The Great Lost Bear

Just stopped in to try some beers. The flight was a delight. Quick little hit and run. Plenty of choices.

The main thing about this visit was the overriding thought: They must be understaffed. Long wait to be seated. Really long wait to take order. Really really long wait to get food. Not all that crowded, not a typical peak time, just a lot of inattention. No apology and no cordiality from the server, but at least she didn't slide our food onto the floor or our laps, as she did for a neighboring table.

Food was fine. The place has a decent vibe.

The Great Lost Beat was highly recommended by multiple people on a visit to Portland, and it certainly did not disappoint! At around 5pm on a Saturday we were seated quickly by a friendly host, greeted by a fantastic waitress, and served great food within minutes! The music was the perfect volume and the restaurant meets the needs of many folks with an expansive menu, large bar and a separate seating area from the bar for family friendly dining. They have a great beer selection and you can get 5oz tasters of anything on the menu for $2 ($2.50 if it's "premium," like the sours). The pulled pork sandwich was messy but delicious. The fries were unique and a little dry, but nothing that couldn't be fixed with your choice of dipping sauce. =) So glad we listened to our peers recommending a visit here and we plan to return if we are ever back in town!

Fun casual pub place. Menu has lots of options. The PB & J wings were fantastic! Patty melt and pulled pork sandwich...yum. Cold draughts aplenty. Win win all around. Friendly service as well.

Great bar with lots of beer on tap. You can build your own flight which is cool. Big bar with lots of seats and huge restaurant area as well. Only one tv way in the back that you can't see from the bar, so not a place to watch sports. Food is amazing and unique. My favorite is mother meets child reunion which is a chicken sandwich, bacon and egg. Their wings are also really good. Service is always nice and quick. A must spot for good beer and good food.

Nice place with a strong beer selection, comfort food galore, and a delightful eclectic atmosphere. This place is popular with locals. Always a small line but it moves. Even with a 9 top waiting.

The memorabilia collection on the walls, photos of local from years gone by 1890, 1970s, 80s, you get the gist.

Food that my large group had were nachos (ok, three orders for 10 ppl). It is a favorite of old friend, but how good of friend are they if they have only taken me here now. I'll eat and drink my sorrows away here and make it MINE! Enjoy!

Great Lost Bear is a local destination I always hope will be better. If you are looking for a good local beer selection and decent American comfort food, this is your spot. Expect a wait for a table, and inconsistent service. But also a good burger, good nachos, and occasional specials. Plus a good family vibe and decent prices for big portions. Warm and welcoming, with big tables for large parties available. Limited parking in the lot, but try the side streets.

You enter and immediately feel the comfort of this local favorite. There was so much to choose from on the menu and all looked to be great options. Watch out for the chicken wings!! They should have an outdoor shower for them, lol!! We got the pbj and they were amazing, huge, but be warned, messy and it is not a bad thing.

I also ordered the haddock sandwich and it was so fresh and delicious. We will go back again. It was a great spot to hit before a Seadogs Game.

Food is very good, atmosphere ambiance and service is great. I most of the time get the steak and cheese WITH a side of their delicious beer cheese sauce. Good beer selection, overall awesome establishment.

It's been years since I came to the Great Lost Bear. It's exactly the same as it was 25 years ago, almost like a time capsule. New owners aim to keep it the same as always. Great beer list and lengthy menu. Service was good when you could get their attention. It's a large, dark beer hall. Lots of kitsch. My patty melt was cooked the way I asked, and it was tasty. French fries were discs of fried potatoes, not very hot. My partners steak and cheese sandwich was okay, but unremarkable and he would order a cheeseburger next time. There are lots of vegetarian options for non meat eaters. This place might benefit from paring down their enormous menu and focusing on making things that much better. We will return and sample something else.