Whether you’re planning on studying or catching up with a friend, coffee shops serve as a herding ground for all. As a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, I have utilized BU’s easy access to public transportation to visit many of Boston’s esteemed cafes and have curated a list of the most essential spots around campus.
1.Pavement Coffee
It makes perfect sense that Pavement comes in at first place, considering it is integrated into Central Campus. Located across from the street from the School of Theology, Pavement is a sanctuary for all BU students looking for a pick-me-up. They have everything, ranging from lattes, cold brews, iced teas, and matchas. However, I can’t mention Pavement without bringing up their house-made bagels, which are amazing both on their own and on a sandwich. My personal favorites are the delicious Presto Pesto sandwich and the savory Rosemary Salt Bagel.
2. Blank Street Coffee
Blank Street is my tried and true of all Boston Coffee shops because of its quality customer service and consistently amazing coffee. While It is a bit of a trek from campus, it is well worth the commute. Located on Boylston—across the street from the Boston Public Library—Blank Street hosts a variety of creative drinks and pastries including a sweet strawberries & cream latte and floral rose chai latte. They also have phenomenal quick-service and reasonable prices for their drinks. If you are ever in the Back Bay area, I highly recommend stopping in.
3. Tatte
Tatte is a Boston staple at this point due to its prominent locations in every neighborhood, each of which are always packed with people. fortunately They have a great selection of coffee, including cortados and cold brew, as well as some unique, signature drinks like the black sesame latte and honey halva latte. Tatte also sells a variety of pastries, which are arguably the best among Boston. I recommend picking up any of their croissants or the chocolate snail.
4. Pressed Cafe
Pressed Cafe is one of the most underrated places among BU students; I was shocked when I discovered many of my friends did not know about the establishment. Their menu is incredibly extensive, with sandwiches, soups, salads, bowls, burritos, smoothies, juices, and coffee. Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Pressed Cafe can serve all your cravings. They additionally offer George Howell coffee and espresso for their beverages, which makes for a smooth sipping experience. There’s also plenty of seating at Pressed for socializing and studying.
5. Jaho Coffee
Another hidden gem in Boston, Jaho Coffee is an outstanding place to study. They have lots of open seating with outlets, making it the perfect place to get some work done. Out of all of the cafes, they have arguably the most interesting and out of the box drink selection from warm french toast lattes to rich black sugar matchas. Their food menu is just as diverse, too, as Jaho offers bagels, sandwiches, salads, and soups alongside a full bakery menu with cookies, cakes, pastries, and puddings.