I discovered Uncharted back in December 2025 while on dinner break for a show at Merrill…read moreAuditorium. From the moment I walked in, I fell in love with the atmosphere. It's definitely my kind of vibe. The staff were attentive and not put out when I first came in and were incredibly helpful with giving me suggestions (because everything sounded so good). I ended up leaving my first visit with The Abyss bubble tea and meandered my way back to Merrill. Today, I decided to treat my son to an evening out in Portland, and we swung into Uncharted for a quick tea. He got a small regular brown sugar milk tea and I got a large Kraken. I'm just as smitten with the vibe and the space now as I was back in December, & know that whenever I'm in town I'll be coming in to get a tasty drink to walk around town with.

Was walking by and stumbled upon Uncharted Tea, and honestly had no idea what I was walking up the…read moresteps to but I'm so glad I checked it out. There were so many interesting drinks to choose from, but luckily the workers were friendly and super helpful in guiding me. The commitment to the nautical theme is adorable, and all the clever drink names made the menu fun to read. I also love how many books and games they have available, it feels like a cozy little hangout spot you could easily lose track of time in. I got the Leviathan, which is nitro coffee, taro, oat milk, simple syrup, and boba. I'm picky with boba, and let me just say... I was actually impressed. The texture and flavor were on point. There were so many other drinks I wanted to try, so I'll definitely be back.

Sarah, the owner, has such a special place here on the east end. Have a sore back or a foggy brain?…read moreShe mix up a great concoction of herbs to sip. The space is so cozy and warm, nice for grabbing a tea with a book during the colder months. I always buy loose leaf tea here, it's high quality and affordable. My favorite are their Japanese Sencha and the cramp tea (miracle for menstrual cramps). I couldn't recommend more! (Heads up she's cash or PayPal).

The owner is wonderful. She takes time with each customer to talk about what may benefit them most…read moreand explains how to brew and enjoy her blends. We really enjoyed talking with her and will go back for more.

The cafe/bakery has a few fresh baked goods daily (don't think any vegan or no gluten-free…read moreoptions). Their website lists about a half dozen, but the last time I was here there were just two: the sourdough chocolate chip cookie and the matcha and black sesame butter mochi. I'm guessing those are regularly available (they also do fun seasonal specials, so be sure to check their socials), but don't come with the expectation that there's going to be a big variety. The drinks include coffees, teas, and a variety of matcha. For me, this is NOT the best matcha in Portland. Matcha Mood is. The matcha here is good (maybe in the top three in the city), but the iced matcha with miso maple syrup and almond milk I recently had for $9+ was just okay. The drink is (literally) half the size as one at Macha Mood for the same price, and there wasn't any flavor of miso or maple. I've seen some internet buzz claiming THIS IS THE BEST... as a local, I don't agree. And that's okay; you might find your new favorite here, so it's absolutely worth visiting. They also do other fun spontaneous matcha flavors, so be sure to follow them on social! Check out their shop as well: loads of chili crisps and hot sauces, condiments and spices, jams, matcha powders and loose tea, pickles and other preserved foods, sweets, vinegars and oils, fermentation ware and kitchen goods, etc.

Okay I know nothing about fermentation but this cafe has really interesting and delicious baked…read moregoods that you won't find anywhere else like a sourdough chocolate chip cookie and a kimchi corn cheese soufflé. Also the matcha black sesame butter mochi was out of this world, truly unexpected. Great food and very good service. There was outdoor seating outside and the inside had plenty of room though the cafe was pretty busy when we arrived. Definitely worth checking out!

Soakology is a small spa and cafe in Portland, Maine, they primarily offer foot massage, foot…read moresoaks, full-body massage, and fair trade teas. They also have a small gift shop too, where they sell housemade spa salt cubes and lotions. You need to make a reservation for spa services here. I visit a lot of these types of places. I was surprised at how different Soakology was compared to most of my other experiences. We were taken to a large communal space which was divided into semi-private rooms made from dark curtains, and the lights are down low. They ask for no phones, and quiet. I sat in a raised arm chair and they wheel in a copper tub under us, that they filled with hot water and whatever scented salt cube you choose. The soaks range in price from $35 to $53, depending on which scented salt cube you pick. I choose the CBD (to attempt to make up for my lack of massage, $53). They came and refilled our hot water in the tub twice, and refilled our tea water. We visited on a warm day, and I image this service would be a staple for me in winter. I left sweating! I have inflammatory arthritis, and it did helped me to soak. Anyhow, the experience surpassed my expectations in terms of relaxation. When we left my feet were like 75% relaxed, which is not bad. I could do this all at home at a fraction of the cost, but there is something more luxurious about not having to set up, and clean up. If you are in Portland, check them out!

I came here as a treat to myself because I had gone on hikes that were kind of challenging and my…read morefeet hurt so I wanted to get my feet soaked because my foot really hurt. It definitely did help the pain that I was experiencing in my foot. However, I felt like it was really challenging for it to be just right because sometimes it was too hot and then it would cool down. Service Needed some work and could've been better. The latte that I got was really good. It was kind of sweet for a chai latte but not bad.

Amazing coffee (w/o cannabis)!! This place was recommended to us by the Insomnia Cookies folks (a…read morefew 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.

Stopped here on my coffee crawl, and it was just okay. Service was fine but not overly friendly…read more 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.

