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Boston Common Coffee Co.
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
515 Washington St(between Avenue De Lafayette & Chickerling Pl)
Boston, MA 02111
Neighborhood: Downtown
(617) 542-0595
- Nearest Transit:
-
Temple Pl @ Washington St (SL5)
Chinatown Station - Outbound (Orange Line)
Chinatown Station - Inbound (Orange Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
104 reviews for Boston Common Coffee Co.
Review Highlights
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"Baked goods are a good and delish accompaniment." In 13 reviews -
"Great Espresso and great muffin tops." In 8 reviews -
"Most important thing: THEY HAVE COUCHES." In 24 reviews
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104 reviews in English
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Review from Steph L.
Boston, MA
4/1/2012
nice place to have in downtown. It was a little dirty, and the bathroom was disgusting, but it was 9pm and they were about to close so i can't complain much there.
My review is based on what i saw. I came in for a hot tea to kill time before our 9:30 movie. The tea was really refreshing and good. Paying 2 dollars for a tea-bag is a little much though, but they have to make money some way.
Unlike other sandwich shops, they have pressed paninis and different pastries and sandwiches made to order. Their coffee cookie looked so good, but i had to resist.
They have couches in the back towards the bathroom if you want a quiet relaxing area. The place is pretty big, and it's a nice spot to grab a cup of coffee and catch up with a friend. Also, seems like a lot of people bring their laptops to study, that works too.
I always wanted to open up a coffee shop like this. -
Review from Sinclair J.
Brooklyn, NY
5/7/2012
Boston can be cold and very awkward. This place is no different...which is a shame. I came here a few months ago on a Sunday afternoon and heard fun music (90's r&b), saw smiles, and was treated like a new friend. This morning? A "barista" with a hipster attitude turned me off, ignored me, and her demeanor seems to have rubbed off on another counter woman, as she talks down to a flustered (and sweet) trainee.
I work in customer service...as a barista...in Brooklyn, NY. While I'm not happy to get her attitude (and weak drip coffee), everything happens for a reason. (No. Not your Avengers review.) I'm reminded how NOT to act. Every person who walks through the door could be a new regular. This was my last visit here. -
Review from Mike O.
3/14/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Another great location of one of Boston's finest coffee shops! This is a smart space; one with ample seating, couches, two-tops, and bar spots - perfectly situated for high traffic during morning/lunch rush and for the study-cramming undergrad. The food and drink are as good and as fresh as good as any of their other locations, which is to say that it's great! Whether you dine here during breakfast, lunch, or even for a snack in the evening, you really won't be disappointed with the quality given the fact that so much more is offered than their competitors.
One thing that particularly sticks out about this BCC, is the location. Right in the DTX area, close to Park Street, yet close enough to Winter. I'm not sure how Starbucks and DnD can survive... oh wait, I almost forgot; this is Boston. We're like honey badgers here. -
Review from Jeffrey K.
Boston, MA
5/21/2012
One of favorite cups a java in the city. The baked goods are equally as good. The classic chocolate cookie was huge and tasty. The decor is chill and resembles a good place to either chat, use the wireless internet or catch up on work. The staff are all smiley and enthusiastic. The location is prime and perfectly placed in the downtown Boston area. I am a patron for life due the quality beans being brewed and the fact it's a homegrown spot to support - keep on keep on.
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Review from Amanda O.
Boston, MA
5/8/2012
Hipster comes to mind when I think of this place. Not over the top hipster - just the I'm Not A Suit But I Serve Suits kind of hipster. Despite the fact that I feel slightly belittled by not sporting the latest large frame reading glasses, I will give my business to them over the hateful looks of the Dunkin people down the road and the frenzied Starbucks peeps around the corner. Coffee is decent enough, they offer soy milk (reference the hipster comment above) and the healthy scone is good but probably not too healthy. 4 stars and my daily coffee budget... rock on BCCCo.
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Review from Elizabeth F.
