Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Pay as you go
Categories:
Date Idea, Drinks, Food, Good for Groups, Meetup
Cafes have been the go-to working spaces for many. However, sometimes we might look for a place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle atmosphere and deep dive into a favorite book, enjoy the simple joys of coffee, and munch on a croissant. Let’s embrace cafes as places for relaxation, community, and peace from our daily routines – plus, it’s fun to people-watch and soak up the sun too! Here’s a list of coffee shops that are laptop-free, do not provide wifi, or have designated laptop hours.
Enjoy Boston cafes – unplugged!
By Yelena Nicolle Salvador
1) Faro Café
When: Mon-Thurs, 8AM to 4PM; Fri-Sun, 8AM to 5PM
Where: Harvard Square
Info: This community-focused cafe has a no-laptop policy, so enjoy some alone time or bring your friends for some quality conversation time. There’s lots of windows, plants, and an outdoor patio too – perfect for catching sun rays. People rave about the latte art and seasonal drinks as well!
2) 3 Little Figs (pictured)
When: Mon-Sun, 8AM to 2PM
Where: Somerville
Info: A laptop-free cafe! Support this woman-owned, family business that serves cozy vibes, coffee, smoothies, and sandwiches. You won’t be disappointed, especially with the bright-colored silly art that makes this cafe lively.
When: Mon-Sun, 8AM to 3PM
Where: Harvard Square
Info: The Circus Coop is laptop-free on weekends! And it’s worker-owned and operated which means these folks not only run the business but are working every day to make it a community safe haven. Enjoy the homey vibes of this local spot.
When: Mon-Sun, 9AM to 6PM
Where: Back Bay
Info: Jonquils does not offer wifi, so you can fully enjoy their blooming floral teas and their beautifully baked 3D geometric desserts. My favorite: the rose petal cake – a light, airy, vanilla sponge with a chocolate crumble in the middle.
5) Curio Coffee
When: Mon-Fri, 7AM to 2PM; Sa-Su, 8AM to 2PM
Where: East Cambridge
Info: Laptop-free weekends here. Enjoy their famous Lìege Belgian waffles that are made to order at this rustic hole-in-the-wall.
When: Tu-Fr, 8AM to 3PM, 5PM to 11PM; Sa-Su, 9AM to 3PM, 5PM to 11PM
Where: Central Square
Info: Enjoy creamy Vietnamese coffee and bánh mìs at this cafe by day and restaurant by night location. There’s no wifi here, so you can fully savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine at this James Beard Award semifinalist spot! Sometimes there are people who work on their laptops, but you can enjoy the zen backyard where you can hang out with friends or read alone too.
7) Thinking Cup
When: Mon-Sun, 7AM to 7PM
Where: Back Bay
Info: Thinking Cup does not have public wifi, so you won’t find many people taking Zoom calls or meetings in this cafe. The ambiance is warm and cozy – I like to journal and read here! There are other locations in Boston Common and the North End too.
BONUS
When: Mon-Sun, 5PM to 11PM
Where: Inman Square
Info: Not a coffee shop, but hear me out. This place is a wine and dessert bar that is screen-free, so no phones are allowed. Immerse yourself in the intricate pairings of vino and sweet treats. The tiramisu is a must!
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Photo by @bucketlistboston