Mini Golf, Maine Beer & Good Eats at Minibar in Portland, Maine
After Adam and I wrapped up filming at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, we were ready for lunch and maybe a little friendly competition. I had heard great things about Minibar in Portland, so we decided to check it out. And honestly, this place just makes sense for Maine.
With our snowy winters, rainy days, and unpredictable weather, having an indoor mini golf course where you can grab a beer, watch a game, eat some really good food, and hang out year-round is such a great idea.
Minibar has 18 custom-designed mini golf holes, 20 taps pouring local favorites, 32 screens showing sports, and a full menu of apps and bar food. They even have a separate fryer for gluten-free options, which is a huge bonus.
I am pretty competitive, so naturally I walked in ready to show Adam my mini golf skills. That confidence was short-lived. Ha!
The course itself is so much fun because the holes are inspired by Maine. There’s a Hearts of Pine hole, a Sea Dogs hole, a Mariners hole, a blue lobster hole, a ski and snowboard hole, and plenty of other little nods to the state throughout the course.
They also have electronic scorekeeping, which makes everything super easy and makes it impossible to conveniently “forget” a bad hole.
One of my favorite additions was a challenge wheel you can spin that gives you different ways to take your shot, like putting behind your back. There’s even a photo booth along the course, so it feels like there’s something fun around every corner.
I was very excited to have my first Shipyard beer of the season, and I was surprised to see that Minibar also had a non-alcoholic Shipyard option. I didn’t even know they made one! Their tap list has tons of local favorites, so if you love trying Maine beers, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
About halfway through the course, we started getting hungry, so we took a break and ordered mini red snappers, wings, fries, and gluten-free chicken tenders.
Everything was SO good.
But those gluten-free chicken tenders? I would go back for those alone. Having a separate gluten-free fryer also means there are more options for people who often have to skip the fried food when they go out.
While we were there, we had the chance to chat with the owner Kevin and hear how the idea for Minibar came to be.
It started during a crowded Sunday at an outdoor mini golf course. He was there with his wife, Jamie, and their son, waiting behind about ten other groups when he had a thought: waiting wouldn’t be so bad if he could grab a beer and watch the game.
And that sparked the idea, why didn’t Maine have a place that combined mini golf, food, drinks, and sports all under one roof?
After years working in journalism and finance, he decided to create exactly that. A place where people could come together year-round, rain or shine.
They wanted to add something different to the city’s already incredible food and drink scene. A place for date nights, families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants to get a little competitive.
One thing I didn’t realize before visiting was how much Minibar has going on beyond the golf course. Everywhere you turn there’s a TV, making it a great spot to watch a game. There are also separate rooms off the course, including a smaller private room and a much larger event space. The larger space is used for things like live music, open mics and comedy shows, and there are even more games, including Skee-Ball and Pac-Man.
You can also book Minibar for private events. It would be such a fun option for a corporate outing, birthday party, bachelor or bachelorette party, or just an excuse to get a group of friends together. They host regular events and specials too, including things like 75-cent wing nights and Jeopardy Tuesdays, so definitely keep an eye on their social media to see what’s coming up.
We had such a great time at Minibar. It has that perfect combination of good food, local beer, friendly competition, sports, and something a little different to do, especially when the Maine weather isn't cooperating.
Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day activity in Portland, a fun date night, somewhere to bring the family, a place to watch the game, or a spot for your next group event, Minibar is definitely one to add to your list.
Adam may have won this round of mini golf, but I’m already ready for a rematch.
I can’t wait to go back.
-Kate
MiniBar
265 Marginal Way Portland, Maine
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