For richer or pour over, Boston’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning — and we’re not just talking about Dunkin’.
Our city has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our updated guide to some of the best coffee shops around Boston.
Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.
Espresso yourself
Tokava, 7 Pond St. | This Jamaica Plain cafe serves a variety of homemade lattes and espresso drinks with small batch syrups of flavors like cardamom.
The Well, Various locations | This non-profit organization features a multitude of classic hot, iced, and frozen coffee drinks. Try the French Toast Latte featuring notes of french vanilla, maple, and cinnamon.
Rite Tea & Espresso Bar, The Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave., Ste. 5 | Alongside this espresso and tea shop’s constants like matcha and soda, Rite’s special and seasonal offerings are sure to entice. Try the super-pink beet pomegranate sparkler.
Best Bites
3 Little Figs, 287 Highland Ave., Somerville | Grab one of the first come, first served seats and try a sandwich on one of the homemade biscuits.
Cuppa Coffee, Various locations | Head to either of the locations in the South End or Westend for one of their Australian-style pies to go with your beverage.
Interesting interiors
Madhouse Cafe, 24 Blue Hill Ave. | Grab yourself a coffee and get your motorcycle repaired all in the same day with a visit to this hybrid, hip Roxbury space.
The Green Haus, 1520 Tremont St. | Take in the modern, plant-filled decor while sipping a strawberry matcha latte or munching on one of their brunch sandwiches.
A. I brew my own drinks at home. B. I stop at my local coffee shop. C. I get my order from a large coffee chain (Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Panera, etc.)
Seaport Sweat: Release Yoga | Tuesday, May 21 | 6:30 p.m. | Boston Seaport, 85 Northern Ave., Boston | Free | Use stillness, movement, and sound to bring joy and healing.
Wednesday, May 22
City Natives Plant Sale | Wednesday, May 22-Friday, May 24 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | City Natives, 30 Edgewater Dr., Mattapan | Price of purchase | Shop from an array of seedings, woody plants, and herbaceous perennials.
The Night Bazaar | Wednesday, May 22 | 5-10 p.m. | The Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave., Brighton | Free | Shop over 100 small businesses offering a variety of art, vinyl, and vintage.
Thursday, May 23
Adventures on the Wine Route- Kermit Lynch Classics | Thursday, May 23 | 5-7 p.m. | BRIX Wine Shop - South End, 1284 Washington St., Boston | Free | Sample four wines from France and Italy with wine importer Kermit Lynch.
Sam Sessions Mini Music Fest | Thursday, May 23 | 5-9 p.m. | Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, 30 Germania St., Boston | Free | Listen to an electrifying lineup of six local bands playing back-to-back on two stages in the Beer Garden.
Friday, May 24
“Jurassic Park” in Concert | Friday, May 24-Saturday, May 25 | Times vary | Symphony Hall, 310 Massachusetts Ave., Boston | $46-$122 | See the blockbuster film “Jurassic Park” with the score accompanied by the orchestra.
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A business that has been offering wine pop-ups is heading to a brick-and-mortar location in Jamaica Plain. Jadu is set to move into the space occupied by Espresso Yourself on Centre Street. The shop intends to be a coffee shop in the day and wine bar at night. (Boston Restaurant Talk)
State
Pilot program English Works is being implemented to bring ESL classes to 11 Massachusetts emergency shelters, thanks to English for New Bostonians. Approximately half of the 7500 families in the shelter system have limited English skills and it’s a barrier to finding work. (WBUR)
Playoffs
The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Boston team prevailed in Game One of the Walter Cup Finals. The team beat Minnesota, 4-3. They will face off once again in Game Two tonight, May 21 at the Tsongas Center in Lowell. (CBS Boston)
Real Estate
The Salem home where “The Scarlet Letter” and “House of the Seven Gables” author Nathaniel Hawthorne lived in the late 1840s is up for sale. Listed at $1.85 million, the six bedroom, six bathroom Chestnut Street house is believed to be the oldest surviving structure on the block. (Boston.com)
Arts
Short documentary film “The Seltzer Factory” will be screening for free at Rabb Hall in the Boston Public Library’s Central location on Saturday, May 25 at 11 a.m. Directed and written by Paloma Valenzuela, the film dives into the history of her family, as well as her biracial Latina Jewish American identity.
Sports
Marshfield native and Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan will be guiding the US Men’s hockey team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. He previously assisted at the 2006 Olympics in Turin, and will also be coaching the international NHL tournament Four Nations Face-Off in 2025. (WBUR)
Spectacular views await from these observation decks. | Photo courtesy of View Boston
View Boston officially released their exclusive summer offerings on May 13, and tickets are on sale now.
The general admission tickets offer spectacular views at the Prudential Tower’s observation decks, but these new experiences add a wow factor to the sights. Here’s a glimpse at what’s new:
Dining Experience: In-house restaurant The Beacon is currently open for lunch and dinner. Starting on June 2, they will offer martini and mimosa flights to complement their brunch service.
VIP Experience: With this selection, you can take a one-hour guided tour detailing Boston’s history, along with your choice of a cocktail, beer, or wine. Plus, you will receive a complimentary ticket for a future date.
Calling all “Glee” fans. Chris Colfer will be signing his book, “Roswell Johnson Saves the World!” at Porter Square Books: Boston Edition on June 5. Get your tickets here.
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