44 North Coffee - Deer Isle Café
The coffee shop on the island. Whether you're a lobsterman grabbing a cup before dawn or a summer visitor wandering Main Street, you end up at 44 North. Two cafés, a roastery, and a wholesale operation — all from a small island at the 44th parallel.
Megan Wood and Melissa Rafferty started 44 North in 2010 out of the old Seamark building in Deer Isle. The idea was simple: roast great coffee, source it responsibly. They joined Coop Coffees, a green coffee importing cooperative that builds direct relationships with small-scale farming families internationally. Every bean is organic, fair-trade, and roasted on-island.
What started as a small roastery has grown into something more. The Deer Isle café on Main Street is open year-round — it's where locals go, where meetings happen, where you'll overhear town news. The Stonington location opens Memorial Day through Indigenous Peoples' Day and has a different energy — gallery exhibitions, a view of the harbor, tourists mixing with fishermen at 6:30 in the morning.
44 North also provides a platform for independent bakers. You'll find pastries and bread from Tinder Hearth and other local bakers in the case every morning. The shop sells more than coffee — tea, baked goods, snacks, gear, and their beans by the bag. You can get 44 North beans in most local stores and many shops across the region.
They're women-owned, MOFGA-connected, and deeply embedded in the community. It's more than a coffee shop. It's a town square.
Locations
Deer Isle Café (year-round)
Stonington Café (seasonal)
Roastery (not open to public)
What Visitors Say
"Really picturesque place to take a break - the back patio is just lovely. And a nice selection of different foods & drinks to take home. No steamed milk or espresso in the otherwise extensive lineup, so I actually didn't end up ordering anything. Know before you go!"
"I had a special blend of coffee and a blueberry muffin. I enjoyed relaxing on the patio, overlooking the Northwest Harbor. I later wanted to try the green, but a line had formed out the door. I sat to wait at the front window and discovered a visual/audio display on some history and views of locals. It was a pleasant listen, but approximately 50 minutes in duration. The time passed quickly. The barista, Katie (I believe was her name), suggested the Soundwalk in Stonington, a few miles down the road. The walk was informative, enjoyable and scenic. It was a wonderful way to enjoy the morning."
"44 North Coffee - Deer Isle Café in Deer Isle is a small but most excellent coffee shop. They feature a slow pour coffee process. You will not find an espresso machine here but they do offer an array of hot and iced options, including chais, teas, and hot chocolate. Their baked goodies come from a variety of area bakers. Every day, locals gather here, hang and chat with each other and strangers alike. Service is super friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Very much recommended."
Local Tips
- The Stonington location opens at 6:30am — one of the earliest spots on the island. Good pre-ferry coffee.
- Get there before 8am on weekends if you want the best pastry selection.
- Their beans are available at most general stores on the peninsula if you can't make it to a café.
- Wholesale and custom blends available for events — contact coffee@44northcoffee.com.
Connected To
- Tinder Hearth — supplies bread and pastries to the cafés
- Coop Coffees — their green coffee importing cooperative
- MOFGA — Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association certified