6 Cafés in Portland, Maine That Are Perfect for Working Remotely

Work remotely but looking to get out of the house? The couch is starting to feel more like a prison, your dog is giving you "play with me" stares all day long... yeah, we get it. Good news: Portland is packed with cafés that are perfect for setting up your laptop, sipping on something caffeinated, while sifting through your neverending unread emails.

Here are six local favorites where the Wi-Fi is strong and the vibes are chill.

1. The Proper Cup – 500 Forest Ave

Full of natural light, The Proper Cup feels more like a stylish living room than a café. The owners created this as a communal setting for residents that live off of Portland's peninsula. Comfy seating, good coffee, friendly baristas, and plenty of outlets to keep your devices charged.

2. Coffee By Design – 1 Diamond St

One of Portland’s original coffee roasters has been at it for over 30 years and they aren't just about the beans at Coffee By Design—it’s also a great remote work spot. The East Bayside location has that industrial-meets-cozy feel and plenty of seating.

3. Rigby Yard – 50 Wharf St

Part café, part bar, part restaurant—Rigby Yard is a hidden gem for remote work during the day. It’s quiet, well-lit, has plenty of seating, and yes, there’s coffee and cocktails depending on how your day’s going. A perfect place to work hard... and maybe play a little too.

4. Tandem Coffee + Bakery – 742 Congress St

Housed in an old gas station and fueled by their famous pastries, Tandem Coffee + Bakery is the place where caffeine and sweet treats collide. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s an awesome place to work. Another option is their Cafe + Roastery location at 122 Anderson St.

5. Arabica Coffee – 2 Free St

Arabica has been a go-to for years, and it still holds up. They've got the coffee, the Wi-Fi, and plenty of outlets. It’s a great spot where you can sip and knock out your to-do list in a laid back atmosphere.

6. Speckled Ax – 567 Congress St / 18 Thames St / 135 Walton St. 

Matt Bolinder's mission when he opened Speckled AX in 2012 was to roast world-class coffee while supporting the farmers who grow it. If you’re a coffee snob and want a good spot to get your to-do list done, Speckled Ax could be your new remote work spot. The wood-roasted coffee is fantastic.