Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Thinking Cup

    4.2 (1.4k reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Thinking Cup Photos

    Business Info

    THINKING CUP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for working
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Thinking Cup

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Carmel Iced Latte and Black Raspberry Breakfast Pastry
    Kelly W.

    You're greeted when you step through the doors. It was a very busy place. The service was quick and friendly. I had an iced latte and one of their breakfast pastries. So many choices and they all looked good. My pastry and coffee were the best!

    Olive Oil Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cappuccino & Tiramisu
    Amy Y.

    The Thinking Cup is an adorable coffee shop across from the Boston Common. I did not expect to find such a delightful place in such a touristy area. The food selections, from sandwiches to pastries, are fresh and beautiful. The cappuccino was perfection, the tiramisu was creamy and perfectly proportioned. The Olive Oil Dark Chocolate chip cookie was unusual & delicious. The service was efficient. Drop by and rejuvenate your soul.

    Matcha with almond milk and latte
    Nat P.

    Came here years old and came back to try again and still had not disappoint. This is definitely my go to spot for breakfast! Such cozy vibes and very inviting. They make their coffee and matcha just right, their breakfast selection is amazing starting from pastries to even their steel cut oatmeal. The staff members here are nice and friendly. All very accommodating which is very appreciative! Every time I come here is already busy and crowded but the line moves fast. It can be tough to find a seat but if you're willing to wait, then it is worth it! Or better yet, just grab your food and coffee and enjoy it at the nearby public garden !

    Daviyion J.

    Stopped in for a breakfast sandwich and a cold brew while waiting on my friends. The sausage, egg, and cheese on english muffin was delicious and served up piping hot. And the cold brew came with its own house syrup choices, and I picked the honey cinnamon syrup option. The general vibe the place was pretty chill and I got a nice seat by the window to watch all the action happening over at the Boston Commons. I was looking for a place to work and a coffee shop, they did not have any free Wi-Fi (or any for that matter) that I could see just FYI.

    hot chocolate
    Lea F.

    Stopped here for breakfast on new years day. The line went fast as they have 3 registers. The girl taking care of me was super nice. I got the chorizo breakfast burrito and a honey cinnamon latte. My friend got a latte with a different flavor and we both agreed it was a good latte but the flavors were barely recognizable. My other friend got a hot chocolate which he said is always great. My friend and I also agreed the chorizo breakfast burrito maybe needed more cheese, I just added mayo though and it was good! Their little treats looks really good as well. This is a cute cafe to stop at in Boston.

    Grilled cheese sandwich
    Julie H.

    I ordered the iced matcha latte, iced honey cinnamon latte, grill cheese, and the Nutella croissant. Overall such a great experience. The food and drinks were delicious. I don't like Nutella croissants but this one was really good. The grilled sandwich is a must. The service was quick and friendly. The people(customers) were really friendly. Overall would come back again.

    Matcha blueberry tiramisu
    Alana K.

    My friend and I came here for an afternoon pick-me-up. There's plenty of seats and the menu is quite extensive. I had an iced herbal tea (I think it was hibiscus and cinnamon) and we shared a matcha blueberry tiramisu. I thought the cake layers were a little wet and there was a bit too much cream in the ratio. Nonetheless, it was still delicious.

    Denise M.

    This place is across the street from Boston Common, and very busy, at least on this Sunday morning. The service wasn't particularly friendly, but the patients were beautiful and delicious and the coffee and good, too. They have pastries, coffee, sandwiches, and traditional breakfast. The prices are on spot and they are quick to boot.

    Crustless bacon gruyere quiche
    Maggie B.

    Quiche was so delicious I had it twice in 3 days. A small but quaint location near everything downtown. Nice coffees and pastries too

    Menu
    Justin S.

    Thinking Cup looks like a throwback to an earlier style of coffee shop. Its interior has darker colors and a cozy interior, in contrast to the proliferation of light wood and airy interiors. The tables, set with old newspaper clippings, hearken to bygone days as well. They don't even have wifi! What Thinking Cup does offer is a competitively priced menu. Want breakfast? A plain bagels for $2.75, or $3.50 for cream cheese. A BEC breakfast sandwich costs $5.75. Black coffee - $3.50 for a large cup. Today, I had coffee and a breakfast burrito. The burrito costs $6.75, so it comes as a smaller portion (will fill you up a bit more than a BEC, but don't expect a farmer's breakfast size). The burrito had scrambled egg, black beans, salsa, and a choice of sausage, ham, bacon, or chorizo.

