If you’re visiting Boston, if you’re a college student, or if you’re a working professional in the area like the BIGfish team, you know you need your coffee. We’re called Beantown for the baked beans, but coffee beans are just as important to us Bostonians. While there’s nothing wrong with that pink and orange DD, or everyone’s favorite green mermaid, there’s an entire world of coffee shops out there to explore, and no reason to keep going to the same chains. Here in Boston, there are countless cute, quirky and delicious coffee shops and cafes for great drinks and food. Once you visit these spots, you’ll want to make them yours and yours only forever.

Kookoo Cafe: Only a hop away from the  BIGfish office, Kookoo Cafe is an oasis for coffee lovers in Brookline Village. It’s hip and it’s small, and if you’re going before work make sure to schedule some extra time because that place will be packed. Kookoo has organic, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and it’s all delicious. Try: any coffee, with the option to add almond milk! And pluck out one of the delicious muffins or scones towering on the front counter-they’re fab. Kookoo also probably has the most tuna sandwich options you’ll ever find for lunchtime!
Neighborhoods Cafe: I am so protective over this spot, I almost don’t want to tell you about it. But I will. In the middle of the Fenway neighborhoods lies a little wallpapered, crepe-serving, latte art-creating gem. Neighborhoods always plays the best music, and the decor inside is so cute you wouldn’t even mind the idea of studying at a table for hours. There are breakfast crepes before 10 am daily, and at all hours throughout the day, both savory and sweet crepes. Try: The Spanish Coffee, which is a cafe au lait with cinnamon and chocolate, and the Signature Crepe for a delicious Neighborhoods introduction. Last tip: the cookies are really good.
Pavement Coffeehouse: Pavement is sort of taking over Boston, with locations at in nearly every Boston neighborhood. The moment you step inside, you’ll feel hipper than you ever have before. Pavement is known for showing the works of local artists on the walls and also for offering cold-brew and smooth drip coffee. Plus, Pavement always has awesome light fixtures. Try: their iced coffee and their breakfast sandwiches on homemade bagels – they will not disappoint.
Andala Coffeehouse: I found Andala looking for a bathroom in Cambridge and I’ll never forget it. Located right off of the Central T stop, Andala is from the outside a beautiful house with outdoor seating and vines crawling up the exterior. Inside, the floors and walls are adorned with beautiful carpets, and there are plenty of places to sit and eat all natural food. Try: the Arabic coffee!
Green T: Right at the bottom of Mission Hill is the cafe Green T – not to be mistaken for an actual T stop. With probably a million flavors to choose from to add to your coffee or tea (marshmallow, blueberry, anything), and a gigantic list of unique smoothie flavors named after local streets, you’ll probably never run out of choices at this little coffee shop. The ceiling is decorated with Christmas lights, and every month a new local artist’s work hangs on the walls. Try: Every Friday and Saturday night, Green T serves coffee and breakfast burritos until 3 am. Do it.
Tatte Bakery and Cafe: Tatte is so adorably Parisian, a picture of your visit will surely end up on Instagram not long after the coffee’s gone. Tatte is also taking over, with locations on Beacon St. in Brookline, Charles St. in Beacon Hill, and three cafes in Cambridge. Besides great coffee, they also serve breakfast and lunch, as well as artfully baked pastries. Everything inside looks so delicate and cute, you’ll almost feel bad eating it. Try: For real french cuisine, try a Parisian ham and cheese favorite, the Croque Monsieur.
Are we missing your favorite Boston cafe? Tweet us @BIGfishPR and let us know where your favorite spot is!