Reviews (73)
My favorite coffee shop ever! Downshift makes the most exquisite and incredible coffee/espresso drinks, and the baked goods they sell are delicious too. I visit every time I'm in Belfast, and cannot possibly recommend Downshift Coffee enough!! The café is also in a beautiful space with lots of natural light and a beautiful view of the water. Truly the best coffee shop I've ever been to!
I always want coffee when I pass by, then I realize they're closed. "We Ain't Up That Early & Bikes" or Downshifted Too Many Gears Coffee" might be a better name. Never very impressed, always disappointed. Can someone open a real coffee shop in Belfast?
Must visit: excellent coffee, excellent baristas, great location grab a coffee and sit outside to see the water, or its a short walk to get to the bay-side rail trail. Best coffee spot in town
This is a great coffee shop in Belfast! There are only a few places to sit but it’s a cute little shop!
I’ve visited downshift twice and have had lackluster experiences both times. The first time I ordered an americano, which caused a lot of confusion with the barista, and she was visibly frustrated and made a snippy comment to the cashier. I attempted to clarify what I had wanted and the barista was very irate/curt. I wrote this off to me ordering “off menu”, but it struck me as very odd that an americano would be such a difficult order for a speciality coffee shop. The second time I ordered a cappuccino which was just OK. Nothing special and wasn’t worth the almost $5. I went to pay with cash to get change/leave a cash tip, and was told they prefer cards - which is fine, but there was no indication anywhere of their preference. The staff were very friendly and chatty with regulars, but much more abrupt and curt with others.
Every time we go in we meet new people, nee staff. Very friendly place. Great coffee whatever your choice may be. The pastries look and smell wonderful. This is our goto coffee shop whenever we are here
Very good coffee. New favorite spot!
My first time at the coffee shop. Had a latte and it was excellent. Friendly staff, nice atmosphere.
Great dark roast and medium roast coffee ready to go. roast coffee locally and fine beans and fresh baked sweets.
Great coffee; if you’re looking for something along the lines of thirdwave/specialty coffee , this place delivers. And although the barista was worried they’d be able to step-up to the quality of another barista’s latte art, I was impressed with the rosetta I received. Perfect microfoam too.
Very happy that the staff was so patient with teaching me about their coffee.
Well prepared espresso with thought, percussion and care. Best coffee in the Midcoast. Extremely friendly staff
Cute spot not too far off of route 1. Super yummy lattes and spots to sit right out front in the warmer months!
Been here twice this visit and I must say, what i lovely bunch of people working there. So friendly and the coffee is pretty fantastic as well. Bikes and coffee...these are two of my favorite things!
Superb coffee. Ate beforehand (both times we visited) so didn't get to try the pastries. One of if not the strongest coffee I've had in Belfast over my last few days being here. Caffeine wise.
Over two visits, I ordered a Honduras drip, Ethiopian drip, espresso, and some pastries. Both drips had distinct tasting notes and complexity, and the espresso was nicely balanced with juicy acidity to it. The pastries were very good as well! I visited Downshift while traveling the Maine coast, and it's easily in my top 5 Maine coffee shops. It's not as fancy as Tandem in Portland, but the flavors are clear and very much "specialty"! One thing I didn't find as enjoyable — while the space is bright, it could feel a bit cramped at times, even with folks hanging in the outdoor space. But it was minor and probably limited to certain times of day.
Great coffee, nice atmosphere, friendly service.
Nice coffee! Like the iced latte
Had a delicious latte and the scones were heaven! Great staff too, stylish and kind! I loved the vibe in here
Great coffee and cookie