user
Arabica Coffee House
2 Free St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
Appearance
Arabica Coffee House
Comments
Ka
Review №1

I was taking a walk downtown and stumbled upon this shop. I though the window, and it looked so pretty that I had to stop inside. I didn’t get coffee, but I did get a Sparkling Maple Lemonade. Delicious wouldn’t give credit to how good and refreshing this drink was! I love the environment and can’t wait to go back on my next visit to Portland.

Ry
Review №2

One of the best coffee shops in Portland! I usually visit every time I’m in the area! Highly recommend to anyone

Ad
Review №3

I stumbled on this place on my drive home to DC from Maine. The coffee (Tanzanian medium roast) was outstanding. I bought some beans to take with me. The ambiance was really pleasant. I will definitely go out of my way to return one day.

Ga
Review №4

Had a delicious cortado and read a chapter of my book. Awesome chill spot.

J
Review №5

I absolutely loved their coffee. If I lived in Portland it would be the place I would go for cup of coffee.

na
Review №6

Such a cute place with super friendly baristas!!!

Hu
Review №7

Neat interiors and good coffee(they ask you if you want your coffee roasted dark or medium, which I liked)

Ma
Review №8

20/10 coffee. staff was really friendly, really great vibe. cant recommend it enough!

Ju
Review №9

Nice spot with great coffee. We enjoyed sitting at the counter by the front window and people watching!

Si
Review №10

Awesome place! Great coffee and comfy places to sit.

TS
Review №11

Great space... pleasant baristas, good coffee ☕.

Ia
Review №12

2 coffee au laits, fantastic late-afternoon caffeinated beverages for us.

Jo
Review №13

The milky way was delicious

De
Review №14

Since we found them on Free St 10 years ago we regularly stop for the best, deepest flavored cappuccino hands down. The taste and preparation is consistent, perfectly done; closest flavor to any I have enjoyed in Italy. Arabica is our go to home beans as well. We miss their cool, comfortable shop on Commercial but grateful and happy to trek on over to Free St again, their cappuccino and beans are so worth it.

Ka
Review №15

Cozy little spot and always great coffee. Lovely every time. Thank you!

Wi
Review №16

Always the best professional Espresso in town.And their baked goods by The Purple Whisk are fantastic!!

m
Review №17

Dont like that they hide their roasted date on coffee bean packages. I got one almost 2 months ago roasted and it already tastes sour after 2 days.

Gu
Review №18

Best coffee in Portland, and a cozy atmosphere

Ma
Review №19

Thank God for good coffee, almond milk AND Splenda. I am a creature of habit and finding a good americano has been nearly impossible in Portland. Also, I can’t seem to find Splenda and almond milk in the same place, but arabica has made me a happy tourist.My husband got the drip, a raspberry crumble and the kids shared a chocolate chip cookie. All were fantastic. What’s better then that? There were TOYS for the kids.Pros-Good for everyone from babies to retired people-toys! The kids played with wood blocks as my husband and I enjoyed our coffee-the employees were super friendly-good coffee. Really good. I am from seattle, home of some of the best coffee...and I was a happy girl.-super spacious interior. Lots of places to sit, and yet not crowded at all-WiFi passcode on the tableCons-we didn’t find it sooner :)

Review №20

The coffee was so cold when we asked to get a hot one. They were like we can’t make it our machine is not capable of making a hotter than this. But that was absolutely ridiculous because literally wasn’t hot. We got our refund

Ra
Review №21

Good coffee right in the middle of Downton, walk around and stop here to take a break, but it does have a strong smell as u enter

Am
Review №22

They were out of what I wanted to get initially, but the barista was super helpful and I ended up getting a new favorite drink! Would recommend this place 10/10

Ha
Review №23

This is a great spot if youre looking to get some work done or simply just want a cup of coffee. They make a mean cup of Joe and have a cozy spot in the back. My only complaint is that it is a bit narrow, but dont let this deter you from sticking around for a hot cozy beverage!

