The Bar and Bites 8 Exchange

8 Exchange St, Portland
(207) 899-3333

Recent Reviews

Jessy O.

The food was okay, nothing great. The waitress was the bartender. There was one other person there so that should have been our sign to move on.

Danielle V.

This would be the perfect sports bar if they could figure out their TVs. They have sooo many of them across the whole bar but they can only put every TV on the same channel and they don't even know how to change the channel half the time. It's so distracting for all of them to be the same thing. If they could figure this out I would move this up to a 4. They have a large bar and they do live music some nights. I have tried some of their appetizers and they are good, not great but def good bar food. They have some good interesting drinks. I had a martini and it was decent. They also have an outside seating area which is nice in the summer. Cool spot to stop for a drink and app and maybe some late night music or karaoke sometimes!

Sage LeBlanc

Wow this place is understaffed. You’d have big groups but we watched them leave because they sit at the host stand so long. Dinks B+ food C can’t grade service properly bc they are spread so thin.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 3

Ken Moulton Jr.

Cool atmosphere with a great feel to the decor, and comfy booths. There is a stage for live performances, which is cool for karaoke Thursdays. They do cut you off for drinking at 12:30, which sucks, but you can always go to Commercial Street Pub after for more drinks after.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 4

Sarah C.

Visited while on vacation in Portland. It was one of the only places we could get into on a busy Sunday night. Just a casual bar to enjoy drinks and a quick bite with standard bar food. Cheeseburger and fries were good and service was excellent. I would recommend for a lowkey dinner or drink in the area.

Mia Jamison

I was visiting Portland with a friend for the first time. We decided to stop here for a little lunch and some drinks. The bartender was very nice. She gave us some restaurants suggestions for dinner which we planned to have on our way back to Boston later on. She even took my phone and charged it up for me because it was running out of juice. I really appreciate it that. The food was good overall. My only complaint was I was expecting more lobster on that lobster roll. I'm visiting from North Carolina so I'm expecting any lobster dish in the area to give me good bits of lobster. Plus I thought that the sandwich had a little bit too much aioli on it. It seemed to be smothered with it. The fries were pretty good and I drink that I had was very different tasting lol I couldn't decide whether I liked it or not. We were the only two who were sitting in the restaurant at first and then later on as we sat there a lot more couples came in. They were all sitting at the bar and I believe the bartenders got swamped and in the process we were sitting in the booth waiting longer than we wanted to. So overall, It wasn't bad. I enjoyed the atmosphere. It was pretty laid back and that's what I like.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Fries For

Bryant Simons

Some of the food was good, such as the sidewinder fries, while others were strange, such as the Arugula on lobster roll.Service was absolutely poor. There were maybe 3 tables and two people at the bar mid day Sunday and the waiter appeared to forget the two outdoors tables and did not even give a courtesy check in. More importantly he also forgot to put in one of our meal orders and I had to scrounge others meals for food since we weren’t going to get much more time with my toddler at the restaurant. I regret spending Father’s Day lunch here.Also, put some locks on the bathrooms doors for Pete’s sake.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

Ian Ashland

Didn't try the food on this visit. But the Karaoke night vibes were super fun. Great atmosphere. Nice space to lounge and/or dance. Drinks took a while to get but they were fantastic and the themes of the menu were cool. Will definitely be making regular visits.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

CatieV22

Easily found in the middle of old port. Bar area is nicely laid out and has a spot for live music. The restrooms are not handicap accessible.. and are tiny but at least clean. Drinks are decently priced and food was good, good atmosphere with exposed brick and woodwork. Some outdoor seating available.

itsBrrAnDee

The Bar. Chill place, Friendly Staff. Love the style in here, come have a drink already! Cheers!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Oressa Gray-Mullen

Great dumplings- cold glasses- great soda and beer. Good warmth in winter but with fan movement -and lots of tvs for game. Lots of seats, nice staff and simple clean bathrooms

David B.

George was a very professional and friendly bartender. This is what's driving the stars. One recommendation to this bar if they want more people to hang out is to play the TV sound of a football game vs Christmas music on a Sunday.

Julian Mayorquin

The staff here is great, Sarah is awesome!!!! Definitely get a chance to go to one of there events from Karaoke to movie nights and live music this place always has something going on.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Steve Wescott

This place is amazing the staff is super friendly and polite it's awesome how they treat you love the food and staff is immensely happy to see you again

281darlenep

We enjoy stopping by this bar for happy hour. Everyone that works there is super nice. They have house specialty drinks that are interesting and delicious. Their wine selection is limited but good. Their bar is well stocked and the nicest surprise was how good the food is. Have had several menu items and never disappointed. So glad we found this place!!

Load More

The Bar and Bites 8 Exchange

8 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 899-3333