7 Places to Get Your Coffee On

PS Gourmet

Perfect way to defeat those miserable Mondays?  PS Gourmet.  This small coffee and sandwich shop, located on the corner of Dorchester and East Broadway Street, has quickly built a substantial Southie fan base, and for very good reason.  Home of the infamous bucket, PS offers an abundance of equally delicious flavored coffees and with no syrup added.  It’s all in the beans!  Some of their favorites include snickerdoodle, swirl (a combo of hazelnut and french vanilla), bananas foster, and of course, the PS Special.  This desert-like special is a mix of cinnamon hazelnut and toasted almond coffee with whipped cream, and any additional ingredients requested.  Each coffee is blasting with flavor, but with just a touch of sweetness.  Although PS Gourmet is cash only, there is an ATM conveniently located right next to the front entrance.  The staff at this ever-popular coffee spot is friendly and makes you feel right at home.  Don’t be daunted by the long line if you go in, the service moves quicker than you can imagine. 

PS Gourmet is located on 104 Dorchester Street and open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.  For more information call 617-269-4020.

Sophia’s Cafe

Located right across from the West Broadway T Stop, Sophia’s Cafe is home of some of South Boston’s best organic coffee, homemade soups and of course, their gourmet sandwiches. As one of South Boston’s green cafes, Sophia’s offers fresh, all natural, and locally produced favorites that will appeal to every Southie resident around. Sophia’s moderately priced lattes, available in a variety of flavors, tasty espresso frappes (try the rasberry mocha flavor!) and gourmet organic house blend coffees are all great pick-me-ups for your commute to work, or maybe a leisurely stroll on Castle Island.  This local favorite “strives to provide the upmost in customer service” and does just that with their friendly staff, prompt delivery service, outdoor seating and kid-friendly atmosphere.

Sophia’s cafe is located on 141 Dorchester Ave. and is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out Sophia’s full menu at www.sophiascafe.com, or call 617-426-1115 for more information.

Cafe Arpeggio

This family-run cafe brews their coffee with love, and the taste certainly proves it.  A Parisian-style bistro, with two additional locations in Fall River and Mansfield, uses the “finest ingredients to ensure top-quality products.”  Some of Cafe Arpeggio’s world class micro-brewed coffees include sinful delight (a caramel-chocolate concoction with a touch of nutty flavor), hazelnut, french vanilla, cinnamon, irish cream, pumpkin spice, chocolate rasberry, and swiss chocolate almond, to name a few.   South Boston locals have been indulging in Cafe Arpeggio’s delicious coffees and tasty dishes (vegetarians welcome) since it’s opening in 1997 and its loyal patrons continue to come back for more.  Keeping this local favorite a family operation, founders Rob and Suk Gould appointed their son Keith to manage the cafe in 2002.  Cafe Arpeggio also welcomes local artists to showcase their work on the cafe walls. 

Cafe Arpeggio is located on 398 West Broadway Street and is open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.  For more information and to take a peak at the menu, visit www.cafearpeggio.com, or call 617-269-8822.

Cranberry Cafe

Established in 1996 by the multi-talented owner, Cathe Walsh, (she cooks AND bakes), the Cranberry Cafe is a Southie favorite for anything and everything delicious.  When it comes to getting your daily caffeine fix, the menu offers up to ten different flavors of freshly brewed coffee, and to-die-for frozen drinks, including the Oreo Blast.  Perfect for a scorching summer day, this tasty treat is a combo of cappucino mix, chocolate sauce, oreos and ice, all blended together to create a savory sweet confection.   Grab a pound of flavored or house blend coffee for $12 or under, and enjoy the Cranberry taste in the comfort of your own home.  Taking a break from caffeine?  Enjoy one of the cafe’s Rasberry Lime Rickeys, or even a freshly brewed pomegranate tea that will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Located at 704 East Broadway Street, Cranberry Cafe is open Monday and Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 617-268-3553.

Java House

The Java House is a neighborhood favorite amongst Southie veterans and newbies as well.  Located next to the Tedeschi Food Shoppe on East Broadway Street, this small coffee shop does the trick offering a variety of iced and hot coffees.  Entering Java House your senses become engulfed by the smell of freshly brewed coffee and delicious muffins baking in the oven.  Pair one of their infamous sticky buns with a snickerdoodle coffee and start your day off on the right foot.  The friendly staff and coffee gurus only add to the Java House experience.  Although Java House is cash only, you won’t regret the quick trip to the ATM.

The Java House is located on 566 East Broadway Street and open Monday through Fridays from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For more information call 617-268-3117.

Bailey’s Coffee Shop

This “diamond in the rough” coffee shop will teach you not to judge a book by its cover.  Although Bailey’s looks small on the outside, it has a big menu offering up some of the tastiest coffee in town.  Bailey’s has got the full package with moderately-priced drinks and a delicious assortment of flavored coffees (including oreo) as well.  Four words: Bailey’s Blend Iced Coffee.  Something that will make the locals’ eyes light up every time they hear the phrase.  Adapting to the current coffee times, Bailey’s has also expanded their menu and added a variety frozen blended drinks, as well as donuts, muffins and breakfast sandwiches.  With a consistently pleasant and welcoming staff, Bailey’s will certainly brighten your day.

Located on 65 L Street, Bailey’s Coffee Shop is cash only and open Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For more information, call 617-464-2044.

Amsterdam Cafe

Eat in, get it delivered, or take it out at this Greek/Mediterranean-influenced eatery right on the corner of East and West Broadway Street.  Not fixin’ for some eatin’?  Amsterdam Cafe offers a variety of coffees any way you like it! Try their cafe americano, cafe au lait, cafe mocha, cappucino, or any of their specialty flavored coffees.  If you’re not a coffee lover, Amsterdam Cafe has you covered.  Perfect for a cold winter day (and we all know how brutal New England winters can be), or to satisfy a chocolate craving, indulge in a delectable hot chocolate, or even a special tea.  All of Amsterdam’s coffee and specialty drinks are wallet-friendly, priced at under $4.

Amsterdam Cafe is located on 483 East Broadway Street, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with delivery hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  For more information call 617-464-6488.