Ugly Duckling Maine

This is a cool little spot. I would not normally pay $12 for a breakfast sandwich, but if you are going to, this is the place to go for it. Everything was fresh, house made English muffins and I am willing to bet the sausage was also. This was an exceptional sandwich. The inside was very nicely done, I did take out but I really liked the setup with the horseshoe bar. Definitely worth trying it out!

I have nothing but great things to say about the Ugly Duckling! The staff is incredibly friendly, the ambience is modern, but cozy, and the food is exceptional! Most recently, my boyfriend and I had the tried-and-true No. 2, croque madame, a brownie cream puff, and lattes - all highly recommended. We’ll regularly grab English muffins to-go as they’re the absolute best around. Sometimes there is a bit of a wait, but be patient because it’s 100% worth it!

Was passing through Portland and came across this breakfast gem! Ugly Duckling has a modern, trendy vibe the moment you walk through the door. The place was bustling on a Sunday morning which is always a good sign. I ordered the Como Se Dice Buongiorno breakfast and a Bloody Mary. This was hands down the best breakfast sandwich I've ever ordered. A homemade English muffin, prosciutto, a fried egg, a hash brown, cheese, greens and an aioli were the perfect match! Companion had the Brioche French Toast (also with a Bloody Mary) and was equally impressed. Next trip to Portland, we'll be back!!!

We popped in for coffee and the vibe is very cool ! I got a maple iced latte and my friend got a maple berry pastry which looked delicious. I will be back another time for a meal or drinks ! Note: seems like it can get crowded quickly

Ugly Duckling should be a stop! Not going to lie- stopped in for the vibe & was blown away by the coffee. Funky, fun & such an amazing vibe here! Stopped in for coffee & enjoyed it so much! Really loved the neon aesthetic & decor. Staff was friendly. They made an amazing oat milk latte.

What a fun, cozy, and delicious spot to grab breakfast and coffee (and more!) in Portland. Definitely a local spot, with a clientele from young families and singles working on computers. I was there for breakfast and coffee with my parents and were comfy at a corner table. Amazing breakfast sandwiches on their homemade English muffins! Highly recommend this lovely spot!

Cute coffee shop with house-made English muffins and pastries. I had a breakfast sandwich, almond cake, and a salted honey latte. All items were delicious and the service was excellent - very friendly! The steak and cheese breakfast sandwich I ordered was big and flavorful, and the English muffin that contained it was soft and a little buttery. The atmosphere is fun and a little eclectic. Glad I stopped in!

The Ugly Duckling Maine delivers satisfying food with well-prepared dishes that stand out. While the service was adequate, it lacked the attentiveness expected at this price point. The atmosphere, though comfortable, didn’t leave a lasting impression. Overall, it was a decent experience, but there’s room for improvement in service and ambiance.

Super chill spot! Food was great! The drink was amazing! Service was good. Food: I had the Salmon Sammy. It was so delicious! The rosey drink was bomb! It was strong and delicious, just how I like it. Over all experience was amazing and great!

