The staff is just as nice as can be, and the coffee is great, though their location -- right down the block from me -- may color my opinion. I churlishly withhold the fifth star because every time I meet someone there, all the seats are taken. read more

The first time I went to 1369 was mid-late morning on a weekday and it was awesome. Unfortunately 90% of the time this place is so packed you have to do the strange hover move to get a seat. I like: - The espresso. Better than the coffee. I've gotten the black iced tea before too; it's refreshing. - Good sunlight at the front of the shop - M&M cookies are pretty swell - Parking in the area is fairly easy, though most of it is metered - The punch card. After 10 punches, $2 off. Not too shabby. - They play good music(!) I dislike: - Cash only. I know there's an ATM nearby but what about the times before payday when I only have $18 in the bank so I can't get out a twenty but I still have enough for a latte? This is when I wish 1369 took the occasional card. Seriously, why not have the card machine but offer a discount for using cash/markup for using a card? btw now I think it's 45 minutes of free wifi, though I haven't tried to use it yet. read more

I generally keep my coffee drinking basic and black, but the less you doctor it the more you can tell the difference between quality and dreck. What you get at 1369 is quality. This location, roughly 30 steps from my front door, is always buzzing with activity. The small shop is packed with tables, mostly for 2 people. There always seems to be a seat available when you need one, however. The staff at 1369 are all very friendly, and will answer any questions that you have ... and even though this is a coffee shop you might have some, given their range of drinks, beans and baked goods. Their beans are not outrageously priced, nor is the rest of their menu. I have noticed that drinks requiring "assembly" (lattes, etc.) tend to take a while. If you are in a hurry, better stick to coffee or tea. Also, bring cash. 1369 also has an ever-changing selection of baked goods. I love their scones (orange-cranberry mmmmmm) and their giant cookies are also good. I haven't allowed myself any pie or cake yet, but they look mouthwateringly good. They also do breakfast sandwiches on the weekends only. This is the first time I have reviewed a coffee shop so I hesitantly give it 5 stars. This place is very cool, and deserves such a rating. Would I say that you need to drive clear across town to drink coffee here? Probably not. Walk 15 minutes to hang out here? Absolutely. But part of this 5 star review goes beyond simply recommending 1369. The simple fact is, we need more places like 1369 in this city. There are definitely more cool little coffee shops than there were when I moved here 5 years ago, but there could and should be so many more. So I guess what I'm saying is that 1369 is a shining example of why you should support your local coffee shop. read more

I love this place. Their iced coffee is my poison of choice and it's beautifully strong. They also have non dairy options which is also a pro. Sometimes it can be a bit crammed here with people living off the wifi for hours at a time, but if you're looking for grab and go- this place is your jam. read more

I decided to finally try 1369 Coffee House after hearing some of my friends rave about it endlessly. I walked in around 10am and saw that the seating area was fairly packed; some people had their laptops out and seemed to be diligently working on whatever. I got an 8oz hot latte to go. Honestly, it wasn't the best espresso drink I've ever had. The latte was slightly bitter (pro tip: no coffee drink should taste bitter). While the people working at the counter were nice and it was better than nothing on a slightly cold, drizzly late July morning, I've paid $4 for better lattes elsewhere. Pass. read more

I used to be a coffee snob when I worked at an independent shop in my home town, but when that shut down and I moved here and chugged Dunkin Donuts every day, I really thought that good espresso was gone forever. But today! My 4 shot americana! It is like with every sip my coffee snobbery comes back (sry, world). This is how espresso is supposed to taste. DELICIOUS! No sugar, no milk. Won't even need the water next time. Best espresso in the greater Boston area. read more

Highly anticipated, Highly disappointed. We had a drip coffee and Mocha and they were pretty average and tasteless. Their pastries were either solid cooked or from the day before. They only accept cash and you have to pay for WiFi :( Don't bother trying this place, keep walking on by. 1/5... See teacher after school read more

I'm in this place at least a couple times a week, since it is across the street from where I work, and I have an addiction to their lattes. Most of their employees are friendly and helpful, and most of the time I can get a seat, but sometimes all of the laptop drones are tweaking away and hogging the tables. I just want to sit and relax for 30 minutes while I'm on break, and maybe grab a biscotti and watch the traffic in Inman Square. I love the tea selection, although way too often I choose coffee over tea. Oh and make sure you bring cash... but if not, there's an ATM across the street. read more

6 words :poppy seed muffin heated w/butter The line moves quick, and i have been there a ton of times and i don't need psych analysis 'cuz the barista doesn't know my order from my very appearance. This shop is like Park T. The staff has to serve a wide variety of people, including a ton of down+out Cambridge Hospital patients and they do it gracefully. read more

One of my favorite coffee shops in Cambridge. Even though I live along the river and am closer to Beacon Hill than I am to Inman Square, and despite the freezing January temperatures, I've been heading over to 1369 for coffee and a little breakfast more often than is probably sensible. As many reviews mention it certainly gets busy, but that's the price you pay for being a fantastic spot in the middle of the neighborhood its in. I certainly prefer this original location to that in Central Square, perhaps just because it feels a bit more quaint. For many they'll find the lack of free wifi and the "slow" service (which truly hasn't been a problem for me) to be a pain, but if you aren't in a rush and you'd like to read or chat with a friend then 1369 is a great choice. read more

I definitely have had my frustrations at 1369 -- The teapots are so small! There's never a table! I'm out of cash AGAIN! -- but I gotta say, I think that it is accomplishing exactly what it is trying to accomplish. The vibe is great -- free WiFi would ruin it. The drinks are creative, if small. The Inman location is a cozy little space with beautiful light streaming through the windows. Haters: of course it's crowded -- it's the most well-known independent coffeehouse in Inman square. Take what you can get. I personally love the atmosphere of the place -- Cambridge at its finest. The baristas ask you whether you would rather freeze to death or be burned alive. Drunk guys come in off the street and dance to Mumford and Sons or Ella Fitzgerald or whatever else is on the stereo. Everybody is hard at work on their novel or reading huge textbooks. It's a very Cambridge, very Inman, totally hipster environment. Give it some love. read more

I must confess that I go often to this place on my way to work. They have great bagels and pastries, as well as teas and coffees. However, the space is small and at rush hours it gets packed, you might have to move around while waiting for your order to let other people pass. However, we recommend the onion bagel with avocado and tomato. Vegan delicious option! Find out great coffee places in Boston at www.ride2coffee.com read more

I support the local business even though DD has a soft spot in my heart but honestly why is all the help at this 1369 so cranky all the time? Working at a coffee shop - you'd think you'd had your morning coffee before you start helping the customers eh? De-crank-ify oh lovely 1369 - Please? read more

Inn Square or Central? OK, the fact that the 1369 Coffeehouse has two locations and that it serves much the same stuff in both locations makes it easy to compare. Since I've been to both I can say that the winner is...Inman Square. It's got superior service, a less bizarre crowd, a cleaner facility and better tasting brews. Example: I had the Almond Joy in both places and although they were made the same, the Inman Square version was more aromatic and satisfying, hands down. I'd still like to see faster service, a more extensive coffee menu and slightly more reasonable prices. Ordering is a bit of an adventure too, for it's also kind of tough to negotiate the counter once one arrives but...given the choice of coming here for an Almond Joy or going to Central Square, I'd take my beverage in Inn Square anyday. read more

You might find yourself in decaying orbit around Inman Square: shopping at the Saucony store lunching at Punjabi thumbing through old gowns at Boutique Fabulous There is enough tea to walk the neighborhood a few times over, each corner is marked with its own drinking establishment. The good people at Cafe 1369 will serve you well. They like it when you say please and thank you, taking the time for common courtesy can make your experience and theirs a better one. When I ordered there last Saturday, I minded my p's & q's and the barista smiled, and then I smiled and noticed other people around me were smiling. When I started to leave, I looked down at my Thai iced tea. When the aplomb of heavy cream (as is its general want) started at the top of my glass in delicate movement, it expanded until it existed in all parts of drink. I would like to think it wouldn't have happened exactly the same way had I asked for the same thing anyplace else. read more

I consider myself a lucky girl to both 1) live in Inman square and 2) have 1369 as my neighborhood coffee house. The iced coffee (cold brewed) is wonderful in the summer and they never disappoint in their hot creations either. I can't speak for the ambiance of this place, as I'm always on the go, but it has all the charm of a friendly, understated coffee house. No thrills, just homey and warm and offering lots of house-made baked goods. So basically, 1369 is like the grandma's house of Inman square and that's always a good thing! Plus, it's a local business - so it's a win-win. The thing that drives me crazy about this place though is how long you have to wait for espresso drinks. If its a weekday in the morning, plan to wait at least 15 minutes. Even on weekend mornings its that long. Makes me wonder if they only have a single shot machine. When I think of having to wait awkwardly in the very small space they have, I actually forgo it and get my coffee at the Biscuit or Central square. If you have the time to hang, then by all means, 1369 is your place! Order: Americano or espresso or hot chocolate, drink, repeat. read more

I really want to love this place, I do. BUT - it simply doesn't live up to expectations. Perhaps mine were too high. I enjoy the non-starbucks vibe and the nice baristas. However, the price I pay just doesn't match the value of the taste. The coffee cake was super medicore and the fruit flies in the back were just plain disgusting. Overall, I say go to the OTHER 1369 if you can and don't, I repeat, don't sit in the back of the shop! read more

I love this place. I haven't really had any of the baked goods, but I have a routine where I come in for my evening de-caf london fog (or some other tea-latte) when I take my dog for his last walk of the day. The sizes and prices are great and the service is quick. The place has never not been packed, and getting a table when you want to sit down is tough. The pizza bagels on weekend mornings are so good, I've literally gotten them even though i'd be going to brunch 30 minutes later. I had been going to Bloc 11 in Union when I was in a transient phase and staying with a friend in that area, and I never had an issue ordering a Rooibos latte with honey. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME I have ordered one here, I seem to get the same girl who corrects me and says if its a tea, it can't be a latte and is an "au lait" and that i can put the honey in myself. I dont like to do this because it makes what little foam there is drop, so I never quite get it the way Bloc 11 would make it. I ask for latte so its slightly foamy. I get that you cant have a tea-capuccino but I ask for latte so there is still some foam and not just tea with hot milk. Either way, this chick's typical Cantabridgian attitude doesnt deter me from coming in, though if I could get my tea lattes made the way I like without getting an attitude and having to doctor them at home, I'd definitely give them 5 stars. read more

My sister and my niece love this place!! Whenever I visit them, we always stop at 1369, and it's always one of the highlights of my trip. I really like it when the employees point out how much my 11 year old niece has grown! The 'strawberry vanilla' scones are my favorite. But everything is tasty. As the other reviewers have pointed out, be sure to bring cash since they don't accept credit cards. read more

1369 is my neighborhood coffee shop... and I'm so glad! The coffee is good (flavorful, not bitter and burnt like you get at some other places), the espresso is great, and the food ranges from decent to phenomenal. One of my favorite things about this place are the homemade fancy cream cheese flavors - every day, they mix up good cream cheese with, say, kalamata olives and lemon zest, or fresh tarragon and thyme, or, recently, chipotle peppers and leeks ("chipotleek"). There's nothing like lemon dill cream cheese on a chewy everything bagel, paired with a tall mug of good black coffee, to make mornings OK. (I don't like mornings.) They make cool / great - flavored everything else too - they always have 2 or 3 quiches in the morning (with combinations like potatoes, leek, goat cheese, and chipotle, or say, cilantro, sharp cheddar, and roasted red pepper), and scones come in combos like strawberry-coconut or blueberry-ginger or white chocolate-macadamia-lemon zest, and rotate often. If I had to make one negative comment, it would be that the muffins are small. (But my waistline should probably thank them.) The staff are all friendly and great, and I've never had a bad service experience here, (although it sounds like some other reviewers have, which is too bad). I wish I could complain about the prices, but frankly, we're in Cambridge, and 1369 is par for the course, if not cheaper than other places around. (A 16-oz coffee is $2.50, I think a bagel with their homemade flavored cream cheese is $3, a fat slice of quiche is $4, and a tower of macaroni and cheese will set you back $5. Seriously, for Cambridge, that's quite reasonable - unfortunately.) Bottom line: this place is great, get the coffee, get breakfast, eat a bagel, and if you're going to get so uptight about wifi go to the public library or something, seriously. read more

I REALLY wanted this to my new favorite coffee shop...however, they are just lacking in so many things! First--the wifi is only free for 45 minutes...come on! I was worried that I wouldn't be able to finish my coffee before then. Second--the lighting is pretty bad...the ceiling fan lights do not do a good job. Lastly--their drinks are more expensive than those of other coffee shops in the area. The staff's friendly, and the music is usually good and not too loud, but sadly I can no longer go there because of the lack of wifi, lighting, and $$$. read more

I love the Coffee Here, best place in Cambridge for Coffee. It can get a little busy at times and take time for a table but other than that. Its my go to spot. read more

Quaint coffee shop, good for working. Friendly staff, and great drinks and snacks (but why are those tiny bite-sized muffins $2.50 or whatever? You'd need three to make a regular muffin). I'm tempted to give it three stars, but the ambiance bumps it to four. The bathroom situation isn't annoying, unlike many other coffee shops. Two unisex restrooms for a small shop.. no waiting. No free wifi. Lose a star. Biggest drawback is that it's popular and sometimes hard to get a seat. The location in central has this problem in spades... avoid that one definitely. read more

