Thinking Cup

252

633

1188

10 years ago

I came here on Thursday around 11 am and this place got pack real quick! But don't let the long line scare you away. The process move real quick and eventually by the time you get your drink and food there will be empty tables. The staffs are friendly and the prices are reasonable! Iced vanilla ginger latte (4/5) - I could hardly taste the ginger but it still tasted good Salmon lox beagle (5/5) - It was refreshing and delicious read more

Thinking Cup - Salmon lox beagle - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Thinking Cup - Iced vanilla ginger latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Kevin L.

575

1239

3396

7 years ago

If you are looking for some liquid Ferrero Rocher, get it here with their Hazelnut Latte. I thoroughly enjoyed it as it was sweet but not overpowering. You still had that coffee flavor but the hazelnut is very prominent. You are sipping and as you do that, you get little nuggets of hazelnut if your gulp. Not expected but pleasantly surprised. The drink is a great start to your day or also for an afternoon pick me up. There are other food and drink items here but I came here for the latte only. There are multiple Thinking Cup locations in Boston so it's also convenient. I would recommend giving this place a try for a to-go order or for a pleasant working sesh in the cafe. read more

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Aidana I.

5 years ago

I have never tried such a tasteful coffee before finding this place. This place is very suitable for working. It is very cozy and small inside but still accommodates a lot of people. I wish this cafe was a cafe chain so you could find it in other states because once you try their hazelnut latte you will become addicted to it. read more

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Ariana G.

219

198

8 years ago

I stop into Thinking Cup almost every morning for a large iced coffee and the occasional breakfast sandwich and I am never upset that I did! I think that their iced coffee is some of the best in the Park Street area and 20 oz of cold brew is $3.84 which really isn't that bad for high quality coffee. On the occasional morning I will also opt for a bacon, egg, and cheese on an english muffin which is a little on the pricey side but so so good! I would highly suggest coming to the Thinking Cup before any of the many chain coffee shops in the Park Street area. While it does tend to be a bit on the pricer side, the quality you are getting is much better than any Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks. I would highly suggest trying at least once if you are in the area! read more

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Julianne S.

5 years ago

The food and coffee was amazing! Great atmosphere and the workers were so nice! Really great experience!

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Sajida G.

5 years ago

Covid precautions were being followed. Loved the ambiance. Had a chocolate/Nutella croissant which was ok read more

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Frankie G.

8 years ago

This place gets the two stars for good fresh squeezed juice. It gets dinged for a few reasons. First, that juice will set you back almost $4 for a very small cup. Second, they do not fresh brew their iced tea like Cafe Nero. Third, that tea, even the "black tea" is weak and tastes watered down. Finally, if you want a place with more hipsters than Starbucks or even Blue Bottle, this is the place for you. Nothing but turtlenecks with beards talking about theater and their favorite antique bookstore. This is optimal for some, but I felt judged as they turned their noses up at someone like me. read more

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Gab G.

Elite 26 All-Star

288

3990

15964

9 years ago

This is the second location that I've visited - I'd say it's just as good as Newbury Street and definitely less crowded. I had a chai tea latte and pumpkin cheesecake, plus a bit of the plain croissant and chocolate chip cookie with sea salt. So good! read more

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Bree M.

4 years ago

The best most amazing breakfast and coffee in Boston. A must-stop if you're visiting. The veggie quiche is beyond words.

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Madison H.

6 years ago

The matcha was delicious (note it is unsweetened and the small is very small) and the bagels & lox were divine. The cream cheese is particularly creamy and pairs perfectly with the fresh-tasting salmon. I would avoid the indoor dining, it's a liiiiittle too close for comfort. read more

Thinking Cup - Bagels & smoked salmon sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Oren L.

7 years ago

Great bakery. Cherry Scone and morning bun were super delicious. Atmosphire is very warm and casual. Exellent place for breakfast/coffee. read more

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Tracy L.

4 years ago

Cute and cozy coffee shop right on Boston Commons. Everything my party of 3 had was very good! Daughter says it's the best chai anywhere and my oatmilk latte was also great. Everything in the bakery case looked beautiful. Definitely recommend! read more

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Alfredo A.

6 years ago

This supposed to be a cappuccino. The picture is just lame, no foam, no color, no taste, no coffee. It was clearly brewed coffee with some milk, and kind of heated. Lame overall. read more

Thinking Cup - Cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Santi T.

