Amazing coffee (w/o cannabis)!! This place was recommended to us by the Insomnia Cookies folks (a few steps away from here) and they were spot on. We went for a Drip Coffee and a Latte with Oat Milk. Loved them both. Great place to relax while enjoying a beverage. They don't have anything to eat but the lady was kind to let us get some cookies from the Insomnia Cookies to enjoy with coffee. Limited seating options. The staff was nice and friendly. Definitely recommended. read more

See all

Stopped here on my coffee crawl, and it was just okay. Service was fine but not overly friendly. The latte was mediocre and a tad bit pricey. You can also get other things besides coffee which is an interesting combo. Overall with so many coffee shops in Portland that I love I won't be back to this one. read more

See all

This is a very nice store to grab some coffee, tea or some other drinks. They have a gorgeous interior, with few tables to dine in. There are tables available outside as well. The menu includes drip coffee and whole bunch of iced versions like Americano, Latte, Mocha, Matcha and French Roast. Very decent price for 12 oz and 16 oz sizes. We ordered a tea from here. The barista made it within a minute. It was quick and efficient. The tea had excellent flavor. In the back side of the store they have the cannabis section. Lots of items are displayed. An associate helps customers explaining different products and their origins. read more

See all

*This is review for the tea not cannabis. Got a Assam ice tea from Higher Grounds. It's good black tea but I wish the tea flavor is a little stronger. Nevertheless, I enjoy my cup of tea while walking around downtown Portland. Vibrant wall mural. Cannabis section at the back (21+ only). The staff were very nice. Some indoor seats and outdoor seats. read more

See all

Guy smoking a cigarette definitely was not happy a bunch of us walked in to get some goodies. Not very friendly. Not a big choice of ganja. Don't recall it being so dingy a few years ago. read more

Had a super nice barista, she was super helpful when I was asking questions about their chai and syrups. The only issue I had is I felt super sick to my stomach after having a chai with cbd added. I think it may have been the cbd, I didn't ask to see the ingredients so that's on me. read more

Higher Grounds - Storefront - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

See all

I was very interested in the whole cannabis coffee blend stated on the sign in front. So I walk in with questions about this and the girl working there was very rude and not helpful at all . I felt like I was at a license bureau. I really wanted to try this but I can not spend money at a place that has poor customer service. They have lost a customer for life . I will not go back!! Good luck There are better dispensaries in Portland This is not the one! read more

I love making my weekly trip to Higher Grounds! The atmosphere is inviting, the staff is welcoming and generous, and this location is closeby to many fun places to explore during a day/night out in Portland! read more

Great vibe, kind employees. A little challenging to find, it's across from Rigby yard in case that helps. Just got a latte - they have oat milk and honey available. Amazing art on the walls. They carry local CBD and herbals. They also compost & use compostable to-go cups/containers. The world needs and deserves more of these conscious, healthier places! read more

I'm not normally a coffee person, but when I was in town visiting some friends they all wanted to visit this place so I tagged along. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised! A few highlights: - As an LGBTQ person myself, I felt incredibly welcomed by the staff. Everybody I interacted with me with respect and warmth. Not sure what some other reviews are talking about in regards to bad attitudes or whatever... - The drink I got was delicious! It was one of the seasonal specials (I can't remember exactly what it was, oops...) and although I could taste the coffee in it, I didn't mind because it was just that good! - The medical marijuana products were completely separate from where I ordered my drink. I don't personally engage with that sort of stuff, and didn't feel pressured to in the slightest! Again, contributing to the warm and welcoming environment that I absolutely LOVED TL;DR - Higher Grounds is a great place to go if you're looking for some good coffee, good vibes, and maybe even a side of THC if you're into that sort of thing! read more

I'm no coffee snob, but The Cappuccinos were incredibly bitter and way overpriced, but the people were nice. Redid the cappuccinos as lattes, which remained quite bitter. read more

The staff was super helpful and accommodating when I had a short timeframe before needing to be at work. Thanks again. read more

Great start to the day. Awesome coffee and cannibus selection. Staff was super cool and helpful. Really enjoyed it and will def come back when in Portland. read more

Higher Grounds is all the vibes. Every time I come here, I love the ambiance. The menu of drinks is quaint, and they have light bites. They also sell a small selection of oils, including CBD. They for some strange reason, do not put sugar in your drinks, you have to do that yourself. I wish they would though! I came to relax, not to make drinks! Higher Grounds is in Old Port, and not just Old Port, but Wharf St where all the bars are and where the worst cobblestone path is in Portland. Watch your step! read more

