I love discovering breakfast spots in Portland, Maine, especially ones with delicious coffee and sandwiches. Below, I've gathered 10 fantastic places serving mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches. Check out my list of top spots (in no particular order) for a satisfying morning bite!
Tandem Coffee and Bakery
742 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
Tandem Coffee and Bakery is one of the most popular cafes in Portland and for good reason. Located on the west end of Portland, Tandem serves up delicious sandwiches, pastries and house-roasted coffees from a former gas station.
The breakfast sandwich at Tandem is one of our favorites with its cheesy fluffy egg and buttery biscuit which is both soft and crispy at the same time. You can add (and should!) the chorizo sausage, a ground seasoned sausage full of flavor. Make sure you grab a glass of iced coffee as well for a perfect combo.
Bake Maine Pottery Cafe
122 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Adjacent to the Portland Pottery Studio on Washington Ave on the East End, you will find Bake Maine Pottery Cafe. Here you can order the “Biscuit Sandwich”, baked egg, cheddar, dijonnaise and arugula with your choice to add: bacon, ham or sausage. There are also other breakfast sandwich options and ways to customize. Our advice is you can’t go wrong, but you should definitely try a biscuit!
Gross Bakery
172 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Unlike the name, Gross Bakery (in the morning) and Gross Convection Bar (in the evening) is actually the opposite of gross! The most delectable pastries and desserts are found here. What makes the sandwiches unique at Gross is the savory biscuits which are dense and packed full of flavor. Pictured below is one of my past sandwiches on a jalapeño and scallion biscuit.
Lenora
2 Portland Sq Ste 100, Portland, ME 04101
Looking for a simple and tasty breakfast sandwich? Check out Lenora for the “Bodega Sandwich” which is a fried egg and American cheese on a bulkie roll (add some house-made sausage for $1). Make sure to grab a delicious drink too like a nitro cold brew, dirty horchata, or a cafe con dulce de lecha.
Smalls
28 Brackett St, Portland, ME 04102
Smalls is an all-day cafe and market located on the West End of Portland. The breakfast sandwich comes with a silky egg, garlic and herb feta sauce, tomato mayo, and arugula (option to add bacon for $2). Just look at that fluffy egg in the picture below!
Dutch's
28 Preble St, Portland, ME 04101
If you're craving comfort food, Dutch's is the place to be. I've sampled a variety of sandwiches there, and they never disappoint! The 'Kale Melt,' featuring a fluffy omelette-style egg with American cheese, zesty sautéed kale, marinara, and garlic aioli on a dinner roll, is an absolute must-try. And for a protein-packed option, don't miss the 'Crispy Chicken Biscuit,' with a crispy chicken thigh covered in savory sausage gravy on a toasted biscuit. It's simply delicious!
Salt Yard Cafe & Bar
285 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Salt Yard can be found in the Canopy hotel on Commercial Street. They offer a classic breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon, and cheese on a croissant, but with a twist – it's enhanced with sharp cheddar and garlic Dijon aioli for an extra burst of flavor. And as a delightful bonus, it's served with crispy seasoned potatoes. What's not to love?
Artemesia Cafe
61 Pleasant St, Portland, ME 04101
Artemesia Cafe, nestled just off Commercial Street, offers a charming ambiance and cozy booths for guests to enjoy. While the French Toast is a personal favorite, the "Pesto B-Sand" is a great breakfast option, featuring scrambled eggs, basil pesto, baby spinach, and melted provolone cheese on toasted French peasant bread, served with crispy home fries. Don't miss out on trying this flavorful variation!
Also, I highly recommend indulging in the "Caffe Medici", a sweet and rich coffee concoction featuring Belgian dark chocolate, double espresso, hints of orange rind, and topped with a dollop of whipped cream – a perfect complement to your morning meal.
Other Side Diner
500 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Named appropriately for its location on the outskirts of Portland near Falmouth, Other Side Diner puts a Greek spin on traditional diner fare. Their breakfast sandwich is a standout, served on a bagel with a delicious feta cream cheese spread and your choice of meat. Served alongside are expertly made crispy golden hash browns shaped into balls, offering a delightful combination of crispy outside and soft inside.
Nom Cafe
23 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Nom Cafe, located in downtown Portland, offers a unique fusion of Balkan and Middle Eastern flavors in their breakfast and lunch menu. Their "Breakfast Sammie" includes scrambled eggs, arugula, spicy aioli, and Swiss cheese. For an extra savory kick, you have the option to add bacon or "Kyufte," a Bulgarian meat patty. I chose the Kyufte and it really boosted the sandwich's flavor and made it a more memorable breakfast sandwich. I recommend trying Nom Cafe if you want a tasty breakfast option with a twist.
Thanks for reading!
- The Maine Chick