Coffee. The Drink of Angels. The Sustainer of Life. The Elixir of Mornings.
Even before starting college, coffee has been an essential part of my morning. It keeps me awake during my 9 am classes and focused enough to take coherent notes. But beyond that, I just find it delicious. (Granted, I put half-and-half and sugar in, but those just enhance the flavor.)
As a result, I am always searching for that good cup of coffee away from campus and away from the frantic panic that marks the midterm and finals season. No, they are not at Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, which are notoriously either crowded or awkward to study in. They are coffee shops off the beaten path.
1. Cafe Fixé
1642 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA (617)879-2500
Set a little up the street from Starbucks on your way to Coolidge Corner, this cafe is not your typically American coffee shop. (Could you tell by the name?) Cafe Fixé is light and airy with Italian instrumental music playing in the background. Little tables line the walls making it the perfect place to either sit and chat with a friend or to sit quietly and do homework. (I sat at the counter facing the window, which is wonderful for people-watching.) The coffee tends to be dark roast, but it is delicious with a simple, freshly brewed menu including coffee, espresso, cafe au lait, and iced coffee. There are also simple pastries providing the perfect pair with your drink. When I went, I got the iced coffee, which was about $2.10 with tax.
2. Lincoln Street Coffee
15 Lincoln Street, Newton, MA (617) 244-1600
Although it is in the opposite direction of Boston, Lincoln Street Coffee is a nice place to go to get away from everything. With a menu that could rival Starbucks, this coffee shop is much cheaper and serves its coffee in actual mugs. It has everything from regular coffee and espresso beverages to specialty drinks, such as Milky Way Latte. There are also different sandwiches, salads, and gelatos to eat. With the radio playing in the background, tables, chairs, and couches are spread through out the room allowing ample space to both sit with friends or to work on a paper. The walls are colorful both from the paint color and the whimsical artwork. When I went, I sat at one of the tables near the couches. There were people talking, but not so loudly that I could not get any work done. When I went, I got a medium mild coffee, which was $2.02 with tax.
3. Peet’s Coffee
776 Beacon Street, Newton, MA 02459
Yes, I know that this is a chain store, but compared to Starbucks, this coffee shop is not. (To be completely honest, I’d never even heard of Peet’s Coffee until I came to BC.) Just a short walk up from BC (~1.5 miles), this coffee shop has an ample amount of seating, allowing a student to spread out and use an entire table (unlike the Chocolate Bar). There are lots of windows, which allow light in and is perfect for studying. There are a variety of drinks on the menu with everything from café au lait to Iced Caramel Latte. There are also different types of coffees from all over the world, so if you want to be adventurous, you can be! Peet’s serves a variety of Freddos, which are essentially coffee (or tea) frozen drinks. When I went, I got a White Chocolate Mocha, which was $3.90 with tax.
4. Taste Coffee House
311 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA 02460 (617)332-6886
Even though it is difficult to get there by public transportation (2 buses), Taste Coffee House is worth the trouble getting. The inside of the coffee shop is nice and crisp with most of the seating at the coffee bar or at small tables with chairs. With the sound of coffee and specialty drinks being made in the background, it is like a coffee-lover’s paradise. Taste Coffee House makes an assortment of drinks from the traditional macchiato to a Boston Latte. Furthermore, this coffee house is known for their artisanal espresso beverages with the owner, Nik Krankl, coming in second place at the Northeast Regional Barista Championship for his coffee art!! They also serve a variety of pastries and other foods, including French toast (which is literally to die for). Taste Coffee House is worth the journey because once you leave, you know you will be back for more. When I went, I got a medium Cafe Latte, which was $3.75, and the French toast.
(Note: All four places serve tea and bottled drinks, if you don’t drink or are not in the mood for coffee, yet still want the cafe atmosphere. Taste Coffee House also sells beer and wine, if you are 21 and above and need something to take the edge off.)
So next time you want the delicious caffeine without the hysteria, head to one of these coffee shops. Or even if you want an adventure or just to try a new place, go to any of these. It will be totally worth that T-ride, bus, or walk away from campus.
Websites:
http://www.cafefixe.com/
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/1453392/restaurant/Boston/Cafe-Fixe-Brookline
http://www.lincolnstreetcoffee.com/
http://www.peets.com/
http://www.tastecoffeehouse.com/home