Ready to dive into the buzzing coffee scene of Portland, Maine? We’ve got the ultimate guide to all the amazing coffee shops this city has to offer. Whether you’re a local on the hunt for a new caffeine fix or a visitor eager to explore Portland’s cozy corners and vibrant streets, we’ve got you covered.
From quaint cafes with rustic charm to hipster hangouts boasting the latest coffee trends, Portland’s coffee scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re into artisanal pour-overs, velvety lattes, or bold espresso shots that’ll kickstart your day, you’ll find it all here.
But it’s not just about the coffee – it’s about the experience. It’s about cozying up with a book in a sunlit corner, chatting with friends over a steaming cup, or simply taking a moment to savor the rich flavors swirling in your mug. In Portland, every coffee shop has its own unique vibe and story to tell, adding to the city’s rich tapestry of community and culture.
From hidden gems waiting to be discovered to iconic institutions that have stood the test of time, there’s a whole world of coffee just waiting to be explored. This is a work in progress as I build out personal reviews of all these coffee shops like I have for Providence, RI already.
Arabica Coffee Company
- 2 Free St, Portland, ME 04101
Bard Coffee
- 185 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Belleville
- 1 North St, Portland, ME 04101
Burundi Star Coffee
- 261 St John St, Portland, ME 04102
Buzz Coffee
- 19 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Coffee by Design
- 1 Diamond St, Portland, ME 04101
- 67 India St, Portland, ME 04101
Coveside Coffee
- 28 Vannah Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Forage Market
- 123 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
I honestly debated including this on the list since first and foremost it is a bagel shop rather than a coffee shop. My intention in creating these guides has been to designate places to go for coffee, rather than places you can go that serve coffee. A nuanced difference, but a noteworthy one.
These are the best bagels I’ve ever had. It’s seemingly a mix of New York style and Montreal style that sets these apart. They are cooked in a wood oven, like in Montreal, but aren’t as sweet. The chew and flavor is more comparable to a New York style bagel. I bring a whole bag home to freeze whenever I am in the area.
Anyways, the coffee. You won’t be disappointed here either. They have all the standard iced, hot, and espresso based drinks you could ask for plus some seasonal specials. One of the favorites has been their white chocolate lavender latte.
The ambiance inside is impeccable as well. Being an older New England city, many of the best places are the smallest. Forage has a relatively expansive inside with plenty of places to sit and feel comfortable staying awhile. The brick building and warmth from the wood fired oven make this a cozy place to find a seat. The weekends are busy, but it wouldn’t be hard to find a table to work for a few hours on a weekday mid-morning.
They share a lot with an oyster shop and beer brewery, so no shortage of good food and drinks if you’re looking for a place to spend the afternoon.
What to get: A bagel (plus a few to go), cream cheese, and your drink of choice
HiFi Donuts
- 30 City Center, Portland, ME 04101
If I include Holy Donuts on this list, it’s only fair to include HiFi Donuts on this list as well as they are substantially more of a “coffee shop” than Holy Donuts is. This is primarily a grab-and-go operation, so don’t plan to sit down and work here. There are a few bar stool seats inside and tables outside as weather permits.
These donuts are solidly in gourmet donut territory with flavors like: salted matcha, mexican hot chocolate, and hibiscus salted chocolate. As for coffee, they have your standard hot and iced plus espresso based drinks. Their coffee comes from Counter Culture, which are a solid roastery. Check out the seasonal specialty drinks they have by the register.
What to get: Cold brew and donut combo
Higher Grounds of Maine
- 45 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
Holy Donuts
- 177 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Donuts on the waterfront, what could be better than that? There were several spots on this list I questioned including as this is supposed to be reviews of coffee shops. To be clear, come here for the donuts, but they have the appropriate hot and iced coffees to accompany them.
While probably not the only donut shop to use potatoes for the main ingredient in their donuts, Holy Donut is certainly the most popular. The potato donuts stay very moist and are unlike anything else you will find in the area. They have the quintessential gourmet donut shop flavors like maple bacon but really take the Maine flavors up a notch like blueberry and maple. While not all their donuts are gluten free, since they use potato as the main ingredient, they have a substantial selection of gluten free donuts daily.
What to get: Holy Cannoli Blueberry and an iced coffee
Moonday Coffee
- 93 Washington Ave Unit 1, Portland, ME 04101
Navis Cafe
- 56 Thames St, Portland, ME 04101
Onggi
- 131 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Onggi is a specialty fermentation shop doing double duty as a coffee shop and cafe. This is not the hustling and bustling coffee shop cranking out mocha lattes and sending you on your way. They have a curated assortment of the best fermented (and non) products from around the world including chili crisps, vinegars, soy sauces, and more. If you’re looking for a unique gift for the foodie in your life, this is the place to go and the staff is very knowledgeable about everything they carry. Plus you can get a great coffee, tea, and pastry while you’re there – so win-win. While you can get any of your standard coffee drinks here, be open to anything on the menu, you won’t be disappointed. And you won’t want to skip their homemade baked goods that are made utilizing fermented products, a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
You might be wondering, what is an “onggi?” An Onggi is a pot used traditionally for Korean fermentation to make products like kimchi.
What to get: Brown sugar milk iced coffee and a miso scallion scone
Quiero Cafe
- 3 Deering Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Rwanda Bean
- 463 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Smalls
- 28 Brackett St, Portland, ME 04102
Speckled Ax
- 135 Walton St, Portland, ME 04103
- 18 Thames St, Portland, ME 04101
- 567 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Speckled Ax has three locations across the city of Portland which each offer a unique experience. What sets Speckled Ax apart from other coffee roasters is their wood burning roasting machine. Wood roasting is believed to provide a more uniform heat compared to modern roasting machines which creates a more balanced and uniform roast, bringing out the best qualities of the beans.
Their Walton Street location in the Back Cove neighborhood is the smallest location, but also their roastery. It’s a takeout only location, so don’t plan to bring a book or any work. They usually have a few pastries available, but this is very much a grab and go coffee stop.
What to get: Tower Shot (cold brew concentrate from their cold drip brewer)
Their Thames Street location is their newest offering to the city, right on the waterfront next to the AC Marriott Hotel. It has their largest food selection with bagels and breakfast sandwiches from Rose Foods in addition to their delicious daily pastry selection of muffins, scones, cookies, and more.
What to get: Pour Over
Tandem
- 742 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
- 122 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
Located in a restored 1960s gas station just outside of downtown, don’t let the outside keep you from the deliciousness within. Be prepared though, year round there is often a line just to get into the building, but it goes fast and is well worth it. It’s a smaller location with only a few tables and chairs inside, but that doesn’t stop Mainers (is that the right term?) from sitting at the picnic tables outside in the middle of winter under the cover of the former gas station canopy.
What to get: Malt Iced Coffee & a loaded biscuit
The Crooked Mile Cafe
- 428 Brighton Ave, Portland, ME 04101
- 8 Milk St, Portland, ME 04101
The Proper Cup
- 500 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Ugly Duckling
- 246 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04102
Yordprom Coffee Co
- 722 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102