The best cafes in Arlington

“Cozy hangout with a playground, serving Counter Culture coffee, baked treats, and light bites.”

“Cozy cafe serving coffee alongside breakfast items, salads, crepes and sandwiches.”

“Cozy Middle Eastern-style bakery and cafe, also serving soups, dips and pastries.”

“Casual coffee shop with a menu of light dishes & specially blended hot & cold drinks.”

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Stylish haunt with an old-world vibe serving brunch & snacks, plus coffee, craft beer & cocktails.”

“Friendly-owned cafe for coffee and espressos, plus pastries.”

“Cozy coffee hangout pairing espresso drinks & lots of teas with light bites, baked goods & desserts.”

“Trendy nonprofit cafe serving pastries & baked goods, plus cold & hot drink options.”

“Tiny gourmet espresso bar from a local coffee roaster serving nitrogen cold brews & more.”

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Relaxed Vietnamese cafe offering banh mi, sandwiches, and baked goods, plus specialty coffee.”

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Ethiopian coffee & rich pastries fortify laptop warriors at this brick-walled, art-filled cafe.”

“Coffee shop selling house-roasted beans to go or within the cozy cafe that also serves sandwiches, bagels and pastries; the eatery also sells houseplants.”

“Relaxed spot for coffee and house-baked pastries, plus lunch fare.”

“Need a little serotonin with your caffeine this week? A Sanctuary Cafe blends an extensive coffee and tea menu, a pastry case stocked by local makers, and a cozy bookstore vibe, plus a reservation-only cat lounge of friendly permanent residents you can watch from the café or visit for purr therapy.”

From the Somerville newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Le Cafe & Bakery is cranking out fresh egg tarts daily, flaky croissants and those dangerously good croissant tarts, plus lattes that actually taste like coffee. Consider it your morale boost this week... worth the quick detour when a sweet bite and solid sip are non-negotiable.”

From the Quincy newsletter, August 14, 2026