10 Must-Visit Cafes in Portland, Maine

Jun 20, 2019
4 min read

Updated: Apr 22

A Coffee Lover’s Guide to Portland: Discover the Perfect Brew and Bite

* Updated 2026

After a long week at work, there’s nothing better than treating yourself to a well-earned coffee or a buttery “bad-for-you-in-the-best-way” pastry.

If “professional latte drinker” were a real job title, I’d probably already have it on my résumé.

Luckily, the Portland area is full of incredible cafés and coffee shops, so you’re never short on options.

To help you find your next favorite cup, I’ve rounded up a few of my personal go-to spots (in no particular order). Since breakfast really does set the tone for the day, I recommend starting your morning at one of these places to kick things off right.

1. Bread and Friends - 505 Fore St

True to its name, Bread and Friends is the perfect spot to enjoy fresh-baked bread with your pals. This bakery and café offers a tempting selection of croissants, morning buns, cookies, and other sweet treats, along with plated breakfast and lunch options featuring dishes like eggs, potatoes, and more.

Personally, I love pairing a latte with their fresh-baked bread, especially the demi baguette served with cultured butter and blood orange marmalade, shown below. It’s a perfect plate to share and never disappoints.

Suggestion: Try the smoked maple rosemary latte as it offers a delightful balance of smoky flavors and natural sweetness.

2. LB Kitchen - 249 Congress St

Situated on the east end of Portland, LB Kitchen specializes in wholesome breakfast and lunch options, as the name suggests. This charming café prides itself on serving vibrant, visually appealing dishes and drinks, all crafted with organic, locally sourced ingredients. Every time I visit, my order is picture-perfect.

Suggestion: Try one of their vibrant "Wellness Lattes" such as "The Mint" or the "Blue Chai".

3. Tandem Coffee + Bakery - 742 Congress St

If you’re looking for a spot that combines exceptional coffee with mouthwatering baked treats, look no further than Tandem Coffee + Bakery. Housed in a converted old gas station, this charming café offers a cozy, photogenic setting to enjoy both.

Every cup of coffee I’ve had here has been nothing short of Instagram-worthy. The line often stretches out the door, but it moves quickly, so don’t let that deter you. Tandem is loved by both tourists and locals alike. While you wait, take a look at their incredible selection of pastries, which are guaranteed to tempt you. You’ll sometimes find unique flavors like fennel cookies or passionfruit pie.

Suggestion: Try the loaded biscuit with clotted cream and jam and a mocha latte on the side.

4. Bayside American Cafe - 98 Portland St

Bayside is a small whimsical cafe offering spectacular food. A visit at the wrong time like 9 AM on a Saturday and you may have to wait an hour for a seat. Come here if you aren't in a time crunch because the food truly is worth waiting for. The menu offers creative options like the chocolate waffle, lemon blueberry french toast, and lobster frittata.

Suggestion: Try the cinnamon bun pancake. Even if you want to try something else, you can order this on the side and share it with the table if needed (but you might not want to).

5. Forage Market - 123 Washington Ave

Whether you’re planning a coffee date or looking for a place to get some work done, Forage Market is a perfect fit for both. With easy parking and a spacious, open layout, it makes settling in simple and stress-free.

Don’t miss their wood-fired, oven-roasted bagels, known for that perfect combination of a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy center. They’re an absolute must-try.

Suggestion: Try a sea salt bagel with caper dill or house special cream cheese.

6. The Proper Cup - 500 Forest Ave

Fittingly named, The Proper Cup is where you can get "the proper cup" of craft coffee and espresso along with treats from local bakeries. The coffee shop offers plenty of space to work or meet a group of people. You will usually find students tapping away on their laptop keyboards or groups of people lost in a conversation over a cup of coffee.

Suggestion: Try the "Maple Smoked Sea Salt Latte" - espresso, maple syrup, steamed milk, and topped with alder-smoked salt. It's the perfect combination of salty and sweet!

7. Arabica Coffee Company - 2 Free Street

Nestled near Monument Square in Portland, Arabica is a warm and inviting coffee shop that exudes the quintessential charm of a classic "Portland coffee shop." The interior boasts brick walls and high ceilings, creating a delightful ambiance. Despite its unassuming exterior, you'll find ample space inside to relax, whether you want to curl up with a book or be productive with your work.

Suggestion: Try a latte or coffee with the "Milky Way" flavoring, it tastes exactly like the candy bar!

8. Bom Dia Cafe - 47 India St.

Tucked away on India Street, Bom Dia Cafe brings a bright, feel-good energy to Portland’s café scene with its colorful, nourishing menu inspired by Brazilian flavors. The space is cozy yet lively, making it a great stop for a quick bite or a relaxed breakfast.

Suggestion: Try the "Freshie Bowl" (pictured below). It’s refreshing, beautifully layered, and just as good as it looks.

9. Rose Foods - 428 Forest Ave

Mostly known for their bagels and lox, Rose Foods serves a wide range of items like latkes, salads, granola and yogurt, and of course coffee. The interior is bright and clean with pink pastel counters making it one of the most photogenic cafes in Portland.

Suggestion: Try a poppy bagel with herb cream cheese and whatever toppings your heart desires.

10. Artemisia Cafe - 61 Pleasant St

Located a few streets away from Commercial St., Artemisia Cafe resides in a tranquil corner, tucked away from the bustling streets of Portland. This charming café provides the perfect setting to savor a hearty weekend breakfast.

Suggestion: Try Artemisia’s signature graham cracker French toast.