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This Tasty Breakfast Road Trip Will Take You To 9 Secret Maine Sandwich Spots That Locals Can’t Stop Raving About


Who knew Maine was hiding a treasure trove of breakfast sandwiches?

From Portland’s hipster havens to Kittery’s cozy corners, we’re about to embark on a mouthwatering journey that’ll make your taste buds dance the lobster roll.

1. Bard Coffee (Portland)

Road-weary wanderers, rejoice! This coffee haven is your ticket to caffeinated enlightenment on your Maine adventure.Road-weary wanderers, rejoice! This coffee haven is your ticket to caffeinated enlightenment on your Maine adventure.
Road-weary wanderers, rejoice! This coffee haven is your ticket to caffeinated enlightenment on your Maine adventure. Photo Credit: Dave Tran

Nestled in a historic brick building in downtown Portland, Bard Coffee is where caffeine dreams come true.

The aroma of freshly roasted beans hits you before you even step inside, and let me tell you, it’s like a siren song for coffee lovers.

As you walk in, you’re greeted by the sight of colorful chairs outside – perfect for people-watching while sipping your morning brew.

Inside, the exposed brick walls and high ceilings give the place a cool, industrial vibe that screams “Instagram me!”

A literary pitstop for the cultured traveler. Grab a book, order a latte, and let the journey unfold.A literary pitstop for the cultured traveler. Grab a book, order a latte, and let the journey unfold.
A literary pitstop for the cultured traveler. Grab a book, order a latte, and let the journey unfold. Photo Credit: Terry Johnson

But let’s talk about the real star of the show: their breakfast sandwiches.

I can tell you that the locals swear by their creative combinations.

Pair it with one of their expertly crafted espresso drinks, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast of champions.

2. Coffee ME Up (Portland)

Roadside revelation: This cozy corner cafe is the perfect pit stop for weary travelers seeking liquid motivation.Roadside revelation: This cozy corner cafe is the perfect pit stop for weary travelers seeking liquid motivation.
Roadside revelation: This cozy corner cafe is the perfect pit stop for weary travelers seeking liquid motivation. Photo Credit: Zach Sousa

Just a stone’s throw away, Coffee ME Up is like that quirky friend who always knows the best spots in town.

The bright red door and cheery yellow flowers out front are like a caffeinated hello, beckoning you inside.

This place is cozy with a capital C.

It’s the kind of spot where you might accidentally make a new best friend while waiting for your order.

The outdoor seating area, complete with red umbrellas, is perfect for those rare Maine mornings when the sun decides to make an appearance.

Fuel up and hit the road! This quaint spot serves coffee that'll keep you cruising through Vacationland.Fuel up and hit the road! This quaint spot serves coffee that'll keep you cruising through Vacationland.
Fuel up and hit the road! This quaint spot serves coffee that’ll keep you cruising through Vacationland. Photo Credit: Sunny B

Their breakfast sandwiches?

Let’s just say they’re the reason some Portlanders set their alarms early.

Each bite is a little taste of Maine morning magic.

3. Tandem Coffee Roasters (Portland)

Roadtrippers, rev your engines! This converted gas station now fuels humans with high-octane coffee.Roadtrippers, rev your engines! This converted gas station now fuels humans with high-octane coffee.
Roadtrippers, rev your engines! This converted gas station now fuels humans with high-octane coffee. Photo credit: Mike Arrigo

Tandem Coffee Roasters is like the cool kid in school who effortlessly pulls off vintage chic.

Housed in a brick building that screams “I was here before it was cool,” this place is a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds.

The moment you pull up, you can’t help but notice the eclectic mix of cars in the parking lot.

Is that a wood-paneled station wagon?

Oh, Portland, you never disappoint.

A pit stop that packs a punch. Fill up on artisanal brews before cruising through the Pine Tree State.A pit stop that packs a punch. Fill up on artisanal brews before cruising through the Pine Tree State.
A pit stop that packs a punch. Fill up on artisanal brews before cruising through the Pine Tree State. Photo credit: Hunter Carlheim

Inside, the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans mingles with the scent of whatever deliciousness is coming out of the kitchen.

Their breakfast sandwiches are the stuff of legend, crafted with the same care and attention they give to their coffee beans.

4. Coffee By Design (Portland)

Cruise control to cool: This roadside attraction serves up style and substance in every cup.Cruise control to cool: This roadside attraction serves up style and substance in every cup.
Cruise control to cool: This roadside attraction serves up style and substance in every cup. Photo credit: Brett Brooking

Coffee By Design on Diamond Street is like that overachiever friend who’s good at everything.

The sleek, modern exterior with its eye-catching signage is just a hint of the caffeine-fueled wonderland that awaits inside.

The outdoor seating area, framed by colorful flowers, is the perfect spot to watch Portland wake up.

Inside, the space is a testament to, well, design.

Navigate your way to nirvana. This coffee oasis is a must-stop on your Portland expedition.Navigate your way to nirvana. This coffee oasis is a must-stop on your Portland expedition.
Navigate your way to nirvana. This coffee oasis is a must-stop on your Portland expedition. Photo credit: Jack Vachon

It’s clear they put as much thought into the ambiance as they do into their coffee and food.

Their breakfast sandwiches are the reason some locals claim to have developed a Pavlovian response to the smell of coffee.

5. Mornings in Paris (Kennebunk)

European detour on your Down East drive. No passport required for this taste of Paris.European detour on your Down East drive. No passport required for this taste of Paris.
European detour on your Down East drive. No passport required for this taste of Paris. Photo credit: Mornings in Paris

Ah, Mornings in Paris – where Maine meets the City of Light.

This charming café in Kennebunk is like stumbling upon a little piece of France in the heart of New England.

