Yes, Peet's is a chain, but it's also Starbucks' leading competitor, and I'm all for preventing monopolies. Also: Peets has better, fresher baked goods, a better selection of tea (though no Tazo, which is a point in Starbucks' favor) and their mocha freddo is MUCH MUCH better than the frappucino Starbucks makes. Why? Because it is not sickeningly sweet. It's sweet, but not too sweet. It's delicious with soy. Seriously, you have to try the Peet's Mocha Freddo. It's amazing. As a bonus, this Harvard Square location, while crowded and chaotic, has the prime location right by a park. So really, there's no reason to sit inside. It's much more interesting and pleasant outside. read more

I happen to love this Peet's. Being that I usually avoid chains at all costs, this embarrasses me slightly because Peet's is, after all, a national chain. A big one. However... they have some of the best tea I've ever had. Really. It's better than Harrod's, better than Twinings, better than Rishi, even. Not as good as Fortnum & Mason, but I love it. They also have a huge selection of it, which is awesome - special pekoe blends, Early Grey, tons of black and green. You can buy it loose or in sachets to take home with you, and it comes in beautiful little tins. Precious. They serve the loose variety in a nice, big sachet that they fill to the brim for some seriously robust tea, which is paramount to the morning tea-drinker. I know this location can get a little harry, but it's in Harvard Square, for chrissake. It's charming, though, in an old house with big windows and a bit of a lawn, so I can't complain. I find it charming and highly enjoyable. read more

The location in Harvard Square makes dropping past this Peet's convenient, especially in the summer when there's enough tourists that you'll have to get your drinks to go. There's almost always something happening on the green out front of the store and a continuous stream of people moving about inside. Drinks are more traditional: more bitter than sweet. A hot cocoa is literally hot cocoa (not hot chocolate--be warned). If you can find a table for studying, you're lucky. Given the small size of the store and crowded areas, it's better suited for chatting with a friend. And for computer users, I haven't found a good wireless connection yet. There is a bike post across the street (Mt. Auburn, that is). Otherwise, use the street signs or the fencing surrounding the green. read more

I simply love this place! Great coffee, amazing friendly atmosphere. Just the place to begin your day with a warm or cold beverage and catch up on some reading. read more

Peet's Coffee - The perfect morning stop on my way to school...! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Entering Peet's, one feels as though she has taken a step into the quintessential small town New England coffee house - but only at night, or during those rare off-peak hours, mostly because Peet's occupies a significant part of the first floor of an old house in Harvard Square, and is usually overrun with too eager undergrads. Three walls are wrap-around windows, lined with either super high booths, typical wooden tables or uncomfortable bar stools and a wood plank serving as a "bar." So, if you're lucky enough to snag a seat, you'll likely be stationary for a while, as the people-watching both inside and outside is stellar. (Protip: If you've got ADD, double up on your Ritalin...) The drinks are delicious - suffice to say. Peet's was the purveyor of almond-milk coffee beverages in Harvard Yard, and is still my go-to for a double-shot cappuccino. The seasonal treats are tasty, and less corporate-smelling than that other place. (What does that even mean? I don't know...perhaps I'm just alluding to the less sugary, less burnt taste of its roasted bean products.) Oh, and, also a bonus, Peet's seems to have bandwidth from another universe. Regardless of how crowded it is, there never seems to be an issue with connecting to Facebook, Twitter or G-Chat. read more

Would you like to have hot chocolate w/ me?...maybe perhaps, we could sit outside and feed the pidgeons while sipping on our hot chocolates. I LOVE their hot chocolate. You could get them with whole, skim, or lowfat milk. It's not too sweet where your thirsting for water, but just right! Whenever I wanted to switch from my Dunkin Donuts coffee to something occassional, I went to Peet's. Their coffee is very good....not as good as their hot chocolate and ofcourse..Dunkin Donuts is always up there. I would love to give this place another star, but I have to stick with three due to the fact that finding seats were difficult. It's a cozy place, but a little bit small inside where people are waiting for their drinks standing next to a person sitting down. I saw Peet's near my new place on Ventura Blvd. I'll stop by when I want to feel like I'm in Boston. read more

