Not far from the ever-busy streets of the Old Port lies 47 Middle St., or as the locals like to call it, Norm’s East-End Grill. This tiny little building is actually quite spacious. If you are trying to avoid someone, this is not the place you want to go because they will more than likely be there.
The one and only waitress there greeted us and sat us near the kitchen, which was open to the dining room. You could see the grill and the cooks preparing all the fantastic food. It all looked well organized, with each person tending to his or her task.
Silverware, napkins, salt and pepper shakers and the ever important hot sauce was all neatly placed on a platter on either side of the tables. The waitress was quite friendly and attended to us well. Considering the fact that she was a single waitress for all the tables, she was very observant of everyone’s needs and did a fine job.
When you first walk in you are greeted by the warm smell of sizzling grilled foods like steak, chicken and fish. While the staff is happy to prepare dishes without the meat if so requested, there are no vegetarian options on the menu. French fries and onion rings are also a great option for all you finicky eaters out there.
Our food was delivered by one of the cooks. Dressed in an apron, he was seemingly happy to serve us. I had ordered the 6-ounce hamburger with American cheese and lettuce ($7.50) grilled well-done. This may have been the first time I have had a cheeseburger prepared the way I like it without telling them to burn the hunk of meat. It was very tasty and juicy. A choice of coleslaw or french fries can be added to the meal for a small additional price of $1.50.
Onion rings ($3.50) were ordered as well. Boy, were these good rings! They towered over the plate and, together with the rest of the meal, it was a challenge to eat it all. Pulled Pork Quesadillas grilled with Jack cheese and served with black bean-tomato salsa and sour cream ($7.95) seemed to delight my guest. Her dish looked incredible with the wedges of soft tortillas and heaping mound of salsa. Another dish ordered by yet another companion was the Greek Salad with calamari, mounds of feta cheese and red onions. If I weren’t a meat-and-potatoes type, I would opt for that dish.
When it came time for dessert, we had no room since dinner completely filled us up. But from what I could see, there was a small but nice selection of three or four different pies and some ice cream.
Upstairs from where we ate was the bar. A number of people came and went as the night went on, and all seemed to be enjoying themselves. My guess is that it was the friendliness and happy atmosphere causing such glee, rather than the probable abundance of alcohol. Either way, it was a good time for all. Norm’s East-End Grill is a great restaurant for any occasion and should be at the top of your list when deciding where to eat on those cold winter nights.
Location: 47 Middle St., Portland
Atmosphere: “A place where everyone knows your name”
Rating: 4 Spare Ribs