Allison L.

My love for Blue State just increased. I emailed Karen asking if they could change up some of their vegan baked goods, and she responded the SAME DAY, saying she had talked to the head baker and that they would be trying out one of my ideas. So if you see banana/cranberry/walnut bread for sale in the near future, buy it so my idea is validated. ;o)

Kimberly W.

Good coffee, lots of seating, and somewhat of a grassroots feel as they donate money to certain causes or organizations, Blue State is a cafe-staple in the Boston/Allston border. Just the right amount of business inside.

Ambrose C.

Coffee and Cookies Are you looking for some good coffee and some good cookies for an afternoon of studying? Are you also looking for a small opportunity to spend your money a little justly? If you said yes, this place has your answer. The coffee I decided to get was called a Cortado, which was recommended by a friend of a friend. A Cortado is an Espresso with a small amount of warm milk. This Cortado is served in a glass, so it looks like you are drinking a cocktail made from coffee. I thought it was a pretty good coffee, had a nice creaminess but a slight aftertaste that had the typical bitterness from drinking black coffee. They really treat the creation of coffee as an art, not a science. Presentation of the coffee is impressive and it appears they put a good amount of effort in the preparation. There is usually a nice design on top of your coffee when you receive it. If you are looking for some good afternoon cookies, this place is actually a good choice. I had a Snickerdoodle and a Flour-less Peanut Butter Cookie. A Snickerdoodle cookie has a mixture of white sugar and cinnamon. The cinnamon flavor was good, and the cookie was so soft. The softness was almost similar to eating a freshly baked brownie. I actually enjoyed the Flour-less Peanut Butter Cookie, it had a nice softness and a good peanut butter flavor that would be a great complement with some fresh cold milk. It's probably the tastiest "gluten free" cookie I have eaten so far. Two cookies from this place with some great coffee or fresh cold milk should be enough for a great afternoon snack while you are studying. If you are someone who cares about non-profit organizations, well I have some small good news. 2 percent off the value of your purchase will go to a local non-profit organization. You can vote on which cause you can support. Some of these causes include: saving and maintaining the well being of stray animals, environmental restoration and protection of a local park, or treatment and prevention of drug abuses. Not many places actually do this, and it could make you feel better that some of the money you spent on this place might actually help noble causes. In addition, if you actually want to buy fair trade coffee, this is also a really good choice. The people are very friendly. The decor is very simple and utilitarian. The music was decent and was not too loud. If they can play some more lounge music, it has a lot of great potential as a nice place to just "chill out", and "unwind". As for prices, if you want to have an enjoyable coffee and cookie experience, you should have at least $8 cash in your pocket. Overall, if you are looking for a good cafe to study and if you want some coffee and some great cookies, then this is a great choice. I think this place may be an example of a simple cafe that serves good coffee, good food, and good causes and maybe cafes like this one should start appearing in nice and quiet American neighborhoods. The decor may not be impressive, but they can make some good coffee, and some of the money you spent on this place might be spent a little justly.

Cindy X.

Good place to do work. Can get a little noisy/crowded when busy. The coffee and service are good. I also enjoy the decoration of the Blue State as well. They support NGOs and encourage customers to help NGOs as well. Near the cashier there are jars where people can put votes in for the NGO to support.

Emily S.

I really enjoy this coffee shop. First of all, the location is great, but I live in a BU dorm just down the block. Second, their atmosphere is really nice. The barristas know what they're doing in terms of coffee and espresso drinks. The music is nice--not any current top hits, but songs that were played often on soft music stations in the last decade or two. (Disclaimer, I'm only here in the morning, so I don't know what they play later in the day.) Blue State Coffee even has a few board games that you can borrow and play with. I like coming here on Saturday mornings to get some homework done. They have several outlets and free wifi, which works out really well. Though be warned, it can get a bit crowded at times. Personally, I really enjoy the taste of their coffee and their mocha is delicious! I haven't tried too many food options, though I will say, go for the Turkey Sriracha Sandwich in the case. Quite tasty! Finally, one really great thing about this coffee shop is that they donate a portion of their revenue to various charities that you as the customer can vote on. There's usually four choices that change every so often, and you can even suggest which charity be featured.

Mahee F.

A great coffee place that takes their coffee seriously! The service is phenomenal.

Leanne C.

SHHHHHH! It's a LIBRARY is all I could think of when I walked into this BU-based coffee shop. I don't think I've been in a quieter, more study-friendly cafe in my life. And that says a lot. Blue State provides the basics any coffee place offers and does it average-paced, average-priced and average-flavor. Props for being independent! I dig supporting local businesses and local business owners. The floors/counter tops were also spotless, which is fantastic. Now onto the bad side of things, despite two ladies working, they weren't really doing much and weren't really interested in helping me out which was kind of a bummer. I walked away feeling kind of "meh, move on/go somewhere else."

Kelly S.

I really enjoy the food, the drinks, and the vibe. I really dislike the slow wifi. Seriously, guys, get your game straight on this one and I'll actually come here more regularly to do schoolwork. I promise to give you more of my money if you get the wifi situation figured out.

Lucy E.

I love the independent, locally owned, environmentally friendly coffee shop craze going on right now! Don't get me wrong when one of these handy places is not near by I am guilty of dropping into a Starbucks or two. But I consider myself very lucky to work in the close vicinity of Blue State! Not only are they independent, locally owned, and environmentally friendly, but their coffee is wonderful and all of their kick-a** employees are great too! I highly recommend stopping by for a drink if you're in the area.

Karen G.

Cute coffee joint with a variety of espresso drinks, including cortados! They make their own syrups in house and will give you a shot of it for 50 cents. One awesome thing they do is give you a token to vote for a charity or organization for Blue State to donate money to. And I love that their coffee cup covers are compostable!

Pearl T.

Coffee here is great, employees are friendly, you save 25 cents if you bring in your own cup, and they donate a percentage of profits to local charities! Wonderful. Usually filled with students studying, or people getting together to chat. I've had to stand around to wait for a table before, but people are always coming and going. Sometimes the music is played pretty loudly, but I don't really mind. I haven't had the food, but I've noticed that a lot of people get it, so must be good, right? Had a soy cappuccino today...it was perfection in a 12 ounce mug. This review is kind of all over the place, I know. I'm battling a cold and can't really organize my thoughts...uhh so where was I? Oh yeah, Blue State Coffee! Highly recommend!

Gillian S.

Blue State Coffee is hands-down my favorite coffee shop to study in around the Boston University area. I love the layout of the whole place with the registers elevated on a higher deck, the bar across the right side of the room, a large table centered on the lower deck, and the individual tables placed everywhere else. The stafff is always friendly and though the atmosphere is quiet, there are always small conversations to be had. I absolutely adore their mochas. The rolo mocha is my favorite (not sure if they're still serving it) but the almond one is pretty good as well. The steamed milk topping their lattes is always done well and their house drip coffee is straight up solid. Their sandwiches are nothing to rave about but they're always filling and the chips on the side are extremely addictive. What I found pleasantly surprising was how good the vegetarian chickpea "tuna" melt. I had ordered it by accident (not reading it through completely and thinking that it was an actual tuna melt) and it was probably one of the best mistakes I had ever made. The panini was so flavorful, but not overwhelmingly so, and unique that it really made a strong impression. Definitely going to find me bumming there one school starts again.

Andy H.

Great coffee and food. Only problem is the staff doesn't take down names to label who's order belongs to whom, so there's guppy BU kids who will try to swipe your order.

Heather R.

