Great coffee, and their seasonal drinks are always creative and delicious. I've been going here for years, it's one of the best around. This location was excellent under its 2023 era management. Service has slipped since then, with less care from the baristas taking orders and making drinks, but it's still a great cafe overall. Bonus points: No upcharge for non-dairy milk. No penalty for being lactose intolerant or plant-based, which is how it should be everywhere. read more

Every time I come here I am IMPRESSED. They have some of the most delicious espresso. Their iced Angeleno is FOUR shots of espresso and it's one of my favorites. This time around I got the pumpkin pie latte and it was the most perfect one i've ever had, not too sweet but flavorful. People are always hanging their with their friends, laptops, books. The vibes are good. read more

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The parking is limited. It is definite pricey where I spent 6:00 for a large ice coffee. I was small at any other establishment. There was seating inside. It looked like it was strictly a coffeehouse. I would think twice before returning. read more

Intelligentsia Coffee - Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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I have a weakness for this place. That is, I really really like their coffee. It's got great flavor, and I enjoyed it every time. This morning I had the sticky bun, and it's really tasty. So generally I would recommend, especially if you're a coffee fiend. The place is kind of small, and parking is pretty tough. It's also not cheap. but I think at least worth trying once either here at another of their few locations. read more

Hidden in the residential corner of Watertown/ Cambridge, this cafe has gone under my radar for quite some time although I drive by there a lot. It has a small parking lot and street parking but I made a mistake of going there on a Sunday morning and it was all full nearby. Cute cafe and decor with quite a lot seating but it is packed into a small area. I have tried pour over and vanilla latte there. Pour over was great; you can choose over their different selection of beans. Coffee is good quality and delicious but their lattes can get expensive. They also have pastries that I haven't tried. -7.5/10 read more

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$6 for a "large" so-so coffee that was the size of a medium. OK atmosphere for working on my laptop but I won't be going back.

One of my favorite coffee places. I love the coffee blend and flavors. Try their Orange Blossom Latte read more

Intelligentsia Coffee - Orange Blossom Latte. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

I go to Intelligentsia only for their iced black cat fizz coffee drink which is essentially a base of sparkling water with espresso poured on top and orange bitters mixed in there as well. read more

This was a great little coffee shop. They have offstreet parking, and there's parking on the street nearby, if the lot is full. We enjoyed some great specialty coffees and a Matcha tea. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was quiet with a positive vibe. read more

this review is centered on their subscription service. incredibly shady business practice makes customer jump through hoops to stop subscription. I hadnt used the service in over a year and suddenly it resumed billing and trying to ship me coffee. Even after getting support involved they still charged me. Absolutely unacceptable that they dont allow you to remove or stop a subscription without several emails or phone calls. Even worse theres no way to remove your payment info or delete your account. 0/10 read more

High-quality coffee and snacks. Built-in wood paneled seating in the front could be more comfortable. Parking can be truly awful. But the coffee experience matters more to me. I would set it at 4.5 stars, but yelp doesn't allow that precision. read more

Love their matcha. Service was amazing and the ambiance is ideal for working remote. Excited to try their baked goods next time.

Love love love Intelligentsia. The coffee and food is always great and the workers are very nice. The parking can be a bit of a problem, but usually you can find some street parking nearby. read more

Intelligentsia feels like a piece of California vibes in Boston. I wish there were more cafes like this one here. Today, I tried the Avena Latte, one of their specialty drinks with cayenne, a spicy taste. It was interesting, but I surprisingly liked it a lot! It's an addicting taste to be honest. People may say it's overpriced, but it was a very good drink! I'm someone who drinks coffee all across Boston, and this drink was fantastic!! The ham and cheese croissant I got was also crunchy and very fresh. The service is very friendly and very attentive. There are beautiful airy spaces to sit, and even the bathroom was very clean and aesthetic (a beautiful light fixture). I like come here every now and then as a treat! Love this spot! read more

Intelligentsia Coffee - the front of the building - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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Perhaps one of my top 10 cappuccino of the year. A cute spot with an amazing barista. There is ample space to work or enjoy quiet conversations. There is limited parking in the lot but plenty on the side street. read more

Intelligentsia Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Decent Cafe Americano, Toasted bagel is warmed not toasted, those machines they use to heat up food is not a toaster, therefore bagel is warmed, chewy but not toasted, oh well Also when serving iced Americano it means the customer likes ice, served in a glass means for a stay order you can't eat your bagel and leave with ice in your cup, you have to stay to finish your coffee and either leave the ice. Question should be asked, glass or plastic. Cool place, little uptight. read more

I really appreciate Intelligenista, their matcha is delightful - earthy, frothy and preciously bright. The Avena Latte with orange peel and spices brings me back to my favorite coffee treat in San Francisco and warms my heart (and my body with some cayenne spice). The outdoor seating provides a delicious sunny vibe with plenty of indoor space to balance. The staff are joyful, curious, and calm - so worth the adventure! read more