Recommended: Yes, for a fun, unique breakfast spot for adultwith indulgent comfort food. Overall: A cool, busy spot for big, flavorful breakfast sandwiches, though not ideal for families with young kids. Snapshot: Food: 4/5 Drink: 4/5 Vibe: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Value: 4/5 ‍‍ Family-Friendly: 2/5 Highlights: Perfect For: A fun, indulgent breakfast with big, hearty sandwiches Don't Miss: The amazing English muffins and creative breakfast options Bonus Tip: Definitely try the "Big Mac" inspired sandwich if you're in the mood for something extra indulgent All The Details: The Ugly Duckling in Portland is definitely a unique breakfast spot, though it leans more towards being a bar than a traditional breakfast place. It's a small space with a horseshoe bar and a few scattered tables, and while the staff was super friendly, it quickly became clear that this isn't a particularly kid-friendly spot. They did their best to accommodate us, but the setup made it a bit tricky with young children in tow. We ordered three breakfast sandwiches. Given how many amazing breakfast spots there are in Portland, it's tough to compare, but these sandwiches were definitely indulgent. My husband opted for the "Big Mac" inspired sandwich, while I got the BLT. They were huge, messy, and piled high--definitely great value for the size. That said, they were a bit on the sloppy side, with more mayo than I'd prefer, which made them hard to eat, especially with the kids. The highlight was the English muffins, which were thick, perfectly cooked, and some of the best I've ever had. While we didn't try their drink selection this time, there's a nice variety for those in the mood for a cocktail with breakfast. The Ugly Duckling is a fun, unique spot with great flavors, perfect if you're craving a big, indulgent breakfast or a hangover cure. However, it's not the best choice for families with kids. I'd definitely go back for those amazing English muffins and would recommend it for a casual, indulgent breakfast with friends, but not for a family outing.

This place has a bright, fun and eccentric atmosphere! I ordered a salted honey latte which was delicious and unique, and learned that they make all of their syrups in house which I liked too. A few people arrived while I was waiting, and were greeted by name with a warm welcome, so I'm sure these people were regulars. Throughout my entire time there, I felt awkward and out of place. Like these people knew I wasn't from around here. I guess everyone was nice enough, but I definitely felt like I was not given the friendly welcome that others were. Not sure I would come back, but if you haven't been and like fun, unique spots I would give it a try.

Cute place with a nice atmosphere and service. We got a pistachio white mocha latte and a chai both were great. For food we got the no.2 breakfast sandwich that has local pork sausage that was outstanding, eggs cheese and ketchup on their homemade English muffin that were great as well. We also got the pastel de nata which was good as well.

I got that forRager with the egg and I thought it was OK . However, that being said I'm gonna still get the place because it might've been that I picked up the 5 to 10 minutes later than when it was made. I think it was soggy, but it was only because I picked up later. Was pretty good though. The service is really good as well. I got the other cookie with ganache. The place was super decorated and had a circular bar, which was kind of cool.

I have an issue where I follow new openings way too much and struggle to make it to many of them. I have followed Ugly Duckling on social media since before they opened but only just now made it in to try it. There is definitely a reason why this place has a lot of hype and talk about it. A great inviting space with a couple tables and a round bar. Staff is friendly and inviting greeting you with a smile. Due to the rainy day it was not very busy until we were leaving so during peak summer in nice weather expect a crowded building and plan to get here early. Plenty of drink options ranging from a coffee or tea pick me up or cocktails for more brunch vibes. Coffee was good but will need to return for their cocktails. Food wise I went with their No. 2 and my fiancée went with their BLT. Both were very tasty (especially the homemade English muffins) as well as quite messy. Although for the price I know of some larger and cheaper options for breakfast sandwiches. When I return for cocktails I will need to give some of their pastries try as they looked sooooo good! I would still highly recommend this as a must check out spot just the knock off of one star due to the price.

LITERALLY the yummiest breakfast sandwich of my life! They don't skim out on the extra ingredients to take their dishes to the next level. Service is also great; our server was very helpful! Last but not least, the vibe is adorable! Very femme with a Latin undertone feel--absolutly perfect for a lovely breakfast!

Cute business! Staff super friendly and welcoming. The location is ok...very easy to miss if you aren't from the area. Parking- street, as expected from most establishments in the city. We picked up a few treats...not sure what they all were, but they were cute and SO DELICIOUS!!! Packed with flavors and freshness. If we lived closer and/or within walking distance, this would be such a daily temptation. I need to still come back for a breakfast sandwich sometime.

We recently visited Portland and stopped by the Ugly Duckling for a bite to eat. We were looking for something more casual, but still wanted quality food and a bit of ambiance. We had hoped to take advantage of their outdoor seating however the rain forced us inside. The space is cool and spunky with bright pinks and a U shaped bar/counter taking center stage. We ordered a couple breakfast sandwiches, mine being the BLT. Though a classic option, it really was a good rendition. Fresh ingredients and an amazing English muffin made for a wonderful combination.

I really enjoyed the fun and hip atmosphere of Ugly Duckling, as well as their creative concept. They have good breakfast sandwiches served on english muffins, each of which are twists on classic sandwiches. I found the bread to be a bit dry and the portions a bit lacking compared to the price, but it tasted great nonetheless!

Incredible spot for brunch. I stopped in early on a Sunday morning right after opening and ordered the croque monsier to go. It came on a homemade asiago cheese english muffin which was to die for. Seriously one of the best breakfast sandwiches i've ever had. Staff was excellent

I've been here a few times either alone or in a party of two. Notably only been in the early morning so never had to worry about it being too full or busy... Food/Drink: An awesome spot with great sandwiches, coffee, and cocktails too (even early in the morning!) They have a wide variety including less common drinks like an espresso tonic (at least I've never had this before) but was quite tasteful. Service: Prompt, attentive, and plenty of staff that seem to enjoy their work experience Atmosphere: Quaint appearing decor with some groovy colors. Not a ton of table seating (mostly bar-type seating) so ideal for parties of 1 to 3. Parking: Street parking in front generally available. Overall, very solid spot. I really enjoyed my visits getting a fun drink or two and solid breakfast/brunch food. I will be back !!

During a snowy weekend in Portland when many other businesses were just too hard for us to trek to, my family had breakfast here two days in a row. Ugly Duckling really came through for us! We absolutely love the concept and the cute, fun vibes this adds to the neighborhood! The food is, for the most part, really good as well. My first trip I got a BLT, which was super tasty with nice high-quality bacon and fresh veggies. Not the best BLT I've ever had, but a solid breakfast sandwich. Even though the combination of mayo and pickled red onions made this a complete mess to eat, I'd get this again. I also got a coconut yuzu eclair which was top-notch and easily one of the best pastries I've had all year. My husband got a plain English muffin with smoked salmon cream cheese and was pleasantly surprised by how generously salmon-packed the cream cheese was. Our second visit, I got the Yinzer, which was also nice but not quite as good as the BLT. It's hard for chipped ham to compare to bacon, and I found the Yinzer sauce just a little too mustardy for my taste. My husband got the same English muffin with salmon cream cheese, but this time there was less salmon, which was a little disappointing. We also got some pastries which weren't quite as great, including some kind of lemon almond cake and a pastel de nata. Overall, I'd say the food is very good, even if there are some things we loved and some things we just enjoyed. The cafe itself is beautifully decorated with a large wraparound bar and a couple of tables (be forewarned, if you come with a larger group you will likely have to wait). The service is great. Even though we were at a table instead of the bar, the waiter was attentive and very friendly. I'm super excited that this place has opened, and I really hope they continue to do well.

Fun decor and friendly people. The service was great and the food and coffee delish! A must try in Portland.

Cute, quaint, eclectic breakfast spot in Portland surrounded by characteristic New England city vibes. Ugly Duckling had tremendous reviews and as the first stop on our trip up north lived up to the hype. Fantastic, from scratch breakfast sandwiches with toppings like chorizo patties and BLT made it a fun alternative to the norm. They serve the locally roasted, Specked ax coffee, which was also a pleasant surprise

I actually stumbled into ugly duckling after a long day of flights hoping this quirky coffee shop may have an outlet I could use. It actually had only one or two oddly placed outlets, but with the help of a super kind barista we got me set up. I only ordered a mimosa, but I have to say it was delicious and fresh tasting, and the portion was generous too. I give this place a 5 star rating though because of the over the top kind and courteous staff. Service was prompt and well done. Plus, the interior was ADORABLE and the circle bar made it easy to meet others. They also had tables for those who wished to use them, and even outdoor seating.

