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.
11 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.
George 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
Independent roaster five minutes from Harvard Yard, roasting single-origin beans on-site twice a week. Known for pourover, a small but considered food program, and the kind of quiet space that attracts writers and grad students.
Flour Bakery + Cafe
Bakery/Cafe · Harvard Square
Joanne Chang's Harvard Square outpost of the Flour Bakery + Cafe empire she started in the South End in 2000. The sticky buns are legendary — Bobby Flay famously couldn't beat them on Throwdown. Sandwiches are substantial, cookies are perfect.
East Cambridge
1Huron Village
1Simon's Coffee Shop
Coffee Shops · Mid-Cambridge
Long, narrow neighborhood coffee shop between Harvard and Porter Squares. Quality espresso, pastries, bagels, and sandwiches. Rotating local art, a loaded community bulletin board, and regulars who treat it like their second living room.
Dado Tea
Tea House/Cafe · Mid-Cambridge
Serving wholesome and healthy sandwiches, salads, multigrain rice bowls, and noodle dishes. High grade hot and iced teas, espresso and coffee. First in Cambridge to introduce bubble tea in 2002!
1369 Coffee House - Central Square
Coffee Shop · Central Square
The Central Square satellite of Gerry Wolf's 1369 Coffee House. Same house-made chai, same union-shop ethos as the Inman original, closer to the Red Line. A default Central Square study seat for MIT and Lesley students.
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.
Porter Square
1Inman 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.