Atlantic Blog

How do you like your coffee? According to the National Coffee Association, 7 in 10 Americans drink coffee every week, and 62% drink coffee daily. That's a lot of java. Some of us (me) need caffeine to keep us going during the workday. Are you one of the 7 in 10 who drink coffee every week?

Heck, I'm drinking some right now as I write this. There are good cups of coffee, like the mythologized dinner coffee, and then there are cups so bad it might cause you bodily harm to consume, coffee so bad the CDC should step in and create a containment field. Sometimes, taste isn't the only factor that influences someone's coffee-buying decisions. 

How much money do you spend on coffee? Maybe when you cruise through the drive-thru in the morning, you don't think twice about the three dollars you spend, but it adds up quickly. It's an important financial expense to consider. Getting a cup of coffee from a coffee shop or chain can be a nice treat, but if you buy it every single day, it might be time to work it into your budget tracking. Not sure how to track your budget? Worried about overspending? Our blog, 8 Reliable Tips to Weed Out Bad Financial Habits can help you through the process!

So, I wanted to find the coffee places in Maine that were really worth it. I asked the Atlantic staff what their favorite places to grab a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea was – maybe you'll recognize some familiar places or find some new haunts to try out. Maybe don't work through the entire list, though; that's way too much caffeine. 

The ten best cups of coffee according to Atlantic (in no particular order) are:

The office

Okay, it might feel like cheating, but really, if your office has a Keurig, a coffee pot that desperately needs scrubbed, or a high-end artisanal brew station, it can be the best place to get a warm cup of joe because, more importantly – it's free (unless you count your labor as an employee but that's a different conversation). Save a little money, skip the drive-through, and settle for what your office provides. If it doesn't hit the palette in the same way, try bringing in your own creamer or special treats to turn it up a notch. 

On days when I'm not in the main office, I find myself missing our coffee setup; it's simple, it's nice, and it's cheap (freeee).

Ugly Duckling in South Portland

Located in South Portland, Ugly Duckling feels almost like a special secret. You can stop by the picturesque little restaurant and find almost daily specials and pastry creations, a fantastic cup of coffee (or a spice drink on a weekend, I won’t judge you), and one of the best breakfast sandwiches you can find in Maine all delivered on homemade buttermilk English muffins. My mouth is watering just thinking about going to Ugly Duckling again. I promise if you sit down at the bar for a bite to eat, you will walk away stuffed and happy for the rest of the day. 

The Chains

Dunkin and Starbucks are the old, reliable hallmarks of America. Quick drive-throughs meant to get you on your way to work with a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. You don’t go to the chains because it will be the best thing you ever eat; you go because it’s quick, consistent, reliable, and cheap! Perhaps not as cheap as brewing at home, but you can’t go wrong with a steaming styrofoam cup passed through a sliding window.

We also had a shoutout for Aroma Joe’s, which seems to be popping up around every corner the last few years.

Café Crème in Bath

Located in Bath, Café Crème received a few shoutouts from Atlantic staff, including some praise for great chai! Café Crème has been open for 18 years and serves award-winning artisan coffee and pastries worthy of a stop before or after work. They also serve smoothies if you need a fruit-filled pick-me-up. 

Dog Bar Jim in Brunswick

"Dog Bar Jim is a little 'hole in the wall' local spot with some of the smoothest coffee you will find. They stock primarily organic sourced ingredients. Most of their food is either created there or baked locally. The atmosphere is quirky, the music is fantastic, and while the menu does not have the flash and bang of Starbucks and its sugar-filled lattes, you will NOT find a better, more balanced cup of coffee in town!  SO. GOOD." – Topsham Teller

Aubrey's Coffee House and Bakery in South Berwick

When you visit Aubrey’s Coffee House’s website, you’ll see the titular Aubrey share a message that might surprise you – she spends her digital retail space advertising not just her business but other small businesses. Community is the beating heart of Aubrey’s Coffee House – from the books donated by locals to the warm and inviting atmosphere to the bakery lifting up other businesses and cheering for their success. You know, a bakery with an owner that sweet makes delicious pastries. Do yourself and Berwick a favor and visit Aubrey’s. 

Elements: Books Coffee Beer in Biddeford

“I just absolutely adore the energy in Elements. They're a bookstore, too, so practically every wall from floor to ceiling is filled with books. The coffee is all made fresh to order, and there are so many options, but it never feels overwhelming. It's a comfy, cozy little spot that never feels too busy nor empty. The smell of coffee and books, how could you not love it? I adore it so, so much.” – Virtual Member Representative.

St. Joe’s Coffee in Scarborough

“Home of the Bennie” St. Joe’s has a great cup of coffee, but if you’re going to visit you have to get one of the beignets or “bennies” a delicious fried ball of dough covered in powdered sugar and ready to be dipped in delicious sauces (chocolates, blueberry, and maple cinnamon) – they’re so good you almost feel guilty eating it.

Café 64 at Old Orchard Beach

Maybe you don’t think of coffee when you think of the beach, but there’s something to be said for sipping a bit of caffeine as the ocean breeze rolls in and the gulls overhead try to steal people’s food. People love the Famous Ocean Park Cinnamon Bun; just make sure that if you buy one, you don’t take it down to the sands, or you’ll become really popular with the birds. Who wouldn’t want a bite?

Home

You don't need a rocket scientist's setup or coffee beans that capuchin monkeys touched to make a decent cup of coffee. Sometimes, your best option is to make something at home and save yourself a trip before work, as well as a little money. It's important to be mindful of your recurring expenses, and sometimes, buying coffee out should be considered a treat. Just think, if you spend $3 a day on coffee that's $15 per work week, and up to $60 a month. $3 might not seem like a lot, but $60 is, and maybe it makes more sense in your budget to put that money toward groceries or other expenses. 

We love highlighting local businesses and boosting our community, but always remember to keep your spending in mind. Need more tips on controlling your finances? Check out our recent blog – 8 Reliable Tips to Weed Out Bad Financial Habits.

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Each individual's financial situation is unique and readers are encouraged to contact the Credit Union when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.