50 Best Cafes near Charlestown

“Great class very informative about chocolate and fun making the truffles.“

“Best place to grab breakfast or lunch on the Charlestown waterfront, and great coffee too! The ladies who work here are always friendly, they even keep a jar of dog treats out for the puppers. Their smoothies are great for a nice healthy dose of fruit if coffee isn’t your thing.“

“This place is amazing 10/10. I’ve been coming here for like an entire month, I’ve gotten different things, lunch paninis, salads, wraps, and breakfast sandwiches. & everything is always fresh, consistent & delicious. A truly hidden gem in Charlestown.“

“Great tapas / quite filling“

“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 !!“

“i have gone here more than any other cafe in the world and i have lived in somerville for less than a year. this is my go-to spot when someone asks to meet for coffee. i will continuously update with more pictures (i often forget to take them) but here are reviews of everything ive eaten/drunk at 3 little figs.

overall: their prices are truly unbeatable for the quality. the most expensive coffee drink is a $5 mocha and a $4.5 latte and everything is lower than those two. incredible. their matcha latte is $4.5, chai is $4.5, london fog $4. yeah they’re my goat for this

pastries:
- apple cider donut muffin: i think of her constantly. beautifully spiced and a little crunchy on the outside but so melt in your mouth decadent on the inside. a wonderful donut in the shape of a muffin. she’s also like $3.50 or something nuts like that
- lavender biscuit: I also think of her constantly. crispy but airy but dense and slightly salty biscuit with the most yummy lavender glaze. ginormous for $3.5
- chai muffin: really soft and airy, the espresso icing is so delicious. i do not think of her all the time but she is what she says she is. the icing makes it so cupcake like but it’s the right amount of icing. for $3 im pogging
- goat cheese scone: YUM. it’s their biscuit again, huge, and has pieces of goat cheese that is salty and delicious. a great savoury pastry option
- chocolate pistachio cookie: she is DENSE. she is buttery. she is not that chewy. if that is what you’re into. just a very good warm dense cookie with melty chocolate

food:
- ricotta toast: ive only had it sweet here (cinnamon and honey) and it kickstarted my love for ricotta. airy, creamy, perfect sweetness, incredibly flavourful yet soft sourdough. banger. she’s $6 and a gateway to other toasts
- market sandwich: ive had better but i still enjoyed it (pic) - $11 is the steepest you can get at 3 little figs and this is it! it’s good though, and don’t sleep on the fig jam
- breakfast sandwiches: yum yum yum and smell so incredibly good. for $6 for a filling beautifully and artisanal crafted breakfast sandwich? aw yea. black pepper biscuit with sausage is the goat

cons:
- seating is ez if u come early in the morning like i do. if not then yea it’s hard
- too awesome
- not gate kept. because they deserve all the love and popularity

even more pros:
- free awesome water on tap (still and sparkling)
- swag too different, service too good, food too fresh, life is awesome“

“We got the muffuletta sandwich and it was SPECTACULAR! It was a new sandwich for us…the bread was perfectly paired to the style of sandwich and fresh. The meats and cheese were delicious and the olive garnish and herbs enhanced this unique taste experience. We took the sandwich to go but the restaurant was clean and relaxed atmosphere. Friendly and fast service.“

“We had a small get together at Bits and bites cafe.. The staff was so courteous and knowledgeable.. breakfast and sweet treats were top notch. Please consider Bits and Bites for your next cafe, you won’t be disappointed!“

“Nestled in Union Square is Maprang Café. Cute and cozy Asian café with endless pastry and sweet options. I have walked by this place a few times and was thrilled to finally try it and it wasn’t super busy when I walked in. I ordered the pumpkin spice latte and it was so delicious! The perfect amount of spice and a creamy finish. The food options also looked really pretty and colorful. I will mention the price points for the food options seemed a little pricey for the size and amount, but that is just my personal opinion. It is an adorable café and overall had a nice experience during my first visit.“

“Unique, delicious pastry. Best croissants and sourdough bread. Nice people. Can sit inside or outside.“

“I am a customer and I have no complaints about the sandwiches and the coffee, but in the homelet I feel that they are a bit small for the 13 dollars, I think they would be worth a little bigger or adding another companion besides the bread, and they will perhaps be tastier with spinach, cherry tomato, mushrooms, Another suggestion maybe use a little less oil, perhaps many people are not interested in health but for others
Demanding, I think they would have better flavor and quality with less oil.“

“I absolutely loved my experience here. my wife and I went this past weekend for the first time for our anniversary and we left having a new favorite place in Boston. The menu is completely vegan and absolutely delicious. We ordered the Chunk steak, the short ribs, the maple boneless wings, a martini and a mocha latte. everything was so good and their house made vegan ranch is the best vegan ranch I've had to date. All of the staff was incredibly warm, welcoming and attentive. The restaurant itself is small but comfortable and enjoyable. Don't let this place pass you by, it's incredible“

“Why so much plastic?
Even if you stay at "Sorelle" to eat and drink: plastic rulez!
I don't think that's "sustainable".