Brookline, MA
4/22/2012
Good coffee, good food, nice atmosphere, and generally nice staff. The one complaint? One of the women who works at the counter (tallish, brown hair in a pixie cut, thick-rimmed glasses, wish I knew her name so that I could say something to management). She's not knowledgeable of the products, she's rude, and she worst of all, she tried to steal something from a customer. The customer walked up to the counter asking for a black and gray scarf that she left in the bathroom and the woman behind the counter only got it for her because someone else said that yes, they did have it. After the customer walked away, right in front of me, she says, "I should have kept it."
Be warned, you might not walk away with all of your belongings from this cafe, and it might not be because another patron took it. -
Review from Eric M.
3/12/2012
This is one of those classic "eh" coffee shops. It's a tourist spot that serves decent brew. There's nothing that really distinguishes it from other chain coffee shops and it gives every appearance of being owned by a multinational corporation.
I hate boring reviews, but this is a boring cafe. -
Review from Alice S.
Boston, MA
12/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like this coffee shop, but it's more for the ambiance and seating than it is for the coffee/food. I love how many seats are available, and the counter seating facing the window is perfect for people-watching.
The drinks and food here are ok - nothing special, and honestly, overpriced. However, I've been back to this place numerous times because it's a reliable place to get work done with a comfortable ambiance.
There are much better coffee shops in Boston (Thinking Cup, Voltage, Crema, and Pavement, to name a few), but so many of those places are overcrowded (for good reason, though). Come here if your main priority is getting work done. -
Review from Alexandra S.
Hingham, MA
Hard to imagine the sheer luxury of the major league square footage this middle of downtown Boston coffee shop has until you walk in and see it for yourself.
Once inside you'll see this shop goes all the way back and around a corner, filled with tables and chairs, comfy sofas, and stools facing the windows for a look at the street scene outside.
It's crazy with space and comfort. But more importantly, they have delicious, scaldingly hot (how I like it) coffee.
The servers are fast and efficient.
As far as finding coffee goes it's impossible to avoid passing the ubiquitous and annoying Starbucks with it's pretentious "barista culture". I loathe Starbucks and run from them like the plague so although this place is a little off the beaten track for me, it's one of the places to which I'll go for my morning caffeine fix.
I don't drink a lot of coffee but I do want one delicious cup in the morning. You can find what suits you here. The coffee comes in the familiar types, styles, flavors and varieties but I take mine straight and plain. A medium coffee, please.
BCCCo. has not disappointed me yet.
If I get there early enough I have time to sit, read the paper and get oriented to the day.
If you need food, which I never want yet because it's usually too early for me, you'll find things to choose from like pastries, bagels, and panini. Later in the day they also have soups, salads and sandwiches. But I'm in there strictly for the morning joe.
The bathroom that on first glance looks clean I've found to have a sticky floor and an unpleasant odor. So just pass on that aspect of the experience. But I wish instead of having to avoid it, they would just clean it regularly and thoroughly.
But do go for the coffee.
And before you walk into this spacious domain, take a glance upwards; the building itself is an old Boston beauty.Listed in: A Morning Without Coffee Is…
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Review from Jay V.
Bozeman, MT
4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Nothing special. Better atmosphere and coffee than Starbucks not as good as others.
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Review from Anna C.
Updated - 12/4/2011 3 photos
So, I've been here a number of times now, and in the meantime, discovered better coffee shops in the area. The space is still awesome, and I would definitely still come enjoy a cup of tea when I need a study space. However, everything else about this place is pretty subpar. The panini was completely burnt and tasteless; the peppermint mocha is too sugary with hardly any coffee flavor even when I ask for very light flavoring; the pastry case is always filled with bugs (ew); and one particular staff member seems to hate her life and never has anything positive to say.
In summary, come here for tea and atmosphere, don't come for coffee or food.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/14/2011
The only thing I've ever had here was tea (Mighty Leaf tea bag for $2.03 including tax in whichever… Read more »
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Review from Patrick H.
Boston, MA
1/28/2012
Eh.
I mean.... eh.