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Their online ordering doesn't allow you to select certain sweeteners and syrups that they offer on their menu, but they do have a special requests section where you can write in any modifications you'd like on your drink. Today I did just that, but was scolded by an employee when I picked up my order and condescendingly told to select the correct sweetener when ordering next time. Fast way to lose a consistent customer. Next time, I'll think twice about leaving a 25% tip before having to deal with such a rude and ignorant barista. Maybe they can use the money from my tip to fix their online ordering. read more

Lightning strikes twice in the form of my visiting two cafes back-to-back with ample seating room (this and Fuel in Brighton). Intelligentsia had plenty of seats in the front and back. Really soothing, for lack of a better word, interior, with clean lines. I could see myself spending a rainy afternoon with a good book here. They also have a few outdoor tables for when the weather's unseasonably phenomenal. Can't speak to the quality of the coffee, since I went with a regular iced green tea instead. They had a sparking herbal tea on the menu that looked good but when I went in the late afternoon, they had run out of that option. Prices were on the higher end - my cup of green tea was $5. Also didn't try any of the food options. Parking: they have a 4-5 spots in a private lot with the entrance on Mount Auburn (don't try to drive in on Belmont St, it's exit only), as well as some street parking out front. If nothing opens up, there's an enormous Star Market parking lot a little bit further on Mount Auburn. read more

It's not a bad spot. Coffee is good but not great! Swamped with work-from-home droids that sit there all day and get one coffee. I am not sure how the cafe survives with that clientele. I suggest timed Wifi depending on how much one spends to modify the clientele static time. They have outside seating which is great! But the tables needed cleaning! The service was good! read more

Found this great little shop in the Mount Auburn area and the staff was super welcoming, even though we were the first people in the door on a Sunday morning. Their Matcha latte is outstanding, pastry selection is top notch, and the drip brew, in this case a Colombian, is very robust! Nice outdoor seating area, both shaded and in the open. If there is anything to knock a star, it's the pricing. But, if you're looking for a coffee done in an artisanal fashion, sometimes you just have to pay more. Besides, if you're getting what you pay for, then the value meets the price. read more

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I had a delicious iced oatmilk vanilla latte from here and the staff was super friendly! It was busy but a Saturday to be expected and we were in and out in under 10 minutes! It's a small area but very cozy vibe. read more

If you're looking for some good coffee and don't want to face the snaking lines at Sofra across the street, Intelligentsia is the way to go. The Tall Man and I have been here a couple times, mostly early on the weekend. It's always been chill and uncrowded, good for some reading and leisurely drinking. The cafe is relatively new, in a small and narrow but sun-lit building, with a cute patio in the back offering space for dogs and strollers alongside tables. This branch, like other Intelligentsia's I've been to, reliably makes a great espresso drink and pourover (who wouldn't like that cute little pitcher that comes with it?), although the chai latte is a bit too sweet for my taste. The drinks come at a predictable premium price, but I've found the quality is there. They have both almond and oat milk as non-dairy options. I've never eaten anything here, but there are a few pastries (not gluten free) and a couple grab-and-go options. There are a few parking spaces in a one-way lot alongside the building (enter from Mt. Auburn St.), plus street parking. I'm glad to have another coffee option in the neighborhood! read more

Intelligentsia Coffee - Almond cappuccino + pourover complete a serene Sunday morning // Sept. 2018 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

I'm getting a California vibe from this place. Super clean, bright, and modern. My steamed chai tea with milk was delicious, not too overpowering nor bland. It was served on the cutest little tray which made it feel extra luxurious. In the summer they have some outdoor tables. In the colder months there is seating indoors. Vax card required! I also love how they have a sweetgreen outpost. I stop in to pick up my SG, but should really stay for the coffee! read more

The coffee is good, but the opening hours do not match what is listed on yelp or the website. They are often closed on variable hours that they post on a paper on the window. Feedback is more so for the owner or manager. Good coffee, unpredictable hours read more

What a stupid online ordering system that makes you create account, verify the account every single time, doesn't have apple or Google wallet and won't save credit card. No one wants 50 steps to order a coffee. read more

Was the closest coffee shop so I went there, it was expensive for a warm not hot cup of coffee, so ok but today was informed they dont allow laptops on the weekends!!!!?????? very weird. probably wont come here again even weekdays, I guess thats what there aiming for, a coffee shop that does not welcome writers! read more

My go-to spot for espresso beans, iced drinks, hot drinks, and croissants. They do coffee on a whole different level! Once you try their croissants and croissant sandwiches, any other croissant you have afterwards will pale in comparison. Even my 9 month old is a fan of their croissants! read more

I've been in here a couple times and haven't really been impressed. The parking lot is nice but tough on a crowded day to get into and out of. The coffee is high quality but the roast really isn't to my liking but that's not their fault. Stopped in on a Saturday afternoon and waited an inordinate amount of time for a single espresso which was pretty irritating. The other thing is that the place is poorly designed, its very narrow and there is no room to stand and wait on line or wait for your drink without being in the way of people going from the front of the store to the back. read more

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Coffee is on the pricey side but good, however the online ordering has been broken for months.

