Great coffee and service. We live in WNY and we were on a food tour with Bobby. Loved this place so much we are ordering coffee and spices online read more

I still love this place even though I am on the opposite coast. Anytime I am in the area I try to make it in. I received my shipment of coffee quickly and well packaged . The prices are great for quality beans and the shipping prices reasonable read more

A MUST DO! 4 Stars for the Coffee & 1/2 Star more for the Cool Shop & another 1/2 Star more for their Delicious Homemade Lemon Italian Ice only made in the summer. Polcari's Coffee is located in the North End of Boston. It is an old school Coffee Shop that has stayed tried & true since 1932. Entering the premises feels like you are entering a time capsule that's transported you way back in time. The shop opened in 1932 by Mr. Polcari. When he passed away he left the business to his faithful employee Bobby Eustace who now owns & operates it. It's like a Coffee Museum in here. There's almost 90 years of coffee aroma within these very walls of this structure. No wonder why it Smells So Darn Good in here. They will custom blend your coffee for your beans to go. They carry many varieties of Coffee from around the world. They also have lots of Spices from different countries from around the globe in here as well. They also sell olive oil & other packaged goods too. They also serve their own Coffee on brew in the store. The store is So Cool! It has lots of Vintage Machines, Old School Pictures, & a Variety of little Hidden Gems. You've got to Scope out every inch of the whole place or you might miss something Cool! Outside the shop you'll see the picture of Nini Limone hanging on the outside of the building that's Nini's Corner - a tribute to one of the long time residents here. You'll also see Polcari's name & date embedded in the cement sidewalk outside. Polcari's Coffee is Very Good & has a huge devoted following but their Italian Ice only made seasonally in the summer is my favorite reason to visit the shop. IT'S DELICIOUS! OLD SCHOOL ALL THE WAY! DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE LEMON ITALIAN ICE! They also sell their own Polcari's T Shirts as well. You can order online or visit the shop in person. If you want to taste what an authentic coffee shop from the 1930s looks like & tastes like then you've got to stop in here. It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really Rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget! read more

This is such a Boston/North End staple, an authentic old Boston MUST. I can't say enough about their helpful, friendly staff and how delicious the coffee is!!! It's hard to pick a favorite coffee flavor/type... so be prepared to carry multiple bags for home brewing. But there's more than coffee here, the store provides many aromatic dried goods and spices. Also, do yourself a flavor and get a couple ounces of cinnamon. Mmmmmmm read more

Polcari's Coffee - The Polcari's storefront in North End, Boston - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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About the store: Awesome coffee and great service. Don't expect high brow coffee concoctions. While you can buy a cup - and at $2 for this quality is a STEAL - you're coming here for the beans. Buy a pound of the house and a pound of your favorite. Then ask the one who's helping you for their favorite and buy a pound of that. Just remember when you're packing your suitcase to put the coffee beans on top or the TSA will be rummaging through your entire bag while you tap your toes in embarrassment. About the coffee: Having just returned from a gluttonous week in Boston, we have only tried the Guatemalan coffee which is our favorite type of coffee. The cup has a beautiful smooth, mellow flavor with a delicious chocolate finish. Can't wait to try the rest. read more

Great value and great beans, we have been coming here weekly for a while. Whole bean combination for our Saaco machine. I don't know the mix as I'm not the barista here on the home front but it sure is fresh and excellent beans. Friendly staff, family small business. Selection of spices, and coffee and kitchen items for your pleasure. Thank you Polcari's. read more

Some of the nicest coffee in all of Boston. Plus the staff is sooooooooo nice. They have this lemon slush drink that's so great too. Cozy with exposed brick walls. This place is a gem in the North End. read more

Polcari's is a great place to buy locally roasted coffee beans. They also have a wonderful assortment of spices and imported Italian goods. We bought some chocolate covered coffee beans, some Italian dipping spices and some roasted hazelnuts. The roasted hazelnuts are my favorite. read more

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A welcoming, cozy little shop with big history, excellent (& friendly!) service, and the best coffee. May it never change.

