I just remembered I went here a few years back before COVID and I truly enjoyed the experience . I bought several balsamic vinegar sans they shipped for free. Wonderful shop lady helped me and I found everyone in Portland was so friendly. The shop was adorable . I post this so late but mainly as a reminder when I am there next year to visit the shop again . I have no pictures. read more

PERMANENTLY CLOSED. I'm a regular visitor to Portland and always walk the Commercial St. strip. Sadly, this place closed a few years ago and there's no information on what the owners are doing now. It sort of just evaporated. A real loss, because I loved the place. But I don't want anyone to make the trip and be disappointed. It's gone. read more

Interesting artisan spice shop with samples for you to try. I've purchased a few items from Vervacious over the years, mainly the chili powders and balsamic vinegars. The chili powders will vary in strength and generally provide complexity, aside from heat, not found in your supermarket versions. I've always purchased my items in the store (They also used to have a store in Freeport) and each time I've walked in the employees have been friendly and accommodating I like the fact that you can try the spice before you buy and they will have all the spices available for you to try before you do. Even if the sample isn't readily available, just ask and they will put something out to try. I've never had any issues with what I've bought although I do wish that the spices came in jars rather than little baggies as it makes it easier to use if I can shake from a jar. read more

This was a stop on the Maine Foodie tours...if you love Balsamic Vinegars and interesting spice rubs, this is a good spot to discover some innovative dry spices. Being a spice queen myself, I probably have more spices in my pantry than I can use in this lifetime, so I wasn't blown away :) But check it out if this your thing. PS: I cannot comment on their business or shipping practices, as I didn't indulge in any of the spices. read more

Vervacious - Balsamic vinegar of all types - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Really good variety of spices ($10-15) - located in old port in downtown Portland. They have tasting panels so you can pick which spices you like. They have a bar dedicated to the different chili spices- ghost pepper- SO SPICY but I liked it. The front counter wasn't exactly friendly- we asked where we could find one of the samples we tasted and they didn't look like they really wanted to help. If I could have found myself I would have though... read more

This store offers online shopping - but does not fulfill orders in a timely manner or respond to customer emails/phone messages. If it is an important occasion, don't rely on Vervacious. Check filtered review of this store: customer service is clearly not their forte. read more

Ouuchh- the other reviews for this place! Bad business practices I see. I tried looking up this "vervacious" word, couldnt find a definition but it obviously does not mean "good customer service". or "no sugar added" for that matter. #diabetuslovers There was sugar in EVERY flavor of their balsamics, some even in a few spice and salt mixes. I'll admit. There bottle designs are super cute and they had a nice assortment of salts, but I'll PASS- lets support businesses who actually VALUE their customers. read more

Really interesting store that reminds me of a Penzey's Spice. Run by a husband and wife team, this boutique spice shop offers an eclectic selection of vinegars, rubs, sauces, herbs, and spices in really cute glass jars. PRO: instead of a business card, they hand you a sheet full of recipes from starters to desserts featuring their offerings. read more

This was a part of our Portland Foodie Tour and I'm glad it was. Super cute little shop with so many spices to taste. They have amazing balsamic vinegar. I purchased the spiced balsamic and have enjoyed it with many of my meals. read more

A very enjoyable experience in person. Thought to order online after we visited by I may just wait till I get to the store after seeing some reviews. Regardless, I loved tasting all the oils, balsamic, spices, salts and cocoa powders. It doesn't cost a thing but some are just so good you will be tempted to buy, we definitely did. It's a great little shop to amuse yourself and "spice" up your current collection of tasty stuff. read more

Vervacious - Spices, salts and cocoa powders - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Portland, Maine

