Boston Guide: Bars, Coffee, and Everything in Between

Fast Facts:

  • Happy Hour is against the law in Boston…(Umm farewell discounted Pinot Noir RIP)
  • Boston is home to the very first chocolate factory in the States.. (Willy Wonka, is that you?)
  • The first U.S. based subway was built in Boston (and to think it was in New York..)
  • Fig Newton is named after a suburb in Boston (I guess Isaac Newton had nothing to do with it..)
  • The oldest public park in America is in Boston (Nope, it’s not Central Park, folks)

COFFEECOFFEECOFFEE

  • Barrington Coffee Roasting Company – hip cafe featuring espresso drinks, artisanal teas & pastries in a sleek, modern setting
  • Flat Black Coffee – artisanal java chain featuring single-origin, international coffees & breakfast pastries
  • George Howell Coffee – European-style espresso bar with quick-serve coffee that offers a range of espresso beverages, coffee tasting flights
  • Gracenote Coffee – tiny gourmet espresso bar from a local coffee roaster serving nitrogen cold brews & more
  • Longfellows Coffee – local shop featureing wide selection of options from seasonal cold brew to vegan donuts to rustic toasts to fruity smoothies
  • Loyal Nine – stylish and simple eatery with airy seating featuring an assortment of coffee drinks and American fare with a flair
  • Pavement Coffeehouse
  • Render Coffee – cozy daytime gathering spot where artisanal coffee shares the menu with quiche, bagels & sandwiches
  • Thinking Cup – charming cafe featuring high-end coffee & espresso drinks, homemade pastries & sandwiches
  • Wired Puppy – snug subterranean cafe offering coffee, tea, espresso & baked goods plus free WiFi & a patio

CAFES & RESTAURANTS

  • Alden & Harlow – subterranean restaurant serving creative New American fare & cocktails on tap in rustic-chic digs
  • Banyan Bar & Refuge – Asian gastropub serving unique plates in cool digs with treelike sculptures, a raw bar & a patio
  • Field & Vine – local farm sourcing guides the philosophy at this hip, casual spot for small plates, beer & wine
  • Giacamo’s – classic pasta, hearty Italian entrees & wood-fired pies served in warm, laid-back surrounds. cash only!
  • Lolita’s Cantina – vibrant, trendy lounge offering Mexican-inspired eats & a lengthy tequila list amid Gothic decor
  • Mamma Maria’s – refined Italian menu with a focus on local ingredients, served in a romantic townhouse
  • North Square Oyster – seafood spot putting a modern twist on traditional plates & cocktails in an airy, buzzy space
  • Pabu – Chefs Michael Mina and Ken Tominaga offer high-end, inventive Japanese & sushi in a sexy space
  • The Tasting Counter – pre-purchase limited seating in ultra-modern digs with open kitchen serving multicourse experience
  • Townsman – Matt Jennings cooks nose-to-tail fare at this chic New England brasserie with a late-night bar

SWEET TOOTH

  • Blackbird Doughnuts – this gleaming takeaway spot cranks out inventive flavors of sweet & savory donuts, plus java
  • Cafe Madeline – French patisserie with an open kitchen offering croissants, tarts, breads, cookies & sandwiches
  • Chill on Park
  • Cider Hill Farm
  • Flour Bakery & Cafe
  • Gracie’s Ice Cream
  • Kane’s Donuts
  • Maria’s Pastry Shop
  • Mike’s Pastry
  • Modern Pastry Shop
  • Tatte Bakery & Cafe

BARS & NIGHTLIFE

  • Backbar
  • Drink
  • Empire
  • Haley.Henry Wine Bar
  • Hawthorne
  • Hong Kong Karaoke Bar
  • Spoke Wine Bar
  • Wink & Nod
  • Yvonne’s

SIGHTSEEING & EXPLORING

  • Boston Common
  • Boston Public Garden
  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace
  • Fenway Park
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  • Museum of Fine Art, Boston
  • Newbury Street
  • Samuel Adams Brewery

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