My 11 Favorite Coffee Shops In Boston (By a Local)
Coffee is a love language in my family. It used to bring my grandmother so much joy to see her family gathered around sipping on freshly brewed coffee. So naturally, coffee shops to me feel like a home away from home.
As a Boston local, I have visited countless coffee shops to work remotely or gather with loved ones. I’ve curated a list of my top coffee spots, local favorites, and others you don’t want to miss the next time you’re in Boston.
Keep reading to discover which coffee shops are serving cozy vibes, strong espresso, French pastries, and more. And don’t forget to bookmark my list of the best things to do in Boston! You’ll need a little caffeine fix before all your exploring, anyway.
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11 Best Boston Coffee Shops
Dunkin Donuts
All of Boston runs on Dunkin.
📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (671) 472-9502
This coffee list would not be complete without Dunkin Donuts at the top of the list. Dunkin Donuts is an integral part of Boston culture. There is a location in what feels like every corner of the city. Fun Fact: the first ever Dunkin Donuts still remains in Quincy.
All of America knows Dunkin Donuts for its coffee and donuts on the go. You can almost always catch a true Bostonian with an iced coffee from Dunkin no matter the season. Just reference Ben Affleck’s viral paparazzi photos of him and his Dunkin Donuts!
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Tatte rhymes with latte. This Parisian-style cafe is infused with Israeli notes and dotted all over Boston.
📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (617) 366-1555
Tatte Bakery & Cafe is my favorite place to go and a second runner-up as a Boston favorite. There are 22 locations (and counting) in the Boston area. Each location embodies its signature look of white tiles and wooden furnishings.
This upscale bakery & cafe is one of the places I enjoy working remotely from. Check out Tatte in the Back Bay neighborhood! It’s one of my favorite neighborhoods and it’s a great place to stay if you’re visiting Boston. Plus, the shop is flooded with natural lighting and provides the perfect ambiance for hours of writing.
Their Israeli-French fusion menu offers specialty drinks that go perfectly with breakfast, lunch, and brunch foods. My go-to drink is the house latte. This must-try latte is spiced with cardamom and slightly sweetened with honey. It pairs nicely with their elegant pastries, croissant breakfast sandwich, or soup of the day.
Colette Bakery & Cafe
This authentic French bakery & cafe in Medford is cozy inside and out.
📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (781) 396-2313
The owners of Colette Bakery & Cafe are a French couple that moved to Medford from France. Their first location is at the very tip of Main Street in Medford. Their success has led the pair to open up a location in South End and Melrose.
This bakery & cafe feels like it’s out of the French countryside. It’s cozy from the inside out. The space is dotted with tables by the window, and others along the wall lining plush sofas. There is an exposed back kitchen that displays freshly baked goods. Think baguettes and brioche.
Colette Bakery & Cafe offers a variety of pastries. Try their pain au chocolat, apple turnovers, eclairs, and more. For savory options, you can order quiche and sandwiches. I always indulge in their flaky, buttery, and light croissants. I wash it down with a latte that is the right combination of smooth and strong.
Caffe Nero
This coffee house is excellent for remote work and serves good Italian coffee all over Boston.
📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (617) 249-6055
Caffe Nero Coffee House is another great place for me to work from. The Fenway location provides a casual atmosphere with comfortable seating surrounded by books. It is the perfect ambiance and setting for remote working.
There are many locations throughout the city, offering quick service and strong Italian coffee. My favorite coffee drink to order is their cortado. It is tiny in size, but mighty in impact.
Their cortado is prepared with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, topped off with a creamy foam. It gives me the steady energy I need for extended work sessions. Caffe Nero is also one of my top recommended spots if you’re trying to visit Boston on a budget.
South End Buttery Bakery & Cafe
This casual neighborhood cafe & bakery is located in Boston’s historic South End.
📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (617) 482-1015
South End Buttery Bakery & Cafe is a popular coffee spot in the South End. It is a small, but cozy neighborhood favorite for a grab-and-go while walking around.
The casual cafe is warm and inviting with wooden floors and tables. There is seating opposite of the order counter as well as seating that spills outside onto the quiet street.
I love to have my own version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. On a quiet Sunday morning, I go window shopping throughout the South End with a latte and scone in hand.
My favorite latte at South End Buttery is strong and smooth, made with rich chocolate and sweet caramel. The scone I can’t get enough of is a delicious blend of rosemary and parmesan. Chef’s kiss.
Vester Cafe
This Scandinavian-inspired cafe in South Boston is woman-owned.
📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (857) 772-3765
Vester Cafe is a sleek coffee shop owned by a woman in South Boston. What sets this spot apart from others is its Nordic aesthetic and excellent co-working space.