Super cute spot in the West End with a old classic vibe. They serve a variety of pastries and brunch foods and a small list of caffeinated drinks. Ordered the peach ginger cream bun and the "Ireland Fog" which is just a tea latte with Irish breakfast blend tea. It was very nice and refreshing. The peach ginger cream thing was made with sugared crystallized ginger which was disappointing but it wasn't too sweet which made it palatable. The atmosphere was really nice but at the same time there was something a little strange about the setting -- maybe the people, the service, can't quite put my finger on it. It is definitely a popping joint in the area and probably quite welcome for the community.

We went on a Sunday in August so maybe this is on me a little bit but this place was CHAOTIC. Only one server who was in charge of helping us who were seated as well as taking orders for the line out the door. He was SO NICE and trying SO hard and was very excellent at his job! Once we did get our order in the drinks were fine (I got the cool toddy which was a little weird) but also the como se dice sandwich which was SO SO GOOD and a little treat (the smores bar, is it a lot for breakfast? yes? do i regret it? no). My main issue was we were sitting next to the door so essentially had everybody hovering around waiting for their to gos. That paired with the screaming baby who could only be soothed by a squeaky toy made it for a bit of a stressful morning. The food however was good enough I would try it again not during busy season and see what its like in the winter.

This place is frequently packed but after several visits over the last year I have decided to stop going. The service is good. Waitstaff is cheerful and helpful. My issue is with the quality of the food and the high price for it. The flavor in the portobello sandwich is off. The menu choices are limited and bland. There really are no good options and the food is completely lacking in flavor. The prices are very high. A sandwich and English muffin with egg and coffee was forty dollars! And we were still hungry after. They need better and tastier food options for these high prices.

Understated hidden gem in Portland! Wow! The home made english muffins really surprised me for their quality. The food was great. Service was great. I can't wait to go back!!!

Ugly Duckling has quickly became one of my favorite brunch spots since its recent inception. Known for their house made English buttermilk muffins, I actually appreciate and love their limited breakfast sandwich menu. It's my 3rd time here, got the Yinzer twice and the No. 2 once (classic safe option) and my friend got the Forager which was delicious and definitely sourced from fresh, local ingredients. Their pastry selection is amazing as well -- don't miss out on the trocaderos! Loved our coffee drinks : ) we were lucky this time to get seats for two, it's a bustling place that also offers take out. I also love the U shaped bar and our server was really friendly and attentive.

The Ugly Duckling is a super cute cafe with a variety of drinks and food items. I was pleasantly surprised with the various cakes they offer. The ambiance is cozy and the pops of pink is what makes the decor! The bar area that's shaped like a U adds to the cozy fun environment. Our waiter was friendly, gave us all a timely manner to order, and was very helpful when we asked questions about the different types of drinks. Chocolate cake was a 4.5 out of 5 - it was delicious and moist. Dulce de leche iced latte was a 3.5 out of 5 - the dulce de leche flavor was there but I would've like if there was an added element to make it even better. Overall, I would definitely come back with friends for drinks or brunch.

Cute little spot that hosted a RuPaul's Drag Race viewing party. The bartenders and staff were great, very friendly. Also, drinks were strong...and delicious. I'd definitely go back.

So I had never been here before. Walking in you're hit with a very cute little room with a U shaped bar. Pretty interior decor, really chill spot. The food was good. I made the mistake of not reading when I ordered the number 2. The ketchup almost made me come back and ask for a new one. However I ate it, and the combo was honestly really not bad. Again I despise ketchup, but the flavors worked together. I recommend this place and will definitely be coming back. Also the hash browns remind me of McDonald's- not an insult. Definitely a good thing. I put it on the sandwich- delicious

We went here for breakfast. We had an amazing time, the waiter was super friendly, answered all questions and made suggestions. The store is super cute. The food was amazing, as well as the coffee. Would come here again

