After a brief closure this summer, a familiar Old Port nightspot is returning to the neighborhood. The cocktail bar tucked along Wharf Street is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, July 16 following a change in ownership and some minor renovations.
Continuity in a place many Portlanders know well
Located adjacent to Via Vecchia, the bar has served late-night drinks and desserts for more than two decades and is a recognized part of Portland’s waterfront social scene. The establishment was recently sold to a former employee, James Mack, ending a run of consistent ownership that lasted 21 years.
The transition included modest work on the space rather than an overhaul. Announcements from local outlets and the bar’s social pages indicate that the changes were light, and there has been no indication of broad alterations to the menu or concept.
“It appears the paperwork has been signed and the light renovations were a success,”
What Portlanders can expect
For regulars, the reopening promises familiarity. The bar’s identity as a late-night dessert and cocktail spot — known for its sweeter martinis and selection of treats — appears intact. There are no public plans to rework the drink or dessert offerings that have drawn patrons for years.
- Reopening date: Thursday, July 16
- New owner: James Mack (a former employee)
- Location: Wharf Street, next to Via Vecchia, Old Port
- History: under the same ownership for 21 years before the sale
Local context and implications
The return of this small, established venue matters to Portland’s hospitality ecosystem because such places contribute to the Old Port’s character and late-night economy. While the city has seen a number of restaurant and bar closures in recent years, the preservation of this concept — in the hands of someone who previously worked there — suggests continuity for staff and customers.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reopening | July 16 |
| Ownership change | Sold to former employee, James Mack |
| Previous run | 21 years under same ownership |
For Portland residents who value the Old Port’s mix of long-standing neighborhood spots and newer arrivals, the reopening is a small but welcome development. Patrons looking for an evening out that leans toward dessert and cocktails will soon be able to return to a familiar counter along Wharf Street.
