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The Best Coffee Shops in Portland, Maine: A Local's Guide
Jake Newman
March 06, 2025
Portland, Maine, might be small, but its coffee scene is anything but. Whether you're looking for the perfect cortado, an expertly pulled espresso, or a hidden café serving some of the best coffee in town, Portland has no shortage of top-tier coffee shops.
This isn’t your typical coffee roundup—these are the spots where real coffee drinkers go, recommended by me and current baristas working in the industry here in Portland.
☕ Portland’s Best Coffee Shops
Moonday Coffee (Washington Ave)
Why Go?
A hidden gem on Washington Ave., Moonday operates out of a converted shipping container, serving some of the most precise espresso drinks in the city. Owner and barista David is a wealth of coffee knowledge—warm, approachable, and always eager to share insights on everything from processing methods to tasting notes.
Go-To Order: A shot of Espresso and a Cortado.
Tandem Coffee Roasters (Congress St. & Anderson St.)
Why Go?
The closest thing Portland has to a coffee empire—but in the best way. Their Congress Street shop, housed in a converted gas station, serves flawless espresso and the city’s best biscuits. The Anderson Street Roastery? Minimalist, solid, and laser-focused on the coffee and also have an incredible curated vinyl collection.
Go-To Order:
East End: Pour-over featuring any African bean.
West End: Breakfast sandwich + the Malt Ice Coffee.
Another Round (Congress St.)
Why Go?
A board game café that treats coffee with the same level of dedication as its games. Their espresso program is top-tier, and the co-ferment pour-over is a game-changer, one sip will make you rethink what coffee can be. Even though they’re relatively new to Portland, they’re already making an impact, pushing boundaries and bringing innovation to the city’s coffee scene.
Go-To Order: Smoky Orange Latte + a game of Catan.
Speckled Ax (Congress St., Thames St., & Walton St.)
Why Go?
One of the only wood-fired coffee roasters in the country. Their beans develop deep, complex, almost bourbon-barrel-aged flavors from the wood roasting process and the packaging for the beans is the coolest i have seen in a long time.
Congress St.: Cozy and intimate.
Thames St.: A modern café with a waterfront vibe.
Walton St.: Has a Grab-and-go espresso bar at the roastery.
Go-To Order: A wood-roasted Bird Dog espresso or a single-origin pour-over.
Smalls (West End)
📍 Smalls
Why Go?
A coffee + wine bar + market hybrid that somehow does everything right. Their Variety Coffee Roasters beans deliver smooth, strong espresso, and their snack game is dangerously good.
Go-To Order: Espresso tonic with pebble ice. So good you’ll wish it came in a pint glass.
Bard Coffee (Old Port)
Why Go?
Bard has been holding it down in the Old Port for years, and they still deliver. They roast their own beans, pull perfect shots, and serve specialty lattes that always hit the mark.
Go-To Order: A shot of espresso and a specialty latte. Trust me.
Night Moves Bread (South Portland)
Why Go?
Technically a bakery, but don’t sleep on the coffee. They serve East Alstead Roasting Co, and nothing pairs better with their Salty Malted Oat Shortbread than a great cappuccino.
Go-To Order: Cappuccino + we are loving the Sesame Spelt Loaf.
Double Great Coffee (East End )
Why Go?
One of the most interesting coffee spots in Portland’s East End. They focus on clean, precise brewing, high-quality beans, and a distraction-free experience. With a minimalist aesthetic and a commitment to craft, every cup is made with intention.
Go-To Order: Cortado. Simple, perfect.
Burundi Star Coffee (St. John St.)
Why Go?
One of the only cafés in Portland specializing in 100% Burundian coffee. The space is small, warm, and inviting, with each cup offering a taste of Burundi’s rich coffee heritage. And if you’re hungry? They serve the best Sambusa in town—crispy, flavorful, and absolutely worth ordering.
Go-To Order: Dirty chai and a pour-over featuring a single-origin Burundi bean.
Rwanda Bean: Soon to be Rambler Cafe ( Deering Center )
Why Go?
I didn’t have this on my original list because I thought all the Rwanda Bean locations had closed—but luckily, the Deering Center café is just rebranding as Rambler Café. The second I found out, I immediately went for a cortado, and honestly? It was fantastic. This spot has always been about great coffee with a greater mission, giving back 50% of profits to Rwandan farmers. Now, soon to be with a fresh start as Rambler Café, it’s still holding it down as a neighborhood staple with seriously good espresso.
Go-To Order: Cortado
☕ Where to Find the Best Coffee in Portland, Maine
Portland’s coffee scene is constantly evolving, but these spots consistently deliver some of the best cups in town. Whether you’re looking for your next go-to espresso bar, a hidden gem café, or a new spot to sip a pour-over, this list has you covered.
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