Lil's Cafe

I will drive to the earth’s end to have this cruller ANY DAY. The maple or original glaze are amazing. It’s so light and fluffy but flavorful and quite literally the best donut I’ve ever had. You’ll never forget your first bite. The bagels are incredibly light and flavorful too!! Best ever.

Amazing crullers. Heard this place was known for having the best crullers in Maine, so we made a small detour to check it out. The café was packed when we showed up on a Sunday around noon, but the pastry case was still fully stocked. We picked up the maple, cinnamon, and classic crullers, plus a huge jelly donut. I’ve only recently started getting into crullers, but these were the closest I’ve had to my all-time favorites from Daily Provisions. Crisp exterior, soft and custardy inside, almost like a cannelé. The crunch wasn’t quite as tight as DP’s, but still really good. Our favorites were the cinnamon and the classic. The only thing we didn’t like was the jelly donut, which was dense and a bit dry, but overall the stop was absolutely worth the detour.

Updated Jan 11, 2026 : I’m so happy to share that Lil’s is officially back to its usual, exceptional standards. My recent visit confirmed that the quality I once feared lost has been fully restored. The croissants are once again a masterclass in texture and flavor—boasting a perfectly golden, flaky exterior, a moist interior, and that superb buttery taste I have always loved. It is clear that the owners listened to feedback and took deliberate steps to perfect their technique. Though I arrived before 8:00 AM and had to wait for the butter croissants to finish baking, the result was well worth the delay. There is no substitute for perfection, and I am happy to say that Lil’s has reclaimed its rightful place at the pinnacle of Maine’s artisanal baking. Original review : Lil’s has long been my gold standard for croissants in New England. Since discovering this gem three years ago, I have found that their pastries consistently outperform the high-profile French chains in culinary hubs like NYC, Boston, and Los Angeles. While I haven’t yet visited France myself, well-traveled friends have noted that Lil’s even surpasses the boulangeries of Paris. It has become a personal tradition of mine to share these pastries with visiting family as a proud representation of Maine’s culinary excellence. However, I feel compelled to deduct two stars this time due to my most recent experiences in December. Over my last two orders, I have noticed a disappointing shift in quality; the croissants have lacked that signature fragrant, buttery aroma and have felt uncharacteristically dry. Furthermore, the bake was inconsistent, missing that quintessential delicate flakiness I’ve come to expect. I sincerely hope Lil’s will return to its usual standards, as it would be a shame to lose the quality that made this bakery so special.

Cool spot with plenty of space. Lots of vintage Maine-themed decor. I enjoyed the crullers! I tried a blueberry and a maple dipped. Iced latte was pretty good. They have lots of house made syrups.

I stopped here as the last stop of my trip in Maine and I wish it had been my first so I could have come more. All the baked goods looked amazing. I had the regular cruller which was the best donut I've ever had, and the bacon egg biscuit. The biscuit was incredible, and the egg was unique and perfect texture for the sandwich. Coffee was good too, lots of local parking.

A clear neighborhood favorite, Lil’s Cafe did not disappoint! We their classic cruller (St. Patrick’s day edition), everything bagel with cream cheese, and their yogurt parfait with their house made granola. Everything we had was absolutely delicious, including our coffees. Their location is wonderful and it’s just a lovely place to go on a beautiful morning. Highly recommend!

This place is fantastic. They have unique creations and also do the basics better than anyone else! Never thought I’d say this, but their plain bagel is fire. I had a maple cruller that was amazing. The pepperoni focaccia pizza and chai tea latte were also equally amazing!

The best crueller donut I have ever had! Texture was out of this world. Outside is slightly crunchy and soft to bite and inside is cream like texture that melts in your mouth. I will definitely come back!