    Stephanie C.

    One of my favorite coffee spots in the city! The Thinking Cup strikes the perfect balance between cozy café vibes and seriously good coffee. Whether you're grabbing a quick espresso or settling in with a book, it just works. I had latte and a avocado toast, and both were top-notch. The coffee is smooth and flavorful--no burnt aftertaste, just rich, high-quality beans. And the food? Fresh, satisfying, and way better than your average café fare. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a cool, slightly vintage feel. It's the kind of place you can lose track of time in.

    John C.

    This seamed to be the choice of our group when walking around Boston. Great menu and massive biscotti. Pleasant staff and of course delicious smooth coffee

    Grilled Cheese with aioli, sourdough, Gruyère, peppers onions and jalepenos
    Savannah H.

    A great little spot for sure!! Their coffees are good, small but yummy and I like some of their more creative offerings! The pastries definitely shine and I always enjoy the sandwiches. Would highly recommend getting them on the focaccia rather than sourdough but that's maybe just me. The seating is cute and always has some spots open. Staff can be a hit or miss of being lovely/no notes or being the grumpiest people alive but that's anywhere I guess.

    blueberry matcha

    See all

    8 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Phil C.
    829
    975
    7077

    10 years ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 1
    Love this 14
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anne J.
    0
    528
    0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Hugh G.

    Hugh G.

    Linda, thanks for stopping in. Hope to see you again soon.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Great coffee, great atmosphere, quick service and right across from Boston Common. I would definitely come here again!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike C.
    4999
    2053
    138680

    13 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jenny S.
    2235
    2994
    10355

    15 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eric F.
    1027
    3661
    608

    15 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joan S.
    393
    296
    1212

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Robert M.
    339
    400
    234

    8 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    If you are looking for a slice of chocolate cake that has dried out and tastes like licking the wall of a refrigerator, this is your place!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Yuka Y.
    549
    427
    1720

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Grace L.
    290
    11
    17

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Teresa S.
    70
    35
    37

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kevin L.
    575
    1233
    3392

    7 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Page 4 of 35

    Thinking Cup Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Thinking Cup

    Can I drink a cup of coffee with a friend indoors in the Tremont location, as of October 2020?

    Yes

    Hi is this cafe running regular business hours during covid19?

    7am-7pm

    Hi, Does this place do customized art on the coffee? I mean if I give a picture will they be able to put that on coffee latte?

    No, sorry!

    View All 5 Questions

    You might also consider

    J P Licks - Charles Street

    J P Licks - Charles Street

    3.8
    (270 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $

    While visiting Boston, we went on a late night hunt for dessert and ended up at JP Licks purely…read morebecause the name made us laugh. Turns out, it absolutely lived up to the hype. I went with two scoops, black raspberry and brownie chocolate, and the brownie was killer. Rich, chocolatey, and totally worth standing outside in 30 degree weather to eat it. I devoured it without hesitation. There were so many great flavor options, and my friends all found something they loved too. It felt like one of those classic, must-stop dessert spots. Cold, delicious, and just the right amount of chaotic fun... it was wicked good.

    Stopped here for ice cream the other day! I love the location of this JP licks, it's the perfect…read morespot to hit after an esplanade sunset. There was plenty of seating inside and we had no trouble finding an open spot to sit down and enjoy our ice cream. There also wasn't a line which was really nice! My boyfriend got the mint chip in a waffle cone, and I got the salted caramel cookies n creme in a cup with sprinkles on it. While I do usually prefer my ice cream order to my boyfriends....i do have to admit that I liked his more. Don't skip the waffle cone like I did. Definitely a great stop to add to your day in boston! The flavors are always great, and there's seasonal flavors which rotate that are always fun to try.