Higher Grounds - Iced Chai Latte, with no sugar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

CBD, ya you know me! Is it bad that we wandered into this cafe not realizing that they had CBD products? Even despite the cafe name? I even bought coffee and treats and still didn't realize adding CBD was an option until my husband pointed it out to me. There were plenty of signs, I missed all of them probably because I was hungover. But, I'm glad I was able to buy CBD drops to add to my coffee after the fact! We ordered: 1.) 2 Lattes 2.) Spinach & Feta Pie Everything was delicious-especially the pie. This cafe even composts as as sells CBD products and other natural products. Such a cool cafe filled with friendly staff- we will be back if we are ever in town! read more

See all

My favorite coffee shop in Portland by far and yet so much more than just a coffee shop. Higher Grounds feels like a community. The staff is consistently friendly and conversational. I'm not actually a coffee drinker, but I LOVE a good matcha, and Higher Grounds has the best one. Plus a CBD add-on option? Count me in. The space is hip and welcoming--plants, a table made out of a tree stump, fun artwork, shelves of CBD/hemp products, and a "NASTY WOMEN UNITE" print hanging. I'm a big fan. Good vibes all around. read more

Nice coffee/tea shop with lots of options. They have normal coffee/tea and spiked versions

Portland is filled with coffee shops and we weren't sure which one to choose. My sister and I were quite happy with Higher Grounds. The staff is friendly and it's really cute. It's in an alley, if you're looking for it. My latte was on point and so was her tea. We look forward to returning. read more

See all

While not the biggest coffee drinker, it just took one stop in here for this to be my favorite local coffee spot. Friendly and welcoming staff and just a nice atmosphere with a great vibe to it. With the extra added benefit of them having CBD products and even add-ins to their drinks. As someone who uses CBD for frequent pain it is a great addition. I went with the French Toast Ice Latte and my girlfriend went with the Iced Matcha Latte and we both got 15mgs of CBD added. Now never mind if you don't use CBD or what not, you have to give this place a try for the quality of the drinks. My drink tasted exactly like French Toast and was easily one of the best lattes I have had. I look forward to returning to have the same drink again as well as getting some of their other CBD related products. read more

Poor service. The barista was extremely rude and handled everything in an aggressive and disrespectful manner.

Another great visit. Amazing service and staff. Look forward to coming back for another coffee and some THC.

Great coffee. Great cannabis. Great conversation. Thanks Mark! We will be back! Buy from your local shop.

Good coffee, good muffin, free wifi - life is good. Great cafe in quaint cobbled street. Interesting art work and a wide range of coffees to sample as well as buy in beans or ground. read more

See all

Despite it being a federal law on the books for 40+ years this place is not wheelchair accessible like they claim on Google and here. They have a foot tall step into the shop that could easily be turned into a ramp. They make sure everyone else is welcome with lgbt stickers etc (which is awesome) yet they are actively discriminating against disabled people...one of the largest protected classes in the nation. Will be filing a formal ADA complaint. read more

Super cool coffee shop with a very punny name. Was visiting Portland for the day and I must say the lavender honey simple syrup they had was amazing. Nice little flavor boost to my iced coffee. read more

Needed a "pick me up" after a day of exploring the Portland coast & this place did just that!! Ordered a "French Toast" latte (hot) with oat milk & an extra shot of espresso. Such a neat place with super friendly service. Will definitely be back for more during our stay. read more

Higher Grounds - 16 oz French Toast Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

Love the vibe and decor here. Also one of the few places in town to offer CBD extract as an add-on in any drink. Most of the staff are wicked nice. Can be a little pricey, but worth it. You have to try the French toast latte with oat milk! read more

Higher Grounds - Matcha lattes - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

