Boston offers some great coffee bars to both visitors and residents.  One of my favorite aspects of these java-happy establishments is that besides for the typical national chains such as Starbucks, the city also has a wide variety of local hotspots where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a great cup of coffee or tea.  Below you will find the ten best coffee bars in Boston.

1. Espresso Royale Caffe

617-859-9515
288 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02116

You come here to enjoy free wi-fi, coffee, tea and there bagels. They make to best hand made bagel sandwiches. I also like this location a lot because it’s like a little secret hiding place on the busy Newbury street. They keep board games in back for customers to enjoy while enjoying an authentic cup of joe.

2. Cafe L’Aroma

617-412-4001
85 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02116

This is a cafe has a sophisticated yet warm Italian atmosphere with plenty of outdoor sitting.  Take a break from the chic Newbury Street shopping and stop in L’Aroma for a cappuccino prepared the way it was originally.They also have a selection of over 20 loose teas directly from the estates of Ceylon.

3. True Grounds

617-591-9559
717 Broadway
Somerville, MA 02144

Is a wonderful local neighborhood coffee shop on the corner of Broadway & Willow. True Grounds offers first-rate coffee and is a nice place to stop in for breakfast or lunch. The dress is casual and you can enjoy free wi-fi access but remember to bring cash because they do not accept credit cards.

4. Caffe Paradiso

617-742-1768
255 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113

This unique cafe has a European ambiance with a tribute to international athletics with soccer flags lining the ceiling. It is even known as the best place to watch a soccer game in Boston. They have premium espresso, iced lattes and irish coffee. One other aspect that sets Caffe Paradiso apart from other coffee shops are their handmade cannoils that are stuffed right in front of you as you order them.

5. Trident Booksellers & Cafe

617-267-8688
338 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02115

I could stay here all day, it has books, food, drinks, free wi-fi and nice people. I love that they serve breakfast all day. There menu features wholesome food, fresh juices and smoothies, and a variety of loose leaf teas, it is an ideal place to host a book club or just spend the afternoon reading.

6. Boston Common Coffee Co.

617-695-9700
97 Salem St
Boston, MA 02113

They currently they have locations in North End and the Financial District and are under construction for a third location in downtown. They contract local micro-roasters that roast in small batches to ensure quality and freshness of all their varietal coffees from around the world.  Boston Common Coffee Co. has also enlisted the services of an award-winning pastry chef. Baked goods, as well as grilled Panini’s are prepared on-site and baked fresh using only the finest meats, cheeses, and produce.

7. Blunch

617-247-8100
59 E Springfield St
Boston, MA 02118

Your neighborhood kitchen in Boston’s South End! Blunch serves unique and satisfying pressed sandwiches, homemade soup and granola, as well as a variety of muffins, sweets, and cookies. Blunch Blend Coffee is Fresh Roasted Mexican and Ethiopian which is a full, smooth dark coffee. For very modest prices you will get many refined  choices at Blunch.

8. Simon’s Coffee Shop

617-497-7766
1736 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138

Located in Porter Square Neighborhood Simon’s Coffee Shop serves superb hot chocolate and George Howell drip-coffee. This cute and warm shop is a great place to cozy up with a good book and enjoy one of their raspberry chocolate scones.

9.Temptation Cafe

617-266-6080
313 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115

Great place, love the freshness of the food and I believe it is family owned. The veggies were so crisp and fresh, and the service is good too. They offer coffee, tea, and sandwiches. It is a nice place to go with a group or take your kids.

10. Polcari’s Coffee Shop

617-227-0786
105 Salem St
Boston, MA 02113

Coffee, Tea, and Specialty Foods are what you will find at Polcari’s. You can also chose from a variety of  coffee bean favors, if you are not savvy at choosing your own coffee. The staff is friendly and  knowledgeable  and can assist you with you java decision. They will also grind the bean of your choice there for you.