Elite 21

425

587

1525

9 years ago

Thinking.... give me another second! Got it! After exploring Boston in the dead winter, I needed a little pick-me-up before dinner. Thanks to my good friend Phil C., he recommended Thinking Cup for a quick French macaron snack. I stepped into this dimly lit cafe already filled with guests sipping on hot beverages and eating decadent desserts. The window displayed a rainbow full of macarons which were appealing to the eye and tummy. With restraint, I picked two floral flavors: rose and lavender ($2.50 each). The first bite of a macaron tells the whole story. I prefer to have a light and airy shell with a sticky and chewy center. Both of them didn't quite meet my expectations but I was very impressed with the lavender flavor. After eating both, I thought to myself, "shucks, I should have ordered two lavenders!" The staff was patient with me since it was difficult to make my final decision. I ate inside on a small table and watched people walk by with their orders. The atmosphere was subtle yet inviting. I love that they are located by Boston Common and will return to try their Vanilla Ginger Latte and more macarons. I think therefore I Yelp. read more

Thinking Cup - Top: Rose macaron. Bottom: Lavender macaron $2.50/each - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Thinking Cup - On Tremont Street facing Boston Common - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Lalay G.

4 years ago

Food and coffee were amazingly good but cafe is so small and crowded, it was hard to get a table.

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Sarah E.

138

6 years ago

I love this place as a Suffolk University student and I always came to the Tremont location multiple times a week to do work, but in my first time back today since pre-COVID, the milk in my iced coffee just tasted old & nasty.....couldn't even drink it :( Lattes are great here though so next time I'm only sticking with that! read more

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Collin I.

4 years ago

Both my friend and I ordered to expresso based drinks with non dairy milk. Both did not taste good and they were thrown away. Sandwiches were decent but there are better choices near by. read more

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Madison D.

3 years ago

Customer service is below a quality standard. I have been to the Tremont St. location quite a few times, and each visit I have seen the employees making rude/ inappropriate comments about customers at the counter. One time I witnessed two customers get into a brief, physical altercation at the pickup counter to which the staff did nothing but watch. Food and Coffee are average, but the unfriendly staff, particularly the male associate who wears a beanie, made me stop coming. Never been a "Karen" about customer service, but treating others with basic respect and dignity is the least they could do. read more

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James S.

142

6 years ago

Thinking Cup on Tremont - our go for breakfast every morning during our weeks vacation in Boston. Great people, Great coffee, Lattes and Salmon Cream Cheese Bagels everyday make this location worthy of your business. We enjoyed it and you will too. Thank you Thinking Cup on Tremont. read more

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Lilah A.

3 years ago

Thinking Cup has the best latte I've had in Boston so far (I've lived here for 3 years). It tasted delicious, and it had beautiful latte art! The prices are reasonable here as well. The space has good lighting, smell, and general ambiance. The croissant was not as buttery as I usually like, but in a way, it made it easier to eat in public. Definitely coming back here! read more

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Brandon B.

5 years ago

Great proximity to the park and amazing treats, we stopped in during a walk while on vacation. Service was wonderful.

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Yianni C.

233

7 years ago

They have the right idea. What this place, and other mom and pop coffee shops, has is the ability to order made fresh to order sandwiches, breakfast, grilled cheeses. This is not the same as heating up a premade sandwich out of a wrapper like Starbucks. And the coffee is great .. they use stumptown which is a good brand. I had a latte and a breakfast burrito and enjoyed them both. read more

Thinking Cup - Counter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Julie N.

4 years ago

Nice coffee shop with tasty lattes, just extremely crowded. It's nice that this locations is open past 4pm given that this city loves to close everything early... read more

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Jacob S.

Elite 21

226

123

8 years ago

As a college student in Boston, I need my caffeine. And, on top of that, I need it in a different style every day. Black coffee, vanilla latte, macchiato. Thinking Cup can give me all of those- and does them well. When you walk in, the atmosphere is- as the name says it- for a nice, deep think. That isn't to say Thinking Cup isn't good for a date or a quick caffeine run, though. While the coffee is fantastic, the food is also delicious. Their sandwiches, baked goods, and pastries are all very delicious and worth a try. Thinking Cup is a great place to grab a cup of coffee, sit at the counter, and- you guessed it- think (and get that caffeine!). Thinking Cup is not, however, a good place to get work done. In fact, they don't have Wi-fi, making all of us nearby college students choose between a good cup of coffee and a place to get work done. read more

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Angel J.

3 years ago

Service, Food, and atmosphere was wonderful!! Great place to ppl watch. Was on a girls trip and we loved it. The perfect refresher!

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Jake O.

4 years ago

This was a nice fun place to stop as a family for a Coffee while we were out explain the city. It is so nice we stop for a second branch on the third day of our vacation. Definitely recommend the Cortana read more

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Jenna M.

Elite 22

215

243

173

5 years ago

This is my go to coffee shop when I'm not playing barista at home. This friendly faces and staff always welcome me in, and seem to have a good memory for who has been there before. There are many different options available for coffee/tea, breakfast, lunch, and dessert. There is ample places to sit and relax, with very calming vibes! read more

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Will S.

