Cocktails At Canopy Waterfront Portland: Happy Hour Outfit Ideas

Located conveniently on Commercial Street just steps away from Portland’s bustling food scene is Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront. Their rooftop bar, Luna, has quickly become a popular hangout for both tourists and locals alike, however, it is their newly opened bar at the Salt Yard Restaurant on the first floor that I’m most excited about. While many may unknowingly pass it on their way to the elevators to take them to the sixth-floor rooftop, those who value a superb craft cocktail should be sure to stop for a drink. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. Today on the blog I share all about the experience and cocktail program as well as offer styling tips on what to wear to your next happy hour.

The cocktail menu at the Salt Yard Restaurant and Bar is designed with Maine in mind. Not only are the 12 craft cocktails made using locally sourced ingredients from the craft spirits, fruit juices, homemade syrups, and more, but they were each created as a larger homage to the beloved destinations within the Pine State.

In Katrin, the bartender and cocktail creator’s own words…

“This space is so very gorgeous and deserves its spot in the Portland cocktail bar scene. My vision was to create something that seamlessly combines local ingredients with culinary approaches that blend together to bring you on a tasting journey if you will. Experience all that this beautiful state has to offer through the flavors. Let’s dance together through the nooks and crannies of Maine. Then, when you’re on your road trip or back home, you can catch my references first hand. I’m obsessed with Maine and I hope to exemplify that through my experience and drinks.

As for the cocktails, I’m unique and so are my drinks. Yeah, there’s strawberry in one drink but, the underlying notes will be something that of golden beets and amaros. I take chances by pushing the boundaries of flavor profiles. What blends together is more than the traditional. That’s just how I roll, and that’s what inspires me. Not to mention, the look of the guests’ happily confused faces when they ask me what’s that I’m tasting? That’s my favorite. I want everyone to experience that.”

The setting itself is extremely posh and some may describe it as industrial chic. What’s nice is that the bar area is separated from the restaurant so as to create a more laid-back bar experience while still feeling elevated. My favorite spot will always be at the bar itself. Pulled up beside the counter I love to watch the drinks being made and observe others interact around me. Katrin the bartender who will be the one making your drinks has the most personable energy and is so fun to talk to. She will without a doubt capture your attention immediately upon sitting and add joy to your evening.

Although they do not have happy hour specials per se, the bar at Salt Yard is open starting at 4 PM and is a convenient spot to meet your friends after work. If you’re wondering what to wear I did write about the current fall trends in my last blog post. However, in general, when it comes to happy hour I usually like to wear an outfit that can easily adjust from day to night. That could be where you add or take off layers, or simply where you are mindful of wearing an outfit that is appropriate for both work and after hours – think a playful, yet professional monochromatic suit, colorful silk dress, or even a sweater two-piece set.

How incredible is it when your outfit matches your drink? This season I’ve been drawn to bright bold colors. For instance, this two-piece pink sweater set from Zara is all at once daring, yet super comfy and cute. To complete the outfit I opted for white knee-high boots and a matching white lieutenant cap. Ironically it paired fantastically with the Northern Lady cocktail ($16) that features Bimini Gin, Pisco, Rose and cardamom syrup, lemon, and topped with rose foam.

They offer an all-day food menu at the Salt Yard Restaurant, however, they serve a specific food menu at the bar starting at 4 PM when they open. My friends and I tried (and loved) their mushroom flatbread with kale, ricotta, and truffle and the pepperoni flatbread with Calabrian Chile, roasted onion, parmesan, and drizzled hot honey.