Let’s all take a second to appreciate that NATIONAL COFFEE DAY was September 29th. Because of this very important holiday, I decided that it is a must to share with you all of the places you should be drinking your coffee in the Boston area. While it is really convenient to grab a Starbucks with your dining points, these places are worth your time and money.
Near BU Campus:
1.Pavement Coffeehouse
736 Commonwealth Avenue
Pavement is probably one of the most popular coffee shops on Commonwealth Avenue, but the buzz is for a reason; the ambiance is wonderful – it is such a contemporary environment. You can really feel the hustle and bustle of the city whether you drink your coffee while writing a paper with headphones in, or while sitting by the window people watching.
To top it off (with the most important part of a coffee shop), the coffee is fantastic. My personal favorite is the Spanish latte, which you can get either hot or iced – how exciting! I definitely would recommend Pavement for a quick place on campus to grab a cup of joe. The only downside is that seating is limited, since it is a very busy place. The best times to go to Pavement with the purpose to sit and do homework are early morning and late afternoon.
2.Blue State Coffee
957 Commonwealth Avenue
Blue State Coffee is really convenient for those who live in West Campus. The set-up of the coffee shop is really neat because the seating is in the front and you have to walk to the back area to place your order. I have only ordered their dark roast coffee so far, but it is too delicious to risk switching it up. I am not traveling through West Campus very often, but when I am, I always make a pit stop at Blue State.
3.Tatte Bakery & Cafe
1003 Beacon St
Tatte is amazing. Everything about it – from the pastries to the coffee to the food to the yogurt to the décor. Incredible. It is located in Brookline right at the St. Mary’s T stop. To all those living in South Campus: it is less than a 5-minute walk. My favorite drinks from Tatte are the iced vanilla coffee and the dark roast drip coffee. My favorite pastry is the pistachio croissant – literally the best croissant I have ever eaten. I also 100% recommend the parfait. It is full of fruits, muesli, honey, and Greek yogurt – both delicious and healthy.
4.Bruegger’s Bagels
644 Beacon St
Let’s talk pumpkin. Bruegger’s has THE BEST pumpkin blended coffee roast. It is not the over-sweetened pumpkin sugar chemical stuff. This is the real deal. I have purchased a large pumpkin spice coffee the past two weeks on a daily basis. I add a splash of soy milk and a dash of sugar and I am set. Even better, it is only $2.66 for a LARGE. If you love pumpkin but you are so done with the sweetness of a Starbucks PSL, this is for you. But if you hate pumpkin, the hazelnut blend is just as tasty. Bruegger’s is close to East Campus and Bay State. My routine: order a large pumpkin spice, walk to the dining hall at Bay State to grab breakfast, jam out to Marina and the Diamonds and work on homework.
A little farther… but still worth it:
5.Ogawa Café
10 Milk Street
Ogawa Café is located in Downtown Boston and if you haven’t been here yet, you should get up and go. It is a Japanese coffee shop with very interestingly delicious drinks and bites. The interior makes for a great study space and the natural lighting is phenomenal. Ogawa is my favorite coffee shop off of BU’s campus and I definitely recommend the Matcha Latte (as pictured above).
6.Jaho Coffee Roasters
665 Washington St
Jaho is located in one of my favorite areas of Boston – Theatre District. If you are looking to explore other parts of Boston while sipping on a cold brew (the vanilla cold brew is amazing), this is the place to be. The interior is also really urban and it gives off a really relaxed vibe. I have only been once, but I have intentions to go again very soon.
And if it is a “lay in bed and drink coffee all day” type of day…
7.FRENCH PRESS IS THE BEST
Using a French press is not as intimidating as it seems. It is super easy and it makes the best tasting coffee. Plus, the process is incredibly fun. I got my French press for twelve bucks from Target and it is my prized possession. My favorite coffee blend for my French press is Trader Joe’s Kenya AA Coffee. It is a medium-roast, but the flavor is intense and delicious. Depending on my mood, I either drink it black or with soy milk, however either way I would 110% recommend.
I hope everyone’s National Coffee Day was as caffeinated as mine was. Enjoy Boston, enjoy coffee. Xoxo.