Popular Late-Night Pizza Joint Closes Permanently in Portland, Maine

For some in Portland's Old Port, it may feel like a little déjà vu.

Nearly three years ago, the late-night ecosystem in Portland's Old Port was broken with the closure of longtime staple, Bill's Pizza. Bill's had operated for over seven decades, feeding on-the-go workers and tourists in the daytime and the hungry barhoppers at night.

With Bill's closure in 2021, that seemingly opened the door for another late-night pizza joint to take the reins and own the night. But it wasn't to be, as the Old Port Slice Bar along Fore Street has decided to permanently close up shop.

According to Portland Old Port, the slice bar has ceased operations indefinitely. With its closure, the amount of quick-service, grab-and-go pizza places in Portland's Old Port is scarce.

The realities of Portland's Old Port have begun to set in for some. For decades, the Old Port was the most lively place to go in the entire state for nightlife. But the shifting landscape towards shopping and food in recent years has left fewer people strolling through the streets into the late-night hours.

The pandemic may have been nudge over the edge for many of the late-night spots in the Old Port. Along with Bill's Pizza, another late-night restaurant, The Blue Rooster, also shuddered permanently. Many of the areas dance clubs have reduced their hours or closed for good, like the Old Port Tavern.

The results have been obvious for places who thrived on late-night business, like the Old Port Slice Bar. Less customers and less product are being moved.