This was the perfect spot to stop for coffee for my wife and I! Everything about it makes me think it is a popular local cafe with lots of regulars but sure it gets packed with tourists during the summer as well. We got in the back of a decent size line but the staff were making it feel like no wait at all! Lots of indoor and outdoor seating available so even if busy no worries. Their house made syrups in the cold brew tasted fantastic! My wife got their toasted cinnamon and I tried the mocha. I'll give the slight edge to toasted cinnamon. Hearing and seeing so much about their house made crullers piqued our interest and it being fall meant we needed to try the pumpkin spice version. It was straight perfection with such a light and airy feeling to it and it packed so much flavor into every bite! I have not had crullers in quite some time but I can't remember a time I have had one this good! The incredible taste of this alone would make a return trip worth it! Need to try the regular one and future seasonal flavors! A great spot to start off your day with a hot or iced beverage and a tasty pastry!

Lil Cafe in Kittery is a cute spot that closes early, but trust me, it's worth getting there on time for their amazing crullers and service! They make the French version of the cruller instead of potato ones, and it's incredibly soft and airy inside. We loved them so much that we ended up taking half a dozen to go. The apple cider flavor was a standout! The interior of the cafe is also unique, with a record store set up in the old bank vault. It's a cool idea, and it makes for a laid-back atmosphere where we can enjoy their coffee while browsing records!

Roasted: love the little downtown area of Kittery ME. Super cute coffee shop and very busy for a Sunday morning. Great selection of bakery items, bagels and good breakfast options. They offer a handful of house made syrups as well. They have good seating both inside and outside. Line moved fast - they were friendly enough. I feel I have to reset my expectations of friendly nowadays but they were not engaging at all barely saying hello or thank you. We were able to get out food for here but they don't offer for here mugs. I love a good rich espresso but was very disappointed when my mocha came out with a very light roasted espresso instead. It creates a sourly taste that just ruins the drink in my opinion. If you like that super light roast as your espresso - this might be the place for you. Unfortunately this isn't a drink I'd come back and get again. Overall good experience but I need a good latte. Unroasted: beautifully placed coffee shop in a cute small town. These are the small gems I love. As you walk you are greeted with a warm smell of fresh bread and lots of smiles. This was place was busy when we arrived so you have to get in line. The line is in front of all the pastry items so you can see first hand what to get. The staff were friendly but busy. No sugar free options available and only house syrups. Got my usual vanilla latte and noticed it too green for my liking. Vanilla flavor was not very sweet which is nice. I would recommend any of the pastries the everything bagel was the best I've had.

The egg sandwich in a fluffy biscuit , maple crullers, croissants- everything was delicious! Service for food is quick but the specialty coffee line will take time.z. Cute cafe in a cute square with seating inside and out. It is a fun buzzy place for eating

Neighborhood cafe, delicious food, homemade crullers are popular and come in a variety of flavors. Indoor and outdoor seating, gets crowded but the staff keeps the line moving! Fun ambience, local crowd, side street parking.

Love local business and loved the food. Great bagels, etc! Couldn't try more the day I was there but my eyes saw the wonderful bread choices! I will be back.

Yummy sweet treats. Drive from Boston to Maine just to visit this place. Had coffee, cruller, bagel with avocado and a sausage and jalapeño bread with cheese.

Without a doubt it's a must try! Super cute spot! We come every time we visit Portsmouth. Crullers are the BEST donut you will ever have! We've tried every from the sausage egg biscuit, pizza, sandwiches, southwestern wrap, soup, and everything is phenomenal!

My husband and I stopped by Lil's in Kittery, Maine, and I could tell it's a very popular spot among Kittery locals. It's is a cozy spot with an inviting atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating, with a beautiful spread of freshly baked breads and pastries. I ordered a vanilla latte and a raspberry cream cheese danish, and both were absolutely delightful. If you're in the area, Lil's is definitely worth a visit for its quality offerings and charming ambiance!

Bagel sandwich was delicious! A little pricy but everything was fresh. Very cute atmosphere as well!

We've been traveling for 2 weeks in New England and happened upon this shop simply because they offer housemade syrups. That was my initial focus, but I was so delighted to see all this shop has to offer! Everything is made in-house, and the pastries and breads looked amazing. Such a charming little neighborhood that it made this not a coffee stop, but an experience. Appreciated the wonderful greeting and helpful people behind the counter as well. Thank you!

Omg this is one of the best bakeries I have ever had the pleasure of eating at. Service was friendly, a bit slow but I wasn't in a rush. Drinks were good, but the baked goods are out of this world! Rosemary-sea salt bagel, the maple crawler, the baguette were all phenomenal

Live Lil's donuts. And avacado toast, and cruffins. And breakfast sandwiches. And coffee...

Hot and ready, but in the beautiful and delicious way. Premade sandwiches that far far outclassed any bakery I have been to my entire existence. I couldn't believe their breads that were baked with absolute precision. I would think they must have awards because I couldn't handle the thought of them being unrecognized. Well done lils all the way up here.

I found Lil's on Yelp. I had high hopes because it was so raved about. We drove about 30 minutes to get there. My husband and I both ordered a bacon, egg and cheese on and Everything bagel. We were told they only come on biscuits. I'm not really a biscuit fan. But, I said okay I will take one and my husband ordered the Ham and Gruyere Croissant. As I am paying for my food someone comes out of the kitchen with the BEC Biscuits on a tray wrapped in foil and dumps them in a drawer. I immediately cancelled the BEC Biscuit. I don't want a premade breakfast. The Swiss and Gruyere Croissant was delicious though!! I got a few crullers to go before we left. They were okay. I can only describe them as wet! I know crullers have a moist inside but these were wet on the outside as well.

Come for the Cruller, stay for the biscuits! This was a great breakfast spot. Crowded, but lines moved quick. Hit this spot twice while we were in Maine, and did not disappoint.

I have been visiting up here for a couple weeks. When I visit, I like to experience new places and things. I had heard the cruellers at Lil's were the best! And they are! Such a light, airy pastry that truly does melt in your mouth! This is my 2nd visit! I love the maple! It isn't heavy on the stomach not is it sickeningly sweet. It is the most perfect crueller ever!! Thank you! Special shout out to the young lady who loves her wolves! Great service! Will I return? Yes! Each and every time!

Such a little cute cafe!! My husband and I came here for the first time while we were visiting the area and I'm so glad we came here. I was hesitate when I arrived because the line was so long but it definitely moved fast and efficiently. We ordered a matcha latte, biscuit breakfast sandwich, and avocado toast. The biscuit sandwich was already pre prepared and was handed to us at the register. My husband said it was the best tasting biscuit sandwich he's ever had! My avocado toast was excellent. I loved the little seeds they added on top to add some texture. My matcha was really good quality. Would definitely come back when were are in the area!

After visiting their sister cafe, The Islander, in Portsmouth, I decided to take the drive to Lil's, and boy was it worth it! This is now one of my favorite cafes of all time! I was having a crisis at the counter trying to figure out what to order because every single thing looked so good. I ended up ordering a blueberry cruller, and glazed cruller, and pepperoni focaccia pizza, and a blueberry latte. Random combo, but SO delicious. One interesting thing I learned is that all of their coffee syrups are homemade! And the blueberry pie latte was delicious- not too sweet. The line was exceptionally long to order (30 minutes), but it was probably just because it was the 4th of July weekend. I'd recommend getting there early to avoid the lines.

If I could give Lil's more than 5 stars, i absolutely would! Their cappuccino is perfection in a cup, hot Anericano was so good as well. The crullers are fresh and perfect and I won't even talk about the almond croissant.... but you should definitely get the almond croissant! Their bread looked amazing as well and I definitely wish we made a stop on the way back home to stock up on more of their delicious baked goods.

The Lemon Lavender Crueller is absolutely the best donut I've ever had the pleasure of eating in my entire life. EVER. It showcased a pillowy interior that melted in my mouth. The flavors were complex and not cloyingly sweet. I'm kicking myself for just ordering one. The Italian on Focaccia was not at the same level. Since it was a premade sando, the focaccia was unfortunately quite soggy and dense. I'll stick to pastries and baked goods moving forward, and definitely try another crueller or two (or six!).

The service is always so kind and helpful. Only have had the teas and pastries here but am always so pleased with what I order.

