Oaks Bottom Public House is named for the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge that runs just west of our location in the heart of Westmoreland. The 163-acre natural wetlands was Portland’s first urban wildlife refuge and is home to more than 125 species of birds, including the Great Blue Heron that is our symbol.
The term “Public House” was used in Old England to describe homes that innkeepers, or publicans, who were seeking a warm meal, a cold (but not too cold) pint and possibly a comfy bed. While we don’t offer lodging (and can’t let you snooze in our booths), it is our intent to offer neighbors from near and far good food and good drink in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
A good public house should be an example of what sociologist Ray Oldenburg calls a “third place”- a friendly, comfortable haven where guests can leave behind the cares of the “first place” (home) and “second place” (work) and enjoy the company of friends while someone else cooks the food and does the dishes.
We invite you to bring your family, join your friends, down a pint (or two) and make yourself at home.
