Boston has innovation, energy, and vigor. Education, music, athletics, and culture are strengths. Fast-paced and vibrant, the city offers you a feeling of well-being. Nothing in Boston warms you up like a hot cup in cold winter or cools you down like an iced coffee in the summer.
Boston’s coffee establishments energize students, employers, and visitors from morning to night. Come along for the ride as we show you some of the best coffee in Boston.
If you need a caffeine fix, you’re lucky, Boston has no shortage of excellent coffee shops. Try one of the many nearby cafes and coffee houses for a change of pace. Boston’s best coffee can be found at any of these locations.
26 Lists of Best Coffee in Boston
- Pepita Coffee
- Revival Cafe & Kitchen
- Kohi Coffee Company
- 1369 Coffee House
- Gracenote Coffee
- Phinista Café
- Ogawa Coffee
- Curio Coffee
- Deja Brew
- Café Susu by SuitSupply
- Barismo
- Thinking Cup
- Jaho Roaster and Wine Bar
- Tokava
- Render Coffee
- Greystone Cafe, Bakery, and Provisions
- Diesel Café
- George Howell Coffee
- Nine Bar Espresso
- The Well Coffee House
- 3 Little Figs
- Flat Black Coffee
- Bloc
- Eataly Boston
- Pavement Coffeehouse
- Broadsheet Coffee Roasters
Pepita Coffee
If you visit the Lamplighter Brewing Co.’s in-house cafe Pepita before 11 a.m, you can enjoy both Pepita drink and Lamplighter beer. Pepita serves a variety of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, including pastries from Cambridge’s Cafe Beatrice and a wide selection of coffee and tea beverages.
Try their spicy double hot chocolate, cold brew flights, or other tasty beverages. An orange cardamom latte, available in the spring, is just one example of a delicious seasonal specialty.
Revival Cafe & Kitchen
The Revival restaurants in Alewife, Back Bay, and Davis Square continue some of the same practices as their older sibling, the now-defunct Crema Cafe in Harvard Square, which shut down at the end of 2018.
Don’t forget to try the fried chicken sandwich offered on Fridays at Revival, which is available on the menu with the fresh bread and pastries baked daily. A wide variety of refreshing beverages are available, including hot and iced tea and coffee drinks, a ginger and lemon mixture, a seltzer, and lemonade, to name a few.
Kohi Coffee Company
This tiny coffee shop is easy because it’s next to Boston’s largest Tatte. The artsy lattes and modern decor make it worth a visit. The elegant 125 Summer Street office building houses Kohi Coffee Co., a little independent cafe that sells specialty coffee and baked goods. A little walk-up window is available for anyone who wants a cup of coffee quickly.
1369 Coffee House
There are several ways in which 1369 Coffee House is Cambridge’s most venerable coffeehouse. An excellent coffeehouse environment and great coffee were introduced to Cantabrigians in tandem at this location. It was now acceptable to have a cup of latte while reading a chapter book or working on an early-era MacBook.
Quick Fact: Even in the Starbucks era, Inman Square’s tiny, compact, and neighborly establishment remains popular with creatives and young workers. If you cannot get a seat at the original location, its Central Square location is equally as snug and popular.
Gracenote Coffee
Gracenote Coffee, one of Boston’s best coffee cafes, roasts its beans and shows them in every cup it serves. The beans and the espresso are of the highest grade. Single-origin beans of the highest quality can be purchased, as well as delectable home blends.
Coffee is the main reason you’re here, but you can also buy some pastries and other little bakery items. If you have any coffee-related inquiries, you can rest assured that the staff will be happy to help. The prices are a tad on the high side, but the quality is worth it.
Phinista Café
Phinista, a Vietnamese cafe with a creperie twist, is a gift to the Fenway from the city of Boston. With its Phinista coffee prepared in traditional Vietnamese metal filters, this establishment is well known for its high-intensity but a smooth-tasting beverage.
Try the Phin Den or the Phin Trang (coffee, egg yolk, and condensed milk) for a traditional Vietnamese coffee. If you’re not a coffee fan, try one of the shop’s vibrant milk teas or lemonades.
Everyone can see the crêpes being created on the skillet, and the sweet perfume permeates the tastefully wallpapered cafe. Lunchtime diners rave about the bánh mi and noodle bowls, which have exotic Asian flavors like mint, pickled vegetables, and lemongrass.
Ogawa Coffee
At this Japanese coffee shop in Downtown Crossing, you’ll find all your favorite caffeinated beverages with a distinctively Japanese twist. Ogawa’s specialty coffee sets it apart from the other places.
You’ve never had anything like the Kyoto house blend before. It’s a delightful treat. You may select an AeroPress or Kalita Wave brew method from their espresso drinks menu for your coffee.