The Scandinavian-inspired coffee shop offers WiFi, long tables, and plenty of outlets for laptops to charge while you work. My sister and I love to plan work dates here because of its thoughtful concept.
Their menu of breakfast and lunch items will also keep you energized throughout your day. You can choose from sandwiches, avocado toast, flaky croissants, and more. They have tasty coffee options, matcha, and chai lattes. The chai latte won’t disappoint.
Thinking Cup
This Downtown coffee shop is steps from Boston Common.
📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (617) 482-5555
The Thinking Cup is a cozy coffee shop located in Downtown Boston. It provides a warm and inviting setting with views of Boston Common.
The adorable coffee shop has a vintage charm with lots of small tables. It can get very busy, especially on the weekends or when the weather is cold and wet. So seating can be hard to find at times.
The Thinking Cup offers a traditional coffee menu with a variety of well-crafted lattes and teas. They are known for their hazelnut latte, French hot chocolate, and other rich espresso drinks.
There are plenty of yummy bites to eat. You can choose from scones, muffins, cookies, cakes, and sandwiches. They have raving reviews for their breakfast sandwich with fluffy eggs.
Sofra Bakery & Cafe
This popular Middle Eastern bakery & cafe is located in Cambridge.
📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (617) 661-3161
Sofra Bakery & Cafe is a little spot in Cambridge known for its breakfast and lunch. The Middle Eastern cafe is the place to go for Turkish coffee and traditional sweet treats.
Their Turkish coffee is poured directly from a hammered coffee pot. Pair the thick coffee with their shakshuka.
I, however, opted for their Morning Bun Latte. It was infused with notes of cardamom, cinnamon, and orange blossom. My latte was accompanied by a savory pastry made with croissant dough and topped with seasoned potatoes.
Sofra Bakery & Cafe does get very crowded on the weekends and the parking lot fills quickly. If you can’t find seating, browse through their little market inside. You can grab tahini hummus and a flatbread to go.
Caffe Vittoria
This old-fashioned coffee shop is a Boston legend in the North End.
📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (617) 227-7606
Caffe Vittoria is a legendary Italian cafe in the North End. It is located on the famous Hanover Street in the European neighborhood.
Caffe Vittoria is full of character. Once you step inside this unique spot you will notice its tin ceiling, mosaic tile floor, marble tables, and metal-rimmed chairs. Your eyes constantly wander taking in the walls covered in photos, artwork, and other knick knacks.
This cafe is not a place to sit down for a full meal. However, it is the perfect spot for those who want a pastry and coffee after a meal.
They offer a variety of Italian classics such as biscotti, cannoli, tiramisu, lobster tail, and more. I live for their creamy cappuccino and hot chocolate during Boston’s winters.
Squeeze this spot into your itinerary when visiting Boston. Caffe Vittoria does get very crowded on weekends and weeknights. This coffee shop is cash only.
Lakon Paris Patisserie
This French bakery in Brookline went viral on social media.
📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (617) 487-5316
Lakon Paris Patisserie is a remarkable French bakery. Their croissants went viral on social media, and here’s why.
Videos circled on social media of their mouth-watering croissants being pulled apart to reveal a cream inside. Think cream flavors of Nutella banana, raspberry cheesecake, and more.
Their Brookline location usually has a long line. Customers patiently wait to place their orders of hot lattes, teas, croissants, cookies, and more.
I usually make a trip to Lakon Paris Patisserie by mid-morning for my Rose Latte and croissant. Once they are out of their freshly baked pastries, they close up shop.
Their first location was opened in Newton. Their newest location is in the posh Seaport neighborhood.
Tradesman Coffee Shop
This downtown coffee shop has an old-town charm that meets a contemporary vibe.
📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (617) 348-1230
Tradesman Coffee Shop is a space designed to recharge in Downtown Boston. It provides an old-world atmosphere for those looking to sip on espresso drinks while they work.
This coffee shop offers a casual all-day menu of drip coffee, lattes, and espresso drinks. However, the draw of Tradesman Coffee is the overstuffed giant croissants they have on rotation.
Some include fruity pebbles and tiramisu. The croissants are only offered at their Downtown location. If you find yourself at their Charlestown location, try the red velvet cannoli. It is crunchy and light, and the filling is not too sweet.
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Bostonians love a good coffee shop. The city’s diverse coffee scene offers unique atmospheres and specialty espresso drinks. You can’t go wrong with any of the spots listed above, whether you are looking for a cozy space or a trendy spot. Where will you go first?
Up next, see my guide to Boston’s best restaurants.
