Novel 643 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101

"I’m always on the lookout for new/good places to write and relax. This seems like it. Mix of coffee drinks, NA drinks, and a full bar with some food options, too. I’m so curious to see what kind of space the downstairs turns into. Good vibes and good first impression."

"Are you looking for a new cafe to enjoy your favorite coffee beverage while working on your laptop? Are you looking for a spot to meet up with friends and/or go to with co-workers to enjoy a cocktail or beer? Are you a fan of books and want to find a new book to read alongside a drink? Well you are in luck because Novel just opened up today! This place is if you mixed a cafe, bar, and a library/book store. They are open from 8am until 10pm so if you want an early morning or late coffee and same with cocktail then do as you please here with their full menu offered all day. Besides drinks they offer a flatbread of the day and some other small bites. I will need to return to try their food at another time. We couldn't decide between a cocktail or their coffee/cafe drinks so we tried out their Espresso Martini and Raspberry Cordial cocktails while sitting on one of their comfy couches. After wrapping up before leaving we got iced chai lattes to go which was a very solid offering of a chai latte. I was impressed with that and their cocktails! So do yourself a favor and put this on your list of spots to check out and support a new local business. The staff were friendly and opening day was busy but the staff were handling it well. Enjoy a coffee or cocktail (maybe stay long enough to try both) along with a great book in a warm and welcoming spot. A perfect new addition to the Portland area that is a must visit spot!"

"My husband & I were excited about trying Novel - awesome concept books, late night latte, cocktails , pastries/dessert! Good customer service. Latte was average tasted a bit weak. Scotch was good. Unfortunately, I will not be coming again in the evening it was just Extremely Loud. Although, nice atmosphere I prefer to go to a place I can have an enjoyable conversation without having to yell over other people. I could see going back in the afternoon."

"Very cool place! Loved the vibe and the atmosphere and the drinks, both alcoholic and not, were all amazing. We will definitely return. Great place to read a good book."

"I've been excited for this place to open, and it lives up to my expectations! It's great timing (as CBD and Starbucks on the next block have both closed those locations), and the coffee and drinks are available all day. Plus, the books (from a local store on the same block) are a cozy touch and it's more than acceptable to read a book or work on a laptop there (they have guest wifi) The drink prices are on the pricey side - though that's the case with any cafe now. They roast their own coffee which I enjoyed, and the latte milk options are unique. Novel has more of a bar vibe than a coffee shop vibe, but is still clean and quiet. It's the first book bar in Portland (I believe) so be sure to check it out!"