A nationwide list of the top 100 coffee shops in the country was just unveiled by Yelp, and while California may be grabbing headlines for how many cafés made the list, there’s reason for Boston to puff its chest, too. There, among very chic and very contemporary entries, is beloved neighborhood staple Polcari’s Coffee, the kind of place locals have long known to treasure.
Polcari’s isn’t flashy. Open since 1932, it doesn’t need to be. Located at 105 Salem Street, this family-run shop leans into tradition, warmth, genuine community and the kind of consistency that turns first-time visitors into regulars. Their espresso blend wins praise, and the atmospheric, old-school café charm mingled with neighborhood hustle makes it more than a stopover; it’s a fixture. Yelp reviews often mention not just the product (which is solid) but also the people behind the counter. That tells you what kind of café this is, one built on relationships and good coffee and grounded in Boston’s unique urban character.
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The rest of the top five is a showcase of national coffee greatness: Top honors went to Yaw Farm Coffee Roaster in Las Vegas, followed by 1022 Cafe & Gelateria in Oceanside, California, and Rainbeau Jo’s in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii. L.A.'s Mate Conmigo took the fourth slot, and at No. 5 is Makua Banana Bread in Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii. Together, these java destinations highlight just how diverse the American coffee landscape has become, with each café blending local flavor, thoughtful design, and brews worth traveling for.
What makes Polcari’s inclusion especially sweet is the contrast. Yelp’s Top 100 is full of concept-driven spaces: roastery-cafés with sleek interiors, curated menus with espresso cocktails, single-origin explorations and latte art shows. Polcari’s feels like something else entirely. There is beauty in simplicity here. It’s not trying to be the loudest or the most avant-garde; it succeeds by being quietly excellent.
For Bostonians, Polcari’s making the list is a reminder that café culture here is far from dormant and places that boast history, authenticity, and roots still matter. When Polcari’s is listed among national coffee heavyweights, it validates what locals already know.
If you’ve been meaning to visit Polcari’s (or haven’t been in a while), this is your cue. Go by the North End, order something strong, maybe linger over a baked good, maybe catch the chatter. Let the warm vibes remind you that sometimes, the local corner shop holds just as much importance (and flavor) as the destination-driven café.