Union Station Publyk House

What a lovely surprise in one of the less busy parts of town!
Six of us went out to dinner on a Friday night and had a great time. 5 minute wait while they set up a table next to a booth for us (don’t come here with a bigger group)!
We tried the calamari appetizer– best I’ve had in years. Deep fried smaller pieces and baby squids in a delicious salty/​vinegary breading. No dip required to enjoy, very tender, not greasy.
We tried lots of different sandwiches on the menu with fish and meat and everyone was very happy. Excellent fries. Everything is so clearly made in-​house and very fresh. Sandwiches and tacos were constructed really well, very easy to eat– it drives me nuts if I have to eat my sandwich with a fork because it all falls apart!
Small but carefully chose beer selection on tap– something for everyone, and wine and mixed drinks as well, though we didn’t try them.
Everything was pretty darn healthy (for bar type food) and we felt great the next day.
There were some specials on the menu that looked awesome if you were planning to come for a «nicer» dinner, rather than a beer/​sandwich/​fries affair.
The desserts are very inconsistent in size– we had the Tiramisu and were in heaven, our other friends were less impressed, but they took theirs to go, so I don’t know how good it was.
Great bartender, great waitress, other patrons were nice. There is parking in the back, and the layout of the place keeps it from getting overcrowded. It looks divey, but they are meticulously clean. Very comfortable temperature inside.
I am giving 5 stars for what it is — an unpretentious dinner&drinks spot that nails everything they do at the level that they are aiming for. We will be back here!

Have only been there once but had a great experience. Slow for a Saturday, we had no trouble parking on-​site & sitting right down. The place is really laid-​back & simply decorated. Our server greeted us right away.
My daughter & I started with a cup of chili, and it was plenty to share as an appetizer. I could see a bowl of this being a satisfying meal. They have off-​menu children’s items; a grilled cheese and chicken fingers. Her grilled cheese was really tasty & large for being a child’s meal. I could see my wife ordering this — it was crispy and kind-​of sophisticated, given that it was on what seemed to have been ciabatta bread.
I took advantage of the French Dip; an offering I don’t see much in Portland. The beef was tender, the caramelized onions were on point, and the au jus was thicker & richer than I’ve ever had, which was awesome. Almost a sauce rather than a broth. Very tasty.
I asked about their dinner menu, and the server brought over a specials board. All looked great — seasonal squash lasagna jumped out at me. I could see coming here with the wife and/​or friends for dinner and lingering a while over drinks.
The only drawback was the limited tap list, but this was only a minor issue as I was with my daughter (not a bunch of my degenerate friends). Essentially a non-​issue.
I’ll be trying them for dinner soon, and will report back at that time!

This place holds a special lore for me. I’ve been flying into Portland and catching the Greyhound to Lewiston and eventually little Dixfield to visit my parents for years.
My first time here I got my bus ticket and had to wait a bit so I wandered over here for the best fish sandwhich ever and a local beer. I never miss it. It’s like an oasis. Friendly people and real good food. There aren’t enough stars for it.