Vena’s Fizz House

Waited half an hour for our drinks, then the other waitress comes over and asks if we’ve been served yet. We explain that, yes, you guys took our orders half an hour ago. Original waitress then comes to take our order again, saying that she somehow lost the first order. Or, more specifically, the machine did and it totally wasn’t her fault. That’s when we high-​tailed it out of there. We ask for a manager to try and explain it rather than just cowardly leaving a 1-​star review but of course there’s none to be found.
Turns out that when the entirety of your staff is stoned, service suffers.

Drinks were 4 stars, service less than 2 stars (and that’s being generous). Stopped in on a Sunday for a few cocktails. Grabbed seats at the bar right away. Waited for a long time to order. We placed an order for 2 drinks and then waited again. Someone eventually asked if we were all set, we said we had ordered, but he checked and said there was no order put in for us. We ordered the 2 drinks again. They came over in a reasonable amount of time and were quite tasty. One of the bartenders kept mixing drinks in front of us and my bf asked a few questions to figure out what to order next. You’d think when your glass is empty they’d ask if you’d like another, but no. We sat there again and waited, and finally decided to leave due to the ridiculously slow service. It almost makes you feel uncomfortable sitting there when they walk past you and don’t ask if you need anything. Thumbs down!

This place is amazing. I’m drinking a Cider Smash. The drinks are very unique and the appetizers are little bites of culinary creativity and complimenting flavors. Both the bar tender and the chief are artists and part scientists.

Stopped by Vena’s during a Maine Foodie tour and found the proprietors, atmosphere, drinks and food outstanding. Sadly we were not able to make it back over the weekend for more cocktails, but will definitely visit in the future!

I first learned of Vena’s Fizz House from an article on Portland in a recent issue of «Imbibe» magazine. It was an excellent article overall, and it made me want to visit Vena’s. So I was very happy, when visiting, that an organized pub crawl came here first. It was everything the article touted, and more. Seating is a little tight, but the other customers tend to be as friendly as your servers, which adds to the charm. Now as to the food and drink — really, really, original and tasty! I got one of the deviled egg specials, parmesan and mushroom, and all the egg specials are served with a shot of alcohol in a unique serving cover. The inside-​out grilled cheese sandwich was equally interesting and delicious. But oh, those drinks. The featured drinks are just so innovative and so well crafted. Vena’s is, for me, one of the best things about the food and drink scene in Portland.

I can’t say enough about the place that sells inventive, delicious, NON alcoholic beverages at affordable prices in a trendy, fun atmosphere.
The do have a full bar, but we aren’t big drinkers and we hang with a low alcohol consuming crew, so it’s really nice to find a place where you can just hang and have «cocktails» without getting loaded. Entrepreneurs take notice, this is the next «thing»!
We each had several drinks, from the shrubbs to the fizzes and the hard stuff. They were all excellent. My husband said, «make me something like an old fashioned but fancier», and the bar tender made him an amazing drink with hints of pine and rosemary. I had one that had fire cider and blood orange, so good.
The food menu is limited but inventive, and we enjoyed a few snacks. Seating is also a bit limited and it gets crowded. The attached shop has a great selection of barware and bitters.

Lovely location and helpful staff that treat you like you’re the only one in the bar. ¹⁰⁄₁₀ would return.

While on vacation in Portland I was drawn into this gem after seeing their collection of vintage glassware from the window. I do not know much about mixology but I do know a thing or two about vintage and a thing of two about what my taste buds like and I was very impressed. The couple who owns this place were the most pleasant people and I really enjoyed talking with them during my time at the bar as well. I ordered the Elderflower cocktail on the menu and it did not disappoint. They have drinks for all ages and food I believe also!

Armed with his shrubs and bitters, Steve is the mad scientist of cocktails. Their house specials are spectacular (try the Tangerine Collins for a full-​bodied citrus delight), but he will conjure up a masterful original drink for you on the spot like a magician pulling a rabbit out of his hat. Just describe what you want (or have him decide for you).
One of the best cocktail bars I’ve been too — period. This is a must try!
Cheers!