Ke
Review №24

Rude barista, was paying no attention to what he was doing and poured me the end of the pot of coffee, full of grounds.Asked for a straw (as I have arm injuries & am in a cast and its hard to drink from the cup) and all I got was rude remarks about how I shouldnt use straws.I used to go here, but there are plenty of better places in town for coffee

Wi
Review №25

Great coffee, cake and atmosphere

Ja
Review №26

Fun little cafe with a relaxing interior. Good place to people watch if you want to grab a cup and chill. The almond milk latte and dark roast coffee is delicious!

Na
Review №27

Great place for a good cup of coffee, to study, or meet up with a friend. The atmosphere is fabulous, service is friendly, and the coffee is fantastic. Worth trying if you are new to Portland or just stopping in for a visit!

Ka
Review №28

Service was remarkably terrible. There was only one person in front of me in line (who ordered two plain coffees that were dispensed from an urn on the counter) and it still took a full ten minutes to get my latte. (I walked in at 1:34 and out at 1:45) The three people working were gossiping, playing on their phones and completely ignoring the growing line. Ive never seen anyone move so slowly in my life.The flavor of the coffee was good, but it was lukewarm at best. Youd think that ten minutes would be long enough to steam the milk, but evidently not.

Mi
Review №29

Good coffee, limited selection this day. No real food options.

Sc
Review №30

Great cold brew, friendly service. not a ton of baked good options, though.

Je
Review №31

My favorite coffee shop in Portland. I love the window in front for people watching. There are also private tables the back for reading and working. The staff is always very friendly and welcoming. Arabica has a great selection of tea and the espresso drinks are exceptional. I would also recommend their biscuits and chewy chocolate granola bar if youre feeling peckish. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

He
Review №32

Great coffee

La
Review №33

This local coffee spot rocks. Great quiet seating for work or work meetings. The Yeo woman that often work during the week run circles around other coffee joints. Theyre fast and efficient. The brew is great too!!

Ka
Review №34

Lovely little establishment - affordable and friendly and exactly what you need when youre in town on business or want a place to study.

Be
Review №35

Visited Portland and felt in the mood for some coffee. This place is great and came back a second day since it was cold. Their great and easy to start a convo with. Everything’s clean and it’s a real niche place :]

Jo
Review №36

Good coffee

Ia
Review №37

Ive lived in Portland for 11 years and Ive only been here once. Sophisticated yet casual. 4 Stars.

gr
Review №38

Outstanding coffee here, especially their Maple Coffee. Its outstanding. Definitely worth your time and money to go here.

Za
Review №39

I would describe this place as fine. Coffee is fine, staff is fine, ambience is fine. Its a fine option. Are there better? Yes, not two blocks away actually but to each their own.

su
Review №40

Great lattes and amazing tea selections. They had a whole separate menu for teas. And they do this great program where if you buy their teas (which by the way come in small mason jars) you can refill them for a reduced price. You come back with the empty jar and they refill it. Less waste! Good place to sit and read as there is a lot of space. Friendly staff!

Pa
Review №41

Coffee is Always So Good... Unfortunately the barista making the coffee was busy on her phone. There was NO toilet paper in the bathroom and it was very dirty.

Ju
Review №42

The coffee at all of their locations is consistent good. From lattes to my new spring/summer go-to Nitro Cold Brew. The brew crew is always friendly and helpful.

ci
Review №43

Neat little coffee shop with a wide variety of special and different flavored coffee drinks to try. One of my daughters favorite places to get coffee. She love the mapled flavored one.👍

Ma
Review №44

Service was very poor :( coffee and atmosphere were okay

Ja
Review №45

Great coffee and an even better atmosphere. plants hanging from ceiling, and friendly staff make this place a great hangout spot kickback and drink some coffee

Pa
Review №46

Coffee was good, mom says if you like it strong. Bakery items(muffin, quiche etc) so so

Vi
Review №47

Best coffee in Portland, Maine! I used to hang out here and read hipster magazines and try to hit on straight guys. boy how times changed! now Im living in Portland, Oregon and going to coffee shops and hitting on straight guys. great location and space. 80% of the staff are sexy cool people, they might not be the nicest people in the world, but theyre pretty nice, and they can make a great all foam machiatto

Ja
Review №48

Awesome atmosphere, comfy seating. Highly recommend the maple latte!

Jo
Review №49

Caramel iced coffee was delicious! The decor was also pretty nice. Plenty of room.

Pa
Review №50

My favorite coffee shop in Portland. Very well laid out, spacious yet cozy, and great coffee! You must try their maple latte.

Cr
Review №51

In there right now and very disappointed. One the seating area in the back with the couch smells of urine. Second their Wifi isnt working and this wasnt made clear. Third the yogurt parfait had nearly no taste and was like eating a cold sponge. Please dont fall to Dunkin standards!

Da
Review №52

Amazing atmosphere and coffee their ice coffee is out of this world, I’m from Canada so this might be a US thing to have great coffee! The decor is industrial and loved the vibe! Friendly staff and fast wifi!5/5 would recommmend and come back

Ju
Review №53

If you appreciate good coffee this place is an excellent destination.

Ja
Review №54

Great coffee and and greater atmosphere. A great go-to for posting up with a laptop. Unlike Speckled Axs small intimate setting, Arabicas size gives you plenty of seating options, including a bar made of a large rustic slab of wood.

Ka
Review №55

Great ambiance! Excellent beverages. All around great

Sh
Review №56

Some of the best coffee and toast Ive ever consumed! This place is warm, friendly, and holds a place in my heart as the best locally-run coffee house in town!

Sa
Review №57

Bring a pair of headphones. I was trying to work on something, and the staff was being quite loud talking about topics loudly between each other about personal things. It wasnt anything bad, just loud. (Mainly one staff member) I am all for a fun workplace, but it really made me regret not bringing something to drown out the sound. It also seemed like one of the staff members was being trained. The coffee is also okay, so based upon coffee and experience 3/5. Ive had the coffee a few times, but have only stayed around in the shop twice.

SS
Review №58

I have to give the venue high rating for the property and its astonishing views, beautiful setting and not bad for music selection but the staffs some to be less knowledgeable of doing what they do(they experiences probably come from StarBucks), just saying. I ordered vanilla chai tea and it tasted like hot water covered with foam at the top. Thats the same sh***t Starbucks does.

Ke
Review №59

Adorable little coffee house! Great customer service and pleasurable coffee, while being in a modern atmosphere with city view.

Da
Review №60

Zero stars. Worst service ever experienced anywhere. 2 men working were extremely rude. Waited 15 minutes at front of counter no other customers before even took order, and I had to yell to them to see if they kindly take order. They must have been hungover and didnt want to work. Never going back. Process to get bathroom key was horrible. Dont go

Be
Review №61

Loved the atmosphere and my Iced Chai hit the spot!

Br
Review №62

This place is overpriced and takes way too long. I went in 15 minutes before my work shift, waited 10 and realized i wouldnt be able to get my order in. i went back on my break, it took me 25 minutes to get an iced coffee and a buttermilk biscut (which are premade).

Se
Review №63

Nice and cozy interior. Perfect Coffee. Cant just pass by. Best coffee ever.

Ho
Review №64

Awesome coffee and atmosphere! Awesome place to get some work done or just hang out!

Do
Review №65

I fell back in love. This was my go-to for a long time until they ruined their iced coffee. Went back in a couple weeks ago to give it another go and the coffee is back on point. Its good to be back home.

Mi
Review №66

Asked for a flat white which should be a easy ask, told that they knew what I wanted, proceed to offer half a cup of very hot bland coffee. Somewhat over rated for providing excellent coffee

Au
Review №67

Great atmosphere and great coffee. Can make whatever you ask, not just whats on the menu. Really enjoy spending time in here.

Ma
Review №68

Great coffee drinks, friendly service. Didnt try baked goodies but they looked good!

A
Review №69

The coffee was alright. No complaints on any food either. Theyre helpful to bicycle commuters because they have an air pump for customers.

