Speckled Ax — Restaurant in Portland

I have previously tried the Congress street location a few times and have always left rather underwhelmed.

I wanted to try the new (it seems new and is new to me) location by the water. I purchased a cortado today and again have left underwhelmed. The espresso is overpowering. It’s got notes of nut and chocolate however it leaves you with a bit of an overwhelming smoky ness (much like Peet’s for those other folks from the Bay Area). The milk was burnt and scalding and lacked the texture of a nice microfoam. All in all it lacked the craft that I would expect.

With more craft and skill from behind the machine I think it could be much improved.

The interior is absolutely stunning and it will be a FANTASTIC place to hang in the after times. They have beer in a fridge. I’m not sure if one would be allowed to consume inside at a later point. That would be a huge win.

I’d be happy to improve my rating if their espresso improves. I’ll continue to try their cortados on a...

I really want to like this place… But no Wifi, AND no signal, but I step across the street and my phone works? I could not use my laptop or get any internet or even a signal on my phone to go to Google. Very sad because the atmosphere is cute and it would be nice to be able to sit and work for a couple of hours. But I guess I’ll go to any of the other cafes in town… Because they actually have wifi.

Food was okay, the pop tart was hard and there was no offer to warm it at all. The caramel latte tasted burnt and like there was no caramel at all.

Sad to say that although it is a cute space that is well decorated, it’s not worth the badly burnt espresso, hardened pastries, or lack of literally any kind of capable working internet connection. :( Disappointed because I want to like it....

The coffeeshop equivalent of the DMV. More concerned with process and which door you enter and exit rather than with quality of coffee and customer service. Very smug, cold, and unwelcoming. Tragic waste of a brand new prime location and space. Only coffeeshop that doesn't let customers sit inside, how will that work in the Maine winters or when it rains? They even took away the outdoor seating they briefly had. Weird hours, closes too early, especially on the weekends. Coffeeshops are supposed to be a welcome place for the community to come together, relax, and enjoy quality beverages and bites. Plenty of other coffeeshops nearby that actually treat customers with dignity, let them sit inside, and have better...