Right when I walked through the door, I felt right at home. The ambiance is so cozy and there are a few tables for you to set up shop at and meet with someone or get work done. They had a mountain of pastries on display when I went in on Friday morning. I ended up with the classic cruller and a croissant. Staff was friendly, but I did experience a bit of sticker shock at check out (the two items ended up at just under $10). The croissant was wonderfully crunchy on the outside, but when I sliced into it, the lamination was disappointing. There wasn't a spider web design, but a very large hole. I still enjoyed the crunch accompanied with the buttery inside though. The cruller was also good, but felt a little heavy. I would go back for the ambiance and to try other items, but for the price, I was expecting a bit more lamination in the pastry.

This has it all. Really good bagels and great bread. Nice vibe and helpful servers. I would definitely go back

I came for the famed crullers, stayed for the delicious coffee and pastries! So far, all of the baked goods have been a hit, and I enjoy the large (and changing) selection. The vibe is great, and I can't wait for them to open the outdoor seating when it's warm. This is rapidly becoming my family's favorite Sunday morning spot!

I have been to Lil's once and it was a solid experience. 10 Stars for the crullers. Best I have ever tasted. They are finally the ones that have been able to convince me that crullers are good and they are something I do love! The different flavors go from basic cinnamon sugar to fancy fruity coconut...at the center of it all is a high quality cruller. The parts I didn't enjoy as much... The building was fairly small or it least it felt that way on a Saturday morning. Literally people were bumping into one another or brushing up against others trying to navigate their way through the line and out the door. I'm sure some won't mind it, but I definitely have a personal space need. With that being said, the crullers are worth dealing with the crowd if you are in the area. Also by the way, it's crowded - that's a good thing, it says a lot about the quality of the food they sell. The staff was very hurried to move people through which is fine and they were moving people through quickly. Other than that, I don't remember being greeted or thanked because it was a bit chaotic. I do remember paying. LOL With that being all said, I do hope to be able to enjoy one of their delicious crullers sooner rather than later.

Amazing food. fluffy biscuit and egg. just moved here and great first impression. maple cruller melts in your mouth. cold brew was strong and good. Will definitely be coming regularly.

We came in a Sunday morning around 11, not realizing how busy it would be. The line snaked around the cafe but it moved fairly quickly and we had our food and drinks in hand in under 20 minutes. The staff was friendly and the interior was cute. We ordered a maple cruller, a raspberry bar, a pepperoni pizza, americanos, and breakfast sandwiches. Everything there was AMAZING!!! The maple cruller was still warm from the oven, and eggs in the sandwiches were fluffy, the raspberry bar was the perfect amount of sweet and ever so slightly salty, *chef's kiss* well worth the wait! And the prices were reasonable.

Absolutely fabulous! We tried the veggie pizza and a variety of crullers, and everything was delicious! The lattes are also very good!

I came here for a meeting. Saw they have crullers and had to try one. They are so tasty I need to come here again just for the cruller. They have equal amount of tables indoors as outdoors. Parking is difficult to find even on a week day. I cannot imagine trying to find a spot to park during the high demand time of a weekend morning.

Cinnamon rolls are amazing! My latte was perfect. My husband had their quiche and loved it. Everything is delicious!

Not really a fan of sweets but the lavender crueller here, straight . Probably in my top 5 best donuts of all time. Also had the cruffin, rice crispy treat, banana crème brulee croissant, original crueller and turkey BLT. All solid but the lavender stole the show. Would fly to Kittery just for this donut every week but I'd like to keep my blood sugar right where it is.

I love the maple cruller so much and the ambiance is great staff is friendly and the fresh bread is my favorite

I come here every time I visit Maine. This is definitely the local coffee spot. Friendly staff, lots of different pastries, with an interior inspired by the building's former use as a bank. There's even a bank vault door.

Great coffe and crullers. Tucked away in Wallingford Square. It is open seating order at the counter. A breakfast/lunch/brunch place. Sandwiches too. Comfortable, clean, warm feeling place and hospitality. So glad we found this place when in Kittery. Crueler was fresh and delicious.

