12.28.2009

Cruisin' Cafes: Cambridge, MA

Can you really and truly blame me, kitty cats? As a self-proclaimed college town, it is not at all a surprise that I, a college student myself, would be drawn to Cambridge, Massachusetts’ collegiate ambiance. The hallowed halls proffered by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The towering steeple-inspired buildings like that displayed via Cambridge City Hall and Cambridge Public Library. Even the abundance of street musicians and performers lurking in Harvard Square, eager to entertain anyone and everyone who strolls by. But perhaps the biggest draw of such an old-fashioned yet enchanting location can be attributed to the fact that, as a town riddled with University students, it is without question that it is brimming with quaint cafes just waiting to be discovered for late night study sessions, and catching up with old friends!

Diesel Café Whether you’re attempting to knock some sense into yourself after pulling an all-nighter, or are simply on a quest to indulge in something yummy that will get you through the work day on your way to the office, there is truly no better place to refuel than Diesel Café.

Located in Davis Square, Diesel Café is a hipster hotspot that juxtaposes between comfortable coffee shop and funky industrial stomping ground for a wide array of personalities all on an identical mission…to find a cozy nook that serves up menu items with the ability to get one’s appetite raring to go – no matter how picky or quirky their taste buds are!

Inside there is no shortage of charisma. Each wall is painted in a shade stolen directly from the primary colors palette – a haphazard jumble of hues that could easily be thought of as uncomfortable on the eyes, but is rather quite serene when viewed by visitors; while kitschy gas station and road signs mingle alongside art pieces that change on a monthly basis, a clever way to change the atmosphere for regulars. But it is the pool table and vintage black and white photo booth located within which adds to the brilliance of Diesel, and makes it quite easy for one to take a load off and have a bit of fun in-between deadlines. Come for the Mocha, but do not miss out on the Cider Delux or Little Piston 2.0 sandwich! 257 Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144.

Simon’s Coffee Shop There are very few places nowadays that present a side of family with every order; a vibe synonymous with a warm hug from a grandparent. Simon’s Coffee Shop, found within the heart of Porter Square, is such a location.

Like your mother’s refrigerator, adorned with artwork and achievements of her offspring, Simon himself creates a familial environment within the confines of his small, yet sublime space, by scrawling announcements extending congratulations to his employees, many of whom double as students, upon graduation atop a chalkboard – the very same one, in fact, which announces daily soup specials and lists of flavor shots offered for your drink du jour! Tiny tables sit tucked in side by side creating an atmosphere that is more intimate than claustrophobic; yet it is the true independence of the aesthetic mixed with the subtle soundtrack murmuring in the background which transports you to another time and place. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker order the Mocha…it comes with cute designs etched into the milk! 1736 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138.

Crema Café Darlings, if you’re on the hunt for a pinch of European flair with your twice-daily dose of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, by all means, please stop your search now. Crema Café, if you hadn’t already figured it out, is destined to be your new home away from home!

Crema Café is Harvard Square’s answer to the posh patisseries and coffee shops lining the cobblestone streets of Paris; yet requires no Visa or passport to experience such ambrosial qualities. A multi-faceted location; Crema Café is like two places in one, offering an upstairs and downstairs area, both of which cater to a different character. Downstairs is the lounge, a spot conducive with a meeting place established for customers to chat with one another, hang out, and have a good time while nursing Macchiato’s, hot chocolate, and Café Au Lait’s. Upstairs features a loft where students and independent contractors can buckle down and get some work done over Looseleaf Tea, and Chai Lattes. Just don’t miss out on the fresh-baked cupcakes or Nutella and Banana Sandwich – true heaven in edible form! 27 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138.

Which of these Cambridge cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the pictures.


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48 comments

Ilanka Verhoeven said...

I love the second and third picture! Lovely.
Thanks for the sweet comment dear <3!
Have a nice day!
X, fashionnerdic.

FASHION SNAG said...

Simon's! I am a sucker for the cute designs. xoxo

www.FashionSnag.com

www.janetteria.com said...

What a lovely post!

Xx

Leah said...

Simon's definitely... I would love to feel the homey atmosphere of the place. And look how fabulous they serve their coffee.

xoxo Erika!

Mimi said...

Very pretty pictures! Cambridge has attracted me once as a possible place to go to school, but now I have decided to remain in the south. However, I must go once day to visit these cute cafes you have mentioned on here.

Allegra said...

thanks for sharing this hotspots!

Emily said...

a photobooth! How cool is that :)

I find that all of these cafes sound very delightful - I wouldn't mind cruising by any of them. There is something so attractive to New England, especially Massachusetts!

Erin said...

Cambridge, MA is one of my favorite cities! I haven't been to any of the coffee shops you mentioned, but Crema Cafe totally intrigues me (plus I just looked at their menu...YUM!)! The next time I make it back East, I'm going to have to make time for Crema Cafe! :-)

KP said...

all sound completely charming and lovely xo

carolina @ patagonia gifts said...

oh those cafes look really yummy! hope you have a wonderful Christmas, darling! happy Monday!

Nina said...

Hi Erika!

I just came from Vietnam ... I think the best coffee is found there ... no kidding! Really delish!

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Yay for a Mass cafe post! I love Crema :)

yiqin; said...

I love spending my time at cafes <3

Jen Hsieh said...

why are all of your posts so lovely and well written? i love it. now a little part of my regrets not going to boston u after reading about all these cute little cafes. better than starbucks or dunkin donuts :)

ah and i just noticed how you're quoted on the american apparel site. that's amazing!

Mom Fashion World said...

though i'm not a coffee-lover, i must check out these cafes.

Anonymous said...

