With so many cafes in Boston today, it can be hard to know where to go for a warm drink or quick bite to eat. And with chains like Dunkin and Starbucks on every block, it’s easy to forget about all the amazing local places that are just around the corner. In this article, I’ll introduce you to some native Boston cafes that will make you forget about those pesky chains.
Number one: The Square Root. Located in Roslindale Square, this popular cafe has a wide range of food, from just about every type of drink you could crave, to pastries and breakfast sandwiches, to a “PM menu” with pizza, quesadillas, sandwiches, and appetizers galore. Their mocha latte is my favorite morning pick-me-up. It’s super creamy and warm with the perfect blend of sweetness from the chocolate and bitter pangs from the coffee. When I want a meal, I always go for the ham and cheese melt with its perfectly toasted bread, warm sharp cheddar, and sweet but salty honey roasted ham. And no matter what you order at The Square Root, you’re sure to have a great time. The cafe has a fun atmosphere with industrial design, beautiful art on every wall, and even live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. So check out The Square Root for a quick bite in the morning or a fun night out with friend.
Number 2: Espresso Yourself. This Jamaica Plain snack bar is so adorable with the perfect environment for studying or just absorbing some academia vibes. The inside is so cozy and warm with calm, acoustic music playing in the background and the food is always delicious and comforting. The cafe boasts a wide variety of drinks from your classic hot coffee with cream and sugar to a Taiwanese inspired milk tea series. Their foods are just as diverse, with simple breakfasts like their bagels, delicious deli sandwiches, and incredible desserts like their macarons. When I last went, I ordered a taro milk tea and a Mille Feuille that did not disappoint. The tea was so refreshing with a sweet taro flavor that slipped right down my throat and the Mille Feuille was incredibly creamy with a delicious flaky crust and a tasty custard filling that filled me up instantly. Espresso Yourself is the perfect place to satisfy all your cravings and make your sweet tooth and your studious brain equally happy.
Number 3: Dudley Cafe. This cafe, located right next to Nubian Station, is the perfect place to sit down for a nice breakfast on a Sunday morning or to grab a quick meal during your lunch break. During my summer job I would go here at least once a week and I would always get their chicken quesadilla, which was so cheesy and came with the creamiest guacamole and an amazing salsa that was cool and refreshing but still provided a nice kick of spice. Dudley Cafe also has some incredible drinks like their mint matcha latte which is super milky and has amazing flavor combinations. The punches of mint against a warm earthy matcha are always so delicious. If you’re lucky enough to stay for a meal, you’ll encounter the amazing ambiance welcoming all Boston natives. With walls covered in incredible art, chairs so soft you can’t help but sink into them, and sandwiches named after different places in Roxbury, you can’t help but feel at home in Dudley Cafe.
Number 4: City Feed and Supply. This cute bodega in Jamaica Plain will meet all your food needs with its delightful cafe and deli. The food and drinks here are so delicious and are perfect for any meal of the day. I love coming for breakfast so I can get a sweet and refreshing iced tea and a warm, chewy bagel that’s smothered in cream cheese. But if you’re looking for a meal for a different time of day, City Feed has still got you covered. Their deli comes with a ton of incredible sandwiches all made from meat that’s deliciously seasoned and fresh, juicy vegetables. Along with delicious house-made food, City Feed has a grocery store with everything you could need from fresh produce to snacks to cleaning supplies. All of their products are locally sourced and I love knowing that my purchase is going back to my community. I totally recommend checking out City Feed: whether you’re in need of some staples for meal prep or you want a tasty drink to treat yourself, they’ll have something for you.
Number 5: Green T. This Roslindale coffee shop is the coziest place I’ve ever been to. It’s a cute, small space with warm wooden seats, an adorable coloring area for kids, a little free library, and a fireplace. Not only is the atmosphere like being curled up in bed, but the food and drinks are amazing. Green T makes an amazing chai latte with a ton of spices and warm creamy milk that glides easily down your throat. The food at Green T is just as incredible. My favorite is the crumb cake: it’s so sweet and doughy with crunchy, flaky crumbs dusting the top. If you’re looking for something cooler as the weather gets warmer, Green T is still the place for you. They have a large collection of smoothies and each one is so fruity and refreshing that you’ll find yourself instantly cooled down and relaxed. No matter what season it is, you should check out Green T for the perfect treat to match your mood.