I think this is a stellar place to study. I started my visit off by doing what any CA summer-loving coffee connoisseur would, and bought myself a cold-brewed iced coffee (placed in my own jar of course, but sadly no discount was given). I was graciously given a token to help vote on which community organization to donate 2% of the shop's profit to--an aspect I really admire about this place. I walked to the cream bar in order to add a little bit of soy, but I took a sip and decided the coffee was plenty delicious enough to not add cream. I then parked myself in a chair at a large table with about 4 others studying with ear buds in, I liked the smooth music; it provided good white noise while I buried my head in a book. The management seems to be pretty serious about being a study spot, because the whole place was thoroughly chilled--there would be no planting my head down and politely drooling all over my books at this place. After a good chunk of studying was completed I decided to refuel and had the delicious vegan version of a tuna sandwich on olive and rosemary bread. Yummy! I was thrilled to have more than one vegan choice on the menu as well. Finally the true highlight of this study-spot coffee shop is that it is literally one of the only local cafes that stays open even decently late for those of us who would like to study past our grandmothers' bedtime of 7pm.

Susan J.

I was in Boston for several days, well Framingham and driving back and forth was not what I wanted to do. Tollways, blah. (California girl) and they drive as crazy as they do in LA. But on my way back to the airport, I had time and picked somewhere sort of at random. Ended up at Blue State because I liked what was said about them and that they donate a bit of all profits to charity. To me, giving back to the community is a serious plus. I ended up with an Ethiopian pourover that wasn't on the list. It was the tale end of a batch and it was good. But what I really liked was chatting with the barista. We talked about places we had both been in SF and planned trip to Portland for the US Barista competition next year (She's competing in the NE and going whether she wins a place or not). I liked her dedication to her craft and her knowledge of what she does. It goes a long way toward making a great experience to me.

Stephen F.

It's fine. All the coffee in Boston has a funky taste. Sandwiches are good. Uncomfortable to sit in and so work. The light comes in so strong that you need sunglasses to sit there.

Jessica S.

Sometimes you just want a cup of coffee. No frills, no high price, no green straw... just dark, flavorful coffee. Blue Slat got the job done for me while I was waiting for my car to get fixed at a mechanic down the street. The price was right and the service was speedy. There is plenty of seating and a good selection of free Boston papers (Dig, Metro, etc.) that will accompany your beverage of choice quite nicely. The location can't be beat either - lots of things to do around Comm Ave, right off the T, and basically on BU's campus. If you're not in college you may feel old here (like I did)... but the coffee is great!

Bree G.

Very cute place. If you're a coffee snob like myself, go for the aeropress.

Ann H.

Very friendly staff, good food, plenty of places to sit, and I even found parking within a .25 mile. Iced coffee was decent.

Stella H.

I love this place. It is my favorite cafe in Boston so far. The staffs are very nice. I love seeing their smile and enthusiasm. The atmosphere is good, best place for studying. Coffee here is good. I always order hot mocha and it is the most delicious mocha I have ever had in Boston.

Margaret L.

I had two excellent lattes. They tasted like coffee, not burned grounds. The crema and foam were both beautiful and yummy. The clincher, for me, was the frittata. It was salty ham and cheese with mushroom and tomato-y goodness. I can't wait to visit again and try something else.

Sarah G.

Good coffee? check! Fast service? check! Tasty muffins? check! Free wifi? check! Good people watching? check! All things I look for in a good cafe. Blue state, you really made my day. The fact that you had free wifi too just brought a smile to my face. Your iced coffee was also delightful, and even though you aren't the biggest place in the world, I didn't mind sharing my table with a slightly strange man who just sat there playing with his coffee while I attempted to focus on my work ha And your breakfast sandwiches looked pretty tasty too! I definitely was eyeing some of them as they came out for people's orders. I think there needs to be more places like this in Boston and Cambridge. We are a college town after all, which means we need lots of coffee and lots of wifi. Oh and if you are Vegan by chance (I'm not, but you know I eat anything!) this place is vegan friendly too!

Livia B.

Great coffee. Great customer service. They even give back to local charities. There are always vegan options available for food & pastries. Bring in your own mug and save 25 cents. Love this place!

N W.

There is such a great atmosphere! I love grabbing a coffee and doing work. Also, the staff is always so friendly and nice.

Irene J.

Love love love! They have fresh brewed coffee to teas to an assortment of snacks and goodies! A great place to study but can be really busy with foot traffic! You also leave smelling like this cafe (hahahah)

Cwot W.

Hands down the best coffee shop around Boston U. Great coffee, some good sandwiches, and some good desserts, although I don't know why every item needs to have some "missing ingredient". The cookies are always 'Gluten free' or 'flour free' or 'sugar free'. I'd be more excited if they were just 'Free'. The crowd is wonderfully anti-social as well with young college students desperately trying to avoid eye contact and their homework while they text people and buy shit they don't need from online stores. I love this place.

Ben J.

The coffee is great, but the quality of their bagels makes Dunkin Donuts look gourmet. Please fix the food.

Matt Y.

Spy latte was only ok. Peppermint hot chocolate was good. They use large round cups so your coffee gets cold quickly.

Eric F.

Cozy and spacious little cafe out by BU undergrad with pour over coffee and what look to be some tasty espresso drinks. I stopped by for a little while to get some work done while I waited on an installation job nearby and it was a very good experience. The 100% Hawaii Molokai pour over's great and the place is conducive to studying with free WiFi and good background music that isn't overly loud or obnoxious. Would love to come by again if I'm in the area to try a cappuccino and perhaps even get some more studying taken care of.

Lisa P.

My favorite coffee joint- I wish this was the place across the road from my workplace instead of another BU-land coffee shop that shall not be named. This is also one of the few businesses that motivates my husband to ride the much hated B line. A mocha that tastes like coffee instead of dessert, a fine cappuccino, refreshing cold brew, tasty smoothies (there's a chocolate peanut butter option that does not skimp on the pb), and decent food. The breakfast sandwiches are flavorful and aren't a huge greasy mess, the fluff sandwich is a nice treat if you're feeling indulgent, and the buffalo tofu salad with blue cheese and celery is a nice lunch option. Btw, the smoothies and the specialty espresso drinks (the ones with different types of flavor syrups) are on sheets of paper at the counter you order at, not the menu boards, so if you don't see them just ask the cashier. Plenty of options, but I think the coffee is really the star of the show. There's a loose leaf tea selection, but its just okay- I've seen better. The employees are really nice and happy to explain anything to you. One day a lady in front of me sloshed a drink all over the floor and the cashier wiped it up all cheerfully, all "no big deal" like. None of that snobby barista business you see elsewhere.

Andrew R.

This is my favorite coffee spot in Boston. The great coffee would be enough to keep me coming back, but they pretty much do everything right here. The turkey sriracha sandwich is amazing, the staff is nice and super helpful and their business model is unapologetically progressive. Nice work, Blue State!

Amy S.

coffee not bad! love the inside space as well. seems like one of the more hipster places i saw in boston haha. overall, pleased with this place. yes, very much so.

Food E.

The BEST vanilla latte I've ever had. Perfect balance of sweet and smooth. I keep going back because it is such a treat. Excellent service, clean establishment, wide variety of products, delicious.

Shekinah E.

Lovely coffee space with free WiFi and a good pour over, what else do you need? There's also cold brew, regular iced, and a variety of very delicious looking food that I didn't yet get to sample. I was basically looking for a place to pop in for an hour and get some work done, and this place was more than I could have hoped for. Definitely a lovely place to sit and enjoy a cup and churn through email (or browse the web). Not crowded at all when I was there, but I imagine that that's quite different when the university is in full-swing.

Gabriel U.

I've had my coffee burned a couple of times, but they've always offered to redo it. I really love this place. Really this place is like Espresso Royale except the hipsters here are friendly, the coffee is much better, the baristas are good, and you can sometimes find a table. Also a great place to study for grad students who don't want to be overwhelmed by undergrads at other spots.

Jas L.