    Photos
    Madagascar Vanilla (Coconut) Dairy Free Ice Cream and Chocolate (coconut) Dairy Free Ice Cream
    Madagascar Vanilla (Coconut) Dairy Free Ice Cream and Chocolate (coconut) Dairy Free Ice Cream
    Madagascar Vanilla (Coconut) Dairy Free Ice Cream and Chocolate (coconut) Dairy Free Ice Cream
    Madagascar Vanilla (Coconut) Dairy Free Ice Cream and Chocolate (coconut) Dairy Free Ice Cream
    J P Licks - Charles Street

    See all

    Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Charles St

    Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Charles St

    4.0
    (754 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    I had to check out this trendy, aesthetic café while I was visiting Boston. It lives up to the…read morehype. Since it was a pretty humid that day, I ordered the iced black sesame latte along with the pistachio tart. The sesame latte was one of the most unique lattes I've ever had. The pistachio tart had the perfect balance of nuttiness and sweetness without being overpowering, the coffee and pastry were basically a meal on their own and very filling. This Charles St location is on the smaller side, but the sidewalk patio is such has a beautiful vibe with influencers filming content and people reading books with their coffee and pastry. It's directly across from the iconic Beacon Hill Books & Cafe, making it a perfect stop while exploring Beacon Hill. Service is self-serve, but everything was quick and efficient, and we didn't have to wait in any long lines. Overall, 10/10 vibes. I'd absolutely come back just for the latte + vibes.

    One of the largest Tatte's I've seen. It's a clean, brightly lit cafe/restaurant with plenty of…read moreindoor and outdoor seating. Service is very quick and there's self-serve utensils and water stations. Great for a work/study session, though I'd imagine it gets pretty loud when busy. I'd recommend the orange upside-down cake, raspberry cloud, Kouign-amann, or any of the coolers. The short rib panini is also excellent too. Prices are very fair. One downside to this particular Tatte is that despite its size, it only has one bathroom, so you might be waiting in line for a while.

    Photos
    The dining room
    The dining room
    Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Charles St
    Matcha Rhubarb Lemonade

    See all

    Matcha Rhubarb Lemonade
    The Paramount

    The Paramount

    3.8
    (1.8k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    The Paramount isn't one of those places you accidentally wander into. You commit to it. The line…read morewas stretched down the block, the dining room was packed shoulder to shoulder, and somehow they managed to squeeze more people inside than physics should probably allow. If personal space is important to you, maybe skip breakfast here. If great food is important to you, get in line. Despite what felt like a never-ending stream of people, the staff never seemed rattled. Everyone we dealt with was friendly, accommodating, and somehow kept things moving in quarters so tight I would've been stressed just carrying a glass of water through them. The kids ordered the s'mores pancakes, and they looked less like breakfast and more like something a Disney princess would be served after saving the kingdom. Towering stack of fluffy pancakes, chocolate, toasted marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs... the kind of plate that makes every other table stop and stare for a second. My oldest also had the Nutella waffles and declared them the best thing he'd eaten during his first trip to Boston, which is about as glowing a review as a teenager is capable of giving. After several days of treating carbohydrates like a food group, I tried to make one responsible decision and ordered the grilled chicken Cobb salad. Best decision of the trip. It wasn't your standard Cobb either. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, the chicken was perfectly cooked, the portions were generous, and somehow every bite was as good as the first. I'm writing this the next day and I'm still thinking about that salad, which is not a sentence I ever expected to type. My mother-in-law ordered the smash burger and said it was really flavorful, but noticeably dry. A little more sauce or a few actual condiments would've taken it from good to great. Prices were surprisingly reasonable considering you're eating in the middle of downtown Boston, and nobody left hungry. Actually, "barely left hungry" is more accurate because none of us could finish everything. Would I wait in that line again? Probably. I may complain about standing around, being packed in like a subway car at rush hour, and wondering whether the person behind me is officially part of my family now, but I'd still do it. Some places earn the crowd. The Paramount is one of them.

    Food: none of it was good enough to write home about. I am not mad I ate here at all but would I…read morerush back here no. Things tasted fresh and the waffle was the showstopper. Mimosas were super underwhelming personally which is surprising cause it's just OJ and champagne but whatever! Service: basic service nothing bad not amazing about it which is all I require I'm not looking to be like wow'd by service I go to restaurants to eat you feel me overall not bad! Ambience: We got way in the very back so ambience wasn't amazing

    Photos
    The Paramount
    Waffle with strawberry, Nutella and banana
    Waffle with strawberry, Nutella and banana
    Mimosa

    See all

    Mimosa
    Caffé Vittoria

    Caffé Vittoria

    3.9
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    We stopped at Caffe Vittoria during a food tour and we were lucky that a reservation was made and…read morewe had a table set aside for our group. As we walked in, we were met with the great aroma of coffee and baked goods. The place was very busy and there were a lot of staff moving around and customers having conversations or in line to order take out. We sat in a separate area downstairs and we were the only guests there. It was somewhat dark but it was private and there were bathrooms downstairs. We tried their tiramisu that was one of the bests I've ever tried. We also ordered their pistachio martini that was a super treat as it also had pistachio gelato. Their cappuccino made me want a second one. I am coming back to this place next time that I visit the North End!

