Kismet Coffee Shop: Warm, Cozy, and Delicious

Kismet — an enchanting dark green coffee shop cornered between Gurney Street and Huron Avenue — is an ideal location to shelter from the icy winds and enjoy a hot drink or a pastry during these cold fall and winter months.

A brisk fifteen minute bike ride from Harvard Square, the cafe is a hive of movement in the midst of the calm and quiet residential neighborhood bordering Brattle Street. From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., customers are constantly walking in and out of the coffee shop. Yet, thanks to the coziness of the interior and the affability of the baristas, there is no sense of rush. Inside the establishment, the quickened pace of everyday life seems to slow down, even if just for a moment.

The small space is beautifully decorated with furry carpets, fluffy cushions, and a fireplace whose lively flames warm the room. A monochromatic palette — off-white, beige, and light grays — is complemented by the dark wood of the counter and the pops of green from the succulents spread around. Although limited, the seating is arranged at the edge of the walls as a continuous banquette to be shared by all customers, rendering the place more inviting. The proximity that results from this type of seating has a fascinating effect: Customers reciprocate the kindness of others like dominoes in a line, yielding their place or scooching to the sides to make space for someone else.

Kismet offers a short variety of viennoiseries. By Mae T. Weir

Although the menu is not extensive, the care put into the making of each item is evident. Kismet offers a short variety of viennoiseries — classical, chocolate, and almond croissants, crescent cookies, and weekend specials such as feta and pesto braids of laminated dough. The selection of hot drinks includes regular coffee options such as cappuccino, americano, and latte, completed by an assortment of teas. Simply put, Kismet’s coffee is delicious: The soft roast and rich consistency are brought together by the creaminess of their housemade macadamia milk, so that every sip is followed by a sigh of satisfaction. The pastries fall nothing short: crispy on the edges, buttery and soft on the inside, and delightfully warm, the almond croissant oozes with flavor. The cups without handles and wooden plates used for serving bring a creative twist to the homey setting.

Thanks to the coziness of the interior and the affability of the baristas, there is no sense of rush. By Mae T. Weir

Freshly baked patches of pastry are continuously brought out of the oven, filling the atmosphere with a buttery scent that combines well with the toastiness of the burning fireplace. Jazz playing in the background, utensils clattering behind the counter, and lively conversations create a buzzing ambiance which can easily fade into soothing white noise. However, there is something magical about paying attention to the conversations happening around you as you sit with your back against the wood-framed windows and your hands around a hot cup. Kismet is one of those busy places — with a queue which was already far out the door by 9:40 a.m. — where it is easy to feel closer to strangers who also decided to stop for a treat on a chilly morning. It is clear that this is not a work or study location — there are but a few small, rounded tables scattered around, which are shared by multiple customers at a time. Rather, it is a coffee shop that demands taking a break from any occupation other than chatting, reading, or simply sitting and resting.

—Staff writer Nicole M. Hernández Abud can be reached at nicole.hernandez@thecrimson.com.