By Samirah Jaigirdar, MTS ’24
Editor’s Note: HDS Admissions GA Samirah takes a tour through her favorite Harvard Square breakfast and coffee spots.
Ever since kicking off my MTS program back in the fall of 2022, I’ve made it a personal mission to explore every coffee shop and breakfast spot in and around Harvard Square—especially those that offer breakfast fare outside of the usual morning hours. While this list does not cover every coffee shop or cafe scattered throughout other areas of Cambridge, I hope it serves as a helpful guide for those going through their time at HDS.
Breakfast Places
IHOP ($)
Honestly, you can rarely go wrong with this option. IHOP (International House of Pancakes), conveniently located near the Kennedy School, has extensive hours and offers unlimited cold brew—a true delight for a tired graduate student. This option proves especially advantageous during finals season, as the you can stay for multiple hours to eat and work on papers.
Zoe’s ($)
Zoe’s, with its extensive menu spanning several pages, is a haven for classic diner fare. Whether it’s 8 pm after a long day at school or any other time, treating myself to a delicious (slightly greasy) omelet is possible. I stumbled upon this hidden gem thanks to a fellow HDS student, and though my friend has since graduated, I still find myself drawn to Zoe’s when the late-night breakfast cravings hit. Plus, chatting with the owner, who always has a story to share, adds to the charm of the place.
Blackbird Doughnuts & Sally’s Sandwiches ($$)
Located in the Smith Campus Center, this is a joint venture featuring artisanal donuts and breakfast and lunch sandwiches. It’s become a staple in my weekly routine—I make it a point to swing by every Saturday for a breakfast sandwich and a donut, then settle in for a few hours of paper writing at the Smith Center.
Black Sheep Bagel ($$)
Black Sheep Bagel Café is a spot I hit up every now and then, mainly because their sandwiches are creative. Among my favorites are their deviled egg salad sandwich, egg and fig jam sandwich, and egg and lox sandwich.
Friendly Toast ($$)
A new restaurant in Harvard Square, the Friendly Toast puts some creative twists on typical breakfast food. This was the first place I tried chicken and waffles, a novel concept for me as an international student. However, I caution everyone against visiting on weekends, as there is typically at least a 30-minute wait. I recommend going in the middle of the week when you have a few hours in between classes.
Flour ($$/$$$)
I have never eaten any of their lunch options as they range on the pricier side. However, I am a huge fan of their lattes and baked goods! I recommend the sticky bun, banana bread, chocolate brioche, and coffee cake.
Tatte ($$$)
Tatte is a place I’d suggest for an occasional splurge. They serve up decent coffee and whip up some pretty creative desserts, especially their citrus-inspired treats, which they switch up often. Now, fair warning: if you plan to go on a weekend, brace yourself for a long line out the door. But if you manage to snag a spot, their savory French toast is definitely worth a try—I’ve had it a couple of times and it’s always hit the spot. Overall, Tatte’s offerings are solid, but just keep in mind it leans towards the pricier end of breakfast spots in Harvard Square.
Notable Coffee Spots
Bluestone Lane ($$)
While it’s not my go-to spot, this place is a hit among HDS students, mainly because of its super convenient location smack dab in the heart of Harvard Square, right next to the T-stop. They’ve got a wide range of coffee options, but I noticed they also offer some smoothies on their menu.
Pavement ($$$)
Another great spot in the Smith Campus Center, Pavement serves up coffee, pastries, and bagel sandwiches. It’s not an everyday stop for me because of the prices, but let me tell you, their seasonal lattes are worth it! I still remember this one time I tried their cinnamon fig latte—it was absolutely unforgettable!
Faro Café ($$$)
Faro Café is a fantastic spot to hunker down and enjoy a delicious latte, especially with their ever-changing monthly specials. However, it’s worth noting they have a “no laptop” policy, so make sure to come prepared with printed readings or your trusty books in tow. Because of this rule, I typically opt for my coffee to go and head over to the Smith Center to study.
HDS Admissions Blog 