Are you looking for the best coffee shops in Boston? You’ve come to the right place. Today, Boston has become a pilgrimage site for coffee lovers in North America due to its thriving coffee culture. Regardless of status or position, Boston coffee shops are places that keep people energetic in the morning. This article will take you to 10 best cafes in Boston, from the cozy energy stations in the peaceful district to the academic inspiration sources in universities town, from the highly skilled baristas to the fragrant roasted coffee and the frosty lattes, each cafe and every cup tells a unique taste story.
Best Coffee Shops in Boston
1. George Howell Coffee
- Features: George Howell Coffee is considered as one of the best coffee shops in Boston. As a pioneer of the specialty coffee movement in the United States, George Howell’s name is almost synonymous with the “craftsman spirit” in the coffee industry. It is an European-style espresso bar, with its flagship store located within the Godfrey hotel in downtown Boston. The collision of the marble countertop and the industrial cement wall in the store creates an atmosphere of understated luxury. The combination of the Kees van der Westen Spirit coffee machine and the Modbar hand-brewing system showcases the ultimate pursuit of coffee extraction. Instant coffee and a range of espresso beverages are also waiting for you to explore.
- Recommended Drinks: Alchemy Espresso (Double shot), Hot Latte, Cold Brew (24-hour steeped), Red Eye (or Iced Red Eye), and Matcha Latte.
- Location: 505 Washington St The Godfrey Hotel, Boston, MA 02111-1211
- Phone: +1 857-957-0217
- Surrounding Life: It is very close to the Boston Public Library and Chinatown, making it a great place to visit before planning to study at the library or while shopping.
2. Ogawa Coffee
- Features: The first store of this century-old coffee brand from Kyoto, Japan (founded in 1952) in Boston perfectly combines Japanese minimalist aesthetics with precise extraction techniques. The coffee beans of Ogawa Coffee undergo natural anaerobic processing, resulting in flavors such as sweet bread, black cherries, plums, maple syrup and walnuts, which makes Ogawa Coffee become one of another Boston best Cafes. Every latte’s latte art is an edible work of art, ranging from complex crane patterns to traditional washi paper textures, offering a dual feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. All the ceramic cups used in the store are air-freighted from Japan, creating a subtle echo with the flavor of the coffee.
- Recommended Drinks: Vanilla Lavender Lattes, Salty-Sweet Smoked Maple Latte, and Houjicha Latte.
- Location: 10 Milk St, Boston, MA 02108-4600
- Phone: +1 617-780-7139
3. Gracenote Coffee
- Features: Despite the small space, it doesn’t prevent Gracenote Coffee from becoming one of the top coffee shops in Boston. Due to the special decoration and tiny spaces, it is also regarded as the cute cafes in Boston. This miniature cafe hidden in a small alley in the Leather District redefines the taste experience with the concept of “coffee notes” – just as its name “Gracenote” (decorative notes in music) suggests, each coffee has a unique flavor variation. Milk drinks, espresso or drip coffee are simple options. Meanwhile, the hotel also offers special beverages that can be consumed in rotation. The decade-plus of roasting experience and high-quality, sustainable, and traceable green coffee beans are also the unique gifts for every coffee lovers. There are only six standing bar positions in the store, but it is equipped with Mahlkönig EK 43 grinder worth six figures and Modbar invisible brewing system. The vinyl records on the wall and the hanging green plants create an industrial warmth reminiscent of Brooklyn, New York.
- Recommended Drinks: Signature Cortado, Nitro Cold Brew, Rotating Flash-Chilled Iced Coffees, Cardamom Latte, Miso Caramel Latte, and Espresso Tonic.
- Location: 108 Lincoln St, Boston, MA 02111-2500
- Student Friendly: It is one of the favorite coffee shops of many Emerson College and Suffolk University students, just around 10-minute walk from the campuses. One cup of coffee wakes up for a whole day!
4. Barismo Coffee
- Features: Hidden in the former site of the Harvard Square Antique Auction House, Barismo, with its retro atmosphere of red brick vaults and wooden long tables, is brimming with the most cutting-edge coffee innovations. As a pioneer of Boston cold brew coffee, Barismo’s “Cold Brew Trilogy” tasting set (original, nitrogen, and aromatic) allows customers to experience the multi-faceted nature of cold brew coffee all at once. Among them, the limited edition with gin and hops once sparked heated discussions in the coffee circle. Barismo pays attention to details and guarantees quality, with the aim of providing more specialty coffee. The store also offers a wide variety of baked goods and weekend brunches. This specialty coffee shop in Boston has also created a very ideal learning place for Harvard University elites.
- Recommended Drinks: Espresso, Cappuccino, Nitro Cold Brew, Iced Draft Latte, and Pour-Over Coffee.