I'll make this one quick. I do go here quite a bit... but only because it's right next to Emerson and it's a huge convenience
The positives? Good wifi, good amount of seating, nice busy atmosphere. The negatives? The coffee is average, lattes are average, food is alright if you're hungry, service is sort've slow.
If I have an hour or so between classes it's a good place to sit and get a coffee and get a little homework done. But other than that, it's not somewhere I'd recommend someone go as a regular place. Just not special enough. -
Review from L D.
Brighton, MA
1/26/2012
Why so many negative comments on the "dour baristas"? I've found them to be anything but! They know many customers' names and orders, are friendly and efficient, and make pleasant conversation while you're waiting for your order. They don't have smiles permanently plastered on their faces, but does anyone?!
I digress. My drink order is just black and it's brewed perfect every time. Always hot and delicious. They have a wide range of brews that they rotate every day (I think it's a light roast, dark roast, a flavor, and then maybe decaf?) and almost all are delicious (specifically: the Holiday roast, House blend, Ethiopia Moka Harrar and the Sumatra). I've also had some lattes and cafe au laits, and those are good too, but I haven't had any in a while. They sell their coffee bagged too, which you can get as beans or ground, and if you buy a bag you get a small coffee for free. Nice!
I've also enjoyed their "healthier" scone (whole wheat, oats, and dried fruit. Still sugary but not as much as regular scones), some muffin tops and their breakfast sandwich, which is heavenly. It's made-to-order and covered in delicious, hot melty cheese. And I've had some paninis and soups - my favorites are the Traditional panini, the Big Cheese, and any of the butternut squash or tomato soups. Note that soup is only served in the winter though! -
Review from Emily N.
Somerville, MA
10/14/2011
I wish I could give it negative stars; however, I will give it one for having very pretty artwork on the walls. Aside from that--it makes me shutter each time I walk by it (which is every day on my way to and from work).
First of all, I will clarify that the one in the North End should not to be associated with this one and unfortunately, they have the same name.I stopped in there once and was shocked at how opposite they were from this location.
The food/drinks are so-so. The pastry case looks like it hasn't had a good cleaning in quite some time. I've given this place several (read: over 20 tries). They have failed to impress me with something authentic. However, the last time (honestly being the last time I will ever go there) they gave me an extra 'furry' addition to my bagel. Thus, ending my need to eat the rest of the day. Please clean your pastry case. Proper food handling standards.
Perhaps the drinks would taste better if they were served with the very hint of a smile. The staff here is horrible. I've gone at all times throughout the workday, seeing very familiar faces behind the counter. It is as though they are all trapped there and are not even human. I would be asking for way too much for them to be polite, let alone friendly. Often I've wanted to whisper to them that there are other places to work out there.....But what I've mostly felt compelled to do is apologize for my existence and disturbing them for a cup of coffee or iced tea.....which I paid them for......
This place needs to seriously re-think their customer service philosophy. Smiles shouldn't cost extra. -
Review from Alyssa J P.
Brighton, MA
2/11/2012
Yummy hot apple cider and a great way to pass the time waiting for the ballet to start.
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Review from Donny W.
Mt Vernon, NY
3/16/2012
RUDE! my bill came to $4.01. I had no change so the friendly cashier reached into the "tip cup" to offer me a penny. The girl making coffee berated her saying, "Don't take pennies out of the tip cup, I'm not giving away my tips!". She went on to say " If you think about that on a large scale, it will cost us me a lot of tips". Well, with that attitude it may cost them the loss of customers. I won't go back. BTW, when the cashier made change for me, I put a penny in the tip cup.
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Review from Benny D.
Malden, MA
Love this place. Good crowd, good music, good coffee.
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Review from Hailey B.
8/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Coffee: good. Baked goods: good. Staff: seriously cranky!
Have been using this coffee joint for its great location and reasonable prices. However, I'm surprised to see how bitter the staff is! Why the animosity Boston Common Coffee? You're surrounded by tasty croissants and fresh-brewed coffee! -
Review from Sean E.
Cambridge, MA
8/2/2011
I've been going here pretty much daily for about a year now and their consistency in service and quality food and drink has remained excellent.
