This is a nice coffee shop! It has a very unique, calming energy + vibe that I enjoyed. Kinda earthy and zen. I loveddddd the skylight in the middle of the space. Such a nice touch. Their pastries are good, but my coffee left a bit to be desired. I got the Maple Latte, and I tasted almost zero maple in it. They also don't have any other flavor options, which I would've liked. This is a good spot for hanging out or catching up with friends. This is not a coffee shop for working as they don't allow laptops. Overall, this is a great spot, I think they just need to work on their coffee a little bit! read more

See all

I was effectively thrown out of this cafe. I was trying to drink my coffee while doing some research on my laptop, and was interrupted to be informed that if I wanted to continue using my laptop I could sit outside. In theory I appreciate the idea of a laptop free area, and it is always annoying when there is a cafe full of people hogging up all the tables to do their homework, but in practice is this really an issue? I mean they already make the space not conducive sitting comfortably, using low tables and everyone sits against the wall. My interpretation is that they do not want the "negative computer energy" in their sacred space. Would it have helped if they knew I was working on a tai chi research project? Would that positivity have offset the negative energy I was emitting? I guess I will not know. I certainly will not be coming back, ever. I did not even enjoy the nearly $8 coffee (with tip) -- it had a flavored aftertaste. read more

Two full stars just because the croissant was perfectly buttery and flaky. I ordered an iced hojicha latte and I think it was the worst I've had. The hojicha wasn't strong enough to come through which was a surprise because this is a roasted tea option. It essentially just discolored milk. The ambiance and seating were cute so half star. But no one came to clean up the tables and customers beforehand didn't clean up after themselves. I was hoping the tarot cards used for ordering system was a part of a theme but it didn't actually provide any value. Of the many cafes, Boston/Cambridge/Somerville has to offer, I think this one is very mid and can be skipped. read more

Imagine - Cafes Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Came here because it kept popping up on my TikTok and looked like such a cute/yummy cafe! I honestly love the ambiance. Such good vibes, very earthy and calming energy. The pastries were amazing!! Almond croissant was my favorite - perfectly flaky and delicious. The drinks, however, were not great. My friend saw the coffee beans and was excited because she loves those beans, but unfortunately she said that the cortado was just okay. I had the chai and it also wasn't my favorite. So, not sure if I'd go back for a coffee/tea but would love going for pastries. The line was long and didn't move super quick, but I honestly didn't mind since I was with my bestie! They also don't allow laptops, so a good place to catch up with friends but not to WFH. read more

See all

Totally lives up to the atmosphere hype and then some. Animal rugs, fireplace, jazz. It's as if Otter ran off with Dean Wormer's wife and opened a cafe. Ordering is over the counter, but they bring it out to your table. -- Coffee: Solid dark roast. In a big, homey ceramic mug, no less. -- Chocolate Croissant: Still warm, was brought out to me on a wooden board. Good crackle, minor fluffage, not much discernible butter, sufficient chocolate. As with affiliated bakery Iggy's, not elite but not bad. read more

See all

I had a really nice visit to imagine. The cafe itself is such a vibe. I only had iced coffee which I enjoyed. The staff were friendly and courteous. I will need to return for the pastries because the looked incredible. read more

Imagine - Pastry - Cafes Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

My coffee costed $5.88... an iced coffee with milk (they were out of cream)... As you can see there is limited milk, so I paid $5.88 for ice and about 8oz of coffee, not even espresso. The coffee did have a nice kick to it, but at that price I will just get a latte elsewhere... I will not be returning... read more

Imagine - Cafes Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

There is such a great vibe in there. Service is amazing, and the coffee is even better. read more

Imagine - Latte - Cafes Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Came Sunday morning for breakfast, the side road next to the store has free parking on Sundays. The interior is super cute with plants hanging and fur carpets on seats. At 11am it was pretty busy with most seats taken and line to order almost to the door. Line moved slow and I knew why when it's almost my turn. There's no menu til you get to the counter so everyone is taking their time reading the menu and deciding what they want. For to-go orders, you walk out and pick up your order at the window on the side. We got the almond croissant, matcha latte and maple latte. Croissant was very good but drinks were just okay. Maple latte lacked maple flavor and matcha latte was in a much smaller cup than the maple latte. They also messed up my name during ordering so I wasn't able to pick up my drink initially. When I went up and asked, they didn't even apologize, just said 'oh they put your name as Hannah' ... read more

See all

I came here with two others. We got a couple pastries, which were excellent, and three espresso-based drinks: a double espresso, a cortado, and a latte. All three coffees were the worst I've ever had. I was drinking the double espresso, and there was definitely something wrong with this one, it was twice the size of a normal double espresso and totally watered down. The other two drinks had similar issues. None of us finished our drinks, we just left them. I told the counter staff about this and the said thanks for letting us know but seemed generally unconcerned about identifying the problem. When I got home I emailed the restaurant about this, and heard nothing back. Hopefully this was an isolated problem, maybe their espresso machine was malfunctioning or they had a new barista. I just wish they had been a better about addressing (or even caring about) the problem. read more

