Please come here instead of Starbucks. i'm not a coffee drinker, but they do have some nice tea selections both hot and iced. Pastries are generously sized. Staff is super friendly. Have to agree with Ryan that the space is a little awkward. Seating is best for parties of 2. read more

I try to do the "good" thing going here instead of Starbucks up the road, but the paid wi-fi is a deal breaker. Not only do they charge astronomical rates for the wi-fi (something like $7 a day or $20 a month), they don't offer you free wi-fi if you spend above a certain amount on food or coffee. (The last thing I need is a $20 recurring charge for wi-fi at a coffee shop on my monthly list of bills.) They also jam other wi-fi signals so you can't connect to your phone or xfiniti. Puts a greedy taste in my mouth personally. The coffee is fine, the sandwiches are good. Folks getting coffee to go do seem to like it here. FYI for oat milk drinkers: They use cheap oat milk instead of Oatly, can taste the difference. read more

Want a solid cup of coffee and find yourself somewhere inbetween Harvard and Porter? Go see Simon. The only thing I dislike about this place is that it's popularity with people who have baby strollers is in-tense. This storefront is teeny-tiny. Try getting to order a cup'a'joe while battling off strollers to even just get into the place. Once you make it to the counter, order a pastry with your coffee, they are real good. Even day old pastries are good here, which is GREEN too. So much less waste. Hell yeah. read more

Really exceptional coffee!!! Read about Simon's from CoffeeGeek.com and a few other blogs. Came straight across here after I landed from SFO and was not disappointed in the least. For people who know SF, this would be up around the Ritual, Four Barrels standard! Latte was very flavorful, no bitterness and poured to perfection. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Simon's Coffee Shop - Latte. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

My favorite coffee shop in Greater Boston Area! It used to be my go to place when I lived in Cambridge and even now after I moved away; I don't mind driving 40 minutes on a weekend just to get latte coffee mocha from Simon's! The service is always great, staff is friendly! Sandwiches are delicious too. Coffee is just on another level. Thank you for your service, for making such delicious coffee!!! read more

Great latte and really good mozzarella sandwich! The service was good and really fast, the only thing I didn't like is the decor/ambiance, this place is kinda meh. I know it seems silly but I really care about the soundtrack, decor and overall ambiance of coffee shops. There's also a good pastry selection! Lemon poppy seed cake looks wonderful! read more

Simon's Coffee Shop - Indoor area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

This review is for my second visit. The first time I came here I got a latte and a cookie - they were both good, not "Oh my gosh I have to get back here as soon as I possibly can" good, but solid. This time I got a medium vanilla latte and a slice of the lemon poppyseed tea cake. The latte was good, and quite large - but definitely on the expensive side even for a flavored latte! I was a little taken aback to be honest. The tea cake was fine - good flavor but kind of dry/stale. It was also a little pricey for what it was. The other baked goods look tasty, but I have yet to try them. All in all - I'd come back but it wouldn't be first on my list. read more

Simon's Coffee Shop - Lemon poppyseed tea cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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I love scones ... I came here to try this because of you..yelpers Their scorn is the best I've ever try in the US.. (My favourite one is Anotai's in Thailand )... I don't drink coffee , but my friend ordered cappuccino ..she (used to be a barista) said it was great... Croissant was a bit oily... But we loved it.. We went here early on sat.. Nice and quiet for 20 minutes then was a bit busy ..,seemed like people around there were fans No free wifi... We have to pay... read more

Simon's Coffee Shop - Amazing latte art .. Yummy scone - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oh, heck yes! Simon's was a delightful place to crash mid-afternoon with some girlfriends after we finished shopping. Their iced mocha latte was de-lish! The chocolate cupcake I had was solid, as well. :-) I agree with the other reviewers about the joys of people-watching in Simon's. From the throng of friendly-looking geeks hiding behind their laptops to the middle-aged couple decked out in black and heavy eyeliner that looked like descendants of the Osbornes, the clientele is certainly diverse! read more

