The Pickled Herring

The Pickled Herring Review

Linger near the open kitchen and you may hear diners pay homage to the chef at the wood-fire grill as he prepares dishes like duck with a maple-peppercorn glaze, linguini with Maine littleneck clams, and Maine-raised bone-in rib-eye steak. Thin wood-fired pizzettes with toppings like caramelized onions and lobster Alfredo is a lighter choice. Housed in a landmark downtown storefront with soaring windows and ceilings, this restaurant's wonderful food and atmosphere have made it a destination. Pictures of Eastport's former sardine plants hang on a brick wall, and gas-burning lanterns and streetlamp-like lights throw a soft glow. Urbanites will feel at home, but locals do, too. A fun bar area with low tables and banquettes hides behind an interior wall. Specialty cocktails like the Foghorn (Tanqueray, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and ginger ale) have a Down East twist, and 12 Maine microbrews and craft beers are on tap.