Good Coffee?

[aldente514]

I'm new to Brookline and am overwhelmed by the abundance of Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts... and the lack of anything else. Any suggestions? Recommendations for places in Boston proper are also welcome!

[nomdeplume]

Lol! Exactly my reaction when I moved to Brookline a year ago. Not sure what kind of coffee you like, but I have also been pleasantly surprised by Peets. They generally know what they're doing with espresso and some of the pastries are from Iggy's. The only coffee I like at Athan's is the iced coffee. For a simple cup of drip coffee and a breakfast pastry, you can also try Whole Foods.

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

When I first moved to Brookline, the Coffee Connection still existed, as did that indie place in Washington Square ('Beans'?). Later on, there was an indie coffee house on Beacon Street at Coolidge Corner that had books, live music,etc. but didn't open early enough to be a on-the-way-to-work coffee destination.

I don't live in the area anymore, but I suspect that indie coffee places have been priced out of Brookline just as I was.

[aldente514]

Thanks so much to everyone for replying - I'm looking forward to trying these out!

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

to clarify, the places I mentioned in my post are gone. I was giving examples of indie coffee places that didn't survive. So don't go looking for the places I mentioned!

[FoonFan]

Peets in Coolidge Corner. Better coffee than Japonaise, Athans, Tatte, IMHO. However, these places have much better baked goods and are non-chains if that's important to you. According to the Brookline Tab, Rita's Cafe, a new North End - style coffee shop (whatever that means) will open on Cypress Street.

[nleow]

I was also shocked at the number of chain "coffee" stores there were when I first moved there.

"Athan's" is pretty good for coffee/greek pastries/ panini and it is on Beacon st at Washington Square. It has a nice indoor seating area, and is open late.

Also, I can't, for the life of me think of the name of the place. It is located on Beacon St, across the road from the Japoinaise bakery, a couple of doors down from Taberna De Haro (spanish restaurant) on Beacon St, at St Mary's st T stop. It is a relatively new place, but is good for a simple pastry/bread and a coffee on a weekend.

Good luck!

[BostonZest]

Tatte Pâtisserie and Café
1003 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446
617.232.2200

http://tattecookies.com/

I just recruited a pastry maven for BostonZest.com and we are going to stop in soon for her to give me an expert opinion of their goodies.

I liked the coffee and tiny biscotti when I stopped in recently. It also has a very calm atmosphere and that is VERY hard to find these days.

[BackBayGirl]

Japonaise Bakery on Beacon St. in Brookline is good. They have wonderful pastries too. I also love The Berkeley Perk which is on Berkeley St. in the S. End.