
Tandem Coffee Roasters
A top-rated coffee roaster in Portland, ME, serving expertly brewed espresso, standout cold brew, and elevated pastries in a cozy, vinyl-playing atmos...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Tandem Coffee Roasters

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A top-rated coffee roaster in Portland, ME, serving expertly brewed espresso, standout cold brew, and elevated pastries in a cozy, vinyl-playing atmosphere.
"The coffee was amazing, and the pastries were just as impressive. The warm, friendly atmosphere made it a true highlight of our trip."
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid long lines by visiting during quieter times. The popular spot can get very busy.
Try the Sample Pack
Explore their coffee range by ordering the sample pack online for an introduction to their various roasts.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Espresso Bar, Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Coffee & Espresso
Experience perfectly brewed espresso with accurate flavor profiles. Their cold brew is hailed as one of the best ever tasted.

Exceptional Pastries & Biscuits
Indulge in delicious, elevated pastries like the standout kimchi cheddar scones and jalapeño cheddar biscuits.

Unique Ambiance & Vinyl Vibes
Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with records playing in the background, creating a unique and welcoming vibe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid long lines by visiting during quieter times. The popular spot can get very busy.
Try the Sample Pack
Explore their coffee range by ordering the sample pack online for an introduction to their various roasts.
Vinyl Records for Sale
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase vinyl records while enjoying your coffee experience.
Sample Decaf Before Buying
Opinions on decaf beans vary; consider sampling them before committing to a full bag purchase.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid long lines by visiting during quieter times. The popular spot can get very busy.
Try the Sample Pack
Explore their coffee range by ordering the sample pack online for an introduction to their various roasts.
Vinyl Records for Sale
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase vinyl records while enjoying your coffee experience.
Sample Decaf Before Buying
Opinions on decaf beans vary; consider sampling them before committing to a full bag purchase.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tandem Coffee Roasters is celebrated for its exceptional coffee, particularly its espresso and cold brew, alongside remarkably delicious and unique pastries like their kimchi cheddar scones. Diners praise the friendly, accommodating staff and the cozy, welcoming atmosphere, often enhanced by the background music. While lines can be long due to its popularity, the overall experience is consistently described as worth the wait, making it a highlight for locals and visitors alike.
"While visiting Portland, ME, my husband and I had an immaculate experience at Tandem Coffee. From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome—like we were visiting family. The coffee was amazing, and the pastries were just as impressive. The warm, friendly atmosphere made it a true highlight of our trip. Highly recommend if you're in town!"
Desiree Jennings
"Great coffee! We got the Stoker dark roast and the flavor is exactly as described. We’re not from Portland so we’ll be ordering more online.
Online order delivered quickly. Looking forward to trying all the flavors in the sample pack."
Sean Evans
"I ended up coming here three days in a row while traveling. The baristas were genuinely warm, kind, and attentive, and it was clear how much joy they brought to both regulars and new visitors alike. The food and espresso were exceptional—every single thing I tried impressed me (my favorite: kimchi cheddar scone). On top of that, the space itself is cozy and full of charm.
Absolutely worth a stop!"
Ashley Carr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Tandem Coffee Roasters is renowned for its award-winning coffee, expertly brewed espresso, standout cold brew, and unique, delicious pastries like kimchi cheddar scones.
Yes, Tandem Coffee Roasters is very popular and lines can be long, especially during peak hours. However, many reviews state the wait is worth it.
Tandem offers a variety of unique and highly-praised pastries, including kimchi cheddar scones, jalapeño cheddar biscuits, and loaded biscuits with butter and jam.
Yes, Tandem Coffee Roasters sells retail bags of their award-winning coffee beans. They also have merchandise like vinyl records available.
Yes, you can order from Tandem online, and they offer a sample pack for a great introduction to their coffee selection.
The atmosphere is described as cozy, welcoming, and unique, with brick walls and records often playing in the background.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Cafs And Coffee Shops In Portland Maine