There ARE porcelain mugs...but you have to SPECIFICALLY request them.

The coffee itself? Fab!
The toasts and the sandwishes: too!!“

“Went there for a corporate holiday gathering. The staff were terrific and it was such a fun, interesting chance to learn, laugh and connect with colleagues. Staff are so attentive, kind and patient. A wonderful place!“

“Nice pastry’s and good location“

“Incredibly busy for breakfast. It was hard to find a seat. Pastries were really good. I had a breakfast croissant and it was good, but ordered the egg over easy and it wasn't runny, and the croissant was over toasted for me on the ends.“

“My goodness.

There aren’t enough words to describe how IN LOVE me and my partner are with this place. We live down the street, and are usually at Bikeeny a few times a week. Here are a few things we adore:

First and foremost, the staff. You will not meet a more delightful, warm, lively, skilled, darling group of humans at a cafe. Evelina, Serg, Alina, Leah, Parker, and a couple other names I forgot (sorry!) are the sweetest people, who truly care about your breakfast experience. They always meet you with a smile, even when they’ve got a line going out the door. They should be protected at all costs and treated with equal amounts of love from us patrons.

Secondly, the food, coffee, and the consistency. You will receive the same delicious meal, every time, and they pride themselves on it! They take their preparation seriously, and train any new employees in their art. The food is also so good - so simple, flavorful, and just right - not like other places that offer you a greasy, sandwich, or a pre-packed frozen reheated mess. It feels healthier because it IS! The coffee is also perfecto. ::chefs kiss::

Finally, I don’t know why we all aren’t supporting local businesses. Yeah, I like my cuppa Dunks every now and then like every New Englander, but that’s not what feels right to me as a consumer that cares about community. Shop and eat local, kids!

Vegetarian options: For the veggie egg and cheese sammie - add sriracha aioli, it’s delicious!“

“great food, great service, and very friendly. worked with my nut allergy, which can be hard to find sometimes. Definitely worth check out if your in the area!“

“Finally, got to try This place. They had soft Opening which was not to best. The ordering process was pretty smooth . The wait was not to long. We got the infamous Sho-Gun Matcha/Vanilla Soft Serve Mix With Edible 24K gold , Maiko Special (Parfait) Hojicha/Strawberry Mix Soft Serve and Matcha Latte Float. Everything was so rich in favor. The matcha favor is probably the best that I had so far. You can taste the quality of the soft serve. It's a bit pricy but worth every penny. Definitely, need to try them out“

“🥲I really loved it here. If you come here you will be really inspired. So I highly recommend you to come and visit.“

“Very smooth and fresh medium roast hot coffee, which comes out right after you order it with a smile! Lots of options for breakfast - from healthy to pastries. Warm and calm atmosphere if you need a quick stop on the way to the office or from the hotel.

Prices are reasonable but slightly higher than other places, as it's downtown.“

“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.😋“

“I went to this cafe while visiting my sister on several trips because the coffee is so good and reasonably priced. My latest visit to Boston I went again to this cafe and was blessed to be given the most beautiful latte! It made my day! I felt so honored to have such a lovely latte. The barista’s at George Howell are trained well but this Barista who made my latte is the best I have seen.“

“Cute place and yummy baked goods as well as sandwiches and salads for lunch!“

“Would give it 10 stars if I could! Fabulous place

Kid-friendliness: From their website: "Most of our game collection is geared toward people ages 10+, but we do have a small selection of kids’ games that can be brought out on request."“

“Tried several Tatte and this one is special. Food is always perfect and if ever someone has taken my online order, the managers always assist and get is asap. Store is super clean and service is always special. I do like the small talk. Mary, Francesca Gm, Roselyn, Hector always know my order and drinks. Totally worth the daily trip.“

“What a wonderful place. 🇦🇺🦘“

“This spot has some solid, delicious, unique, and well-curated sandwiches. The taj mahal sandwich has some of the best egg salad fillings I've ever tasted and the turkey town pressed panini was perfectly toasted —yet soft, and very flavorful.

