Tandem Coffee + Bakery
If you're ever in Portland, ME, and craving a cozy spot with delicious treats, Tandem Coffee + Bakery should be on your list. Located at 742 Congress St, this local gem serves up a perfect blend of great coffee and freshly baked pastries in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
The vibe at Tandem is just right – not too quiet, but with enough buzz to make it feel lively. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy your morning coffee while catching up with friends or working on your laptop. Plus, if you're bringing the little ones along, you'll be glad to know that the restaurant is family-friendly, and dogs are welcome, too. There’s also outdoor seating, perfect for those sunny Portland days.
When it comes to the menu, Tandem doesn’t disappoint. Whether you're a fan of savory or sweet, there's something for everyone. Their Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies are a crowd favorite, offering the perfect mix of sweet and salty. For something a bit more decadent, don’t miss the Sticky Buns – a gooey, cinnamon delight that’s hard to resist. If you're in the mood for something light, the Banana Bread Slice is a must-try, with just the right amount of moisture and sweetness.
Another dish you won’t want to skip is their Biscuit, which is flaky, buttery, and comforting, making it a great option for breakfast or a snack. Pair it with a cup of their rich, locally sourced coffee for a truly satisfying experience.
So, whether you're a coffee aficionado or a pastry lover, Tandem Coffee + Bakery offers the perfect combination of high-quality coffee, delicious baked goods, and a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. It’s a spot where you can kick back and enjoy Portland’s vibrant local scene – all while savoring some of the best pastries around!
Reviews
You HAVE to try the breakfast sandwich! Simple but OH SO TASTY. There's a nice chipotle aioli-type sauce that I honestly wanted to drown myself in. The biscuits there are so good, highly recommend trying a few things. You won't be disappointed!
I cannot stress how important it is to get there early in order to get their food. I also cannot stress how good their biscuits are. Okay, my favorite biscuit is one made with kimchi and black sesame seeds, but other, tamer biscuits are just as good. The egg sandwiches are out of this world, as are the rotating cookies on the menu. I suggest getting two different biscuits and trying both--the same with the sweets. They are just that special. I would eat there every day if I lived closer!
Please open up a store in north New Jersey! The coffee, the treats, the sandwiches... stop, I'm in love. I just had to grab a bag of coffee to bring back with me. This place exudes care, quality, and excellence. I absolutely loved the rhubarb scone. My partner teared up eating the cinnamon roll lmao. It was so good! The sausage egg and cheese on a biscuit was equally exceptional. Nice touch with the maldon salt on top. Can't waaait to come back. Thanks for the food and good vibes!
Wow, I have come here twice and honestly between coffee design and this place. These are my top two coffee shops in Portland, Maine for sure this place has one of the most unique desserts that I've seen at a coffee shop, but they're all so good. I had the biscuit With the cream cheese and strawberry filling, and then I had the kimchi scone, which was also very delicious and very unique. The long lines in the fast service before itself there's a reason why this coffee shop is so popular.
I'd give this place six stars if I could. Tandem simply can do no wrong. After trying out all sorts of bakeries and coffee shops in Portland, Tandem still comes out on top as the very best. They have annoyingly limited hours, but I highly recommend making the trek. Their jalapeno-cheddar scones are to die for: they're spicy and zingy and fluffy and delicious. Their ginger molasses cookies are delightfully spiced and flawlessly textured -- crisp on the outside, caramelized on the edges, and chewy on the inside. I also ordered a batch of their apple cider scones for Thanksgiving, which were a tad too tangy for my taste, but still flavorful and excellent. I also had one of the best cake slices of my life here, which I think was a rotating special. I don't remember what it was called, but it consisted of an airy chocolate sponge, a whipped chocolate frosting, and some kind of brittle on top that was divine. (Tandem: please message me if you know what I'm talking about and ever offer this cake again and I will drop everything and come running!) I love the exterior of the Congress Street location -- it used to be a car wash, so has a retro, diner-y feel. There's very limited seating inside, and it's usually super crowded, so I typically order to-go and enjoy my Tandem elsewhere. All to say: drop everything and go! Order anything that looks good to you, and you can't go wrong. I can't wait to be back!