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The quaint exterior, complete with striped awnings and Parisian-style outdoor seating, sets the stage for a breakfast experience that’s more “ooh la la” than “ayuh.”

Inside, the aroma of freshly baked croissants mingles with the rich scent of espresso.

Road trip to Provence? Nope, just Kennebunk! This charming cafe brings France to Vacationland.Road trip to Provence? Nope, just Kennebunk! This charming cafe brings France to Vacationland.
Road trip to Provence? Nope, just Kennebunk! This charming cafe brings France to Vacationland. Photo credit: J M

Their breakfast sandwiches?

Let’s just say they’re the reason some locals have been caught practicing their French accents.

Pair one with a café au lait, and you might just forget you’re not actually in Paris.

6. Rock City Coffee (Rockland)

Roll into Rock City for a rockin' good brew. This roadside gem is music to a coffee lover's ears.Roll into Rock City for a rockin' good brew. This roadside gem is music to a coffee lover's ears.
Roll into Rock City for a rockin’ good brew. This roadside gem is music to a coffee lover’s ears. Photo credit: Benedict Hilliard

Rock City Coffee in Rockland is like that friend who’s always reading something interesting – probably because it’s attached to a bookstore.

The “EAT” sign on the roof is less of a command and more of an irresistible invitation.

Inside, the smell of books and coffee create an atmosphere that’s part café, part library, and all charm.

It’s the kind of place where you might come for a quick breakfast and end up staying all day, lost in a good book and great conversation.

Cruise back in time at this vintage-inspired coffee stop. It's a blast from the past with modern-day flavor.Cruise back in time at this vintage-inspired coffee stop. It's a blast from the past with modern-day flavor.
Cruise back in time at this vintage-inspired coffee stop. It’s a blast from the past with modern-day flavor. Photo credit: Jeff Stilwell

Their breakfast sandwiches are the stuff of local legend.

They pair perfectly with a cup of their house-roasted coffee and a side of small-town gossip.

7. Aroma Joe’s (South Portland)

Roadtrippers, rejoice! This drive-thru dynamo delivers quick caffeine fixes for your Maine adventures.Roadtrippers, rejoice! This drive-thru dynamo delivers quick caffeine fixes for your Maine adventures.
Roadtrippers, rejoice! This drive-thru dynamo delivers quick caffeine fixes for your Maine adventures. Photo credit: Matt Guthrie

Aroma Joe’s in South Portland is like that peppy friend who’s always up for an adventure – even if that adventure is just getting out of bed.

The bright blue exterior is like a shot of espresso for your eyes.

This place is all about quick, quality service with a side of fun.

It’s the kind of spot where the staff might know your order before you even open your mouth – assuming you’re a regular, of course.

No need to pump the brakes on your journey. Cruise through for a cup of highway happiness.No need to pump the brakes on your journey. Cruise through for a cup of highway happiness.
No need to pump the brakes on your journey. Cruise through for a cup of highway happiness. Photo credit: Laura R.

If not, prepare to be welcomed like a long-lost friend.

Their breakfast sandwiches are the reason some locals claim to have developed superhuman powers of smell, able to detect the aroma of Aroma Joe’s from miles away.

8. The Works Bakery Cafe (Portland)

Refuel your body and your ride. This roadside cafe works wonders for hungry travelers.Refuel your body and your ride. This roadside cafe works wonders for hungry travelers.
Refuel your body and your ride. This roadside cafe works wonders for hungry travelers. Photo credit: Minh T. Nguyen

The Works Bakery Cafe in Portland is like that friend who’s always busy but somehow manages to make everything look effortless.

The brick exterior and inviting awning are just a hint of the warm welcome that awaits inside.

By day, it’s a bustling café filled with the chatter of locals and the aroma of freshly baked goods.

By night, the warm glow from the windows makes it look like the coziest spot in town.

Navigate your way to nirvana. This bakery cafe is the perfect checkpoint on your Portland expedition.Navigate your way to nirvana. This bakery cafe is the perfect checkpoint on your Portland expedition.
Navigate your way to nirvana. This bakery cafe is the perfect checkpoint on your Portland expedition. Photo credit: Jack Hutchison

Their breakfast sandwiches are crafted with the same care and attention as their baked goods.

They’re the reason some Portlanders have been known to set multiple alarms – just in case they sleep through the first one.

9. Lil’s Cafe (Kittery)

Last stop before leaving Vacationland? Make it count with Lil's legendary crullers and coffee.Last stop before leaving Vacationland? Make it count with Lil's legendary crullers and coffee.
Last stop before leaving Vacationland? Make it count with Lil’s legendary crullers and coffee. Photo credit: David Berlind

Last but certainly not least, we have Lil’s Cafe in Kittery.

This place is like that friend who gives the best hugs – warm, comforting, and always there when you need them.

The charming brick exterior with its arched doorway is like an invitation to step into a simpler time.

Inside, the aroma of freshly baked goods and brewing coffee creates an atmosphere that’s pure comfort.

Border-town bliss! Wrap up your Maine adventure with a sweet treat at this charming cafe.Border-town bliss! Wrap up your Maine adventure with a sweet treat at this charming cafe.
Border-town bliss! Wrap up your Maine adventure with a sweet treat at this charming cafe. Photo credit: Sam kassis

Their breakfast sandwiches are the reason some locals claim to have developed a new love language – one that consists entirely of appreciative mumbles between bites.

There you have it, folks – a breakfast sandwich journey through Maine that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds.

The table is set for adventure!

Let this map guide you to your next incredible dining destination.

secret maine sandwich spots mapsecret maine sandwich spots map

Just remember: calories don’t count when you’re on vacation… or so I’ve heard.





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