Speckled Ax

567 Congress St, Portland, ME

★★★★★4.5(634 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Tucked into Portland's heart, this espresso-focused roastery is known for doing the fundamentals brilliantly: their lattes are genuine, balanced cups rather than sugar vehicles, and their wood-fired roasts have a distinctive depth that regulars return for year after year. The rotating bean selections mean you're always discovering something new, whether you're after a classic pour over, a tower shot, or their celebrated espresso tonic, and the warm staff clearly knows their craft even if the vibe stays refreshingly no-frills. It's the kind of place where quality quietly outshines everything else—exactly what specialty coffee should be.

What to expect

Traditional drinksMeetingsPour overEspresso focusedSlow sitSpecialty drinksCold brew

Google Reviews

Joseph Smith
★★★★★3 months ago

The lattes you get here are the real ones. Not to gallon jug of sub par coffee with 300 calories of sugar. They are a true cup of latte. Every time Ive been here its been great across the board. Best beans I've found in town so far. If you're wanting a jug of "coffee" calories go to dunkin or Starbucks. This place isn't that. But in my opinion its much better.

Grae Peters
★★★★★3 months ago

One of the best coffee shops I have ever been to. I look forward to an espresso tonic in the summer or their tower shot year round. They rotate the beans for many of their drinks so you can sample out different flavors of coffee. Overall they have wonderful staff and atmosphere and I’m always excited to come in for a coffee

CINTHIA CORREA
★★★★★6 months ago

This was the best coffee we had in Portland! The staff was amazing as well, very warm and welcoming.

Ādia Montagna
★★★★★6 months ago

I've been a regular here for years. Their specialty may not be aesthetic presentation or standout customer service, but it's the *quality* that shines. Their roasts are so fabulous and flavorful — an exquisite delight for those seeking a gastronomical standout among the coffee places in Portland. ✅ Roasts their own beans ✅ Makes their own flavor syrups (and has unusual, interesting seasonal flavors) ✅ Quieter than other spots

Johnathan Nazarian
★★★★★2 years ago

🪓 Excellent third wave coffee shop in the heart of Portland. Lighter, flavorful roasts. I tried the 🍁 maple iced latte and was pleasantly surprised. Of note is that their roasts are wood fire roasted 🪵🔥, a rarity. Small, cozy, shop with warm tones, minimalist designs, and very friendly and coffee-passionate baristas.

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