What a great addition to the Old Port and to the city's coffee scene! I came to check it out while home in Maine because a childhood friend is behind the project, but I'd come back because of the nice space and good coffee. My husband and I came by on a typical November day--ie cold and grey--to warm up and re-energize for the afternoon after having gotten up wicked early for our flight up from DC. I went for the chai latte with almond milk (I don't do well with dairy anymore), and he ordered a cappuccino. It wasn't too busy, so our drinks were ready within a few minutes. We grabbed the table at the window and sipped our drinks while admiring the space and watching the people walking by outside. The space: I loved all the light, the natural wood and live edges of the furniture, and the multitude of plants throughout the room. The bathroom was really nice to use as well, rather than being a dreaded afterthought. It wouldn't be an easy place to stay for a long time, but the table by the window in particular would be a great place to work or read for an hour or so, especially in winter when natural light is a scarcer resource. The drinks: My chai latte had a wonderfully thick foam with the almond milk--I could even tip the spoon over and it wouldn't slide off! And it didn't come sweetened, so you can add sugar or not as you prefer. The chai itself however wasn't spicy enough for me; it tasted more like slightly flavored warm almond milk. My husband really enjoyed his cappuccino. I appreciated how they presented it on a wooden tray with a small glass of sparkling water (though the carbonation on the water was really weak). The design on the top of the cup was also really beautiful! Observations: There was a good looking selection of small food items for sale. You can also buy bags of roasted coffee beans to take home; I've found it's worth spending the money on good coffee like that. There's also a refrigerated case with some other beverages, and it looked like it could have held far more than it was then. Go enjoy this great new coffee shop Portland! read more

See all

I really love Higher Grounds! I went in over the weekend and it was great. It's in a bit of a weird location, at least during the winter, but I think once people learn it's there, it will be great! I had a cappuccino and it was perfect. They pulled the shot just right and the milk was frothy but not stiff. I love Speckled Ax coffee too so that's an added plus! They served it on a cute little tray with some sparkling water, which was a nice touch. The space itself is also beautiful! They put in a TON of work. The mural is AH-MAZING. I also need to give a shout out to Tessa! I met her when I went in and girl is a BADASS. This place is great! Def go check them out. read more

I had an iced chai with 10mg of CBD and while it was delicious, I am a self-proclaimed chai expert and I declare this chai a LITTLE bit lacking in flavor, though it is strong with cinnamon. Just a little bit watery (though I had whole milk). HOWEVER, I would still drink it ALL DAY everyday because of the CBD content, and I could taste a tad bit of cannabis oil at the end of my drink (which I personally enjoy) I loved my experience and highly recommend! read more

Higher Grounds - Iced Chai +10MG - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

See all

Don't sleep on this Portland gem! This shop offers way more than just your generic cup of coffee. Once inside you're greeted by the warm staff and an even warmer cup of caffeinated deliciousness. You can grab some wonderful dark roasts or really jazz it up with something sweet and creamy! I went down the sweeter route and was not let down by the staffs recommendation. We will totally come back next time we are in town! read more

See all

Service was moderately friendly. It took close to 15 minutes to get our lattes and there was no line. I bought one of the two remaining muffins. It was clear it wasn't made that day. No reason to go back. read more

Average drinks. However, service was pleasant. You have to options to put a bit of cbd in your drinks. I believe it cost a bit extra if you do. read more

The staff is attention- seeking and rude. The man who makes the coffee pretends to be a mute and lets the cashier speak on his behalf. His overall demeanor made us uncomfortable. He could not even answer questions regarding the coffee flavors when we inquired about the maple flavored coffee. He would not give eye contact and comes across angry. Do not go here. read more

We discovered this little spot trying to find an alternative to Starbucks, and so glad we did. Great little local spot tucked away on a great little cobble road, just a couple doors down from Street and Co. read more

See all

Fantastic staff. Fantastic service. Delish coffee & relaxed atmosphere. I would come back here anytime

Non-hygienic. The male barista with pink hair was outside smoking. When customers came inside he followed. He did not attempt to clean his hands and grossed us all out. We only bought the coffee because it felt rude but we were all so grossed out and threw it away. Not sanitary at all. read more

Any local in Portland knows this is the place to go for a delicious dosed drink, some strong ass weed , and great and groovy vibes :) All of the staff are extremely welcoming and sweet. Definitely recommend stopping by to chat! Rosie the lovely batista with pink hair is very funny and she always makes my day when I visit ! Always looking forward to stopping by :) read more

My wife and I live locally and usually stick to our go tos for coffee shops but we were glad we have tried Higher Grounds a few times now. Small coffee shop tucked away one street between popular commercial and fore streets. Space is fairly small-medium sized with some art and earthy feel with unique wood tables that are nicely spread out. For those who want to hear each other talk or work alone while you sip your coffee it is definitely quieter than some super busier spots. Both times my lattes have been great- frothy, good flavor with good espresso to milk ratio as a latte should be. My wife has had tea there and was pleasantly surprised how good it was. Another plus is they do have local Standard Baking Co goods, like cinnamon buns and croissants! My only small complaint is service has not been overly friendly, but wouldn't keep me from coming back. read more

Good coffee and cannabis variety. Staff super friendly and ready to explain anything you need. read more

Higher Grounds - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine