Blink And You’ll Miss This Charming Maine Cafe Sitting In A Tiny Historic Castle

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Maine, which is why we've got some of the best small coffee shops and cafes in New England. There's not a small town in the state that doesn't have their own community hub in the form of a great place to grab a snack and a drink. Portland is, of course, no exception. While you can walk down any street in the Old Port and find a great place to enjoy, there's nothing better than this spot in the park. Not only is it delicious, but it's also historic!

The castle sitting in Deering Oaks Park has been a recognizable sight since 1894 when it was reportedly built for $900 by Frederick Thompson, a well-known local architect.

For a long time, it served as one of Portland’s four Visitor’s Centers.

But, since 2016 it's served as a little spot for delectable treats and refreshing drinks to be enjoyed after a long day in the park or after strolling through the farmer's market.

While cookies and muffins are a great choice, TIQA excels at food with a Mediterranean vibe.

Desserts like Baklava and even breakfasts with a twist like this Za'atar Bagel with heirloom tomatoes and chives.

TIQA serves breakfast all day, but their light snacks are so appealing you'll probably want to opt for a delicious hummus or babaganoush.

While the awesome location and great food are reason enough for visiting, the best part is the outdoor seating and games on the lawn.

On sunny days, you can spend hours here soaking up the beauty of a day in the park.

For something a bit more formal, TIQA Cafe & Bakery has a sister establishment known as TIQA Pan Mediterranean, located on Commercial Street in the Old Port.

What are you waiting for? There's parking on the revamped road alongside the castle, or you can park along Deering and stroll through the park to visit.

TIQA Cafe & Bakery is located at 356 State St., Portland. You can call them at (207) 482-6159. Check out their menu and learn more on their website. Or, visit them on Facebook.

For other great cafe options throughout the state, check out this list of 10 places we love.