For new students who may not know their way around Boston just yet, finding the right spots to hang out, study or grab a quick cup of coffee can make the city feel a little smaller and a lot more welcoming.
Cafes are often the first place to turn to, whether it’s for a caffeine boost before class or a cozy corner to catch up on readings. Some spots are perfect for long study sessions, with steady Wi-Fi and plenty of seating, while others are best for creative drinks you can grab on the go. To make it easier, here are five of the best cafes that every student should try at least once.
For those living close to JFK/UMass station or looking to catch up after class, Dorchester’s own Sugar Bowl Cafe is the perfect spot. Located on Dorchester Avenue, this cafe has everything from breakfast sandwiches to ice cream.
Their latest drink, the watermelon Redbull refresher, is the perfect energy boost for an afternoon study session. Other beverages, like the “Pleasure Bay Pineapple,” are the best way to finish up the summer season. Make sure to follow their Instagram page, @sugarbowlcafeboston, to stay updated on upcoming drink releases and events like paint nights or cocktail hours.
Blank Street Coffee, while a popular choice, earned that popularity for a reason. With seven different locations across the city, it’s easy to find one that fits your routine. Some shops have plenty of seating and steady Wi-Fi, making them perfect for a study session, while others are best for a quick stop on your way to class.
Blank Street’s titular “Day Dream Latte,” served with vanilla bean, honey and cinnamon, makes for the perfect drink all year round. This is not their only specialty drink — other menu favorites include the iced strawberries & cream latte and the iced blueberry matcha.The mix of creative drinks and convenience has made Blank Street a go-to spot for many Boston students.
Featuring a wide variety of food options, Flour Bakery & Cafe has everything you need. From a long menu of coffee variations to an array of pastries and sandwiches, no customer leaves hungry. Some of the menu favorites include the fresh mozzarella sandwich and brown butter cinnamon roll: perfect meals to fuel a study session.
Mary Aherne, a student at UMass Boston and a barista at the Flour Bakery & Cafe on Dalton Street, always recommends their ginger cookies and specialty seltzers. “The seltzers are really good and change seasonally, except for the raspberry one,” Aherne said. “But I always tell customers they can’t really make a mistake with what they choose because everything is really good.”
Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Flour will also be hosting a “Cake on the Common” event to celebrate its 25th birthday. It will feature an array of cakes of all kinds, complete with lawn games and music for the duration of the event.
Located on Tremont Street, just a short walk from the MBTA Park Street Station, Thinking Cup is one of the best spots in the city. They serve Stumptown Coffee, a roaster known for its bold flavors and high quality.
The food menu is just as strong as the drinks. From buttery croissants to rich desserts, Thinking Cup is the kind of place where you’ll end up staying longer than you planned. Its central location makes it easy to swing by before a movie or while wandering Boston Common. Once you go, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again.
Finally, George Howell Coffee has built its reputation on more than just quality beverages. At its Washington Street location, baristas are known for intricate latte art, crafting designs like flowers and unicorns. It’s a small touch, but one that makes the cafe stand out in a city full of coffee options.
The menu is creative without losing focus on the basics. Drinks like the lavender latte bring a subtle floral twist to the usual espresso, while the matcha latte remains a reliable favorite for those who want something smooth and less traditional. Whether you stop in for the artistry or the taste, George Howell offers a coffee experience that feels a little elevated from the everyday.
No matter what kind of coffee drinker you are, Boston has a cafe that fits the bill. From quick grab-and-go spots to cozy corners for long study sessions, each of these five cafes brings something different to the table. Exploring them is not just about finding your favorite new drink — it’s about discovering little pockets of the city that can make Boston feel more like home.
