Move over Starbucks, there’s better coffee in Boston. While this city may have earned the nickname “Beantown” thanks to Boston baked beans, it’s the coffee beans that keep us coming back for more. Whether you’re in the mood for a craft coffee or a delicious pastry to-go, these are the best Boston coffee shops to start your day off right.
The Thinking Cup
There’s a reason The Thinking Cup is always busy: it’s fantastic. Proudly serving Stumpton–named “best coffee in the world” by NPR–this coffee shop is a popular place for socializing amongst locals. We love the Barcelona Bliss sandwich paired with a simple Americano.
Tatte
With 16 storefront locations scattered across the Greater Boston area, Tatte brings European flavor and an incredible assortment of pastries to Beantown. Whipping up coffee essentials such as Americanos and flat whites, Tatte adds creativity and caffeine with menu options such as Moroccan mint tea and honey halva lattes. Their short rib grilled cheese sandwich might just change your life.
Caffé Vittoria
Take a stroll down Hanover Street in the North End and you’ll find Boston’s first Italian cafe. Originally opening in 1929, Caffé Vittoria is the perfect place for an espresso and a cannoli. Their basement cigar bar, Stanza dei Sigari, was featured on the tv show “Haunted Collector” due to some mysterious paranormal activity. Whether or not Caffé Vittoria is haunted is up to you to decide.
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters is the first and only Cambridge specialty coffee roastery. With a focus on environmental sustainability, BCR makes incredible coffee available to the local community. As things start to pick, we hope to see pre-Covid menu items such as Shakshuka and their Georgian egg boat make a comeback. But for now, we’ll settle with their delicious bulk beverages.
Render
With a slogan like “coffee above all else”, Render is the South End caffeine hot spot to explore. Render offers a comfortable atmosphere for conversing or studying and recently started roasting in-house. Grab an oat milk dirty chai if you’re feeling adventurous.
Flat Black Coffee
This espresso bar offers a wide variety of single-sourced coffee beans and plenty of Australian flair. The shop name, Flat Black Coffee, draws inspiration from Australia’s take on an Americano. Check out their selection of ethically-farmed coffees from around the world.
3 Little Figs
Comfortably located in Somerville awaits 3 Little Figs. This trendy espresso and pastry shop is proudly devoted to sustainable farming and locally-sourced beans. The ricotta toast paired with a Cortado is a fast and easy combination you won’t soon regret. Pro tip: don’t have time for a sit down coffee and snack? Order ahead online.
Cuppacoffee
The second Australian-influenced coffee shop to make this list, Cuppacoffee will have you checking out flights to Sydney once you’ve had a taste. Unlike Australia, this espresso bar is small, nearly hidden behind the TD Bank building. The beef pies and Vienna coffees come highly recommended.
Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar
Thanks to Jaho, you’ll never have to choose between coffee or wine again. A hot spot for Boston locals, patrons can start their day with a cappuccino and end it with an award-winning Espresso martini. Squeeze in a glass of wine and charcuterie board if you’re planning on staying through lunch.
