"Krista Cole's female-owned Free Street tapas bar, open since 2014, plating Maine small plates for a relaxed first date."
About Sur Lie
Sur Lie opened on Free Street in downtown Portland in the autumn of 2014, built from the ground up by founder Krista Cole, a two-time James Beard semifinalist who runs it as a fully female-owned and operated room. It is a tapas-style restaurant and wine bar with a strong commitment to Maine ingredients, and it has stayed a fixture of our Portland, Maine guide for more than a decade.
The kitchen is led by chef Emil Rivera, who came to Maine after several years with the ThinkFoodGroup, the José Andrés family of restaurants. For more on what makes a small-plates room worth the trip, see our guide to the signs of a great restaurant.
The Kitchen
The menu is contemporary American small plates with influences drawn from around the world, sorted into Crisp, Pleasant and Bold sections alongside cheeses, charcuterie and starters. The plates are made for sharing and the wine and cocktail lists are built to match, echoing the Spanish tapas tradition the room takes its cue from. Most small plates land in the low-to-mid teens.
The Room
The space is compact and easygoing, with a bar that works well for a single diner and tables sized for two to four sharing across the menu. The energy is warm and conversational rather than formal, which makes it a low-pressure date or a relaxed birthday. The room runs Wednesday through Saturday evenings.
Best for a relaxed first date or a birthday
Share a run of small plates and a bottle for an easy first date or a low-key birthday; the bar also makes a comfortable perch for solo dining.
Not for
A big plated entree or a Sunday-to-Tuesday dinner: the menu is shared small plates and the room is open Wednesday through Saturday only.
Frequently Asked
Who owns Sur Lie in Portland, Maine?
Sur Lie was built and is owned by Krista Cole, a two-time James Beard semifinalist, and is a fully female-owned and operated restaurant. It opened in the autumn of 2014.
What kind of food is Sur Lie?
Sur Lie is a tapas-style restaurant and wine bar serving contemporary American small plates with global influences, sorted into Crisp, Pleasant and Bold sections, with a strong focus on Maine ingredients.
Who is the chef at Sur Lie?
The kitchen is led by chef Emil Rivera, who came to Maine after several years with the ThinkFoodGroup, the José Andrés family of restaurants.
Where is Sur Lie?
It is at 11 Free Street in downtown Portland, Maine, a short walk from the Old Port.
What are Sur Lie's hours?
It is open Wednesday through Saturday evenings, from around 5pm, and closed Sunday through Tuesday, so weekend booking is wise.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Sur Lie
Open Wednesday to Saturday evenings; book ahead for weekends.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address11 Free St, Portland, ME 04101
NeighbourhoodFree Street, downtown
CuisineTapas / New American
Price$$$ · small plates roughly $10-16
RecognitionFounded 2014 by Krista Cole, two-time James Beard semifinalist
SignatureShared Maine-sourced small plates
