For richer or pour over, Boston’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning — and we’re not just talking about Dunkin’.
Our city has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops around Boston.
Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.
Espresso yourself
Tokava, 7 Pond St. | This Jamaica Plain cafe serves a variety of homemade lattes and espresso drinks with small batch syrups of flavors like cardamom.
Brothers & Sisters, 7 Station St., Brookline | Fuel up at this cozy Brookline Village shop with a breve, mocha latte, or iced americano.
Zume’s Coffee House, 221 Main St. | The Charlestown coffee spot, pronounced “zoomies,” is open daily with cold brew and espresso drinks.
Consider this your sign to sip a matcha latte or specialty beverage from Tokava.
Photo by @rrgreenie
Flat Black Coffee Company, 1170 Washington St. | Head to Dorchester to try this local roastery in the Lower Mills neighborhood, which has won multiple awards for its espresso.
Caffé Vittoria, 290-296 Hanover St. | Nestled in the heart of the North End, Boston’s first traditional Italian cafe serves up a strong cappuccino and cafe mocha. Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring cash.
Ogawa Coffee, 10 Milk St. | The perfect coffee shop for downtown dwellers, the Japanese chain’s first international shop offers classic espresso drinks and rotating seasonal specials.
Specialty drinks
Cannonball Cafe, 383 Dorchester Ave. | Try one of the monthly astrology-inspired specials, like Gemini’s elderflower and lavender espresso lemonade. Stay tuned for updates on the revamped patio space.
We’re eyeing Vester’s butterfly pea flower iced tea (pictured in the middle).
Photo by @caffeinatedliv
Vester Cafe, Multiple locations | Inspired by the Danish tradition of simplicity, the cafe’s Cambridge and South Boston locations serve eye-catching specials, including lattes, iced teas, and spritzes.
PS Gourmet, Multiple locations | Sip from the menu of seasonal flavors or grab a signature flavor like banana hazelnut and snickerdoodle. You can even get a bucket-sized coffee (32 oz.) if a regular cup just won’t do.
Where to write your novel
Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St. | Surround yourself with literature lovers in the hybrid bookstore and cafe in Back Bay — grab a book with your coffee for some novel inspiration.
1369 Coffee House, 1369 Cambridge St., Cambridge | Get a jump start on your writing bright and early — this independent shop in Inman Square opens at 7 a.m. on weekdays.
Faro Cafe, 5 Arrow St., Cambridge | Let the intellectual vibes of Cambridge and Harvard University inspire you at this cozy, plant-filled cafe.
Diesel Cafe, 257 Elm St., Somerville | Make progress on your novel at this Davis Square space with comfortable red booths, high ceilings, and plenty of food options.
Plenty of outlets and internet connection
Render Coffee, Multiple locations | Stop by a Render in the Seaport, South End, or Charlestown to get some work done. Pro tip: Order a double espresso when you really need a jolt of energy.
Tradesman Coffee Shop and Lounge, Multiple locations | Visit the downtown or Charlestown locations for a red velvet croissant and latte to sip as you log on for the day.
Cafenation, 380 Washington St. | This Brighton shop provides plenty of natural light as well as strong coffee and internet connection.
Try one of the decadent croissants at Tradesman when you need a sugar rush.
Photo by @sarahbest2
Ula Cafe, 284 Amory St. | The Jamaica Plain cafe and meet-up spot is accessible off the MBTA Orange Line — perfect for remote workers looking to switch up their scenery.
Bloc Cafe, 11 Bow St., Somerville | Just steps away from Bow Market, this cafe has an extensive beverage and breakfast sandwich menu to fuel your work day.
On-the-go joe
Gracenote Coffee, Multiple locations | The small but mighty espresso bar, located on Lincoln Street and inside High Street Place, serves up a strong espresso.
Honeycomb Cafe, 107-109 Savin Hill Ave. | Visit the Dorchester store, created by a former Savin Hill resident, for small batch-roasted coffee to go.
Kohi Coffee, Various locations | Head to the walk-up window at the Summer Street location for a jolt of energy.
Gracenote is the first stop on our official BOStoday coffee crawl.
Photo by BOStoday team
Greystone, 123 Appleston St. | Walk up to the South End shop’s window and order yourself a matcha, golden latte, or cortado.
Yego Coffee, 1212 Broadway, Somerville | This Teele Square coffee shop first opened in March, serving up Rwandan roasted coffee.
Best bites
Cafe Iterum, 11 Father Jacobbe Rd. | Steps from Maverick Station, this neighborhood cafe has grab n’ go bites like a confit salmon bowl, plus dishes like chilled spicy noodles and a braised beef sandwich.
Revival Cafe and Kitchen, Multiple locations | Breakfast is served all day at Revival. Pro tip: Try the Salt-N-Pepa Sando.
Curio Coffee, 441 Cambridge St., Cambridge | Don’t skip this coffee shop’s Liège waffles, a type of sweet Belgian waffle made with pearl sugar.
Cafe Beatrice, 100 N. First St., Cambridge | Grab a sweet treat made by the cafe’s pastry shef, Brian Mercury. Think: A breakfast cookie or cinnamon roll.
Glasser Coffee Co., 589 Washington St. | We’ve got two words for you: breakfast tacos. If that’s not enough, grab a seasonal scone to pair with your Vietnamese coffee from the Brighton business.
3 Little Figs, 287 Highland Ave., Somerville | Grab one of the first come, first served seats and try a sandwich on one of the homemade biscuits.
Interesting interiors
Madhouse Cafe, 24 Blue Hill Ave. | Grab yourself a coffee and get your motorcycle repaired all in the same day with a visit to this hybrid, hip Roxbury space.
This Roxbury spot is located inside Madhouse Motors.
Photo by @mcslimjb
Phinista Cafe, 96 Peterborough St. | Snap a picture of the flowery wallpaper in the aesthetic Vietnamese cafe, located at the former home of Neighborhood Coffee & Crepes.
Gypsy Place Coffee, 90 Hampshire St., Cambridge | Embrace the bohemian vibes of this coffee shop and juice bar.
Cicada Coffee Bar, 106 Prospect St., Cambridge | The artisanal Vietnamese coffee bar boasts beautiful garden seating and artistic decor.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- It all starts with the beans — for the best coffee (and tea), skip the big brands and shop this collection of coffee from local roasters. For a whole bean coffee, try Methodical Coffee’s Pink Lady, while these Loveland Coffee K-Cups are a great Keurig option.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pourovers like a pro with elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
- Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
What did we miss? If you know a coffee shop that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey.
