Cambridge Dining Guide
Best Coffee Shops in Cambridge
Independent coffee shops and cafes in Cambridge — from Harvard Square study spots to Kendall's tech-scene roasters.
14 restaurants curated
Coffee culture runs deep in Cambridge. With two major universities and a thriving tech sector, the demand for quality coffee — and the right atmosphere to drink it in — has produced one of New England's most distinctive cafe scenes. Independent roasters dominate here, and nearly every shop doubles as a workspace, study hall, or community gathering spot.
Insider TipAvoid the 8-9 AM rush at Harvard Square cafes. Most shops are calmer by 10 AM and stay spacious through the early afternoon.
Harvard Square
6George Howell Coffee
Coffee Shop · Harvard Square
Inside Lovestruck Books in Harvard Square. Founded by coffee legend George Howell (Coffee Connection, 1975). World-class beans sourced globally, meticulous roasting.
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters
Coffee Shop · Harvard Square
Five-minute walk from Harvard Yard. They roast on-site twice weekly. The pourover is worth the wait. Small-batch, single-origin, all the right buzzwords but they actually deliver. Great for a slow morning or working on your laptop.
Flour Bakery + Cafe
Bakery/Cafe · Harvard Square
Joanne Chang's bakery empire started here. The sticky buns are legendary - Bobby Flay couldn't beat them. The sandwiches are substantial. The cookies are perfect. This is what a bakery should be. Joanne is a treasure and I will die on this hill.
Darwin's Ltd
Cafe · Harvard Square
Gourmet sandwich shop and cafe. House-roasted meats, fresh-baked bread, creative combinations. Multiple Cambridge locations, popular for lunch.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Bakery/Cafe · Harvard Square
Israeli-Mediterranean bakery that took over Cambridge (and Boston). The shakshuka is perfect. The halva tahini cookie haunts my dreams. The pastry case is dangerous - just point at things and trust. Multiple locations but Harvard Square is the classic.
Darwin's Ltd
Coffee Shop · Harvard Square
Harvard Square sandwich shop and coffee spot. Solid sandwiches, good coffee, great people-watching. The outdoor seating is prime in nice weather. Been here since 1993. One of the last old-school spots in an increasingly chain-heavy Square.
East Cambridge
1Huron Village
1Central Square
21369 Coffee House
Coffee Shop · Central Square
Beloved Cambridge institution since 1993. Best espresso drinks in town alongside soups, sandwiches, and freshly baked pastries. Winner of Best Coffeehouse in Cambridge multiple years.
Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar
Coffee Shop · Central Square
Coffee by day, wine bar by night. The space is beautiful - high ceilings, exposed beams, Central Square industrial chic. Great for a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine. The kind of place where you can spend an entire day.
Inman Square
21369 Coffee House - Inman Square
Coffee Shop · Inman Square
The original 1369 location in Inman Square, opened 1993 in the former 1369 Jazz Club space. Cozy neighborhood feel with excellent coffee and community atmosphere.
1369 Coffee House
Coffee Shop · Inman Square
Inman Square coffee institution. Been here forever, feels like someone's living room. Great for reading, working, or just existing. The iced coffee is perfect. Not trying to be trendy, just trying to be good. Exactly what a coffee shop should feel like.
Mid-Cambridge
1Porter Square
1Frequently Asked Questions
Cambridge has dozens of cafes ideal for studying, with reliable WiFi, ample seating, and outlets. Harvard Square, Porter Square, and Central Square all have well-known study-friendly spots. Look for cafes that explicitly welcome laptop workers.