First off, it should be noted that they produce the city's finest scones. And I'm normally not even a scone guy. Usually they're dry, crumbly and vaguely tasteless. But the ginger/raspberry, cranberry orange and cinnamon chip scones are moist, fresh and deliciously flavorful. BCC Co. can get five stars for these alone - though I've had their salads and sandwiches as well, and never been disappointed.
And yes, the coffee is superb. Hot/cold, both are great and for the fresh brewed hot coffee there is a fantastic rotating line-up to choose from.
Finally, the baristas are awesome at their job - they pick up on your daily orders quickly and I've witnessed their amazing patience with some of the touristy folks who come in having no idea what they want.
Some days I'll look forward going to work for the sheer fact that I'll get to pop in here once or twice and find a little piece of solace in this downtown wasteland. -
Review from Steve S.
6/22/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I have been here several times. This is one of the hot coffee spots that is close to my work. I normally order chai tea latte when I go to coffee shops. Sadly, I dont usually get anything to drink here anymore, because each time I order it, it is never hot enough. Maybe it is just me, but my rule of thumb is that if you have the work "Coffee" in your title, you should be able to make a coffee (or tea in this case) correctly. One screw up, is fine, but c'mon peeps.
So wait a minute. Why the 3 stars? Why do I go back? The reason is simple. They have an awesome smoked salmon bagel. Getting it on everything bagel is like smoked salmon sandwich (try saying that 3 times fast) nirvana. The price is a bit high, but it is luxury coffee, and the financial district, so I guess that makes it ok to charge extra. Maybe it actually doesnt, but what are you going to do? -
Review from Kristin J.
Boston, MA
9/28/2011
Cute place right around the corner from my work.
Unlike a lot of other reviewers, i find the staff very pleasant, and I've been here in the morning, for lunch, and for mid to late afternoon pick-me-ups.
I like their chai lattes and their muffin tops, but the only "real" food I've had is the Hanover panini with 3 bean salad. The sandwich was good- salty, but not overpowering, and the bread was crunchy but not greasy. However, I would have liked it if they had been a bit more generous with the fillings, especially the apple chutney. -
Review from Josephine L.
Boston, MA
7/11/2011
I've been to the North End location but never ordered anything. However, I enjoyed the laid-back, no-fuss vibe and was hoping the DTX location would have the same.
It does. Couches, bar tables, regular tables all strewn across a rather spacious plot of land--there's seating for all types here. I got the Parmenter panini with mixed greens and it was $7 well spent. The panini was perfectly grilled and the roast beef was unbelievably moist, thick and tender. My only complaint was there was too much dressing on the mixed greens, so I couldn't finish all of it.
The free wifi, in addition to all the great seating and friendly staff, is definitely a perk. My friend and I hauled our laptops over and spent a wonderful afternoon browsing, researching, surfing and chatting. I got more accomplished with her in that coffee shop than I would have on my own in my apt!
Definitely coming back and next time I plan to try the chocolate lava cake. My friend says it's divine. -
Review from Anita C.
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
We ordered the Salem panini and a some coffee and tea. The salem panini was pretty good. I would definitely go again to try some of their pastries.
The venue was very cute and not pretentious. They had a lot of comfy couches. -
Review from Jessica H.
Hyde Park, MA
5/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Having worked in downtown Boston for over two years now I have been feeling really guilty about not supporting any local coffee shops. So today I went to Boston Common Coffee on Washington St. because I stupidly got off at the Chinatown train stop instead of the Downtown Crossing one. - Apparently I REALLY needed a coffee to walk up! lol
Anyway I ordered a 12 oz soy latte. The woman ringing me up was alright, not super nice, just ok. Would have liked a smile or a friendlier hello. The latte was good, it was strong. Nothing that impressive, but decent. I've had better though. It was quick and there was no line (I came at 10:30 am though so luckily missed the morning rush hour). I didn't get any food or pastries. I didn't see any baked goods that were vegan - but I didn't ask. Perhaps I should have but from the labels it didn't seem like anything was. Which is kind of weird these days, as most local coffee shops tend to carry something I can eat. The sandwich/panini/salad selections seemed great for someone who eats everything but for vegetarians/vegans they were pretty limited. There were a few good looking vegetarian sandwiches but hardly anything was vegan. Again strange in this day and age.
