It can be hard to explore Boston when you have PSETs or essays due.
It is for this reason that I have loved going to cafes in the Greater Boston area and doing work. It can be nice leaving the Harvard bubble while having a productive work session either by yourself or with friends! As someone who loves going to cafes and doing work while drinking matcha or chai (not a fan of coffee), here are some cafes I have been to recently:
- Green Haus Cafe
Green Haus Cafe has been trending on Instagram and TikTok and it is so worth the hype. Also, Harvard students can take the M-2 shuttle there! They had the best strawberry matcha latte I have ever had and their loaded breakfast sandwich (with no meat) melts in your mouth. This is a super pretty and aesthetic cafe where you can catch up and study with friends. Also, the neighborhood is so calming and beautiful. There is amazing architecture and many food places - my friend and I stopped by a Palestinian-owned grocery store right next door!
- Luxor Cafe
This Egyptian-owned and inspired cafe is not only in Harvard Square, but a great place to socialize, meet new people, and get work done! They open early and close late, and there are many outlets and great wifi. The environment is very welcoming and their various options of french toast are delicious. My personal favorite is their chai latte.
- Central Perk Coffee Co.
It can’t get friendlier than the Friends TV Show-inspired cafe! Right on Newbury Street is another cafe that has relatively late hours. They have great wifi and a pretty good amount of outlets scattered around. In addition to the many seating options they also have a cute couch with lit-up wall decor for photos!
- Faro Cafe
Faro Cafe has a very cozy atmosphere where it is a catch-up scene in the day and a social scene at night. Although they have a no laptop policy, this is a great place to talk to friends and they have outdoor seating as well!
- Bluestone Lane Harvard Square Cafe
Right at Harvard Square, Bluestone Lane Cafe is a very cute place to chat with friends! You can also study here, but be mindful of their limited outlets and moments of slow wifi. Never did I think to combine my two favorite drinks: matcha and chai until I came here and tried their chai matcha cloud drink - it was so good. Their avocado toast is also super good and they have really fast and sweet service!
- Tradesman Coffeeshop & Lounge
Tradesman Coffeeshop, not too far from Downtown Boston, has a very cute study vibe with comfortable seating, great wifi, and somewhat limited outlets. They are known for their eye-catching croissants, so you should check it out if you have a sweet tooth! I also had their pumpkin spice chai latte and it was really good.
- Kismet Cafe
This newly opened cafe only a 30-minute walk from Harvard, is a very cute homey place that is perfect for catching up with friends or reading a book. They have a fire lit up inside and very cozy decor. Although this is not a study spot, their turmeric latte is delicious and the environment is very calming.
This year being my senior year, busy doing my school work, thesis writing, and applying to jobs, has been taking up a lot of my time. After reflecting on the past three years of my time here, I have greatly valued spending time with myself doing the things I love as well as being intentional with spending my time with my beloved friends while being mindful of our time. Exploring cafes in the Greater Boston area has been an enjoyable experience while being productive and I look forward to exploring more cafes!