If i could make a lover perfect it would be you. Serve me up something strong, a side dessert of loveliness, the option for good, solid ending. That was weirdly encrypted. Let me just get to the point here. THIS PLACE IS MY PLACE and i would never, never cheat on you. DD has nothing on this. Starbucks, are you even selling real coffee or burnt bar? sure SB will say "we roast it nicely, to perfection, you arent used to real coffee". No SB staff you are not use to real coffee, cause clearly you havent hoped across comm ave and gone to Blue State. so the love,... where to begin. I like the fact that the majority of their coffees are free trade, eco conscious (id say all, and they probably are but i havent checked them yet.... lets just say i have gotten a good 6 coffees here and all were). They are the cornerstone of good coffee. rounded, easily brewed in a pot, or in an espresso machine. I would shy away from anything other than dark roast for the latter though. they give you a free coffee or espresso with your bag of beans, but its good coffee, its good espresso. During summer ask them to put some ice in that baby. Im eating a scone right now, the brown sugar goodness one. I hate scones, but this one is truly balanced. A good nuttiness and a good sweetness. HOW do you do it Blue state! give me your secrets to scone glory. the house coffee, like house wine can be a bit light, but it doesnt disappoint and as you can see from my rambling on here it gives you enough zinnnnnggg for your morning. you really dont need to be charged beyond this point in the AM unless you want your boss to test you for drugs. be quiet in here... that seems to be the secret. Its in the middle of BU (dont get me started there), so you will have to repress your typical loud mouth screaming banter that fills the night to study, quiet down and show a bit of restraint. It is smaller than most coffee shops. I dont know if this is true but visually it is. its narrow, so this could be deceiving. I dont recall any music but it could be mild. the mix your own drink to perfection is neat and clean. you can get an assortment of all dairy and not dairy products and the sweeteners are filled to the brim. service is quick. no talky talky here. order, wait, done. who wants to engage in conversation this early in the morning. the servers arent mean though, i dont mean to imply that. they are genuinely just efficient. DID I TELL YOU?! this lovely story is so great beyond their products. they are socially conscious too. So you pick a little wooden circle and you head over to the four (?) choices and pop it in. the winner gets some cash. these are locally run, organizations with a really cool core identity from homelessness to education to the arts (and more, much more). Glowing review right there for putting your hands and money where it should be; community. i just adore you blue state. If i ever travel beyond the boundaries of your store i will kidnap your best Barista; but in reality ill order online. Oh and oh.... i have them on facebook and i know for a fact, that the majority of their products are made using locally bought produce. Did you hear me?! milk from over there, close by, closely monitored. produce as in lovely salad ingredients that radiate with perfection and yummy taste are locally bought. of all the places to go get anything this place is consistently awesome and perfect... and i must simmer down because the coffee i got for FREE is hitting hardcore...

Chai N.

Nice quiet place. Good coffee and scones. Free Wi-Fi.

Lindsey H.

Ahhh... I have such mixed feelings about this place. Their coffee is very good and reasonably priced - you also get 25 cents off if you bring your own cup. They brew it nice and strong. The food is kind of a mixed bag. They used to have iggy's bagels, but no more. The bagels they carry now are not nearly as good. I've had their egg white fritatta, which was rubbery and overcooked tasting, even before I put it in the microwave on low to warm it. I've also tried their pancakes which had no flavor and tasted like they were frozen. Their egg sandwich on rosemary WAS good, but apparently they changed the bread, so now they give you the egg and cheese on the bread, cut in half, but then they cut one of the pieces in half... it was just odd. The service is mixed. The manager is super nice and attentive. Although some of the other staff is hit or miss, and occassionally a bit inattentive and rude, and I would have to repeat my order multiple times (how hard is it to understand I want a bagel with cream cheese on the side). It's a little annoying as well that they say they are "blue state" and support democratic progressive causes, but I think that's a little pretentious... stuff like Match Charter School, Dress for Success, animal shelters, etc., are causes anyone can get behind.

Jolene S.

This place rocks! I recommend that you stop in before shows at the Paradise to chat with friends before taking in some serious music. In fact, you can start your musical shenanigans here (since the music they pipe in interferes with reading and working BUT you can still talk over it). $2 for tea and ~$3 for coffee drinks. The best part is that 5% of your purchase goes to charity--you get a chip that you can place in the bowl of the charity that you want to get the cash. I like this idea (esp. now that Election Day has come and gone). The tables are clean--I like the wood finish better than the granite/silestone--and spacious. I came in at 6:30pm and I got a nice table--I'm not sure how packed it gets during the day though. The staff members were awesome and quick at night. Only Rebecca's homemade jasmine tea and Viva Cafe's mint tea would keep me from making the trip out to Blue State.

Amanda F.

Really nice cafe near BU. I had a mocha. It was delicious, and had pretty latte art on top. The cashier was very friendly. They donate a portion of each purchase to the charity of your choice. I thought that was really cool! They also have a few books to peruse. (Including a few old yearbooks!) If I were still a student, this would be an awesome place to study in. The music selection is also really cool.

Joshua S.

The coffee was great...I think? Unfortunately the day we were there all you could smell and taste was rubber cement. Who in their right mind has stair treads replaced during working hours in a place with food or drink that by it's nature is extremely sensitive to chemical odors?

K. M.

My coffee shop of choice for awhile. An ethically responsible company that makes a good cup of coffee and whose employees are excited about its products. The staff, especially the manager, are very friendly and are willing to educate curious customers about their coffees, their relationships with the growers, and their favorite ways to brew. Since it's so close to BU, the tables can sometimes be overrun by students, but they have a good atmosphere and free wifi.

Evan R.

Definitely a step in the right direction! Honestly, I was not pleased when I saw that the defunct Coldstone Creamery was going to become a coffee shop that I'd never heard of. I work 3 buildings down from this place, and I think most people in the area would tell you that we need a regular deli somewhere in this area! However, I knew I'd at least give them a chance. As a former Starbucks employee (which I can't believe I survived for 3 years), I have nothing but appreciation for a new coffee shop (especially one trying to do something original). Blue State Coffee is a company that adds political and social agendas to their business model and mission statement. Wouldn't one worry that "red state" patrons might avoid this place and/or be offended? Well.... good luck finding those people near Pleasant and Comm! 5% of their profits go to a charity or cause. I believe it's a weekly donation. The customers actually select the charity by way of taking a token after they pay for their purchase and placing it in 1 of 4 jars on the other side of the store. Is that what wins me over about this place? Not in the least. It's worth mentioning because it's a part of their model. It's nice that it's charitable. And it's kinda cute... like a kid starting a lemonade stand to help their Dad's favorite politician run for president. ::pinches cheeks:: It's about the coffee and the vibe for me! And they've been a winner on two visits. Both times I've slid in at about 7pm after work because my brain is fried and I'm re-inserting that PM coffee into my life. Just got me a regular dark roast, straight black as usual. The coffee was nice and hot, but not molten hot like Dunkin. And it was clearly brewed recently.... very fresh. $1.75 for a 12oz. Last night I got me a soy chai tea latte... which is a drink that is terribly misunderstood because of Starbucks. ::rant:: In my opinion, a chai tea misto is the ultimate chai tea latte, especially if you brew the tea for a proper length of time and balance it out with an appropriate amount of honey. Yes, you can use a syrup, that's fine... but the one at Starbucks is basically a concentrate that says SWEET SWEET SWEET and CAFFEINE CAFFEINE CAFFEINE. No thank you. ::end rant:: It was perfect... it's rare that I have a latte or cappuccino that don't believe I could have made better myself, but I thought that when I had this chai (mainly because I didn't see what he put in it). It was primarily spicey and aromatic, but the soy gave it the nuttiness I was looking for, and the sweetness at the end plays it's role perfectly. Other things worth noting: It's very clean in there (they just opened this week though), and they are open until Midnight 7-days a week. This is obviously to be a haven for BU students who need a place to loiter with their homework, and it's a very smart business tactic. I'm sure they will rob Starbucks of customers, because down the road they close at about 9-10. This is one of those reviews that definitely requires an update in a couple of months. It's tough to gauge a place that is 5 days old. Plus, I've yet to order a cappuccino (which I'm hoping will be free-poured into a mug). And I obviously have to drink an espresso there at some point. But overall, Blue State Coffee gave me a great first impression!

Kaitlin K.

I went here because most of the reviews I read considered it a good place to study. I guess its a good place to study if you enjoy studying in noise? Or you like the section of university libraries that are actually just social spaces? While I usually find classical music enjoyable while studying the music was turned up way too loud, and the people around me chatting had to speak up over it. So instead of maybe having the muffled murmur of quiet conversation with light music in the background, the atmosphere seemed a little too cacophonous. Even once I put in my headphones, which are relatively noise-canceling the music was still slightly overpowering, and I was completely engulfed in listening to two girls gossip behind me. I'm willing to sometimes drink average coffee in order to get a nice quiet study environment, but this kinda felt like a bust. I only stayed for 30 minutes because even with the perpetual construction next to my apartment - that noise is easier to tune out than what I found here.

Ashley D.

I have lots of places I love for coffee, but this one is my current favorite. Their drinks are a higher quality than nearby places because the staff takes the time to make them properly. They don't overload their drinks with sugar and syrups to cover up bad coffee because they don't have to. Don't get me wrong-- I love sugar and have no problem gorging myself on candy, but when I actually want to feel more awake from coffee instead of laggy and tired, this is where I go. I don't have a refined coffee palette, but I still have noticed how much better their drinks are. They also offer some unique things that other places don't have, like Aeropress and Chaider. Their chai latte is awesome. It's my favorite drink everywhere, but each time I go they do it perfectly. I've had lots of overly sugary chai. This place does not have it. Even though (I think) they use the same brand of chai that most places have, the balance between chai and milk is ideal and they serve it at a nice temperature. The staff is also fabulous. I asked one guy what Aeropress was, and he actually took the time to show me how it's made and let me know ahead of time that it took a bit longer than most drinks. I didn't like it at all because it's a strong drink and I'm a pansy, but I really appreciated his patience and general friendliness. Overall, Blue State is one of the few memorable coffee places I've tried. I like their attitude, I like their atmosphere, and most importantly I like their drinks. If I didn't live across the street I would go out of my way to come here.

Laura A.

Randomly wandered into this place when I was in the neighborhood for a meeting this week, and I love it! I can't believe I haven't heard about it before. I love that it's vegan-friendly; I agree with the comments about the music being good, but not distracting; free wifi; and a perfectly made 12 oz double soy latte was less than $4 (you're hard pressed to find that elsewhere in Boston). Love this place and I look forward to studying here in the future!

Laura H.

Typically, the fastest way to get me to not want to eat something is to tell me it's vegan. I don't care what it is. You can hand me a vegan tomato and, despite the fact that it is exactly like all the other tomatoes in the world, I won't want to eat it. Still, I love Blue State. (It helps, of course, that, while they have vegan offerings, it's not 100% vegan.) The mochas and lattes are chocolately and wonderful. I appreciate the latte art they do on the top - it's not necessary, but it is a nice touch. The bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast bagel is delicious. I've been going there weekly for over a year, so I've tried most of the stuff on the menu, and it's all good. I only have two real complaints: 1. I realize that I have a lot of weird food issues. I don't want any fruit or nuts in my baked goods. This means that I was very sad when they added walnuts to the chocolate chip scone and stopped selling first the cinnamon chip and then the cheddar cheese scone. As far as pastries go, I don't really have any options other than the current cheese scone, which I find a bit dry. This is partially my fault, though, as I refuse to try the nutella bar on the grounds that no other food will ever suffice. 2. They used to sell half sandwiches for $3. This was an excellent price, and just the right amount of food. Unfortunately, for no reason at all, they stopped doing it, meaning that you now have to pay $7.50 (roughly) for a whole sandwich that is really more food than I need if I also have hot cocoa. On the plus side, they have free wi-fi, a collection of games from The Compleat Strategist that you can play with your friends, and as long as you drink coffee, you can hang out as long as you want. The music is also pretty good most of the time. I like that the prices include tax, and they let you suggest your own charities for donating 5% of their profits.

Deborah H.

What a sweet, endearing place in the middle of Allston! Free wifi, delicious coffee, helpful and smiling staff... What else could you ask for on a drab winter day? I snagged one of the last seats on a busy Saturday afternoon and hunkered down with a skim latte (which was perfect, btw) and the vegetarian "tuna" melt, which was really chickpea mash and cheese. A little salty, but tasty on the pressed olive-rosemary bread, recommended by the nice girl at the cashier. Sandwiches are served with a side of kettle fries. Reasonable prices (a smidge under $10 for the drink + sammy) and fun tunes! I'll be back!

Kate L.

Eh. I spent an afternoon working here in my exploration of places listed on the "Disloyalty Card" that I picked up at my usual coffeehouse, Pavement. My iced coffee was lukewarm and watered down. I do second chances, so I also tried the almond mocha, but I didn't even finish it. I wasn't crazy about the atmosphere...very simple, unexciting decor, and (at the risk of sounding hypocritical), 95% of the other customers were also working on a laptop, which defeats the purpose of working at a coffee shop to begin with (although since Blue State is right by BU, I suppose it's not really their fault). Service was ok but not amazing. I'm glad I got out of my bubble, but I won't be returning.

Kelsey M.

Great tasting coffee and friendly staff. Blue State also donates some of their profits to various local charities. This is a quantum leap from the burnt beans and stuffiness of SB. Blue State also offers food that is decent and all kinds of chocolates.

B C.

Their coffee's good and it's at a good price. I like that they're so earthy crunchy.. because I myself am not lol. Service is always good and it's never a wait at the register. Good soy. Try it out.

Hank W.

Good coffee. Quiet place.

Selena J.

When this place first opened, I didn't want to tell anyone about it because I was afraid my new favorite late-night study spot would get too crowded. Selfish, I know. But since I moved from Brookline to Cambridge and am no longer needing to shove my face into a textbook until midnight every evening, I guess it's time to share. This place is awesome. The tall ceilings make the place feel open and airy. There are plenty of tables with accessible outlets and free wifi. The coffee is good. The hot chocolate is great. And they don't charge extra for soy milk. Beautiful. Also, they support local community organizations, which is a nice touch. Two little warnings... the music can be loud sometimes, so if you need a quiet study environment, this is probably not the place. And also, it tends to be a little chilly, even if it's 100 degrees outside, so have a sweater just in case.

J p.

So a revisit on account of going with work colleagues was a real BUST. I ordered a mocha, and boy did that prove to be a challenge for some. The mocha was made by pouring the coffee into the cup, then an after thought involved taking the coco powder spooning into the cup and vigorously stirring. I guess making the order again would have been too expensive or inconvenient. It's a real shame because the owner is a great person and passionate about coffee. I guess the same cannot be said for some of the staff. So that was and will be my LAST visit. For the sake of the owner I hope the staff pull together and deliver.

Stacy H.

mmm, i love me some pretentious coffee, and i know this will be my go-to every time i'm in allston. cold-brew? check. drip? check. aeropress? check. no other place that i've been to offers all three at a decent price. on top of that, blue state offers lots and lots of soy milk for us lactose-intolerants out there (their coffee is pretty dark). their food is also similarly delicious -- i had the vegan curried lentil salad and brought it with me to class, and everyone turned around because it smelled so good. it tasted just as good as it smelled, too :) i also had the vegan hoisin seitan wrap. although it was just a little expensive for lunch, it was totally worth it. suuuuuuper delicious, and just tart enough with the ginger miso vinaigrette. highly recommended!

Lannie L.

I'm always afraid of walking into any coffee shop, especially near a campus, because I assume it'll be overridden with students and there won't be enough outlets to get my work done. I've been here a few times on a weekday after 5pm and I haven't had a problem finding a table. I've only had 1 drink (Rolo Mocha..mmm) and a pre-prepared buffalo chicken wrap (tasty) thus far. It's conducive for conversation and study. And I have definitely "Soundhound-ed" a few tracks that were playing that I really liked (ie. Lorde, Explosions in the Sky) so yay for that. Will definitely be coming back!

Mike M.

