15 Best Cafes in Boston

Good old coffee, always by our side. Be it us struggling to stay awake after a long day at work, working overnight to meet deadlines or trying to get fresh for that event that got sprung up on us, coffee is always there. Boston is no exception to the coffee requirement. Boston cafes are some of the best cafes you may find, so if you are a student, working professional or even a tourist, the cafes in Boston are bound to meet your caffeine needs!

Top Cafes in Boston

1. Jonquils Cafe & Bakery

Ratings: 4.7
Location: 125 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
It’s only right to start your venture with a picture-perfect cafe that offers some of the best delicacies in town! If you are looking for pastries, then stop looking, as Jonquils Cafe & Bakery is one of the best cafes in Boston! This cafe offers some of the most visually appealing (you might just end up photographing than eating) and delicious pastries you will ever come across. Speaking of visual appeal, the cafe by itself is super photogenic, be it the aesthetic and layout or the giant plant wall spanning two floors, your instagram is bound to get quality content.
Review: “Hands down best bakery in Boston!! Both the art and the taste is exquisite. Rich in flavor and perfectly created. Was almost too pretty to eat!”

2. Gracenote Coffee Boston

Ratings: 4.7
Location: 108 Lincoln St, Boston, MA 02111
Never let appearances fool you. While this cafe may be smaller than other coffee shops in Boston, this cozy gourmet coffee shop is famous for its putting forth a brilliant range of coffees, hot and cold! Since they roast and brew their own coffee in-house, you are guaranteed the authentic Boston cafes experience. Of course, it is not just about the coffee, you can admire and click some splendid pictures with the exquisite wooden counters, vintage espresso machine and pretty plants suspended from the ceiling.
Review: “One of the best coffee shops in Boston, they roast in house and pull great espresso shots.”

3. George Howell Coffee

Ratings: 4.6
Location: 505 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111
George Howell Coffee is by far one of the best cafes in Boston, and you are bound to have a pleasant sensory overload from the moment you walk in. With a large seating area, subway tiles and sophisticated decor, it’s going to leave an impression. With a maaaarble bar (it’s massive), espresso machines, a retail corner for purchasing your coffee-related equipment and, well, the coffee, you have tons to admire. Of course, if you wish to get in on the action, you can take the coffee education classes as well. Even with so much on offer already, the coffee is absolutely supreme!
Review: “The coffee was robust and deep in flavor. There was a lot to enjoy and appreciate with each sip.”

4. Sip Cafe

Ratings: 4.6
Location: 0 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110
Located in one of the best neighborhoods in Boston in a Parkside location and coffee is a match made in movies (you really thought we’d say heaven, didn’t you). When it comes to summer or spring, Sip Cafe is one of the go-to Boston coffee shops for a good vibe with the beauty of the ginkgo trees and flowers in Norman B. Leventhal Park. Lip-smacking drip coffee, and espresso, along with the snacks, make this one of the best cafes in Boston!
Review: “Cute cafe in a great location near a park along the route to downtown Boston.”

5. Thinking Cup

Ratings: 4.5
Location: 165 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
Thinking about a cup of coffee? It’s time to try out Thinking cup, where serving a rich brew in a sturdy ceramic mug is bound to lift up your day. With Stumptown coffee, Thinking Cup automatically hops into the top tier of cafes in Boston. If you are ever looking for a quick fix when around Boston Common, Newbury Street or the North end, this is the one-stop you NEED. Did we mention that the baristas themselves are artwork with the way they produce the lattes, which pair really well with the sandwiches and flaky pastries.
Review: “The hazelnut latte had pieces of fresh hazelnut in it. The coffee was rich and the lattes were creamy. They prepare their syrups everyday and use Stumptown coffee.”

6. Ogawa Coffee

Ratings: 4.6
Location: 10 Milk St, Boston, MA 02108
A Japanese coffee chain adventuring into Boston goes super amounts of right, Ogawa Coffee provides downtown goers with a delicious variety of crafted coffee! With the minimalist interior to the always cheerful baristas creating latte art, you will have a good time no matter the mood. Of course, it’s no wonder Ogawa Coffee made its way into this list of best cafes in Boston when you consider good coffee paired with Asian treats! If you are looking for a unique experience, try the spicy version of their creamy hot chocolate and behold new horizons.
Review: “I had the Smoked Maple Latte and it was truly sublime. Delicious espresso, perfect balance of milk, and the maple flavoring was finely sweet and earthy.”

7. Greystone Cafe, Bakery & Provisions

Ratings: 4.6
Location: 123 Appleton St, Boston, MA 02116
Located rather conveniently, this cafe with a pretty walk up window is run by an inspiring mother-daughter duo who treat Greystone as their own baby! And we know how someone takes care of their kid. Similarly, everything at Greystone is done and made with absolute craft and care which results in a delicious coffee and snacks to make your day level right up! Do try out their spicy chai!
Review: “The BEST spot in Boston for coffee and pastries! Everyone who works here is always so helpful and welcoming and I am so happy this place opened. 10/10 recommend!!”