yoooooo... what the hell? I just had literally the most negative encounter with one of the employees at this place. The owner was on the phone so I can't comment on him but this employee either needs to be fired or a lesson in friendly service. People in LA don't act this way. He literally gave me so much attitude when I ordered an Americano saying they don't have any... without telling me what else he could make... so then I order an iced coffee. He gives it to me. It's an inch LESS than the photo I just attached. Then I ask if he can fill it up more, he follows up with MORE sass and attitude and gives me this. And it's shitty coffee! What the hell? I'm like shocked at the good ratings here. Maybe he can tell I'm out of town but that entire interaction was so negative and unnecessary to me. I just threw away the coffee. Do better Polaris. read more

Polcari's Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This place is great! It looks very old world; it's been around since 1932. The current owner has worked in the shop for nearly 30 years and when the owner passed away, he took over and left it in tact including the old register. It sells a wide variety of coffee, teas, herbs and spices, as well as an assortment of unique candies, pastas and other grocery items from around the world. It's a great shop and the prices are very reasonable. It's a true treasure! read more

Polcari's Coffee - Loads of spices and herbs, weighed by the ounce. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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It was an incredible space. Such a variety! The quality of tea was great and decent price. Everyone who helped was so helpful and thoughtful. Would definitely go back! read more

Polcari's Coffee - My goodies - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Great family owned coffee business with extensive selection of coffee, spices, candy and Boston treasures. Excellent customer service. One of the North End businesses where locals stop in to say hello. read more

Stopped in for an Italian Lemon slush for myself and an espresso for my husband. The lemon slush was awesome, slightly tart and very refreshing. My husband said his espresso was perfect. The coffee shop is small, but well stocked with lots of spices, coffee beans, teas and other treats. Super friendly guys behind the counter. Chatted a bit with them while we waited for the lemon slush machine. read more

Traditional coffee and spice shop in the North End. Great selection of coffee bean roasts and blends. If you need the coffee ground they will happily do it for you. I've tried many of their different blends which have all been great brewed at home with an espresso machine. Staff is incredibly friendly and willing to provide guidance if you need help deciding on which coffee beans to get. Reasonably priced. Highly recommend for coffee beans or just to experience a traditional Italian coffee shop to complete any Boston trip. read more

Polcari's is like the real-life, Italian version of the candy store Charlie walks into when he buys the lucky bar of chocolate in the movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It is reminiscent of an old-timey convenience store boasting all sorts of goods (coffee, tea, spices, dried fruits, herbs, nuts, sugars, olive oils, pastas as well as some specialty items like chestnut paste and flavored extracts --the list goes on and on), some in giant, self-serve bins. I loved that a small corner of the store was devoted to the preparation of coffee and involved just the coffee maker, a bag of beans and a handful of creamer carafes. There was just something so wholesome about the operation because it was as simple as that. Moreover, it was just a few guys manning the registers and pouring up your coffee--no fancy machines. We tried the Americano and the Hot Coffee. Both were wonderful, neither bitter nor sour. The Americano had just the right amount of water to and was viscous enough to coat your tongue in a good way. It was the perfect start to a frosty December morning. read more

Polcari's Coffee - Here is an assortment of French presses for sale. They also sell t-shirts. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Absolutely love this place! The blends are fantastic, they have a ton of net spices, and the people are incredibly nice and fun to talk with as they prepare your coffee! Highly recommend the Dark Vader blend...Polcari's is the only shop I purchase my coffee from. read more

We were searching for a local coffee place and were so happy we stumbled upon Polcari's! While it is more for buying beans and grounds, our iced coffee was incredible! read more

Quaint north end coffee and pastry shop. The coffee is not the best but one can go in for the experience for an old coffee shop

Walking into Polcari's is like stepping back in time. It's an old style general store with amazing goods and delicious coffee! The staff are extremely helpful and friendly! And everything is absolutely delicious! I highly recommend making a stop here when yiuin the north end of Boston! read more

