If you’ve ever driven down Maine Mall Road on a Saturday afternoon, you know the vibe. It’s chaotic. Between the shoppers hunting for deals and the literal sea of asphalt, finding a spot to actually sit down and breathe—while shoving spicy wings into your face—is a local pastime. Buffalo Wild Wings South Portland Maine sits right in the thick of it. It’s located at 85 Western Avenue, essentially a stone's throw from the Maine Mall, making it the de facto headquarters for sports fans in Cumberland County who don't want to drive all the way into the Old Port just to find a TV.
People go there for the noise. Honestly, if you’re looking for a quiet, candlelit dinner where you can whisper sweet nothings over a glass of Pinot, you’re in the wrong zip code. This place is loud. It’s bright. It smells like vinegar, cayenne pepper, and victory (or defeat, depending on how the Patriots are doing).
It’s a massive space. Unlike some of the cramped pubs downtown, the South Portland "B-Dubs" is built for volume. You’ve got the bar side, which is usually packed with locals nursing tall drafts of Allagash White—we are in Maine, after all—and the dining side, which is a revolving door of youth soccer teams and families. It’s functional. It’s reliable. It’s exactly what you expect, yet it has some local quirks that make it stand out from the cookie-cutter locations you might find in a highway rest stop in the Midwest.
The Strategy for Surviving the Maine Mall Rush
Timing is everything. If you show up at Buffalo Wild Wings South Portland Maine during a playoff game or right after a major sale at the mall, expect a wait. That’s just the reality. The lobby is often a mess of people staring at their phones, waiting for those little buzzers to go off.
Pro tip: Use the app to check in before you even park the car.
The layout is pretty standard for the franchise, but the South Portland spot feels a bit more "lived-in." The staff here deals with a high-pressure environment. You’ll see servers zig-zagging between tables with trays loaded with those signature cardboard boats. Most of the time, they’re efficient, though on busy nights, the kitchen can get backed up. It’s a high-volume beast.
What’s interesting about this specific location is the demographic mix. You’ve got college students from USM, business travelers staying at the nearby DoubleTree or Marriott, and the "Mall Rats" who just need a break from retail therapy. It creates a weird, energetic ecosystem. You might be sitting next to a guy in full hunting camo and a woman in a high-end business suit, both of them unified by the struggle of eating Mango Habanero wings without ruining their clothes.
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Why the Beer List Matters More Than the Wings
Okay, let’s be real. The wings are the hook, but in Greater Portland, you can’t survive as a restaurant if your beer list is trash. We live in one of the best craft beer regions in the world. Buffalo Wild Wings South Portland Maine knows this. While they obviously carry the big-name domestic lagers—Bud Light, Coors, Miller—they usually have a decent rotation of local taps.
You’ll often find Maine staples here.
- Allagash White: The gold standard for Maine Belgians.
- Maine Beer Company: Occasionally a "Lunch" or "Peeper" might rotate through.
- Shipyard: Usually the Export or a seasonal pumpkin ale.
- Bissell Brothers: Rare, but local fans always keep an eye out.
The bar stays open late. In a town where many kitchens close at 9:00 PM, having a spot that serves food until midnight (or 1:00 AM on weekends) is a lifesaver. It’s the late-night sanctuary for service industry workers finishing their shifts nearby. They aren't there for the "experience." They're there for a cold pint and a snack before heading home.
Navigating the Menu Without Regret
Everyone has their "sauce level." If you’re a regular at the South Portland spot, you know the hierarchy. The "Blazin’" sauce isn't a joke—it’s a physical challenge. I’ve seen people try it on a dare, and it usually ends with a lot of frantic water-chugging and regret.
If you want flavor without the pain, the Caribbean Jerk or the Parmesan Garlic are the safe bets. But honestly? The dry rubs are the unsung heroes. The Lemon Pepper or the Desert Heat rubs keep the wings crispy. There is nothing worse than a soggy wing, and sometimes when the kitchen is slammed, the heavily sauced wings can get a bit limp. The dry rub avoids that tragedy entirely.