Simon's Coffee Shop - Chocolate cupcake! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I want to give them 3.5 stars, but for being a local business I'll bump them up with the benefit of the doubt. I have been extremely happy with the coffee at Simon's, and the people are always nice. The problem is, almost every time I am there, I can't get a seat. I hardly even try anymore. Sadly, I also seem to miss the moment to have a selection of baked goods, and they often have few bagels or choices when I go. (Do I just time my trips to Simon's badly???) But for take-out coffee as you're strolling through the neighborhood, this place is definitely a good choice. They also have some good non-coffee (tea etc) drinks. And they sell day-old baked goods at a discount, to grab and go with your take out coffee. :) read more

Simon's Coffee Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Look at how beautiful that hot chocolate is! And it's not super sweet either. Of course it isn't the best hot chocolate you could have, since this place doesn't specialize in hot chocolate, but the cafe is quaint and worth a visit if you want to escape franchise cafes like Starbucks. It's a bit small, though, so be prepared to arrive to no open seating. read more

Simon's Coffee Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Love all the negative reviews for no free wifi! Yeah, that's how you measure a coffee shop, all about them wifis. Trust me, the employees don't want the free wifi crusaders in there anyway so it all works out. Try talking to one of the many interesting people at the surrounding tables instead! It's Cambridge after all, lots of eccentric folks willing to chat while sipping some of the best coffee in Boston at one of the longest running coffee shops. Simon's is a Porter Square icon. This isn't a full service restaurant. It's fine that they don't have egg sandwiches. You know what they do have? Amazing coffee, espresso, and espresso based drinks, and locally made pastries. Cuz it's a coffee shop, not a @!#$!@# restaurant. Be happy they even make sandwiches. And the comments about the hipster staff/clientele: it's effing Cambridge. Who do you think makes and drinks good coffee in Cambridge? What exactly were you expecting? What does hipster even mean anymore? Why are we still using that stupid term? Disclaimer: I used to work there years ago and it feels good to finally get all that off my chest. P.S. They now have egg sandwiches so boom. read more

Drinks are decent, pastries are always sparse, and you have to buy a subscription to pay for their WiFi. Parking is free- only a few spots, but only for 30 minutes. read more

Once you've had Simon's coffee, you'll forever develop a certain standard for your coffee. Since my Australian friends- self-acknowledging coffee snobs- introduced me to Simon's four years ago, it has emerged as my go-to coffee shop for a casual cappuccino. Why do I mention said Aussies? Well, Australia is renowned for its high-quality coffee shops, which were started by espresso-loving Italian immigrants fleeing Europe during the world wars. That said, if you have a sophisticated (or even unsophisticated) taste for espresso, Simon's will be your cup of tea (or coffee). If you're visiting from overseas and are heavily disappointed with the substandard American coffee all around you, you'd be remiss not to pay Simon's a visit. The coffee shop itself is quaint- a small and narrow, artsy-divey coffee shop that has limited indoor and outdoor seating and no wifi. The food doesn't quite compare to other coffee shops in the area (Three Little Figs, Hi-Rise, Forge...), but the banana bread and vegan macarons are quite good. I've never had a problem with the service here; it's solid. Then again, I'm never looking to stir any drama. If anything, I've had the pleasure of getting to know some of the workers by a first-name basis, and all the employees always know my good friend's order. Simon's coffee alone secures this lovely establishment a perfect 5 out of 5. If you don't believe me, bring over your favorite Australian friend! read more

I definitely plan on giving Simon's another chance, but as of my first visit I was not impressed. PRO: lots of vegan and gluten free pastries for friends with dietary restrictions CON: hipster staff, hipster clientele... it's like a parody of Cambridge/Somerville in here! I got a toasted bagel with butter ($1.75) and it was burnt to a crisp. Whatever happened to "make it nice or make it twice"? They must have seen that it was burnt when they were spreading butter on it and still given it to me that way! Unfortunately I didn't notice before I drove away or I would have said something. The prices are pretty reasonable, and they sell day-old pastries at a discount. The convenient location right on Mass Ave. probably makes for great people-watching! I didn't stick around, but I would imagine it's tough to get a seat at busy times since the shop is pretty narrow. There are plenty of tables for getting work done, though! Hopefully their coffee is better than their food, but it'll be hard to come back here with other places (Bagelsaurus, Bourbon Coffee) in the area. read more

