The Grill Room & Bar

4.5

1193 Reviews

$50 and over

Steakhouse

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Romantic
Innovative

Opened by local chef/owner Harding Lee Smith & located in the heart of the historic Old Port, The Grill Room & Bar, has been a staple in Portland's burgeoning food since 2008. An open kitchen concept featuring locally sourced french inspired plates makes this "urban steakhouse" a distinctive dining experience for any occasion. Enjoy Chef Entrees or the A la Carte Menu. In addition, The Grill Room Bar offers a generous variety of wine, local beer & handcrafted cocktails. Stop in from 4-6pm Tuesday - Saturday for Happy Hour Small Bites & Drinks. The patio is pet friendly and is available for seating on a weather dependent basis. The Grill Room is joined by Portland sister restaurants The Front Room & Corner Room & The Mountain Room & Last Run Room @ Sunday River Ski Resort... Walk-ins are welcome although reservations are highly recommended.
Large parties are encouraged to call the restaurant directly @ 207 774 2333 or email thegrillroom@gmail.com for reservation needs.

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Steakhouse, French American
Hours of Operation
Happy Hour Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(207) 774-2333
Website
http://www.thegrillroomandbar.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Harding Lee Smith
Private party facilities
Introducing “Annex”, a Rooms Portland production, adjacent to The Grill Room & Bar.Perfect for private events, this venue blends the Grill Room’s signature menu with new delights, including a raw bar with fresh oysters. If you’re interested in booking an event at the Annex, please visit https://thegrillroomandbar.com/events-at-the-grill-room-annex/

Location
84 Exchange St., Portland, ME 04101
Area
Portland
Cross Street
Middle St
Parking details
Several parking garages in the surrounding area
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

French Onion SoupUSD 9.00
Sweet Onions, Red Wine, Veal Stock, Crouton, Gruyere
GreensUSD 9.00
House Vinaigrette
Caesar*USD 12.00
The Tradition Continues
Steak & Cheese*USD 18.00
Beef Carpaccio, Fried Queso Fresco, Greens, Fried Capers, Red Onion, Aioli
Wedge*USD 14.00
Iceberg, Bleu Cheese, Bacon, Chives, Bleu Cheese Vinaigrette
Grill Room Salad*USD 14.00
Iceberg, Spinach, Carrots, Hard Boiled Egg, Bleu Cheese, Crispy Onions, Creamy Herb Vinaigrette
Roasted Beet SaladUSD 14.00
Pistachios, Local Goat Cheese, Shaved Fennel, Local Greens, House Vinaigrette

Starters

Shrimp CocktailUSD 21.00
Four Jumbo Shrimp, House Cocktail Sauce
Fried Shrimp Bang BangUSD 15.00
Fried Shrimp, Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
Wood Oven Roasted MusselsUSD 21.00
Local Mussels, Melted Leeks, Dijon Cream, Grilled Bread
Wood Oven Baked BrieUSD 9.00
Chive Oil, Balsamic Reduction, Pepper Jelly
Wood Oven Roasted Bone MarrowUSD 19.00
Served with Grilled Sourdough, Oxtail Marmalade, Pickled Shallot Salad
Grilled ScallopsUSD 21.00
Celery Root Puree, Bacon Lardons, Carrot Glaze
CalamariUSD 15.00
Rhode Island Squid, Parmesan, Balsamic, Red Onion
Tuna Tartare*USD 23.00
Sushi Grade Tuna, Soy, Ginger, Lime, Local Smoked Trout Roe, Spicy Aioli
EscargotUSD 13.00
Wood Oven Baked, Garlic Butter, Grilled Bread
Wood Oven Roasted Local OystersUSD 28.00
Half Dozen, Black Garlic Aioli, Pork Belly Smoked Trout Roe

A La Carte Proteins

Proudly Serving Pineland Farms Beef

Prime Top Sirloin*
- 8 ozUSD 35.00
NY Sirloin*
- 14 ozUSD 44.00
Filet Mignon*
- 8 ozUSD 46.00
Ribeye*
- 20 ozUSD 55.00
Half Bird*USD 25.00
Thick Cut Pork Chop*
- 14 ozUSD 27.00
Duck Breast*USD 28.00
Rainbow TroutUSD 23.00
Salmon*
- 8 ozUSD 28.00
Scallops*USD 38.00
Tuna Steak* (8 oz)
- MKP

