The Great Lost Bear

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(723)

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540 Forest Ave
Portland, ME 04101
The Great Lost Bear The Great Lost Bear has become a Portland institution since opening in 1979. The "Bear" is located about two miles from Portland's touristy Old Port but well worth the journey across town to the Mysterious Woodford's Area. The Great Lost Bear features an enormous eclectic menu with something for everyone: from hearty, spicy junk food to a large vegetarian selection, from steaks, salads and All American Burgers to award winning, wicked gooey desserts... all served in an entertaining atmosphere. The Bear has a Craft Beer Showcase every Thursday from 5 - 9 PM with reduced prices, fabulous prizes and a bar full of local brewers and beer lovers. Annual Showcase highlights include the Maine Brew Pub Cup ( Sebago Brewing Company 2010 cup holder ) held in January. The Magic Hat Mardi Gras in February....love those beads! Christmas in July happens every July, and everyone's favorite....THE WHEEL OF DESTINY happens throughout the year, a spin of our wheel of fortune determines which beer is on special....get on our mailing list!!! Of course we have an Octobearfest at the end of September, Gritty McDuff's Halloween Ale Party in October and the year ends with the Twelve Beers of Christmas in December...... During the Showcase, all Pints are $2.99 unless it is very strong or rare in which case you will get a great deal in a 13.5 ounce glass all between 5 and 9 PM PLUS there are lot's and lot's of Brewery and Great Lost Bear Prize Giveaways every week. David Geary brought the microbrew revolution to Maine in 1986 and the Great Lost Bear started adding more and more taps as new breweries opened throughout the Northeast. First expanding from eight beer taps to twenty four, then thirty six, the Bear now features SIXTY NINE taps with over FIFTY Craft Beers from the Northeast and fifteen Maine Microbreweries represented including Five Taps in "Allagash Alley" that will permanently be dedicated to unusual brews from Allagash Brewing Company. FOUR Cask Conditioned Hand Pumps are usually dispensing local favorites like Geary's Hampshire Special Ale, Shipyard's Old Thumper, Allagash Barrel Aged Beer or Sheepscot's Boothbay Special Bitter. The GLB also has a rotating array of Belgian and Extreme Beer selections. The Great Lost Bear has been named one of the Top Ten Beer Bars in the United States by Celebrator Beer News, Barleycorn, Beer Advocate and The Malt Advocate. CHEERS Magazine named the Great Lost Bear the Best Beer Bar in the U.S.A. for 2008 in their annual Benchmark Awards Issue. All About Beer Magazine said, "This is our idea of a Perfect Bar" as well as naming Bear one of 125 Places to Have a Beer before you die. Gourmet magazine said "One of the greatest bars on earth....the truly great GREAT LOST BEAR

Reviews

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4.0723 reviews
Photo of Pete M.
Pete M.
6/5/2025

Looking for a place to eat and enjoy some adult beverages we saw an advertisement for this taproom at the hotel. We figured what the hell, let's give it a shot! One of the best decisions we made...

Photo of Stephanie W.
Stephanie W.
10/3/2025

This is such a unique spot and probably my favorite restaurant/bar in Portland. The vibe's impeccable -- very rustic and relaxed. We ordered a lot of food and my favorite was their award winning...

Photo of Marisa H.
Marisa H.
7/28/2025

I thought the buffalo wings were delicious. They hit the spot for me. My mom said they were good. We got two pounds which was 8 wings, you can also get one pound. Super messy, but so tasty. We...

Photo of Steff D.
Steff D.
3/4/2025

We hadn't been to GLB in a while because the last time we came it was a pretty bad experience regarding the service... and that's exactly what happened again recently. It wasn't busy, and they...

Photo of Michelle O.
Michelle O.
7/2/2025

I just love Great Lost Bear! It has been around forever. It has a great vibe and atmosphere! Staff is always warm and friendly and always patient when you are looking over their gigantic menu!!...

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