Yes - its another coffee chain. Yes - you should go out of your way to avoid the chains and support the local businesses instead. But, I have to give praise to this chain as they litteraly gave away the store in April this year by giving away free drinks between 1 and 2 every day for the entire month. Can you imagine Starbucks even thinking about doing this? The other great thing about this location is the park right in front. Nothing beats grabbing a coffee and sitting under one of the trees or on one of the benches to enjoy. When the weathers nice, there will often be some form of entertainment playing for your tips as well. read more

When I stumbled upon Peet's in Harvard Square, I was ecstatic. I do love their coffees but me and the husband love their tea, especially their chai even more. It's not a cheap date, however, the taste and quality can't be beat. It's just too bad that the only Peet's on the East Coast is in Boston. *sad face* read more

Based on Lynn's review, I went Peet's after my Bikram yoga adventure specifically to try the Mango Tea Freddo. When we walked in the cashier yelled out "Hey Ladies!" a la Beastie Boys and my friend and I giggled as we walked up to the register. Drinks came out very fast and the Freddo was perfectly blended and had a light tea and mango flavor. I really enjoyed it and might have to make it a regular stop in Harvard! ps Another cool thing about Peet's- when you get an iced drink, they whip up the milk so it is foamy and creamy. Even the nonfat! read more

I'm not sure why I love this place so much, I just do. Even though it's a chain, it still seems like it's everything a coffee shop should be. A good latte should take some time to make and I think that's why mine is always perfect here. Creamy, rich, just perfection. I feel that the people here take some pride in each cup of joe they serve. Corny, I know, but true. I wish this chain was most widespread as their coffee it not available in the DC area : ( Oh well, one more excuse to visit Beantown. read more

I really wanted to like this coffee shop. It's centrally located, an alternative to the big guys, etc. However... I had to wait a few minutes to order because the cashier was busy talking to someone. Then my latte was okay, but there was a ton of foam. There was nowhere to sit. And I couldn't figure out how to access the internet. Not that I won't ever try again, but it certainly wasn't the peaceful, coffeeshop experience I was hoping for. read more

Peet - you're too crowded! I usually wind up next to the bathroom, in a high stool where I have to belly up the bar, which I think is cute as I haven't seen that type of seating arrangement in other chains. That bathroom has always been surprisingly clean though. My advice: go in. order a chocolate chip cookie (it's awesome.) and then go home and sprawl out and eat it. read more

For the amount of time I spend in coffee shops, I never get tired of this Peet's atmosphere--when I'm actually able to grab a study spot in the almost perpetually full cafe. But when I say packed, it's more that seats are always taken, it never feels claustrophobic. Slightly less mainstream than Starbucks and better coffee in my opinion, Peet's has friendly staff and great coffee to help you power through the day! read more

Not enough seating and always crowded! The coffee and pastries are good, but this seating is limited and uncomfortable. How many times have I ordered a mocha and had to walk around Harvard Square aimlessly when I really wanted to read. Other times I was stuck by the smelly toilets, ugh! read more

Hi five, guys. This is my favorite Peet's location. Their staff is friendly and sweet, and they make good coffee. I like their coffee so much more than Starbuck's, whose coffee is consistently burned and acidic. Their beans for sale are really good too! I typically buy the Vienna blend. This location can get pretty crowded, but it is a nice place to study or read if you can manage to get a spot. Sometimes, old men tell me that I should not read Proust. Weird! It's near a little park, so if the weather is nice, you can sit out there too. read more

Peet's is a place that me and my other san fran transplant friend talk about how much we miss, but never go out of our way to get coffee at. There are just so many other decent options closer to home - BUT a good place to go out of your way for regardless. Don't listen to us lazy bums. read more