Definitely a fan. The tea's are all super good. I've found that the baristas are all extremely friendly. I wish this were on my way to work so I could stop by more often! They have some tasty looking goodies - last time I was dying for a lemon bar but I'm on a sugar hiatus until Thanksgiving so :( read more

A neat coffee shop in my neighborhood. A little small, but I guess that you can call it cozy. It wasn't too packed when I came in on a Tuesday night, but at one point it mostly filled up. The tables are close enough together that its almost impossible not to listen in on your neighbor's conversation. This can be good, because there were some interesting people around, or bad, because its hard to read a book when there is a lot of ambient noise. I enjoyed the music selection. At one point, I think that they were playing some video game remix with the Punch Out sound track (I mean the original Punch Out with Mike Tyson) I got a coffee and an oatmeal raisin cookie. The cookie was great; the coffee wasn't 5 stars, but it was fine. Came to $3.15 for both items. I liked the pictures of the espresso leaves. I didn't figure out whether those were made by staffers - I'll have to check. read more

The coffee is hands down better than other options in the vicinity, minus Darwin's. The place is impossibly small, and when I am either waiting on my coffee or trying to leave, I feel like I am navigating the green line at rush hour. I have heard other non-Yelpers comment on the lack of personality of the folk behind the counter, and surprisingly, it hasn't registered. Maybe it's because I am there for about 90 seconds on average - or maybe it's because, um, it's a coffee and it's hard to really get bent out of shape when your drug dealer isn't asking about how your day is going/ Or maybe (just maybe) I am spending that 90 seconds focusing on the douchebags who won't hang up their phone for 10 seconds to order their grub Or maybe I am just oblivious. Oblivious and craving another coffee. read more

This is my favorite place to get coffee on the weekend. I'm a bit of a coffee snob, I admit . . . and the 1369 is simply the best place I can find within walking distance. After some experimentation with their coffee menu, my favorite thing is an iced coffee with a shot of espresso. The coffee on it's own just doesn't DO it, unfortunately. I haven't tried their tea yet, but I have to say I'm impressed with the variety here. When I'm finally brave enough to switch to tea again, I'll let you know how I like it. I don't love this place, but I'm glad the 1369 Coffee House is there. I guess I just expected more with the cozy atmosphere and hip vibe on the outside. It attracts a wide variety of folks, and many of them seem to be regulars. Maybe I'll grow to like it more over time ~ who knows? read more

The coffee is good. Not amazing but good. The atmosphere is nice too. It's a nice little coffee place for those of you who tire of boring carbon copy corporate establishments like Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks. I'll have an extra helping of local flavor, thank you. read more

I lived around the corner from here for a couple of years. It was a nice place to hang out. I'm only giving them three stars because their food options are slim and their soymilk is disgusting. The chocolate chip cookies are gooey and yummy though. And the atmosphere is cozy and nice. I especially liked getting a window seat to watch all the people walk by. read more

Hummus is hummus is hummus. But I really like it at 1369. It can be a bit too cozy for my taste, with the inevitable grinding on strangers when crowded, but it's worth it. They have some tables in the back that are really good for studying too. And unlike a few of my other favorite spots, there's a bus stop right out front. read more

I must say, Inman SQ wouldn't feel like home without 1369. 1369 has some of the most delicious espresso and most unique and interesting characters both in front of and behind behind the bar. That being said, living here for almost 6 years, one has an opportunity to experience alot of the coffee house culture's of greater Cambridge/Boston area. It seems though, that some Cafe's can thrive ( like Darwins ) on making delicious, fresh food and coffee while offering Wifi for free. MAYBE even this amazing business model could mean they could pay their employees more so they seem a little happier when you smile and say hello.. There were times when Tim and Vanessa would play some very cool tunes, that gave the place a really cool vibe ..... now it seems that I hear music that aptly reflects various emo-barista rage, and volume levels to make your hang out much less pleasant. If you are going to hang for an hour or three .. buy something more than a coffee .. support this place .. its really no skin off your back to pay a little more to keep a Starbucks from homogenizing the Inman scene. Tip your bartenders more than the quarters in change you get .. lets make this place a positive experience again. read more

Great place to hang out on a weeknight with a friend, a laptop, or a book. Lots of tables, but they're all small, so it's not great for a group. The atmosphere's pretty good, the clientele isn't overly hipsterish, and the menu has enough stuff to keep things interesting. The Mexican chocolate I had was pretty tasty. The night I went there were more men than women in the place, which might or might not be a plus, depending on what you're into! Be forewarned: Wifi's not free. read more

Pros: -Food and drinks are usually pretty good. I'm a big fan of the Thai Iced Tea, although I'm told time and time again by my friends that theirs is not what it is actually supposed to taste like. -Service is usually pretty quick. -Independently owned, which I'm always a fan of. Cons: -A little expensive: usually at or a bit above Starbucks's prices. -Cash only, which really isn't that big of a deal. -Some of the employees/customers have a bit of a 'tude problem, which I can't get behind. I had some hipster cred back in the day! Then I turned 18, and grew up. At least at the Starbucks in Central Square, they HAVE to be nice to you... read more

I've been to both locations (the one in Central as well) and I have to say I thought the service and overall end product was much better at this location. Too bad I don't live in this neighborhood anymore as I've recently been on a kick for trying out new types of tea. The service was pleasant, they had a question of the day. "Which animal would you rather be. A giraffe or a platypus?". Me and the cashier were able to strike up a friendly convo about why I chose platypus hands down. I ordered a London Fog - I casually mentioned my hatred for Earl Gray Tea and she quickly suggested an Oolong in its place which was actually much milder and suited for my taste. I left happy and unaggravated. Which I definitely cannot say about all places. What more can you ask for? read more

Adorable, little cafe, perfect for lazy weekend afternoons. Creatively delicious specialty drinks and soups!! I just recently enjoyed their cabbage and potato soup, only wish they served it with more pita bread! Definitely worth making the request. A friend raved about her London Fog, which is basically an earl grey latte, a drink I know I've never seen or heard of before. Take a risk here and try something new! Hit this cafe up for a drink and enjoy it on your southbound hampshire stroll to lorem ipsum books. read more

I adore this coffeehouse. Their coffee is roasted by Barrington Coffee Roasters in Lee, MA. I always order French Roast, but the Columbia is very good, too. To study there? Not so much. The place itself is cramped and although they have cute tables, each with their own personal lamp, the crowd it attracts can be somewhat daunting. I have sat and studied here before, but have had to leave due to feeling uncomfortable with the person next to me. I would say this about their location in Central Square, as well. If you do study/read here, go to the back of the house. Also, you have to pay for internet. Otherwise, your best bet is to grab a hot coffee and go. I am not a big fan of their bagels, but their muffins are delicious. The only thing that would make this place better for me, is if all their coffee was fair trade. Unfortunately, only certain blends are so if you are trying to save the planet and only drink fair trade coffee, do not come here. read more

Great London Fog. Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie. Cool People. Nice Ambience. Not a place to go if you live in the neighborhood and do not want to see neighbors. I have managed to run into at least one person i know every time I visit. Now, this can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the prior caffeine situation. Oh and try their homemade lemonade. Love it! read more

I like 1369 mostly because of the atmosphere - I'll say that upfront. I'm from Seattle and often nostalgic for hanging around in coffee shops with a book or knitting or a couple of friends and sipping my frou frou beverage while reading/knitting/chatting or a combination of the three. I've been to both the Central Square and Inman Square locations a few times - other reviewers are right about them often being crowded, although I've had better luck at Inman. The employees have always been really friendly, the drinks (iced coffee concoctions with flavors and such) have been good, and I love the atmosphere. The one time I had a food item it was ok. And since someone else mentioned the large metal wheel thing in the Inman location, I'll chime in and tell you it's a coffee grinder! read more

I'm sorry 1369, I wanted to be a fan. On the face of it, it's got all the ingredients for a coffee shop I could commit to, but when it came down it, I was always disappointed. The coffee is not great (the iced is better than the hot, but I've had better), the staff is less than friendly, and for god's sake, the layout of that place gives me anxiety. Waiting in that narrow pass for them to finish my latte, getting dirty looks from people trying to get by me, then having to squeeze back through to get to the tiniest milk/sugar station ever and out the door? Yeesh. For a while I thought there must be something I was missing, given all the love for it. But, no, I think it's just overrated. My verdict? For an independently owned coffee place in Inman, go to The Biscuit and try the cheddar onion scone. Outrageous. read more

Charging for wi-fi just as the big chains have figured out not to do so is not cool, and having a glitchy interface for it does not instill confidence. It is OK to plead with people not to "camp out" on wi-fi, but NOT if they are paying for both the wi-fi and the food/beverage. Saying that cappuccino with milk in it (instead of just foam) is traditional does not make it so. It makes a coffee-ish milk drink, but there is nothing traditional about it. I do like the atmosphere (though I think the books that have been written in this cafe were written when there was a different play list on the sound system), and the baristas are friendly and attentive, if not quite expert. I reserve higher ratings for shops that support the farmers that make the coffee business possible. I don't see evidence of this in the brochure or on the web site. read more