Roasty’s, Second Rodeo, and Sustainable Dining: A Flavorful Snapshot of Maine’s Food Scene
Maine’s food scene is buzzing with fresh ideas, community-driven initiatives, and a commitment to reviving cherished spaces.
From roast beef specialties to a coffee shop doubling as a community hub, the region continues to surprise and delight.
Portland Public Market Struggles Amid Quiet Foot Traffic
The Portland Public Market House is grappling with significant challenges, primarily due to reduced downtown activity.
Owner Bill Chen highlighted the difficulties of keeping tenants amid shrinking foot traffic after COVID-19 and the effects of inflation on dining habits. “After COVID, foot traffic in Monument Square dropped significantly,” Chen explained.
Currently, Jamaican restaurant Yardie Ting is the sole tenant, occupying most of the first floor after relocating downstairs in September. The second floor has been vacant for months, following the departure of vendors like Khmer Kitchen.
Seasonal events like Monument(al) Market have tried to reignite the area’s energy, and plans for future attractions such as live music and movie nights aim to boost engagement.
Despite these efforts, filling the Public Market’s vacancies remains an uphill battle. “I want more tenants on the second floor to keep alive this concept of the Public Market being an incubator,” Chen said.
Roasty’s Brings Roast Beef Magic to Congress Street
Roasty’s, Portland’s newest culinary gem, is elevating roast beef sandwiches with regional flair. Owner Jenn Rockwell, previously of Ada’s Kitchen, has made a triumphant return to Congress Street with her latest venture.
“We’re thrilled to be back in Portland,” Rockwell shared. Roasty specializes in sous-vide roast beef, slow-cooked for over 20 hours to achieve uniform tenderness and flavor.
The menu features six distinctive styles of sandwiches, from Boston to Buffalo, paired with seasoned fries and turkey substitutions for variety.
The restaurant, with its late-night hours, caters to industry workers and night owls alike. “It’s perfect comfort food,” Rockwell said, hinting at plans to expand its schedule.
Second Rodeo Coffee: More Than a Cuppa
Over in South Portland’s Ferry Village, Second Rodeo Coffee has quickly become a cozy gathering place. Owner Lana Cooney hopes to transform the café into a community hub, offering locally sourced pastries, espresso drinks, and classics like avocado toast.
“I want this space to be more than a coffee shop,” Cooney said, envisioning events like book launches and poetry readings. With its family-friendly vibe and ample seating, Second Rodeo is winning hearts—and taste buds.
From roast beef indulgences to reinvigorating public spaces, Maine’s food scene continues to serve up resilience, creativity, and a hearty dose of flavor.
Maine’s food evolution is brimming with ideas for meat lovers and foodies alike. Explore more on our homepage for recipes and reviews.
