Portland after dark D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 2 7 from top: meredith perdue (2); courtesy photo Raise a glass and taste the flavors of the world–all from the radius of downtown Portland. By Madison Andrews the kitchen, it’s hard not to dream of pair- ings. After all, Jäger means “Hunter.” We track down a bratwurst ($7), and Nick suc- cessfully tempts us with a soft pretzel ($3). While we wait, we notice discreet nods to Deutschland in the shape of a German flag and collections of unique steins tucked into shelves. With its relaxed yet intimate atmo- W hether it’s the excess of holiday cheer, everlasting vis- its from relatives, or the short winter days, we all need a lit- tle escape from the marathon of December. If you find yourself dreaming of tropical getaways or romantic excursions to Europe, test the international waters of downtown Portland before booking the next flight out. With its diverse collection of globally inspired bars, you just may find the vacation you’ve been yearning for. The Heart is Not a Lonely Hunter at Jäger Though I’ve missed Oktoberfest by several months, I set out with a friend in search of a hoppy Bavarian brew on a recent Thurs- day night. Jäger on 41 Wharf Street pres- ents a welcome relief from the rowdy late- night crowd. Leaving the cobblestone al- ley and entering the rathskeller through the Antike brick arch, we travel 3,750 miles (the distance from Portland to Munich) as we take a seat at the bar and peruse the menu. “Our drafts change all the time,” says Nick, the bartender. “But we always have Spat- en Münchner Hell, a premium lager. It’s our most popular German beer on tap.” In the spirit of my mission, and all the more venturesome with the discovery that we’re sitting beside the “old Falmouth sea wall which was once the Portland waterfront,” we let him show the way ($4). The lager in- troduces a hoppy bitter flavor, but finish- es with a honey-like sweetness. Through a Black Forest of rich, enticing smells of wie- ner schnitzel and sausage floating in from Around the World In eight Drinks Nordicsnacksandsophisticatedcocktails liketheSaffronSourareScandinavian staplesatPortlandHunt+AlpineClub.