There are many times when it can be a great way to support local businesses, and it’s often roasted on-site from properly sourced farmers and traded fairly. The coffee tastes better because there is more pride in the product and a higher level of personalized service. I always like to visit smaller cafes, such as the best independently owned coffee shops, to highlight the local coffee shops and to contrast them with larger chains. There are many coffee shops in Portland, Maine, so I make a point to visit as many as possible.
A mug of java is a valuable discovery: equally crucial and nearly essential. I adhere to a vegan diet because I consider sampling local cuisine and following a vegan lifestyle to be important. When I travel, I enjoy seeking out hidden gems, attractions, and activities aside from the usual tourist spots. I like to explore the coffee culture of a place or city. It’s not just about the caffeine, there’s more to it than that.
It is not a problem at all that there are many amazing coffee shops in Portland, Maine. Thankfully, in some situations, it is necessary to plan to make your own coffee on the road. It is always great fun to delve into various coffee traditions around the world, and Coffee is a beloved beverage that you can enjoy everywhere you go.
I’m going to show you my top 5 coffee shops in Portland, Maine. When you visit there, you absolutely must spend five days in the city. There are just so many awesome things to do in Portland. If you’re local to the area, I hope you’ve had the opportunity to try these cafes. They serve up yummy coffee and other treats, but they’re not quite coffee shops. At the end of the post, I’ll also include a couple of bonus choices for you, so you’re not waiting for what’s next.
Tandem Coffee Roasters
If you’re a coffee enthusiast like me, I suggest visiting their East Bayside branch (122 Anderson St). Tandem Coffee, known as one of the finest coffee roasters in Maine, has two coffee shop establishments in Portland.
You can participate in a free coffee cupping event at Tandem Coffee Roasters on Friday at noon. While I was there, I enjoyed savoring a delicious cup of coffee. I wasn’t fortunate enough to witness the coffee beans being roasted, but you can watch the magic happen before your eyes as their roasting space is open to the public.
Indulge in the comfort of your own home and consider buying a packet of coffee beans if you happen to be a coffee enthusiast. Decorated with potted plants, I was particularly fond of this vibrant and spacious area. In the second room, which is also used for coffee roasting, you might have a higher likelihood of finding a seat, whereas the area where you place your coffee order is more intimate with limited seating.
They are visiting Maine Portland and it was to treat a person. Simply put, they are one of the top coffee shops in the area. If you don’t have any plans to go or if you’re not from the area, you can taste their brewed coffee through their subscription program. I highly recommend checking them out if you’re interested in visiting coffee roasters in Maine. Coffee Tandem has some of the best coffee in Maine Portland.
Coffee By Design
Design By Coffee has been recognized as an institution in Portland since 1994. They have been the entire country’s Roast of the Year for the 2020 edition of Roaster Magazine. Additionally, Design By Coffee is the newest coffee house in the city, which includes its own roastery. They have a total of four coffee houses in the city.
They are also one of the top coffee roasters in Portland, USA, and Maine, where you can sample their rich brews when you travel.
In Portland, Maine, you can certainly feel positive about backing their coffee establishments. Coffee By Design is additionally a certified B Corp (one of 10 in Maine) where they solely prioritize the finest methods for their procurement connections, employment procedures, coffee bean roasting, shipment, packaging, and engagement with the community.
The cafe around displayed local art and there is a beautiful mural splashed on one of the walls. It is a very warm cafe that feels like home. I went to their coffee shop on Congress Street and loved the vibes. Their fourth location is inside L.L. Bean in Freeport (they have two downtown locations, one in Bayside East and their roastery is in downtown Portland, if you’re looking for coffee shops downtown).
Bard Coffee
When I visited Coffee Bard, I didn’t have any trouble finding a seat, as there are plenty of places to sit. The coffee shop was quite busy, but it has bright spaces and beautiful walls, with interesting decorations. Coffee Bard is definitely one of the coolest coffee shops in Portland, Maine, perfect for enjoying a snack, latte, or a delicious cup of coffee. And of course, it’s ready for Instagram!
Bard, one of the top coffee roasters in Maine, prioritizes environmentally friendly practices while using state-of-the-art equipment to create delicious coffee. They carefully select, roast, and brew their coffee, adhering to the highest standards.
I know it’s definitely more difficult for baristas to create latte designs with a milk-based plant that I appreciate the little lovely heart here, so I opted for an oat milk cappuccino treat that was such a treat, while I didn’t sample my typical cup of Americano or coffee.
Speckled Ax
The best way to describe the coffee at Great Tastes is that their old-fashioned and traditional practices are sometimes the best. They roast their coffee using a vintage Italian Petroncini machine that is made of wood. Ax Speckled is one of the coffee shops in Portland, Maine that you must visit for its innovative practices and unique qualities.
Farmers also purchase exceptional coffee from trade fairs at prices far above the minimum, highlighting the unique attributes of each particular variety in the way their beans are roasted.
I appreciate the interesting gear and innovation that the staff and owner of this coffee shop have, indicating their obsession with coffee. It felt like I was looking straight out of a science lab rather than a café, with some really interesting brewing equipment they had.
Without hesitation, I would return to the Speckled Ax. It had a delicious and full-bodied flavor, although regrettably, not from the eccentric drip coffee machine, but from a standard espresso machine. I opted for an Americano.
Arabica Coffee House
If you’d like to try more coffee shops in downtown Portland, consider Coffee House Arabica. Coffee House Arabica has two locations in the city center. They also have an online subscription program if you’d like to order their beans. In addition, House Coffee Arabica also roasts their coffee at their Commercial Street location. They were the first to open their location back in 1995.
The ultimate goal of Arabica Coffee is to provide a “energized and comfortable” feeling, which I experienced firsthand at their cozy and inviting coffee shop in Portland, Maine. The coffee at Arabica is incredibly delicious, and it made me feel right at home in their charming cafe.
Portland Maine Coffee: Honorable Mentions
If you’re interested in learning more about dining in Portland, you should take a look at my vegan restaurant guide. Although they are not traditional coffee shops, these two places in town offer a delightful cup of coffee. While they may not be considered the top coffee shops in Portland Maine, they are worth checking out for their other delectable food and snacks.
The Holy Donut
You can grab a donut and coffee while there, or more. Donut Holy has lots of gluten-free and vegan donuts, so even if you follow a special diet, they’ve got you covered. These aren’t your average donuts, they’re made from potatoes. It’s not just a coffee shop, but a must-visit when you’re in the city of Portland, Maine.
Baristas + Bites
Need a little boost in the middle of the day? Stop by for a revitalizing caffeinated drink and a delectable vegan cupcake! This place offers a wide array of desserts, with plenty of vegan choices available. You can swing by for breakfast or lunch and enjoy the menu’s extensive selection of nutritious, plant-based, and gluten-free options. Baristas and Bites is not only an excellent spot to grab a cup of coffee in Portland, but it also doubles as a remarkable restaurant.
Map of Coffee Shops in Portland Maine
I have compiled all of these coffee shops in Portland, Maine on this handy map, so you can see which ones are closest to your location and get directions to them.
More Coffee Shop Guides
I really like these in particular, and all of my coffee guides are here for you. I’m always looking for the best cup of coffee and the cutest cafes, anywhere I travel! Anyone who knows me just understands how much I love coffee.
