Ultimate Guide: Best Coffee Roasters in Boston
Boston is home to the first Starbucks outside of Seattle. The first Starbucks outside of Seattle opened in Harvard Square in 1994. This was a major milestone for the coffee giant, and it helped to solidify Boston’s reputation as a coffee city.
Here are some interesting facts about the coffee scene in Boston:
- Boston is home to many independent coffee roasters and cafes.
- The city has a thriving coffee culture, with people from all walks of life enjoying coffee at cafes, restaurants, and even in the workplace.
- Boston is also a major coffee education hub, with several schools offering barista training and other coffee-related courses.
If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll definitely want to check out Boston’s coffee scene. There’s something for everyone, from small, independent cafes to large, corporate chains. And with so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find your new favorite coffee spot.
Table of Contents
Must-Have Items for Any Coffee Roaster
Before we jump in to the Best Coffee Roasters in Boston, have a quick read of our articles to get you underway with your roasting needs:
- Coffee Grinders: Master precision grinding with our top picks for both manual and electric grinders.
- Coffee Makers and Machines: Unleash flavor with our recommended coffee makers and espresso machines – the key to a perfect cup.
- Coffee Storage Containers: Discover airtight storage solutions that keep your beans at their prime, ensuring a consistently fresh brew.
So who are the Best Coffee Roasters in Boston? Read below…
George Howell Coffee
George Howell Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and retailer founded in 1989 by George Howell. The company is known for its high-quality coffees which are roasted in small batches to ensure freshness. George Howell Coffee has three locations in Boston, as well as a wholesale business that supplies coffee to cafes and restaurants throughout the United States. The company is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, and sources its coffee beans from ethical farms.
Here are some of the things that make George Howell Coffee unique:
- They are a third-wave coffee roaster, which means they focus on sourcing high-quality coffee beans and roasting them to bring out the best flavors.
- They roast their coffee in small batches to ensure freshness.
- They are committed to sustainability and social responsibility.
- They have a knowledgeable and passionate staff who are dedicated to providing excellent customer service.
Sustainability Initiative
- Direct trade: George Howell Coffee sources its coffee beans directly from farmers, which helps to ensure that farmers are paid a fair price for their crops.
- Sustainable farming practices: George Howell Coffee works with farmers to implement sustainable farming practices, such as shade-grown coffee, which helps to protect the environment.
- Carbon offsets: George Howell Coffee offsets the carbon emissions associated with its coffee production, by investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to these initiatives, George Howell Coffee also supports a number of other sustainability projects, such as the Cup of Excellence and the Rainforest Alliance.
Here are some more details about each of these initiatives:
- Direct trade: Direct trade is a relationship between a coffee roaster and a farmer that is based on transparency and fairness. This means that the roaster pays the farmer a fair price for their coffee, and the farmer is able to track the coffee from the farm to the roaster.
- Sustainable farming practices: Sustainable farming practices are those that protect the environment and the resources that farmers need to produce coffee. These practices can include using shade-grown coffee, which helps to protect the environment, and using drip irrigation, which helps to conserve water.
- Carbon offsets: Carbon offsets are projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. George Howell Coffee offsets the carbon emissions associated with its coffee production by investing in projects such as planting trees and developing renewable energy sources.
Pricing Options
| Product Name | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia Kochere Natural | Ethiopia | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Colombia Huila La Union Washed | Colombia | 12 oz. bag | $16.00 |
| Guatemala Huehuetenango Anaerobic | Guatemala | 12 oz. bag | $17.00 |
| Brazil Yellow Bourbon | Brazil | 12 oz. bag | $15.00 |
| Peru La Joya Honey | Peru | 12 oz. bag | $16.00 |
| Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Natural | Ethiopia | 8 oz. bag | $14.00 |
| Rwanda Kacyiru | Rwanda | 8 oz. bag | $15.00 |
| Burundi Ngozi | Burundi | 8 oz. bag | $14.00 |
| Sumatra Mandheling | Indonesia | 8 oz. bag | $13.00 |
| Kona Coffee | Hawaii | 8 oz. bag | $22.00 |
Website georgehowellcoffee.com
Opening Hours
- The Godfrey/DTX: Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday: 8am-7pm
- Boston Public Market: Monday-Saturday: 7am-8pm, Sunday: 9am-7pm
- Newtonville: Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm, Saturday: 8am-7pm, Sunday: 9am-6pm
- Roastery: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm, Saturday: 9am-2pm
Render Coffee
Render Coffee is a family-owned and operated café and roastery established in 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. The company’s goal is to provide the Boston area with quality roasted coffee from around the world. Render Coffee offers a variety of single-origin and blended coffees, as well as a selection of espresso drinks and pastries. They are committed to supporting local resources, welcoming all communities, and sourcing high-quality ingredients and products.
