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.
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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.

Blue Bottle is ideal if you need a calm environment and strong Wi-Fi. The minimalist aesthetic helps you focus, while their signature waffles and chocolate croissants make for a great mid-morning treat. Seating fills up quickly, especially around MIT class breaks, so go early if you’re planning to stay a while. Service is fast and always friendly.

Curio is a tiny, charming café that makes you feel like a regular on your first visit. They're known for their Belgian-style Liege waffles — crispy, buttery, and slightly sweet. It’s a great place to recharge after a meeting or to kick off your morning with a warm latte. The team here is consistently welcoming, and the playlist is always on point.

Area Four is a combo of artisan café vibes with a side of wood-fired pizza. You’ll find plenty of folks from the neighborhood coworking here over breakfast sandwiches and cold brews. The coffee is smooth, the baked goods are fresh, and the location can’t be beat if you're between classes or calls. It’s a go-to meeting spot for good reason.

If you’re craving something more atmospheric, Andala delivers a slower pace and tons of cozy corners. Their Arabic coffee and shakshuka are local staples, and it’s an ideal space to step away from the tech buzz for a minute. The terrace is an underrated gem when the weather’s nice. The service is calm, and the experience always feels thoughtful.

Cafe Luna is one of those places that fills up quickly, and for good reason. It’s a modern brunch spot known for generous portions, strong coffee, and crowd-pleasing favorites like lemon ricotta pancakes, lobster Benedict, and churro French toast. The vibe is laid back and inviting, making it perfect for slow mornings or meeting up with friends.

A local favorite for decades, 1369 Coffee House in Inman Square is the definition of a true neighborhood café. It’s got that "Cambridge charm" down—think quirky chalkboard menus, mismatched mugs, and regulars who treat the counter staff like old friends. The food menu features simple, satisfying items like egg sandwiches, bagels, quiche, and pastries.
BOM Dough offers something different from your standard breakfast fare. With mochi waffles, garlic cheese bread combos, and gluten-free sandwich options, this spot leans fresh, cozy, and purposeful. The team here genuinely cares about the quality of what they serve, from the way the eggs are cooked to the way they plate their food.

Brookline Lunch is one of Cambridge’s most beloved hidden gems. Family-owned with heartwarming service, this place is all about hearty, homemade breakfast served with a side of good energy. You’ll find Middle Eastern classics like shakshuka and Jerusalem omelets right alongside stacks of Baklava pancakes.
Jaho blends café culture with a slightly elevated, global feel. You can sip your latte alongside a coconut-milk boba or settle into a quiet table with a pastry and your laptop. The atmosphere is ideal for a solo morning, a coffee date, or catching up on emails. The service is always warm, and the drink menu has something for everyone, including wine and cocktails later in the day.
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