By Cassidy Vautier

You know you’ve come to the right place when you’re greeted with the intoxicating aroma of espresso and old books upon arriving. Currently located at 28 Bracket St. in Downtown Portland, Omi’s Cafe ensures a cozy vintage style that begs to pull you in for hours with its affable staff, comfortable sitting area perfect for flipping through its wall of books, and of course with its enticing menu of enchanting pastries and specialty tea and coffee drinks.

Omi’s peaked my interest not only because their peppermint mocha is the best that I’ve tried since I moved to Portland, but because they’ll be opening a new location in South Portland a mere 5 minutes away from the SMCC campus.

After the wrath of Sunday night’s storm swept through the streets and rattled every leaf from trees that had remained so fervent in color up until that night, there was a crisp Autumn glow the following day. I found it to be the perfect opportunity to get a hot red-eye and find out a little more about Omi’s new opening. Not only are they going to continue serving all of their regular’s favorites, but they’ll be broadening their pastry selection, opening a sandwich deli, and all of this is complimented by a beautiful terrace that will come with the new location.

Omi’s will be releasing more information on their grand opening date. Until then, stop in and pick up one of their maple lattes, which are said to be their most popular fall drink this year, or the “Heartbreaker,” which was recommended to me as the barista’s favorite. It consists of an americano with vanilla and almond milk, and that’s just one of their many tasty options.