You may not know that Boston's coffee scene is rich and diverse, offering something for every palate. Whether you're a local or just passing through, there are plenty of outstanding roasters to discover. From well-known names to hidden gems, this guide will introduce you to some of the best coffee roasters in the area.
TinyArm
Known as the "dinosaur coffee bag," TinyArm is a modern coffee company established in Lowell, MA, in 2021. They use a Loring Coffee Roaster to roast their coffee. TinyArm is very popular in Boston and across the New England area. You can find their coffee at many cafés in Boston, including Clear Flour Bread Café, Kid Dream, Revival Café Kitchen, and more. They focus on creating a sustainable coffee product with transparency and quality. Founded by Jon Santos and Kate Cutlip, a couple who brought this incredible coffee to Greater Boston, their roast style ranges from light to medium. TinyArm offers a variety of coffee beans sourced from across the world and even has a great decaf option for those interested in low-caffeine choices.
Roaster: Loring S15 Falcon
Location: Lowell, MA
Union Coffee Roaster
Established in 2015 by Jesse Medley, this roaster is one of the hidden gems in the coffee scene, roasting microlot coffee in Shirley, MA. Not many people know about them, but they are amazing, sourcing coffee ethically with high-quality beans. Union Coffee Roaster specializes in small batch coffee, with roast characteristics that are well-developed yet still on the bright side of flavor. They excel in natural process and funky coffee. If you're looking for a local Boston roaster with unique, funky coffees, Union Coffee is highly recommended.
Roaster: Loring S15 Falcon
Location: Shirley, MA
George Howell Coffee
George Howell is a pioneer in the specialty coffee industry, and his roasting company is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail. Howell’s roast profiles tend to be light to medium, emphasizing the natural sweetness and complexity of the beans. The roasts are carefully developed to bring out the unique terroir and processing methods of each coffee, resulting in a balanced and nuanced flavor profile. This café is legendary, as Howell is one of the individuals who influenced the creation of the Cup of Excellence Competition—a true legend in the coffee world. They sometimes offer an exceptional collection of coffees, including expensive Geisha varieties from around the globe.
Roaster: Loring S35 Kestrel
Location: Boston, MA
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters
Founded in 2017, Broadsheet Coffee Roasters works closely with coffee producers, emphasizing conscientious and caring relationships with producers and importers. They source coffee from around the world and frequently experiment with new processing methods. Broadsheet is well-known across New England for roasting high-quality coffee. They also have a café in Cambridge, MA, and occasionally host open houses where people can visit and check out their roastery.
Roaster: Loring S35 Kestrel
Location: Cambridge, MA
An(other) Coffee Company
Founded by Evan Piepenbrink, this roaster is dedicated to light roast coffee. If you're looking to support sustainable practices, An(other) Coffee Company is an excellent choice—they really do care! All their coffee bags are biodegradable. They specialize in washed coffees, and if you’re looking for clean and delicate washed coffees, An(other) Coffee is the perfect choice. They roast coffee from across the world, particularly focusing on Nicaragua, Bolivia, Rwanda, and Guatemala. Evan carefully selects clean and refined coffee, making it an excellent choice for everyday coffee with a washed process. You can find their coffee at Glossary if you're interested in trying it.
Roaster: Loring S7 Nighthawk
Location: Boston, MA
Pavement Coffeehouse
Pavement Coffeehouse, started in 2009, is a local favorite known for its cozy vibe and great coffee. They focus on medium-light roasts that bring out the natural flavors of the beans. Pavement is big on ethical sourcing, working closely with their producers and supporting sustainable farming. With several spots around Boston, it’s easy to find one nearby. If you’re into coffee with chocolatey notes, Pavement has you covered. They always have some tasty coffee from Ethiopian and Colombian.Â
Roaster: Loring S15 Falcon
Location: Allston, MA
Newbery Street Coffee Roasters
Founded in 2024 by Pack Katisomsakul, the 3rd place National Brewers Cup Champion of 2024, this Thai specialty coffee roaster focuses on Asian coffee. They source coffee from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Taiwan, and China, working directly with producers from Asia and practicing fair trade. Their roast styles range from light to omni, and medium-dark. As a newcomer in Greater Boston, you can find their coffee at Clear Flour Bread, Beantrust Coffeebar, and Phinista.
Roaster: Loring S15 Falcon
Location: Allston, MA
Little Wolf Coffee
Little Wolf Coffee, based in Ipswich, MA, is all about creating approachable and fun coffee experiences. They focus on bright, light roasts that bring out the unique flavors of each origin, aiming for clarity and sweetness in every cup. Committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability, Little Wolf has become one of the most well-known coffee roasters in the Greater Boston and New England area, with their coffee featured in many cafes around Boston. It's also home to Josh Nowland, the youngest Cup of Excellence judge in the U.S. Their coffees are known for their sweet profiles and delicate acidity, and they offer some great, funky natural process options for those looking for something different.
Roaster: Probat P12/2
Location: Ipswich, MA
Intelligentsia Coffee
Intelligentsia Coffee is renowned for its meticulous approach to roasting, with a focus on highlighting the unique characteristics of each origin. The roasters at Intelligentsia's Boston café employ a range of roast profiles, from light and delicate to dark and bold, all with the goal of showcasing the inherent qualities of the beans. Intelligentsia is known for its commitment to transparency and traceability, with a deep understanding of the coffee's journey from farm to cup.
Roaster: 23 kilo GotHot
Location: Boston, MA
If you don’t have a car and prefer buying coffee in person, Intelligentsia Coffee, Pavement Coffeehouse, and George Howell Coffee are your best bets. They have multiple locations, including some in the downtown area, making them easily accessible. These spots are great for grabbing a coffee on the go, and you can always ask the baristas for recommendations.
For something different with a modern twist and lighter roast, check out TinyArm, Union Coffee, Broadsheet Coffee Roasters, An(other) Coffee Company, Little Wolf Coffee, and Newbery Street. You can find their coffees online or at local coffee shops and bakeries. Feel free to reach out directly to these roasters for personalized recommendations—they’re usually quick to respond and happy to help. We hope this information is useful for everyone in Boston, whether you’re a student or a local resident. Happy brewing!
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