Sandwiches, breakfast items, and desserts are available on the broad menu. Matcha sundae is an absolute must-have at this location. Lines are long, but they move swiftly. The wait is worth it.
Curio Coffee
Want a waffle and some coffee while you’re in the Lechmere area? Have no fear, Curio has you covered. Be on the lookout for the rotating selection of waffle deals. Keep an eye on Curio’s Instagram for details on when it will reopen as a nighttime eatery serving burgers and natural wines.
Deja Brew
Deja Brew is a female-owned and -operated establishment where New Southie and Old Southie meet. The regulars still order the hot variety, but the newer customers are more likely to get an iced coffee with flavors like chocolate chips and oatmeal.
They serve all-day breakfast and lunch in addition to processing Downeast Coffee Roasters (hooray for another local family business). Try the Bubba Biscuit, named for longtime Southie resident and former firefighter Bubba Cahill, who features egg, cheddar, bacon, garlic aioli, and arugula.
Cafe Susu by SuitSupply
Due to SuitSupply’s window display of stylishly dressed mannequins, the entrance to Cafe Susu, a Newbury Street hidden gem, is often overlooked. You’ll be greeted by an eccentric chandelier, jade, and suede chairs as you make your way downstairs to Cafe Susu.
Espresso bars and cafes serve a wide choice of handcrafted beverages and source pastries from Cafe Madeline, from lattes to seasonal combinations. This spot is perfect for a quick lunch or an all-day hangout with friends, offering only sandwiches, salads, beer, and drinks.
Barismo
Located in the middle of Cambridge, the barista has a strong following among locals. This coffee shop, decorated like a science lab, features minimal seating but excellent single-cup coffee. The company highly values transparency and attention to detail regarding sourcing and roasting.
The friendly baristas are specialists in their field and are always willing to share their knowledge. East Arlington and Woburn both have a barista, which is ideal for those who need a quick snack.
Thinking Cup
If you don’t already know it, Thinking Cup is the favorite coffee shop for Boston’s best coffee. They use the world-renowned Stumptown brand of coffee. On the other hand, baristas are more than capable of producing a great cup of coffee. You can’t go wrong with ordering from their menu of tried-and-true classics.
They have a few sandwiches and pastries available if you want something to eat with your coffee. Despite the welcoming ambiance, you may have difficulty finding a seat on a busy morning. But the 165 Tremont Street location is just a short walk from Boston Common. The best way to start the day is with a walk in the park and a cup of coffee.
Jaho Roaster and Wine Bar
Jaho was established on the North Coast of Massachusetts, the location of many of its early beginnings. If you’re in the mood for a cup of joe, you’ll be able to find one of its many specialty coffee roasters and cafes throughout the city.
The creators’ desire to “sit in a quiet café and watch the world go by” inspired the design of each Jaho, so they expect to want to spend some time at one of these establishments.
Tokava
In this case, the cliché that “good things come in small packages” is accurate. However, Tokava does not fall into this category. A trendy spot in Jamaica Plain, this espresso is made to order, and the atmosphere is minimalistic and chic.
Tokava proves that less is more with its assortment of freshly baked pastries to go along with your java, on top of which the cheerful baristas will always place a frothy heart.
Render Coffee
It’s the perfect blend of cozy and sophisticated. The entire experience is delightful, from the welcoming atmosphere to the lovely patio in the backyard. Render has a welcoming atmosphere, and the coffee is prepared with care. The cold brew coffee was charming, but all of the coffee at this establishment was excellent.
The breakfast options at Render Coffee are some of the bests, and they’re both filling and delicious. It’s impossible to find a better bagel in Boston’s best coffee than those found here. Having the choice of delivery is a fantastic bonus feature. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, swing by for a cup of coffee and maybe a short bite.
Greystone Cafe, Bakery, and Provisions
The South End cafe mother and daughter team running Greystone on Appleton Street considers the business their “baby.” Then it’s no surprise that they put so much care into the design of each cup and beyond since they sell both sweet and savory treats. Greystone will make it happen if you want a single-origin pour-over or a chai latte with a kick.
Diesel Café
Any self-respecting Somerville imbiber knows that Davis Square is where it’s at. The cafe’s pool table, black-and-white photo booth, and busy clientele of young people (especially those attending Tufts University) make it stand out from the competition.
George Howell Coffee
George Howell Coffee, located in Downtown Crossing, is what you’d expect from a “city coffee shop.” If you can find a seat, this is an excellent place to grab a cup of coffee and check your email in the morning to see if you can get a table. Seating is plentiful, however, it can get packed occasionally.