Went in at a busy time.. The girl who took my order was stressed out and barked a harsh "what can I get you".... It took me a couple of seconds to get over the shock, which only seemed to make her more anxious/ upset. I paid for the drink and waited for it.... The barista called out my order and sloppily placed the drink on the counter and spilled some (I did not care at all) but when I went to grab it he looked at me and the spilled drink and he then assumed I spilled it and scowled at me while he reached for a rag to clean it up. attitudes flying everywhere here. I've heard stereotypes of what service in Boston can be like.. This place did not dissapoint. The soy matcha vanilla latte I got was good, but not "$4/ treated like an inconvenience" good. read more

Peet's has the best coffee in the Harvard Square area in my opinion. I usually stop in quickly for medium coffee and scone and haven't been disappointed by the food or service. read more

The coffees and teas here don't seem all that special to me. It's been a long time since I've gone to this place in Harvard Square so maybe some things have changed. The place always seem really crowded. You're lucky if you can find a table to sit at. There is also no wireless, so you'll have to steal it from other businesses around the area. I am not impressed. read more

The only place I'll go for an iced vanilla latte in Harvard Square. This place makes great coffee. Sure, not as good as your Italian grandmother used to, but I'm a small-town girl. This is heaven for me. Plus, the baristas are friendly. They remember your name (think Cheers), or at least they remember mine, perhaps because of the frequency I came in over the summer for said iced vanilla lattes. The shop itself is so-so; less ambiance than Starbucks, which is kind of depressing to put into writing, and seating is minimal. That said, they play classical non-stop. Bonus points for that. They have 2 restrooms, both kind of grubby, but serviceable. But their lattes are something else. They steam the milk in an iced latte! No one else does that, and it truly brings out the flavor and counteracts some of the bitterness you'd get just by adding cold milk and espresso (even I can do that at home). Mmmm...too bad I'm on a budget these days. read more

Great for studying and sitting and relaxing - totally no pressure to buy a ton of stuff or to move your seat. Just be warned - you will feel dumb when you sit here. Everyone is so "smart and Harvard educated" I felt as if I couldn't match them. Regardless, it smells WONDERFUL with all the fresh coffee and tea, and the service is so friendly. You get real cups and plates - unlike paper and plastic at every other coffee shop you go to. read more

Every Wednesday at 4:45 I order a single macchiato, (almost) always prepared by the same barista. Every time, it takes less than 2 minutes, and it always tastes exactly the same (i.e. perfect). This is all I ever asked for, Other Coffee Sellers. Take a lesson. read more

Great mocha! Mmmmmmmm so good. I wish we had a Peets where I live. Needs more seating though.

My review is based solely on the coffee, which would win in a kung fu tournament against Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. It also tastes better. (sorry DD - you know you're my special lady, but Peet's just got more class, you know?) Cara J down there said exactly what I would say about my issues with the place and why I always get my brew to go. It's true, as well, that the staff are terminally disorganized, but I kind of like that about the place. There's always this sort of flaky charm wafting from the baristas that make it impossible to be annoyed with them even when it took ten minutes to get your latte. (Never order those Freddo things - no one actually knows how to make them and you will be single-handedly responsible for holding up the line by 20 minutes). read more

I'm currently crushing on Peet's Coffee's Cappuccino! It has a milder coffee flavor than a lot of cappuccinos out there, actually, any that I've ever had so it's perfect for someone like me who isn't into a strong dose of coffee. I don't even put any sugar in it, just a little cinnamon. Mmmmmm fantastic. Starbucks, eat your heart out. Odd thing though, since I've become an enthusiast, I just happen to be in front of or behind someone in line who asks for soy milk and is given some bad news that they're out or almost out. That could be a bummer, fyi... read more