5 years ago

Please, please start asking your customers for their names instead of using what's on their credit cards. Not only is it creepy, but I'm a trans individual, and hearing my legal (dead) name screamed repeatedly in a crowded cafe made me extremely uncomfortable. I love Thinking Cup, but the lack of boundaries that this recent visit established made me hesitant to return. Additionally, the fact that drinks are placed rudely in front of you without lids or sleeves on the countertop is a bit concerning. It just ties in to my ask for Thinking Cup to start demonstrating a bit more basic respect and care towards customers. read more

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Federico L.

9 years ago

My go-to café for iced coffee and yummy desserts. Try the chocolate nutella brioche with an iced matcha iced latte. read more

Thinking Cup - Nutella Brioche - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Thinking Cup - Iced Coffee and Iced Matcha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Zhen Z.

4 years ago

Stumptown beans. One of the few places in Boston where coffee doesn't taste burnt.

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Elisabeth J.

4 years ago

Sandwiches are so good! Enjoy. I have had in different occasions the Italian, loved it! Jittery Hen, amazing! Smoking Jamaican a favorite! Oh coffee is good too! read more

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Fiona T.

3 years ago

Incredible coffee, delicious food, great atmosphere. I've had a lot of iced caramel lattes and this place does it best! Great service, I come here whenever I'm in the area. read more

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Liz J.

Elite 26 All-Star

747

751

7 years ago

Cute cafe we stumbled across. The chai latte and regular lattes were both good and they made the latte less strong by request. Yummy cookies and the scones looked delicious too! The staff were super friendly and seemed to be training somebody new who also had great customer service. Highly recommend this place! read more

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Anne C.

406

892

2727

10 years ago

Can't comment on the coffee BUT I can and will comment on the desserts that are out of this world. We had come from Beantown pub and we're looking for a sweet treat to bring back to our hotel room. We were losing hope and randomly found this place on the way back to our hotel and I am so glad we did. Inside were delights that would quell any sweet tooth and the best part was they were available at 7pm on a Friday. I chose the chocolate cake and Mark chose carrot cake. We brought them back and dug in. I was worried that they would have been slightly stable or even flavorless but that was not the case. My chocolate cake was moist and not very heavy tasting. Just enough filling and frosting to compliment the cake. Not a fan of carrot cake, Mark raved about it. I did try some of the frosting and it was a little sweet for my liking but that's typical for that type of cake. I also got a huge macaroon which was delicious. The place was lively for a Friday but our cashier was very nice and had a great handle on the menu. It also looks like a good place for pour over coffee so I would definitely come back to try that m read more

Business owner information

Hugh G.

Anne, thanks for sharing your Friday evening with us. Hope to see…

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Micah M.

8 years ago

For all you Gluten Free people out there this place was fantastic! I am Celiac and so it's hard to find coffee shops/patisseries that also cater GF. They have meat and veggie quiche, as well as GF pastries, and GF bread for their sandwiches. As far as contamination goes, I'm not quite sure how risky it is there. I myself got things that weren't prepared on surfaces with other bread. On the coffee side of things, they serve Stumptown Coffee and they make all their own syrups. DELICIOUS! Overall great service, wonderful choices and the non GF people in my group also agreed it was fantastic. read more

Thinking Cup - The gluten free pastries - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Oliver K.

4 years ago

Really good food at decent prices (especially compared to everywhere else in the area for breakfast stuff!)

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Sonya W.

Elite 18

773

1290

232

10 years ago

This Thinking Cup location is right across the street from Boston Common. I went here twice during my visit to Boston and, despite it being packed both times, found a seat easily. The coffee here is Stumptown, which is nothing new to a Seattlite like me, but was tasty as usual. They also have delicious breakfast sandwiches and all sorts of pastries and cakes. Staff is friendly, prices are reasonable. Indicate if you want your cup of joe to go, or else you might get it in a gigantic mug to consume indoors. read more

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Jessica P.

4 years ago

Such great quality coffee! I would recommend getting the hazelnut latte since it has hazelnut shavings in it too.

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Page 5 of 35

165 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02111
Directions
(617) 482-5555
Call Now

Full menu

Hours

What time does Thinking Cup open?

Thinking Cup opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Thinking Cup close?

Thinking Cup closes at 7:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Thinking Cup take credit cards?

Yes, Thinking Cup takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Thinking Cup have catering options?

Yes, Thinking Cup does have catering options.

Indoor Amenities

Does Thinking Cup allow dogs?

No, Thinking Cup does not allow dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Thinking Cup have bike parking?

Yes, Thinking Cup has bike parking.

Does Thinking Cup have outdoor seating?

Yes, Thinking Cup has outdoor seating options.

Does Thinking Cup have parking?

Yes, Thinking Cup has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Thinking Cup wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Thinking Cup is wheelchair accessible.

Does Thinking Cup have free WiFi?

No, Thinking Cup does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Thinking Cup is pleased to be the first coffee shop in Downtown Boston to serve "Stumptown Coffee" exclusively. Stumptown, originating in Portland Oregon had been named "Best Coffee in the World" by NPR, The New York Times, Food & Wine Magazine, and USA Today. To ensure exceptional quality and freshness we obtain our beans directly from Stumptown's roasting facility in Brooklyn, New York. Opening its doors in December 2010, Thinking Cup is ideally located just steps from the Boston Common. We are committed to providing the premier coffee experience in Boston by serving only the finest coffees, teas, and freshly baked pastries.

History

Established in 2010.

Awarded Boston's Best Coffee Shop for 2011 by Boston Magazine

More Info

Health Score

Thinking Cup Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Thinking Cup

Can I drink a cup of coffee with a friend indoors in the Tremont location, as of October 2020?

Yes

View 1 more answer

Hi is this cafe running regular business hours during covid19?

7am-7pm

View question details

Hi, Does this place do customized art on the coffee? I mean if I give a picture will they be able to put that on coffee latte?

No, sorry!

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Stopped by the Boston location after hearing so much about Uncle Tetsu's famous Japanese…read morecheesecake. There was a short wait since they bake the cheesecakes fresh in batches, but it moved pretty quickly. The Original Japanese Cheesecake was warm, soft, and definitely lived up to its signature "jiggle." It's very different from a traditional cheesecake--much lighter, fluffier, and less sweet, almost like a cross between a soufflé and a sponge cake. If you're expecting a rich New York-style cheesecake, this isn't that. Personally, I enjoyed how light it was, and it didn't leave me feeling overly full. The staff was friendly, and the shop was clean and well organized. My only suggestion would be to have a few more seating options since it's mostly grab-and-go. Overall, it's worth checking out if you're in downtown Boston or curious about Japanese-style cheesecake. I'd come back again and would like to try some of their other pastries next time.

I visited this place on a Sunday morning . When I walked in, there was no staff present and I had…read moreto wait a few minutes before someone came to assist me. I ordered an Ube cheesecake and repeated my order as it seemed there might have been some miscommunication. I was in a bit of a rush due to limited parking and unfortunately didn't check my bag before leaving. When I got home, I realized I had been given a different cheesecake than what I ordered. I decided to keep it rather than return, as going back to Chinatown wasn't convenient at the time. The cheesecake itself was also disappointing in texture and freshness--it felt quite soggy and not as fresh as expected. Overall, the experience did not meet my expectations, and I don't think I would return.

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Bao Bao Bakery & Cafe

4.0(185 reviews)

I was looking for some bakery buns to bring to friends and stumbled on Bao Bao in Chinatown. They…read morehave a nice selection of Chinese buns, pastries, and cake slices. I ended up choosing the red bean & matcha mochi bun, cream puff with mango, and pork sung roll to-go. My favorite has to be the red bean & matcha mochi bun which is super unique as I haven't seen the combination before but it was super yummy with chewy mochi in the middle. The pork sung roll was also pretty good. The cream puff on the other hand was a bit disappointing as the cream tastes a bit artificial and was not the light & fluffy whipped cream filling that I like in cream puffs.

I've gone to this bakery so many times and it's always great!! They have great prices on their…read moreitems and they are so delicious!! The sesame balls are always fantastic, I get them every time. Their Yuzu tea is also my go to and so delicious. I tried the scallion bread this time and it was such a hit, not super oniony and a the bread is a little sweet to balance it out. I would recommend every item in the case from bread to pastry.

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It's boba toppings on ice cream!!! its wicked filling. Incredible. Sweet, different flavors, milk I…read moreguess. It's weird as heck and jiggles a LOT but I LOVE IT. Really delicious. Decent portions too. Will FOR SURE be back Service is chill and the ambience is good they have a few places to sit. off the beaten path too.

The Mango Kingdom and Mango Moochi are perfect. They are so refreshing on a summer day or as an…read moreevening sweet treat. The portion size is good and it is reasonably priced. I love coming here! :) #supportlocalbusinesses

2 Mango Kingdom's, Coffee Ice Cream and Milk Tea Shaved Ice.

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One Zo

3.9(88 reviews)

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Came for some bubble tea. I didn't realize how expensive it is these days. I also don't enjoy being…read morecat fished by their tall narrow cups. I would stick to the other bubble tea places instead. However this location offers their donuts.

