Coffee Houses in the Boston Area

[glauer]

While most people will agree that Starbucks and the like have brought a welcome improvement over diner coffee sitting on a hot plate for hours, their coffee and espresso drinks are still mediocre at best. And we don't even talk about abominations such as "venti caramel macchiatos"..... But we are lucky in this city to have plenty of alternatives (and no, this does not include "the best coffee in the world" from Dunkin Donuts..... ).

So what are the best of the best? Until recently I gave my top spot actually to another chain, though much smaller than Starbucks, and something like Starbuck's godfather. Peet's makes an excellent Cappuccino that always very much reminds me to Italy, especially when you get the "traditional" that is served in a small porcelain cup the same size as in Europe. Their coffee beans to take home are also excellent.

Recently I have discovered Simon's Coffee on Mass Ave close to Porter square and I must say that their cappuccino and espresso now top the list for me. I have not had better ones anywhere. So far it also seems to me that no matter which barista is on duty, they all turn out the same high level of quality. Once you watch them how meticulously they stamp the ground espresso you are not really surprised that they turn out serious coffee, this place is clearly devoted to quality.

Two big pluses for both places are also that they serve above avergae pastries (those at Starbucks I would not feed my dog if I had one) and that they offer the coffee in real cups, not only in plastic as some places do.

Two runners up for me are 1369 and True Grounds. Both places I like a lot for charm and originality (and True Grounds' pastries and sandwiches are actually the best of all mentioned places), but the coffee is, while good, not as excellent as those at the two top places.

What are your favorite coffee spots?

[fischwlu]

I agree that Peets is excellent. I know that there are several places in the North End that specialize in espressos, etc. but I haven't done a taste test yet to see who makes the best. Have you tried any of those places?

If you are ever in the Newton Highlands area, I also like this one place on Lincoln Street...

[shel]

Quebrada, on Mass Ave in Arlington near the Capital Theatre, is my favourite coffee shop on that side of Boston. The straight coffee is all excellent, and the lattes well-made. The bakery puts out decent muffins, croissants and scones, and the cakes and challah are delicious. They also sell coffee beans - I find several of the house blends delicious, particularly the Dancing Goats.

[eipi10]

Simons is easily the best. True Grounds can be good but usually underextracts the espresso; their drop coffee is always excellent.

For (over)roasty Peets-like espresso there are many fine Italian cafes in the North End.

[glauer]

I have not had an espresso at Peet's for a long time, as I usually get a cappuccino when there (and recently I always go to Simon's). But that is always first rate and in a very different league from starbucks and northend cafes. They definitely have much better beans than what is used at those places.