Simon's Coffeeshop

Formerly known as Hollywood Expresso (as it is next door to the similarly named video store), this charming local coffeeshop is everything the Starbucks down the street isn't. Art hangs from the funky-colored walls, and the staff plays rotations of local and national bands. Simon's is one of the best coffeeshops in the Boston area when it comes to training baristas. Not surprisingly, the staff places great emphasis on the quality of their beverages, and the selection is surprisingly large for such a small shop: try the espresso drinks are masterfully crafted, and there are a great deal of other non-coffee options as well like chai and Italian sodas. Complement your drink with a fresh sandwich (tuna, hummus, turkey, etc.; $5.50), delicious pastries, or one of the 2 daily soups. One caveat: the small number of tables makes it sometimes difficult to find seating during busy hours. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.