New Portland, Maine Coffee Shop Pairs Fresh Coffee With Biscuit Sandwiches

Portland’s coffee and bakery scene just keeps getting better, and Mourning Cloak on Washington Street is the latest example. They had their soft opening recently, and by all accounts it went really well, big turnout, lots of buzz, and the kind of energy that makes it feel like they’ve already found their place in the neighborhood.

What Will They Offer?

Right now, they’re offering a preview of what’s to come, but it’s already hitting. Think bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches on fresh homemade biscuits, plus muffins and big, thick cookies. And honestly, who doesn’t want a cookie at 8 a.m.? It’s that kind of spot, casual, a little indulgent, and very easy to become a regular at.

They’re taking a few days to fine-tune things (including getting the espresso program fully up and running) before reopening on May 1, but the direction is clear. The goal is a more deeply seasonal menu, built around relationships with local farmers, foragers, and ranchers, with more options, like lunch and expanded coffee and tea, coming soon.

One of the more interesting parts is their small urban garden setup, less than an acre right in Portland, which they’re hoping to really develop. The idea is simple: bring the freshest, most local ingredients possible into what they’re making. It still feels new, but it’s already clear Mourning Cloak is going to be part of the city’s growing food scene.