Whether it’s your morning kickstart or afternoon pick-me-up, coffee plays a huge role in our daily lives. With restaurants opening back up comes resuming our coffee shop rituals. There are a number of great coffee shops in Boston for the java-obsessed, and we’re providing just a few of them here.
10 Best Local Coffee Shops in Boston
1. Pavement, multiple locations including Back Bay, Fenway, Allston, Harvard, Brighton
With multiple locations around the city (8 to be exact!), Pavement is a go-to local, independent coffee shop in the city. In addition to specialty roasted coffee, Pavement also offers fresh kettle-boiled bagels. They sell out quickly though, so don’t wait too long to grab your coffee and bagel!
2. George Howell, Downtown Boston, and Boston Public Market
Copyright Tripadvisor – George Howell
Since 2004, George Howell is a staple in the city. Founded by a coffee icon that bears the same name, George Howell founded Coffee Connection, which was sold to Starbucks in the early ’90s. Coffee is craft-roasted daily in small batches and is sourced directly as possible.
3. Render Coffee, South End, and Financial District
“Best americano I’ve ever had,” claims one Yelp review on this Boston-based coffeeshop. Fresh food, delicious coffee, and a cozy atmosphere make Render a “must try” in Boston.
4. Fuel America, Brighton
This industrial new-Americana coffeeshop is somewhere you’ll want to post up for the day, enjoy a coffee and get work done. With casual breakfast offerings, like the farmer’s omelet sandwich, and baked goods, Fuel definitely lives up to its name.
5. Gracenote, Cambridge
This teeny-tiny espresso bar packs a big punch. Nitro cold brews, espresso, and artisan coffees are just a few of the
Copyright Gracenote
delicious offerings on the menu. Fresh-pressed almond milk is available to include in your beverages.
6. Ogawa Coffee, Downtown
Coffee artisans from Koyoto, Japan set up shop in Downtown Crossing, offering coffee from the “finest beans and soil.” With coffee having a long history as a popular social beverage in Japan, Ogawa’s owners are bringing a taste of it to the U.S.
7. Phinista Coffee, Fenway
Espresso drinks and pour-over teas are a few menu items at this Vietnamese coffee shop. With an instagrammable
Copyright Phinista Coffee
restaurant and a variety of crepes, Phinista is a popular weekend spot for college kids in the city. Beat the rush with online ordering to experience your coffee on the go.
8. Flat Black Coffee Company, Downtown, and Dorchester
Flat Black Coffee is one of Boston’s largest independently owned roaster, retailer, and wholesaler of specialty coffees. The coffee shop name “Flat Black” actually comes from Australia, and is basically their version of an Americano.
9. Thinking Cup, North End, South End, Back Bay
Serving Stumptown and Third Wave coffee, the Thinking Cup provides fine teas, coffees, and pastries to Bostonians since 2010. With multiple locations in the city, it’s easy to find the coffee shop near you.
10. Eataly Boston, Back Bay
Eataly is home to the 130-year-old coffee brand, Caffè Vergnano. If you’re looking for quality Italian coffee, look no further than this spot. The standing bar offers a curated menu of drinks that focuses on Italian espresso. Grab a housemade croissant and drink, close your eyes, and pretend you’re in Italy.
