With so many coffee shops scattered across its neighborhoods, Boston has something for just about every coffee lover. Whether you prefer your coffee black, iced, or in a frothy latte, these coffee shops promise a unique experience. This guide will take you through 13 of the best coffee shops in Boston, offering ins and outs into their specialties, ambiance, and why they are worth a visit.
1. 3 Little Figs
Address: 278 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02144 Website: www.3littlefigs.com
Located in the heart of Somerville, the family-owned 3 Little Figs has been serving the community for more than a decade. Known for its delicious baked goods and excellent coffee program, the café offers a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a weekend morning outing.
What Makes Them Unique
3 Little Figs is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a bakery that excels in creating mouth-watering pastries, bread, and a signature spinach pie. They brew Tandem Coffee, a renowned roaster from Portland, Maine, which adds to their appeal.
Noteworthy Menu Items
Their breakfast and lunch sandwiches are top-notch, and the spinach pie is a must-try. Don’t miss out on their pastries, Greek yogurt, or smoothies. Their coffee menu is diverse, featuring a wide range of hot and cold options.
2. Barismo 364
Address: 364 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139 Website: www.barismo.com
Situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Mid-Cambridge, Barismo 364 is a coffee connoisseur’s paradise. The café showcases its Woburn-roasted coffees through meticulous brewing methods, including siphon-brewing and draft cold brew.
What Makes Them Unique
Barismo 364 is not just a coffee shop; it’s a sensory experience. From the moment you walk in, you’re enveloped by the aromatic scents of freshly roasted coffee. The café also features a full bakery on-site, making it a go-to spot for coffee and pastry lovers.
Noteworthy Menu Items
The café offers a broad range of hot and iced coffee and tea drinks. The meticulously brewed drip coffee and the ever-changing waffle specials are worth a try.
3. Broadsheet Coffee Roasters
Address: 100 Kirkland St., Cambridge, MA 02138 Website: www.broadsheetcoffee.com
As Cambridge’s first specialty coffee roastery, Broadsheet Coffee Roasters has made a significant impact in Boston’s coffee scene. They are dedicated to offering a rotating selection of sweet and complex coffees, roasted in-house twice weekly.
What Makes Them Unique
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a coffee roaster. They roast their own coffee beans on-site, ensuring a fresh and flavorful cup every time. The shop also offers a wide variety of pastries, making it a perfect stop for a morning or afternoon treat.
Noteworthy Menu Items
Their espresso and pour-over cups are worth trying, and they also offer pots of tea. The café has a retail section where you can purchase freshly roasted coffee beans, ceramic bowls, and matcha brewing accessories.
4. Cicada Coffee Bar
Address: 616 Main St., Cambridge, MA 02139 Website: cicada-coffee-bar.square.site
Cicada Coffee Bar, a relative newcomer to the Boston coffee scene, brings a slice of Vietnam to Cambridge. Their unique blend of Vietnamese coffee culture and modern café ambiance makes it a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts.
What Makes Them Unique
What sets Cicada apart from other coffee shops is their unique Vietnamese-inspired coffee beverages. The café offers a relaxing space to unplug, sip on a sea salt-topped coffee sweetened with condensed milk, and savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Noteworthy Menu Items
Their signature sea salt-topped coffee and noodle salad are must-tries. If you’re adventurous, pair your coffee with a banh mi and a glass of funky wine.
5. Curio Coffee and Wine
Address: 441 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141 Website: curiocoffee.square.site
Curio Coffee is a hidden gem located just a few steps away from Lechmere Station. Known for its espresso drinks and grab-and-go Liege waffles, Curio transforms into a natural wine bar in the evening, making it an all-day option for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted beverage.
What Makes Them Unique
What sets Curio apart is its dual nature: a coffee shop by day and a wine bar by night. Their ever-changing waffle specials are a crowd-pleaser, and their selection of natural wines offers a refreshing change for the evening crowd.
Noteworthy Menu Items
Their hot espresso drinks and cold brew are worth trying. Keep an eye out for their ever-changing waffle specials.
6. George Howell Coffee
Address: 505 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111 Website: www.georgehowellcoffee.com
George Howell Coffee at The Godfrey Hotel is a coffee lover’s paradise. With floor-to-ceiling windows, a smooth soundtrack, and bags of coffee marked by tasting notes, this coffee house offers an immersive coffee experience.
What Makes Them Unique
George Howell Coffee is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a coffee education center. The shop offers coffee-tasting flights, classes, and a retail corner for purchasing brewing equipment and beans. Their creative seasonal specials are almost cocktail-like in their intricacy.
Noteworthy Menu Items
Their espresso beverages, coffee-tasting flights, and creative seasonal specials are must-tries. Also, check out ‘The Original,’ a frozen blend of coffee, milk, and sugar.
