15 Best Coffee Shops In Boston, Massachusetts

By:

Dana Dupree

Last Updated:

Located on the East Coast, Boston is a city that seamlessly marries the charm of yesteryears with the vibrancy of today. Known for its historic landmarks, prestigious universities, and dynamic culture, Boston is a city that pulses with energy and life.

The coffee scene in Boston is as integral to its identity as its cobblestone streets and ivy-clad buildings. Here, coffee isn’t just a morning pick-me-up – it is a part of Boston’s soul.

From historic cafes steeped in tradition, serving classic New England brews, to modern coffee houses pushing the envelope with innovative brewing techniques, Boston’s coffee culture is a testament to the city’s spirit of exploration and excellence.

In Boston, a wide array of coffee shops awaits, each with its own unique character and flavor profile. Whether it’s a snug, brick-walled café nestled in Beacon Hill or a sleek, contemporary coffee bar in the buzzing South End, there’s a spot for every kind of coffee lover.

Best coffee shops in Boston

Whether you’re a Boston local looking to delve deeper into your city’s coffee culture, or a visitor keen on savoring the local flavors, this blog post is your guide to the best coffee shops in Boston.

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1. George Howell Coffee

Located in the heart of downtown Boston, the George Howell Coffee Shop offers a rotating selection of espresso drinks, pour-over coffee, coffee flights, and cold brew.

The space features clean lines and modern design elements, including custom woodwork and exposed brick walls.

In addition to providing customers with a comfortable place to sit down and relax, the cafe also provides a unique experience with its rotating menu featuring seasonal flavors like vanilla bean mocha, hazelnut latte, and strawberry shortcake.

The restaurant also serves up tasty treats such as cookies, scones, and muffins.

2. Gracenote Coffee

Gracenote’s roast is one of the biggest names in coffee in Boston. They believe in sustainable practices and work towards bringing the very best out of the roaster.

Not only do they roast their own coffee, but they are also pioneers in the field. 

Their cafes are located in Beacon Hill and the Leather District of Boston and offer a variety of drinks including drip, filtered, cappuccino, latte, nitro cold brew, and mochas.

Along with regular drip, filter coffees, nitro cold brews, mochas, and lattes, you can also find teas and hot chocolates.

3. 3 Little Figs

3 Little Figs Coffee Roasters opened in 2008, making it one of the oldest coffee shops in the area.

Today, they still serve up some of the best coffee around, along with breakfast items like French Toast, waffles, and pancakes.

The shop offers a wide variety of drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and many others.

However, their specialty drink is the Red Eye, which consists of regular coffee topped with two shots of espresso. This is one of the most popular drinks at the store, and it is definitely worth trying.

They also offer several different types of sandwiches, such as the Mediterranean Sandwich, the Turkey Club, and the Classic Breakfast Sandwich.

If you want something lighter, try their Greek Yogurt Parfait, which includes honeydew melon, strawberries, granola, and yogurt.

4. Revival Cafe + Kitchen

Source Revival Café + Kitchen makes everything from scratch. They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.

The cafe offers fresh coffee, espresso, and tea. They also sell beer, wine, and spirits.

Their menu changes daily, depending on what they feel like making.

They do not use pre-packaged ingredients, nor do they use frozen foods as all of their food is prepared fresh each day. Their baked goods include homemade pies, brownies, and cupcakes.

Their sandwiches are made with freshly sliced meats and cheeses, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and sauces, plus housemade dressings.

5. Curio Coffee & Wine

Curio Coffee & Wine is located just a few steps away from Lechmere Station in the East Cambridge neighborhood of Boston.

This small, cozy cafe serves up some great coffee options and delicious waffles on the go.

They offer a rotating selection of waffles with unique flavor combinations like Grapefruit Rosemary, Cinnamon, Lemon Poppyseed, and Orange Cardamom.

Their menu includes espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and cold brew.

If you are looking for something different, check out their wine list. You’ll find everything from red wines, white wines, sparkling wines, and even beer.

6. Ogawa Coffee

Ogawa Coffee is an authentic, Japanese roaster based in Boston.  Their mission is simple: make great coffee. And they do it well.

They’ve got a unique approach to everything they do, including how they source their coffees.

They began sourcing their coffees directly from farmers in 2012, and today they roast their coffees in small batches in their Tokyo headquarters. From there, they ship their coffees across the globe. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that they’re just another big corporation.

From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel comfortable. There’s no pretense here. Just people making some of the best coffee in Boston.

Visit their shop in downtown Somerville, Massachusetts, where they sell their coffee online and wholesale.

