Boston’s Coffee Shop Roundup
Boston’s coffee scene blends specialty espresso bars, neighborhood hangouts, and globally inspired cafés that make every cup an experience. From downtown gems to Cambridge favorites, here are must-visit coffee spots that locals & visitors love. There does seem to be a love for Vietnamese coffee shops in Boston, and we had the chance to visit 3 of them.
Gracenote - 108 Lincoln St. Boston, MA 02111
Gracenote Coffee, located at 108 Lincoln Street in Boston’s Leather District, is one of the city’s cornerstone specialty cafés. Known for its meticulous approach to sourcing and roasting, Gracenote is where you go when you want to taste coffee exactly as intended. The space is minimalist, catering to espresso lovers. I tried their signature iced latte, and it was nutty and the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Bonus: They also have a wine & coffee lounge at Gracenote Coffee & Wine Bar at their High Street Place location, if you want coffee by day, drinks by night. Here is their Instagram.
Cicada Coffee Bar - 106 Prospect St., Cambridge, MA 02139
Across the river in Cambridge, Cicada Coffee Bar at 106 Prospect Street brings a more intimate, globally inspired feel. With Vietnamese influences woven into its menu, Cicada offers drinks that feel both familiar and refreshing, like Vietnamese iced coffee alongside classic espresso beverages. The café has a relaxed, artsy atmosphere that makes it easy to linger, whether you’re meeting a friend or taking a quiet moment for yourself. I tried their signature maple shaker, and it was the perfect balance of sweet and coffee. Find their Instagram here.
Phin Coffee House - 10 High St, Boston, MA 02110
Vietnamese coffee culture continues to shine in Boston through Phin Coffee House, located at 10 High Street in the Financial District. Phin is known for bold, flavorful brews that highlight traditional Vietnamese preparation methods while still appealing to specialty coffee fans. It’s a popular stop for commuters and downtown workers looking for something more memorable than a standard cup. Check them out here.
Phinista Cafe - 1876 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Just a bit farther out, Phinista Café at 96 Peterborough Street offers a more sit-down experience, pairing its coffee with crepes and brunch dishes that make it an ideal weekend destination. Phinista also has a location in Cambridge. It was bustling with students doing their work and catching up with friends. The perfect cafe vibe. Check them out here.
Farmers Horse Coffee - 374 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Farmer’s Horse Coffee is a true neighborhood café with a loyal following. It’s the kind of place where baristas know regulars by name and the atmosphere feels unpretentious and welcoming. Whether you’re grabbing a quick latte or sitting outside with friends, Farmer’s Horse captures the everyday rhythm of Boston coffee culture rather than the polished hype. I tried their Banana Latte and can say it lived up to the hype. It tasted like a loaf of chocolate chip banana bread. The space is also something worth mentioning. The attention to detail and homey vibe it gives off make it the perfect place to try. Check them out here!
Faro Cafe - 5 Arrow Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
Faro Café, located at 5 Arrow Street in Cambridge near Harvard Square, offers a distinctly European approach to café life. With a cozy interior and a no-laptop policy, Faro encourages conversation, reading, and slowing down. The iced maple latte that I got was the best of my Boston coffee tour - it brought me straight to Europe, and the espresso was chocolatey and smooth. Not only is the coffee excellent, but the real draw is the sense of community the space creates. It’s the kind of café that reminds you coffee shops can be about connection as much as caffeine. Check them out here.
Greystone Café, Bakery, and Provisions - 123 Appleton St, Boston, MA 02116
In the South End, Greystone Café, Bakery & Provisions at 123 Appleton Street blends strong coffee with high-quality food in a warm, neighborhood setting. Known for its pastries, breakfast items, and inviting interior, Greystone is a place people go to stay awhile. It works just as well for a casual brunch as it does for a solo coffee break. The space is bright, and the baristas were welcoming. They helped me pick my drink and my food. I tried their cold brew, which was on the fruitier side but paired perfectly with the BLT sandwich. Check out the South End location here.
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters - 100 Kirkland St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters adds another layer to the region’s coffee identity. Founded in 2017, Broadsheet is known as one of Cambridge’s first specialty coffee roasters. Their café offers expertly crafted espresso and filter drinks, plus in-house pastries. All in a space that’s bright and welcoming. I tried their cold brew, and it was a classic pour. The space was bustling with people and would be an amazing place to work for the day. Check them out here.
Little Wolf Coffee - 51 Sleeper St., Boston, MA 02110
Rounding out the list is Little Wolf Coffee in the Seaport. Originally known for its roasting operation, Little Wolf’s Boston café brings a relaxed, modern energy to the waterfront area. Their flagship location is famous for its design, and I am so glad they made it into the city. With well-executed espresso, it’s a great example of how Boston’s newer neighborhoods are developing their own coffee identities. I tried the gingerbread latte, and even though Christmas time is over, it brought me right back to the holidays. Check them out here!
Together, along with numerous other coffee shops, these cafés show the depth of Boston’s coffee scene. From precision-driven roasters and independently owned shops with amazing cafe design and culture, Boston has a great coffee scene and is worth a visit.