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They have great quality spices-- WHEN they have them. The problem is that the owners spend so little time on inventory, or the necessary work to actually run the business correctly, that they are constantly out of stock on key items. They also don't have a working website. It hasn't been updated or corrected in over 2 years now. You can't order spices online, or check their current inventory. So here's the deal- if you happen to be walking by, sure, drop in and see if they have a spice you like. If it is in stock, you will be very happy with your purchase as their spices (When they are in stock) are VERY high quality. HOWEVER, they get two stars because they can't get out of their own way to ever keep stock on the major types, and can't seem to spend the time and effort to update their website to have it work. Their Customer Service is crap. GREAT product, crappy inventory, supply chain, and logistics. The poor employee manning the desk each time seems to feel terrible as she apologizes time after time (I've driven an hour north 5x now in the past two years to replenish my favorite species, and they are ALWAYS out, with no idea of when they'll have more) as she has no information to provide. The owners are great at MAKING spice blends, but absolutely terrible at managing a business and seem like they could care less. That said- IF you can ever find it, The Harrisa Spice Blend and their Smoked Paprika are some of the best spices ever made. Buy them. Good luck finding them. read more

My new favorite store!! Wish I lived here so I could come here all the time. I love the concept, and the inside of the store is gorgeous. They have taste testers of everything too which is a nice touch. They had beautiful little gift bags and I got all my Christmas shopping done! A bit expensive but worth it. read more

Vervacious - Gorgeous! - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Portland, Maine

LOVED this store in person but do NOT order from website!!! Product not received, no phone calls or emails returned. I'm extremely frustrated and disappointed by a store that was extremely charming and offered wonderful customer service in person. I was hoping to sing praises of this store because I loved this product in person, but my online experience has ruined the overall perception of Vervacious. read more

I visited the store and purchased spices and basalmic vinegar's to be shipped to two separate locations. The shipment to Florida arrived and was well packed. The shipment to Colorado arrived with broken bottles and was not well packed. I've left voicemail messages two times and have not got a call back. I do not recommend shopping here even though the spices I bought or enjoyable. read more

Same problem. Order not received. Can't get a phone call or email back. Will fight through American Express.

I wanted to like this place. Our food guide took us here and we loved the taste of the vinegars. Since I was already at my 50 pound baggage limit, I wanted to have these shipped instead. I ordered the "buy 5 special" where I pay for 4 jars and get the 5th one free plus shipping was included. Sounded like a great deal until I got the package in the mail and was only given 4 jars. The worst part was the unanswered calls and emails. After a week of emails and calling all the numbers I could find for this place, I gave up and figured they needed the money more than me. It's a shame these products are represented by shady business ethics. Maine Foodie Tours should not do business with this place either because poor tourists end up getting the shaft. read more

They have many food spices, oils, vinegars, and spreads available in store to taste. All products are available in pretty glass containers that stack nicely. The quality of the products and presentation make this a good gift. I absolutely love the Harissa Mustard. I have not had them ship anything. read more

Very catchy marketing on these products that come in cute little (emphasis on little) stackable bottles. We bought several items on your last trip to Maine. I have to say, though, that none of it was all that good taste-wise. The blueberry vinaigrette tasted like good old balsamic. They got me with the hype but won't get me again. read more

I moved to Maine about two years ago and have been to Vervacious a handful of times. I always enjoy looking at the interesting selection they offer and I find their prices reasonable. They offer spices you can't find anywhere else. I recently needed Ancho Chili powder for a recipe and after looking (and not finding it) at 5 other stores, we stopped at Vervacious and sure enough they had it. Their shop is great, their bottles are small but beautiful. I can't speak for shipping issues, but if you can buy in store, you'll be pleased! read more

Visited this store while vacationing in Portland but didn't buy anything; was reminded of it when trying to think of a gift for someone. I tried to order from their online store but the site wasn't working. I e-mailed them to see if there was another way to place an order, but never received a response. Oh well! Taking my money where it's valued. read more

