My Favorite Cafes in the Boston Area

Boston has cafes on nearly every street. So of course you will never run out of places to grab a cup of coffee especially with all the Dunkin’ Donuts around! Yet, when I want to visit a cafe I am looking for more than just a quick cup of coffee or tea to go. I love a cafe that has plenty of seating, the right ambience, and friendly staff. For me there are three cafes that come to mind when I think of my favorite cafes in the the Boston area.

When we aren’t in a pandemic, I love to spending an afternoon in cafe sipping my coffee while blogging away on my laptop. I really miss being able to do this. Sadly there have been many businesses shutting down in the Boston area, so I definitely want to do my part to promote and support local businesses to keep them open!

All of the cafes below have takeout and delivery options via popular food ordering apps such as Grubhub, DoorDash (Get $30 off your 1st order), UberEats, or Postmates for example. Be sure to check to see which of these are available in your area.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full policy here.

My Favorite Cafes in the Boston Area

1. Japonaise Bakery & Café

Current Hours – Menu – COVID Guidelines

Address: 1020 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446

Japonaise is a family-run bakery that serves french inspired pastries with a Japanese flare. This bakery has been in business for over 30 years. While the interior may not be much to look at, the treats awaiting you inside are more than worth the visit. Plus every staff member is incredibly friendly!

I absolutely adore their character inspired treats!

There is both indoor and outdoor seating available. However, there are limitations at this time due to the pandemic. COVID-19 Guidelines, hours, and further information. I would definitely recommend spending an hour or two here once the pandemic is over. Be sure to check their site for updates on when this will be possible again.

This cafe actually reminds me of some of bakeries I used to visit when I lived in Seoul, South Korea. It’s also one of the very few places in Boston that serve triangle kimbap/onigiri!

Be sure to support them by getting takeout or delivery through food delivery apps! They are a neighborhood treasure that must be preserved.

2. Tatte Bakery & Café

Current Hours – Menu – COVID Guidelines

Address: 1003 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446 (More Locations)

It’s hard to believe that this now popular local chain started in a small kitchen in Tzurit Or’s Boston home. Tzurit Or is the mastermind and original baker behind Tatte. She used to sell her own baked goods at local markets in Boston before opening her first cafe in Brookline. Now there are several in the area! Plus, they have even expanded to Washington, D. C. which is a massive accomplishment.

Not only does Tatte sell baked goods, but they have exceptional dishes for all times of the day. Check out their menu. Some of my personal favorites from Tatte is their shakshuka, egg-in-a-hole, and their cinnamon pecan rose pastry. Talk about yum!

Beyond the delicious menu, Tatte’s atmosphere is very aesthetically pleasing with all the white and black modern decor. My favorite locations to visit are the Brookline and Harvard Square locations. Each Tatte location is unique.

3. Espresso Yourself

Current Hours – Menu – COVID Guidelines

Address: 767 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

I feel like this cafe is one of the best kept secrets in the Boston area. The newest out of the three, this cafe opened in 2018 in Jamaica Plain. The natural wood decor in the cafe is beautiful. They even have outdoor seating as well which reminds me of the rustic outdoor seating a lot of restaurants have in Houston, Texas.

Here you will find incredible coffee, savory and sweet dishes, plus their macarons are out of this world. As for my favorite dish? I always gravitate towards their lox on bagel and their pistachio macarons! Check out their menu to see what catches your attention.

I highly recommend supporting this local business. You won’t be disappointed no matter what you order!

I will be promoting plenty of local restaurants and businesses going forward. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe to my blog to stay up to date on new posts!

Related Products: