One of the chief things I remember about Boston tourist areas is the terrible, terrible coffee. Anyone have any recs? Maybe there has been a hipster espresso invasion? Willing to go out of my way- just as long as I'm not stuck drinking Starbucks like last time! Thanks!

Well there is Dunkin, but remember not to ask for regular unless you like it very sweet with lots of sugar and cream.

We have Peet's nowadays (the choice of my coffee-snob friends from the Bay area who also used to complain).

You're here as a visitor, to sample the things that make Boston Boston, right? Dunkin.

The coffee at Flour is very good, and if you can resist the pastries, you are a stronger human than I.

Thanks, Newbe!

(They have sandwiches and salads, too. All very good )

Flour, Pavement Cafe, Thinking Cup. Where are you staying?

Thanks! Hostelling International- I think it's near Boston Common?

I greatly dislike Dunkin' Donuts coffee and can't recommend them. And that goes for their food except the cookies and muffins, which are indeed good. It's true they started in the Boston area but I consider them the epitome of a big corporate chain. You'll do much better at any of the small local options Khotso98 suggested.

Lol. Thanks, bachslunch, no danger of me trying Dunkin donuts. It's not a chain I've ever understood the attraction of

"not a chain I've ever understood the attraction of"

Just a strong element of pure Boston local life.
Many who grew up here consider it a small local business that grew more popular.
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HI Boston is on Stuart St. iirc. There's a Thinking Cup across from the Common, a couple of blocks away, not one I find very cozy though.
Also the coffee houses in the Italian North End (Cafe Paradiso, another Thinking Cup, many more) are not too far a walk.

Thanks, sambachula...I can understand local sentiment, I just don't care much for donuts. Strange, I know! (although I have had their coffee, because I will drink any coffee, and agree with bachslunch's assessment. Sometimes local doesn't equal good lol).

I like Barrington and 1369 Coffee House as mentioned above. George Howell was good too.

www.georgehowellcoffee.com