Yes, you can get a cup of coffee in the d-hall and study in the library. But there’s something about getting a deliciously overpriced coffee in a cozy cafe that makes spending hours staring at your computer screen far more enjoyable. In Harvard Square, you’ve probably visited Starbucks, Dunkin, and Blank Street. But this fall, break your routine and add some variety to your coffee shop circle. We visited five other cafes and evaluated their ambiance, coffee, and prices to come up with some of the best recommendations nearby.
Bluestone Lane
Better for brunch.
This “aussie-style” cafe offers plenty of both outdoor and indoor seating, perfect for those who enjoy an open and airy environment. It’s also a comfortable place to sit and do work, with vaulted ceilings and air-conditioning. Still, the space has more of a restaurant feel, as you are seated by a hostess. While you can sit even if you’re only getting a drink, Bluestone offers an all-day breakfast and lunch menu including waffles and sandwiches. The small iced vanilla latte, served in a cute glass cup, had a nice balance—not too milky or sweet, though a bit watery. This runs on the pricier side—$6.40. One downside was the paper straw, which didn’t hold up well.
Faro
The perfect place for a coffee chat.
In this boho-esque cafe, you’ll often find people reading, talking, or putting up fliers for upcoming events in the community. One important thing to note: Faro is a no-laptop cafe. Though not really the right place to do work, this chatty atmosphere is the perfect setting for a coffee date. When you take a step down into the cafe, you’re met with leafy green plants, mismatched wood furniture, and stacks of books and games. Soft music plays in the background and sunlight floods the low-ceilinged room. For $5, the small iced chai latte was about 50 percent ice and a bit on the milkier side, but the chai flavor was strong and the plastic-alternative straw did not disappoint.
Circus Cooperative Café
Coffee with a heart.
Circus Cooperative Café, which opened just last year, is a spot for those seeking a quieter atmosphere with a cozy, “granola” feel not far from Mather House. Owned and managed cooperatively by its employees, the café prides itself on its non-hierarchical management system. With plenty of natural light and comfy couches, it’s a great place to work (though laptops are not allowed on weekends). The café has seasonal specialty drinks, like the Donut Shop Latte and Lavender Latte. While their pastry selection is on the smaller side, they do offer a full lunch menu. Their small iced vanilla latte is $5.50—a bit pricey for its size—but was pretty good with the right amount of sweetness and ice. For something lighter, the small iced tea goes for $3.75. If you’re looking for a way to support a local worker-owned business, Circus Cooperative Café is worth checking out.
Life Alive
Coffee with a shot of wellness.
Conveniently located in Harvard Square, Life Alive offers that relaxed, post-yoga vibe that you didn’t know you needed. It offers health-conscious food options like açaí bowls, juices, and wellness shots, making it a great spot for those looking to fuel up with something nutritious. The interior is colorful and fun, and if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, there’s extra seating downstairs with cool lighting. Life Alive is also connected to Down Under School of Yoga that offers massages and meditation, adding to the “wellness” feel. The honey vanilla oat cold brew is very sweet, but comes in a cute cup. At $5.50, the coffee is on the pricier side—and fair warning, it doesn’t always sit well with the stomach. Still, the service is fast, and if you’re into the wellness scene, it’s worth checking out.
Cafe Gato Rojo
The place to save a buck.
Step down into the GSAS building for a step up from the dining hall. Cafe Gato Rojo’s biggest selling point: they take board plus. Overall, the prices are on the cheaper side—at least for Cambridge. An iced vanilla latte with almond milk (one size only: 16oz) will cost you $4.99. The coffee is pretty big and not too sweet, and any type of milk you get is the same price. The iced chai latte with oat milk is a little watery, but it has a good chai flavor that isn’t too spicy and the oat milk taste isn’t overpowering. Both drinks have a slightly bitter aftertaste, however. Though not particularly cozy, soft music plays and there is plentiful indoor and outdoor seating. Despite being noisy at times, it’s a great place to do work—except on the weekends, when it is closed. The cafe also offers baked goods, yogurt, and a wide assortment of hot teas (though as of now, only one iced tea option). Pick up a punch card and get your tenth coffee free!
The square may not have one perfect coffee shop, but there is a place for everything. So before you go to Pavement and settle into your usual spot, take a page out of our book and try someplace new.
Sophie DePaul ’27 (sophie_depaul@college.harvard.edu) recently traded her daily cup of coffee for four cups of caffeinated tea.
Christina Shi ’27 (christinashi@college.harvard.edu) will be taking a break from iced vanilla lattes.