Overall I am glad I checked it out, but it didn't seem to be anything that special compared to other local coffee shops - say in JP, Harvard, Davis, etc. I may come back but I definitely wouldn't go out of my way. -
Review from Ash T.
Boston, MA
8/3/2011
Great coffee and baked goods.
Pros: Much better tasting coffee compared to Starbucks. Baristas are easy on the eyes and provide great service. Baked goods are a good and delish accompaniment
Cons: long lines in the morning -
Review from Marie R.
Boston, MA
Updated - 12/31/2011
I always loved this place but when I stopped eating gluten it took away some of the fun of the delicious muffin tops, scones and croissants. Fortunately I have found a couple gluten free options: almond cookies, chocolate crinkles, meringue and Nutella filled meringue. These options aren't always available but they give me hope each time I go in for coffee!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/17/2010
The only coffee joint around that would pull me out of bed before 9AM on a Sunday morning! Not only… Read more »
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Review from Mike P.
Boston, MA
3/22/2011
I'll admit to being somewhat wary of this place entirely because of its name.
This cafe is not located on Boston Common, but an entire block away! To me, this reeked of a false sense of upward identification, like when we would go on family vacations and my parents would tell strangers we were "from Boston" when we were actually from Hanover. How could I possibly frequent a place that couldn't be forthright about their location?
This frustrated me with each passing, until I begin to allow the possibility that I was misreading the intended emphasis in the name. What if, instead of indicating their proximity to the Common, the owners were intending to communicate a sense of humility? Boston COMMON Coffee, meaning that the drinks were average, banal, bourgeois, and Plebian? This sense of self-loathing surely could not generate healthy commerce. With compassion, I decided to give this place the confidence boost it needed by stopping in for a cuppa.
Surprisingly, not a bad spot by any means! Fans of Starbucks will be comfortable with the prices and drink quality, but, perhaps, will find the DIY nature of the establishment endearing. Tip jars were not glorified piggy banks under lock and key, but cups upon which an eager "Thank You!" was enthusiastically sharpie'd. Seating was ample and, from the looks of it, quite comfortable and welcoming, compared to the "Serve 'em and boot 'em" lack of decorum exhibited by national chains.
Unfortunately, I intended to travel to the South End with my drink, which is where the -1 star originates in this review.
The travel cups used by Boston Common Coffee Co., which are supplied by International Paper, suffer from a severe case of "seam drip." For the uninitiated, this phenomenon occurs when the plastic lid is insufficient to cover the gap created by the overlapping quarter-inch of cardboard where the cup is glued together. What results is considerable leakage when it is exposed to the typical bumps and vibrations of urban foot travel.
No coffee shop that opts for paper-based vessels is immune to occasional bouts of seam drip. Typically, however, moderate lid adjustment is sufficient to dam the deluge. For example, making certain the seam is positioned 180 degrees from the "sippy hole" in the lid is usually a good strategy. Not so with Boston Common Coffee's cup, which left my hand soaking and reeking of French Roast after only two short blocks of travel.
The cautious take-out consumer would do well to order a size up, as I would estimate that I lost up to 20% of my drink to the Boston sidewalk today. That said, I realize that most of the blame for this mild annoyance lies with International Paper and not with Boston Common Coffee. However, a cursory trial run with one of these cups would have almost certainly convinced the staff here to penny up for a more versatile supplier. -
Review from Kestrel D.
Jamaica Plain, MA
4/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Never will I be able to drink iced coffee with soy milk from anywhere else.
And nowhere else have I been able to find a breakfast item quite as delicious as the Healthier Scone (healthIER, not healthy).
Good hangout for a rainy day, if you can snag a couch.
However, if you do stay for a while, be prepared to smell like food afterward - one of my biggest pet peeves.
Despite that, the need for iced and the convenient location will keep me coming back. -
Review from Bryan R.
Updated - 2/26/2011 1 photo
Eh. What a shame.
This place used to try. Now it just exists.
I still like the cookies and the couches. I can no longer accept the crap they serve up after paying $4 for an espresso drink.
After a pathetic run of 3 - 4 BURNING hot drinks, I actually asked for "not too hot" when ordering a drink. It came BOILING hot. Pretty funny. Now get me a cup of ice. Thank you.
Repeat ad nauseum and you have my experience with BCCC.
It is not an exceptional challenge to serve coffee drinks at a temperature that won't burn the entirety of your mouth. It requires decent equipment and a moderate amount of training. Somewhere along the line, this establishment has caved.
If I'd just recently happened upon the place, I might let them go with 3 stars. Having seen what they were capable of makes it harder. The fact that I have not had a decent latte here in close to a year (yes, I keep giving them a chance) is more than sad, it's frustrating. They established enough cred early on that they can now coast on serving crappy product.
tl;dr It either burns your mouth or tastes like crap.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/15/2010
So in the 10 months or so since I originally reviewed BCCC , I gradually stopped going there for my… Read more »
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Review from Robert M.
Boston, MA
9/9/2011
Sorry people. Twice I have been here for wrap sandwiches. Twice I have asked to have certain items removed due to allergies. Twice the order taker had written a special order on a slip of paper for the kitchen. Twice, they have fucked it up.
There will be no third time. -
Review from christine c.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2011
I'm a sucker for a good latte (and good prices, too!) This place is cheaper than Starbucks, local and better! I can't speak of the coffee because I'm not a coffee drinker, but their double shot lattes get me through many a rough mornings.
They also have an unbelievable amount of baked goods, mini creme brulees, cheesecakes (all of which I am dying to try) but their chocolate croissant is just too good to pass up, so when I'm going for an unhealthy snack that's my go to. Plus, it's a little bit more portable than the creme brulee.
As for lunch, I haven't tried too much there, but their selection of fresh salads and sandwiches pre-wrapped to go are fantastic (and around $6!) for grabbing to take to the office during your A.M. coffee run for later in the day. The "Spinach & Blue Cheese" salad is to die for! (But whoa, is there a helluvah lotta bleu cheese on that thing.
Love the atmosphere, love the espresso drinks, love the cider, baked goods, friendly and chatty girls at the counter... Love. Love. Love it! -
Review from Marissa S.
Brighton, MA
6/19/2011
One of my favorite coffee houses in the city.
It has a very laid-back, hip, intellectual atmosphere to it. With small tables, a bar, couches and arm chairs, there's plenty of seating and it's always populated with people reading the paper, working, or catching up. It's quite a comfortable place and it's pretty quiet too. For those reasons, I always invite people here for business meetings. It's really just an ideal place to meet up with someone and chat.
The staff is friendly and somehow manage to keep up a break-neck pace even during the morning rush to get everyone's orders out promptly. In spite of the need to work quickly, I have never once gotten an incorrect order. My coffee is always to my specifications (yeah, I'm one of those annoying non-fat, sugar-free people) and absolutely delicious. I will say that it's the very rich tasting coffee that will probably only appeal to people who really like coffee so if you like yours weak, this may not be the place for you.
Pricing runs about the same as Starbuck;s and I will always choose this place over that one. Good to know: they take credit cards even for just a coffee. I'm always worried that small places like this are cash-only or have a $10 minimum.
I definitely recommend stopping in to Boston Common Coffee Company if you're looking to sit back with a good cup of coffee and catch up on some reading or with an old friend. -
Review from Sudha S.
Quincy, MA
6/16/2011
One of my favorite eating place around Downtown crossing.
I have ordered their hot Panini's (chicken, cheese, mushroom). They are all good. Also I had tea, bakery items etc. Everything is good, neatly packed.
They have to work on their ordering system. Looks like the staff who takes the orders have to manually enter the orders for the kitchen staff. One day the lady who took my order didn't send my order info to the kitchen, due to which my order didn't come through on time. I had to wait for almost 25 minutes to get it sorted and to receive my order. Just due to a negligence on a staff, I didn't take the points away from this place.
