The Big Coffee War in Boston goes on and on, like the 30 Years War. Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks slug it out with McDonald’s. I go to the McDonald’s in Central Square for breakfast and I can report that almost no one buys the McD lattes or whatever childish name they want to call their drinks.

Much more interesting is the low level war involving the city’s best coffee enthusiasts. Barismo has opened a small shop in Arlington, on Mass. Ave. across from Flora. They roast at this location and they also make great coffee. Barismo also sells espresso beans to the three Espresso Royale Cafes, and more importantly they have been training people. The espresso drinks at the BU ERC are very very good and the Newberry St. location produces espresso drinks that are only a little less so. Meantime Simon’s on Mass. Ave. in Cambridge makes great coffee using Barismo and George Howell proudcts. In Harvard Square the small, wonderful Hi Rise Pie Company uses Barismo and Ritual from San Francisco. The Pie Company has wonderful outdoor seating with great sunlight, great customers and what is usually the best espresso drinks in town. Three days ago, after drinking a lot of good espresso’s around town I had a memorable shot of Ritual’s latest roast.

Cafe Fixe in Brookine and Taste Cafe in Newtonville also work extraordinarily hard to make great coffee. Maybe its more of a healthy competition than a low level war of national liberation, and we’re lucky to be here.

1. jhoshino on September 21st, 2009 at 6:03 pm

   Hi Rise Pie also serves George Howell Matalapa, El Salvador, along with Ritual and barismo. Just wanted to clarify.