Excellent beer selections on tap. This is a vibrant yet low key place. Lots of table seating and a good sized bar area. Highly recommended
(5)Flora F.
The name of this place has been enticing me since I moved to Portland a couple of weeks ago. When I finally stopped by today I found that it's a beer-and-burger joint, the kind with a lot of etched glass and vintage signs on the walls. It's good as those places go, but it's not the mystical fusion of hipster-backwoods decor (birch bark and taxidermy on the walls, punched-tin "starlit" ceiling) and Maine-native ingredients fashionably presented (crushed freeze-dried blueberries, moosemeat charcuterie, fiddlehead poutine topped with lobster "caviar") that the name had conjured up in my mind. I had an Angry Orchard cider and two side dishes, the mac-n-cheese and the teriyaki grilled mushrooms. The mac-n-cheese was creamy but bland, not really worth the calories in spite of the breadcrumbs. The mushrooms were good on their own, with plenty of smoky umami flavor, and didn't really need the creamy Parmesan-peppercorn dressing, but I went there anyway... and the two together were a force of nature. Service was extremely fast and helpful. The burgers look good, and they are certainly myriad, whether the traditional meaty kind or the veggie alternative. If I hadn't been there specifically to address a mac-n-cheese craving I would have wanted one. Next time!
(3)Jared S.
Loved this place. Wish there was one where we lived. Feel of a local's favorite, but with open arms to thirsty travelers. Pub-like. Drink specials every night. Amazing menu with way too much to choose from. I had the fish and chips, local haddock (never frozen) procured from the docks on a daily basis. Words can't describe the bliss. My wife had the made-in-house veggie burger and gave a strong report. Which means a lot, she has sampled veggie burgers from across the globe, and is really a bit of a veggie burger connoisseur. People watching was an A+. Sat next to a couple of old dude locals that talked endlessly about their gardens and heirloom tomatoes. Which was interesting, being gardeners ourselves. My wife wanted to join the conversation at the juncture where they began to discuss the appropriate time to harvest yard dandelions for consumption, but held back cause the timing just didn't feel right. Maybe next time. We love Portland, and DEFINITELY will be back next time we are in town!
(5)Heather G.
Great Lost Bear has a lot of beer options and the food is ok. Staff are great with helping support local film makers but not super great as waitstaff. It's alright.
(3)Courty C.
If you are looking for unhealthy food shelter, this is your haven. Menu subtitles include: nachos, wings, burgers, cheesesteaks, burritos. Yes, the fact it's a subtitle means there is not only one choice of burger or nacho, there is a WHOLE SECTION! Even though there's a section called "not so fat city," seriously, DO NOT COME HERE ON A DIET. Just don't torture yourself like that. A few stars are taken off because despite the impressive 40 tap selection, the first 4 (yes 4) beers my boyfriend ordered were on the menu, yet the keg had kicked. I don't blame The Great Lost Bear for that deliciously curated beer being consumed, but it would be great for its patrons to keep the menu up to date.
(3)Christopher S.
My son has been here a couple of times and loves it. My wife wanted to come and try it. Tue greeter was a little impersonal and droney, our server was a little quiet and introverted he was nice and attentive and seem to open up at the end, probably just a little tired (they were very busy) We both got steak sandwiches. The steak was a bit over cooked in both, the cheese sauce is a cross between ricotta and cream cheese which I am not a fan of but others may like it, I prefer melted swiss or such, just my preference. over all the sandwich was dry. The sliced fries were good cooked perfectly. My wife had similar feelings about her sandwich as well. However, we will come back and try other things on the menu that looked good.
(3)Meredith M.
If you like good places with good beer filled with good people, you will like this PLACE! The service was outstanding, even for a crowded Saturday night. It feels like a place filled with locals. They had a Connect 4 Game at the bar for patrons to play. The beer selection was Amazing. 50+ beers on tap at the time. They also had a 2.99$ pint special that was a delicious stout. If you are a beer lover, or happen to be in Portland with one, go here. You will leave happy!
(5)Misty S.