Really delicious, perfectly roasted coffee. Friendly staff, and a wonderful bustling location. I wish I could have sat and enjoyed the cozy atmosphere all afternoon--and I will definitely return once Covid restrictions can be lifted. read more

Hip little coffee shop on the edge of Porter Square. The inside is has a homey feel and always displays work from local artists. Coffee quality is reliable and they have tons of speciality lattes. Try to see what they have in season! As for food, I have yet to tried the pastries but enjoyed the tomato and mozzarella sandwich with the pesto spread. Get it pressed! The only downside of this place is that the Wi-Fi is Paid only. I know this is in line with a lot of other shops in Cambridge / Somerville but it just isn't right! Maybe not ideal for working anyways as its small and crowded on weekends. Ultimately, if you're in Porter then give it a shot! One of my favorite in the Square. read more

I used to like this place, but today's visit was pretty sad. Staff were standing around behind the counter not doing much. One guy was eating on the job, which is gross. I had a simple order which the cashier took and then forgot. When I politely reminded him, he laughed in an embarrassed way, got me my order, and didn't apologize. Good coffee, unprofessional service. read more

Yeah, Sorry, no. Personally, not for me. Go to newbury st or 1369 in cambrdge for coffee/work study. The latte was good, nothing special. Manager (i think? he was a older guy who looked like he was running the place) was very nice - the only nice thing I have to say. But the other cashier/baristas gave me a very impatient/rushing me vibe. The place said they closed at 3pm but at 2:30pm they were ready to chase me out, packing up all the chairs, putting everything away and going around and about me to do it. I did not feel welcome so I left pretty early before closing time. Not coming back here again. Also, a couple of customers came in and were really loud or rowdy and no one did anything. No wifi either (you have to pay). read more

+ Great baristas ++ Great coffee + Great sandwitches - no breakfast offerings -- No free WiFi. Come on, it's 2016. They need at least free wifi for an hour or so. read more

Simon's Coffee Shop is local, independent, coffee shop perfection served with fair prices, a warm atmosphere and really, really good coffee. For coffee snobs and laptop toters, Simon provides a welcome retreat for you all: Coffee Snobs: Though I don't consider myself one, I drink a ton of coffee. Mostly because I like the taste and often consider it to be the nice, shiny bow that wraps up my meal; and also the sheer sensation of caffeine is a welcome pick-me-up on a particularly crazy day/week/month. Of all the local shops, the taste of Simon's appeals to me most; it lacks the bitter, dense characteristics of Crema or the notoriously over-roasted beans of Starbucks. It's smooth, rich and robust--without that chalky, tannic quality. I don't know if that lingo or assessment jives with any of you coffee connaisseurs, but it certainly keeps me coming back. 2. Laptop Toters: And if there is something I know, um, something about...it's working from home. Or rather, working from various other places because working from home gets boring. Cafés, coffee shops, books stores...these nooks offer temporary respite from home office monotony. Simon's, though on the small side, provides a provisional professional retreat. Outlets, paid wireless, delicious sandwiches, soups and baked goods, teas coffees and bathrooms where keys are not required. If you need more in a satellite desk space, then there is just not satisfying you, my friend. In the summer, an iced green tea latte serves as sweet relief from the relentless heat. During winter months, warm up with a perfectly pulled espresso and a maple scone. Meet a friend for coffee any time. Just don't pass this up and opt for Starbucks! read more

