Here’s What Replaced Local 188 in Portland, Maine

More than a year ago. there was shocking and disappointing run of restaurant closures throughout Portland, Maine.

That string of closures included some well-known and well-established restaurants like The North Point, Salvage BBQ, Coals Portland as well as Local 188.

Several of the spaces that those highly regarded restaurants called home either remain vacant or are being transformed into something that isn't food related.

As for Local 188, people noticed a new paint job and the removal of signs and wondered. Is another restaurant entering the fray?

Former Local 188 Space is Now a Catering and Event Venue

The company behind Local 188, Big Tree Hospitality, decided to hold onto the space that housed Local 188 and transform it into something the company as a whole needed.

According to MaineBiz, the 685 Congress Street location is now known as Big Tree Catering at Local 188. It no longer serves as a restaurant that you can walk in to or make a reservation for.

However, it serves as a hub for preparation when Big Tree Catering is providing services for off site events. It also serves as a space where Big Tree Catering can welcome parties, gatherings and more.

Local 188 Was Important For The Portland, Maine, Food Scene

It may seem unbelievable, but Local 188 burst onto the Portland, Maine, food scene in 1999. At that point in time, people were not regularly visiting the city because of the food.

According to Portland Food Map, Local 188 was one of a handful of restaurants credited with bringing national attention to Portland from both foodies and chefs desiring to open their own successful restaurant.

The name will continue to live on. The food and atmosphere will be missed.