This cafe has been quite hyped... and yknow. Its overhyped. The cafe is cozy and has great vibes, but the coffee fell a little short for me. It was just... fine. Nothing special and not particularly strong, but well brewed. Nothing to write some about. read more

Imagine - Coffee - Cafes Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Not only is the coffee great, but so are the vibes. I got a cortado and it was wonderful! They had a cute little fire place. Pretty crowded as you would expect for a Saturday. Definitely would recommend! Pictured is one of their healing drinks! Very good! read more

See all

Home away from home. After living over a decade in SoCal, it's nice to have a cafe with "LA vibes" here in Cambridge. The coffees are absolutely amazing and so are the ambience and energy. Very unique. Friendly staff and dog friendly. Hard to find around here. read more

Imagine - So delicious! - Cafes Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Loved the atmosphere and decor. Quick service, and ok americano. Portion was smaller than expected (teeeeeny cup) and espresso leaned more on the acidic side (just not really my preference). Almond croissant was pretty good, a little airy but not bad. Curious about the other drink options on the menu. read more

I enjoy visiting here with my partner on weekends! The screen-free environment has allowed us to meet people from back home who were visiting randomly, as well as new friends. I love the fireplace, and the vinyl records they play are excellent. The coffee is fantastic, especially the drip coffee, and the golden latte is a must-try! The baristas and cafe staff are always very friendly and welcoming. I always order the cinnamon twist pastry, which is amazing, but my partner also says the pretzels are very tasty! I'm also a big fan of their Thursday night jazz and wine events! They definitely live up to the hype! read more

See all

A cozy cafe in Cambridge that is a very unique experience. There is stone fireplace, gorgeous wide windows, and the decor is very minimalistic but interesting. Even the drink ware is very thoughtfully selected, and we especially have enjoyed the blue cups and saucers. We have tried different espresso drinks and several bakery products here over some time, and everything is always very delicious. It does get very busy, so getting a spot to sit down can be very hard. read more

See all

LOVE this hidden gem so much I do t want to tell people about it! The healing drink is so good! And the fireplace too!

This cafe so stunning! It's kind of hidden away in a neighborhood but it's just so perfect! Filled natural sunlight, plants and the way the cafe is decorated. The coffee is delicious and the to stay mugs come in these perfectly imperfect mugs that look hand made. I love that it's a lap stop free space. The staff were nice however they seemed not too talkative and more focused on taking orders and moving along the process which is valid. read more

See all

I believe this is now called "Iggy's bread 'imagine' cafe". We went there on a Saturday morning shortly after it opened and the line was out the store. Fortunately it was a nice fall day. We ordered pastries and coffee. The coffee takes a long time, I'll give them the Benefit of the doubt for now since they just opened and have to work out some kinks. The pastries were very good, though on the chewier side. Still thoroughly enjoyed my almond croissant and latte. The seating area is cute but not very practical, in my opinion - thick benches where guests have to awkwardly crowd around, and the tables, while cute, are also impractical as they barely hold a tray and a drink. Overall good vibes! read more

Imagine - Pick up window - Cafes Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

This coffee shop is a unique experience. I've been twice and both visits were top notch'. The first time, parking was easy, but the second time was harder considering that spots are for residents. The space itself is unlike anything I've seen in Boston. I tried the Elevate drink and the pecan cookie. The flavors in the Elevate drink made it worth the price. I see this place as a treat and will keep coming back to support it. read more

See all

I have had such a weird experience here every single time I have come, and so have my friends. The first time, there was a hair in my drink not once but twice. (Top of the lid) Which I was super grossed out by, but ultimately not on purpose. They remade my drink the second time (saw an eyelash on the lid). At that point, I would have preferred they inspected my drink and just comped me. My friends have also just had strange, passive aggressive interactions with some of the people working here. I've worked many customer service jobs- its annoying but ultimately not that serious if someone's asking for extra napkins or trash and to be cordial about it until they at least walk out the door. The drinks are expensive, but taste pretty good. The ambience is great. The espresso is good. It's clean. read more

I deeply respect what the owners and staff are trying to do here-- create a non-screen-oriented space for socializing and contemplation rather than everyone heads-down in laptops. Hooray! People talk to people they don't know, and especially in summer the cordiality spills out onto the sidewalk. Very special. If you go, please try not to stare at your phone the whole time you are there. It runs contrary to the warm, neighborly spirit of the place. Also, contrary to some reviews, dogs are not allowed inside the cafe. Customers occasionally violate this and try to justify by saying they need the emotional support, but it's just awkward and disrespectful. I wish they served decaf coffee/espresso, as I can't have full caffeine anymore. Have tried their unusual chai formulation and found it bizarre. But the pastries are good, and folks who can do caffeine seem happy with their cool mugs. Truly a local gem. read more