A La Carte Sides

Starches

Baked PotatoUSD 8.00
Potato AligotUSD 12.00
Mashed PotatoesUSD 9.00
Famous Maine Sea Salt FriesUSD 11.00
Lobster Mashed PotatoUSD 19.00
Horseradish Mashed PotatoUSD 11.00
Lobster & Chive risottoUSD 25.00
PopoverUSD 8.00
Butter, house jam
Crispy Saffron Polenta CakeUSD 7.00

Vegetables

Roasted Local MushroomsUSD 11.00
Spicy BroccoliniUSD 8.00
Garlic SpinachUSD 7.00
Grilled AsparagusUSD 9.00
Local CarrotsUSD 9.00
Brussels Sprouts & BaconUSD 11.00
Roasted Local BeetsUSD 8.00
Creamed SpinachUSD 11.00

Sauces

ChimichurriUSD 3.00
ZippyUSD 3.00
Beurre BlancUSD 3.00
Bleu Cheese FondueUSD 4.00
Bearnaise*USD 5.00
Horseradish CreamUSD 3.00
BordelaiseUSD 7.00
Red WineUSD 5.00
Peppercorn Bacon Brandy CreamUSD 5.00

Entrees

No Substitutions with Entrees

House Cured Duck Breast*USD 39.00
Celery Root Puree, Local Mushrooms, Bordelaise Sauce
Grilled Tuna Steak*USD 48.00
Wild Mushroom Risotto, Broccolini, Smoked Tomato Beurre Blanc
Grilled Scallops*USD 45.00
Blanco Chive Risotto, Wilted Spinach, Beurre Blanc
Ribeye*USD 59.00
Horseradish Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Local Mushroom, Bleu Cheese Fondue
Steak Frites*USD 39.00
Prime Top Sirloin, Famous Maine Sea Salt Fries, Bearnaise
New York Sirloin*USD 49.00
Spicy Broccolini, Potato Aligot, Red Wine Sauce
House Burger*USD 30.00
10 oz House Ground Patty, Cheddar, Bacon, Bang Bang Sauce, Crispy Onions, House Made Bun, Famous Sea Salt Fries or Local Greens
NE Brook Trout USD 40.00
Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Spinach, Beurre Blanc
Wood Grilled Pork ChopUSD 43.00
Brined, 14 oz, Spice Rubbed, Mashed Potatoes, Sprouts & Bacon, Horseradish Cream

What 1,193 people are saying

The Grill Room & Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5

4.5 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.3Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Grill Room & Bar in Portland is praised for "amazing food" and "excellent service," with patrons frequently highlighting the "best steakhouse in Maine." The ambiance, though lively, may be noisy for some, yet the "friendly and attentive" staff ensure a memorable dining experience. Many recommend it for "special occasions."

1,193 Reviews

D
David J
Detroit1 review
2.0
Dined on 25 September 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Lost my reservation. Chef table not available. Noisy tight tables. Ribeye was average not great. Caesar salad was good. Scallops were very good.
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M
Mary
Greater Boston4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 11 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our waiter was the best most of us had ever experienced. He was knowledgeable, courteous, gracias and made sure we knew we were his priority. My friend did not like his mushroom dish. And to another, it was unclear that a particular drink was a mocktail. The table for 6 is loosely connected to its base, so the table was hard to steady: tough when there are full martini glasses on the table!
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B
Barbara
Greater Boston3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful evening celebrating Nana' s birthday at the Grill Room. Our waiter Huleo was incredible. What an asset to you team, he helped make our evening even more special. We look forward to our next gathering at the Grill.
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D
Deborah VIP
Georgia9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 6 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious. Best beet salad I’ve ever had. Loved the scallop dish! Yummy salted caramel gelato too. Our server Sean was extremely attentive and delightful.
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J
Jeff
Greater Boston1 review
5.0
Dined on 5 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, sat at the kitchen bar and interacted with the chefs. Really enjoyed the recommendations and learning for about the local sourcing.
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SF
StephanieF
Philadelphia6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 5 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Our meal was fantastic and the service was excellent! Looking forward to forward to our next time. It’s a tough noise level for a conversation but well worth the trade-off.
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S
Suzanne
Maine1 review
5.0
Dined on 5 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We knew our waiter and he made the whole dining experience wonderful! Top notch!
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OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
Greater Boston7 reviews
4.0
Dined on 31 August 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food, ambiance, wait staff all are excellent. The noise level was very high but it was Labor Day weekend so to be expected.
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B
Beh
Greater Boston1 review
4.0
Dined on 31 August 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The happy hour has some great drink deals. It runs from 4-6. You have an apps menu only. We each got the escargot (delicious ) and a wedge salad to share . Apps are meant to be shared , right? No where did we see there was a share charge. Bill came and $5 charge for splitting the salad ?!? What if we had split the app of goat cheese and bread? Aren’t apps meant to share ?? Other than that service was great. Food was great. Great drink prices. Perfect on the patio.
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K
Kate VIP
Greater Boston1 review
5.0
Dined on 30 August 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Incredible food and service. The heirloom burrata salad was out of this world. We love all of Hardings restaurants!
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FAQs

The Grill Room & Bar is rated 4.5 stars by 1193 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

84 Exchange St., Portland, ME 04101

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Middle St
Area
Portland
Hours of Operation
Happy Hour Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Steakhouse, French American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Several parking garages in the surrounding area
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Harding Lee Smith
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thegrillroomandbar.com/
Phone number
(207) 774-2333
Private party facilities
Introducing “Annex”, a Rooms Portland production, adjacent to The Grill Room & Bar.Perfect for private events, this venue blends the Grill Room’s signature menu with new delights, including a raw bar with fresh oysters. If you’re interested in booking an event at the Annex, please visit https://thegrillroomandbar.com/events-at-the-grill-room-annex/

The Grill Room & Bar

About this restaurant

Not available on OpenTable

There’s more to explore

Dining areas

Additional information

Calamari

Wood Grilled Pork Chop

Thick Cut Pork Chop

Soup & Salads

French Onion SoupUSD 9.00

GreensUSD 9.00

Caesar*USD 12.00

Steak & Cheese*USD 18.00

Wedge*USD 14.00

Grill Room Salad*USD 14.00

Roasted Beet SaladUSD 14.00

Starters

Shrimp CocktailUSD 21.00

Fried Shrimp Bang BangUSD 15.00

Wood Oven Roasted MusselsUSD 21.00

Wood Oven Baked BrieUSD 9.00

Wood Oven Roasted Bone MarrowUSD 19.00

Grilled ScallopsUSD 21.00

CalamariUSD 15.00

Tuna Tartare*USD 23.00

EscargotUSD 13.00

Wood Oven Roasted Local OystersUSD 28.00

A La Carte Proteins

Prime Top Sirloin*

NY Sirloin*

Filet Mignon*

Ribeye*

Half Bird*USD 25.00

Thick Cut Pork Chop*

Duck Breast*USD 28.00

Rainbow TroutUSD 23.00

Salmon*

Scallops*USD 38.00

Tuna Steak* (8 oz)

A La Carte Sides

Starches

Baked PotatoUSD 8.00

Potato AligotUSD 12.00

Mashed PotatoesUSD 9.00

Famous Maine Sea Salt FriesUSD 11.00

Lobster Mashed PotatoUSD 19.00

Horseradish Mashed PotatoUSD 11.00

Lobster & Chive risottoUSD 25.00

PopoverUSD 8.00

Crispy Saffron Polenta CakeUSD 7.00

Vegetables

Roasted Local MushroomsUSD 11.00

Spicy BroccoliniUSD 8.00

Garlic SpinachUSD 7.00

Grilled AsparagusUSD 9.00

Local CarrotsUSD 9.00

Brussels Sprouts & BaconUSD 11.00

Roasted Local BeetsUSD 8.00

Creamed SpinachUSD 11.00

Sauces

ChimichurriUSD 3.00

ZippyUSD 3.00

Beurre BlancUSD 3.00

Bleu Cheese FondueUSD 4.00

Bearnaise*USD 5.00

Horseradish CreamUSD 3.00

BordelaiseUSD 7.00

Red WineUSD 5.00

Peppercorn Bacon Brandy CreamUSD 5.00

Entrees

House Cured Duck Breast*USD 39.00

Grilled Tuna Steak*USD 48.00

Grilled Scallops*USD 45.00

Ribeye*USD 59.00

Steak Frites*USD 39.00

New York Sirloin*USD 49.00

House Burger*USD 30.00

NE Brook Trout USD 40.00

Wood Grilled Pork ChopUSD 43.00