I used to think I didn’t like working in coffee shops.

They were way too loud, I’d get distracted by people-watching, and a $7 oat milk latte does make the wallet weep. But since coming to Harvard, the many bright, cheerful (and admittedly a little bougie) coffee shops in Harvard Square and beyond have made my college experience so much better.  

I’m a playwright, lyricist/librettist, and a writer for The Crimson, and I also occasionally do my homework (just joking, I always do my homework). While there are tons of beautiful libraries and study spaces on campus (I’m looking at you, Widener), sometimes I just need to sink into the warmth and buzzy, caffeinated energy of a coffee shop to get stuff done.  

Also, my main writing experience (™) for the past year and a half has been creating and producing a new musical called ISCARIOT (a heretical gaysian love story), which premiered at Harvard this past fall, and I absolutely wrote at least 60% of the script in these coffee shops. I’ll be writing about that experience in an upcoming blog post! 

Name: flour bakery + cafe 

Locations: Cambridge and Boston 

What I get: pepperoni pizza & raspberry seltzer 

Entering flour bakery feels like getting a warm hug. Centrally located in Harvard Square on a street corner with prime people-watching views, flour feels like a sweet, calm oasis, even on the busiest weekends. The pizza is soft and the pieces are huge; their housemade raspberry seltzer is huge, actually tastes like raspberry, and is the perfect Instagram-worthy pink. What more could you want? They also have a sweet rewards program where you’ll get free refills on beverages if you stop by often, which is nice for college students on a budget. Lastly, flour is woman-owned (by Joanne Chang, a Harvard alum!) and very queer-friendly. Fun fact: they keep their pride flags up year-round, not just on pride month! Every single time I’ve gone there, I’ve been complimented by a different gay barista on my gay-looking outfit, so, take that as you will.  

Name: Tatte  

Locations: Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline 

What I get: cappuccino & lamb meatball shakshuka  

Tatte is the It Girl of Harvard Square coffee establishments. She’s preppy, she’s put together, she’s a little basic but sometimes, basic is good, you know? Truly, those marble topped tables and bar-style seating have never done me wrong. Tatte’s usually playing some fun, upbeat pop (I’ve Shazamed so many songs that have ended up on my study playlist!), and if you like working in a hub of activity, this is the place for you. They’re known for their shakshuka served with thick slices of toasted challah, and their cappuccino is literally the most comforting thing ever.  

Name: Life Alive Organic Cafe 

Locations: Cambridge and Boston 

What I get: to be honest, I don’t really go here for the food, but I’ve heard the peanut noodles are good  

Okay so this one is not actually a coffee shop! However, it makes up for this by having a super vibey, jewel-toned, modern lower level that feels like a vaguely pretentious New Age spa waiting room, except with more cozy study nooks. The dimly lit, underground feel of this cafe and the ambient instrumental music is great for feeling like you’re doing something more glamorous than sending emails, and the furniture is comfy and soft. Life Alive is also an organic, plant-based cafe with lots of vegetarian and vegan options! 

When you’re looking to treat yourself or make studying a bit more bearable, these coffee shops are the ideal place to go catch up with friends, get some work done, or both. And lastly, shoutout to whoever makes those amazing playlists I always hear in these cafes. I appreciate good taste.