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Brew Heaven

Sixteen star cafés that aren't just about the bucks

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t’s a reflective time of year, the perfect moment to relax over coffee without being stressed out by a looming snowstorm and before the pressure starts to go outside and take advantage of the brief period of decent weather we call spring. So take advantage—not in some cookie-cutter chain based somewhere else, but at a local independent coffee shop, with exotic brews, interesting food, great vibes, friendly service, even free WiFi. Yeah, places like this are getting harder to find. But isn’t that why you’re here? Here's our guide to 26 secret coffee shops worth seeking out.

Shhhh! Or are they? The number of coffee shops in America has increased from 15,000 to 50,000 in just the last five years, according to the Specialty Coffee Association of America. Of course, that doesn’t mean they’re all good …
1.
A high-end wholesaler in Brighton Center that takes its coffee straight to you.
2.
A Dorchester café that’s like a fairy-tale tavern
3.
Coffee and good food in the Seaport District, with a peaceful harbor view
4.
A Natick Center bakery and coffee shop that’s an oasis from the malls
5.
A Davis Square café with couches, pool tables—and a vintage photo booth
6.
A hidden, retro North End shop with great Italian coffee
7.
A Newton Highlands café where you—and your kids—can take a time out
8.
A Middle Eastern-style café in Central Square that gives you time to stop and smell the coffee
9.
A hip Jamaica Plain café with great pastries—including some that will take you back
10.
Where to find the Cuban coffee that will get you going
11.
A West End café that sells only fairly traded organic coffees
12.
A Porter Square coffee shop that makes caffeine into an art form
13.
Creative coffee, tea, and peace and quiet in the South End
14.
A café that’s also an art gallery, in the North End
15.
A laid-back Allston coffee shop that will even serve you lunch
16.
A tea in Cambridge that will make you forget about coffee