My 12 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. 

12 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.

Localito Cafe

This new cozy gem offers espresso drinks made of coffee beans from Mexico. 

📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (617) 390-0630

This new coffee shop has created a buzz in Medford Square, located just 25 minutes outside of Boston. Localito is a must for coffee lovers. They offer great espresso drinks made of coffee beans from Mexico.

The recently discovered shop is cozy, with a few tables where you can sit and sip your drink. This gem has a modern atmosphere, with intricate floor tiles featuring painted motifs. 

The staff is warm and friendly. They make me feel like I am part of the family each time I step in. My go-to drink is their specialty Pistachio Latte. It’s earthy, nutty, creamy, and soothing on cold winter days. 

Pair your drink with a breakfast sandwich or an empanada. The savory pastries come in different flavors such as squash, beef, or chicken. 

Their bacon, egg, and cheese croissant sandwich is quite generous. The croissant is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s served with their specialty house sauce that provides a little kick.

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 cafe 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. 

4 Best Boston Tea Shops

Not into coffee? You’re not alone. Tea is deeply rooted in Boston history. In fact, the Boston Tea Party is what led us to the American Revolution.

Boston has plenty of options for tea houses to explore. And in this city, a steaming cup of tea is always welcome on those cold winter days. Here are a few of my favorite tea spots in Boston.

Trifecta Boston

Have an elegant experience at afternoon tea inside the Four Seasons Dalton.

📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (617) 936-4876

If you love a traditional afternoon tea, you need to head to Trifecta Boston. You can enjoy this elegant experience inside the luxury hotel, Four Seasons Dalton.

Afternoon tea at Trifecta is perfect for any special occasion with loved ones. And I did just that. I splurged and treated myself to Mother’s Day with my daughter.

Tea service at Trifecta comes with a glass of bubbly champagne and a three-tiered stand. Each teapot is so cute with its own unique colorful pattern and design. 

Our stand had three layers of tiny finger foods, sandwiches, and pastries. The top tier was full of scones, the middle tier had savory options and sandwiches, and the bottom tier offered sweet desserts.

Lots of sweets and carbs (I was not complaining), however, do not come hungry. The staff was very attentive and even provided us with a kids menu!

Matcha Cafe Maiko

This go-to matcha spot in Fenway has authentic quality you can taste in every sip.

📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (617) 322-5360

This is my favorite matcha spot in the entire city of Boston. It’s located in Fenway, just a 10-minute walk from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Their menu offers a variety of matcha drinks and soft-serve ice cream. The matcha here is remarkable, rich, and authentic. You can taste the quality of the matcha in every sip. I always order my matcha latte with macadamia nut milk. It adds a velvety texture with a naturally sweet flavor. 

The soft-serve ice cream comes in fun flavors such as sakura and hojicha. My daughter always orders the soft-serve in Uve flavor. The servings are generous, creamy, and perfectly balanced with sweetness. 

Matcha Cafe Maiko is a go-to spot with friends. It’s always such a vibe with great music, a Japanese anime mural, and a fun crowd of students who live in the Fenway area. The staff is super friendly and creates a great, inviting atmosphere. 

The Sipping Room

This South-East Asian tea house is where locals find community in Fenway.

📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website 

The Sipping Room is also located in the Fenway area, and locals love it here. Lots of students find community in this South-East Asian cafe. 

You can taste the quality of the tea right off the bat. The Hong Kong Milk tea is my favorite. It’s brewed for several hours before it is served. It is not overly sweet with a taste that is sweet, rich, and flavorful. 

The Sipping Room is cozy, chic, and small with a thoughtful interior design. It has a modern minimalist feel with clean tiles, industrial concrete, and graffiti art at the order counter. 

It’s a charming spot for working remotely, reading, or journaling. The environment is warm, welcoming, and encourages you to stay a while. You might even run into Andy, the owner!

Cuddle Cup Cafe & Tea

This adorable boba shop has an impressive drink menu and excellent service.

📍 Google Maps | ☕ Website | 📞 (339) 221-3037

Cuddle Cup Cafe & Tea is 25 minutes outside of Boston in Medford. This cute hidden gem is a popular spot on the weekends and very kid-friendly.

Cuddle Cup Cafe & Tea offers an impressive drink menu. There is so much variety from boba and fruit teas to smoothies and Vietnamese coffee. No matter what you order, the drinks are well-made and perfectly balanced.

The staff here is friendly, helpful, and can customize your tea to your liking with sweetener and milk. I love their Classic Earl Grey Milk Tea and Brown Tiger Latte. The consistency, great quality, and excellent service makes this boba spot worth it.

***

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.