Grace

Portland


Grace is an 1850s Gothic Revival–style Methodist church that was closed and sold due to a declining congregation. After a $2-million renovation that adhered to strict historic guidelines, it reopened as an upscale restaurant and cocktail bar, where the pulpit serves as the greeter's desk and diners sit on refurbished pews beneath 27 stained-glass windows.

Sacrilegious? Or a stunning 'adaptive reuse' of a historic structure? The Redemption Sangria may help you decide. Food is generally well regarded, but it's the setting that really shines here.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Portland attractions

1. Main Library

0.14 MILES

The main branch of the Portland Public Library is located within the 83,000-sq-ft Baxter Building, an architectural gem that cleverly utilizes vast glass…

2. Longfellow House

0.2 MILES

The revered American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–82) grew up in this Federal-style house, built in 1785 by his Revolutionary War–hero…

3. Institute of Contemporary Art

0.29 MILES

This small gallery, attached to the Maine College of Art, showcases an ever-shifting slate of modern artists, and hosts frequent readings, workshops, pop…

4. Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine

0.39 MILES

Kids aged zero to 10 years shriek and squeal as they haul traps aboard a replica lobster boat, milk a fake cow on a model farm, operate a sound studio, or…

5. Portland Museum of Art

0.44 MILES

Founded in 1882, this well-respected museum houses an outstanding collection of American artists. Maine artists, including Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper,…

6. Victoria Mansion

0.55 MILES

This Italianate palace, whose exterior would work well in a Tim Burton movie, dates back to 1860. Inside it's sumptuously decorated with rich furniture,…

7. Portland Observatory

0.63 MILES

Built in 1807 atop Munjoy Hill, this seven-story brick tower was originally used to alert shipowners when their ships were heading for home. Now restored,…

8. Loring Memorial Park

0.92 MILES

This small art installation honors a local fighter pilot who fought in WWII and Korea. Four 9ft-high granite standing stones inscribed with virtues…