We went here around lunch hours to get some drinks. There was no customer at the store. Alongside…read moreboba teas, they had some small snacks and bites in the menu. There were some spots to sit in at the store too. We ordered a thai tea, milk tea and mango slush. They had the first two in shaken style meaning small bits of ice. The barista took some time to make the drinks, seemed not so proficient in making them. But the drinks turned out okay. The that tea had good flavor. Mango slush was tasty initially but got really watery at the end. Bobas were fine, not as good quality as I had in other places. Overall a decent place since its the only bobas store we saw in the area.

Stopped by Bubble Bliss after a big lunch. Some sweet boba for an afternoon pick-me-up is always a…read moredelight. The menu is consisted of frozen slush, cold drinks, hot drinks and baos. The guy works there is nice and efficient. We ask to adjust sugar and ice level. The drinks are on the spot. Some bar seats by the window but I'm sure most people do take-outs. Overall solid spot for boba tea at downtown area.

Atmosphere was warm and inviting. Great knowledgeable hospitable staff. I ordered a vanilla bean…read morelatte with half the syrup. There were a few orders ahead so I had to wait a couple minutes more than expected, but I appreciated their question jar by the espresso bar. The latte was amazing- tasted like frothy melted ice cream. I'll definitely be back before going home to CA.

First and foremost, for the holidays I love that right at the entrance they have an open shelf with…read morecanned goods and dry food for the community to contribute to or take from. That alone tells you so much about the heart of this place. A daily necessity. The only time I'm ever disappointed is when they sell out of their Banana Bread Latte. I still haven't been able to try it, but I already know it's going to be delicious. My go to order is a regular latte with oat milk and their house made Maine Maple syrup. Their hot drinks are always made at the perfect temperature so you can sip immediately without burning your tongue. And when I want something on the cooler side, I love that they have a nitro cold brew for that extra smooth finish. Despite how busy they always are, their service never wavers. The staff is consistently friendly and efficient. There's plenty of seating-- booths and high tops. Even with the plethora of people working on their laptop, I can almost always find a seat.

This place is popular for a reason, and you find a hint of what that reason is as soon as you step…read morein the door and get a whiff of the most delicious aromas coming from the kitchen. When you see the line out the door, don't despair, as the line moves relatively quickly and people are generally mindful to not dawdle, so seating opens up quickly as well. I tried the jalapeno cheddar biscuit, the rhubarb scone, and had a bite of the rhubarb hibiscus pie. Everything was amazing, the platonic ideal of a biscuit and a scone. And I am weak for anything rhubarb, so the generous amount of rhubarb in the scone really did the trick. The rhubarb hibiscus pie has quite a bit of that botanical hibiscus flavor but I liked it! It might not be for everyone, though. Their coffee is also really good, and a perfect accompaniment to their excellent pastries. I also have to give props to their staff and how friendly and welcoming everyone was despite being totally slammed at all times. I know if I was working at a place as busy as Tandem I'd be way more frazzled than they came off. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate waiting in line for things, but this place is efficient enough and the food/coffee was so excellent that I actually didn't resent the line. I'd even wait again! It's that good.

Definitely a standout breakfast sandwich! Tried out Tandem while visiting Portland at the…read morerecommendation of a friend. We tried out the egg and cheese biscuit, the savory loaded biscuit, and two flavored lattes (one brown sugar cinnamon and the other maple). Loved both of the biscuits but had a slight preference for the egg and cheese one. Both biscuits were soft and buttery yet crisp with the best salt on top. We got there right at opening on a weekday and there was already a long line to enter, but the staff moves everyone through quickly. It is worth noting that indoor seating is very limited and there is more outdoor seating. We decided to purchase some of their coffee beans as a gift. Tandem is very popular for good reason and well worth visiting, whether as a tourist or as a local.

Best boba I've had in/around Portland. My go-to is the brow sugar milk tea with boba and mmmm it's…read moreso good. If you like it sweet, this is for you! Staff are friendly and they made my drink in like 15 seconds. The shop is cute as well, decorated in pastels and with a couple small chairs and tables to sit at, though I don't think I've ever seen anyone sitting inside.

Although out of the way, Lecha is worth the trip. It's milk tea (I got the Horchata!) is incredibly…read moredelicious and not watered down, comes in a sizable portion, and is located in a cutesy, vibrant shop with friendly staff. Highly recommend going here versus other local boba places. So worth it!

My husband and I traveled to Portland, Maine. After hours of traveling (connecting flights, etc),…read morewe checked into our hotel and decided to walk around for a while. We ended up at Maps to have a cocktail and a little snack. The two guys working were friendly. The drinks were good! I forgot to get a picture of the soft pretzel with beer cheese that we served, but it was the biggest pretzel we've ever seen! It said XL on the menu - and it was! The ceiling is covered in big maps. Definitely unique decor. They also have a lot of vinyl there. It's below street level so it's a little dark. But it felt sort of cozy. I don't t know if we'll make it back there on our trip, but I recommend it!

I've been wanting to go to Maps all summer because who doesn't want a slice of cake when they're…read moreout at a bar? It seems the owner's wife is responsible for the baking but be wary if you have allergies; the bartender wasn't able to tell us what nuts were in the weekly cake. Very fun speakeasy vibe and the Tuesday trivia nights are a blast! Cocktails are a bit small but delicious and the food portions are generous.