This place was amazing.. I wanted one of everything.. can't wait to go there on my next trip to the area

So first let me say--they made me a great extra dry cappuccino and let me tell you that is a rare thing. (I don't want to say especially in Maine. So.) I've long meant to try Lil's. It's a cute place with a surprising amount of seating and a variety of baked goods. I got a spinach and feta croissant which was perfect: I just got back from Spain and have been seeking an excellent croissant. Look no further, this is the one. The cruller was fresh and good--though I can't agree with the reviewer who said it's the best around. For me, St. Joe's holds the best donut prize and this did not beat the cinnamon ugly stick. However, they are gone by 10 am (earlier sometimes) at Joe's and you might like Lil's better. But the super dry cappuccino IS, in fact, the best around (or at least it was today). And the croissant, did I say? is perfect. Lil's is great. Good luck parking at rush time in tourist season though. This is the price you pay for a good place. Be patient.

There was a very long line when we visited (I'm assuming this is typical for a Saturday morning), but so worth the wait! Food and coffee was perfect.

While there are many great things here, it really is all about the Crullers. The classic is amazing, and more recently they have been adding new flavors to keep it exciting. So, they make a round cruller that has the texture of a popover on the inside, with just enough crunch on the outside. I could eat several in one sitting, but I control myself! They are that good. We have worked around other parts of the menu as well, breakfast is a delight as are the breads in the case, but for us, the cruller is just something we can't resist.

I have never written a review. This is that good. I haven't even finished my sandwich yet. This is that good. If you are gluten free - I cannot emphasize enough how good their gluten free bread is. I've now thought to go up and ask if this was definitely gluten free or if there could be a mistake on my order, three times now. This is that good. I came here based on another yelp review, so I am only Strongly reiterating what you've probably already read. I'm just saying, do yourself a favor, and come here. STAT. This is that good.

Ordered an egg & cheese on biscuit, americano and cruller. I quite literally think this was the best breakfast sandwich I've ever had. And trust me, I've had many a breakfast sandwich in my day. Not to mention the cruller: amazing. I had to grab another one before leaving, it was that good. Grabbed a seat at the window and journaled for a bit, all around was a lovely experience.

I don't know how I haven't reviewed this place yet. Sorry I don't have pics but the pics here and on Google suffice. This place is one of the two best bakeries in the Seacoast area. I love coming here on the weekends and getting my fix. Everything is phenomenal, the breads, the pastries, the coffee, the sandwiches. You MUST get at least one cruller. It's what they're known for. Probably the best donut type item I've ever had. They can get packed and sell out some times so the earlier the better.

Amazing pastries, bagels, biscuits and coffee !!!!! Believe the review score average. Opens earlier than other places too

The best cruellers! Absolutely delicious and a must try in the area! Only thing is, they are very busy so if you go on a weekend, go early as they run out!

After reading all the reviews for the crullers, I had to check it out. Admittedly, out of the numerous times I've been to Kittery, I had not checked out this cute lil square area--where Lil's is the last in the row. I popped in and out to try the original cruller, and I agree it was unlike any other cruller I've ever had! If I am in the area, I will definitely try to pop by and try another flavor--love the idea that they have seasonal cruller flavors, which adds another reason to stop by and check them out.

Good coffee and good service nice people. Cool location and atmosphere. But most of the food is pre made and pretty okay. We got matcha which was great and a good latte with blueberry flavor which was interesting.

Lils is truly one of the best cafes of all time. Their crullers are the BEST thing Ive ever eaten. I just came on here to say thank youuuuu to the amazing woman at the register--"Lil" herself--who went out of her way to make me a blueberry one today. Lil's is one of my essential stops when I'm home -- I HAVE to get a cruller every time, and while the plain ones of course are still incredible, its the flavored ones that I die for. The blueberry cruller I had today was literally the best one Ive ever had. It made my whole entire day. The average person wouldve just said "Nope we only have Plain today..." but not "Lil" ... she went above and beyond and thats just not something you see or get every day with most people anymore. Thank you so much "Lil," you are a gem

Thrilled to find this gem of a cafe a year or so ago. Competent/efficient service with a smile. Baked goods to die for - famous airy donut crullers are uniquely delicious! My oat latte perfectly poured each time. Sitting comfortably indoors during the cold along with outside options for warmer temps. An absolute definite visit every day when I'm in the area.

These pastries were well worth the 30 minute wait in line! Everyone on staff was friendly and patient with me as I asked numerous questions.... I will be back!