I'm not much of a coffee person but my partner is a coffee snob and thought that their brown sugar latte was delicious, which is not to be taken lightly from her. We'll definitely come back when we're in the area to try more slapping sandwiches (and coffee for her).“

“Morning Buns and great coffee!!!“

“Nice cocktails and next to Mike’s Pastry“

“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.“

“Great local place for breakfast, cold brew, smoothies, pupsicles, or a light lunch!“

“Whoever bakes their scones has a gift!“

“I stopped by Tate twice during my 4 day visit. They have a huge selection of pastries, cakes and baked goods. Their menu is extensive. I enjoyed my savory French toast. If I had a bigger stomach, I would love to try their sweet French toast because it looked amazing on someone’s table!!! I loved the new drink “Ginger date latte with oat milk”. It had such good flavor. I only wish the milk was thoroughly steamed, but it was only lukewarm. But, overall, I like Tatte a lot and would definitely return when I visit Boston next time.

Wheelchair accessibility: They have a lift inside their restaurant.“

“Great coffee. Delightful owners“

“Very friendly and cheerful staff. Great coffee and sandwiches.“

“Daniel was super friendly and nice. Customer service skill was amazing. Even gave a free coffee to me just try it out. I’m new to Boston and this man made my day. And he even made sure none of the coffee had and nuts or eggs due to my allergies. I will definitely come back here and bringing my friends.“

“Great variety in fantastic tasting bubble teas and mochinuts!“

“So nice, I went twice in one weekend!

Not to be dramatic, but their Pumpkin Spice Latte will change your life! Not the garbage 'pie spice' you get from other coffee shops, made with real pumpkin, this has a deep real-pumpkin flavor with a dash of pie spice making for the perfect fall beverage!

A friend had recommended it and I went in last Saturday and was so blown away, I met another friend there on Sunday! She is not a big pumpkin fan and even agreed how incredible this was! We both ordered avocado toast to go with it and that was delicious as well!

The staff here is so kind and helpful. We sat for a while and caught up and it was such a great vibe there.“

“Amazing Staff, amazing food !!! If You’re in Harvard Sq. don’t miss out!“

“Awesome food and the staff is friendly. Also the hometown Cafe atmosphere is great.“

“One of our absolute favorite spots in town, we’re so lucky to have this in our community!“

“I have been enjoying this cafe for a few years now and am still always happy with the truly friendly service along with some of the best sandwichs ever. This is comparing to other great delis around the city. Their salami, capocollo, and provolone with everything on it, on a freshly baked and grilled toasted baguette has to be honestly in my top 3 sandwiches I have ever had in my life.“

“If you’re looking for a place that’s clean, safe, and FUN to go highly recommend. Awesome food and drinks ($5 sandwiches during happy hour!), lovely outdoor patio dining, and there are still games available to play sanitized between people! So happy to come back here again and get the same great service.“

“smooth latte, nice to have a decaffeinated lattee.“

“TEBRİKLER... GÜZEL İNSANLAR“

“Not much more to say that OUTSTANDING!! he food is delicious, abundant, varied, signature to them in tastes and styles, affordable, local, fresh - and served/prepared by an amazing crew!! It's a tiny place, which you would think would discourage many. But not here!! That should tell you something. Not only is there a line out the door for 'to-go' ordering, but people filing in and out who ordered ahead - not to mention those ]like myself] willing to wait - cramped - patiently awaiting a seat to open in order to dine in. Ya, to some it might seem more hassle than the hype. But I say the hassle is because the hype is true!! Anything worth having is worthy a bit of struggle to get it. JAC's is an excellent example of that! Thank you to the entire crew for all you do, your hard work and dedication to quality shines through!“

“Dado is the best kept secret in Cambridge. A beautiful café that feels so peaceful, considered and thoughtful in its every detail—the perfect place to sit with a friend, or take some time to just be alone and read a book. The co-owner Namwon has great energy. He was always really kind and welcoming to me and my boyfriend (we are from Australia, but Dado felt like a little slice of home). The food is really tasty (I could never go past their egg-salad sandwich; my partner loves the bibimbap wrap), and Dado, of course, has an amazing selection of teas. More than just feeding the body, all the meals felt like they were nourishing the soul. Just good honest cooking—maybe the rarest of things today. We’re about to leave Harvard this semester, and one of the great things we’ll miss is Dado.“

“Delicious food!!
Variety of fresh Chinese sweets. I also got very delicious Portuguese cake. Very good location, clean and super organized, lovely prices. Personal portions and to share, you can even transport them. Ideal to take as souvenirs! They have delivery! Puff pastry almond cookies are my favorites! They have products with green tea.“

“What a wonderful breakfast! The eggs Benedict were delicious and I had fresh berries along with. Service is impeccable, not intrusive, but friendly and helpful. Highlight of a stay that was pretty awesome already. I'll look forward to coming back!“