Eventide Oyster Co.

When you’re in Portland, there are two things you have to do: theorize about Stephen King’s childhood and attempt to eat your body weight in lobster and oysters. For the latter, head to Eventide Oyster Company, which serves some of the best seafood in the city. This small oyster bar near the East End carries 20 different types of bivalves, along with one of the best lobster rolls in town, which is served with brown butter in a steamed bun rather than the typical hot dog bun. 

Other dishes have twists with a similar spirit: the lobster stew involves green curry and the bluefin tuna tartare comes doused in nước chấm. This should be your first stop in town—there’s always a wait, but it’ll be worth it once you’re sitting outside with a cocktail in front of you.