14 Best Cafes in Cambridge

“Delicious, Yummy, Friendly, Locally owned, with baking ingredients specialities! We’re so happy to have this warm and inviting place around the corner from where we live. #support local !!“

“Staff are nice and have good service“

“Burger is the best for me 😘“

“My husband and I had the cornbread, raspberry currant muffin, cold brew flight, carnitas taco, elote taco, and avocado tostado. All of it was amazing and affordable!!“

“A hidden gem in Cambridge: I have been there several times. It’s a very authentic place with delicious food and drinks. Everything is freshly made in front of you. The staff is very friendly and they have a great attention to details.

Love that they have bicycle benefits and also that you get a piece chocolate with the espresso ?“

“We had such a great experience tonight! First of all I love the evening atmosphere, the light does the job ❤️ Second and most important is THE FOOD! Every single small plate and main were amazing. Mango salad was our favourite. Thank you, we will definitely be back 🤤“

“The staff here are so kind and patient and enjoyable to talk to as the first part of my day. I really appreciate pavement/harvard’s willingness to let folks hang out in their lobby /dining/ seating space, particularly folks who may be experiencing tough times. I’ve chatted with a few strangers in the lobby that have disclosed their housing insecurity to me. Even recently, when a woman was unsure whether her card would go through as we near the end of the month, there was a quiet offer of still enjoying a coffee if it didn’t. I’ve completely stopped going to the sterile waiting areas of similar places like Starbucks because we all need a little more community care for each other. As an aside to great staff and customers, I love (too much and too often) getting their rosemary bagel that they always hook up with lots of cream cheese. Keep it up pavement- you make me proud to be in Cambridge alongside businesses with staff that value the humanity that they can bring to others’ days. I hope they are compensated for the extra (and so so necessary) love they give others.“

“Delicious food and great coffee drinks! Excellent service from everyone and a super cute space —- highly recommend!“

“Though I have not been to the Cafe in person, the sandwich I had from there was one of the best I have ever eaten! Can't wait to go in person. 5 stars.😋“

“Brand new café and wine bar with dual personalities. During the day (until 3PM), it operates as a coffee shop offering classic espresso drinks, plus matcha and tea options for non-coffee drinkers. I enjoyed their lavender latte with homemade syrup.

In the evening (reopening at 5PM), it transforms into a wine bar with an unpretentious, neighborhood-friendly atmosphere.

Currently, it's a peaceful spot perfect for enjoying a drink, getting some work done, or finding refuge from the winter cold.

The skylight provides beautiful natural lighting, while high ceilings create an airy, spacious feeling.

Parking: Standard Cambridge city parking around the block. In front, paid metered street parking.“

“So sad. Today was their last day in Allston. Going to miss them...and their banana bread!“

“Awesome little cafe that brought me back to how cafe’s should be. A space for people to meet, gather, and enjoy good food/drink. It’s absolutely not just a coffee shop. The kitchen with a full menu and baked goods are fantastic. Highly recommend if you’re in the Boston area.

Parking: Parking in Boston is difficult and these locations rarely have dedicated parking.“

“Strawberry, Roasted Peach & Chicken Salad $14.85: EAT THIS. Super yummy and fresh. It is the end of the season for strawberries and peaches, so I was warry, but this was fresh and light, not heavily dressed. The cheese added a nice creaminess, but I was surprised it was missing the usual tartness feta has. The chicken breast wasn't dried out. The cashews were a nice unexpected surprise that added crunch. RECOMMEND.

GF Chicken Salad Sandwich $12.50: So I had an initial bite that had like too much butter or something in it, fatty and odd. After that, the taste improved drastically, and was nicely balanced. OKAY.

Kale & Apple Juice 12oz $6.00: Refreshing! I could taste both the kale and apple, and one did not overpower the other. RECOMMEND.

Oatmeal & Walnut Cookie (GF) $3.50: EAT THIS. A love a soft cookie that has a bit of crunch on the outside for texture and this was perfect. Not too sweet, and the walnuts added nice texture. RECOMMEND.

It is a bright lovely space. While I know they are attempting to maximize space, seating feels too close. I sat at the bar facing out to look out the windows. I am a normal woman, but I had to put my bag on a stool next to me, and thing felt too close. I was lucky to be there during down time or I would have been brushing people to get to my seat. SO if you are like me and like your personal space, seek to go during off peak hours.

I didn't like where the location was to bus your plates when you are finished, I hat to walk back up to the front and pass the register. I understand why they do this, to make it easier for staff, and keep the visual space clear. I still found the placement off.

Staff were not the nicest, but I went in there to eat, not make friends, but something to keep in mind.

Verdict: GOOD. TRY IT OUT.“

“Cozy coffee shop with lots of delicious pastries and affordable breakfast/brunch menu! I picked up black sesame latte and a couple of croissants - pistachio and almond - both freshly baked and pretty big to make you feel full ?☕️

Parking: There is a grocery store a couple of minutes walk that has paid parking garage“