Jo
Review №70

Wow. Just wow. Filthy countertops. Rude counter help. Walked in with my daughter for a quick coffee. Ignored for several minutes as female server chatted with male server. Once my order was taken (crappy stale coffee too.) I said Thank you and again was ignored by counter help. Said thank you again and got a sarcastic, snarky You are welcome. Complete with eye roll.Shop local? Not with crappy coffee, crappy service and filthy establishments like Arabica Coffee house.

Dr
Review №71

By the far one of my favorite coffee houses in all of Portland. Very small, but the have some great coffee.

ra
Review №72

The coffee is hot and tasty, the staff is friendly, but lets face facts, the real star here is the artisan toast! Always buttery munchy crunchy soft!

Ja
Review №73

The best cappuccino in Portland. Friendly baristas, the kind of place where they know your name and what your hot beverage of choice is. Indoor seating right now.

Ad
Review №74

Liked the coffee and the local art!

An
Review №75

Great Coffee. Fun place to hang out. Great windows.

Li
Review №76

I love the coffee. It has a very relaxed atmosphere.

St
Review №77

Great lattes. Soy milk is available, too, if you need it. Very nice relaxing atmosphere.

Ly
Review №78

Great little place. The coffee and teas were delicious.

Ja
Review №79

Got me hooked on Vanilla moo. I cant get enough of it! Not only is it a nice relaxing place with a great atmosphere but all of the staff is great!

Be
Review №80

Great ambience with fun paintings on the walls. Friendly staff, and good things to eat.

Ju
Review №81

This place is really chill and the people that work here are SO nice! 10/10

Ji
Review №82

Best coffee Ive had in a while. Highly recommend the Ethiopia pour over.

Jo
Review №83

Great coffee, friendly employees, cool vibe. Would go again!

Ma
Review №84

Good coffees, very friendly service. Nice place.

Ka
Review №85

Downtown spot for well crafted specialty coffee drinks and a good ol’ cup of joe. Friendly staff & very popular with the surrounding office workers and locals. A longtime Portland institution.

Ga
Review №86

Good coffee and reliable WiFi

Ni
Review №87

Been going here for years since they were a few doors down from their current location. Wonderful coffee and bagels. Try the toast heels!

Ej
Review №88

Carmel latte..was sooo good...and the service gteat as always..

Ji
Review №89

Great coffee and tea selection and great atmosphere. Location in town is great

Ch
Review №90

Good service, good coffee, and a decent amount of seating. Can get a bit crowded at times.

Jo
Review №91

Ok but nothing Id go back for. Kinda pricey

sh
Review №92

The service here is always excellent!

Da
Review №93

Welcoming Atmosphere and quiet enough to have a quick business meeting over coffee. Convenient to downtown offices.

Th
Review №94

Very good coffee. The staff was very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Sa
Review №95

Good coffee good atmosphere good food

Cl
Review №96

Great coffee, nice atmosphere, so-so pastries

Di
Review №97

My latte was so delicious!Worth the price.

La
Review №98

Good coffees and Lattes and Pastries Good Service

Mi
Review №99

Coffee was excellent. Very prompt about closing time.

Sr
Review №100

Cute place with tons of good coffee and chai.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.4 Rating
  • Address:2 Free St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
  • Site:http://arabicacoffee.me/
  • Phone:+1 207-899-1833
Categories
  • Coffee shop
  • Restaurant
Working hours
  • Monday:8AM–3PM
  • Tuesday:8AM–3PM
  • Wednesday:8AM–3PM
  • Thursday:8AM–3PM
  • Friday:8AM–5PM
  • Saturday:8AM–5PM
  • Sunday:8AM–3PM
Service options
  • Takeout:Yes
  • Delivery:No
  • Dine-in:No
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great coffee:Yes
  • Great tea selection:Yes
Popular for
  • Solo dining:Yes
  • Good for working on laptop:Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
  • Quick bite:Yes
Dining options
  • Dessert:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cozy:Yes
Crowd
  • College students:Yes
  • Tourists:Yes
Similar organizations