Tatte Bakery & Café offers a warm, inviting ambiance with its open bakery and kitchen on the first floor. Known for its European-inspired pastries and savory dishes, Tatte provides a delightful setting for both studying and socializing. The café's diverse seating options accommodate various preferences, making it a popular choice among students and locals.
Bluestone Lane brings an Australian flair to Harvard Square, offering a health-focused menu and premium coffee in a stylish setting. The café's design blends Melbourne and Sydney coastal aesthetics with local architectural features, creating a unique atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for brunch, study sessions, or casual meetups.
Located within the Smith Campus Center, Pavement Coffeehouse is a go-to spot for students seeking quality coffee and a comfortable study environment. The café serves freshly roasted specialty coffee and homemade bagels, catering to both quick stops and extended study sessions. Its ample seating and welcoming atmosphere make it a staple in the Harvard community.
Mariposa Bakery is an independent neighborhood bakery known for its unique and satisfying baked goods. The café prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, including direct trade coffee and organic teas. Its cozy interior and friendly staff create a welcoming environment for patrons.
Simon's Coffee Shop offers a cozy and charming ambiance, making it a favorite among locals. The café serves a variety of coffee drinks, sandwiches, and pastries, providing a comfortable space for both relaxation and productivity. Its friendly staff and quality offerings contribute to its enduring popularity.
Violette Gluten Free Bakery caters to those seeking gluten-free and vegan options without compromising on taste. The bakery offers a wide range of items, from cupcakes and pastries to bread and savory dishes. Its commitment to quality and inclusivity makes it a standout in the Harvard Square area.
Faro Café emphasizes leisure and community, providing a space for connection beyond consumerism. The café hosts live music, art exhibitions, and workshops, fostering a sense of togetherness. Its commitment to sustainability and local engagement resonates with patrons seeking meaningful experiences.
Capital One Café combines banking services with a comfortable café environment, offering handcrafted beverages and snacks. The space provides ample seating, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi, catering to both work and relaxation. Its dual-purpose design makes it a convenient spot for multitasking.
Black Sheep Bagel Café is known for its fresh bagels, diverse spreads, and specialty sandwiches. The café also offers a selection of coffee drinks and pastries, creating a lively atmosphere for patrons. Its quick service and vibrant vibe make it a popular choice for breakfast or lunch.
Blank Street Coffee focuses on delivering high-quality coffee and food at affordable prices. The café's minimalist design and efficient service cater to those seeking a quick yet satisfying coffee experience. Its commitment to consistency and customer satisfaction has garnered a loyal following.
With a Parisian feel and shelves stacked with pastries, Tatte is perfect if you're craving a little indulgence after burning calories on the water. From flaky croissants to hearty sandwiches and turmeric tea, there’s something here for every mood. The elegant space invites you to linger, whether you're inside soaking up the rustic charm or grabbing an espresso and tea cake to go.
It may be known for its small-batch, handcrafted ice cream, but Honeycomb also serves cold brew and creative treats perfect for cooling off post-paddle. Their ice cream tacos, chai soft serve, and sweet corn scoops are anything but ordinary. Bonus points for sourcing milk from local Jersey cows and making everything completely from scratch.
If you’re looking for something light and nutrient-dense, head to Kwench for their vibrant pitaya bowls, fresh-squeezed juices, or refreshing smoothies. The space is casual, clean, and staffed by friendly folks who are genuinely passionate about healthy eating. Whether you're on a cleanse or just need something cool after kayaking, Kwench brings wellness with flavor.
The Juicery might be small, but it punches above its weight with smoothie bowls, juices, and fast, healthy eats. It’s a reliable stop for BU students and active locals alike. The dragon fruit bowl is a crowd favorite, and the grab-and-go style makes it perfect for a quick stop after a morning workout or river paddle session.
Mahalab brings something special to Porter Square—Mediterranean pastries made with care and a bit of flair. Their butternut squash-stuffed focaccia is a savory dream, and the espresso pairs perfectly with anything flaky and golden from their oven. Locals love the community vibe here; regulars pop in to chat with the friendly staff or linger with their coffee and laptops.
An extension of the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, this petite pastry-forward café is a secret worth discovering. The interior may be compact, but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in skillfully made lattes and croissants that rival anything in the city. The espresso is smooth and clean, and their pastry counter is lined with seasonal cakes, cardamom buns, and flaky, buttery layers.
Caffè Nero functions more like a reliable third place for the work-from-anywhere crowd. It’s spacious, has outlets at nearly every seat, and the coffee is consistently satisfying. Their oat milk lattes are a favorite among regulars, and there's always a solid lineup of breakfast sandwiches and pastries.
Part tea house, part reading nook, and part café, Page & Leaf is a serene escape from the buzz of the square. It’s especially loved by bookworms and tea lovers, offering thoughtfully sourced loose-leaf blends (the turmeric mango smoothie is also a quiet crowd favorite). The staff are incredibly kind, the seating is cozy, and the atmosphere makes it easy to lose track of time.
There’s something magical about sipping coffee inside a bookstore, and Café Zing nails the mood. Tucked inside Porter Square Books, it offers fair-trade coffee, flaky pastries, and light snacks like summer rolls. It’s an easygoing, welcoming place filled with the rustle of turning pages, laptop keyboards, and casual conversation.
A Central Square icon with true neighborhood energy, 1369 Coffeehouse is the kind of place where friendships and grad theses are made. They serve creamy mochas, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and all the bagels and scones you could ever want. It can get crowded, but that’s part of the experience.
Known across the city (and beyond) for their ultra-creative and seriously creamy scoops, Toscanini’s is a must for dessert lovers. Their flavors are wildly good—think cardamom, green tea, salty caramel, and mocha cookie dough—and always made with high-quality ingredients. It’s perfect for grabbing a cone before heading out for a walk or a post-dinner treat.
Flour isn’t just a bakery—it’s a whole experience. Founded by award-winning pastry chef Joanne Chang, this spot turns out some of the best sticky buns, Boston cream pies, and breakfast sandwiches in the city. There’s also house-made lattes and real caramel in your coffee—no syrups here.
Caffè Nero nails that cozy European coffeehouse vibe. With library-style seating, vintage furniture, and soft music in the background, it’s ideal for working or relaxing. Their cappuccinos and chocolate croissants are standouts, and while this is technically a chain, it still manages to feel personal and warm.
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters nails it when it comes to excellent espresso and cozy vibes. The light-filled space is filled with plants, comfortable seating, and a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for working, catching up with a friend, or just zoning out with a book. Their coffee is roasted in-house and served with thoughtful touches (like a glass of sparkling water with your espresso).
Tatte is a longtime favorite in Kendall Square for a reason — it delivers every single time. From the rich espresso to the beautifully flaky pastries, everything here feels thoughtfully made. The stylish interior and cozy layout are perfect for working or meeting with colleagues. You’ll almost always spot a laptop or two next to a shakshuka plate and an oat milk latte.
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