Okay - this place is great!! I only wish I'd found it sooner - before everyone else found out about it. I dropped in here on a Friday morning around 9 AM and the line was almost out the door. The upside - most people were ordering food to go, so I was able to snag a seat at the wrap around bar and set up camp! I worked a couple hours here while enjoying some yummy breakfast and watching the hourly release of amazing pastries. For my breakfast, I ordered the BLT breakfast sandwich and an iced maple latte. The breakfast sandwich came on a housemade everything English muffin. That's right - a savory English muffin. I LOVE THIS! (Side note - they sell their English muffins!) It was also stacked high with fresh greens, tomato, and pickled onions with an egg, bacon and mayo. This was just a perfect sandwich. After watching the pastries roll out every hour, I finally caved and ordered the daily napoleon which was dulce de leche and was so good. As I was finally wrapping up to leave - I commented to one of the nice men working behind the counter that I had taken up space long enough and he said - no, we want you to come, relax and stay!! LOVE IT. Can't wait to come back and try more of the menu - along with the breakfast cocktails!!

Cute small cafe shop. The waitress was very nice and provides excellent service. I'm not a huge coffee drinker, however the Ireland Fog drink was delicious! I believe it's an earl gray with milk drink so it doesn't have coffee in it, but the foam at the top was tasty and the drink was warmed to a good temperature! 8/10 The English muffin was everything seasoned, and had smoked salmon cream cheese spread. Absolutely delicious! The smoked salmon spread has chunks of salmon which was amazing and worked perfectly with the English muffin. The English muffin was also toasted perfectly! Loved this one. 10/10 Great cafe shop and highly recommend for anyone wanting a nice drink and a side of good desserts or sandwich.

Super cute coffee spot. Great for breakfast as well. Coffee was yummy. I got the Pumpkin Spice Latte and an English muffin with peanut butter. The peanut butter was delicious. Small place but so cute!

I don't know if breakfast sandwiches can be any more perfect than the ones they serve up here! The house made English muffins are fantastic, stuffed with savory goodness. You can't go wrong with the BLT or the Number 2... if you are not a fan of American cheese, just ask and they can substitute with Aged Provolone. Beware that seating here is somewhat limited, so you may have to wait to grab a seat at the large bar.

Quite possibly the best breakfast sandwich I've ever eaten. Pepperocini and arugula and the homemade English muffin was perfection!

An absolute gem in a cute neighborhood. I love the diner vibe and counter layout, which is uncommon in a coffee shop. The people are wonderful, friendly, and attentive. And the food and drinks are perhaps the best we had during our entire visit to Portland. Fantastic breakfast and delicious drinks - enough that we came back a second time before going home.

So let's start with the positives. The vibe is so cute and chill, it's a lovely ambiance with good music and friendly staff. We order a pastry which was very yummy. The bad, we waited over an hour just for a breakfast sandwich and a pastry, the coffee was just okay. The breakfast sandwich was yuck, the pork on it was undercook and pink inside, the eggs were burnt. Overall I would have preferred a McDonalds sandwich which would've come out in a reasonable time. I'm on vacation and have loved all the food I've had in Maine, this place being the exception. Do not waste your time or calories here

One of the best breakfast spots in Portland! Lattes were great- I loved the lavender. But the dirty chai was a little too heavy on the cardamom. The breakfast sandwiches were solid and their homemade English muffins are really good! We got everything to go but waited inside and it's very cute with a good sized bar!

The food is wonderful. A lot great flavors and options. Unique sandwich offerings and all very fresh. The only reason I'm giving it a four is because it took 45 minutes to get two breakfast sandwiches. Not sure if our server forgot about us or if we should have just gone when it wasn't so busy. This place is not only busy for sit down, but also takeout. So just keep in mind that you may be waiting a while if it's busy!