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4.1(124 reviews)

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Tea Do - Boston

3.9(773 reviews)

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3.8(153 reviews)

I'm quite curious about the relationship between the three bakeries in Chinatown…read more(Corner/Top/Taiwan). Although their names seem to have nothing to do with each other, they share paper bags and some products. Are they sister shops run by the same team? Egg Tart蛋撻: Since there was no insulated box, it was cold, which is a shame compared to Corner Cafe. The egg and milk aromas were masked, but there was a slight eggy smell. Portuguese Egg Tart葡撻: Although it was also cold, I preferred the baking. It had a thin crust, and the filling was still smooth and delicate, with a richer egg, milk, and sweet flavor. Butter Bun奶香包: The best product, but I forgot to take a picture... I unexpectedly encountered "Little Swell bread微波麵包," something that has disappeared in China for a long time. It was exactly the soft and moist texture I remembered, and the milk, butter, and salt flavors were even stronger.

Solid bakery in Boston's Chinatown. Would rate it a 3.5. Everything is individually packaged so…read moreit's nice being able to try a selection of pastries. They've gotten expensive over the years (now it's about $4-5 for a bun) and the quality can be hit or miss. Some things are fantastic such as their milk bread loaves or taro buns. Other items are just okay such as their raisin coconut bread & bolo baos. Those tend to be dry & flavorless. Like many other Chinatown businesses they require a $10 minimum to pay with card, so definitely more convenient to bring cash.

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Ricardo V.

16 years ago

The Thinking Cup is amazing, I am so happy that they are now open! I have lived in Downtown Boston on Boylston Street for two years and this place is exactly what I have been waiting for. I lived in Paris for two years previous to living in Boston and going to The Thinking Cup so much reminds me of being in a small cafe in Europe. The cafe has a very comfortable and relaxing atmosphere and is the perfect place to go with a friend to have lunch or just a latte and sit and chat. The first time I went to The Thinking Cup the owner welcomed us and introduced himself as well as explained all the different coffees and menu items, he was extremely welcoming and gracious for our visit. He was very passionate about the cafe, and the fact that he was going around talking with the customers was very impressive. The service was outstanding, one employee brought me a different pastry to try that he thought I might enjoy as well as offered to get me another latte which is something that I have never seen in a coffee shop around here! I had a latte as well as a chocolate croissant the first time I went, the latte was out of this world and the chocolate croissant is my new favorite breakfast pastry. I went to The Thinking Cup for lunch the next day, I ordered the chicken sandwich which was served on a cranberry bread with apple and brie cheese, by far one of the best sandwiches I have ever had a very unique combination. My friend ordered the roast beef with horse radish sauce as well as the days special black bean soup both which I tried and were very very good. The design of the cafe is very nice as well and you can tell that they paid very close attention to detail when designing the space. Every little thing was thought of down to the bathrooms which I was blown away by. I will definitely be frequenting this place on a regular basis. Edit: I had to add a comment about the hazelnut latte it is by far the BEST specialty latte I have ever had! They freshly prepare the hazelnut at the cafe by roasting etc.. A must try! read more

Jae Young L.

15 years ago

I do not kid when I say I have tried every pastry, cup cake, and dessert item they sell; I loved every single one. Their coffee, like everyone says, is excellent as well. There are no words really to describe how good this place is, just go and be amazed. Honestly, yes it will be expensive, crowded, and filled with students. But what do you expect from a place that is located right in downtown, next to a college, and in one of the priciest neighborhoods in all of Boston. Plus, your paying for the amazing quality. I was lucky enough to meet and talk with the owner. Just by talking with him, you know he cares deeply about his customers. He built his business on the motto that customer satisfaction is everything. He stops by the shop many times a day just to make sure people are happy with the service as well as the coffee (and other yummy goodies). I don't know if he will be happy with my writing this (sorry owner!) , but he and his staff honestly obsess over yelp reviews. He looks at it everyday to see how he can improve his shop, and make people happy. One yelper complained how it is too cold near the door, he put in a curtain to block the cold air within the next couple of days. He is definitely genuine about customer satisfaction. read more

Audrey C.

207

11 years ago

For all the people saying The Thinking Cup is "crowded" and "there's nowhere to sit," well, duh. First of all, you're in a popular area of Boston full of coffee-lovers, and the store is small. If you don't want to wait in a long line, go somewhere else. If you want to sit down, but there are no seats, take it to go. The crowd is inevitable, but the servers handle it well. I come here all the time and I have a fairly complicated order-- I think they've only messed it up once, and fixed it right away. The coffee is fantastic, especially if you prefer a stronger taste. I crave it in between classes. It's a great place to bring a friend, have an intimate meeting, or read a book. It's in between a very gourmet Paul, casual Tatte, and fast-paced Starbucks. read more

Daniel O.

16 years ago

The Thinking Cup served me the best cappucino I've had in Boston. I hate having to admit it, but this place is even better than Cafe Fixe - which also has highly trained baristas and uses Stumptown coffee. The barista are not only very friendly and seem to be having a lot of fun with their work which leads to even better coffee being made. Service was timely also. They must also have the best atmosphere for a cafe in town with old black and white photographs lining the wallls, tables with famous newspaper covers under glass covers and black and white movies projected on one wall. I think they even make their own baked goods, if so, then they make not only great coffee but excellent cupcakes, scones, and cakes. Go there now. read more

Susan H.

