Cote’s Portland Café

1 Portland Sq, Portland, ME 04101, United States
+1 207-536-0243
$$$ Cafe
(42 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Discover the charming warmth of Cote’s Portland Café, nestled in the heart of Portland, Maine, at 1 Portland Sq. This delightful café is the perfect haven for food lovers and coffee aficionados alike, showcasing a blend of fresh, local ingredients and creative culinary execution.

As you step into Cote’s, the inviting ambiance envelops you with a delightful blend of aromas wafting from the kitchen. The menu boasts a variety of offerings, but their burritos stand out as a must-try. Imagine savoring a Pork Burrito enveloped in a warm tortilla, generously filled with black beans, cilantro-lime jasmine rice, crisp lettuce, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh garden salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. For a lighter option, the Veggie Burrito features roasted corn, sautéed peppers, and onions, delivering a vibrant, fresh taste with every bite.

But that’s not all—guests can indulge in uniquely crafted sandwiches as well, like a scrumptious BLT, highlighted for its crispy bacon, and a variety of grilled cheeses that have patrons raving. Think of the French Onion Grilled Cheese that perfectly captures comfort and nostalgia in each bite, embodying a flavor profile that’s hard to find elsewhere. Add to that their renowned Tomato Bisque paired with a delightful biscuit, and your lunch becomes an unforgettable experience.

Customer testimonials highlight the immense satisfaction that Cote’s Café has provided to many, reflecting not just on the delicious fare but also on the genuinely welcoming staff. For instance, one patron, Amy Doyon, lauds Cote’s as “the perfect lunch spot” while noting the staff's outstanding service, effortlessly enhancing the overall experience. Denise Gan enthusiastically mentions the absence of microwave bacon, confirming the café's commitment to quality twists on classic favorites.

The service at Cote’s is always noted for its friendliness—Kristine Donatelli even appreciated a complimentary cookie she received on her visit, a small token that encapsulates the café's community spirit. Whether you're visiting for a quick breakfast to fuel your day or a leisurely lunch, you’ll find a supportive team that enhances your dining adventure.

Not only is Cote’s Portland Café a wonderful culinary spot, but it also serves as a cozy retreat for those exploring Portland's Old Port region. Nearby, you’ll find local boutiques and cultural landmarks, making it an ideal pit stop during your exploration. With each visit, you're invited to enjoy quality food, heartwarming service, and a piece of Portland’s vibrant dining scene. Stop by and let Cote’s become your new favorite local escape!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Tuesday

7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Wednesday

7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Thursday

7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Friday

7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

42 Reviews
Amy Doyon

12 Sep 2025

Perfect lunch spot! The staff is amazing, and when they go above and beyond it makes them even more amazing. Highly recommend.

Denise Gan

01 Sep 2025

Just popped into this cafe for an early lunch and heck yeah, they deliver on a really good fresh sandwich. I had the BLT (no microwave bacon here!) with perfectly crisp bacon and just the right amount of crunch and toastiness to the bread. Tomato bisque was solid for a warm soup on a cool day, but that biscuit it comes with is the bomb dot com for biscuits. Really friendly service as the cherry on top. Highly rec this place for an affordable quick lunch option.

Jennifer Halloran

31 Aug 2025

I had lunch at Cote’s during a visit to Portland and fell in love with this place. The food is delicious and the staff are so helpful and kind. I had the curry chicken salad and it was perfectly seasoned. My husband had the tuna melt and it was delicious. Don’t miss the homemade bread for the sandwiches and the pastries. We split a strawberry muffin that they toasted on the grill. Yum!

Casey Skovira

30 Aug 2025

I've been working upstairs from Cote's for a year and a half and had only heard wonderful things about them, so I had been looking forward to trying them out for the first time. HOLY COW. This sandwich was SO good that I immediately had to come here to write a review. This was a chicken Caesar salad on their honey wheat bread (custom order placed online). I can't get over how delicious this was. I could eat 6 more, but I guess I'll have to wait until next week. Don't hesitate to get to Cote's, the price is right for the gigantic, wonderful sandwich you get out of it!

Kristine Donatelli

26 Aug 2025

Absolutely love their french onion grilled cheese! Nothing else like it around here. The employees are always super kind and friendly. They gave me a free cookie for coming in their first week back open after being closed. Highly recommend Cotes for lunch! :)

Chris Slesarchik

02 Jul 2025

Great spot to grab lunch. Unique sandwich options as well as classics, soups, and salads. Tried an adventurous grilled cheese special and was amazed at how good it was! Cookies are excellent, too. Prices are great for what you get and service was friendly even through they were very busy at lunch time on a weekday.

Kettric Risbara

26 Jun 2025

Lovely spot for morning food if you’re in the old port. Food is hot fresh and delicious. Staff are super friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend

Scott Meyer

05 Jun 2025

Tried a new place for eats in Portland in-between jobs and found Cote's Café in the 1 Portland Square building. They had decent reviews for their breakfast sandwiches. I opted for a burrito. Which comes standard with fresh tomatoes, home fries, a choice of salsas, and various meats (or alternatives) to pick from. The burrito alone would bring me back anyways, but they also serve Coffee By Design, AND the staff was really friendly and all thanked me for visiting. So that gets a positive review

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