Here are some of the things that make Render Coffee unique:
- They are a family-owned and operated business.
- They are committed to supporting local resources.
- They offer a variety of single-origin and blended coffees.
- They have a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
- They have a knowledgeable and friendly staff.
If you are looking for a delicious and unique cup of coffee in Boston, Render Coffee is a great option.
Here are some additional details about Render Coffee:
- They have two locations in Boston: one on Columbus Avenue in the South End and one on Devonshire Street in the Financial District.
- They source their coffee beans from ethical farms around the world.
- They offer a variety of coffee education classes and workshops.
- They are a member of the Boston Coffee Collective, a group of independent coffee roasters and cafes in Boston.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Direct trade: Render Coffee sources its coffee beans directly from farmers, which helps to ensure that farmers are paid a fair price for their crops.
- Sustainable farming practices: Render Coffee works with farmers to implement sustainable farming practices, such as shade-grown coffee, which helps to protect the environment.
- Recycling and composting: Render Coffee recycles and composts all of its waste, which helps to reduce its environmental impact.
In addition to these initiatives, Render Coffee also supports a number of other sustainability projects, such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Fair Trade Foundation.
Here are some more details about each of these initiatives:
- Direct trade: Direct trade is a relationship between a coffee roaster and a farmer that is based on transparency and fairness. This means that the roaster pays the farmer a fair price for their coffee, and the farmer is able to track the coffee from the farm to the roaster.
- Sustainable farming practices: Sustainable farming practices are those that protect the environment and the resources that farmers need to produce coffee. These practices can include using shade-grown coffee, which helps to protect the environment, and using drip irrigation, which helps to conserve water.
- Recycling and composting: Recycling and composting are ways to reduce waste and protect the environment. Render Coffee recycles all of its paper, plastic, and metal waste, and it composts all of its food waste.
Pricing Options
| Product Name | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guatemala Huehuetenango | Guatemala | 12 oz. bag | $16.00 |
| Ethiopia Sidamo | Ethiopia | 12 oz. bag | $17.00 |
| Colombia Huila | Colombia | 12 oz. bag | $16.00 |
| Brazil Yellow Bourbon | Brazil | 12 oz. bag | $15.00 |
| Peru La Joya | Peru | 12 oz. bag | $16.00 |
| Blended Coffee | Varied | 12 oz. bag | $15.00 |
Website https://www.rendercoffeebar.com/
Opening Hours
- South End: Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday: 8am-7pm
- Financial District: Monday-Friday: 7am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe located in Somerville, Massachusetts. The company was founded in 2015 by two friends who shared a passion for coffee. Broadsheet Coffee Roasters is committed to sourcing high-quality coffee beans from ethical farms and roasting them to bring out the best flavors. The company also offers a variety of coffee education classes and workshops.
Here are some of the things that make Broadsheet Coffee Roasters unique:
- They are a small, independent roastery.
- They are committed to sourcing high-quality coffee beans from ethical farms.
- They offer a variety of coffee education classes and workshops.
- They have a cozy and welcoming cafe space.
- They have a knowledgeable and friendly staff.
If you are looking for a delicious and educational coffee experience in Boston, Broadsheet Coffee Roasters is a great option.
Here are some additional details about Broadsheet Coffee Roasters:
- They have one cafe location in Somerville, Massachusetts.
- They source their coffee beans from farms in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia.
- They offer a variety of coffee education classes and workshops, including cuppings, brewing classes, and barista training.
- They are a member of the Boston Coffee Collective, a group of independent coffee roasters and cafes in Boston.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Direct trade: Broadsheet Coffee Roasters sources its coffee beans directly from farmers, which helps to ensure that farmers are paid a fair price for their crops.