16 years ago

Came across this place after reading an article in the Boston Globe. I braved the cold and snow and walked across the park. I was not expecting much, as there is not much to impress with on the other side of the Boston Common. Well, I am here to tell you that this place could be anywhere in Boston and do very well. Yes, nice feel but that is just the beginning. The hospitality is what you would find at a 5 star establishment. I would say this place is only a coffee house but so much more than that. As it relates to the COFFEE. Well I thought I died and went to coffee heaven. If it was not so late I would have had another Latte. I also had an amazing eclair to top it off. I plan to make this my new go to place. read more

Susan J.

11 years ago

The believing cup has a great feeling, I'd love to come here and study or sit and converse with a buddy. All of there staff were super friendly and very detail oriented. It's possible for you to tell a great deal of thought went into this area. I can not wait for them to open on wednesday! oh, and for the java- excellent! I had a lovely latte :) edit: went back again today for another open house and attempted the roast chicken sandwich. It was not warm like I was anticipating for some reason but it was DELICIOUS! I am definitely getting that again. It'd thinly sliced deli chicken, chopped apples, a soft cheese, cranberry bread, cranberry spread, + mixed greens... yum! read more

John L.

11 years ago

Kaitlin N.

16 years ago

This place is great for hipsters and probably the Emerson kids. However, I was horrified at having to pay $4 for hot chocolate in an espresso cup. Seriously, $4 for less liquid than I could fit in one side of my cheek? The hot chocolate was good and gourmet, but I'm a little more down to earth than that. I also paid $6 for cheesecake smaller than my clenched fist. However, it redeemed itself slightly, because it was delicious, I will admit. The chai latte was okay, nothing too special. At least its price was reasonable ($3.50). Overall, this place has a nice ambience and the staff was friendly, but the prices are just too high for me. read more

Babz B.

1 year ago

We were excited about this excellent find only around the corner from our hotel. Was pleasantly surprised by the gluten free options for me. My husband got the lemon poppy scone and my daughter got the avocado toast and they were both excellent. I got the chia pudding which was delish and tomorrow I will be back to try the avocado toast on GF toast. Also highly recommend the iced latte with oat milk. Warm comfy atmosphere, top-notch service, plenty of seating and a wide variety of food options. Highly recommend! read more

Joy P.

11 years ago

I'm an avid coffee drinker that rarely if ever opts for any additional coffee flavorings. However, their hazelnut latte is worth the try and the hype. Pair it with one of their delicious macaroons for an additional "Mmmm". The only down side is that the Tremont location is often crowded, making it difficult to sit and catchup with friends or get work done on your laptop. Bright side: this isn't a problem on a beautiful day. Grab your order to go and people watch (or duck watch) in the Common across the street. read more

Jim J.

16 years ago

Stopped into this place...not to be a broken record, great coffee, cupcakes, and grill cheese...but this is not what makes this place. It is the hospitality. The owner stopped by our table, asked us how are things. It was not forced, he was actually concerned. He chatted with us about Boston and things to do in the area. He gave us more information in 10 minutes than I achieved looking on the internet for an hour. Give this place your business, a great locally owned coffee house. Good luck.... read more

Loan C.

132

15 years ago

I have never noticed this place before and I can't believe that I ever missed it. I met one of my friends here who insisted that I must try it since I am such a coffee fiend. That day I had the coconut macaroon, a peanut butter cupcake and the iced hazelnut latte. Everything tasted great! Although, it does down me a bit that the iced hazelnut latte only comes in one size, that's right ONE SIZE ONLY. ;[ I do however like it very much, This place is definitely one of my guilty pleasures. read more

Jae L.

13 years ago

No matter what time it is they always seem to be busy but it is definitely worth the wait.Their hazelnut latte and chocolate croissant is heaven. Not only are their coffee and baked goods amazing, their attention to detail is also ridiculous (in a good way). During the winter a customer complained that there is a draft when someone opens the door, within a couple of days the owner put in a curtain system to block the draft. Just give them a try and I'm sure you will come back. read more

Jen B.

16 years ago

I LOVE this place! I'm so glad it opened. It has such a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The coffee is GREAT- so smooth and rich. FINALLY, a real coffee shop in Boston. The food is awesome too. My friend and i got a couple sandwiches and some pastries. The chicken sandwich with the cranberry bread and the roast beef with the horse radish sauce were DELICIOUS!! The pastries were great too. The chocolate croissants are AMAZING! I will be frequently this lovely spot often. read more

Amy J.

