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    Circus Cooperative Cafe

    4.3 (21 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Circus Cooperative Cafe Photos

    CIRCUS COOPERATIVE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Egg and cheese on an English
    Sharrun N.

    We went on a Monday holiday morning and thought we might not get a seat because people were camped out with laptops. But it worked out. Counter service was friendly but not over the top. We got our orders in not too long. There was a decent selection of decaf teas to choose from. I had a delicious egg sandwich with avocado. The English muffin looked and tasted homemade. I took home some half price, day old muffins that were fresh tasting.

    Jenny-Rose K.

    This is one of those cafe's you never want to leave. We stopped in Circus Cooperative Cafe on a busy Saturday morning. There are some tables that have comfy chairs, and there are a few couch seats where people were reading. It was nice that on a Saturday morning, they ask that you don't use your laptop. The person helping us order was fabulous and gave the perfect recommendation. Our drinks too a few minutes to come out but that is because there was one guy making drinks. And he made them really well! I like that they have easy squeeze honey and liquid sugar available for customizations. The one thing that was tricky was the lids for the iced latte was so hard to put on my drink, while I tried to get it on there, my drink flew all over the ground. The staff was amazing and came out with rags right away and the guy remade my drink, but I did see someone else struggle with their cup as well.

    Christian L.

    The staff were kind and the cafe is an open and inclusive environment. Yet, the food and drinks weren't my cup of tea. I really liked the layout of the place having tables & couches and a really open space. The MIT was ~$13 and it was one of the smallest burrito I ever had. The flavors were alright, nothing stood out. The latte with honey-cinnamon syrup was decent. Considering the price of the drinks and food, I had an expectation for slightly bigger portions or flavorful impact. I am very open to trying Circus Cooperative cafe again.

    Maple latte
    Kayla B.

    Thought it was solid but not mind blowing. I love the concept and the maple latte was just the right amount of sweet. I just personally like a coffee with more umph especially if im paying $6-7 for one. Service is super friendly, location is a bit random but close enough to harvard square to take a stroll

    decor

    coffee: delicious. sandwiches: warmed the soul. everything else: such a genuine, sweet, community-oriented and -serving spot. living their values with union-made merch, all the employees wearing masks, providing free masks / test strips / condoms / etc :) committing not just to a lefty aesthetic but a lefty LIFESTYLE!

    sign outside
    Christiane M.

    very cute atmosphere and nice area right by the river. just got a muffin to go but it was really good and i want to try their other sandwiches at some point

    Blood orange hibiscus

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    3 days ago

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    1 year ago

    We went on a random Saturday afternoon, liked the cappuccino, bakery and vibe a lot.,

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    Review Highlights - Circus Cooperative Cafe

    The space is welcoming and cozy with tables and couches, board and card games to play, and even a shelf of free books.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Faro

    Faro

    4.2
    (63 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    THEY DON'T ALLOW LAPTOPS…read more I didn't actually get any coffee here... but putting this review out so you don't make the same mistake I did! I was thoroughly disappointed when I learned this, because it's the cutest shop with the best vibes. I'll try sometime when I don't have to lock in, I guess.

    Faro Cafe is a small cafe operating as both a coffee shop and a neighborhood gathering space tucked…read moreaway in Harvard Square. We walked into a cozy, bohemian atmosphere filled with eclectic décor, photos, artwork, books, puzzles, chess boards, and an overall sense that people are encouraged to slow down and stay present. Despite the relatively small footprint, the space manages to feel welcoming rather than cramped, with indoor seating that supports conversation and outdoor seating that becomes especially popular during warmer months. Coffee is clearly the centerpiece here. We ordered espresso based drinks, including a flat white and a seasonal Juniper Latte, both of which were prepared with care and a clear emphasis on quality. The café leans into a more thoughtful coffee program, and that attention shows in the cup. Beyond the drinks, the pastry selection is good, particularly the croissants and scones, which paired naturally with the coffee menu. The experience is helped by friendly, engaged staff who contribute to the café's welcoming personality. Conversations with the baristas and small community touches helped create an environment that felt more personal than transactional. The laptop free policy can catch first time visitors by surprise, but for many regulars it is part of what gives Faro its distinctive identity and helps preserve the social atmosphere that sets it apart from more work focused cafés. For a coffee stop in Harvard Square that prioritizes human connection over productivity, Faro Cafe delivers a warm, intentional space worth slowing down for.

    Photos
    Seating area
    Seating area
    Cappuccino / 2 scones / croissant
    Cappuccino / 2 scones / croissant
    Exterior

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    Exterior
    Luxor Cafe

    Luxor Cafe

    4.0
    (40 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    I have been meaning to go here since this place opened. Always a fan of supporting Muslim owned…read morebusinesses. Right near Harvard cafe this is a very spacious cafe with lots of space to sit / work. They also have free wifi. I was here on a Sunday afternoon and the place was packed! From students to uncles having business meetings (iykyk). I really was expecting for them to have some type of chai (Yemeni or some sort). But the only chai they had was Egyptian black tea or chai latte. I settled for a chai latte with coconut milk which came to around $6. This price is on par with the cafes in the area. The chai was very sweet and had a strong spice taste which tasted like it was made from a syrup. Not the best cup of tea. Their menu has a lot of items.

    This is an Egyptian coffee shop; I came to buy some bread…read more Sticky Bun: The caramel and pecans ensured it won't be bad, but the syrup coating and the crispness of the crust were uneven. It felt a bit perfunctory. Almond Croissant: I didn't expect it to have a sugary filling inside! A light cinnamon flavor, not too dry, not bad. Chocolate Croissant: A simple and straightforward croissant with a chocolate stick inside. Using dark chocolate prevented it from being too sweet, which is a plus. Plain Croissant: Surprisingly, it was still delicious even after being refrigerated for two days. The bread was very soft and had a subtle peppery aroma.

    Photos
    Cool downstairs area!
    Cool downstairs area!
    Luxor Cafe
    Luxor Cafe

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    Black Sheep Bagel Cafe

    Black Sheep Bagel Cafe

    4.2
    (333 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $

    Maybe I was just too hungry, but this place was so delicious…read more Lox Classic: The smoked salmon was delicate and smooth, the cream cheese was creamy and fragrant, and the high-calorie intake made me feel alive after the first bite, but it got a bit greasy towards the end. I chose the Everything Bagel, which had a thin, crispy crust on the outside, but the inside was full of soft, airy textures, and the spiciness of the black pepper was particularly prominent. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it's the best bagel I've ever had. The Favorite: Boiled egg + tomato + avocado, fresh, refreshing, and full of oily aroma, delicate, fluffy, and with a touch of crispness, it's hard not to be the Favorite! I chose the Rosemary Sea Salt Bagel, which, as always, was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with both seasonings having very prominent aromas, becoming more fragrant with each chew. Iced Latte: The milky aroma was incredibly rich!!! I was amazed by the first sip, I loved it. The interior is old and dark, and it gets very hot in the summer, so it's much better to sit outdoors.

    If I'd known the bagels were this unremarkable, I would've just gone to Dunkin Donuts 2 hours…read moreearlier. Rude staff, too. I asked for my bagel untoasted, and when she realized the mistake, gave me a dirty look, and what I thought might be spiteful fat-free cream cheese... until I realized that's not an option.. so, the cream cheese is bland, the bagels were bland, and the woman preparing the bagel is kind of a jerk..

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Lox Classic on Sesame Bagel
    Lox Classic on Sesame Bagel
    Everything bagel with jalapenos cream cheese and topped with red onion and tomato

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    Everything bagel with jalapenos cream cheese and topped with red onion and tomato
    Zinneken's - Harvard Square

    Zinneken's - Harvard Square

    3.9
    (665 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $

    TLDR: You can't go wrong with a warm, freshly made waffle…read morehere, but people definitely have their individual preferences. My recommendation is to go with the Liege waffle with berries and your pick of any other toppings. With a cozy atmosphere and the smell of warm waffles, this is an especially good spot during the colder months, but still a favorite in the warmer months too. ------ FOOD: THE LIEGE (5/5) The Liege waffle is the classic here and the one I'd recommend. Sweet, thick, and a richer snack (i.e. the satisfying treat you're probably looking for if you're stopping by a waffle shop). All of the topping combos are classic, and the berries they use here are high quality. Waffles come out hot and fresh after just being made, so if you order ice cream or whipped cream, know that you'll have to eat quickly if you don't want it to melt into the waffle. THE BRUSSELS (4.5/5) Besides the Liege, the Brussels waffle is an interesting choice and very different from the Liege. As the menu describes, it's definitely significantly lighter, and it's crispier in a different way (not from the caramelization of the pearl sugar but from crisped up batter similar to an Ego waffle). It's extremely delicate, so I'd recommend just doing some powdered sugar and maybe a chocolate drizzle or some whipped cream. ------ ENVIRONMENT / AMBIANCE: * Small shop on the edge of Harvard Square. Some window seating and a few small tables best for groups of 2 - 4. * Given how small it is inside, finding a seat during peak hours can be particularly challenging, and lines can be out the door too. ------ SERVICE: * Order at the kiosk and then find a seat (if you can). When a waffle is done, they'll call a name and come to you once you indicate that it's for you. * Water and utensils are self-service, and the expectation is that you put your plates, utensils, and cups away in a bin inside by the counter.

    Perfect for sitting quietly on a sunny afternoon, especially when you're feeling down…read more Gourmand Waffle: Liege waffle/banana/whipped cream/caramel. The ultimate sweetness is evident from the ingredients. The waffle was light and crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside; the sweetness of the banana and caramel is mellow and rich, the pearl sugar was slightly caramelized, and the sweetness of the cream was natural and light. Every bite offered a different layer of flavor. But most importantly, it was really sweet, and sweetness is the most soul-stirring enjoyment. It was sweet enough to bring peace, allowing you to temporarily escape the world and focus on this plate of beautiful fairytale. Café au Lait (Latte): Beautifully layered, with a natural milky aroma. But what does the menu mean by confusing café au lait with latte?

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    The Sin Waffle, add whip cream and Caramel Macchiato
    The Sin Waffle, add whip cream and Caramel Macchiato
    Banana/ strawberry/ chocolate waffle

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    Banana/ strawberry/ chocolate waffle

    Circus Cooperative Cafe - cafes - Updated July 2026

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