- Location: 364 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139-1744
- Phone: +1 617-714-5536
- Academic Life Circle: The back door of the cafe leads directly to the Harvard Art Museum, and it takes only 15 minutes on foot to reach the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
5. 3 Little Figs
- Features: This community cafe, run by a Greek family, integrates Mediterranean dietary philosophy into coffee culture. Sunlight filters through the floor-to-ceiling windows and spills onto the blue and white tiled floor. The paintings of Greek islands hanging on the walls and the aroma of freshly baked spanakopita (spinach pie) every day make one feel as if they were in Santorini. 3 Little Figs is another best coffee places in Boston thanks to its high-quality coffee and homemade food. The fresh jam is a completely made by natural product. The cafe uses a variety of beans, such as a Javier Solis (Costa Rica) and a Layo Teraga (Ethiopia). On the hand-brewing counter, sample beans roasted on the same day are always placed for customers to smell and select.
- Recommended Drinks: Espresso Drinks (like a cappuccino or mocha), Raspberry Pitaya smoothie, and Iced Latte.
- Location: 278 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143-1338
- Phone: +1 617-623-3447
- Commuity Atmosphere: This cafe is located in the Davis Square business district of Somerville in the Greater Boston area. There are many Victorian townhouses around, some of which have been transformed into Boston student apartments.
6. Jadu
- Features: Jadu is also one of the special best coffee shops in Boston MA. This newly opened community cafe in 2023 has quickly become a popular landmark in the Jamaican Plain. The store name “Jadu” means “magic” in Hindi, which is reflected in their innovative use of traditional Indian spices – from cardamom to turmeric, each special blend tells the story of the fusion of immigrant cultures. The rainbow-colored glass windows and hand-woven tapestries inside the store are all created by local South Asian artists. At Jadu, you can savor velvety cappuccinos and creamy milk tea, as well as a range of interesting seasonal beverages, such as cardamom and clove lattes. Breakfast and lunch are also served in the store, like sandwiches, toast snacks, and bowls, as well as pistachio butter toast and Turkish-style eggs.
- Recommended Drinks: Turmeric latte (freshly ground with fresh turmeric roots, paired with coconut milk and black pepper), and Indian Spice Tea Latte (a combination of masala chai and espresso).
- Location: 767 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts 02130
- Family-friendly: Located in the center of Jamaica Plain community, surrounded by Boston apartments and houses, the surrounding environment is peaceful and beautiful.
7. Yego Coffee
- Features: Yego Coffee deserves to be called as the unique cafes in Boston, famous for its roasting Rwandan coffee beans. This coffee shop founded by Rwandan Americans brings the soul of African coffee to Boston through a direct trade model of “from farm to cup”. All the coffee comes from family farms in southern Rwanda. It is processed using traditional washed methods and roasted indoors to ensure freshness and multiple roasting intensifications. This bright little coffee shop offers an outstanding espresso experience, with craftsmanship and culture well reflected in every cup of coffee.
- Recommended Drinks: Cortado, Cappuccino, Flat White, Cold Brew, and Masala Chai Latte.
- Location: 1212 Broadway, Somerville, Massachusetts 02144
- Phone: +1 857-266-0977
8. Sip of Joy Café & Bakery
- Features: This Turkish-style cafe has conquered the palates of Bostonians with its coffee brewed in cezve POTS and handcrafted baklava (honey nut dessert). The shop owners are an immigrant couple from Istanbul. The copper coffee utensils and colorful glass lamps in the store are all air-freighted from Turkey. Sip of Joy Cafe & Bakery can be said to be coolest and best cafes in Boston Massachusetts. In addition to coffee, the store also offers a variety of blends of traditional Turkish cuisine, such as a Turkish buffet breakfast and pogaca pastries. In addition, everything from wraps and burgers to chocolate and raspberry mousse, as well as gluten-free baked goods can also be found at Sip of Joy Cafe & Bakery.
- Recommended Drinks: Spanish Latte, Iced Caramel Macchiato, Matcha Latte, Mocha Frappe, seasonal specialty lattes (like Pumpkin Spice or Vanilla Rose) and signature cold brews.
- Location: 661 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118
- Phone: +1 781-879-9373
9. Tilde
- Features: Tilde is one of the Boston best coffee shops due to its unique combination on coffee and wine. During the day, Tilde is a modern coffee shop, renowned for its handcrafted syrups and freshly ground matcha, focusing on the quality and precision of its beverages. In the evening, this Boston cafe turns into a bar, offering wine, unique espresso beverages (such as seasonal espresso tonic water), snacks and deli boards. The coffee features a Nordic light-roasted style, with bright acidity and prominent floral aromas. The alcoholic beverages are mainly natural wines produced by small domestic producers. This Nordic-style cafe, with its minimalist design and seasonal menu, has become a new favorite in the Cambridge area of Greater Boston. The Coffee beans of Broadsheet Coffee Roasters in the store, the pastries of Butternut Bakehouse and the cheeses of Formaggio Kitchen are very famous. The white brick walls and light-colored oak furniture create a Scandinavian atmosphere, and the open kitchen allows customers to watch the pastry chef make cinnamon rolls on the spot.