Best. Coffee. In. Cambridge. Possibly even Boston. Australia is very fortunate to have received a large intake of Italians during and after WW2, and when they came, they brought with them their love of espresso. Their passion permeated our Aussie culture - it's pretty damn hard to find a bad cup of coffee in Sydney or Melbourne, simply because people won't put up with it (to give you a frame of reference, Starbucks pretty much shut down in Australia because people didn't buy it). I'm telling you all this because I'm Australian, and I love my coffee. It took me the longest time to find a place in Cambridge that actually serves real, properly made, Espresso coffee. Sorry to sound like a snob, but I share my compatriots view of Starbucks. Petsi Pies on Putnam - I love the vibe, but sometimes you can get a great cup, sometimes not. Crema Cafe in Harvard Square is an abomination - they look like a great coffee shop but they just couldn't pull a shot of espresso to save themselves. After many moons of looking, I finally ventured north of Harvard Square to Simon's, and I found what I was looking for. It is truly amazing coffee. The baristas know exactly what they're doing - whether it be with the beans or the milk. The shop itself is rather non-descript, and it's often full of locals getting their fix of java, but even if you only go for takeout, you should absolutely go. It's how coffee is meant to be. read more

I used to work in the building right next to Simon's... and I miss the heck out of that place. Simon's provided me with the most delicious caffiene (and decaf) I have ever had. No other coffee place I have been to has been able to draw shots that tasted as wonderful. From the complex designs in latte foam, to AMAZING diablo hot chocolate, I was never disappointed. Each barista has their own style and beverages they excel at (though Simon himself makes miracles with any drink you ask for). Learn the flow and you will be rewarded with a wide variety of tasty options. read more

The best coffee around. I'm not a super coffee geek (although my friends who are also swear by Simon's) but I do enjoy a good espresso and a good drip coffee, and Simon's delivers on both. The Barismo espresso they serve is smooth and delicious -- the first time I had it it was devastatingly good -- if you think of straight espresso as being acidic, harsh, and nasty, sipping on a cup of Simon's is like the first time you tried Patron after a college career full of drinking plastic handle El Horrible. Drip drinks are great too -- strong and delicious with a depth of flavor that far exceeds your basic cup o' joe from Starbucks or Dunkies. On top of superior beans, the great thing about Simon's is that you can tell the baristas serving you actually care about making you a great coffee -- these aren't high schoolers lazily part-timing, these are serious coffee enthusiasts who really love coffee. Bzz bzz bzz! COFFEE COFFEE GO! read more

Nice local coffee shop! Went around 8:30 AM on a Thursday and it was packed! Had to wait for a table (there are probably about 10 tables that seat 2 people each). Ordered the oatmeal with dried cranberries and walnuts for $5.50. It was a perfect portion and nice and warm on a windy November morning. Plus it was dairy free! My friend - a real coffee aficionado- enjoyed a cup of coffee. The baristas were helpful and friendly. All in all, it's a great local coffee shop with some solid food choices as well! read more

"Impressive!" that's what I told the guy making my cappuccino. It's a cute coffee shop and I love the independent feel and look. As far as I'm concerned we need more like this, or at least more non corporate ones. BUT, come on, does it really have to take 15 minutes to get a coffee drink? It took the guy three minute to put down his ice cream Sunday and ask me what i want. Then the guy making the coffee drinks, who needed a hair net and maybe a good shampooing, took for-eeeevvvva. While he was making my coffee he decided to strike up a conversation about cameras and old cars with another customer. This made him even slower..... I am not joking that it took 15 minutes to get my drink and this is the second time this has happened. When he gave me my drink i told him it was "impressive how slow he was". I truly was amazed, Helen Keller would of been faster. Two stars, the coffee was good, not sure worth the wait. read more

Wow, Simon's was really hopping at 8:30 on a Saturday morning! People come in for the espressos and espresso-based drinks. My double macchiato could not be improved on in any way. The coffee had an unusual taste that I would describe as "earthy"; I think that I'd have no trouble recognizing Simon's shots in a blind tasting of espressos. This coffee shop gets a prize for the ratio (length)/(width), which is about as large as I've ever seen. The store is very deep, but it's only about as wide as two telephone booths. The article http://www.simonscoffeeshop.com/globe_article1.html is well worth reading! read more

I came here on a Saturday morning. My mocha was delicious, but the worker at the cashier wasn't very friendly. No eye contact, had trouble running my card and made a remark under her breath about how annoying it is when customers don't pay with cash, and wasn't friendly when I asked a question about one of the drink specials (she answered my question and didn't say anything bad, but zero smile, I felt like I was bugging her). Also it was really hot inside... I had planned to study there for a bit, but it was uncomfortably warm. I said something to the barista but he ignored me. read more

