Portland’s Newest Restaurant Wants to Feel Like Your Favorite Neighborhood Hangout

Finding a restaurant that serves incredible food is one thing. Finding one that makes you want to stay for another cocktail, order one more plate to share, and lose track of time with friends is something else entirely. That's exactly the experience The Velvet Dog is aiming to create after officially opening its doors on June 27 in Portland's Old Port.

More Than Just Dinner

Located at 24 Preble Street, The Velvet Dog blends the comfort of a neighborhood bar with the creativity of a chef-driven kitchen. Owner and chef Matthew Burns calls the concept an "elevated dive," where guests can enjoy thoughtfully crafted small plates, inventive cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels welcoming from the moment you walk in.

Whether you're planning a date night, catching up with friends, or looking for a place to start or end your evening, The Velvet Dog is designed to be a spot where the experience matters just as much as what's on the menu.

A Space With Personality

Forget cookie-cutter restaurant interiors. The Velvet Dog leans into vintage charm with warm lighting, neon accents, eclectic artwork, and music that helps set the mood. It's the kind of place where every corner has character, making it just as memorable as the food and drinks.

A New Old Port Favorite

Portland has no shortage of great restaurants, but The Velvet Dog offers something different: a place that feels familiar even on your first visit. With shareable dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and an atmosphere built around lingering a little longer, it's easy to see why this newest Old Port destination is already turning heads just days after opening.