Discover the Boston Area's Best Cafes: A Food Tour Guide Part II

By Adam Branco

Much like the bakery blogs, we have so many lovely cafes in the Boston area that I needed to make a sequel. For those who haven't read Part I yet, you can click here. For those who have, here's Part II:

Union Square, Somerville History at Bloc Cafe

Bloc Cafe: Right in my neighborhood of Union Square, Somerville, this is set in an old bank, and you can hang out in the old vault! It’s certainly a very cool, unique hangout spot. They have a lovely courtyard for the warmer weather and they turn on the fire in the back room for the colder weather. If we’re being completely honest, though, most of the food they serve isn’t worth the price point. I enjoy the avocado toast, though.

A Proper Neighborhood Hangout at Diesel Cafe

Diesel Cafe: Owned by the same people who own Bloc Café, Diesel has been located in Davis Square, Somerville for a little over two decades now. The menu is more or less a duplicate of Bloc Café, but the place itself has its own unique feel thanks to some recent renovations. Sandwiches at Dave’s Fresh Pasta then a coffee here would make for a very nice afternoon.

A Caffeinated Surprise at Remnant Brewing

Remnant Brewing: Yes, I said brewery. Set in Bow Market in Union Square, Somerville, Remnant is a café by day. You can take the coffee you buy and bring it anywhere around Bow Market, or sit around their spacious interior. They also have a satellite location that's quickly becoming a quintessential Inman Square neighborhood spot.

A Downtown Coffee Lounge at Tradesman

Tradesman: A laidback, stylist lounge by the Aquarium stop. Known for their fun and eclectic croissants, there’s also a cocktail bar in the coffee shop that's open Monday – Thursday from 3:00 – 8:00 pm. There’s an additional location in Charlestown.

*Picture copyright of The Dagny Boston

A Taste of Japan at Ogawa Coffee

Ogawa: A Japanese coffee chain’s first international branch, this in located in the Financial District not too far from the State St stop. You'll see lots of professionals here who work nearby in the Financial District, and it's right next to the Old South Meeting House if you're looking for a quick cup of coffee while exploring Boston's Revolutionary War history.

*Picture copyright of Ogawa Coffee USA

Charming Brazilian Fare at bōm dough

bōm dough: A laidback, largely Brazilian-inspired spot in Inman Square, Cambridge. They do a variety of pão de queijo (cheese bread), coffee, sandwiches, and salads. I honestly need to do a whole article about Inman Square because this is just one of many worthwhile places to check out.

*Picture copyright of bom dough

A Vibrant North End Institution at Caffe Vittoria

Caffe Vittoria: Established in 1929, this bustling café right next to Mike’s Pastry is Boston's oldest Italian cafe. The energy here is always high, and the tightly packed seating will ensure that you'll be making some new friends while hanging out there. Caffè Paradiso down the road is where I like to relax, but this is where I like to bring friends. Cash only.

Dunkin - I'm Kidding (Unless)

Join Up & Adam Food Tours

And a great time to check out the last spot in the North End would be before or after my North End Pastry Tour! Additionally, you can check out the Somerville/Cambridge spots before or after one of my Union Square tours, and the downtown Boston spots before or after one of my Back Bay tours. Check out upandamfoodtours.com, and email me at info@upandadamfoodtours.com or message me at (508) 271-7124 for more details.