High end coffee and tea house. Drinks are brewed and mixed 'thoughtfully' which means don't come here in rush. Took 10 minutes to determine they didn't have iced tea. I think because the person at the register doesn't handle the drinks. Pastries are excellent. Seating is for enjoying your drink and socializing - not a work bar. read more

Appreciate the place fostering personal connections with friends and family - not allowing laptop - with terrific coffee and pastries! It's becoming one of our regular go-to coffee shops! read more

Very unique coffee shop! I love the design, the fireplace and unique offerings. Wonderful staff! read more

Warm and inviting environment. Excellent coffee and the house-made macadamia almond nut milk is amazing. Knowledgable and friendly staff. read more

See all

Kismet has the coziest ambiance and the most unique cafe drinks. The staff were super friendly and make each drink to perfection. I went on a Saturday morning and there wasn't a laptop in site. People were meeting up with friends or sitting by the fire with a book. The Elevate drink isn't something I'd usually get, but it was super delicious and had a sweet flavor. I'd highly recommend checking this place out! read more

Imagine - Seating area - Cafes Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

Place started out very strong actually. It was certainly one of the better cups around. Went back after a couple months and the cap/lattes were different. Mostly milk, like the espressos strength cut in half and the price went up. Seating situation is a bit of a mess. Probably Should turn it more traditional during the week and then alternate on the weekends but just thinking aloud. read more

Really weird vibe here. I would agree with another reviewer that this spot is incredibly pretentious, as they have no website, social media, or even a sign outside of the cafe. They had a very small menu, and when I asked about any latte flavors, all they had were simple syrup and maple syrup. I got the maple and the flavor was super strange and didn't taste like maple at all. For $7, these lattes should be much better quality in my opinion. Other than that, the baristas were nice. read more

This is one of my favorite places to go for coffee. Imagine (no sign on door) is owned by Iggy's bakery and they serve fresh baked croissants, as well as cookies. Their coffee: They start with the best, Sey Coffee from Brooklyn, NY. They use fresh organic milk, and the baristas know their stuff -- perfectly steamed milk, luscious velvety microfoam, gently poured into the espresso with latte art on top. What I especially love about this place is the fireplace, the big windows open in warm weather, and how you can walk in and strike up a conversation with your neighbor. (No laptops allowed!) This is how cafes were meant to be, a place where people go to socialize, not stare mindlessly into their devices. On Thursday and Friday evenings the cafe transforms into a wine bar. You will pay a little more for coffee and wine, but worth it my humble opinion. Love this place and can't say enough good things. read more

beautiful, cozy, and such a treat in our neighborhood that the Iggy's folks opened this cafe space. You walk in and are transported to a dream in another part of the world. And if you already frequent Iggy's, then you know everything is good here. read more

A big fan of the Huron neighborhood and this is such a great addition to the community! Atmosphere was unique unlike other cafes within the Boston area. Pastry selection is small but delicious! They carry Kettl branded matcha and paired with very cute drink ware. Staff were nice and zen, would come back again. I will note that this is a laptop free cafe. read more

Coffee takes a long time -- for no apparent reason, as other reviews note. Hate, hate, hate the seating configuration. A long continuous u-shaped couch/ bench is really the only place to sit (one or maybe 2 small tables). This forces you to a) sit side by side if you're with a companion to talk -- never the best config for a conversation, twisting sideways to talk with one another and b) you're crowded beside strangers, kind of bum to bum, no personal space. The idea of providing communal space is ok, but for pete's sake put in a long table or two, people are ok with that. Sitting bum to bum along a couch is just the worst way to compel communal camaraderie as well as the worst way to have coffee with a friend or two. Won't be going back. read more

Really good coffee. Really impressed with how the entire shop creates a distinct atmosphere/vibe. It's a whole experience. Deffinitely recommend. read more

The ambiance is lovely, if a tad pretentious. The small tables discourage anyone who wants to work on a laptop, but that's not all--because apparently there is an "internal policy" to prohibit laptop use, even if you're resting the device on your actual lap. I was told to finish up what I was doing and put the laptop away. Which came as a bit of a surprise. I'm interested to learn what exactly the policy objects to: the duration of a laptop-user's stay? the content of what is on the laptop (work?)? the look of an open laptop? If there were a way to contact the management to ask for this explanation, I'd be asking them. Instead, I will leave this review--and I'll add that sadly my pretzel was bone dry. read more