Oh the cafes look absolutely lovely! Who knew that Cambridge would have such wonderful coffee shops? :]

Jessi said...

Mmmm, I can smell the freshly-brewed mochas when I read your coffee shop reviews... so yummy! I think I'd pop into Simon's for my mocha, but then saunter into Crema to feel like I'm overseas :)

xoxo J

Tights Lover said...

Diesel Cafe is a great place. Been there many times.

Let's hear it for Somerville, MA!!

Jen said...

I always really want the mugs in these images. 'You are my cup of tea' - TOO cute! :)

That Chelsea Girl™ said...

I think I'd probably fit in best at the Diesel. Any cozy nooks are my thing. Take care!

All Women Stalker said...

I think I'll try Simon's. I love the personal touch you mentioned. :)

Couture Carrie said...

Diesel is such a perfect name for a coffee shop! Would love to cruise that cafe for sure!

Love this series of posts, darling ~ this one was especially delish!

xoxox,
CC

Jolie said...

Simon's coffee shop sounds like it would be my kind of cafe! I like the personal touches and coziness of it. And the etchings in the drinks sold me for sure!
xoxo Jolie
http://senoritafashionista1.blogger.com/

FASHION SNAG said...

Great to see your profile photo! You look gorgeous. The boyfriend is not into rats at all so I don't have any, but if I had it my way I would have a couple of rats. They are so smart. xoxo

The F Word Online said...

every post i read of yours is so well written. you're actually an amazing writer!

xx lue

Sherin said...

Oh, the area around Harvard looks so great. I would love to hang out there with friends. Simon's coffee shop sounds like the perfect place to chill out one afternoon.

Unknown said...

Beautiful post! I can almost smell those drinks :)

Hope you're having the best holidays this year! :)

Danielle @ Story of Style said...

My boyfriend has an apartment in Boston which we are visiting next week! I'll have to keep these places in mind while I'm there!


www.antiquatedtreasures.blogspot.com

bananas. said...

can i cruise them all! if i have to choose one i'll go with the last one. any place that offers nutella and banana sandwiches is my kind of place.

Iva Messy said...

Erika!! such a great post!! thank you ....now...I have to go grab some coffee AND tea ;)

Anonymous said...

www.bethostylista.wordpress.com
would love your input and advice :)

K said...

That last picture with the heart is amazing!

RYC - Thanks, it's kinda like playing dress up, but with less princessy clothes. ;o)

S.Elisabeth said...

So adorable. Hmm I'm presonally getting excited for the cafes that will be around the college I'm planning on going to. Actually, the college itself has a tea room... =)

maddy said...

cuuuute pictures! hmmmmm, i'm deciding whether i want to go to school in boston or not... good to know they have great cafes!

shelby h.k. said...

Crema even has vegan treats! They sell out pretty fast though, I've noticed. I have yet to eat or drink there, even though I've been physically in the cafe three times!

Great post! Cambridge is fabulous.

xx

Nikolett said...

Girl, you are SO not helping my caffeine addiction haha. But 'tis okay, we just need to have a cup o' coffee together :) For me, Crema Cafe is calling my name, with that 'pinch of European flair' - I'm missing Europe badly.

Hope you had a great weekend! And thank youuu, I'm glad you like my bangs haha :)

Amelia said...

Oh, I would love to go back to Cambridge. College towns are wonderful.

Anonymous said...

All of these places sound so cute! My college town didn't really have quaint places - more like chain restaurants and trashy diners :) xo, Mel

Elizabeth Marie said...

I love the name of Diesel Cafe. Sounds like there might be some eye candy of the man variety there. hahaha :)

nicole said...

Love it when you post about different cafes and places to have tea/coffee. But it reminds me that I still have a lot of traveling ahead of me. I love that "you are my cup of tea" mug, it's so cute! and I'm more of a tea drinker so I'd love a mug like that. I love the sounds of the cafes you featured, they sound delightful :)

Lol and I love what you said about bling, if you can't see it 20 ft. away, it's not enough! so true! glad you liked the photos, they inspire me too.

and you are such a sweetheart! but I couldn't agree more, if it weren't for blogging, I wouldn't be able to read such brilliantly-written posts and get to know an awesome blogger like yourself! xo

Unknown said...

I want to visit the Diesel cafe or crema cafe, sounds absolutley delightful.
XOXOX
Libby
http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com

Midtown Girl said...

Diesel Cafe - for the name alone would make me want to check it out!

OMG - I just your pic in the upper right corner - you are effing GORGEOUS Erika!!!

And...absolutely loving those fabulush gray boots too ;-)

XOXO
Amy

Jennifer Fabulous said...

I always read your blog in the morning and then I head over to Starbucks. LOL. I wish there was a cute little local coffee shop near my work...sigh.

M said...

Oh, how I LOVE this post! It brings back lots of old memories! My favorite hangout in Cambridge used to be the not-so-fancy Starbucks in Central Square... it was not super close to school, but right across the street from the dance studio - so much more important, right? There was also a dude with a guitar jamming there every afternoon and he ended up writing a song about me, "Fuzzy Jacket Girl". You got me all nostalgic now!!! :)

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Considering it's 36 degrees outside as I write this, I would absolutely love a cup of coffee right now! Haha!
Crema Cafe sounds like the perfect place to go. One of their cupcakes would surely go wonderfully with some coffee. :)

Frannie said...

LOVE Simon's but Crema is great too! I go to Boston Uni and harvard square is like my artist retreat! I'd really love to know more bout Cambridge cos I just spent my first semester and I still don't know enough about the area.

Catie said...

Awesome, I'm definitely going to check these out when I get back to Boston.

deliciously organized said...

Thanks for stopping by our blog! Love yours! I would love to try both! -carlee

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