15 years ago

Hazelnut latte. Get it, love it. So delicious, although the portion is small for the amount you pay...oh well. Sometimes you gotta sacrifice... It's a small little coffee shop that is smaller and quieter (in my opinion) then your typical coffee shop or starbucks. It's got a good location, and their bagels are fresh too (but the portions of cream cheese are miniscual...especially for the price..meh..) Bring a book or meet a friend here. It's nice :) read more

Spencer A.

14 years ago

I was visiting Boston last weekend in the commons, when I felt the craving for a good coffee. The Thinking Cup automatically came on my radar because of its location. I had heard excellent reviews from a couple of my buddies in the area so I decided to check it out. The baristas were warm and welcoming and I enjoyed an excellent cappuccino. My delicious mini cupcake was a great touch to finish off my visit. Time and money well spent! read more

Donald A.

12 years ago

I went there with my girlfriend for breakfast,we ordered BAGELS WITH CREAM CHEESE and CHOCOLATE CROISSANT....it was severely awesome,we had MOCHA too. and it was the finest mocha we ever had.... I've heard alot about this place,there LATTE's are good.it's an awesome place,great food,sweet and friendly staff.Everything there was organized. Service was really quick...I love that point :) It's a great place...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED... read more

Susan S.

16 years ago

I was in town for the weekend. Used Yelp as a source to find great places to go. Thanks to all you "yelpers" who write reviews. I am now on board, so hopefully I can contribute as well. This little coffee shop was flat amazing. The coffee was most likely the best I have ever had. The place was well designed, I loved the brick and the real wood everywhere. I had to wait for a seat for a few minutes, that was a good sign. read more

Eddie S.

445

11 years ago

After hearing so much about this chain of coffee shops, I had an ice coffee from this location. I found the coffee not anything spectacular; it was rather watered down and tasteless. I thought the atmosphere of the place was pretty nice, and it would be a good place to spend sometime chilling or even studying. I'll be back to try some of their other offerings in the future and see if I like it more. read more

Ahcene O.

8 years ago

As crazy as it sounds...not having wifi is a massive value proposition this amazing brand offers! I actually have to not answer emails and be forced to make legitimate conversation with my friends. As a millennial, that's something not too common ;) In all seriousness, their breakfast burrito and iced chai coffee makes me want to attack my day, every day. Hats off to the Thinking Cup for life. read more

Thinking Cup - coffee - Updated August 2026

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What a beautiful location and delicious food!!…read more Stopped by to get a quick lunch, and left with feeling SUPER satisfied and happy! I got the chicken taragon sandwich, and it was absolutely fantastic!! Definitely get it toasted because that delicious crunch of the bread with the perfectly balanced chicken and cranberries, it is soooo good! Service is fast and efficient--especially since it's so busy with the office rush! Definitely stop by here for a delicious meal with beautiful views!

Very disappointing. Ordered 2 drinks and will not be back for them:…read more 1. golden steamer (Baudelaire milk, turmeric, and cinnamon), which was very bland and flavorless. 2. hot chocolate - said they made it with while milk, but it tasted like 90%water and 10% milk. Yikes. When ordering the hot chocolate, I basically asked them to use their chocolate- hazelnut syrup (they serve it with coffee, cake nocciobello). The person that took my order said that she'd "try to ask, but can't promise". I'm not sure I underage the great complexity... Lastly, I HATE it that they don't have real mugs (only available if you order small size). Not sure why we need to drink from plastic - very not sustainable and unhealthy too.

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What a delight. This coffee place was a few blocks from our Airbnb and was a logical stop to…read morecaffeinate on our final Boston morning this past Monday, which was rainy and not the best. My top-tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality and I stopped by around 10am, and the place was jumping. The vibe in here (an important feature of a coffeehouse) is just truly excellent. It reminded me of an English cottage, though maybe at least that was partially due to the weather. It's very cozy with a lot of ye olde wood vibes, and quite a few horse homages throughout. This is pretty close to a few colleges so it's unsurprising that the vast majority of other patrons were clearly revving up before class or writing a paper or something. The one arguable knock to the interior is that the seating is pretty limited. We had to wait for our items, which ended up giving us time to wait for space to open up near the counter. There's also an outdoor area that had a lot of seating availability and could have been used in a pinch, but it never came to that. Honestly? Wouldn't change a thing. We got a few treats to ingest here. I was hankering for some carbs and went for bacon egg and cheese on a toasted everything bagel, which might be my naughty breakfast go-to going forward. It was delicious and really hit the spot. Just perfectly done. I also grabbed a lemon iced scone, which unfortunately I didn't have much of an appetite for after my bagel sandwich carnage, so I had to settle for nipping at it on our afternoon drive home. Was still excellent - love a good iced or sugar-encrusted scone, and this met the occasion. Moist and not too crumbly. To whet (and wet) the palate, I also got a strawberry latte, which was decent. I really respected the service here. The women behind the counter were pretty slammed throughout our visit, and I thought my chum was a LITTLE high maintenance during the ordering process, but they handled her with aplomb and didn't bat an eye when she belatedly created a second order after prematurely ending the first. They had a lot to do back there and nothing suffered as a result - clearly well managed and streamlined operation here. We also really liked the quotes on the walls. I don't know if all of the wall space was dedicated to it, but it was very prevalent in our area by the door/counter. Nice mixture of inspirational shizzle with some naughty Instagram handles. Really cool, special place.

