Maine Coffee Shop Named One of the Best in the U.S

In Maine, coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s basically a way of life. Locals treat their morning cup like a sacred ritual, whether they’re braving a snowstorm, or starting the day off the right way. It doesn't matter if it’s a fancy latte or just a plain black cup, as long as it’s hot, strong, and always within arm’s reach.

Tasting Table is a well‑known American food and drink website and digital media brand that focuses on culinary culture, dining trends, recipes, and more for food lovers and home cooks. They post articles, photos, and videos on subjects like recipes, restaurant guides, wine and cocktail trends, cooking techniques, and more.

Recently, they chose their favorite coffee shop in every state in the country, and their pick for Maine, was an inspired one.

Maine has so many places to get great coffee, including traditional bakeries and innovative shops, all across the state.

You can get it at the usual places like Dunkin, Starbucks, or Tim Horton's, but when they are Maine made, it just hits a little different.

While plenty of cool coffee shops have opened up in the last decade, Coffee By Design, is still percolating strong in Portland.

In addition to being a household name in that fine city, they were also named Roast Magazine's 2020 Roaster of the Year. As part of its commitment to local arts, CBD heads up the Rebel Blend Fund, a non-profit that supports the arts in Portland.

If you’re a coffee lover in Maine, Coffee By Design is a must-visit. They have been serving it up since the 1990s, serving up expertly roasted beans that make every cup feel special.

They’re all about quality, sustainability, and community—whether you’re grabbing a latte at their Diamond Street roastery or picking up a bag of beans to brew at home. It’s the kind of spot where good coffee meets friendly vibes, and where Maine’s coffee scene really shines.

Founded in 1994 by Mary Allen Lindemann and Alan Spear during a downtown Portland recession, the business grew from its first Portland café into a respected roaster and community hub.

Over the years, Coffee By Design expanded to several sites across Portland and nearby locations, and began roasting its own coffee beans, which helped define its reputation for quality.

The original Congress Street café operated for nearly 30 years but closed permanently in 2023, due to economic challenges and shifting business focus.

The main current coffeehouse + roastery is located at Diamond Street in Portland, and offers a range of handcrafted coffees including single-origin beans, blends, flavored selections, and decaf.

Their beans are available not only in the shop, but also online, and in grocery stores!