And let’s talk about the "B-Dubs" sides. The potato wedges are thick. The cheese curds are salty. It’s nutritional anarchy. But when you’re three quarters deep into a Celtics game, that’s exactly what your soul needs.
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The Sports Bar Atmosphere in a Post-Pandemic World
The South Portland location has adapted well over the last few years. The "wall of TVs" is still the main attraction. It’s one of the few places in the area where you can watch UFC, out-of-market NFL games, and local high school highlights all at once.
The audio is usually tuned to whatever the "big" game is. If the Red Sox are playing the Yankees, expect the sound to be cranked. If it’s a random Tuesday night, you might just get a background hum of Top 40 hits.
One thing people get wrong about this location is thinking it’s just for sports. It’s actually a decent spot for a casual business meeting if you go mid-afternoon. There’s plenty of booth space, the Wi-Fi is generally stable, and it’s loud enough that the table next to you won’t hear your proprietary business secrets.
Practical Details for Your Visit
Parking is a bit of a nightmare. The lot is shared with other businesses, and the spots are tight. If you have a massive truck, good luck. You might end up parking further down towards the Western Ave entrance and walking.
Hours of Operation:
Generally, they open around 11:00 AM for the lunch crowd. Closing times vary—usually 12:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. Always check their specific Google listing before heading out, as staffing shortages can sometimes force unexpected early closures.
Takeout and Delivery:
The "To-Go" entrance is separate for a reason. It gets busy. If you’re ordering for a Sunday football party, order two hours earlier than you think you need to. The delivery drivers (DoorDash, UberEats) congregate near the front, so it can get crowded.
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Value for Money:
It isn't "cheap" anymore. A night out here for a family of four can easily hit eighty or ninety dollars once you add in drinks and appetizers. However, the rewards program (Blazin' Rewards) is actually worth it if you’re a frequent flyer. You rack up points for free food pretty quickly.
Local Comparisons: Is It Better Than the Alternatives?
Look, South Portland has options. You’ve got the Great Lost Bear in Portland for a more "authentic" dive feel. You’ve got local pizza joints that do decent wings. But Buffalo Wild Wings South Portland Maine offers a level of consistency that’s hard to beat. You know exactly what the sauce is going to taste like. You know the beer will be cold. You know there will be a TV within your line of sight.
It’s the "Old Reliable" of the Maine Mall area.
The service is usually "Maine friendly." That means it’s straightforward, not overly corporate, and generally helpful. Don't expect the fake-enthusiasm you get in some Southern states. Here, your server is likely a local student or a long-timer who knows the menu inside and out. They’ll tell you if the kitchen is backed up. Listen to them.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Visit
To get the most out of your trip to the South Portland BWW, follow these specific steps to avoid the common headaches associated with mall-adjacent dining.
- Download the App First: Don't be the person standing in the lobby for 45 minutes. Join the waitlist online before you leave your house.
- Order the "Wing Tuesday" or "Boneless Thursday" Specials: If you’re looking to save money, these are the only times the pricing feels like a true bargain.
- Check the Local Tap List: Don't just settle for a Coors. Ask what Maine craft beers are currently on rotation.
- Avoid the "Peak Mall" Hours: Saturday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM is the danger zone. If you want a peaceful meal, go on a Monday or Wednesday night.
- Park Near the Back: Avoid the spots right in front of the door. They are high-traffic and prone to door dings. Walk the extra thirty feet; your car will thank you.
- Specify "Extra Crispy": If you hate soggy wings, tell your server you want them "well done" or extra crispy. It makes a massive difference, especially with the wetter sauces like Honey BBQ or Asian Zing.
Whether you're there to scream at a referee on a screen or just to refuel after a grueling day of shopping, this spot serves its purpose. It's loud, it's messy, and it's exactly what South Portland needs. Just remember to bring some wet wipes—you're going to need them.