For a neighborhood coffee shop, this place rocks.. I used to get their latte every time, till my roommate introduced me to "Mexican Mocha", and this is going to be my new favorite.. Now, Mexican Mocha is not something that they advertise on their menu.. (I don't know why..) And, the price of it varies by who is ringing you up (which is a pet peeve of mine). I got it once for 3.50 and I think that is the price that I am going to insist on if they were to charge me more.. The place is small and the tables are often taken, so, you might have to wait a bit if you want sit there, which is what I would recommend. They also have a variety of snacks and sandwiches. I haven't really tried the sandwiches, but, their bagels are always good and fresh and and they do a decent job of toasting them.. Simon's is really good for a Sunday afternoon coffeebreak.. read more

Simon's Coffee Shop Espresso crawls down my throat Eager for next shot. Kudos to the pleasant, very knowledgeable owner who puts quality of the beans above quantity of drink. To top it off, the crema is velvety and delicious, not dry and stale. The teas are the best in town and the staff tell you how long to steep it. I love their crimson berry tea. And for the winter, ask for a diablo hot chocolate ( hot chocolate with a hint of vanilla, cardamom, some type of chili spice) also known as the Mexican Hot Chocolate. The patrons are friendly and since you paid for a drink that is 4 bucks and there is an empty seat next to a patron, don't be afraid to ask to sit next to them. read more

Fantastic coffee shop - one of the best in the area. I come here often. What I love: Fantastic lattes, great breakfast pastries, good selection of locally roasted beans, overall nice atmosphere. Why it almost didn't get 5 stars: Their drip coffee is forgettable, which is surprising and somewhat disappointing. I'm not sure whether they do pour over, but I haven't noticed it on their menu. I completely disagree with those complaining about the lack of free WiFi. Simon's gets crowded on the weekends, and it is a small, narrow space. Free WiFi would only encourage people to squat for hours. Enjoy Simon's for what it is - a great place to grab a coffee and sit for a few minutes for a chat with a friend, not a place to squat in limited seating for hours surfing the web. read more

Ordered the SHAKEN ICED HONEY LATTE. Delicious. Different but good. Will definitely be back for it again. Cozy spot with room but not too much. read more

Simon's Coffee Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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First thing I noticed upon ordering was the extremely high end espresso machine about to effortlessly serve my sweet espresso, and, let me say, you can taste the difference. You may not describe lattes as "clean", but that's exactly what to expect at Simon's Coffee Shop. The vanilla latte is light, clean, and sinfully smooth. This barista knows exactly what he's doing behind the counter. I'm sipping the latte while drafting this review, and I'm still amazed by how clean it tastes. I simply cannot get over it. You'll know what I mean as soon as you try one. Also, try the chocolate chunk scones... simply delicious and the perfect compliment to your latte. I'm really feeling the atmosphere in this place too: high loft-like ceilings, hanging lights that seem to bounce and vibrant off of each bright, autumny color of this place's chosen palette. And, the indie music softly playing from the speakers makes you appreciate the time you're taking to kick back and watch the world go by. Thanks to Simon's Coffee Shop and Crema Cafe, I'm starting to appreciate the Cambridge scene more and more. Simon's is well-deserving of a trip over to Porter's Square if you don't live in the area, so hop on the Red Line and actually go past Harvard, and treat yourself to espresso done right. read more

Is there a better coffee shop in Boston? I think not. I'm not a coffee connoisseur and I don't drink it everyday. But as with anything, if you start with the right ingredients, then you are more likely to have the best product. And obviously it all starts with the coffee beans. My problem with most coffee shops, Starbucks included, is that their beans are simply over-roasted... with bitterness ranging from pungent to putrid. Simon's beans are roasted with restraint, and the baristas here simply prepare the drinks with diligence and care. Yes, sometimes it can take a few minutes if there's a queue, but I appreciate the fact that they constantly and consistently strive for quality. Where else can you get an iced latte that's been "frothed" in a stainless bar shaker? When I have a friend visiting who's a coffee drinker, I bring them here, and whether they're a seattleite or a parisian, they always leave impressed. Personal favorites: Iced Honey Latte and Mochaccino. read more

