Two Portland, Maine, Restaurants Close Permanently

For most of us in Maine, Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. That last holiday weekend with a chance to explore the outdoors and experience some fun and food with friends.

But for a pair of restaurants in Portland, Maine, Labor Day weekend wasn't just the end of the summer. It was the end of their run in business.

Tomaso's Pizza and Burger Bar in Portland, Maine, Closes Permanently

Almost five years ago, a new restaurant and bar opened in Portland, Maine, called Rathskeller.

Over the course of several years, Rathskeller attempted to evolve to match what visitors to Wharf Street in the Old Port wanted and were looking for.

Google Maps

In March of 2025, Rathskeller was no more and the evolution of the space called for a name change to Tomaso's Pizza and Burger Bar hoping to leverage some of the good will Tomaso's Canteen had built.

According to Portland Food Map, the name change didn't work. Tomaso's Pizza and Burger Bar on Wharf Street has permanently closed as of Labor Day.

Bar Publica in Portland, Maine, Announces Permanent Closure

Located right next door to Wilson County BBQ, Bar Publica opened in 2024 with a tantalizing food menu featuring Puerto Rican inspired dishes and a rooftop deck that featured a tiki bar.

Google Maps

Like most restaurants and bars in Portland, Bar Publica made some subtle changes through their first year. The restaurant surprised people when they chose to close for the winter last year.

According to Portland Food Map, despite opening for the season this year, Chef Ron's health was the key reason the business decided to close permanently. Their last day was over the Labor Day weekend.