3 More Portland, Maine, Restaurants/Bars Permanently Closing

For the better part of a decade, Portland, Maine, seemed almost invincible when it came to the culinary scene. Open a cool restaurant or bar and watch the people pile in and the cash pile up.

Things have certainly changed in the past couple of years. More closures have popped up and more vacancies are lingering on the market longer. The past several months have showcased that Portland is not impervious to a nationwide restaurant issue involving labor cost, food cost and more.

2024 ended with many notable and longtime restaurants closing in Portland. It appears that 2025 is starting similarly.

Cocktail Mary Announces Semi-Permanent Closure

The beloved Cocktail Mary appeared as though it was headed for bigger and better things. The owners had announced they planned to move locations and upgrade and enlarge the space.

According to Portland Food Map, those plans are now on hold. Cocktail Mary will close semi-permanently on Jan 28 with hopes of eventually opening in a new, larger space in the future. The Cocktail Mary brand will still exist as they plan to partner with other businesses to host pop-up events.

Rebel Munchies and Libations Has Permanently Closed

Less than a year after it opened, Rebel Munchies and Libations has closed their doors for good.

The concept bar featured a retro theme, often playing old school cartoons, movies and television shows behind the bar. The food was focused on Rebel cheesesteaks and chicken nuggets.

But the restaurant/bar seemed to struggle to bring in people regularly and decided to permanently close.

Little Brother Chinese Food Closes Permanently

Many people may not recognize this restaurant name at first, but there's a chance you've tasted their delicious food. Little Brother has been operating out of the Fork Food Lab in Portland and now South Portland for the last several years.

READ MORE: South Portland, Maine, is Home to the State's Largest Buffet

They've specialized in dumplings, specifically frozen dumplings, that had earned them rave reviews. According to Portland Food Map, the owners have decided to shudder the successful business to focus on other personal pursuits.