Though major coffee chains can be found in every city neighborhood, locally owned small roasters continuously win the hearts of many Americans. Tasting Table recently published their “Best Coffee Shop in Every State Report.” According to Tasting Table, Massachusetts’s best coffee shop selection is a Cambridge spot that also serves waffles.
Curio Coffee is described by Tasting Table as a place where the “waffles are so good you might briefly forget the place also serves coffee.”
The menu is creative with coffee selections that pair well with their specialty waffles. Such items include a pumpkin waffle in the fall and a trick-or-treat waffle around Halloween. A variety of tea choices are available to order as well.
Curio is located at 441 Cambridge St., a few blocks from the Cambridge Public Library. They are open seven days a week.
What’s Cooking?
Another unique component of Curio Coffee is they partner with other roasters. For example, a fellow Cambridge shop, Broadsheet Coffee, has been the roaster of the coffee Curio sells. You can also order many of your standard favorites such as an Iced Latte or Cappuccino.
Waffles aren’t the only thing Curio is cooking up. In Mid-January, the Curio Coffee owners announced a new pizza restaurant they are opening in North Andover. Garlic Breath (New York style) Pizza plans to open this year.
Best In Massachusetts
To identify a top selection in each state Tasting Table said they “talked to locals all over the country, hit the road, and, yes, even consulted some experts on the internet.”
There are over twenty small business (non-chain) coffee shops in Cambridge alone. However, Curio Coffee ultimately hit all the marks in the Bay State. That’s no small feat in a state where the capital is nicknamed “Beantown.”
A Look At Boston's New Mural Art Partner
Although the city of Boston has officially signed a new contract with Street Theory art, it’s likely you have already seen their work. Their artists have done murals in Boston and Roxbury over the years, and there is soon to be more. Though Boston’s mural art partner creates a variety of different pieces, and they always aim to inspire.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced the extended partnership last week. Boston.gov reports it’s a three-year deal that will total $3,525,000. The affiliated cost includes project expenses and artist payments.
“Murals in Boston are a critical part of highlighting and amplifying culture and beauty in our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Arts help to create dynamic, connected and welcoming communities representative of our residents. I’m grateful to Street Theory for their partnership and dedication to equity in the creative space. This historic investment will uplift the work of diverse artists in all of our neighborhoods,” Wu said in a statement posted by the city’s arts and culture department.
Street Theory will collaborate directly with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture to identify the proper mural locations in addition to hiring artists. Projects that Street Theory will initially oversee include three basketball court murals at Malcolm X Park and a mural on a wall of the BCYF Shelburne in Roxbury, the press release states.
This city is particularly enthusiastic about engaging deeper with local artists and inspiring the arts throughout the greater Boston region. The Boston Public Library and Public Schools have already jumped on board as partners for future murals.
Street Theory
With roots in Brooklyn, NY, Street Theory describes themselves as a “an award-winning creative agency (with over 20 years of experience) that activates communities, spaces, and global brands through street art.” Street Theory has been a familiar partner with Boston for the past few years. Founder, Liza Quiñonez worked with the mayor’s office on various other mural projects in the greater Boston area. Some of the work and their affiliated artist can be seen below.
Artists interested in applying for future projects with Boston’s mural art partner will be able to submit proposals once the calls are released.