This was a great little spot close to where we were staying during a visit to Portland. The counter is first come first serve seating! This place can be busy so come early! We ordered the trucadero pastry and the como se dice buongiorno breakfast sandwich and both were perfection! The pastry was one of the best brioche custard pastries we've ever had, we will be dreaming of that breakfast sandwich on their homemade English muffins was a show stopper!

I have loved English Muffins since I was a child. Over the years, i've tried to make them myself, with varied results. Stepping into Ugly Duckling last week, supported one of my long held beliefs...that EVERYONE loves English Muffins!!! And excellent coffee and delicious egg custard tarts and trocaderos and Tosi inspired cereals and purple walls and VERY cool light fixtures and... Yes, it was crowded the morning I visited, but not impossible. I ordered a toasted rye EM with smoked salmon cream cheese, three egg tarts, one trocadero, 6 EM's to go and one notable cup of coffee to go. The wait was not long at all and while I waited and watched, I wondered why I hadn't ordered a breakfast sandwich. I also wondered a LOT about the homemade cereal case with flavored milks. I watched as Ilma Lopez and the most lovely staff of servers and cooks served up delicious food made from their hearts and hands. Thank you Ugly Duckling!

Really cute spot with coast bar seating. Great service and delicious menu. Had the salmon sandwich and added an egg.

Great concept! Love the menu and the physical layout. They have a cool bar where you can sit and order a coffee. Was pretty busy when we were there so we had to wait a good while for a single coffee but there was plenty to look at while we waited. Coffee itself was good.

Fun cute little place with a rotating menu. They have THE BEST breakfast sandwiches I have ever had. Not sure what the secret ingredient is, but I could not recommend it more.

Went to Ru Paul's Drag Race watch party. Great welcoming environment. Uniqueness (cocktail) was delish.

Service was okay, I think they need one more server. The food was good but menu options are limited. Really cute location! Love the decorations!

A bright cheery spot filled with light, delicious foods, and wonderfully welcoming to all! Such yummy treats beautifully served full of wonderful texture and flavors while not being to sweet. This is what pastry made for adults taste like. Sooo goood! Coffees and cocktails also hit the spot nicely. However for me the star of the show were the breakfast sandwiches served on home made English muffins so full of wonderful bursting flavors the Yinzer a Pittsburgh transplant blew me away with its special sauce, egg, American cheese and crispy grilled chopped ham! Wow! Everything a breakfast Sammy should be!

Great food and coffee. Their english muffins are made in house and delicious. We had #2 and BLT breakfast sandwich and it was yummy. We also had snickers donuts and it was very good and not too sweet. Highly recommended place

Tasty sandwiches and excellent coffee. The people here are friendly AF! Love this place!

This is a cute little spot. Delicious breakfast sandies. A must try when in the Portland area.

My mom, dog and I took a little day trip to Portland today and our first stop was breakfast at the Ugly Duckling. I have to say that the staff was probably favorite part of my first visit to this cute little cafe. They were so friendly and welcoming. The decor is also very cool and colorful, we sat outside to eat and people watch and enjoyed our time there. I got the Desayuno del sol sandwich with a salted honey iced latte and my mom got a No.2 sandwich and vanilla latte. Our sandwiches were hot and fresh and the lattes were phenomenal!!!! I also loved that the outdoor seating was dog friendly. I'll be stopping by again next time I'm in the area!

Terrible service, we ordered online a breakfast sandwich to go, it's been over an hour and still no order yet. We have asked three times and they have only brought out two orders which no one has even picked up. They need to cap online orders if they can't fulfill them. Terrible system and stressed employees, an hour wait for a sandwich is ridiculous no matter how swamped they are.

great breakfast sandwiches with tons of unique flavors. I really enjoyed the smoked salmon on a gluten free English muffin. Excellent coffee too!

Awesome(!) breakfast sandwich. Great ambiance and solid coffee. Would definitely recommend stopping by. Got the Number 2. Easy parking.