Speckled Ax

Had a good coffee and muffin. It was not an ideal spot to quickly use my laptop because they do not offer Wi-Fi, but a public open network worked.

The best mocha I’ve had. And the breakfast sandwiches are so yummy. The only complaint I have is that they don’t have good ventilation in the cafe so it’s a bit oily in there from all the cooking. I went there 3x in a row and every time my clothes and hair smelt like smokey grease for the rest of the day.

I have previously tried the Congress street location a few times and have always left rather underwhelmed.

I wanted to try the new (it seems new and is new to me) location by the water. I purchased a cortado today and again have left underwhelmed. The espresso is overpowering. It’s got notes of nut and chocolate however it leaves you with a bit of an overwhelming smoky ness (much like Peet’s for those other folks from the Bay Area). The milk was burnt and scalding and lacked the texture of a nice microfoam. All in all it lacked the craft that I would expect.

With more craft and skill from behind the machine I think it could be much improved.

The interior is absolutely stunning and it will be a FANTASTIC place to hang in the after times. They have beer in a fridge. I’m not sure if one would be allowed to consume inside at a later point. That would be a huge win.

I’d be happy to improve my rating if their espresso improves. I’ll continue to try their cortados on a periodic basis.

Food was very good. We had a breakfast sandwich and a delicious bagel. The flow of ordering should be restructured. Its food is in so high a demand the long lines wined through the customers eating area instead of along the ordering counter. There is a Sunny outside area with a few patio tables. Which make for a nice conversation area.

Breakfast sando is epic. Served on a Chaval English muffin. Add veggies and your dreams will come true.

One of my go-to coffee shops in Portland! I love sitting at the window and looking out on the harbor and they have great coffee, muffins, and scones. They don’t always have scones but when they do, they’re yummy!

Incredible cranberry oatmeal bars ... caramel latte was meh. The employees were extremely nice, especially working within the constraints of the pretentious hipster vibe the ownership is obviously going for - well, the name Speckled Ax kind of says it all.

Delicious lattes and breakfast sandwiches. Worth the wait!

Amazing espresso based drinks. We had latte and it was divine - creamy, frothy, deep woody and smoky flavor, just the right drinking temperature & pleasant aftertaste! Best espresso in Portland Maine. Even better than Coffee By Design and Bard Coffee.

I ordered a large latte and was served a small. I asked the server if it was a large, knowing it wasn’t, and she said yes. Nothing like paying for a large latte, being served a small, and being lied to in the process( server was not new to the job). Wasn’t the first time the staff has been nasty. Will not go back.