- Sustainable farming practices: Broadsheet Coffee Roasters works with farmers to implement sustainable farming practices, such as shade-grown coffee, which helps to protect the environment.
- Recycling and composting: Broadsheet Coffee Roasters recycles and composts all of its waste, which helps to reduce its environmental impact.
In addition to these initiatives, Broadsheet Coffee Roasters also supports a number of other sustainability projects, such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Fair Trade Foundation.
Here are some more details about each of these initiatives:
- Direct trade: Direct trade is a relationship between a coffee roaster and a farmer that is based on transparency and fairness. This means that the roaster pays the farmer a fair price for their coffee, and the farmer is able to track the coffee from the farm to the roaster.
- Sustainable farming practices: Sustainable farming practices are those that protect the environment and the resources that farmers need to produce coffee. These practices can include using shade-grown coffee, which helps to protect the environment, and using drip irrigation, which helps to conserve water.
- Recycling and composting: Recycling and composting are ways to reduce waste and protect the environment. Broadsheet Coffee Roasters recycles all of its paper, plastic, and metal waste, and it composts all of its food waste.
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters is committed to sustainability, and these initiatives are just a few of the ways that they are working to make a difference.
Pricing Options
| Product Name | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headliner Blend | Honduras, Peru, Ethiopia | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Bulletin Blend | Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala | 12 oz. bag | $17.00 |
| Nyagishu | Burundi | 12 oz. bag | $19.00 |
| Cordillera del Fuego | Costa Rica | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Businde | Burundi | 12 oz. bag | $19.00 |
| Single Origin | Varied | 8 oz. bag | $16.00 |
Website https://broadsheetcoffee.com/
Opening Hours
- Cafe: Tuesday-Friday: 7am-7pm, Saturday: 8am-7pm, Sunday: 9am-6pm
Ogawa Coffee
Ogawa Coffee is a Japanese coffee roaster and cafe located in Downtown Crossing, Boston. The company was founded in 2019 by Hiroyuki Ogawa, a Japanese coffee craftsman. Ogawa Coffee is known for its unique roasting style, which produces coffees with a delicate sweetness and acidity.
Here are some of the things that make Ogawa Coffee unique:
- They are a Japanese coffee roaster.
- They use a unique roasting style that produces coffees with a delicate sweetness and acidity.
- They have a cozy and welcoming cafe space.
- They have a knowledgeable and friendly staff.
If you are looking for a unique and delicious cup of coffee in Boston, Ogawa Coffee is a great option.
Here are some additional details about Ogawa Coffee:
- They have one cafe location in Downtown Crossing, Boston.
- They source their coffee beans from farms in Japan, Ethiopia, and Colombia.
- They offer a variety of coffee drinks, as well as pastries and light meals.
- They are a member of the Specialty Coffee Association of America.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Bird-friendly coffee: Ogawa Coffee sources its coffee beans from farms that are certified as Bird-friendly. This means that the farms have been certified by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center to be using sustainable farming practices that protect birds and their habitats.
- Orangutan Coffee Project: Ogawa Coffee supports the Orangutan Coffee Project, which works to protect orangutans and their habitat in Indonesia. The project works with coffee farmers to implement sustainable farming practices that help to conserve orangutan habitat.
- Recycling and composting: Ogawa Coffee recycles and composts all of its waste, which helps to reduce its environmental impact.
In addition to these initiatives, Ogawa Coffee also supports a number of other sustainability projects, such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Fair Trade Foundation. Here are some more details about each of these initiatives:
- Bird-friendly coffee: Bird-friendly coffee is coffee that is grown in shade-grown coffee farms. Shade-grown coffee farms provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife.
- Orangutan Coffee Project: The Orangutan Coffee Project is a non-profit organization that works to protect orangutans and their habitat in Indonesia. The project works with coffee farmers to implement sustainable farming practices that help to conserve orangutan habitat.
- Recycling and composting: Recycling and composting are ways to reduce waste and protect the environment. Ogawa Coffee recycles all of its paper, plastic, and metal waste, and it composts all of its food waste.
Ogawa Coffee is committed to sustainability, and these initiatives are just a few of the ways that they are working to make a difference.