There are a few exotic coffees (cortado, aeropress, pourover), but nothing you won't find at any other cafe. The pastries are few in number and are pretty standard fare. So why on God's green earth would anyone want to go to Blue State Coffee? The True Blue house coffee. A strong, dark roast (unlike what you'd find at DD) that is not burned (unlike what you'd find at Starbucks). The beans are from Costa Rica, much like most of their coffee beans. It's also fair-trade and sustainable, so I don't feel like a fascist for drinking it. It works really well with just a dab of milk and turbido sugar; although it's fine as is. Simplicity is the name of the game at Blue State Coffee House. If you just want a really good dark roast, Blue State is one of the better places to go in Boston. I probably wouldn't have discovered it had not been for the Disloyal Boston Card.

D D.

the mocha is soooo good! I haven't tried anything else yet because that was too unforgettable that I couldn't pass it up. It's comparable to diesel in Davis square as far as coffee goes. Ambiance could improve as far as comfort furniture but with the space they're working with, they'll need to expand to offer that level of comfort. A group of student came in Sunday night to run a discussion. That was a bit annoying because I was trying to relax and that wasn't conducive. Still, I appreciate the cafe's willingness to host student type stuff but wish I could have escaped it (place is too small to do so).

Chloe L.

Love the drinks and service here. Great place to do work. Some of my friends don't like the music they play sometimes, but you can ask them to change it.

Stephen T.

Very very solid coffee. Very consistent. Hard to get a table but if you ate getting coffee to go this place is great. Had their Americano and their caramel latte a few times and was more than satisfied.

Claire E.

Wow! This place is good. Got some yummy jasmine tea and the veggie chickpea melt. YUM. Great friendly staff too. Free wifi and a good amount of plugs. They donate some of their profits to local NGOs so you can feel good about your purchase. Options for the veggie and vegan folks out there beyond the usual run-of-the-mill classics. Great value- relatively affordable for the quality! Will be coming back next time I'm in Boston.

Nik B.

This is the best possible replacement for what used to be a frozen cheese vendor (a.k.a. Coldstone "Creamery") Serving excellent single-origin coffees as pour-overs, excellent espresso drinks or just regular brew hot and iced coffee, Blue State does it all with a flair of excellence. It is a great alternative to the nearby Dunkin and Starbucks. They have free unlimited WiFi, and plenty of tables, so it makes for a great cafe to lounge around and get work done. Also, the is the first coffee-shop in Boston I have found to be open until midnight! A huge plus for me as I like to work late sometimes. To top it all off, a portion of every purchase is donated to a charity of your choice (between four options). You are offered a wooden chip, and you leave it in the bucket for the charity for which you would like your portion donated. Blue State has quickly become one of my favorite cafe destinations.

Jillian Q.

One word: Chider. Chai tea + steamed apple cider = Chider. I have a slighty obsession with this wonderful drink (that I had never heard of prior to Blue State). One day I happen to walk in before work, craving some apple cider (I know, who really craves apple cider? But I honestly do...), when the nice guy working there suggested a Chider. I decided to give it a whirl and the rest is history. To tell you the truth, I've never tried any other drink there because this one makes me so happy. I have had some of their pastries, my favorite being the blueberry scone, and they are fresh and satisfying. The people that work there are incredibly nice and I LOVE that Blue State has four rotating charities that you can "vote" to determine how much of their alloted proceeds go to that charity.

Danny B.

I'm a huge fan of Blue State, also known as the savior of socially-conscience, coffee snob college students looking for a place to study or meet friends or simply get a simple cup of coffee. The other reviews pretty much say it all, but here are two thoughts. 1: The staff is second to none. I was studying here one day and went to buy a refill of my cup. Seeing no one else in line and dying for a study break, I asked the barista to explain each of their coffees to me. I expect a grunt, but he was eager to do so and seemed excited that someone asked him about his craft rather than just demand something. I learned a lot about the different types of preparation and styles, and ever since then Blue State has been one of my favorite places for coffee. 2: 5% of their profit goes to a local community group or service organization. The best part is that you get to vote for your favorite group from the four options each financial quarter. It's an incredible concept and you can't help but love that your average priced drink is partially going to a good cause. Coffee and philanthropy in the same visit? Yes please.

Lena C.

This place makes a high-quality soy latte. Both the iced and hot are the best I've ever had. They use so much espresso!! The first time I asked for an extra shot of espresso and the lady warned me that they use a lot so I might not need it. She was right! And the large iced soy latte is only $4. Such a better deal compared to other places.

Jimi M.

This coffee shop does *almost* everything right--great coffee, friendly staff, good vibe. Also, the fact that they donate a percentage of their revenue to local charities is awesome! My one gripe, an I think it's a make one, is that the internet is slow as #%*+. I did a speed test and we're talking late 90s speeds here. The wifi signal is great, but they must have the router hooked up to a 56k dial-up modem. If you don't want people loitering all day, just don't have wifi, or put a 1 hour time limit on it. This isn't the way to do it (although the fact that I still gave them 4 stars says a ton about how insanely awesome this place is otherwise)

Zulu Q.

Back home, I drank iced coffee or iced lattes year-round. And when the baristas would raise their eyebrows in January and ask me if I were sure, I would insist that it weren't cold enough to warrant a warm coffee purchase. I was in Oakland, California. It was a cold day if that mercury dipped below 50 degrees. Too cold for iced coffee?! Bitch pleeze... I tried to have iced coffee throughout Boston's fall for as long as I could. Even when the temps were too cold to hold the iced coffee cups, I started wearing my gloves a bit earlier so that I could still hold on to the cool cup in the cold weather. But, I had to take a bunch of photos for my documentary journalism class. Said photos were supposed to be from outside. And that day they needed to be taken, it was a cool negative two degrees below zero. FAHRENHEIT. 34 fucking degrees below the freezing point of water. I was worried that the metal in my nosering would contract and fall out of my nose piercing. I would say that a temperature like that warrants warm coffee. I hadn't heard of Blue State until my friend asked to meet me here. And considering how I am probably from the most liberal part of the country, the name alone made me like it already. Blue State's business model really taps into the liberal, Bay Area idealist in me. One, obviously, the coffee is delicious and they're independent. Props one and two. The shop is very clean and urban-feeling. It really reminded me of some of my favorite shops back home. And I love how they seem very in-tune with their surrounding community by pledging to donate a certain percentage of their profits to local charitable organizations...whose earnings are determined based on the ones you voted for. Huh? You grab a wooden nickel from the register and drop it into a jar that represents the charity you prefer. At some point, your vote reflects how much of the charity pool they earn. Kinda neat. I dig this place. It'll see some more of me.

Jameson M.

Sandy C.

Hands down my favorite cafe to hang at in Brookline, Brighton, or Allston. Not only is the staff WAY nicer than Espresso Royale, but they donate 2% of all sales to local non-profits, based on customer votes!! Donated over $300,000 to date

Graceypoo M.

really good coffee, free wifi, AND socially conscious company--they donate 2% of every purchase to local non-profits AND you get to vote for which organization gets it! =8)

Kevin B.

Seriously no brewed coffee ready. It wasn't even that busy in there. All I wanted was a brewed cup of coffee and both containers were out.

Nikolas K.

Ample seating? Yes. Who cares. Free wifi? Yes. Who cares. Street parking? Yes..... Who cares! I came here for one thing-- coffee. It was very well-prepared, tasted delicious, and most importantly the barista at the time (Christopher) and GM (Ryan) were incredibly friendly, focused, passionate and welcoming. My wife and I both ordered a cappuccino, followed by an espresso. Creamy capp made using Hi Lawn milk. Silky smooth and sweet espresso with just enough roast to balance the acidity. It was pulled a little bit on the long side, but I dig their own interpretation to this coffee. They use coffee roasted by New Harvest. They have three Malkonig grinders and they prepare coffee(s) using several different methods i.e. pourover, cold-brew, aeropress, espresso, etc... An added bonus to the trip was sampling some cold-brew and some cascara (an iced tea made using dried coffee cherry husks). That was fun. I'll be back for sure. Keep up the good work guys! There can never be enough good coffee spots where the people behind bar are skilled AND friendly!