Great vibe. Not too much seating. Drinks are reasonably priced ($ 7 – 12). GREAT Bloody Mary. Bar tenders are extremely nice.
Every cocktail has fun name and is delicious!

I recently visited Vena’s Fizz House with a group of friend’s for a happy hour. Being a lover of all things maple, I was very much looking forward to trying their Maple Switchel. I was not disappointed!
Let me say that this place is that this place is unique. They have a lovely gift shop with some wonderfully unique items — mostly around cocktails and entertaining. I have visited this store on more than one occasion to pick up a gift for someone. I am particularly fond of their mason jars that are ready made for alcohol infusing. You just pick the flavor and add your favorite spirit — like Maine Blueberry Margarita with tequila. The jar comes ready with some dried blueberries and limes, a little sweetener and spice. All you do is add tequila and let it infuse for a while. So cool! Perfect gift for someone who has everything.
Beyond that, this place also serves mocktails and cocktails — specializing in the amazing impacts of bitters. As a former bartender, I was surprised to learn of the massive number of types of bitters that are available. We’re not just talking the standard Angostura that is behind most bars. The drink I ordered, the Maple Switchel, was full of flavor and punch. I enjoyed it immensely. I also sipped a few of my friend’s various drinks and found them all to be tasty as well.
The only downside to this place is that they only food they offer is a bowl of spiced mix nuts. Now — don’t get me wrong. They were AMAZING. I couldn’t stop eating them. The problem is that is ALL they serve. And, as this was happy hour, post work, my friends and I were craving something with a little more substance. So, unfortunately, we had to close out our tabs after one drink and move on to find some food.
So, in short — if you are looking for a unique gift for a lover of mixed drinks, this is a great place to go! And, if you are looking for a tasty drink as you pop in and out of various venues in the Old Port, this is a great stop!

Great artisanal cocktails. Wonderful service. This is the kind of establishment that we need to foster. Keep in mind they have vintage barware that is not on their website. Great stuff!

I stopped I here when I was in Portland a few weeks back. Grabbed a seat at the bar and told Steve I wanted something light. He made me one of the best drinks I have ever had. I was eating and drinking my way through Portland and this was the only bad I had multiple drinks!
I didn’t really want to leave! I sat and talked to Steve for quite awhile and learned a lot. Definitely come in if you want a friendly environment and delish cocktails to match!

Vena’s is a breath of fresh air. The location, décor, atmosphere, quality of products and service are all excellent. I stopped in to check out what everyone else has been raving about and left with two Ginger Julep’s per the recommendation of the owner. While waiting for my drinks I spent a few minutes chatting with the lovely owner, Johanna. It’s evident that she loves her new venture and cares about the consumer experience.
Her husband was behind the bar crafting drinks for the patrons. Watching him reminded me of a science teacher that loves experiments and even more so, loves watching others enjoy his experiments! I haven’t experienced their night life yet but I bet it’s fun. The bar area is very small and I’m guessing 30 people will pack the place. They offer a small, seasonal bar-​food menu as well which is perfect as the focus is on the drinks.
Come for a mixology education, good conversation and drinks for any age, and purchase what you’ve tried on the way out. They have the largest selection of bitters I’ve ever seen along with all the tools of the trade so you can experiment at home. Unfortunately, the energy you will experience at Vena’s cannot be duplicated at home, you’ll have to come back for that!

I don’t like gin and tonics. Steve, the owner, changed my mind and made me the best drink of my life. I love a place that loves what it specializes in, knows it inside and out, and enthusiastically shares it with it’s guests.
I wish I could give this place six stars.

