Harvard Houses as Coffee Shops

As we approach 4 p.m. sunsets and Canada Goose season, finding the right place to grab a warm cup of coffee in the square becomes a top priority. Luckily, there are so many (at least 12) options! But which one to choose… Your house might be an indication!

Eliot: Flour

Both places capture the classic Boston (Cambridge) vibe. Very demure, very mindful.

Kirkland: Capital One Cafe

This caffeinated workspace is the perfect spot for any future Zuckerbergs needing the corporate vibe to get them through their startups. A little bootstrapped… but gets the job done.

Winthrop: Black Sheep Bagels

Look no further than these two objectively delicious options, although both have historically been known for a particular smell that detracts. Notably, both have improved their air fresheners this year.

Lowell: Tatte

Some may say that these are both overrated and a little bit bougie, but you can’t really go too wrong with either. And you always know that it will be bustling (and noisy)!

Quincy: Blank Street

As you trip off the Red Line, both venues are a quick, central stop on any Harvard student’s loop. You are bound to see every classmate — friend and foe — in these spaces!

Adams: Starbucks

Not my first choice and peninsular…next!

Leverett: Peet’s

I’m not sure why this one makes so much sense in my head, but it does. It might be something with the aesthetic of the towers matching Peet’s, or maybe it’s just that the green of the building matches the crest.

Mather: Pavement

Their shared Brutalist, concrete aesthetic should make this choice self explanatory. Just a stone's throw from the more aesthetic options to rest your legs, like Dunster or Tatte.

Dunster: Blue Bottle

These two share a newly renovated look to them while still maintaining a classic charm that perfectly fits into Harvard.

Pfoho: Dunkin

This one hurts a little bit. Dunkin is my own personal favorite (medium iced coffee with almond milk everyday), but we have to go off of general public opinion here, and neither Dunkin nor Pfoho has a great reputation. Both are more of an acquired taste (only one of which I’ve acquired).

Currier: Life Alive

I know Life Alive is technically not a coffee shop… but hear me out. Tree mascot? Tree (plant) in the middle of the dining hall? Sure sounds like a place vegans would like to me.

Cabot: Swiss Bakers

It’ll take you about a 20 minute walk to get to either place, but once you get there you have a great time I’m sure, though I have yet to take a trip to either this year. (Sometimes the Quad is just not worth it.) Also, rest assured, no first-years have heard of either spot.

At the end of the day everyone has their own coffee shop pride just like their house pride, but in the end, you really can’t go wrong with any dining hall or study spot.