Portland, Maine Is Getting a New Neighborhood Hangout This June

A new spot is quietly taking shape on Preble Street, and it already feels like one to watch. The Velvet Dog, opening at 24 Preble Street next to Dutch’s and across from Za Pizza, is the latest project from chef Matt Burns, and it’s shaping up to be more than just another restaurant opening in Portland.

Burns and his family are building something that leans into comfort, creativity, and community. The menu will focus on small plates like fried sardines, smoked sausage and chicken empanadas, and corn ribs, alongside salads and heartier dishes like fried chicken and waffles and a risotto terrine. It’s the kind of spread that invites sharing but still holds its own if you’re just looking for a solid meal.

What stands out most, though, is Burns’ intention behind the place. He’s not chasing tourist traffic, he’s focused on locals: the neighbors, the industry workers, the commuters. He’s aiming to create a space where regulars feel known, where relationships grow over time, and where the restaurant becomes part of people’s everyday lives. That kind of mindset feels increasingly rare, and honestly, refreshing.

READ MORE: The Beloved Cheese Iron In Scarborough Is Closing Its Doors

With about 75 seats and a mix of bar and table seating, the space is being lightly renovated now with a planned June opening.

If all goes as planned, The Velvet Dog won’t just be a new restaurant, it’ll be a place people come back to, again and again.