The city of Boston boasts a variety of different cafes, from big chains like Starbucks to independent cafés like The Thinking Cup. Many students love to go out to cafes to study for the “aesthetic” of it all, but cafes can actually provide a really great and productive environment. Thanks to all of my exploring around Boston, I have found the four most study-worthy cafes in the city.
- Caffè Nero
-
This café is a staple in the city of Boston, with 33 locations in this city alone. It boasts traditional Italian-style coffee that is popular among students, as well as a variety of drinks that fit anyone’s health preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and more. They have a really neutral tone aesthetic, resembling that of a European Style café, which made sense when I learned Caffè Nero has its headquarters in England, and the menu is Italian-influenced. It’s usually pretty quiet in here, so for those of you who focus better with limited noise, go and check out Caffè Nero!
In my opinion, the best food item is the avocado toast and the best drink is the iced latte. It definitely leaves my stomach happy and gives me the energy I need to finish up all of the homework that I saved until the last minute. However, the café is more well-known for its hot lattes and breakfast sandwiches, which I have to admit, do sound and look rather good. My overall rating for this café is an 8.2/10. Although their items are of great quality, I took 1.8 points away for their higher price-point.
- Pavement Coffeehouse
-
Pavement Coffeehouse is another classic café in Boston, and one I feel is underrated. It’s located centrally to Boston and Cambridge, with one store on the BU Campus, right across the street from Marsh Chapel. Pavement is not usually a busy place, so it’s perfect for a low-key study session. The locations give off the classic café vibes, with low lighting, relaxing music, and neutral color tones in their seating.
I, personally, am obsessed with their bagels, which are also their most popular food item. I don’t know what they put in their bagels, but everyone I know who has been there is equally obsessed. Although I haven’t tried their hot chocolate and iced teas, these drinks are also quite popular. The prices aren’t amazing, though. The bagel I get, which is a sesame seed bagel toasted with butter, cost over four dollars. This is part of the reason why I don’t go to Pavement very often; but when I do, the coffeehouse never disappoints. I officially rate Pavement an 8.6/10.
- Thinking Cup
-
Thinking Cup is one of the cutest coffee shops in Boston. It’s a small local café with three locations in Boston. Similar to Pavement Coffeehouse, Thinking Cup isn’t usually too busy, and even if it is, there are many, many seating options both indoors and outdoors, but only at the Back Bay location. They are known for serving “Stumptown Coffee,” which has been rated the best coffee in the world by many well-known publications, including NPR, USA Today, and The New York Times. It has a very nice, Pinterest-like café aesthetic, with indoor plants, soft music, and neutral tones.
I think this is the most endearing café that I have been to in Boston. When I do work here with my drink in hand and laptop in front of me, I feel determined to be productive and do what I need to. I love their food and I usually order a bagel and fruit cup, or if I want a big meal I go for their $6.95 grilled cheese, which I highly recommend. The prices here are actually quite reasonable, especially for a rather expensive city/location, which is why I come here often and why I’m giving it a rating of 9.3/10.
- Trident Booksellers & Cafe
-
Trident Booksellers & Cafe, located on Newbury Street, is my favorite place to go, especially since it’s a short walk from campus. The café not only has an extensive menu for any occasion, but it also sits inside a huge bookstore! As soon as you walk in, you’re surrounded by books such as the staff picks, new nonfiction, and new fiction. If you keep walking, you’ll find hundreds of more books, and then a decorated staircase that has drawings of book spines, including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, A Wrinkle in Time, and more. Trident has a colorful and fun aesthetic that feels cozy, comfortable, inviting, and lively. They have recently started up weekly events again, including queer board game nights, trivia nights, and book club!
I absolutely recommend their grilled cheese with tomato and avocado. With a side of fries, this meal is one of the best I’ve ever had. Their watermelon refresher is also quite good and makes me feel like I’m sipping a drink by the pool during the summertime. Some of their more popular specials include their French toast and chicken salad. However, be warned that Trident does have background noise and isn’t as quiet as Caffè Nero, but it’s not drastically loud to the point where you can’t focus.
Trident’s prices are very good and their service is also high-quality, which is why I am giving this place a 9.6/10.
Clearly, Boston is full of great cafés to study and be productive. The next time you have work to complete and want a change of scenery, check out one of the cafés above!
Want to keep up with HCBU? Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, check out our Pinterest board, and read our latest Tweets!