I have shipped from Vervacious both from the store and online and had no problems, in fact the owner held the item until I got her the address a couple of days later. I have also had wonderful conversations with employees as well as the owners about how Vervacious was started. The products are second to none and I am on my 4th container of the Spiced Balsamic Reduction which is heavenly with roasted brussel sprouts. This is definitely one of my essential stops when I go to Portland! read more

The products, packaging and variety were amazing! I loved the glass jar design! Most of the products were available to sample in the store which helped so much. I purchased the Orange dill finishing salt because it was so delicious! My only negative would be the staff was inattentive. read more

Agree with the previous post, placed order they billed my credit card within 2 days, 3 weeks later no order has come and no response to e-mails or phone messages. I emailed twice and have called numerous times. No response at all!!! I love the product, but customer service not so much! read more

Great selection but extremely poor customer service. Owner has refused to honor gift certificate purchased by friends last Christmas, despite us flying from Chicago to Portland to try to set things right. read more

I visited the shop as part of Maine Foodie Tours. Though I enjoyed their rubs, vinegars and oyster tastings, I was disappointed at the end. I went back after the tour, packed up a large box, and paid for the box and shipping. Fast forward a month and I hadn't received the box - even though my credit card was charged immediately. I called and emailed the store to find out what happened and got no response. I never received the product, luckily Amex backed me up and refunded my charge. Terrible, terrible terrible to just steal my money read more

How very unfortunate that such a lovely store with such lovely products places absolutely no value in their clientele. I found myself in Portland and was drawn in by the aesthetics of the place. The products are tasty and it's fun to explore the many things on display. One thing I tried was the Sambuca Hot Cocoa, but to my dismay they were out. "Not to worry!", chirped the pleasant girl behind the counter. Turns out they can send you the order free of charge to your door! I asked when it would ship, she assured me that Monday (it was Saturday). It's been three weeks, and I've tried every communication avenue available to me: the online form found on the website, the email address provided, and the phone number. No response. Worse still the phone number doesn't actually ring to the shop, it goes only to voicemail. How very convenient. There's absolutely no way to get in touch with a person! Upon further investigation the BBB has given this company an F rating, and they have numerous complaints of similar robberies. That's what this is, folks. Robbery. BBB isn't even able to contact these guys, so I'm probably out of luck as well. Buyer beware with this shop and these people. They are clearly the worst sort. read more

Attractive store, packaging. Interesting spices, vinegars, oils. Customer service at the store was lovely. But visited the store over a month ago, ordered something to be shipped. Have not received the item, have not had phone calls or emails returned. Businesses that operate on the Internet, rely on shipping, should have much better customer service. This business has non-existent customer service once you have left the premises. Shop at Penzeys.com instead. read more

Still never got a call or email back, but randomly a box showed up with my order. Thank you!

both my table (presentation) and tongue (taste) are very happy :) this was a very cute and unique shop to visit up in portland! will definitely be coming back, especially during the summer and around the holiday season... read more

We were in Portland on 9-26-14 and received my package in California on the 29th. Haven't tried the spices yet. Maybe they got the message from all the bad reviews. read more

Similar to previous reviewers, I ordered - and paid for - and out of stock item when I went to visit the store back at the end of October. I was told the item would become available in 2 weeks and shipped to my residence. When late November came around, and my purchased item no where to be seen, I emailed the store to inquire about the status of my order. Two emails and several phone calls later, I still have not received any response, and have yet to receive my purchased item. Disappointing and horrendous customer service. read more

I have yet to hear back from Vervacious re an order I asked to have shipped over a full month ago. The vinegar is quite good and I had hoped to have my order (of over 100 dollars) available for Thanksgiving. I, too, will head to the better business bureau if I do not hear back from "cheerful Heidi" (on the telephone message) within the next week. read more

the products are spectacular, and i have shopped here since they opened-the reviews are correct-they are terrible at getting things out on a timely basis--the phone number you call has a mail box that is full--in years past, they have said they are a small company,........looks like they could have gotten their act together on timely shipping and responses after all of these years--they are creative, but they need a business manager read more