Mainers don’t take good weather for granted! In fact, Maine residents and visitors will jump at any opportunity to spend time outside during the summer months, opting for outdoor recreational activities whenever the temperature is 65 or higher. After all, we have the whole long winter to spend time indoors, and absolutely nothing is more beautiful than a breath of fresh, Maine summertime air. 

Here at Elsmere BBQ, we have taken our love of spending time outside one step further by offering outdoor seating on the spacious, open-air patios at both Elsmere BBQ locations. Our patios are the perfect place to enjoy great food and beautiful weather at the same time - what could be better? Need help convincing the whole family? Here are few fantastic reasons why our South Portland and Portland outdoor dining should be added to your weekend agenda. 

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Fuel Your Day of Sightseeing
If you’re visiting Portland, Maine, then you owe it to yourself to spend as much time outside as possible! Our beautiful summer weather is fleeting, and it can change without a moment’s notice, so do as the locals do, and make the most of it! For most Vacationland visitors, that means packing your schedule with trips to Southern Maine’s most beautiful and scenic destinations, like Portland Head Light, any of our rocky beaches, Portland’s historic Old Port, and maybe even a ride on a schooner or harbor ferry. There’s so much to see and do, but all that fun requires a lot of energy. 

Finding a family restaurant in Portland doesn’t have to mean sitting inside a loud and stuffy room while it’s gorgeous outside. Why not bring the whole family to Elsmere BBQ and enjoy our breezy outdoor patio seating? After all, this is your vacation, and there’s no reason why you should miss out on any of the great weather. While you’re enjoying your meal, let your friendly server know that you’re “from away”, and you’ll get the best recommendations of unique places to visit while you’re in the area. Who needs a tourist map when you’ve got advice from a local?

Enjoy a Mess-Free Family Cookout 
Nobody actually enjoys bagging up stacks of ketchup-soaked paper plates. It’s a fact. Still, when you consider how much fun it is to eat fresh-off-the-grill food outside with your family, it seems almost worth it… almost. Thanks to Elsmere BBQ, you can still get the cookout experience of enjoying a meal in the sun (or shade) with your family, while skipping the messy cleanup. Better yet, we’ll handle the grilling, so you can enjoy more quality time together. At Elsmere BBQ, our huge menu helps make dining together even more enjoyable, since everyone can get exactly what they want. 

After your meal, take a walk around our beautiful Portland neighborhood and visit some local shops. Without the demands of cookout cleanup, you can take your time and maybe even support some other local businesses! Meanwhile, back at home, your yard stays tidy, so you can sleep better at night knowing that you won’t wake up to a family of hungry raccoons feasting on leftover hot dog buns.

Sunshine, Salt Air, and Great Food
Which meal pairs best with outdoor dining? We’re a little biased, but we think that anything on our menu would be perfect! For those who prefer recommendations, we’ve hand-picked a few perfect summertime pairings to enjoy on the Elsmere BBQ patio. 

Beach Picnic: Elsmere Side Sampler + Elsmere Salad

Island Breeze: Slow Smoked Chicken Wings + Mahi Mahi Tacos 

Backwoods Hiker: Chili Nachos + The Works Combo Plate 

No matter whether you’re a local or a visitor, you shouldn’t have to miss out on Maine’s gorgeous summer weather during mealtime. Our South Portland and Portland restaurant locations both have bright and spacious patios, so no matter what other activities you have planned, you won’t have to travel far for a delicious meal outside.

We can’t wait to welcome you!