This place is little expensive, but good food. Atmosphere is also good. I have been here many times and plan to go back again. -
Review from Michelle T.
Boston, MA
1/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Woohoo for free wireless and delicious pastries, soups 'n sandwiches! Of course...and coffee.
I met up twice with friends here to chat and always ended up staying for 2 hours both times because it was so cozy, comfortable, warm and inviting. A couple plush couches, lots of window seating, and some bar tables toward the back.
Breakfast panini's are wonderful and served on specialty bread. Coffee is coffee and it tastes just fine. The giant pastry selection always gets me - it all looks so appetizing!! -
Review from Jack N.
10/26/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Right around the corner from our hotel when we come to Boston to visit darling daughter, BCC has become our "go to" coffee house.
Service has always been pleasant, the yogurt with granola is very good, and the baked goods we've tried have always been top notch.
I recently have stopped drinking coffee and switched to green tea, and the barista this morning recommended one which rocked my world.
All in all we're big fans. -
Review from Sarah M.
Boston, MA
1/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I'm the first to admit that I'm a coffee snob and not big on change. Leaving for college 3 years ago was going to be hard because I was going to have to find a new coffee shop.
Boston Common Coffee is a pretty decent substitue to the coffee from home. Drinkable, smooth, many blends. Don't think I've had a latte there? HUGE, yummy cookies. Daily quiches. Free wifi. Not close to Northeastern though.
All in all, good place. -
Review from Tamar A.
10/5/2010
I only stopped in here for a quick drug-fuel on my way to a play at the Paramount, so I regret that I can't offer more insight than this:
PURDY.
It's just a really lovely place, all Pier One and Pottery Barn and purple walls you know are actually "Royal Plum". In the middle of a Saturday we were still able to get a seat, and my coffee sommelier boyfriend was agog over the freshness and flavor of espresso that was actually tamped by hand (as opposed to the whimsical push of the Starbucks button). The staff seemed pretty nice, and the food looked good.
For more information, please read any other review on this page. -
Review from Anya S.
12/2/2010
-very convenient location, considering you are in the heart of downtown
-amazing iced tea
-very nice atmosphere
-music
-no key bathroom
-clean bathroom
-friendly staff
-great selection of pasties, although I haven't tried any yet, they all look delish.
-very nice decor
-roomy.
Overall, great place to grab some coffee, read a book and people watch. -
Review from Jessica P.
Boston, MA
Updated - 2/1/2011
+1 for their fresh paninis and sides. Went out in this crazy snowstorm for some sandwiches and to our surprise found that Boston Common Coffee was open, unlike some of their neighbors, with actually quite a cozy crowd.
Ordered the Salem panini with eggplant, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, olive oil and spinach on sour dough and The Castro with pork tenderloin, ham, swiss, pickles and dijon also on sour dough.
Took a while but they came out hot and fresh. My panini was probably left on just a minute too long making it a little burnt/chewy on one side but it was still delicious. Sandwich held up well but maybe a smidge heavy on the butter but made the sandwich more savory. The Castro was also enjoyed and was cooked perfectly.
I love that they include a side with the the paninis and wraps: mixed greens, 3 bean salad, or tortellini salad. The dressing on the salad was really yummy and didn't taste like the generic balsamic you get with most mixed green salads at other places.
Definitely go back to try the amazing looking quiches they had on display, which I think also come with a side as that's what it seemed as I saw others coming out of the kitchen.
Also a plus: free wifi, just have to ask the employee at the register.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/30/2011
Warm change up from Starbucks when you need a place to sit and relax with your caffeinated bev of… Read more »
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Review from Dominic Y.
Somerville, MA
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gone a couple times now, most recently for breakfast. I was not a fan of the coffee and flavored lattes (found them too sweet), but liked the mocha and loved the breakfast croissant I had. Standard prices and portions. Definitely will be coming back for their food and particularly excited to try their lunch menu.
