When we moved into our first house, we had no furniture and owned none of our own appliances — other than our new coffee machine. Furniture came eventually, but coffee came first. When you’re a parent, coffee is liquid gold. And when I go out for coffee, I want it to be special. It has to be delicious. I want quality. And I want latte art. So I’ve compiled a list of great independent coffee shops in Boston. Don’t forget to order a babyccino for your little one!
Flat Black Coffee
1170 Washington Street, Dorchester
Over the last 20 years, Flat Black Coffee has become Boston’s largest independently owned roaster, retailer, and wholesaler of specialty coffees. The coffee is goooood.
Diesel Cafe, Forge, and Bloc 11
Somerville
This trio of Somerville shops is owned by two best friends, and they specialize in everything from sandwiches to coffee to breakfast. I’m just going to take a brief detour here from coffee and and mention that Forge also specializes in ice cream! Coffee, baking, ICE CREAM. It’s truly something for everyone, and even just writing this makes me want to move to Somerville. These spots are extremely kid friendly by the way.
Home.stead
1448 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester
Look forward to good coffee, cool music, and great sandwiches and salads.
Thinking Cup
Boston Common, North End, Back Bay
The ambiance is cozy, the coffee is of the highest quality, and the three locations are super convenient when you’re in the city.
Tatte
Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Lexington, Newton, Somerville, Wellesley
Tatte now offers more than a dozen locations in and around Boston, but it still feels like your cozy local coffee shop. Plus, the food is amazing — breakfast all day!
Cafe Fixe
1642 Beacon Street, Brookline
The coffee here is yum. Just walking in wakes me up.
Capitol Coffee House
122 Bowdoin Street, Beacon Hill
Located right next to the State House, this aptly titled business offers breakfast items and sandwiches in addition to assorted coffees and teas. This place has been a staple in the Beacon Hill area with its friendly staff and awesome window seating.
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563 Columbus Avenue, South End
2 Drydock Avenue, Seaport
This family-owned and -operated café and roastery takes pride in supporting local resources, welcoming all communities, and sourcing high-quality ingredients and products. Because coffee is for everyone!
Revival Cafe + Kitchen
Boston, Cambridge, Lexington, Somerville, Watertown
The speciality drinks here are delightful, and the seasonal and classic pastries won’t disappoint. Plus, the breakfast and lunch menu are on hand if you need something a little more substantial for yourself or the kiddos while you get your coffee fix!
George Howell
Downtown Crossing, Boston Public Market, Newtonville
Solid coffee and locations around the city make for a win-win. And yes, they offer coffee “flights” for one of those mornings you have all to yourself and you can go crazy.
P.S. Gourmet Coffee
South Boston, Roslindale, Braintree, Dorchester
This is the place to go if you’re a fan of flavored or iced coffee. Offering over 100 different flavors of coffee in both hot, iced, and mocha varieties, this business is committed to making fresh-brewed coffee. There’s a good chance you have seen their yellow cups around town! They also serve breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and Rickeys.
1369 Coffee House
Cambridge (Inman and Central)
Want the best cold brew in the Boston area? Go to 1369! The specialty drinks menu, which rotates frequently, is also worth paying attention to.
Winter Hill Brewing
Somerville
Winter Hill offers coffee and beer — small batch beer made in-house for the house (and I quote). Sorry, I’m off-topic again — back to the coffee! This full-service coffee and espresso bar serves local coffee from Broadsheet Coffee Roasters — Cambridge’s first specialty coffee roastery!
3 Little Figs
Somerville
Owned by parents, this spot offers lovely baked goods AND nice coffee!
This post was published in 2019 and has been updated for 2024.