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If you know, you KNOW! I've been a patron for more years than I care to count and Polcari's has always been, and IS still, the best. Amazing coffee blends, spices in bulk, Italian/specialty food selections - this is my happy place. (Where else does the staff indulge your unsolicited Sex Pistol karaoke AND offer the best coffee, spice blends in town?!) See you SOOOON. read more

Fantastic store with a friendly staff and lots of good stuff - alas not a coffee shop - they'll make ya a cup but no place to sit

We visited Polcari's as tourists and left as friends (with a bag full of coffee!)! The gentlemen working at the counter were so friendly and helpful, describing the tastes and depth of each coffee we asked about. We loved the old fashed coffee weights and the selection of other spices, teas, and assorted goods in the shop. An eclectic stop in the historic North End of Boston to be sure! read more

Polcari's Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I walked in here with the impression that it was a coffee shop. Indeed, they sell coffee, but they do not brew it here. After having a laugh with the owner, we chatted a bit about the borough and the city. He gave me good tips on navigating Boston, and where to go. It turns out I was in Little Italy, and it has a ton of restaurants and coffee shops. After a few minutes of conversation, I went to look for a coffee shop for an iced latte. However, I would like to acknowledge the friendliness of this place, and their good variety. If you're looking to buy coffee, but not necessarily having it brewed, then check this place out. P.S. They DO take credit cards. read more

love, love, love me some Polcari's. Traditional feel, beautiful beans everywhere. Grinding can happen right there. Italian coffee choices. Wide varieties of other coffee. I would live there if I could. The smells, the spices, Italian treats, the owner.... it just made my Boston trip complete. We stuffed spices and coffee in all of our luggage, lol. Perfect stop, obviously this place is loved by the locals. read more

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When you walk into Polcari's Coffee, you feel like you've stepped back in time. The ambiance is authentic. The coffee is amazing! The amaretto flavored coffee is a treat and they have some imported coffees that are difficult to find. In addition to coffee beans, which you can get whole or ground, they have fresh herbs, spices, tea, beans, dried fruit, imported Italian candy and more. Try the chocolate covered coffee beans. If you're in the North End don't miss Polcari's. It's definitely worth making a special trip to Boston. read more

I never knew the official name of this place was Polcari's Coffee Shop which kind of makes it seem like you would come here to buy a cup of coffee. To me, it's just: Polcari's and it's not only a place to get some delicious roasted coffee beans but it's also an Old World style place to get your dry goods food items. This shop is tiny, and appears as if it's virtually unchanged from when it first opened in the North End in 1932. Cross through that doorway and you feel like you could start a conversation about whether or not Herbert Hoover was going to be unseated by FDR as President in the November election. Once inside you're enveloped in the lovely aroma of spices that permeate the air. I find that smell so comforting, reminding me of Indian grocery stores despite the fact that this place has a decidedly Italian edge. You then take in just how small this place is and struggle to figure out what your eyes should light on first, such is the jumble. There are bins, sacks, jars, tins and shelves filled with nuts, beans, coffee, teas, grains, flour, rice, etc. There's a small refrigerated case of cheeses that the staff will happily let you sample if there's something that interests you. Here you can even find more elusive items like Tuscan farro and 00 flour. One of my favorite things is that you can buy spices in whatever quantities you need rather than investing in larger jars that end up sitting on a shelf after you've used that 1/2 teaspoon of nigella seeds your recipe called for. Here I find my favorite Italian lemon tea. I buy roasted ceci beans for snacking. This is where I come to buy my cornmeal for polenta and my lentils for lentil salad. I love the assortment of beans in general and pick up a pound or so of different ones with each visit. There's not a lot of space to move around in here but they pack in an amazing amount of stuff. If you don't see what you're looking for, just ask as chances are good that they'll have it. The staff is typically run by two very helpful men who are very friendly and eager to give you tips on what to do with any of the items should you ask. There is no pre-made food here so this is a place for people who actually like to cook from scratch. The staff will give you ideas if you want them. The prices are reasonable and the intimate size and personalized attention are worth their weight in gold. I love this shop and it's another in a group of of stores that I go to fairly regularly. I avoid supermarket shopping like the plague and prefer going to multiple small specialty shops to get what I need. This is one of those shops and I hope it stays just where it is and as it is for a few more generations. read more

