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    Circus Cooperative Cafe

    4.3 (21 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Circus Cooperative Cafe Photos

    CIRCUS COOPERATIVE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Egg and cheese on an English
    Sharrun N.

    We went on a Monday holiday morning and thought we might not get a seat because people were camped out with laptops. But it worked out. Counter service was friendly but not over the top. We got our orders in not too long. There was a decent selection of decaf teas to choose from. I had a delicious egg sandwich with avocado. The English muffin looked and tasted homemade. I took home some half price, day old muffins that were fresh tasting.

    Jenny-Rose K.

    This is one of those cafe's you never want to leave. We stopped in Circus Cooperative Cafe on a busy Saturday morning. There are some tables that have comfy chairs, and there are a few couch seats where people were reading. It was nice that on a Saturday morning, they ask that you don't use your laptop. The person helping us order was fabulous and gave the perfect recommendation. Our drinks too a few minutes to come out but that is because there was one guy making drinks. And he made them really well! I like that they have easy squeeze honey and liquid sugar available for customizations. The one thing that was tricky was the lids for the iced latte was so hard to put on my drink, while I tried to get it on there, my drink flew all over the ground. The staff was amazing and came out with rags right away and the guy remade my drink, but I did see someone else struggle with their cup as well.

    Christian L.

    The staff were kind and the cafe is an open and inclusive environment. Yet, the food and drinks weren't my cup of tea. I really liked the layout of the place having tables & couches and a really open space. The MIT was ~$13 and it was one of the smallest burrito I ever had. The flavors were alright, nothing stood out. The latte with honey-cinnamon syrup was decent. Considering the price of the drinks and food, I had an expectation for slightly bigger portions or flavorful impact. I am very open to trying Circus Cooperative cafe again.

    Maple latte
    Kayla B.

    Thought it was solid but not mind blowing. I love the concept and the maple latte was just the right amount of sweet. I just personally like a coffee with more umph especially if im paying $6-7 for one. Service is super friendly, location is a bit random but close enough to harvard square to take a stroll

    decor

    coffee: delicious. sandwiches: warmed the soul. everything else: such a genuine, sweet, community-oriented and -serving spot. living their values with union-made merch, all the employees wearing masks, providing free masks / test strips / condoms / etc :) committing not just to a lefty aesthetic but a lefty LIFESTYLE!

    sign outside
    Christiane M.

    very cute atmosphere and nice area right by the river. just got a muffin to go but it was really good and i want to try their other sandwiches at some point

    Blood orange hibiscus

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    2 years ago

    We went on a random Saturday afternoon, liked the cappuccino, bakery and vibe a lot.,

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    Review Highlights - Circus Cooperative Cafe

    The space is welcoming and cozy with tables and couches, board and card games to play, and even a shelf of free books.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Faro

    Faro

    4.2
    (65 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    THEY DON'T ALLOW LAPTOPS…read more I didn't actually get any coffee here... but putting this review out so you don't make the same mistake I did! I was thoroughly disappointed when I learned this, because it's the cutest shop with the best vibes. I'll try sometime when I don't have to lock in, I guess.

    Faro Cafe is a small cafe operating as both a coffee shop and a neighborhood gathering space tucked…read moreaway in Harvard Square. We walked into a cozy, bohemian atmosphere filled with eclectic décor, photos, artwork, books, puzzles, chess boards, and an overall sense that people are encouraged to slow down and stay present. Despite the relatively small footprint, the space manages to feel welcoming rather than cramped, with indoor seating that supports conversation and outdoor seating that becomes especially popular during warmer months. Coffee is clearly the centerpiece here. We ordered espresso based drinks, including a flat white and a seasonal Juniper Latte, both of which were prepared with care and a clear emphasis on quality. The café leans into a more thoughtful coffee program, and that attention shows in the cup. Beyond the drinks, the pastry selection is good, particularly the croissants and scones, which paired naturally with the coffee menu. The experience is helped by friendly, engaged staff who contribute to the café's welcoming personality. Conversations with the baristas and small community touches helped create an environment that felt more personal than transactional. The laptop free policy can catch first time visitors by surprise, but for many regulars it is part of what gives Faro its distinctive identity and helps preserve the social atmosphere that sets it apart from more work focused cafés. For a coffee stop in Harvard Square that prioritizes human connection over productivity, Faro Cafe delivers a warm, intentional space worth slowing down for.