Cynthia C.

I love this place and it would be my ideal spot to study given the proximity to where I live, if only I could ever a place to sit. I'm here almost 5 times a week. I've only had their coffee and americanos, both very very good! Not burnt like other places! I've tried their lattes on a few occasions and they aren't bad as well. I''m normally a big Starbucks person (yes I'm one of those.) and I have to say this place is way better. Too bad it's not located closer to campus. Blue State actually reminds me of the coffee shops in LA. Pros: 1. Every purchase, a portion is donated towards some local charity or organization (of your choice) I LIKE! GOOD COFFEE with a dash of GOOD KARMA 2. Pastries are SO GOOD and fresh 3. Likewise, their lunch items aren't too shabby either. The Vegan Chicken Salad is SOO GOOD! (puts the real thing to shame!) 4. Music 5. Staff is really nice Cons: 1. Limited seating and sometimes I wish they had better tables and chairs since I tend to spend hours there writing papers 2. I would love to see them expand their vegan menu

Kailey M.

It's close to my dorm and sells vegan sweets! But you must go in the morning or else all of the vegan breads and cookies sell out! I had a slice of apple tea bread today and it was good. I couldn't tell it was vegan at all and it reminded me of the desserts I used to make back home when I had a kitchen and not a meal plan.

Ryan G.

This is a cool up and starting business. A small coffee shop which is great for working and studying. The GOOD: they have pastries, coffee, and pre-maid sandwiches in which you can buy while your studying. They are all surprisingly good. Another things is that they donate 5% or something that like of their profits to some organization, which is really GREAT! They also recycle!! The BAD: limited seating, small tables, limited outlets, and not a whole lot to choose from food wise. Overall its A-OK and I will be going back there...only to do work or to study.

Espresso T.

The coffee and their donation of 2% proceeds toward charities: 4 stars The place as a cafe: 2 stars It is not where I would choose to study, to do leisure reading, or meet up with friends for a relaxing chat (2 stars). I was also turned off by their "special menu drink" of locally made cider - they had the plastic gallon of cider on their counter (yup, what you can get from the supermarket) and was just heating that up to serve to people. I like my cappuccino...strong and good. My wait was longer than needed to be...I think it is cool that the staff are friendly and talk with customers...but I really don't like it when I am waiting 10min for my coffee because the only barista they had there was doing her friendly chats with the customers left and right. There isn't really a decor to this place either...I can't quite call it a cafe if I think of it this way. There is no character or cozy or relaxing feeling to it. It is just jammed packed with students studying and the amount of space between tables are minimal.

Erik S.

Blue State Coffee is a solid 4 star cafe in Boston. The space is nice. When I went in there were plenty of students hanging around, making the atmosphere light and pleasant. But enough about the cafe. I ordered a small cafe latte. They asked if I had a milk preference and I, or course, responded with, "whole milk please." It's the only way espresso drinks should be tasted. Yet I digress. The latte I received had decent latte art, which was a nice surprise. The microfoam texture wasn't the best, consisting of a decent amount of bubbles and copious amounts of foam, but it wasn't too bad. The crema itself was very dark, almost off-putting, but the flavor was alright. As a result, the flavor wasn't really exciting, but it had some nice chocolaty qualities to it. My bottom line is that the drink was fine. It seems like the head barista may have trained the baristas to make the art, but not the drink itself. My barista also could have been new. The drink was fine, the establishment was nice, and I would stop by again if I was nearby.

Crystal E.

I only have been here once but I like the chai and the breakfast sandwich isn't too bad. Could be better but not too bad. I immensely enjoyed the chai though.

Jennette H.

Follow them on twitter @bluestatecoffee love this place. That's all that I have to say about that :)

Aleksey Z.

I found the best mocha on this side of the river. Couple that with the fact that they're open till midnight, the staff's friendliness, and the aesthetic of the interior- ultimate coffee shop. I wish they were open 24hrs!

Aly A.

Great study spot (with late hours!), with a lot of table space--especially if you go around the afternoon (more busy around lunch times or BU finals times). Baristas are very knowledgeable and friendly. And, to top it off, you feel good going there because a portion of their sales go to local charity organizations! and bring your own cup for a discount.

Ashley D.

blue state is my go-to for coffee and studying. i love that the staff knows everything i could possible ask about coffee. if you're not sure what you want ask for their recommendation, they really do know what's up. i once got an amazing ethiopian pourover this way. the coffee is strong, there are a ton of tables available, free unlimited wifi, and they're open late which makes for a perfect study spot. the music is good too. not too loud or distracting and very entertaining for when i need a little mental break. definitely one of the few coffee joints i've been too where i can leave my ipod at home. i haven't tried any of the food cause it's a bit expensive, but i have tried the nutella and coconut chocolate raspberry bars. drooooool. i love the oatmeal/granola bar they put the chocolate/raspberry and the nutella on. and not only will they offer to heat it up for you but i was also offered a cup of milk too. made my day. also gotta have respect for a place that emphasizes an eco-friendly environment and gives back to the community. they have tokens at the register that you can grab and put in a container of your choice to support one of the four highlighted charities. they rotate them every now and then and you can also put other suggestions in too which is pretty cool. if i can make a few constructive criticisms about the place (i say this only because i care and want my favorite spot to be the best it can be): i would love to have cinnamon available to add to my coffee (esp cause it is so strong). the art on the walls is kinda tacky too. there's so much wall space i just think it could be used to showcase some really cool stuff. and there's just something about the tile that i don't like. kinda poopy and cold looking. but this is just me being nit picky.

Michael C.

I really hope blue state coffee gathers bipartisan support (harharhar, i know, im very clever). I had a cup of their pour-over drip coffee (not sure which variety, asked for barista's favorite) and it was delicious: rich, fruity and complex. I really with this existed when I went to BU. I would have been drinking way too much coffee.

Bianca T.

I have officially decided that Blue State Coffee is the best place for coffee on the BU campus. They know how to make a wonderful espresso along with a great cup of american coffee. The environment is also very trendy and cozy. My favorite part is that they make latte art! Here's a pic from my blog of their latte art! wickedrealfood.blogspot.…

Yue H.

Definitely my new favorite place on campus. Wish it had opened earlier! The space is neat ad bright, great for studying. Their treats are delicious, but their iced coffee (esp. their iced drip brew) are so strong it pretty much gives me a heart attack every time I order it. Bring your own cup, you can save 25 cents and 2% annual revenue of the cafe goes to charities!

Jess M.

Here right now for the first time, and I like it. The staff was very friendly, and I was happy to hear jazz once I walked in the door. I liked the fact they had some vegan pastry options, but their chai is a little too sweet for my tastes. The decor is a little stark I wish it felt warmer, but it is very clean. I might visit here again when my go-to coffee shop (1369) bores me again.

Daniel H.

The Gist: A keeper. They make an excellent coffee, if not the best. They're friendly and very knowledgeable, and they have a wide-ranging menu. Place: Clean, well-lit, with ample seating and pleasant music. (Although sometimes the music is a bit loud.) Location and Hours: Right on the Green line. They're open early and late. Perfect. People: Very friendly, helpful service (she offered to heat up my cookie!), and they're socially responsible (fair-trade products and charity, etc.). Product: I started with a black coffee, dark roast. It was hot and fresh, full-bodied and not bitter. It lacked in depth, but I'd drink it again. My girlfriend had a latte, which was great. The espresso was high-quality, and the milk was fresh, local, and creamy. It was very well made. I've since tried the cortado (an espresso with less milk than a latte), the pour-overs (both kinds, with your choice of fresh-ground coffee), and the aeropress. All are excellent, and the baristas are pros. Their coffee is roasted by New Harvest in Pawtucket, RI. The baked goods are mostly Iggy's, which is great if you like them.

skott d.

great coffee, lots of great bagels, and fantastic food. LOTS of vegan options, which is a + and great staff. additionally, they tend to have great artwork on the walls (and usually reasonably priced) AND they donate to charity, which is rad. i go early in the morning when there's not many students in there, but sometimes at night i drop by and it's chock full o' early twentysomethings. something to think about if you like/dislike that sort of thing. but it is at BU, so you have to sort of expect that...

