Boston
Updated 2025-01
5 min read
Best Coffee Shops Near BU
The best cafes and coffee shops near Boston University for studying, working, and hanging out.Quick AnswerSpring 2026Verified 2025-01
Whether you need a quiet study spot, strong espresso, or a cozy place to meet friends, here are the best coffee shops near BU campus.
Curated for BU Students•Last verified: 2025-01•Spring 2026
In This Guide
1
Coffee Culture at BU
Whether you need a quiet study spot, strong espresso, or a cozy place to meet friends, here are the best coffee shops near BU campus.
2
On & Near Campus
- Pavement Coffeehouse (Comm Ave): Best campus-adjacent coffee. Great pastries, solid wifi, outdoor seating. Can get crowded during finals.
- Starbucks (GSU): Convenient but always packed. Mobile order to skip the line.
- Espresso Royale (BU Beach): Smaller, local chain. Good study spot, less crowded than Starbucks.
- Caffe Nero (Kenmore): European-style coffee. Great lattes, limited seating.
3
Allston Coffee Spots
- Refuge Cafe: Cozy, quiet, great for long study sessions. A bit hidden but worth finding.
- Pavement (Harvard Ave): Another location, same quality. Better seating than the Comm Ave one.
- Dunkin': It's Boston - Dunkin's are everywhere. Cheap iced coffee, no frills.
4
Brookline & Beyond
Pro Tip
- Tatte Bakery (Coolidge Corner): Beautiful space, Israeli-inspired pastries, excellent coffee. Great for impressing parents or dates.
- Cafe Fixe (Washington Sq): Serious coffee nerds go here. Pour-overs, single origin. Small space.
- Trident Booksellers (Back Bay): Bookstore + cafe. Browse books, drink coffee, feel intellectual.
Study Spot Tip
During finals, all campus spots are packed. Head to Brookline or Back Bay for guaranteed seating.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which coffee shop has the best wifi?
Pavement and Tatte both have reliable wifi. Avoid Starbucks during peak hours - wifi slows to a crawl.
Where can I study late at night?
Most coffee shops close by 9pm. For late night studying, use Mugar Library (open until 2am) or GSU.
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