What a fun bar! Stopped here during a weekend trip to Portland and I wasn't disappointed. Hubby & I (and the friends we were with) are beer geeks and we were so happy to find this place after seeing it on a "best beer bar" list by beer advocate. It didn't disappoint! Fantastic beer selection, and I was especially happy to see the different meads on the menu too. My friend got the biggest plate of wings (we thought maybe they were Eagle wings they were so big!) I've ever seen! Our bartender was great and could answer all of our beer questions. The back section seemed to be more family oriented and more like a family restaurant. What a fun place!
(4)Mike M.
Lived in Portland for 3 years and this has been my all time favorite restaurant to go to there. Great beers, cool little bar and a huge menu where everything is good. Service might be kinda slow but it's well worth it. Awesome interior and beer specials weekly. Only way to make this place a lil cooler is to add a two flat screens at the bar.
(4)C K.
Onion soup was one of the best ever. Would go back just for that, but the beer is really why you'd go.
(5)Kelly S.
I love a bar that knows their beer. Unfortunately, I can't say The Great Lost Bear is one of them. It started very promising- awesome beer list and the great/nostalgic 'Mr Wendell' was playing. I was ready to settle in. But I received the incorrect pour... twice. And the bartender was really jerky about it (angrily insisted she was right, and then also said there was 'no way to really know'). It was quite annoying to be talked down to by someone who clearly didn't know their stuff. I assume this doesn't go for all the bartenders at The Great Lost Bear, but it really ruined the experience.
(2)Jacob P.
The service is the worst. The food is terrible. Parking sucks. Damn though they have the best beer selection.
(5)Samantha L.
I guess I missed out on the food-gasm that is GLB? Ok, well Cake in a Jar gave me a happy face and made up for it. But the food was meh to disappointing. Okay, I hear people raving about their burgers. Well, I didn't order the burger (don't eat beef) and I was pretty sad to see what arrived on my table. An overcooked, unattractive and bland tuna steak sandwich. What happened, Yelp? Okay, their curry salad dressing is pretty yummy... but if that is all I enjoyed then there is a problem. But really, Cake in a Jar was pretty awesome. I wanted to steal the jar, not gonna lie. They sat this beer snob guy next to us. Okay, I don't drink beer, but guy shut the hell up about all the beers you've had all over wherever you've been and just drink. If you're going to drink, don't bitch at least not until I'm drunk enough to not care or not hear you. And the girl you were with, trust me she DID NOT CARE no matter how many times she said she agreed.
(3)Ronald S.
im a vegetarian and i like beer. sometimes its hard to find places to eat while travelling. reading the GLB menu i saw a few veg friendly dishes and we decided it was worth checking out (and they had lots of beers). the parking lot sucks. the parking on the street was a bit sketchy. i saw the webcam on their site and i thought it was going to be a tiny hole in the wall. i was wrong - its freeekin hooj. it wasnt too busy when we were there (a saturday night?) the beer selection was good, i forget what we had - something local, maybe pumpkiny. the food - oh my the nachos were massive and covered with vegetables, really - moving forward, these were the nachos that all others will be judged by. they were damn good. i had a vegetable reuben that didnt have tempeh or any fake-meats, kinda weird but it was really simple and good. if you are veg and looking for a place to go this is a decent reasonably priced bar type establishment. mmmm reubens.
(4)Patty Z.
The food here is delicious and the servings are hearty. Im impressed with the vegetarian options! Cannot go wrong with anything you eat here.
(5)Jules V.
The Great Lost Bear is a fantastic pub with surprisingly inconsistent food. They have a massive menu, everything on it sounds tremendous but it can be rather hit or miss. I've eaten there a dozen times or more and had as many disappointments as I've had home runs. The beer list is also massive and thankfully a lot more consistent. Mostly ales from craft breweries around the US with some old European standards thrown in. Throw in a creative cocktail list and even with the spotty food this is a great place to hit in Portland. The Lovely Girlfriend threw back a Burnt Trailer (Allen's Coffee Brandy and Moxie - two Maine staples that horrify most of the rest of the country) and an A-Okay (Allen's and Oakhurst milk, she had it with 2%, with whole milk it's called Fat Ass in a Glass). Odd how much she loves the drink of choice for rural Maine but doesn't like the rural. Babysteps. For my blog and more reviews please check my yelp profile page.
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