Do you find yourself facing long nights writing papers and studying for tests? looking for a new place to relax? Or maybe you just feel guilty about sleeping in until 2 p.m. m. every day and need a little boost. lucky for you, you’re in a college town where cafes are ubiquitous and a good cup is easy to find. Cantabrians appreciate a fine grain and have provided many options for all their coffee needs.
pamplona coffee
Reading: Best coffee harvard square
the rest are all fakers
with a throng of regulars who can be seen smoking near the cafe’s sunny outdoor seating and a minimalist basement interior ripe for impromptu heidegger references, there’s a reason crimson reporters They went to Pamplona when they wanted to interview Cantabrians about the disappearance of the hipster. But, as the oldest cafe in Harvard Square, the place has its charm and its own Wikipedia page. An extensive tea menu, an interesting crowd, and late-night hours make this cafe a great place for late-night conversation or a heartfelt journal entry.
brings: real pen and paper to document your every artistic thought
Try: Café Pamplona (the café’s flagship coffee drink), Guava Cheese Sandwich, Classic Hot Chocolate
Cream coffee
to disconnect and eat
Maybe it’s the easy listening music playing in the background, or maybe it’s the divine array of pastries on the counter. whatever it is, the cream is the place to unwind and lift your mood before class. the consistent lines make it easy to tell that this cafe corners the market at all times of the day with its charming interior and high-quality menu. the new coffees are cool and all, but the creamer has become a harvard classic. if you don’t mind waiting a bit for your avocado and grilled cheese sandwich with caramelized onions and taking it to go (somehow, the seats are always taken), you’ll have to try this place. if you’re really hungry, the side of sweet potato chips will be your best friend.
bring: your entire paycheck
try: coffee drinks with golden cream or red cream, grilled chicken sandwich with cream, any of their cupcakes
darwin’s ltd.
home away from home
See also: The 33 Best Coffee Shops in the World
You may have already passed this local coffee shop in the bush. Auburn St., but if you walk a few minutes from the Courtyard toward Cambridge St., or past Central toward MIT, you’ll also find two other locations. Regardless of which branch of the cafe you choose to visit, you’re sure to find a homey atmosphere, a good soundtrack, and great food and drinks.
bring: a day’s worth of work—darwin’s is a great place to camp and finish that English homework
try: chai latte, “the story”: this is the name on the mt. auburn store, but the names of the sandwiches vary by location
tatte bakery and cafeteria
for good food and better aesthetics
If you’re looking for a hearty but expensive meal, fancy coffee or an artistic photo for your instagram, tatte (rhymes with latte) is the place to be. Owner Tzurit O channeled her childhood in Israel into creating the bakery’s menu, which originated in Brookline. the store’s aesthetic is unparalleled in the plaza, and upstairs you’ll find additional seating, as well as a cafe. if you don’t stop by on purpose, chances are you’ll find yourself wandering sooner or later to the seductive smell of freshly baked pastries that beckons anyone passing by.
bring: $$$
try: spinach and labneh pita, traditional shakshuka dish, nitro-cold coffee, nutella cookie
flour
for a slime-worthy addition to your cup of coffee
Especially for those of us who really just want some fresh baked goods with our coffee, flour is a great place to settle down with a friend. With countless sweet and savory breads, bars and cookies, as well as a large selection of sandwiches and salads, Flour is sure to satisfy your appetite. who could resist a sticky bun with dark caramel and toasted walnuts, or a brioche filled with custard and chocolate? or maybe you just want a simple latte with a lemon scone or a quiche with salad. how about a grilled chicken sandwich with brie and onions, or a Korean BBQ beef dinner? whatever you order, you won’t be disappointed. just make sure you have a refreshing cup of cold beer by the side.
bring: a bag to carry the many, many products you’ll inevitably buy
try: roast beef sandwich, sticky buns, homemade oreos
See also: Yên xe Cafe Racer: Top những kiểu yên xe máy độ cafe racer được yêu thích Yên Xe Phú Quang
tealuxe / davidstea
if you really don’t want coffee
if you’re more into tea, tealuxe and davidstea will be your best bets. pots of loose-leaf tea rest in a wall of drawers behind the counter in deluxe tea, and dark interiors give this place a musty, if not chain, it’d be a hole-in-the-wall vibe. With countless varieties of traditional or fruity hot and iced drinks, and even bubble teas (yes, you can get boba elsewhere besides the boston tea stop), this place is ideal for a break from the bustling square.
For a more energetic and cheerful atmosphere, stop by davidstea, where bright blue tea pots line the wall. Plus, you can get any kind of iced tea, which is great for the scorching temperatures that summer brings.
bring: intellect (false or not), an open mind
try: at tealuxe, the mint chocolate chip bubble tea, frozen matcha. in davidstea, cinnamon rooibos chai, strawberry rhubarb parfait.
dunkin’ donuts / starbucks coffee / peet’s coffee & tea
the classics
While large-scale businesses like these may not boast the same personality as the other cafes on this list, even the most snobbish of drinkers will appreciate the chain cafes on the square.
Sit in the second-floor window of the main Starbucks for the best people-watching experience in town, or look inside to watch law students, tourists, and locals enjoy their Venti Frappuccinos in the cafeteria. If that’s not your thing, head to the t-station basement for some of the best dunkin’ in the state, or peet’s to get your fix of chain-major coffee without feeling “basic.” we know you go to starbucks and dunkin’ (almost) every day, so a change can be worth it.
bring: a boston accent
try: at starbucks, a mocha macchiato with coconut milk. at dunkin’ donuts, an iced latte. at peet’s, any of their bagels.
cecilia r. k. barron also contributed to this article.
See also: 8 Best Coffee Shops in Lincoln, Nebraska to Try!