    Photos
    Seating area
    Seating area
    Cappuccino / 2 scones / croissant
    Cappuccino / 2 scones / croissant
    Exterior

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    Exterior
    Cicada Coffee Bar

    Cicada Coffee Bar

    4.4
    (255 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Delicious coffee, super cute space, and refreshing food…read more It's a bus yourself restaurant with an unassuming outdoor space in the back for additional seating. They generally require you to order before sitting given the small space so keep that in mind when you arrive. Service is friendly and very quick. Their food is delicious and refreshing, however I'd say the star of the show is their coffee. I really enjoyed the Saigon latte especially paired with the DELICIOUS pastry. Definitely want to come back to try their dinner menu!

    Came here on a sunday evening around 7:45 PM without a reservation, and were quickly seated at the…read morebar. The restaurant had a really great ambiance, and I enjoyed being able to watch the chefs prepare the food. We ordered the ginger cabbage salad, the coconut eggplant, and the duck noodles. I would have loved to have tried their sushi grade salmon, but they were unfortunately sold out for the night. So I would recommend arriving earlier if you would like to try it. My favorite dish was the duck noodles. I liked the freshness of the basil in the pesto, and the tenderness and juiciness of the duck. The coconut eggplant was a close second favorite. The coconut flavor was delicious, and I liked the nuts on top for crunch. I also found the ginger cabbage salad to be yummy, but not as much as a standout as the other two dishes. Overall, I really enjoyed this spot for dinner. I liked how fresh everything was, and how the dishes felt very light and healthy. It's definitely a bit on the pricier side, but I found it to be very worth it. I definitely come back and try their lattes and other dishes.

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    Coffee bar
    Coffee bar
    Mushroom spring rolls
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    Zinneken's - Harvard Square

    Zinneken's - Harvard Square

    3.9
    (666 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $

    TLDR: You can't go wrong with a warm, freshly made waffle…read morehere, but people definitely have their individual preferences. My recommendation is to go with the Liege waffle with berries and your pick of any other toppings. With a cozy atmosphere and the smell of warm waffles, this is an especially good spot during the colder months, but still a favorite in the warmer months too. ------ FOOD: THE LIEGE (5/5) The Liege waffle is the classic here and the one I'd recommend. Sweet, thick, and a richer snack (i.e. the satisfying treat you're probably looking for if you're stopping by a waffle shop). All of the topping combos are classic, and the berries they use here are high quality. Waffles come out hot and fresh after just being made, so if you order ice cream or whipped cream, know that you'll have to eat quickly if you don't want it to melt into the waffle. THE BRUSSELS (4.5/5) Besides the Liege, the Brussels waffle is an interesting choice and very different from the Liege. As the menu describes, it's definitely significantly lighter, and it's crispier in a different way (not from the caramelization of the pearl sugar but from crisped up batter similar to an Ego waffle). It's extremely delicate, so I'd recommend just doing some powdered sugar and maybe a chocolate drizzle or some whipped cream. ------ ENVIRONMENT / AMBIANCE: * Small shop on the edge of Harvard Square. Some window seating and a few small tables best for groups of 2 - 4. * Given how small it is inside, finding a seat during peak hours can be particularly challenging, and lines can be out the door too. ------ SERVICE: * Order at the kiosk and then find a seat (if you can). When a waffle is done, they'll call a name and come to you once you indicate that it's for you. * Water and utensils are self-service, and the expectation is that you put your plates, utensils, and cups away in a bin inside by the counter.

    Perfect for sitting quietly on a sunny afternoon, especially when you're feeling down…read more Gourmand Waffle: Liege waffle/banana/whipped cream/caramel. The ultimate sweetness is evident from the ingredients. The waffle was light and crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside; the sweetness of the banana and caramel is mellow and rich, the pearl sugar was slightly caramelized, and the sweetness of the cream was natural and light. Every bite offered a different layer of flavor. But most importantly, it was really sweet, and sweetness is the most soul-stirring enjoyment. It was sweet enough to bring peace, allowing you to temporarily escape the world and focus on this plate of beautiful fairytale. Café au Lait (Latte): Beautifully layered, with a natural milky aroma. But what does the menu mean by confusing café au lait with latte?

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    The Sin Waffle, add whip cream and Caramel Macchiato
    The Sin Waffle, add whip cream and Caramel Macchiato
    Banana/ strawberry/ chocolate waffle

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    Banana/ strawberry/ chocolate waffle

    Circus Cooperative Cafe - cafes - Updated August 2026

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