Descending from Seattle I like dark, strong, rich coffee. Peet's fills the bill even thought they are from San Fransisco. I head to the downtown location on my way to work almost every morning, but the Harvard Sq location is closer to my home so it's my weekend spot for coffee. Being close to Harvard there is never a seat to be had, but there is a great park right out front to sit and people watch. read more

It will cost me too much to say they have the best coffee in Harvard Square - but it's quite decent. Couple other options - juice and tea are quite standard too. So the best thing about Peet's is that you don't need to worry about the quality of drinks. The environment is good for chatting - not for study. The table is not that comfortable but ok to stay a couple hours. The outside seating is quite good, especially in the sunny days. Four tables are available outside - need to be quick. read more

There's just something about this place I don't like. I think it's mostly the crowds. But the space was totally not thought through. One has to squeeze by a bench to get to the second register, and there's no decent place to wait for your drink to come out without bumping into a million people. I don't think the chairs are comfortable, either. They try to compensate with the wood paneling, giving it a "classy" feel. Nonetheless, I only come here at last resort. P.S. I prefer the Starbucks lattes, too. read more

Love this place - the staff is super-friendly. They have some great treats - like the cranberry walnut rolls (Delicious!). Coffee is pretty good. And the location on a sweet spring day just cannot be beat. read more

Fact is, it's a chain. The quality of the espresso at a chain store is NEVER going to be as high as that of the espresso at an independent store. Independent store generally spend the money for "floating beans," which are high-quality; chains, which buy in incredible bulk, go for the mid-range stuff. My triple wet cappuccino was the best I've gotten at a chain, but nowhere near the best overall. I don't want to say the espresso tasted bad -- though would be an overstatement -- it just wasn't noticeably good. Sort of a big shrug. My wet cappuccino also fell a little on the "latte with foam" side; the difference is slight, I know, and I'm being picky... But baristas this busy should know that a cappuccino, even a wet one, needs a little more foam than what was put in mine. The pastries (scones, muffins, pecan rolls, and some sort of soda bread?) did look good, as did their frozen coffee drinks. I was tempted to get one but stuck to my usual order (ya know, an experiment has to have controls... or something... right, Harvard?). So, did I enjoy my cappuccino? Sure, I suppose. Do I recommend Peet's over Starbucks? Sure, why not. (Yes I also gave Starbucks three stars, for nice service... the espresso, however, blows.) Would I ever go there over an independent coffee shop, where more care is taken with the drinks and the espresso is simply better-quality? Not a chance. Sorry, Peet's. You're still a chain after all. read more

Nothing like a cup of Peet's with nothing in it. Just a cup of black coffee. They also get the "fun" drinks right too. The folks that work there are super nice!!! I go there almost everyday. The offer Wi-Fi and let you kick it as long as you want. I would not know, but I see the same people in there when I get a cup in the morning, and when I walk by late in that afternoon. They also have a lot of beans for to choose from if you want to make coffee at home. read more

I love this place and will try to hit it up for a sit down whenever I am in the area. It is beautiful; in a big old house in the middle of a big old city. A tiny park in front of the building is beconing you to bring your coffee there and partake in some freaky people watchng; which this town is never short on. I had to juice the phone so I sat inside for a spell. I got a cafe Mocha. It is espresso with dark dutch cocoa and steamed milk with whipped cream on top. I am not a coffee snob. It wasn't the best coffee drink I've had this week, but it wasn't the worst. It hit the spot and I enjoyed it and my visit very much. The staff was happy. That keeps the customers even tempered too, I think. They were enjoying themselves and working fast. The line went out the door. It's a small place. It was a little tough to find a seat, being a saturday afternoon. That long "looking line only had about 10 people in it and I thought it moved fast enough for the type of drinks the baristas are concocting. Good drinks don't come out as fast as a soda at a fast food joint, so you have to appreciate that. My friends got cold freddos that were like coffee slushie dessert treats. Yummy!! A little slow in cleaning up the messes around the shop... but still cleaner than my house. Very nice place... a switch from the predictable other chains in the area. read more