Quick Fact: If you’re a coffee connoisseur, this is the shop for you. They provide a wide variety of roasts at any given time, and the list is continuously changing. If you are looking for Boston’s best coffee, try one of their unique coffee drinks, which are only available at this location.
Nine Bar Espresso
This quaint cafe in Davis Square is great for grabbing your caffeine fix and switching up your daily routine. In addition to Gracenote coffee and loose-leaf tea, Nine Bar Espresso offers a variety of exquisite pastries and small meals.
They have a wonderful neighborhood atmosphere in their take-out window and make a great cup of coffee for those on the go.
The Well Coffee House
The Well Coffee House stands out from the rest of the picks because it offers something different. They’re a non-profit to improve the neighborhoods in which they do business.
One thing it has in common with the rest of the coffee businesses on this list: is the quality of their brews! Their State Street location is next to the Old State House, part of the Freedom Trail. Stop in for a cup of joe and a good cause simultaneously.
3 Little Figs
A good coffee shop has a high stack of sandwiches, pastries, and baked goods on display, in addition to the aromatic waft of brewed coffee. In addition to freshly baked goods, this little cafe offers friendly service and a small salad and sandwich menu.
The dedication of 3 Little Fig’s baristas is its main draw. All espresso beverages are made using premium ingredients like locally sourced milk and beans.
Flat Black Coffee
The company is the largest independent coffee roaster and retailer in Boston. “Americano,” which appears in the emblem as a kangaroo, is derived from an Australian slang phrase. The dark roasts, in particular, are outstanding. The Kenya Tambaya peaberry is a clear standout among a remarkable group of roasts.
Flat Black exudes a vibe that can only characterize as a “classic coffee shop” in its appearance. The warm and friendly atmosphere here makes you want to spend some time there. Of course, the coffee is excellent and doesn’t hurt, either.
There is a shortage of seating, so you may have to try a few times before finding a spot, 260 Franklin Street is a must-visit if you want to learn more.
Bloc
It seems to be a trend in Somerville to transform drab, outdated structures into cool hangouts for the locals. With a wide selection of food and drinks, including coffee sourced ethically, this Union Square café is a popular hangout for young professionals.
In the opposite corner of the coffee shop, you’ll find a massive bank vault where you can sip your beverage while pretending to be part of a heist.
Eataly Boston
Eataly, located in the Prudential Center, is the place to go for genuine Italian espresso-based beverages. Caffe Lavazza provides a taste of Italy with its specialty coffee and freshly baked pastries, fueling customers for a stroll through the shops selling Italian goods.
Pavement Coffeehouse
Pavement Coffeehouse completes the shortlist of coffee shops. They have a limited selection of coffees, but they’re still good. Tea and small snacks are also available. The iced coffee and one of their baked bagels proved to be a winning combination for us.
Exposed brick and leather-backed seats made this a traditional coffeehouse experience for you. Coffee shops have a uniform look and feel, but this one has a distinct personality. Visit one of their many Boston-area locations to see all the fuss.
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters
When Cambridge’s first roasting company opened for business in 2017, its coffees came with a provenance: the company’s founder, then-hobbyist roaster Aaron MacDougall, had won “best in show” awards at contests like the Genuine Origin Coffee Project’s Roast and Go.
Broadsheet is a new café in a previously underserved section of Harvard Street, between Union Square and Harvard Yard. It features a rotating selection of delicious and complex coffees, a full café menu, and a pleasant outside seating area with ample sunlight.
Boston’s Coffee Culture
The Boston Tea Party in 1773 marked the beginning of the city’s coffee culture. To show their displeasure with being taxed without a voice in Parliament, Bostonians hurled more than 300 crates of tea into The Boston harbor, sparking a rebellion against Great Britain.
Historians of coffee agree that the scarcity of tea at the time was a significant factor in the rise of coffee consumption in the American colonies. While this was happening, in 1948, the first Dunkin’ Donuts store opened in the suburbs of Boston, at a place called Quincy, Massachusetts. That spot is still serving customers today.
There are now more than sixty Dunkin’ Donuts shops in the city. The number of Starbucks locations, which exceeds 50, is comparable, as are those of other franchises like HoneyDew and Mary Lou’s.
However, a thriving subculture of specialty coffee shops, roasteries, and cafés exists apart from the chains. Each has its character, which may include extraordinary, stylish, historic, cozy, retro, or, most importantly, tasty qualities.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a resident looking for a new coffee shop to try the best coffee in Boston, a newcomer to town, or just passing through, we hope this list will assist you in finding the perfect coffee shop for you.
There is no shortage of excellent coffee shops in Boston, and while this list is not comprehensive, these establishments are a perfect beginning to begin your quest.
