Hi, we're looking at colleges and will be staying at the Westin Copley Place...we're looking for something other than a Starbucks for coffee and or breakfast for our family (teens and adults), hopefully near Neawbury St. or Copley.

The old Ritz that overlooks the Public Garden, likewise the 4 seasons.
Sonsie's at the other end of Newbury.

Thank you! When you say the other end of Newbury, you mean further away from the common, correct?

Yes, Sonsie is up nby Mass. Ave and The Ritz by Arlington st.
Back Bay has the only area starting at the Ritz where the streets are easy to find.
The Ritz, corner of A-rlingtoin and Newbury, up Newbury you continue to cross sts. Berkely St, Darthmouth St, Exeter St, Fairfield, Gloucester, Hereford, Mass.Ave.
Between Dartmouth and Exeter is Stephanies, very popular but not for me. They do have a nice fireplace.

O, the Ritz on Arlington St! Mimi, that place brings back so many memories for me. I fell in love with it when I first read "The Group" by Mary McCarthy at Dartmouth. There is a scene in the novel were one of the women meets her mother for tea at the Ritz before she has her abortion!

I make Jennifer take me there when I come up to Cambridge for a visit.

If you're here on a Saturday or Sunday, head to the South End to Aquitaine or Union. Check their websites. If it's during the week, for higher end, go across the street to the Copley Fairmont. However, my favorite breakfast place is Charlie's on Columbus Ave. Very casual and busy, but great food.

marginal, I would see Ann Sexton at lunch.

Charlies. Also a bit of a walk, but Paramount on Charles. Aquitaine and 647 are other good weekend brunch places. Good advicee there.

Aquitaine is way too loud for a family to have conversation.

What teens really want breakfast conversation!!!! Happy Holidays ciga

I know many that do if it's not at home

We're back from our trip and went to L'Aroma on Newbury, close to the Ritz Carlton.

Great coffee shop with excellent pastries, panini and good cappucino along with a nice seating area (big bay window) overlooking Newbury street.

It's a great cafe for breakfast or coffee when you're sick to death of Starbucks.