7. Gracenote Coffee
Address: 108 Lincoln St., Boston, MA 02111 Website: www.gracenotecoffee.com
Gracenote Coffee is a must-visit for anyone looking for a gourmet coffee experience near South Station. This independent roastery and café brew and serve their locally roasted beans, offering a rich and diverse taste in every cup.
What Makes Them Unique
Gracenote’s small size and minimalist interior design emphasize their focus on quality over quantity. Their petrified wood counters, old-school manual espresso machine, and various plants hanging from the ceiling add to the café’s unique charm.
Noteworthy Menu Items
Their creamy cappuccinos and shots of espresso are worth a try. Their selection of teas and light breakfast fare is also commendable.
8. KoHi Coffee Company
Address: 199 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA 02657 Website: www.kohicoffee.com
Born on the beach in Provincetown, KoHi Coffee Company brings its airy vibes to Boston. With locations in Brighton and the South End, KoHi offers a unique selection of organic and fair-trade coffee, making it a favorite among locals.
What Makes Them Unique
KoHi stands out for its independent spirit and dedication to crafting quality coffee. Their baristas are known for their meticulous brewing techniques, ensuring the perfect cup of coffee every time.
Noteworthy Menu Items
Their wide range of hot and cold coffee options and baked goods make them a must-visit. The Brighton location also offers a substantial selection of breakfast options.
9. Pavement Coffeehouse
Address: 1243 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02134 Website: www.pavementcoffeehouse.com
With eight locations spread across town, Pavement Coffeehouse is a staple in the Boston coffee scene. Known for its bagels and strong coffee, Pavement serves a simple menu in each of its cafes, making it a favorite among students and professionals alike.
What Makes Them Unique
What sets Pavement apart is its commitment to quality. In 2018, they started roasting their own coffee at their Brighton location, ensuring fresh and flavorful coffee at all their outlets.
Noteworthy Menu Items
Their bagels and strong coffee are crowd-pleasers. They also offer a variety of sandwiches, pastries, salads, and more. It’s a great place to settle in and do some work.
10. Recreo Coffee & Roasterie
Address: 1876 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA 02132 Website: www.elrecreoestatecoffee.com
Recreo Coffee & Roasterie is a family-owned coffee house in West Roxbury with deep roots in Nicaragua. Known for their sustainable practices, direct sourcing of beans, and on-site roasting, Recreo offers a unique coffee experience.
What Makes Them Unique
Recreo is committed to sustainable practices and supports the coffee farmers who grow the beans. They roast their own coffee on-site, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful cup of coffee.
Noteworthy Menu Items
They offer a wide variety of coffee and espresso drinks, as well as a selection of teas. Each cafe has a bit of seating and some baked goods available as well.
11. Render Coffee
Address: 563 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02118 Website: www.rendercoffeebar.com
Render Coffee has two cozy, greenery-filled locations in the South End and Financial District. The coffee shop is known for its locally sourced coffee and its relaxing ambiance.
What Makes Them Unique
Render Coffee is well-known for its friendly atmosphere and well-crafted coffee drinks. The South End location offers a beautiful back patio, making it a perfect spot for espresso in the sun.
Noteworthy Menu Items
Their espresso drinks and cold brew are worth trying. They also offer a variety of pastries and sandwiches.
12. Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Address: 1241 Centre St., Newton, MA 02459 Website: www.tattebakery.com
Tatte Bakery & Cafe is a popular Boston bakery with several locations across the city. Known for its beautiful cafes and Israeli-inspired bites and beverages, Tatte is a must-visit for any coffee lover.
What Makes Them Unique
Tatte is more than just a bakery. It’s a place where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while savoring a wide variety of pastries and dishes inspired by Israeli cuisine.
Noteworthy Menu Items
Their coffee menu is diverse, featuring a wide range of hot and cold options. Their pastries, plates, bowls, soups, and sandwiches are also worth trying.
13. The VU
Address: 399 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Website: www.thevuinjp.com
Located in Jamaica Plain, The VU is Boston’s only surviving video rental store. Beyond movies, they offer a great selection of coffee and pastries, making it a unique spot for both film buffs and coffee enthusiasts.
What Makes Them Unique
The VU is a unique combination of a video rental store and a coffee shop. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, and espresso-spiked frappes, along with a selection of pastries.
Noteworthy Menu Items
Their coffee and espresso drinks are worth a try. They also offer a variety of pastries, making it a perfect spot for a morning or afternoon treat.
Conclusion
Visiting these coffee shops is not just about grabbing a quick cup of coffee—it’s about experiencing the unique offerings and ambiance each shop brings. From unique brews and delicious pastries to cozy interiors and friendly staff, these coffee shops offer an exceptional coffee experience. So next time you’re in Boston, make sure to check out these top coffee shops.