Okay, so I was wrong… Vena’s is actually pretty great. As in «why have I been holding out on coming here?» kind of great. As in I’ve-been-recommending-it-to-my-out-of-town-friends-as-a-MUST-stop great. As in a I-​got-​many-​of-​my-​Christmas-​gifts-​here great. As in a «okay-I’ll-come-back-and-try-the-mocktails-again-(especially-that-cherry-lime-rickey-which-I’ve-tried-at-events-around-the-city-and-have-fallen-in-love-with)» great.
Every cocktail I try is more delicious than the cocktail before it, which I’m not sure is possible, but there it is. I know that the menu evolves, ebbs and flows, but there are two drinks in which I’d like to particularly highlight:
1. Maple Syrup Switchel: this is my favorite cocktail in Portland, ME right now. It tastes like a maple tree went out with his maple tree buddies, they got hammered, and then humans tapped him. Made from rum, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and ginger.
2. Lumbersexual: I HATE GIN. However… this drink might make me a convert (at least for the duration of my drinking it). Made from Ingenium Dry Gin, pine, lemon, spice tonic, and bitters.
I’m also constantly impressed with Steve’s knowledge. Part of the experience here is definitely talking to him, picking his brain about mixology and more, and enjoying his company.
If you like cocktails, I would highly suggest stopping here. Whether you’re getting something to drink or getting something for your personal bar (I’m HUGELY impressed with their infusion kit selection), it’s absolutely going to delight you!

Vena
You are one of my favorite places anywhere. Yes, truly one of my favorites in the world. Why is this little spot so high on my list. Well it comes down to great drinks and a great enthusiasm for the work!
Steve Corman is the man. Never does he not smile. Never does he not include the love for his work. He loves his bitters and mixing them in ways that can make people happy. The drinks are amazing. I actually PREFER the non-​alcoholic drinks over the boozy big brothers. They are just simply amazing — that being said, mixing them with booze is great too! My favorites are the Lumberjack Love, mixing lemon with pine flavor and bitters to hit so many spots on the tongue… so good all year around. Feel daring? The Love Potion #9 spices life up with fruit combined with ghost peppers… its not too hot but I always ask for the extra kick!
Love a place that is unique, tasty and has owners and staff who just show how much they love what they do

This place is such a winner.
The ginger fizz I had was the best ginger soda ever. The fire-​cider was an interesting mix of hot and horseradishy, pretty tasty and clears out the sinuses. The bits of other drinks I tried were good, too. My dining companions were way into the ghost pepper bitters; there were a lot of sweet-​and-​spicy options.
I didn’t sample any of the cocktails, but I’ll have to next time, the menu seemed impressive.
Plus the store of cocktail books and accouterments out front was pretty amazing.
As a visitor to Portland, this place is definitely on my list of reasons to come back.

Vena’s is, hands down, one of my favorite businesses in Portland. Even though it’s a pretty small shop, I could spend hours browsing the huge selection of bitters, shrubs, tinctures, shakers and other mixology accessories. I’ve picked up some fabulous cocktail additions here including angostora bitter sugar cubes, gin infusion sets (great for gifts!), and shrub sampler packs. Now that the upstairs soda shop has a liquor license, it’s a total game changer. On my last visit, my fiancé had some kind of cherry vanilla phosphate cocktail and I enjoyed a bourbon drink with mixed berry shrub. The owner (I wish I could remember his name) is absolutely fantastic. Wish it was closer but I’ll gladly travel!

This has to be one of my favorite Portland finds. This place spans an awesome retail location, apothecary of sorts, and bar.
The retail location features the largest (by far) selection of bitters and drink mixing agents I’ve seen in store. Additionally, they sell a ton of cute and hard to find mixing accessories.
The upstairs features a bar that serves up homemade sodas with bitters, mashes and shrubs (tart/​vinegar syrups). These are made Virgin up until 430 – 500 when the booze comes out.
The owner is incredibly knowledgeable and he and his bartenders mix up a variety of cocktails from their boozy menu. They’re great at taking requests and mixing up something special, or doctoring up a drink from the «virgin» menu.
We keep coming back here for a reason, the amazing selection in their retail section, the devious drinks, the fact that they source and incorporate a large array of local goods, and the people, they’re so nice and helpful!