20 Great Local Coffeeshops Across the US (Part 2)
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
16. Alfred Coffee
- Location: Brentwood, California
- Highlight: Great people watching patio
- What to do nearby: Hike the Los Liones trail
Alfred Coffee is a charming coffeehouse located in a tranquil section of L.A.’s Brentwood neighborhood. Today, there are multiple L.A. locations, plus one in Austin, San Francisco, and two in Tokyo. The Brentwood shop is quite nice as it is located on a beautiful tree-lined street. Sipping an expertly made espresso on the patio, while enjoying the mild weather, is the perfect way to start any day in beautiful Southern California.
Alfred brews Stumptown coffee, a Portland based roaster which is widely considered one of the best in the country. Stumptown now has locations all over the country, and many coffeehouse now brew their coffee as well because it is so spectacular. Alfred also serves delicious pastries.
The L.A. based chain is most well-known for their “But First, Coffee” slogan which can be seen throughout their fashionable shops as well as on numerous coffee related knick knacks and merchandise. You may have seen this catchy phrase in various media and on coffee products, however, Alfred actually trademarked the slogan.
17. Caffe Nero
- Location: Boston, Massachsuetts
- Highlight: Gorgeous library-like interior
- What to do nearby: Take a stroll around Boston Public Garden
Caffe Nero is one of Boston’s best coffeehouses. Not only does Caffe Nero serve excellent espresso, but the design of the coffee shop itself is amazing. The London based chain (which now has 800 locations in 10 countries) now operates a number of coffeehouses throughout the Boston region.
Caffe Nero is well-known for their Italian style espresso, however, they do also offer drip coffee at their US locations. Try a slice of apple coffee cake or a pain au chocolate to go along with your drink.
Espresso aside, the real highlight of visiting Caffe Nero is the amazing ambiance – this place has much more character than you typically find at your standard coffeehouse. The inside is very cozy with an elegant library style appeal. Many have stated that they feel like they have walked into a Harry Potter set with the grand fireplace and elegant decor.
Caffe Nero is definitely the coziest choice during Boston’s cold winter season. Really, what could be better than arriving at a cozy coffeehouse on a freezing day, brushing the snow off your coat, taking a seat next to a gigantic fireplace, and enjoying a hot perfectly made espresso?
18. Caffe Vittoria
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Highlight: A quaint old world romantic ambiance, Excellent desserts!
- What to do nearby: Enjoy dinner at one of Boston’s iconic North End Italian restaurants.
Vittoria is a quaint cafe in Boston’s historic North End neighborhood. This is the perfect post-dinner choice for an amazing cup of coffee and wonderful pastry. This shop is more well-known for their enticing display of pastries, although the espresso here really is amongst the best in the city. To date, the mocha here has been the best I have ever tasted.
The cafe was established in 1929, making it the first Italian cafe in Boston. The old-world historic charm gives this cafe a romantic ambiance not found elsewhere in the city, making it the perfect place for an after dinner date. After trying one of Boston’s fabulous North End Italian establishments (I recommend Giacomo’s), head straight over to Caffe Vittoria for a wonderful espresso, served alongside a rich slice of tiramisu or cheesecake.
19. Thinking Cup Coffee
- Location: Boston, Massachsuetts
- Highlight: A wonderful patio
- What to do nearby: Walk the historic Freedom Trail
Thinking Cup Coffee is a local Boston area chain with a few convenient downtown locations. They are the first coffeehouse in the city to serve exclusively Stumptown and third wave coffee roaster products. Stumptown, a famous Portland originated roaster, has been rated “the best coffeehouse in the world” by numerous reputable sources including The New York Times & Food & Wine magazine.
Besides coffee, Thinking Cup offers a number of great breakfast dishes, along with a few lunch sandwiches. They offer a good sized selection of gluten-free fare including a seasonal flourless chocolate torte and chocolate chip cookies. Vegans will love the chia seed pudding! Dietary restrictions aside, their macaroons are outstanding!
One location is just steps away from Boston Common, and thus, a perfect stop for a light breakfast and coffee before strolling around this gorgeous iconic city attraction. The Newbury Street location is more spacious with a wonderful (although very busy) outdoor patio. If you can score a seat, the patio is the perfect place to kick back, enjoy the mild spring and fall weather, and people watch.
20. Pastiche Fine Desserts
- Location: Providence, Rhode Island
- Highlight: The best desserts in the city
- What to do nearby: Treat yourself to dinner at one of the city’s acclaimed Italian restaurants.
Pastiche is the best coffee and pastry shop in the Providence, Rhode Island region. The quaint European style cafe is beloved for its’ scrumptious assortment of pastries. Homemade treats include tempting choices such as cheesecake, cannolis, eclairs, lemon squares, muffins, scones, brownies, and much more. If you have a sweet tooth, you will definitely want to swing by Pastiche during your time in Providence.
The cafe is located on a quiet side street in the Federal Hill neighborhood, a small section of the city regarded as one of the best spots for Italian dining in New England. Stop by Pastiche for a rich dessert and espresso after trying out one of the nearby Italian restaurants (I recommend Andino’s).
For more great coffeehouses across the country, be sure to check out my Unique Coffee Shops Part 1 post.