Pricing Options
| Product Name | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Blend Kyoto | Brazil, Huehuetenango Region (Guatemala), Guji Region (Ethiopia) | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Guatemala El Injerto I | El Injerto Farm in Guatemala | 12 oz. bag | $19.00 |
| Costa Rica Santa Lucia | Costa Rica | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Brazil Daterra OGAWA PLOT Peaberry | Ogawa Coffee’s micro plot at the Daterra farm in Brazil | 12 oz. bag | $20.00 |
| El Salvador Los Alpes | Los Alpes Farm in El Salvador | 12 oz. bag | $19.00 |
| Single Origin | Varied | 8 oz. bag | $16.00 |
Website https://www.ogawacoffeeusa.com/
Opening Hours
- Saturday–Sunday: 9:00am– 4:30pm
- Monday–Friday: 8:00am–4:00pm
Thinking Cup
Thinking Cup is a coffee shop and patisserie chain with three locations in Boston. They opened their doors in December 2010, and are committed to providing the premier coffee experience in Boston by serving only the finest coffees, teas, and freshly baked pastries.
Here are some of the things that make Thinking Cup unique:
- They are a locally owned and operated business.
- They source their coffee beans from ethical farms around the world.
- They offer a variety of coffee drinks, as well as pastries and light meals.
- They have a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
- They have a knowledgeable and friendly staff.
If you are looking for a delicious and unique cup of coffee in Boston, Thinking Cup is a great option.
Here are some additional details about Thinking Cup:
- They have three locations in Boston: Boston Common, North End, and Back Bay.
- They offer a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew.
- They also offer a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
- They are a member of the Boston Coffee Collective, a group of independent coffee roasters and cafes in Boston.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Direct trade: Thinking Cup sources its coffee beans directly from farmers, which helps to ensure that farmers are paid a fair price for their crops.
- Sustainable farming practices: Thinking Cup works with farmers to implement sustainable farming practices, such as shade-grown coffee, which helps to protect the environment.
- Recycling and composting: Thinking Cup recycles and composts all of its waste, which helps to reduce its environmental impact.
In addition to these initiatives, Thinking Cup also supports a number of other sustainability projects, such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Fair Trade Foundation.
Here are some more details about each of these initiatives:
- Direct trade: Direct trade is a relationship between a coffee roaster and a farmer that is based on transparency and fairness. This means that the roaster pays the farmer a fair price for their coffee, and the farmer is able to track the coffee from the farm to the roaster.
- Sustainable farming practices: Sustainable farming practices are those that protect the environment and the resources that farmers need to produce coffee. These practices can include using shade-grown coffee, which helps to protect the environment, and using drip irrigation, which helps to conserve water.
- Recycling and composting: Recycling and composting are ways to reduce waste and protect the environment. Thinking Cup recycles all of its paper, plastic, and metal waste, and it composts all of its food waste.
Pricing Options
| Product Name | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Blend | Ethiopia, Guatemala, Brazil | 12 oz. bag | $16.00 |
| Colombian Supremo | Colombia | 12 oz. bag | $16.00 |
| Sumatra Mandheling | Indonesia | 12 oz. bag | $15.00 |
| Kenya AA | Kenya | 12 oz. bag | $17.00 |
| Ethiopian Yirgacheffe | Ethiopia | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Single Origin | Varied | 8 oz. bag | $14.00 |
Website https://thinkingcup.com/
Opening Hours
- Boston Common: Monday–Sun: 7am–7pm
- North End: Monday–Sun: 7am–7pm
- Back Bay: Monday–Thur: 7am–7pm, Friday–Sun: 7am–9pm
Best Coffee Roasters in Boston Wrap-up
“Boston is a city with a rich coffee culture, and there are many great places to enjoy a cup of joe. From small, independent cafes to large chains, there is something for everyone.
In this article, we have highlighted some of the best coffee shops in Boston. We hope that this has given you a starting point for your next coffee adventure.
If you have a favorite coffee shop in Boston that we didn’t mention, please share it in the comments below. We would love to hear about it! Thanks for reading!
- What is your favorite coffee shop in Boston?
- If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee in Boston, I recommend checking out George Howell Coffee
- My favorite coffee shop in Boston is Thinking Cup. I love the atmosphere and the coffee is always delicious.
- Let us know in the comments what you think of the best coffee shops in Boston.
