With Valentine's Day fast approaching we wanted to share our top 5 cafe spots for a date out in the town. Boston's wide array of restaurants, cafes, parks, shops, and more offer a wide variety of options, but we wanted to spotlight some of our favorite cafes in the area. So whether you are a couple going out on your first date, or have been through many seasons together, here are our top 5 cafe date spots in Boston.
Clear Flour Bakery and Coffee Bar
This little hidden gem just off of Commonwealth Ave in Brookline has some of the best selections of baked goods in town baked fresh daily by their highly skilled staff. Right next door is their coffee bar which serves a selection of espresso, matcha, and other seasonal drinks. Inside the coffee bar, there is a small shop selling local products and goods from businesses in the area. While seating is limited, (only a couple window seats in the coffee bar, and some benches outside) this spot is great for grab and go, and you can enjoy a walk around the Brookline neighborhood after.
Bonus tip: get there around 12pm for their pretzel goods, they always sell out fast
Address: 178 Thorndike St, Brookline, MA
Source: Instagram
Newbery Street Coffee Pop-up Cafe
Perfect for your weekend date especially on those cold February mornings, Newbery Street Coffee Company pops up every weekend in Merai Bar in Brookline Village. They offer a wide variety of espresso, pour-over, matcha, and Thai tea drinks to be paired with their famous salt bread, selection of soups and more. Warm up with your date in the cozy ambience of the space while your coffee is brewed right at the bar across the way.
Bonus Tip: you can check out some of the other local cafes and shops in Brookline Village while you're at it!
Address: 14 Harvard St, Brookline, MA
Source: Instagram
George Howell Coffee Company
George Howell has been a Boston favorite for many years. At their new location in Back Bay, right at the end of Newbury street, they have opted for a more modern, minimalist, and brighter look while still serving their beloved menu items from their other stores. This location offers a selection of pour over and espresso coffee, and tea that can be paired with their breakfast sandwiches, pastries and more. Laptops are not allowed after certain hours making it the perfect spot for a distraction-free time with your date.
Bonus Tip: you can always take a walk down Newbury Street and see the shops
Address: 400 Newbury St, Boston, MA
Source: Instagram
Phin Coffee House
Right in the heart of the financial district, Phin coffee house serves up a great selection of Vietnamese style coffees, espresso, cold brew, and drip coffee that can be paired with their baked goods or Vietnamese banh-mi, noodle bowls, and more. The cafe windows, facing towards the 175 Federal Street building brings in lots of light into the white tile and light wood accented space. Lots of plants decorate various corners making it a warm and welcoming spot for your first date.
Bonus Tip: Seaport and Chinatown are about a 15-minute walk away in opposite directions
Address: 10 High St, Boston, MA
Source: Instagram
Ogawa Coffee
A precision brewing coffee brand that originated in Kyoto, Japan opened their U.S. flagship store right in the heart of Boston. Ogawa Coffee has been serving up espresso, cold brew, matcha and hojicha drinks for just over a decade. With large windows and a clean black and wood aesthetic you and your date can choose from a variety of seating in the shop, from the tables up front to the tiered steps in the back of the cafe. Perfect for a deep face-to-face conversation or a more casual spot to chat and learn more about each other.
Bonus Tip: you are a short walk away from the Boston Commons, Government Center, and if you wish to venture further, North End
Address: 10 Milk St, Boston, MA
Source: Instagram
BONUS FEATURE: Maruichi Select
Located in the heart of Coolidge Corner, Maruichi runs both a grocery store and a cafe/restaurant across the street offering a variety of espresso, and drip coffee, as well as matcha and hojicha that can be pared with their menu of Japanese foods and desserts. With lots of seating (including a Japanese Zashiki seating area) you and your date can choose a variety of places to sit and chat. After, you can also browse the shelves of the select shop that special foods, coffee, tea and drinkware!
Bonus Tip: you can explore Coolidge Corner with its variety of bakeries, cafes, specialty shops and the famous Brookline Booksmith
Address: 299 Harvard St, Brookline, MA
Source: Spoon University
So whether you are going for a cozy cafe, or a nice spot for a quick chat, Boston has a great offering of cafes for your Valentine's Day (or any other day) date. Many of these spots also are nearby public parks, restaurants, and other cafes for you to explore. So as you're planning your next date, feel free to keep these spots in mind.