Omi’s Coffee Shop is a coffee, baked good, and alcohol serving cafe in South Portland, Maine. The business was originally founded in 2013, and co-owned between Gail Bruzgo, her daughter Katie, and Katie’s wife, Naomi Hall.
For another solid recommendation, check out The Crooked Mile Cafe as well.
The Story Behind the Name
The name spurs from the end of Naomi’s own name and is said to also be used as what a customer might happily pronounce as they consume one of Omi’s products, or rather, “Oh My’s.”
The store is still co-owned between the trio, though the location has changed. Formerly on the West side of Portland, in January of 2018, Omi’s relocated to an upgrade of a location on the Southern end. Not that this location did not need some touching up.
It’s Welcoming and Feels Like Home
The owners were quick to emblazon the place with Omi’s creative style. Apparent immediately is that they have painted the outside of the building blue, and the building is actually a house.
This shows on the inside as well and creates a welcoming environment where customers can literally feel as if they are at home. Though not in as bright of colors, the interior is also painted in chalky blues, turquoise, whites, reds, and purples.
The floors, counters, and tables are of dark and light woods, respectively, but a few of the tables are more unique, both in what they are made of, and what is colored onto them.
Drink Coffee and Get Creative With Chalk
These have chalkboard surfaces, and customers are welcomed to exercise their creativity. The space itself is a good place to find creative inspiration, with its do-it-yourself nature.
Much like an actual home, the cafe has bookshelves loaded with reading material, and is outfitted with pictures and postcards, but the certain objects are crafty, such as the mason jar chandelier, or the repurposing of the ledge above the stairs as an extra bar for seating.
The New Location Serves Beer!
The new location can seat more than the former, and Omi’s products have expanded suitably. They now serve beer and wine from local vendors, and baked goods from Union Bagels and Standard Baking.
Try a Gourmet Sandwich With a Homemade Tea
The upgraded kitchen allows Omi to make gourmet sandwiches like the “Rise and Grind,” which consists of fried eggs, pickled red onion, spinach, sriracha honey sauce, goat cheese, and veggie sausage, among a variety of breakfast oatmeals, bars, and yogurts.
Also on hand are teas from Homemade Herbs and Teas, and of course, coffee. The coffee is sourced through fair trade, and comes from places such as Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, and more.
Drink It Black Or Get Creative With House-made Syrups
Sold black as espresso, cold brew, drip coffee or pourovers, it is also met with milks, syrups, and sauces to create Mochas, Lattes, Cappuccinos, Cortados, Macchiatos, and Americanos.
Customers are invited to create their own flavor combos with the additive flavors such as vanilla, lavender, caramel and chocolate sauce, Maine maple syrup and honey, and coconut, which is naturally already included in Omi’s Coconut Cold Brew. All of these are house-made, which is fitting for a business located inside of a house.
Whether you want to be creative, or simply bask in a colorful, inspiring environment, drink in-hand and sandwich next to a book on a chalkboard table, Omi’s can create it all for you.
Address
372 Cottage Road, South Portland, Maine