Probably one of the best coffee places to go to if you want to get work done. This place has it's own parking lot which really helps ease the stress of looking for parking. The interior style is clean, simple and modern. I love that they have many seating areas. This time, I just met friends here to chat and hang out. The ambience is soft but also super quiet. I was worried that chatting would be disruptive but no one gave us stares for talking. Well... it helped that many people who were working had earphones :) I ordered the chai latte with almond milk. Paid about 5 dollars for the 12oz. Normal for coffee these days. There was only one barista working so I had a wait a bit but she was nice and thanked me for my patience. I can definitely see myself coming back here. Highly recommend!! read more

Intelligentsia Coffee - Coffee display - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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A disappointing experience. If you're seeking warm baked goods this is NOT the place to waste your time or money. Turn around and walk across the street to Sofra, or down the street to Seta's - much better options. I ordered a ham and cheese croissant, and asked for it to be heated, the response I got, "not possible." This place was on my list of coffee/cafe/bakery to try. Unfortunately, this place get a "thumbs WAY down!" If you're just banking on your specialty/fortune to be coffee, that isn't going to work, as the coffee is not that good. Therefore, you should offer other options, such as unique baked goods with option to "WARM." Fellow Yelpers and potential consumers, I do not recommend this place. Invest your money elsewhere. "Cold" baked goods - bad, coffee -mediocre to unsatisfactory, and customer service - poor. read more

I love this place. Nice vibes inside, has separate seating areas which make it feel way bigger than it actually is. Cool bar you can sit at and see them making things like teas and specialty coffee drinks. I ordered the cold brew coffee on tap with almond milk and a little sugar. Tasted so good I'd go back anytime. A little expensive for a coffee +$5 but a good treat. read more

Intelligentsia Coffee - Cold brew iced coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Great little coffee shop! I haven't been when it wasn't busy, but that's not a complaint. They move things a long all while taking the time to make everything perfectly. Pastry here is amazing but dangerous because I would order more and more! The coffee is first-rate with some delicious blends. I love finding coffee houses that really take pride in making a proper cup of coffee. read more

Intelligentsia Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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I am whole again. Intelligentsia in Watertown! Really it's on the cambridge line so city dwellers don't freak out too much... this radically awesome new coffee shop in town isn't that far into the "suburbs." How it ever took this long to get a good coffee shop in this area is mind blowing to me, but Lord it was worth the wait!! When I tell you I love coffee I mean it. Not just because it's cool or fun or hip, I truly really love coffee. Truth: I've been a barista before. Fact: I love coffee too much to work in the industry anymore. When I first moved to Watertown I did my research on intelligentsia coffee beans and I found out that the only place in the immediate area that served coffee roasted by intelligentsia was Vicki Lees. And while Vicki Lees isn't fully my speed I could at least breathe easy knowing I could get my favorite cup brewed nearby. But this coffee bar is a dream come true. And I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. When I have some more time I'll write some reviews about their specific drinks, some of them are pretty cool. However I do want to say that with the winter coming it's getting cold in there that back door off Belmont Street it's nearly impossible to sit at one of those tables for more than 15 minutes without getting really cold so now I go straight to the top and hope for a table there. Maybe a thick plush curtain at that far door guys? read more

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Great coffee spot! Staff was friendly. Trendy, minimalist decor and ample seating areas for work or a chat! read more

Intelligentsia Coffee - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Horrifically expensive -- coffee is fine but you'll feel slightly robbed while drinking it.

Definitely on the pricier side but it was good. Staff were friendly and the place was clean. The cookies looked amazing but I showed some self restraint and didn't get any read more

Intelligentsia Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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Quick and friendly service in a cozy, hip cafe. I visited on Thursday afternoon and there were a few customers but no crowd, which was good. They have various gluten free and vegan pastry options. I ordered the macchiato and a matcha latte (the latter being quite pricey at $6.75), which came with oat milk and light sweetener. The matcha latte tasted authentic and did not taste too milky or watered down. I noticed that a lot of the tables had crumbs and other mess from previous customers that were not cleaned up, but it was not difficult to simply grab a napkin and wipe the stuff down. Intelligentsia Coffee has a quiet ambience and offers plenty of parking, and overall, it's a nice cafe to chat with a friend or to work in. read more

Highly recommend this location and the Boston one. If you want to try something different the Avena Latte is great. It's got a little kick to it (they add cayenne pepper). Their baked goods are great quality as well! read more

Intelligentsia Coffee - Avena latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts