In need of a coffee shop

[FoolForFood]

A long lost friend and I are meeting up this weekend for a nice long chat, hopefully with some good espresso. However, we haven't lived in Boston for years and don't know of any coffee shops that fit the bill in the city. Harvard Sq., Brookline, Newbury, Financial Dist. would be ideal. In fact, any lounge type venue would also be great, if it's open during mid-afternoon.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Dr.Jimbob]

Espresso Royale has branches scattered through the greater Boston area and would be one possibility. I can't think of a great coffee shop in Harvard Square, though there are Carberry's in Central and Diesel in Davis as noted before. For the Newbury area, I'd go for Panificio on Charles Street (just off of the MGH stop, though avoid on mega-crowded weekend mornings) or L'Aroma between Berkeley and Clarendon (as much worth it for the Eurotrash people watching as anything else, though as you might imagine it gets busy when Newbury Street gets busy).

[MC Slim JB]

The Other Side Cosmic Cafe on Newbury Street (other side of Mass Ave) has good coffee and is a good place for a leisurely hang. Algiers in Harvard Square (upstairs from the Brattle Theater) does good espresso and Turkish coffee, another place with a leisurely feel.

[sifsw]

I was going to recommend Algiers as well. Good coffees as mentioned, relaxed feel, excellent people-watching. If you decide to continue your chat, you are steps away from Burdick's to indulge in some chocolates, and then a stroll to the river, if the weather cooperates.

[lergnom]

Flat Black on Broad St in the Fin. District is a terrific coffee shop.

[pollystyrene]

Diesel in Davis Sq., Somerville has both booths and comfy chairs and couches in the back, and the best coffee I've had in the city. The Other Side Cafe is at the end of Newbury, just over Mass Ave. I agree that Caffe Vittoria would be nice, but if you're driving, you'd have the big parking hassle.

[bear]

Nearby, in Somerville you have the Sherman Cafe in Union, or Soleil in Teele, both very comfy with good brew. True Grounds in Ball Square has terrific sandwiches and baked goods, and good coffee.

In Brighton Center, Cafe Nation is relaxed and laid back, but not lots of seating. Athan's, also in the Center, is pretty big and you should be able to hang out there as long as you want. The space is very Euro-contemporary, which you might find charming or you might find a little cold.

[BackBayGirl]

Though not in the Financial District, Harvard Sq., Brookline or Newbury Street, The Berkeley Perk in the S. End is very good. Also, Japonaise Bakery in Brookline makes some great coffee and pastries. There's a little park down the street too that you could take your coffee to and relax in addition to eating inside or outside of the Japonaise Bakery.

[lissy]

I don't drink coffee but for your afternoon lounge type of place, I'd go to Bristol Lounge or maybe Oak Bar.

[peelmeagrape]

I'm totally with you on this, lissy. The Bristol and the Oak Bar are totally underrated for this kind of occasion...which is maybe a good thing, because then they're never crowded and they feel like a secret.

[mhgoblue]

Cafe Vittoria in the North End is gorgeous, and the coffee and gelato are delicious.

[joestrummer]

North End this weekend might not be the best spot for catching up with an old friend. St Anthony's festival means it will be molto (Italian for crowded and crazy.)

[Bob Dobalina]

Trident Bookstore on Newbury would work.
Cafe Pamplona near Harvard Square would work.
Any one of a dozen cafes in the North End would work.