These 14 Unique Coffee Shops In Massachusetts Are Perfect To Wake You Up

Oh, coffee. So many of us are your slaves and lovers. While Massachusetts certainly has its share of (pink and orange) chain shops, we also have a multitude of truly unique and delightful cafés that could tempt you away from Starbucks for good. Check out these best coffee shops in Massachusetts.

1. Nirvana Coffee Company, Barnstable

If you find yourself on the Cape, make a little extra time to make a detour to Nirvana Coffee Company. This is a great place to read or work with a divine cup of coffee and a tasty sandwich. Comfy chairs, friendly staff, and a cozy atmosphere all make this spot one of the best in the area.

2. Pan’e Dolcetti, Wilbraham

This is an upscale coffee shop that leans more towards European elegance than cozy American style. Their pastries are thoughtfully prepared and their sandwiches are fresh and delicious. This is a great option if you’re looking for a coffee shop that can hold its own in the kitchen.

3. Hot Chocolate Sparrow, Orleans

A popular local shop offering coffee, desserts, ice cream and candy from early in the morning until late in the evening. Like, really late: this coffee shop closes its doors at 10 P.M. In addition to great coffee, this place has knack for serving absolutely decadent dessert and ice cream. Their apple crumb cake is dense and served warm.

4. Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts, Southwick

This place gets a lot of press for its meltingly delicious donuts (and seriously, they’re ridiculous) but Mrs. Murphy’s is also a great spot to grab a yummy cup of joe. While the inside isn’t particularly fancy, there are some lovely picnic tables outside that provide the perfect spot to sip your coffee and devour your donuts.

5. Pavement, Boston

This coffee shop is java royalty in Boston, but with excellent reason. This quintessential clean-cut hipster hangout caters to Boston students and professionals alike. Try the cinnamon plum tea or the sweet Spanish latte for a unique take on your typical coffee break.

6. Lone Gull Coffeehouse, Gloucester

This is one of the best places to grab a cup of joe on the North Shore. More than just coffee, then offer plenty of tea options, cider, hot cocoa and smoothies. Their pastries are top-notch (don’t miss the scones) and they offer sandwiches if you’re in them mood for something more savory.

7. Simon’s Coffee Shop, Boston

Macarons anyone? This place has them in spades, and they’re super delicious. Another popular student hangout, Simon’s Coffee Shop is short on seating but big on flavor. Their coffee is carefully brewed and the iced coffee is particularly good. Try the chai latte or the iced honey latte for a delicious caffeinated treat.

8. Lenox Coffee, Lenox

This coffee spot is as convenient as it is scrumptious. Located right on Lenox’s main street, there’s plenty of shopping and people-watching to be had. They’re open late for a coffee shop (until 7 p.m. on the weekend) and there’s plenty of seating, so you don’t have to worry about having to sip your java standing up during peak hours.

9. Perks Coffee House, Norwood

Lots of menu options, a laid-back atmosphere, and super helpful staff. Besides serving up perfectly brewed coffee of all shapes and sizes, Perks offers some truly tasty meals. You can’t go wrong with one of their paninis when that caffeine buzz turns into the jitters.

10. Cape Cod Coffee, Mashpee

Cape Cod Coffee does all their own roasting and grinding. They take pride in knowing exactly where their beans hail from, and have over four dozen different types on offer. You can grab a bag of their perfectly roasted blends online if you don’t want to trek to the shop, but visitors have the chance to actually see the roasters at work.

11. Mocha Maya’s, Shelburne Falls

This is a quintessential artsy community coffee shop. Their coffee is made from 100 percent fair trade beans, and is super delicious. Mocha Maya’s actually transforms into a pub once the sun goes down, so you can come in the morning for a pick-me-up and visit again at night to unwind. They frequently feature live music and local artists, so check their website before making the trip.

12. Agawam’s Java Stop, Feeding Hills

Good coffee made with quality beans and served with a smile. This place have an expansive menu of specialty drinks and a staff that just will not quit being helpful and friendly. Java Stop also gets its donuts from Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts, a local legend in the arena of donutry and one of the best cafes in Massachussetts.

13. Diesel Cafe, Somerville

First thing you need to know: this place is ginormous. With seating for oodles of Tuft students and then some, Diesel Cafe isn’t your typical coffee shop. It has a bar-like feel, for sure. Between the pool tables, photo booth, high-top tables, and red vinyl booth seating, and open garage door front (in season), Diesel is a fresh and modern take on the classic cafe model. And obviously, the coffee is great. Wifi isn’t free, but they do offer a complimentary 45 minutes of unpaid access.

14. Original Dunkin’ Donuts, Quincy

We couldn’t put together a list of Massachusetts coffee shops without including the king of them all. This Dunks in Quincy was the first location ever, and has a charming retro aesthetic going on. It carries your standard DD fare, but is a cute spot to check out if you’re a Dunkin’ devotee.

For some of the best coffee in Massachusetts, be sure to try some of these places out if you've never been to them before. What's your favorite unique local coffee shop? Let us know!