Philippe B.

This place has saved me from Starbucks purgatory. I work across the street and (for better or ill) am a coffee junkie. I used to have to walk two long blocks for over-priced, over-roasted coffee that on winter days was cold by the time I walked it back to my office. Lo and behold Blue State opens up and it is my dream come true. Great for a bite to eat for lunch, especially if you like vegan food as there is always a good selection. That rotates too. They serve Kombucha for when you need to de-stress and also make good although very pricey cold brew iced coffee which I only have for a treat. They have board games on hand for if you are bored and free Wi-Fi. Good selection of music including jazz and once I heard Hot Tuna (the band) playing. They are located very close to Paradise Rock Club where by the way I saw Hot Tuna play. Most importantly, they serve fair-trade, organic coffee, usually Latin American although some African and other sources as well. They contribute a fair amount of profits to charity and are clean, well-lit with a good mix of students and professionals when you walk in. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable and the line is usually not all that long. They also have a good deal sometimes when if you put $20 on their card they give you $25 credit. So all in all, thank you BSC for existing and brightening up my day!

yj l.

How I loved this place, the large tables, the free wireless, the delicious espresso drinks, knowledgeable (and friendly!) baristas and the wonderful atmosphere of doing something good for the environment and the community. Can you tell that I'm nostalgic for the college days? Even if those days meant trekking through a snow storm to get to Blue State so that I could do my homework in a place that wasn't my apartment in BU's South Campus. Do yourself a favor, get a mocha here, and you won't go back to Starbucks any time soon.

Emily J.

Eh. I will give them two stars for sustainability. 1. Gross espresso. Tasted very watery. 2. LOUD as heck. Children screaming and no character on the walls to soak up the noise. 3. No shades like most places for when it gets insanely bright and my laptop starts blinding me. 4. Sustainable stir sticks break when you stir with them and fall apart in my latte. 5. NO SUGAR FREE SYRUP... you just lost a customer with this one. 6. When I ask for sugar free syrup say "Sorry, no", not go into some monologue about how that defeats the purpose of being organic and healthy.... la la la. There can be organic fried lard chips... doesn't make them healthy. 6. Why can't I have a to-go cup if I am sitting there? What if I don't finish my drink (I didn't but only because it was nasty) and would like to take it with (nope) 7. Thank you very much I will being going into the 'bucks now when I can get a skinny vanilla latte without being glared at like I am losing Kharma by the second .

Raj L.

Good place for coffee and parfait. I know it sounds simple, a yogurt parfait with fruit and granola. How hard can it be? BUT this place blew my mind. Their yogurt was homemade and just had a special flavor to it. If I am ever in Boston or come across Blue state Coffee, I am getting a parfait!

Ed K.

Have had excellent coffee here a few times, and also had an excellent ham and Swiss sandwich.

Shannon B.

What a nice change from D&D. I love that this establishment not only serves fabulous, sustainable coffee, but they are environmentally friendly and supports local charities. Go to Blue State and make a difference by having a great coffee.

Frank Y.

Update after the second visit: They have very good coffee. Their equipment is great. Well, except the coffee is weaker than it should be. Would say it's not as good as Gimme! in NYC but much better than starbucks!

Ali H.

At first I was soo excited about this place, they have a great atmosphere not too hipster but still cool. There is free wifi and its also a great place to study, or get some work done. BUT after trying various coffee options, even the fanciest coffee drinks taste like coffee grounds. I mean I really didnt want to give up on the place so I tried the tea. The tea is good, but dont go here for the coffee. I would rate this place 5 stars as a place, and 1 for their coffee...which evens out to 3 stars I think

Ishraq A.

a coffee house open til midnight in the allston/bu area. their coffees/teas are great, the sandwiches arent bad and its decently spaced to get your work done. the atmosphere is quiet (relative to other shops around bu) and the staff is friendly. the place has an eye towards giving back to charities and the community too. overall its a nice establishment in the neighborhood.

David P.

They close early on holidays and then kick you out 3 minutes after you buy your coffee without telling you they are closing, its filled with bu brats on their laptops, its closes at 11pm not 12 pm and then can close whenever the day you go. The coffee is ok but i like other places better and it does not have the bu brats everywhere, skip this place....

Latchezar B.

Blue State is simply the best coffee shop I've been to. There's really not a single item on their menu that's not absolutely superb - coffee, sandwiches, salads, pastries, everything, you simply can't go wrong, which is very rare in Boston. Their large americano (hot or iced) with four delicious, flavorful shots of dark, strong, creamy espresso is what got me through yet another painful year of grad school - I don't think I'd have made it without my daily fix. Try it with a turkey sriracha sandwich or a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on olive rosemary bread, or even one of the vegan options (the gym-going carnivore that I am, I promise to try them one day, I'm sure they are delicious too!) Another plus: their decaf espresso is every bit as good as the caf, just a different blend, so if you are not in dire need of caffeine, do try it at some point for the sake of variety. But probably the best thing about Blue State is the people who work there - they are super-friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, and their positive attitude is 'contagious' and creates a special atmosphere unlike anywhere else I've been in Boston. Personally, I like the streamlined, classy, clutterless interior and the smaller tables - perfect for doing work or having a tete-a-tete conversation. The absence of large tables probably also discourages noisy crowds from invading the space and explains why Blue State is by far the quietest cafe in the BU area. I'd give Six Stars if I could!

Nina T.

I LOVE this place. I am a regular. The coffee is outstanding and the latte based drinks are exceptional. The only reason why I haven't rated it 5 stars is because I have not been impressed with the food. I've tried the pancakes, the muffins, and the salad. The food is...well...blah...I guess the moral of the story is if you want lunch, go across to Panera. If you want great coffee and excellent service, Blue State is the place to go.

Maria L.

Had the peanut butter and banana smoothie. I LOVED it! You can really taste the peanuts in the smoothie. The baristas were nice and friendly. The place was clean. The place has free wi-fi (but a bit slow) and it wasn't too loud or crowded when I went in the afternoon to do some work on my laptop. Will stop by again.

Laurens W.

Finally a place that doesn't burn their coffee beans. A colleague suggested me to go here after I complained about the bad quality of coffee encountered in the US. Many places sell burnt or uneven roasted beans, which makes the coffee taste bad. Not here, great flavor in the espresso; not too acidic, not too strong. Only disappointment I had was with the temperature of the coffee. Maybe the cup wasn't warmed or the water was not hot enough. So, fix that and it will be a five star.

Ann J.

This is one of the best places to study in Allston. The coffee is delicious, and the food options are reasonably priced. There is plenty of seating and the atmosphere is perfect for getting lots of work done. Blue state also does a good job of keeping the music down and the volume level overall stays very quiet. One side note, the service gets pretty slow when things get busy. My advice, go early before the crowds. I didn't get get to try any food but it looks good for vegan lovers. Plus I'm all about a good bagle. Also you can feel good while drinking their coffee since it's counter-culture.

Aaron W.

This place provides a nice study space as well as great coffee. The atmosphere is great and its proximity to the BU campus allows for ease of access for students too! Their coffee is pretty good - not anything extraordinary but still good enough to get the job done. I've also tried their jasmine green tea latte, which honestly tasted more just like regular green tea with warm milk poured into it rather than an actual latte. Not too sure if I would recommend that, so I'd suggest just sticking to coffee drinks. They also make all their baked goods from scratch, so there's added incentive to pull the trigger and satisfy your sweet tooth. I tried one of their chocolate chip cookies which was pretty tasty and filled with pretty big chunks of chocolate chips. I'd suggest checking this place out if you're in the area and want to discover a new study space as well as get some coffee, but don't worry about going out of your way just to come and try it.