8. Tatte Bakery & Cafe

Ratings: 4.6
Location: Multiple locations
A local endeavor gone superbly right, Tatte Bakery & Cafe is indeed one of the best cafes in Boston due to its connection and humble beginnings with the city. Starting from a home kitchen, Tatte slowly grew to be one of the most frequented cafes in Boston, with multiple branches opening up in various locations. The vision to bring people together over solid coffee and pastries, Tatte has lived up to that vision! No matter where in Boston you are visiting, make sure to check out Tatte for a unique experience.
Review: “Great place to get a quick bite!  The space is beautifully done.”

9. Phinista Cafe

Ratings: 4.5
Location: 96 Peterborough St, Boston, MA 02215
If you are in the mood for something different, head on over to Phinista, a French-Vietnamese cafe sure to give you a cozy vibe. With vintage furniture and floral wallpaper, the decor is already aesthetic, add the delicious French breakfast menu with a Vietnamese flavor palette and it’s a beautiful experience. 
Review: “Atmosphere is great. Very cute place and well decorated and designed.”

10. Cicada

Ratings: 4.6
Location: 106 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Cicada is something else when it comes to cafes in Boston, with their sea salt coffee (do not worry it isn’t that bitter) or the coziness of the coffee house. The cafe gives out the perfect vibe as you can grab a coffee and snack, sit out in their lovely backyard garden and even read one of the many books they offer! 
Review: “Very nice decor and thoughtful simple menu.”

11. Cafe Susu

Ratings: 4.7
Location: 240A Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
When we watched Kingsman, the thrill of a suit store opening up into a spy lair was insane! How bout something along the same lines albeit with a cute and cozy cafe tucked away inside a suit store?! Cafe Susu is THE spot for a quick coffee or a small getaway. Black & white pinwheel tables along with lime green couches, makes up for a stunning decor perfect for your social media content. Pair that off with an amazing brew and pastry and you get the royal Kingsmen experience (without the gadgets) making it one of the cooler coffee shops in Boston.
Review: “Chic and elegant cafe on Newbury street with good coffee and pastries.”

12. Eataly

Ratings: 4.3
Location: 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199
While Eataly may not be a dedicated cafe, it still deserves a spot on this list. Presenting Italian cuisine and items in a large multi-floor complex in Prudential Center, you can find pretty much anything Italian here. You can come across affordable luxuries from the local or Italian markets and top it off with the various Italian eateries in the complex itself. When it comes to your coffee needs, check out the Caffe Lavazza on the street level for some delicious gourmet Italian coffee drinks.
Review: “It's an awesome place with everything from Italy, it's basically Italy in a store!”

13. Glasser Coffee Company

Ratings: 4.8
Location: 589 Washington St, Brighton, MA 02135
Nothing feels better than being at home and having coffee, but let’s be honest, it’s difficult to make that a reality often. Glasser Coffee Co. is one of the top cafes in Boston for making that reality possible away from home. Giving you a super homey atmosphere to enjoy your morning beverages, you can be relaxed and start your day off right! This Boston Cafe has a rather interesting selection of beverages from black lavender London Fogs to Vietnamese cold brews and even lovely Rose matcha lattes. Pair it up with the delicious food options to make it a wonderful experience.
Review: “Very nice aesthetic, love the plants and decorations in the interior, cozy spot to enjoy a drink. The food was also spectacular!”

14. Caffe Vittoria

Ratings: 4.4
Location: 290-296 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
A prestigious and vintage cafe steeped in history, Caffe Vittoria was the first Italian cafe established in Boston (just screams best cafes in Boston). With old world decor and marble floors combined with a rather illustrious collection of some vintage espresso and coffee machines, Caffe Vittoria offers you a proper experience with the variety of coffee flavors and the trip to the history of coffee!
Review: “Nice, cozy, it feels like going back 20 years back which has its own charm! The Martini espresso is spectacular! Also Affogato coffee.”

15. 3 Little Figs

Ratings: 4.7
Location: 278 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143
Wafting scent of pastries and baked goods plus java is the hint to one of the good cafes in Boston. Known as 3 Little Figs, this cafe in Boston is bound to keep bringing you back! With home-made muffins, cookies, scones and much more alongside cheerful and exemplary customer service, you will not be disappointed. The barista talent at this cafe is TOP-CLASS and serves as its biggest attraction. Careful selection of beans for espresso drinks and the foam art are just going to make you fall for the place!
Review: “I love this place! The energy is great, there's plenty of street parking, the employees are always so friendly, and the food is just what I want on a weekend morning.”

There you go, the 15 best cafes in Boston, so if you are a tourist checking out Boston’s attractions and need energy to keep going or a Boston student requiring focus you can always count on these Boston cafes to have your back! With the cost of living in Boston so low, you can always save quickly for your coffee budget! If you're a student looking for student accommodations in Boston at budget-friendly prices, here's a list!