Boston coffee shops near me

7. The Well Coffee House

This charming café that offers a delightful coffee experience with its inviting ambiance and warm atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cup of expertly brewed coffee.

What sets The Well Coffee House apart is its commitment to ethically sourced and locally roasted beans, ensuring each sip is a flavorful and sustainable delight.

Among their popular drinks are the velvety smooth latte with hints of caramel and their refreshing cold brew infused with a touch of vanilla.

Indulge in a coffee experience that is both exceptional and socially conscious at The Well Coffee House.

8. Pavement Coffee House

Pavement Coffee House specializes in single-origin roasted coffee imported from around the globe and handcrafted bagels baked daily.

They also have a house coffee mix called Rathskeller used in espresso drinks, drip coffee, and Iced coffee.

While you are there, you could try their specialty drink called Death Cream. It is a blend of Cold Brew, half & half, and homemade vanilla syrup served over ice.

Do not forget to take home a pack of their handmade Half Dozen Bagels either.

9. Sidewalk Cafe

Sidewalk Cafe is a favorite spot for coffee in Boston. They offer such a great variety of food and drink options.

Their coffee selection includes both espresso and drip coffee, along with specialty beverages like lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and smoothies.

They also offer several flavored syrups including vanilla hazelnut, french vanilla, rainforest, mint chocolate chip, and strawberry banana.

The menu offers everything from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even features some vegan and gluten free items. 

The cafe itself is located in Downtown Crossing, near Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market. 

back bay coffee shops near me

10. Zume’s Coffee House

Zume’s Coffee House is located just ten minutes away from downtown Boston.

Among the drink choices, they offer espresso-based beverages like Americanos, lattes, and cappuccinos.

They also offer iced teas such as caramel salted latte, lumberjack latte, mint matcha tea latte, and nitro iced tea.

For those looking for something different, you can try their iced coffees such as crimson berry iced coffee, americano iced coffee, and caramel latte iced coffee.

For those looking for a healthy option, they have dairy-free milk such as oat, soy, almond, hazelnut, cashew, and coconut. They cater to vegan customers as well as lactose intolerant and also provide gluten-free baked goods.

11. Cafe Nero

Although it is a chain, Caffe Nero is one of those places where you feel like you are somewhere else.

You could easily be sitting in Italy, sipping on a cappuccino while looking out over the green hills. 

If you want to check it out head down to Caffe Nero, located in Boston, Massachusetts. This cafe serves up some great food and drinks.

12. Render Coffee

Render Coffee is located in the heart of the South End neighborhood of Boston.

Founded in 2011, it opened its doors in 2012. In 2017, Render expanded into a larger space and added a second location in downtown Boston.

In addition to serving up some of the best coffee around, Render offers a wide variety of baked goods, including donut holes from Masshole Donuts.

They also offer salads, sandwiches, and more.

Best Coffee Shops Boston, Massachusetts

13. Thinking Cup

A coffee shop that serves Stumptown coffee in a variety of beautiful forms, including pour overs, iced drinks, lattes, and more.

There is also tea, plus light breakfast and lunch served daily.

The menu changes seasonally, and each location has a different theme.

For example, one location is called “Café de la Rue,” and another is called “Cafe de la Plage.”

This location is steps from the Public Garden, and there are three others in Boston: on Hanover Street in North End; on Newbury Street in the Back Bay; and on Tremont Street in the South End.

14. Jonquils Cafe and Bakery

Renowned for its delightful beverages and pastries, this charming establishment offers a range of options to satisfy every craving.

One of their popular creations is the Matcha Rose Latte, a harmonious blend of matcha and delicate rose flavors that result in a soothing and refreshing drink.

Alongside this signature beverage, patrons can also indulge in their flaky and irresistible double chocolate croissants.

At Jonquils Cafe and Bakery, guests can expect a warm and welcoming experience, complete with exceptional drinks and delectable pastries.

15. Diesel Cafe

A neighborhood spot for high-end coffee, pool games, and a healthy menu, Diesel Cafe serves up a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts.

The cafe opened in February 2018 and is located inside the former home of the popular West Loop bar, the Old Town Ale House.

Conclusion 

There you have it, our choice of the 15 best coffee shops Boston has to offer. Hopefully, you will check out at least one of them.

Remember, the next time you get your phone out to search for the best coffee near me in Boston just come back to this page instead and try out another of our recommendations.

Check out the best coffee shops in Massachusetts in the other places we cover.

Or have a look at Chelsea coffee shops, to begin with.

What to do in Boston

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