Cafe, Bakery, Pastry Shop, Pastries, Tea , Vegetarian, Healthy, American. The husband-and-wife duo behind this coffee shop moved around the country before making Portland their home. Tandem opened in a cozy East Bayside brick building in 2012, only to expand a few years later into an old laundromat.
The Best Coffee in Portland, ME
Tandem is a personal favorite at Hop Culture HQ. Not only are they leading the coffee charge in Portland, but they also happen to be one of the better roasters in the country. We’re particularly fond of The Good Thing, a coffee and vinyl subscription, but if you’re looking to dip your toe into Tandem’s offerings, we’d recommend the roastery’s seasonal blend. Tandem has two Portland locations and, while we absolutely encourage you to check out the original cafe and roastery location, Tandem Bakery, which is a stylish storefront in a former gas station, offers a mouth-watering array of baked goods and sandwiches.
The Good Coffee Lover's Guide to Portland, Maine
Full disclosure—our recent focus on Portland food and coffee is a flame lit by our friends and partners at Tandem, whose entry into the coffee scene in 2012 brought a with it a breath of simplicity and directness. More than half of the small, one-storey warehouse housing Tandem’s East Bayside roastery-coffee bar is dedicated to roasting operations (churning out some award winning coffees), and the cute and modern-clean cafe space is only accommodating in the most intimate of ways. A few stools dot the bar.
My Favorite Restaurants in Portland, Maine
My friend Annie brought us to Tandem Coffee + Bakery on our first trip to Portland, and it’s still an absolute favorite!. This spot is very popular, and I’ve never visited without waiting in some sort of line, but it’s worth the wait!. Recipe developer and author Eric Kim is also a fan, and on his suggestion, I tried the epic Loaded Biscuit with Pepper Jelly + Cream Cheese – it was sheer perfection!
The Ultimate Portland Dining Guide
Tucked away in the industrial East Bayside neighborhood, you’ll find the award-winning Tandem Coffee Roasters. It’s popular with the city’s hip (and hip-at-heart) thanks to a welcoming clubhouse atmosphere and expertly prepared light roast coffee. Stop by Tandem on Saturdays to score a chocolate sea salt potato doughnut from The Holy Donut along with your morning jolt.
Café Guide: Best Coffee in Portland Maine
Founded by Will and Kathleen Pratt in 2012, Tandem has become one of the most recognized roasters in the state. Food & Wine named it Best Coffee in Maine, and Bon Appétit has sung its praise more than once. The original location in East Bayside (known by loving fans as Little Tandem) is currently under renovation and slated to reopen in spring 2022.
8 Best Cafes in Portland Maine (With Maps)
Tandem Coffee Roasters is a popular coffee shop in Portland, Maine that has been serving delicious coffee since 2012. They roast their own beans, which are sourced from around the world, and offer a variety of coffee blends that are sure to please any coffee lover. In addition to coffee, they also serve pastries and light bites.
Best Coffee Shops in Portland Maine You'll Love
Tandem Coffee has two coffee shop locations in Portland, and they’re one of the top coffee roasters in Maine. If you’re a coffee nerd like myself, I recommend checking out their location in East Bayside (122 Anderson St). Their roasting space is open to the public, so you can watch the magic happen before your eyes.
Tips for an Excellent Weekend in Portland, Maine
Revving up for a day of sightseeing is easy, thanks to indie coffee shops on basically every corner, like two locations of the delightful Tandem Coffee Roasters. Or if you want to try something different, head to Speckled Ax for coffee made with beans roasted using local wood, which imparts a slightly smoky flavor.
50 Things to Eat in Portland, ME Before You Die
Not only decorated with intricate designs, the coffee at Tandem tastes better than any other coffee you will find in Portland. All of your favorite flavors will be crafted into the perfect cup of coffee that you can enjoy on the go along with a slice of their homemade banana bread.
Coffee Roasters in Portland Maine: Your Ultimate Guide to Local Brews
A notable contributor to Portland’s coffee culture is Tandem Coffee Roasters. With an attention to detail and an artisanal approach, Tandem provides a variety of single-origin offerings and blends that are as unique as the clientele they serve.
My Favorite Coffee Shops in Portland, Maine
Tandem is probably the most popular coffee shop in Portland so be prepared to wait in line. The coffee is great but I frequent Tandem for the baked goods. Their selection of cookies, scones, pies, and breads are out of this world.
The Best Coffee Shops in Portland, Maine: A Insider's Guide
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?
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit