Boda Thai Kitchen Bar

Boda Kitchen Bar (645 Congress Street, Portland, ME) is located on the corner of State and Congress. It opened three months ago as a "Kitchen - Bar" concept similar to Nosh: small plates, good food, and plenty of drink choices.  The first time I ate there was one week ago Saturday, and the food was impressive enough to get me through the door the next night.  Perhaps my weakness for "tapas" style restaurants is to blame, but Boda is another gem in the Old Port.

The first night at Boda there were four of us, and we showed up shortly after 9:30 pm. Apparently, Boda recently started their late night menu, and it is a fantastic change from many of the other reduced menus in the Old Port.  Apart from disliking late night choices in many restaurants - which are typically chicken fingers and quesadillas - I find that many restaurants also lose quality with their evening selection.  Boda is the polar opposite, a vibrant and exciting late night menu offers tapas and yakitori (basically food on sticks).

We were hungry and gluttonous, ordering at least half the dishes from the menu. They included jalapenos stuffed with sausage, chicken/beef/shrimp/scallop skewers, and various tapas like quail eggs and vegetables. The food was seasoned differently, depending on the dish, and full of flavor.  More importantly, everything was cooked - both nights - to absolute perfection.   I applaud a late night chef that can turn out a perfectly prepared beef skewer followed by a scallop, etc... I would not hesitate on any item Boda offers, but would suggest getting their grilled rice "cake" to go along with your dishes. Four people, with drinks, walked away with $100 in damage.

The location is just near King of The Roll, and they both share an evening parking lot. That's right - there is parking. I wish I knew that to begin with, because initially we circled the block 3 times before discovering the sign hidden in plain sight.   The dining area is divided into two sections, one being more restaurant and the other bar.   We chose the bar area both nights simply because it was more lively.

Sunday nights (at least for now), Boda offers 50% off their late night menu; making Boda a very inexpensive place to eat.  With drinks and tip, our tab worked out to $25 per person.  I wonder how long Boda will maintain this special, but at those prices - and the taste of the food - I am willing to make it a weekly destination.  In short, Boda Thai Kitchen Bar offers flavorful dishes late into the evening.  If you are hesitant, check it out on a Sunday night.

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