The Best Coffee Shops Beyond Harvard Square

Tired of spending every early morning productivity session and every late night grind in Smith or the Science Center? Or, worse, cosplaying a “cute” cafe grind in none other than Lamont Library Cafe? Well, sometimes a change of scenery (and certainly a better latte) is all it takes to refresh your brain. Luckily, the Squares just slightly off campus offer no shortage of fun, cozy, and aesthetic coffee shops perfect for studying, chatting, or simply escaping the Harvard bubble. Here’s a list of fan-favorite spots by the T-stops that are 100% worth the trek.

Davis Square

Diesel Cafe

From the outside, Diesel looks like a regular neighborhood spot — but step inside, and it opens up into a spacious, diner-style haven complete with red retro booths, tons of seating, and an actual ice cream bar. It’s a solid study location during the week (although the Wi-Fi gets shut down on weekends). Plus, the seasonal drinks are no joke: Think strawberry mocha lattes alongside classic club sandwiches and an assortment of pastries.

Revival Cafe + Kitchen

Revival feels like walking into a hippie-themed Pinterest board. With its warm wood interiors and chill, boho vibe, it’s the kind of place you’d want to journal or settle into a meet-cute romance novel. The seating is definitely limited and it gets busy fast, but it’s worth it for the daily rotating pastries and dreamy seasonal drinks like rose matchas and salted brown sugar maple lattes.

Porter Square

Simon’s Coffee Shop

Simon’s is a no-frills gem with a very loyal following. The matcha here is so earthy and rich, and there’s a wholesome, local feel to everything — from the handwritten notes customers leave on the walls to the friendly baristas behind the counter. It’s a good spot to grab a drink, stamp a punch card, and get cozy.

Phinista

Phinista is one of the newer additions to Porter Square, and it brings Vietnamese flair to the coffee scene. It’s such a refreshing change of pace compared to some of the commercial chain coffee shops. Whether you’re sipping a phin drip latte or trying a purple-hued phin ube, everything feels intentionally-made and delicious. The menu blends traditional and modern flavors, offering banh mi sandwiches together with honey toasts, nutella crepes, and lychee spritzers, and the space itself is cute without feeling too curated.

Central Square

Verveine

Verveine is a dream if you’re into aesthetics. Think greenhouse vibes, plants in every corner, sunlit tables, and a glass pane through which you can watch bakers rolling out the fresh baguette dough. It’s 100% gluten-free and yes, a little pricey, but the lattes (especially the black sesame and matcha) hit the spot every time. The food, like the wondrously buttery chili biscuit or texturally delightful tiramisu cream puffs, is also top-tier. No laptops allowed on the weekends — which is when the foot traffic reaches a new high each day — but if you get there early enough on the weekdays, it’s a relaxing place to lock in.

1369 Coffee House

A reliable go-to with a cozy, classic feel, 1369 is the kind of place that feels truly homey and “lived-in” in the best way. It’s a proper coffeehouse with nothing too extravagant, solid drinks, and enough seating to hole up with your laptop for an hour or four. 1369 feels like a hug in cafe form — it’s always a great place to fall back on if all others fail (or get too crowded).

Kendall Square

PRB Boulangerie

PRB is for the pastry lovers, both layman and sophisticated. Run by actual French pastry chefs, this spot is stacked with flaky croissants, mouthwatering madeleines, and lattes that taste like dessert. Get the creme brulee PLEASE — it even comes with a mini croissant topping the whipped cream! While there’s no wifi and it leans more brunchy than study-friendly, it’s still a great spot to unwind with a pain suisse and pretend you’re in Paris.

Ripple Cafe

Attached to the MIT Press Bookstore, Ripple has the slightly chaotic student energy you’d expect — but that adds to the charm. Drinks and pastries are solid (check out their newest menu addition, strawberry cheesecake latte), and there’s usually a crowd of students or tourists typing away. If you’re looking for something campus-adjacent without being on the Harvard campus itself, this is the spot.

Whether you’re chasing the perfect matcha, a new study nook, or just need an excuse to escape campus for a few hours, these coffee shops have you covered. So, hop on the Red Line, grab a latte, and romanticize your academic burnout in style!