    This used to be a nice spot to get a coffee and pastry. However, I feel the quality has declined…read more The cappuccino didn't taste like there was even espresso in there. Faint enough that it seems like the coffee grounds were used a few times... the rum cake was okay. It tasted commercially made. Unfortunate because I used to enjoy a coffee and pastry here. The workers were nice but the quality just isn't meeting nearby bakeries... Tables and menus were a bit sticky / dirty and could benefit being wiped down more

    Photos
    Old coffee machines
    Old coffee machines
    Enjoying an Sfogliatella and Cappuccino at the oldest Italian cafe in Boston!! Bellissimo!
    Enjoying an Sfogliatella and Cappuccino at the oldest Italian cafe in Boston!! Bellissimo!
    Chocolate Cannoli

    See all

    Chocolate Cannoli
    Beacon Hill Books & Cafe

    Beacon Hill Books & Cafe

    4.1
    (201 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    This spot was adorable - both for books and food…read more We lucked out as we didn't have a reservation, but called and turns out they had an outdoor table available. We weren't sure how to enter, so we started in the bookstore and found their convenient elevator downstairs! The restaurant is tiny but cozy, which is the perfect atmosphere for a book store! We sat outside in the little courtyard and it's a mix of magical and relaxing! There were only a few tables, so it wasn't overcrowded and with nice weather, it was perfect. I had a salad with salmon on the side which was delicious - and the ginger lemonade - wonderful! From buttered noodles to seafood, everything was executed well. The staff didn't rush us even though they were busy - and they had to give really long wait times to a number of others, but we still weren't rushed. I would highly recommend reservations, but even without we were treated very well. Pricing was in line with city pricing - and the food was extremely high quality and produce was lovely - not a shriveled lettuce leaf in sight. We then went upstairs to the bookstore and perused - each floor has something fun to see (including a tiny kids door - or is it a mouse door for the mouse who stars in the book about the store?!). 100% worth a visit - definitely stop in!

    Beacon Hill Books and Cafe is a three story independent bookstore set inside a townhouse on Beacon…read moreHill, and the physical space does as much work as the inventory in making it worth a visit. We walked into a building with the kind of architectural character that chain bookstores cannot manufacture, with small rooms opening into each other across multiple floors, wallpapered walls, and reading nooks distributed throughout that invite you to slow down rather than move through quickly. The book selection is well curated with staff recommendation cards on the shelves that actually reflect genuine enthusiasm rather than perfunctory notes. We saw limited edition hardcovers and local and regional titles appearing alongside the broader fiction and nonfiction selection. Browsing felt productive rather than overwhelming because the curation kept things focused. The kids section upstairs is one of the more delightful in Boston, with a train running along a track near the ceiling that tends to make a strong impression on younger visitors. There is also an art print vending machine on the second floor that draws its own audience of visitors looking for something small and specific to take home. The cafe occupies the lower level and operates as a separate experience from the bookshop above. We ordered the oat milk cappuccino with Vermont maple syrup, which was worth it. The morning glory scone and the popovers are two other items to consider. The cafe is tiny, around eight tables inside with a small patio, and reservations are recommended for breakfast and afternoon tea service. Pricing at the cafe is on the higher end, and certain fixed price service formats on specific dates push it considerably further, so checking current pricing before booking is worth doing. For a bookshop that doubles as a destination in its own right, Beacon Hill Books and Cafe delivers a cozy, curated experience that rewards lingering. It is the kind of place we would return to just to sit and read with a good coffee.

    Photos
    2nd floor - main floor with the cashier.
    2nd floor - main floor with the cashier.
    Beacon Hill Books & Cafe
    Children's books level

    See all

    Children's books level

    Thinking Cup - coffee - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...