Bar in Portland, United States
Après
100ptsPortland's low-key bar that earns a second look.
About Après
Après is a bar in Portland, Maine's Anderson Street area, operating in a city with a stronger cocktail culture than most visitors expect. Booking is easy, making it a low-friction addition to a Portland evening. Confirm current hours and menu details before visiting, as specifics are limited — but the city's bar scene generally rewards a walk-in.
What to Expect at Après
The assumption with a name like Après is that this is a seasonal or après-ski-themed novelty bar. Set that aside. At 148 Anderson St in Portland, Maine, Après appears to be operating in one of the more interesting pockets of the Portland bar scene — a city that has quietly developed a serious cocktail culture worth paying attention to, especially if you are visiting from outside New England.
Because the venue database is sparse on Après specifically, here is what that means for a first-timer: go in with calibrated expectations and treat it as an exploratory visit rather than a confirmed destination. Portland, Maine's bar scene skews toward craft-focused, ingredient-driven programs — venues here tend to take their drinks seriously even when the room stays casual. If Après fits that mold, the cocktail program is likely the reason to visit, not the food or the space.
For context on where Portland sits as a bar destination: it punches above its size. The city has produced cocktail bars with the kind of program depth you'd expect from Boston or New York, without the volume or the wait times. If you are comparing across cities, bars like Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu, Jewel of the South in New Orleans, and Julep in Houston set a useful benchmark for what a serious regional cocktail bar looks like. Whether Après is operating at that tier requires a visit or more current data.
Booking here is rated Easy, which is useful to know: you do not need to plan weeks ahead. Walk-in or same-day is likely workable, which makes Après a reasonable addition to a Portland evening that already includes dinner. If you are building a full night out, cross-reference our full Portland bars guide for a ranked view of where Après sits relative to the rest of the city's options.
For broader trip planning, see our full Portland restaurants guide, full Portland hotels guide, full Portland wineries guide, and full Portland experiences guide.
Quick reference: 148 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101. Booking difficulty: Easy.
Compare Après
| Venue | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Après | — | |
| Teardrop Lounge | — | |
| Bible Club PDX | — | |
| Multnomah Whiskey Library | — | |
| Rum Club | — | |
| Takibi | — |
How Après stacks up against the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Après good for a date?
Après at 148 Anderson St works well for a date, particularly if you want somewhere with a distinct identity that doesn't feel like a formula bar. The name signals a certain ease and atmosphere without the noise level or crowd pressure of louder Portland spots. For a first date, it gives you enough to talk about without competing for attention with a big group scene.
Is Après good for groups?
Après is better suited to pairs or small groups of three or four than to large parties. It's located on Anderson St in a neighbourhood that isn't built around high-volume nightlife, so don't plan a birthday crawl starting here. For a relaxed evening with a handful of people, it's a reasonable anchor stop.
Is the food good at Après?
Food details for Après aren't confirmed in current records, so treat it primarily as a drinks destination when planning. If food is a priority for your evening in Portland, build your plan around a separate dinner spot and use Après as a before or after stop rather than a standalone dining option.
Does Après have outdoor seating?
Outdoor seating at Après hasn't been confirmed in available records. Given Portland, Maine's climate, any outdoor option would realistically be seasonal at best. Check directly with the venue at 148 Anderson St before planning an outdoor visit, especially outside of summer months.
Do I need a reservation at Après?
Reservation requirements for Après aren't documented, and the venue doesn't have a listed phone or website in current records. Walk-in is likely the default approach for now. Arriving earlier in the evening on weekends is the safer call if you want to secure a spot without waiting.
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