George Howell Coffee @ The Godfrey Hotel
4.7/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"From the near-perfect drinks to the lively staff and the flexible seating, it’s a café that transcends expectations—and earns its place as a cherished staple in Boston’s vibrant coffee scene."
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If there’s one word I’d use to sum up George Howell Coffee @ The Godfrey Hotel, it’s community. Surprising, right? A bustling downtown café attached to a swanky hotel usually screams corporate and impersonal—looking at you, Jonquils—but from the moment you walk in, something feels cozy and connective, like you belong there. A huge part of that feeling comes from their “exploratorium,” a space where they host tastings and events every Thursday and Friday. But plenty of other details also feed into this vibe, making George Howell one of the best spots in Boston for folks seeking both impeccable coffee and a sense of togetherness.
Let’s begin with the coffee itself: I veered off my usual mocha path and went for the rose latte. The smell threw me off at first—there was a slightly off-putting floral aroma—and that’s why I shaved off a smidgen (0.05) from a perfect score. But the taste? Absolutely stellar. Light, smooth, and still retaining that quintessential coffee bite without slipping into sour territory. The rose essence really shines as you swallow, replacing the latte’s typical bitter aftertaste with a sweet, rosy warmth. It’s a near-perfect demonstration of how to seamlessly integrate a non-traditional flavor into a classic drink: keep the comforting aspects of a latte but swap out the unpleasant aftertaste for something fresh and subtle.
My food order featured the widely beloved avocado toast—jazzed up with a fried egg and bacon, courtesy of a friendly staff recommendation. Call me high-maintenance, but I enjoy a toast that’s easy to eat. While the avocado was seasoned nicely (California transplants rejoice: Bostonians can handle a mean avocado), the add-ons felt plopped on top rather than integrated. Biting into a giant chunk of bacon or an entire circular fried egg can turn even the most graceful diner into a juggling acrobat. If they chopped up and spread the toppings, it would have catapulted this dish from “very good” to “unforgettable.”
Now, about layout: I’m a firm believer that you can’t fully savor a coffee if you’re awkwardly standing, balancing your cup with one hand while your knees threaten to buckle. Thankfully, George Howell nails seating—both in abundance and variety. Want a small, cozy table for one? Done. Seeking a more social spot for a group of friends? Check. Craving a large communal table to mingle with your new coffee buddies? They’ve got that, too. And that’s before you remember the lounge area in The Godfrey Hotel, which you’re welcome to use. If it’s seating nirvana you’re after, you can pretty much end your search here.
The staff is equally impressive. Cleanliness is a baseline expectation, yet this place manages to be spotless, front-of-house and behind the counter. Baristas hover over each other’s creations, discussing how they could nudge an already great coffee toward perfection—like mad scientists tinkering in a caffeine-filled lab. When I placed my order, nobody hurried me along, and the staff pitched menu suggestions I wouldn’t have considered if they’d been all business. Their enthusiasm and genuine interest in crafting a memorable experience is contagious.
Finally, we come to the price. Sure, $21.50 for a coffee and avocado toast with egg and bacon might give a thrifty soul a mild heart palpitation, but let’s break it down: the rose latte clocked in at $6.40—fair enough for a specialized drink that lives up to the hype. The avocado toast base was $8.95, which ballooned to about $13 with my additional goodies. Factor in the prime downtown location, plus the overall excellence of the experience, and it’s hard to cry foul. Is it cheap? No. But is it unreasonable given the quality, location, and service? Not really.
In the end, George Howell Coffee @ The Godfrey Hotel offers a welcome paradox: a true sense of community in the heart of a typically impersonal downtown setting. From the near-perfect drinks to the lively staff and the flexible seating, it’s a café that transcends expectations—and earns its place as a cherished staple in Boston’s vibrant coffee scene.
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