Polcari's is the only place that I buy my coffee these days! I love this place. Bobby and Nicky are really nice. They ship, too, which is great. Old school and a pleasure to shop at. Love, love, love Polcari's. Oh yeah don't forget to try the lemon slush in the summer. It's delish! Victoria read more

I can't give my opinion of the in person experience, because I have never been there. I just purchased some whole bean coffee online and was very disappointed. The whole bean coffee was stale and old. after one cup, the coffee went to the trash. I hope this is an isolated issue. read more

Didn't expect it but, Polcari's Coffee was definitely fabulous. The location is amazing too. I like every single thing I have ordered there. The crew is certainly a highlight of this place because they are always fast, courteous, and provide service with a smile! I would highly recommend Polcari's Coffee to anyone. read more

This is a fantastic coffee shop featuring excellent coffees and teas from around the world. The antique scales they use are over 100 years old and still working completely fine. It seems not much else has changed about the store either, aside from the fact that they now allow you to tap your credit card to pay for your coffee. read more

I can't believe I've lived in Boston for over 13 years and only found this place today! Geez, eh! I wasn't sure what to expect because the reviewers here all seem to go there for different reasons, from lemon slush to spices to coffees. I guess they really have it all AND friendly shop owners too! This is one of the few places in Boston that carry green coffee beans. I roast them in a popcorn air popper because I like my coffee beans fresh. Polcari's had Colombian and Ugandan green coffee beans. I bought half a pound of the Ugandan beans because I've never had those before. At $8 a pound, that was a pretty good deal for such a rare bean! The red tea was only $8/lb, so I bought half a pound of that too. Sitting in a box near the counter, were bags of Dutch cocoa. At $3.99, it seemed like a good price and I don't know that I've had cocoa with that color. It's all good quality stuff! I think I'll be back again to try some new stuff the next time I'm in the North End. read more

Polcari's Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Coming into Polcari's was like taking a time machine back to the early 1900s. The shop just reeks of old school complete with an antique cash register that rings up whatever increment of coffee beans (1/4, 1/2 or 1+ lbs) you desire. On that note, I can say that these folks roast some high quality bean...though some are definitely better than others. I'm thoroughly enjoying a cup of the Copenhagen as we speak, but I was disappointed with the Peruvian and Organic Mexican. The former was smooth but completely bland and the latter had an odd burnt taste to it. Looking forward to picking up some Italian and House Blend next time. read more

This is the best coffee I've had since moving back to US from overseas. We order this coffee and keep it freshly in stock monthly! Is there a monthly pass? read more

Ultra low frills Italian coffee shop in the North End that also has a surplus of groceries and Italian treats that are somewhat difficult to find here. This place carries a quaint air of comfort and familiarity to people who want to reminisce about the past. Definitely a cool place to drop by in the North End! IG: Mood4foodeatery read more

I have to admit, Polcari's Coffee was truly epic. The menu is pretty extensive so will probably be back to try some of the other items. I really like everything I have ordered there. Service is very good and staff very friendly. What an amazing find Polcari's Coffee is. read more

The lemon slushies are just perfect. Angelo helped us picked out coffee beans for cold brew. Perfect selection and great customer service. Highly recommend Polcari's. read more

Polcari's Coffee - Angelo - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Was in Boston for 72hrs. Went here 2x for a double shot of espresso. The crema was perfect, loved every sip read more

Polcari's Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

There's a reason this place has a 5 star rating! The staff is so friendly and nice. You can find traditional Italian treats in addition to the coffee beans! I came for the coffee beans and after smelling a few and per the suggestion of the nice gentleman behind the counter I went with pecan rum. Holy cow, they are amazing and the flavor is really infused in the beans. They make for a perfect cup of coffee. Highly recommend! read more

Polcari's Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Let me tell you, Polcari's Coffee is certainly rather darn cool. Good value for the money. Everything I've tried here was yummy. Workers are extremely nice and service is really swift. I would definitely drop in again. read more