I love coffee. I drink it almost every day and look forward to treating myself to it from a professional barista once a week. I’m from Seattle, the coffee capital of the world, and have been frequenting coffee shops multiple times a week since I was a little girl. The smoky aroma and unmatched buzz have kept me slurping for years; fueling late nights, early mornings, and afternoon lulls for more than half a decade.
When I moved to Boston for school I was disappointed at the lack of coffee shops—especially around the BU campus. I remember thinking, “Where are we supposed to study?!” I was accustomed to a Starbucks on every block, with multiple independent coffee huts in between. And, if you live on campus like I did last year, then you know that the dining hall coffee is basically just water and that running an illegal Keurig in Claflin Hall every morning is not sustainable. So, where should you go?
After a year and a half of living in Boston, I think I’ve finally figured out the five best coffee shops for BU students. I’m going to be ranking them in four categories: ambiance, availability, proximity to campus, and of course, coffee quality. This is not a ranking of coffee, but of coffee shops. And, as with any ranking, this is subjective. You should know that the three drinks I order the most, and therefore am basing the quality portion of this ranking are: an iced vanilla latte with oat milk, a flat white, and a dirty chai with oat milk.
- Pavement — 736 Commonwealth Ave (Central Campus)
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Ambiance: 10 Availability: 5 Proximity: 10 Quality: 8 Total Score: 33
Though its in-person seating is closed right now, when Pavement is operating as usual, it’s my all-time favorite study spot on campus. You aren’t guaranteed a spot here, especially on a weeknight, but if you can get one then you’ll find yourself immersed in an equally productive and welcoming atmosphere. Their coffee is pretty good, with my favorite order being a dirty chai with oat milk. Best of all, it’s right in the center of campus, making it the perfect spot to relax in between classes or cram before that big test.
Honorable mentions include the Pavement in Fenway and Allston—these are a little smaller and further from campus, and don’t have the same college coffee shop vibe that I love about the one on campus.
- Caffè Nero — 1047 Commonwealth Ave (Allston)
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Ambiance: 8 Availability: 7 Proximity: 9 Quality: 6 Total Score: 30
Caffè Nero has gotten here not because it serves you a particularly good cup of coffee (I might even argue the opposite), but because it’s close to campus, full of college students, and the fact that you can usually find a seat here. I think their coffee is kind of hit or miss (I certainly wouldn’t stop by for a to-go cup), but if you want a place nearby to study, it’s a good option. Pro tip: Never ask for whipped cream. I ordered it with a hot chocolate once and stood at the register for 10 minutes while the cashier went in the back and literally was whipping the cream by hand. At least you know they care about their customers.
Honorable mention to the Caffè Nero in Fenway—it usually has plenty of seating available and depending on where you live on campus, it could be the closest one to you!
- Brothers & Sisters Co. — 7 Station St. (Brookline)
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Ambiance: 10 Availability: 5 Proximity: 6 Quality: 8 Total Score: 29
This place is a bit of a trek into Brookline, but if you live in South or Allston, I’d highly recommend going. They have great food, coffee, and even ice cream! It’s a tiny little place, so be mindful of how long you’re taking up a table. But, with a friendly staff, the cutest setup, and great coffee, it is a must-try.
- Tatte — 1003 Beacon St. (South Campus)
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Ambiance: 8 Availability: 3 Proximity: 8 Quality: 9 Total Score: 28
The only reason Tatte is this low is because of how difficult it is to find seating. Food before table, that’s the Tatte guarantee! You’ll be standing—in everyone’s way—holding your Shakshuka pan for 15 minutes before you get the chance to sit down. But, fighting for that table is worth it because their food and coffee are unmatched. If you are lucky enough to get a spot, it’s a great place to set up camp. I like to start with a coffee, and then order a meal after an hour or two of being there, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday studying.
Honorable mentions include the Tatte on Harvard Ave where you might be able to find a table, and the Back Bay branch which has a fair amount of outdoor seating. A dishonorable mention to the Fenway one for being so chaotic it triggers my fight or flight response.
- Starbucks — 874 Commonwealth Ave (West Campus)
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Ambiance: 3 Availability: 7 Proximity: 10 Quality: 8 Total Score: 28
This Starbucks is a solid backup. It usually has a few open seats, and it’s in the perfect spot for people who live in West or Allston on their way to or from class. Starbucks will give you the most consistent cup of coffee out of all of these shops and is known for being one of the world’s premier coffee roasters. What Starbucks lacks in ambiance is made up for in its dependability, availability, and location.
I hope you keep this ranking in mind next time you’re searching for the perfect study spot!
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