Grace M.

I go to Blue State multiple times a week as it's on the same block as my work. The other closest option is Dunkin' Donuts (meh) or Starbucks, which is just a hair too far for regular visits.. Coffee(s): good quality & decent taste, though I think the cold brew in addition to being quite expensive is really, really bitter. Espresso Drinks: very good! I can vouch for the regular lattes and the mocha latte, though I've not tried their other flavors. My go-to is a large iced Americano ($3.48 w/ tax), which is just right (though not the absolute best, either). Food: the overall consensus throughout the office is that the pre-made food is pretty yucky.. I'd actually rather not eat rather than eat one, they're soggy and just not generally tasty. the breakfast sandwiches, however, are pretty awesome. Tea: cannot comment but they have Cascara tea, which is cool and I'd like to try sometime :) Staff: everyone here is really nice and well-trained as baristas. You can tell they actually know about coffee, the right temperatures, etc. The only qualm is that the staff/service in general can be quite slow, so don't expect a quick coffee run here. ** Best part of why I like Blue State is their charity concept- you can pick up a wooden token and "vote" for your charity of choice from 4 and whoever has the most at (the end of the month?) gets a donation from the location.. I simply adore this!! Bravo to them :) **

Erik D.

Would be great if they had lox or croissants on weekend mornings. Since they don't I'll pass. When they did, they were above average though slow to serve

Victoria T.

This place is a pretty nice study spot. Their iced coffee is on the pricier side ($2.68 for a small one), but it tastes good. I took off one star because when I went there, they did not have milk standing around to add to your drink.

Sasha A.

They always have delicious coffee and teas. The employees are really nice and helpful! They also have a good assortment of snacks and sandwiches. A great place to study or read early in the morning and watch the train go by.

Brian R.

I have to say I'm a little less impressed with Blue State, which seems to be the big beneficiary of being in the heart of Boston University's athletics and prime dormitories. The coffee is well roasted but lacks character compared to J.P. Licks over in Brookline which suprisingly had great coffee. If you're over college age you're a bit invisible to the staff (one star down) and while the raspberry almond muffin looked appealing, their muffins are too crumbly and disintegrate once the top comes off. I walked about a mile for this place on the recomendation of students who rave about it. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't worth the walk. If you're on top of it, it won't kill you, and if you're under 25, chances are you'll get treated very well.

Ami P.

Great place to wind down and study with others and the APPLE CIDER LATTE in the fall is THE BEST

Marcella D.

Good coffee, well made cappuccino, breakfast sandwich average, but should note fresher and better than Mickey D's. Nice staff on an early Sunday morning

Christine K.

Coffee: got cafe au lait, and it's one of the best ones I've had - granted, I've mostly had Starbucks, so that's not a high bar...but still, very enjoyable and not at all burnt! Service: Great! I was particularly impressed by the barista. I was late in grabbing my coffee because I was chatting with a friend I ran into, so when I arrived at the counter, the first thing he said to me (while busily preparing another coffee, to boot) was, "Let me remake that for you, it's probably lukewarm by now." I declined, since it was my fault, but brownie points to him for offering. :) Wifi: This is why my rating is 4, not 5, stars. The Wifi was superslow, which is a pity, since my work depends on Internet access...that being said, it's likely slow because BSC has so many students online that the network connection may have been strained. Ambiance: I LOVED the "vote for your charity" concept - not only does BSC donate 2% of its profits to a local charity, it A) invites its customers to be part of the process by allowing them to vote for their favorite ones (I took my wooden voting coin and dropped it into the Home for Tots glass jar) and B) lets us suggest other local charities. Next time I'm in there, I'm suggesting one!

Emma H.

Good for coffee on the go. Have the best dark roast of the area. Have not tried sitting and studying or using their wifi. Love their idea of voting for charity donation. Unfortunately no loyalty program. Update: Thanks for the owner(?)'s notification, I got a loyalty card! Definitely will return and try out more things.

Elizabeth P.

This is a nice coffee house, there was music playing and I'm sure maybe if I came at another time it would have received 4 stars instead of 3. I came here around 2pm on a Saturday. I ordered a black drip coffee, which I have to admit was not very good. I actually would have been happier with a Starbucks. The place was packed so I ended up leaving and having my coffee on the walk home. Maybe this is just a place to go for specialty drinks or maybe the coffee had been sitting around for a while when I got there. It appears to be a popular place so maybe they are worth another shot.

Natasia S.

Finally got a chance to try one of Boston's top-rated cafés! Because it's located right next to BU, there were a lot of students working there (as expected) who didn't look like they were ready to leave any time soon. Came here on a Saturday afternoon and there were luckily still 1-2 tables left. It took a while until it was my turn in line to order, but my coffee was ready relatively quickly. I've never tried an almond mocha with almond milk anywhere else so it was difficult for me to compare, but I regularly drink almond milk and thought it was delicious. The chocolate wasn't too sweet and the coffee was very smooth. Make sure not to let it sit for too long before it gets cold if you're having your coffee there. There's also free wifi here with no password required and an in-house bathroom, so pack your backpack and come here for a change of your study scene!

Elleen P.

I came here on a snowy Saturday morning, and this cafe was nice & warm to defrost in. There were a lot of seats open with a good number of people in the cafe (it's pretty big) which gave it a super cozy environment. I ordered a small latte ($3.25) which was 12 oz, pretty decently priced in my opinion. The coffee wasn't the best I've had, I'd give it maybe 3/5 -- good but not great. The barista was super friendly and chipper. Overall, pretty nice environment to have some coffee in -- there's a bunch of tables if you're with others, and a bar type seating against the wall for single customers.

C C.

Came here with a friend for sandwiches and coffee. They were out of several staples (like tomatoes, mayo, slaw etc) and forgot both of our sides. I was told by one server that they still had the side and told by another server they were out. It wasn't busy at all and there were 5 people working. General lack of communication and initiative with the staff. I really wanted to enjoy this place and I'm embarrassed I brought my friend here.

Metal H.

Excellent coffee, ample seating, but not a fast wifi connection.

Marin J.

I need half stars so desperately. Or at least a way to divide the stars across categories to really do justice to Blue State Coffee. The coffee. One of the Best Lattes I have had the pleasure of meeting. The distance to get there? As one who frequently plans vacation time to match with coffee, I made the effort to take the green line to get there. The food options? Marginal. My friend had a bagel with egg. I asked the nice woman behind the counter how the eggs were prepared. She was kinda vague and could have run for political office with the level of vagueness. My friend, starved....ordered the bagel with egg of some description. I wasn't in a risky mood. It was pretty boring. Not Micky D's disastrous, but certainly not cartwheel worthy. Other cased goods non spectacular. Good amount of seating for coffee joint. Nice windows out to the street. And the best part? Next to the near perfect and well balanced lattes, THEY DONATE TO LOCAL CHARITIES So let me do this. I will divide my stars like so..... 5 for the Great Coffee and the Giving Back. 2 off for the food and the Trek. Go if you want to know what a cuppa joe tastes like at the top. You won't be disappointed. The Baristas were certainly on top of their game.

Juan M.

I've been here to do work a couple of times and it's a good place to study and get chai lattes. The music choices and the actions of the two employees working tonight made me rethink ever coming back to this place. For about one hour, the music was explicit and offensive (racially and sexually). We asked for the music be changed after it was getting out of hand. 15 mins after it was changed and we were leaving, somebody came up to apologize and said it was the radio station and not intentional.. This is and the fact that the two employees were audibly cursing while one of them was taking out the trash near me and other patrons made this a very uncomfortable and disturbing experience.

Elica Y.

Great coffee shop located near BU campus. An array of coffee selections and you honestly can't go wrong with any of your options. Sandwiches are awesome too. More on the pricey side but after a long day of classes, why not spoil yourself with a nice cup of coffee? I highly recommend the almond mocha or vanilla latte.