I absolutely love this spot! It's one of the most unique and neighborly cafes in all of Boston! The…read morestaff is kind, the people are joyous, the atmosphere is calming, and truly everything about it just takes you out of the hustle and bustle of the city and into a quaint countryside-esque world full of comfort and warmth. Aside from the excellent environment, Farmer's Horse also has some excellent food and drinks that feel both homey and satisfying but also elevated and satisfying! For Boston, the prices are quite low as well, and you definitely get what you pay for. They have an assortment of tasty pastries as well as an impressively extensive menu considering the small space. As a california native, I was very impressed with their breakfast burrito and highly recommend it! It's not quite like how california does it, but it's pretty darn good in its own right. I love the simple yet fresh flavors, and it kept me full all day long for only $9 (w/ modifications)! This spot is a MUST try if you're looking for some calming and refreshing vibes or somewhere nice and relaxing to work!

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There's no better feeling than falling in love. That happened to me today, and the lucky recipient…read morewas The Bittersweet Shoppe on Newbury Street. I hadn't been back home to Boston since before COVID, and there's something special about rediscovering your hometown while finding a place that instantly feels like it's always belonged in your life. I met owner Tracy, who opened the shop after I'd moved away. She told me how the business evolved through the post-pandemic years until becoming what it is today. She absolutely nailed it. The Bittersweet Shoppe feels like an extension of Tracy herself: warm, welcoming, and full of personality. The café has an almost Harry Potter charm of coziness, complete with what I dubbed the "first date corner," a tucked-away little seating area behind the dessert counter that practically begs for two people to fall in love over dessert and coffee. The menu is something I'd expect to find at a princess/unicorn party, complete with sandwiches, cakes, cookies, pastries, fried dough, specialty drinks...there's so much to choose from that if I came back every day to try something different, I'll still be here through next February. My sister ordered the iced coconut coffee. I went with a peanut butter-drizzled iced coffee that was so sinfully good I may have to stop by confession this weekend. The indoor seating is every bit as charming as the outdoor patio, making it one of those rare places where you genuinely want to linger instead of rushing off to your next stop. I had to fly back to Los Angeles today, but I'll be back home soon. And when I do, I already know where my first date will be.

What a charming place! Ambiance was cute, cozy, and clean…read more The feta and spinach breakfast item was stellar: fresh, flavorful, and baked to the right level of crispiness. Service was friendly and helpful. Would definitely come back!!

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Cute spot. It has stuff for everyone - sandwiches, fancy lattes, people sitting at laptops looking…read moreimportant, people sitting without laptops also looking important. More importantly, for a coffee shop on a busy strip the food and coffee are excellent. Their coffee has that X factor, the extra bit of umpf. I would go back the next time I'm in the area.

Nice coffee shop to work out of if needed in the north end…read more The staff is friendly. My only pet peeve is when you ask for a hot latte it's annoying to then be asked if I want it hot or cold. This is common issue and not limited to this coffee shop. The honey cinnamon hot latte is a good flavor. The latte was smooth. The watermelon mint lemonade has a flavor and no bitterness. It does have a bathroom for paying customers.

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Great experience at the Thinking Cup. Very quick and easy coffee shop. They have pastries and…read moresavory food items. It's a good cafe vibe with indoor and outdoor seating. In the back, it almost feels like you're in a Speakeasy. Overall, a nice place to get a bite and coffee to go.

A great café in the heart of Back Bay and an easy place to spend a relaxing morning or afternoon…read more The interior is spacious, bright, and charming, with plenty of seating compared with many coffee shops in the area. The vegetable frittata was delicious--fresh, satisfying, and a perfect light breakfast. We also shared a scone with fruit jam, which was very well made. Scones are highly subjective, but this one was exactly the style I enjoy: flavorful without being overly sweet. I didn't try the coffee myself, but my partner really enjoyed hers, which isn't surprising given Thinking Cup's reputation as one of Boston's standout coffee shops. Between the welcoming atmosphere, quality food, and excellent location on Newbury Street, I'd definitely return the next time I'm in Boston.

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This is the BEST latte I've ever had! I highly recommend if you want to try a new spot and make it…read moreyour favorite, this is the one! The owner was so sweet and helpful and you can tell he is passionate about his shop! The shop is tiny but so well-decorated and feels like a quick service spot. Highly recommend!

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