I hadn't been here in over 10 years. It was great to go back.

The Great Lost Bear has been around for 40 years. I have to admit. Life moves on and I had forgotten about this staple until recently when I met some friends for lunch. I realized it had been at least 10 years since I went to the Great Lost Bear. I shouldn't have waited so long and it won't be another ten years before my return!

Great Lost Bear has a little bit of everything, and not just food.

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You could spend hours looking around at all the cool wall hangings and decor of the Great Lost Bear. Plus, just when you think you've hit the end of it, there's another secret room!

Don't worry, the scale by the bathrooms doesn't work.

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I went completely the wrong way looking for the bathroom and that's when I remembered just how big this place is. You'd never know it from the outside. Once inside, the place is a labyrinth of nooks and crannies.

Great Lost Bear's bar is award-winning.

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Pro tip - don't meet your 'affair' at the bar at Great Lost Bear. There's a bear cam! Wouldn't that be a surprise! When you are bitching about parking in the Old Port, you're missing out on a parking lot for GLB!

The Great Lost Bear is featured prominently in John Connolly mystery books.

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John Connolly is a mystery writer best known for his series starring private detective Charlie Parker. Charlie (fictional) works out of Scarborough, Maine, and spends quite a bit of time in Portland. Starting with 'The Lovers', Charlie Parker became a bartender at the Great Lost Bear. A lot of those who work with Charlie in his books are real people and do indeed exist at the Bear.

You cannot resist touching this as soon as you enter the Great Lost Bear.

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I've been around Maine almost as long as the Great Lost Bear. This..uh, ball thing, has been there since I've been going. I don't know if it's the original, but it's completely hard to resist touching it and then saying, 'Ooooooo!'

Don't forget about this Portland neighborhood's iconic awesome restaurant/bar.

I am so glad not even a pandemic could keep the Bear down. I'll be back soon!

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