I adore Simon's. In terms of food and drinks, the only place I've spent more money at than Simon's is the grocery store. Simon's has some of the best espresso around. Him and his staff are easily the most knowledgeable and passionate group of baristas that I have ever encountered. I have my regular order, but I know people who order just about everything on the menu and are never disappointed. The food is also delicious. The sandwiches are fantastic, the bagels are fresh (get the organic creamy peanut butter), and the soups (lentil and vegetarian chile my usuals) stand up to any restaurant. Coffee is the star, but the food rounds out the offerings and lets you hang out there for hours on end. The atmosphere is just a quintessential coffee shop. There are the regulars, the studying students (I fall in this group), people just passing through and everyone is just friendly. Yes, it can be crowded, but in the countless times (seriously, 100+) I have been here, I've almost always found a seat. A few times, I have to hang out for 5 or 10 minutes, but only a handful of times have I taken something to go because of the crowds. Just go to Simon's. You will not be disappointed. And you'll probably see me there. P.S. They're also very talented latte artists (prize-winning, even). But after a couple hundred lattes, the novelty has worn off. read more

I don't think the unenlightened coffee-drinker can go to Simon's and not leave with altered taste-buds. The first time I tasted a latte from Simon's I realized that I hadn't really been drinking coffee before. It's like finding a shirt cut or brand that actually *fits*. You can't realize you'd ever pay the same amount for something that's just not right. Simon's is one of the few shops that brews George Howell Terroir beans. Terroir are largely single-origin beans, which means generally that they visit and procure from single farms--these aren't blends that "feature" flattened flavors--like a fruit punch of beans, mixed to hedge against bad seasons and inconsistency in crops. Single-origin also often means that they're organic and free trade by practice and not by symbolic designation. You can read more about this stuff on the Terroir web site. But that was a digression. Simon's is fantastic coffee. If you're extremely lucky, you can get a seat there. And on nice days there's a table where you can sit outside and gloat in their coffee greatness. read more

Simon's makes one of the best cups of coffee around. Using the same Terroir beans as 1369, Petsi's, and True Grounds, the staff might have an edge over the others with their excellent foam designs and careful attention paid to each cup, which is always generously large. Having said that, the only thing keeping this place from getting that last star is its small size. When you can get a seat, it's a heavenly place to chat with a friend or get some work done, but often people are forced to stand in the awkward narrow passageway by the cashier waiting for a chance to sit. As for the food, I've always found the soups and pastries to be excellent. The sandwiches tend to be a little on the bland side. I'm a big fan of the bagels personally, but that may just be me. read more

If you're looking for a coffee shop near Harvard other than Starbucks--this is your place. It's particularly cozy--with a few tables lined up against the wall opposite of the counter. I tried their matcha latte which was solid--it would have been nice if there was some latte art included. It did take a while for my order to arrive--approximately 5 minutes though there were a couple of people ahead of me. Price was typical of a normal coffee shop--ranging from 2-5 dollars depending on the drink and size you order. read more

By far, the best espresso and brewed coffee in the city. Even though they mostly brew George Howell's coffee, the way its made at Simons always tastes far better than other cafe's that have Howell's coffee. I wish Simon's were a bit bigger and had free wifi. I'd traverse the long long distance (all the way from Inman SQ!) just to make it my secondary living room, surely keeping them in business while supporting my caffeine addiction amongst other cravings. UPDATE: they've since been carrying the "Barismo" bean which apparently is a local roaster by one of the former Simons baristas? Simon even gets his own roast.. de-lish read more

I'm a first timer at Simon's as of today. I'm giving them five stars because I ordered an iced honey latte and it blew my world open. They brew espresso over honey to melt the honey then shake it with milk and ice to chill it and make it foamy. YES PLEASE. I might be going back this afternoon for another one. Finally, a coffee beverage that is worth $4. My husband got a large black coffee and he said it was good too. read more