One day I was wandering around the square and I happened upon Peet's so I decided to stop in because their iced white mocha coconut thing sounded really good. Apparently that day was my lucky day because I got a dollar off the drink for checking in (woohoo!!!) and the drink was amazing. It tasted sweet but not too sweet, it was made how I asked for it to be made and the staff were all super friendly also, the espresso in my drink tasted really fresh, not burnt like it does at some other coffee places... Now all they need is levelup and they'll be all set! Also, twice now I've gone to Peet's and checked in and both times I was allowed to use to dollar off coupon. read more

Peet's Coffee - Iced white mocha coconut.... Ohhhh yeahhhhhh - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

4 Stars for the the fantastic choices and quality of the coffee and tea. The ambiance was nice given the insane location at Harvard square it was super busy and a bit crazy. The extra star is given to the staff and their ability to manage this insanity. Really to the point that as I stepped up and ordered for our party of 4 I forgot all about the fact that the place was so busy. However I still managed to screw up my request for 1 in the party. One of the staff named Shaun was awesome! Great customer service not making me feel bad about ordering the wrong one after he had already made my first order. He quickly remade the other coffee and handed it to me with big smile. As I stepped to the side to our table near the counter I then heard this guy realize that his next customer was French so he changed from English to French to better communicate with them! What? Who is this kid? :-) read more

I would make this my daily morning coffee stop if it weren't for the slight commute from Texas. Not that I haven't considered it. My go-to drink is the iced latte, which is just a regular shot of espresso poured over ice with milk. Simple, but so good. If I could tear myself away from coffee I'd try their tea; the selection seemed pretty nice. Oh Peet's, I look forward to my next trip home. read more

I really enjoyed each of my visits to this Peet's. Internet issues at the much busier/hectic Starbucks down the road brought me here for my first visit - and the great service, tasty drinks, and sunny (bright but not hot) seating area is what brings me back. The baristas were super friendly and knowledgable and I've never had a problem finding a place to sit and plug in. The men's bathroom was clean and well kept (trash was a bit heaping, but it was probably because the staff was busy keeping the coffee flowing for the pretty high volume of customers). Although it's a small detail, I really like how the bar is low so you can see the baristas working. I'm not paranoid about them messing with my order - but my moderate interest in brewing was satisfied by being able to watch them work during periods of distraction from my work/reading. I also noticed that they don't have a uniform - but were well dressed in various "casual but groomed" styles (collared shirts and jeans or crisp T-shirts with slacks). I know their fashion choices aren't particularly important, but it definitely supported a vibe/ambiance that I enjoyed - I felt like the staff was more relatable and friendly, they didn't give off a "big coffee chain" vibe at all. read more

Excellent, flavorful coffee and teas. Each time I visit Peet's, I find myself pleasantly surprised and wonder why I don't frequent the cafe more often. Their hot and iced drinks are both good, and the Matcha Javiva is delicious! Seating and location are both lovely, although you shouldn't expect to find a place to sit at peak hours. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Overall, an enjoyable coffee experience, and one that I recommend for those seeking a good cup in Harvard Square. read more

This place has really won my heart. It wasn't really that hard because it's not Starbucks and DD, but it won me. The coffee is good! Maybe not as good as some other options, but it's nice. I drink my coffee black, and I have been pleasantly surprised with some rich and bold flavors here. I won't go into specifics because I am not that articulate in my coffee-speak, but I know a good coffee when I drink it, okay?! :D Also, a refill is officially cheaper here than DD or Starbucks, so there's that too. read more

I've only been here once or twice but I love it. I've gotten iced tea and the price is extremely reasonable for the portions. The staff is very friendly and lively which makes the atmosphere better. good amount of seating, fairly clean. read more

I'm not a coffee drinker, but I appreciate their pastries and lovely ambience. Great for both lingering and a quick breakfast to go.