10 Tiny Bakeries in Maine That Locals Fight to Keep Secret

Maine isn’t just about lobster rolls and lighthouses, it’s home to some of the most incredible small bakeries you’ve probably never heard of.

Locals guard these hidden gems fiercely, knowing that once word gets out, the lines will grow longer and the pastries will disappear faster.

These tiny spots serve up everything from wood-fired bagels to salted honey pie, each with its own charm and devoted following. Ready to discover where Mainers really go for their morning treats?

1. Chase’s Daily

Belfast’s best-kept secret sits quietly on a side street, where vegetarian cooking meets serious baking skills. Chase’s Daily runs a tiny bakery counter inside their café, using ingredients grown right on their own farm just outside town.

Every morning brings a new rotation of scone flavors; think rhubarb cardamom or lemon thyme, that sell out before lunch. Their wood-fired breads have a smoky, crusty exterior that locals crave, and seasonal fruit tarts showcase whatever’s ripest that week.

The space fills up fast with regulars who know to arrive early, grab a spot, and settle in with coffee and a warm pastry straight from the oven.

2. Standard Baking Co.

Tucked right on Portland’s working waterfront, this no-seating bakery might be famous among food lovers, but its tiny size keeps it feeling like a local treasure. You’ll find fishermen standing alongside architects, all waiting for the same perfect almond croissants that come out golden and flaky every single morning.

The baguettes here have that ideal crispy crust that shatters when you bite into it, revealing a chewy, airy center. Pain au chocolat disappears within hours, so showing up before 9 a.m. is your best bet.

Despite its reputation, Standard maintains its small-batch approach, never compromising quality for quantity.

3. Barn Swallow Bakery

Getting to Deer Isle requires commitment, a long drive down winding roads and across a suspension bridge; which is exactly why Barn Swallow stays so wonderfully hidden. This small-batch bakery operates out of a converted barn-style building that feels like stepping into someone’s cozy kitchen.

Their sourdough bread has a tangy depth that comes from a starter they’ve been feeding for years. Morning buns, sticky with cinnamon and sugar, are worth the trip alone, while their focaccia gets topped with whatever herbs are growing nearby.

Everything sells out by early afternoon, making this a true island secret worth protecting.

4. Hole in the Wall Bagels

Forget everything you think you know about bagels; this tiny Portland spot does them the old-fashioned way, no shortcuts allowed. Each bagel gets hand-rolled, boiled, then baked in a wood-fired oven that gives them a chewy texture and slightly smoky flavor you won’t find anywhere else in Maine.

The Everything bagel reigns supreme here, covered generously with seeds and garlic that toast to perfection. Their homemade schmeers range from classic plain to adventurous flavors like scallion or smoked salmon spread.

Locals know to call ahead or arrive before 10 a.m., because once they’re gone, they’re gone.

5. Big Bear Mountain Bakery

Nestled in the White Mountains region near Lovell, this seasonal bakery captures everything wonderful about small-town Maine. Big Bear operates with a friendly, laid-back vibe where everyone seems to know each other’s names and favorite treats.

Their Maine blueberry muffins burst with wild berries picked locally, creating that perfect balance of sweet and tart. When fall arrives, apple cider donuts become the star attraction, warm and dusted with cinnamon sugar that sticks to your fingers.

Homemade pies rotate with the seasons, featuring whatever fruit is freshest, and they disappear quickly among locals who plan their weekend drives around a stop here.

6. 1888 Toure’s North End Bakery

Since 1888, this Waterville institution has been turning out traditional Italian baked goods from the same simple storefront. Toure’s keeps things old-school, focusing on recipes passed down through generations rather than chasing trendy flavors.

Anise toast, crispy, twice-baked slices with that distinctive licorice flavor; remains their signature item, perfect for dunking in coffee. On Friday and Saturday, Sicilian pizza appears, thick and fluffy with a golden bottom crust that Central Maine residents plan their weekends around.

Their hard rolls might seem basic, but locals swear they’re essential for building the perfect sandwich, with a crusty exterior and soft, chewy interior.

7. Ten Ten Pie

A former fine-dining chef decided to open this small Biddeford shop, bringing restaurant-quality technique to everyday baked goods. Ten Ten Pie maintains a small-batch focus despite growing popularity, ensuring every item gets the attention it deserves.

The salted honey pie has achieved legendary status; sweet, silky filling with just enough salt to make your taste buds dance. Seasonal hand pies change with whatever’s fresh, from strawberry rhubarb to butternut squash, each one perfectly flaky and golden.

Brown butter chocolate chip cookies might sound simple, but they’re anything but ordinary, with nutty depth and gooey centers that keep people coming back weekly.

8. Bread + Butter

Wells might be known for its beaches, but locals know the real treasure is this tiny bakery specializing in artisan loaves and laminated doughs. Bread + Butter operates on a small scale, often requiring pre-orders or an early arrival to snag what you want before it’s gone.

Morning buns here are legendary; sticky, buttery spirals that practically melt in your mouth. Their ciabatta has that perfect open crumb structure with a crispy crust, ideal for sandwiches or just tearing apart with olive oil.

Cinnamon rolls appear on weekends, massive and loaded with cream cheese frosting that locals happily wait in line for.

9. Moody’s Diner Bakery

While tourists flock to Moody’s Diner for lunch, smart locals head straight to the tiny adjacent bakery that supplies all those famous desserts. This separate little building is where the real magic happens, cranking out fresh pies, breads, and pastries that you can grab to go.

Whoopie pies, Maine’s unofficial state treat; are perfectly done here, with creamy filling sandwiched between soft chocolate cakes. The grape nut custard pie sounds unusual but tastes incredible, with a unique texture that’s become a regional favorite.

Homemade doughnuts come out fresh in the morning, simple and delicious without any fancy toppings needed.

10. Treats

Located in a historic house in downtown Wiscasset, Treats operates as part market, part deli, and part excellent small-batch bakery. Midcoast Maine locals treasure this spot for its combination of quality and charm, where you can grab groceries and incredible baked goods in one stop.

Sticky buns here are dangerously good; gooey, caramelized, and generously sized, requiring multiple napkins and zero regrets. Ginger cookies have a spicy kick with chewy centers that snap at the edges, perfect with afternoon tea or coffee.

Their artisan breads rotate regularly, showcasing different grains and techniques that keep regular customers curious about what’s coming out of the oven next.