One of my favorite ways to kick off a weekday morning is to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee and pastry at a local café. There’s something incredibly peaceful about sitting back and watching the neighborhood wake up around you, and I love taking in all the sights and sounds. When things are especially hectic at work, it’s nice to have a few moments of uninterrupted “me” time to start the day!
Whether you’re always on-the-go and looking for new cafés to host a coffee meeting, or are like me, and just want to find a place to enjoy a cup of ‘jo and croissant before a busy day, I’ve rounded up my top six favorite cafés in Boston.
The A-Lyst for Best Cafes in Boston
Not only does the Wholy Grain offer delicious coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and the like, it also boasts one of the best garden patios in Boston! When I first started frequenting this South End café, I had no idea that their back patio even existed, and now, it’s one of my favorite places! As you step out of the café’s back door, you’ll feel as if you’ve uncovered a secret garden in the midst of the city. The Wholy Grain’s bi-level patio features lush greenery, plenty of tables and chairs, and frequent visits from the cutest little birds (just watch your food; they move fast!). With a friendly staff who greets you with a smile and remembers your order, the Wholy Grain is truly the definition of a neighborhood café! 275 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
If you find yourself in the heart of Harvard Square, there’s no better place to enjoy a cup of coffee than at Crema Cafe! Featuring two levels of seating and a large menu of coffee and espresso offerings as well as delicious iced teas, Crema has been a Cambridge staple since 2008. When I’m on the other side of the river exploring the gorgeous Harvard campus or walking along Memorial Drive, this café offers the perfect pit stop for a quick snack and drink. Don’t miss their Red Crema, which is a rooibos latte with honey and cinnamon! 27 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
All of Tatte’s six locations are quite possibly the most Instagrammed cafés in Boston. I mean have you seen their ultra bright and crisp meets farmhouse chic decor?! It’s swoon-worthy! While the Beacon Hill location is the most convenient for me, it’s always very crowded with tourists spilling over from the Boston Public Garden, so if I want to enjoy all that Tatte has to over, I typically head to their Kendall Square location. Considerably quieter, yet equally as charming and delicious, I would recommend this spot for anyone heading over to Cambridge. I love any of Tatte’s breakfast tartines paired with a chai latte. This is a great café to come to with friends for an easy breakfast date or afternoon catch up session over a warm cup of coffee. 205 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
Caffè Nero, a coffee chain that hails from London, has several locations across Boston, but my favorite is in Fort Point. Unassumingly located in the bottom of the Residence Inn Hotel, this café features a rustic, homey feel that’s accentuated by walls of leather-bound books, exposed beams, and a cozy fireplace. I enjoy Caffè Nero’s smoothies, teas (you can have any of their teas iced; I especially love the peppermint tea!), and pistachio muffins. My favorite part of this industrial chic café is being able to enjoy a latte by the fireplace. On a blustery winter day, there’s no better place to warm up and spend a few hours! 368 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
Render Coffee on Columbus Avenue in the South End is home to the most delicious Lox Bagel (get it with jalapeño cream cheese to kick it up a notch!) and perfect solarium in which to enjoy it. I love Render’s back café area, especially during the cooler months, as it’s always drenched with sunlight due to the abundance of windows that surround you. During the summer, there’s additional seating on a quiet back patio, which is the perfect place to enjoy a few moments of morning bliss before a busy day. This café is one of my favorites because of its fantastic seating; no matter the season, you can enjoy a yummy treat and coffee in a great setting! 563 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118
If you enjoy people watching while sitting al fresco on a beautiful tree-lined street, the Thinking Cup on Newbury Street should be your café of choice. While the Thinking Cup has several locations in Boston (I also love the one in the North End on Hanover Street), its Newbury Street café is one of my favorites to visit after a busy day of shopping. Located on the block between Berkeley and Clarendon, the Thinking Cup features a fantastic outdoor patio on which you can enjoy your coffee and pastries. On a beautiful summer day, it’s fun to sit back and watch the hustle and bustle of Newbury Street shoppers pass by. Be forewarned, seats on the patio are often hard to come by, but if you can be patient, it’s worth the wait! 85 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
Outfit Details:
Dress: ChicWish Dashing Darling Cami Dress in White (under $75!)
Hat: Straw Hat from Galvinized Hats/Marie Galvin Fine Millinery
Handbag: Cult Gaia’s Gaias Ark Bag
Sunglasses: Chloé Boxwood Retro 55M Inlayed Sunglasses in Black
Lipstick: Bobbi Brown Art Stick Liquid Lip in Pink Punch
Bracelets: April Soderstrom Burly Wood Small Bracelet, Hermes Enamel “H” Bracelet, and J.Crew gold bangles (old)
Photos by Leah VentiThe A-Lyst is a Boston-based lifestyle blog curating the very best of style, beauty, food, and travel.