- Recommended Drinks: Maple Latte, Espresso, Matcha, Cold Brew, and Loose-Leaf Teas.
- Location: 2376 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
10. Pavement Coffeehouse
- Features: Pavement Coffeehouse is an independent, community-centered Boston cafe. It offers high-quality handcrafted coffee and homemade kettle-brewed bagels, which are deeply loved by the local people. Pavement Coffeehouse perfectly combines the atmosphere of comfort, leisure and modernity. It offers many seats and free Wi-Fi, allowing people to enjoy their coffee time with peace of mind. It was thus rated by the locals as one of the best and cozy coffee shops in Boston. The staff in the store also receive training on coffee preparation and serving, aiming to provide friendly and considerate service to customers.
- Recommended Drinks: Vanilla Oat Milk Latte, Pumpkin Oat Milk Latte, and Maple Oat Milk Latte.
- Location: 286 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115
- Phone: +1 617-859-9515
- Sports Life: Directly opposite Fenway Park, a great option for a cup of coffee during the sports season. Popular among students of Northeastern University. It takes only 10 minutes on foot to reach The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Settling Down Near Best Boston Coffee Shops
When exploring the coffee map of Boston, have you ever thought: How pleasant it would be if you could wake up every morning and walk for just five minutes to enjoy your favorite coffee? For coffee lovers, the distance between the residence and a coffee shop often determines the happiness of life. We can serve as a bridge connecting you to your ideal coffee community. uhomes.com offers a wide range of student housing in Boston, catering to your dual-dimensional requirements on closing to both campuses and Boston cafes. Whether you are in pursuit of George Howell’s craftsmanship or prefer Gracenote’s minimalist aesthetics, we can help you find the ideal home where “the cafe is right downstairs”. After all, the best coffee time starts when you don’t have to travel far.
Conclusion on Best Coffee Shops in Boston MA
Every cup of coffee in Boston carries the historical memory and innovative spirit of this city. In George Howell’s laboratory, you can savor the rigor of coffee science. At the counter of Ogawa, you can enjoy the exquisite Japanese aesthetics. These Boston best cafes scattered in every corner of the city are not only taste stations, but also the heart of the community, incubators of ideas and museums of life. The next time you hold a cup of Boston coffee in your hand, why not slow down and savor it carefully? What surges in that cup is not only the aroma of coffee beans, but also the soul of this city.
FAQs About Best Cafes in Boston
What are the 10 best coffee shops in Boston?
10 best coffee shops in Boston are George Howell Coffee, Ogawa Coffee, Gracenote Coffee, Barismo Coffee, 3 Little Figs, Jadu, Yego Coffee, Sip of Joy Café & Bakery, Tilde, Pavement Coffeehouse. The above ones are highly-rated options with good coffee beans, delicious drinks, nice environment, and unique features and characteristics, bringing you a wonderful and memorable coffee time.
Which are the best coffee shops in Downtown Boston?
The best coffee shops in Downtown Boston are George Howell Coffee, Ogawa Coffee, and Gracenote Coffee.
What are the best coffee shops in Boston for study?
The best coffee shops in Boston for study are George Howell Coffee, Pavement Coffeehouse, and Ogawa Coffee, which offers cozy seats, WiFi, and nice atmosphere. In addition, Tatte Bakery & Cafe, and Broadsheet Coffee Roasters also provide suitable environment for studying.
Which kind of coffee is Boston known for?
When it comes to coffee, Boston is famous for Macchiato. A freshly roasted cup of coffee is Bostonians favourite. As the weather getting warm, iced coffee is also popular among locals.
Are there any top outdoor cafes in Boston?
Yes, the top outdoor cafe in Boston is undoubtedly Pavement Coffeehouse, offering many cozy seats for customers to enjoy the coffee and relax outdoors. Besides, George Howell Coffee, Sip of Joy Café & Bakery, and 3 Little Figs also provide outdoor seatings along the sidewalk or at the patio.
What are the cheapest cafes in Boston?
The cheapest cafe in Boston is Day Shift, especially if you bring your own mug, you can have chances to get the coffee at $1. Moreover, Archie’s, Dunkin’ or 7/11 are perfect choices for buying cheapest coffee in Boston.
Can I find any cute coffee shops in Boston?
Yes, there are many cute coffee shops in Boston, like Gracenote Coffee, Tatte, Flour Bakery, and Gypsy. The above ones offer special designs and a cozy and “at home” environment.
