Render Coffee

It feels like in the recent past coffee re-​surged like a bundt-​cake-​only-​bakery fad and nothing turns me off faster than gimmicky food kitsch. ‘Light roast’ body-​less coffee shops with little food (or no food!) have popped up all over the place in well decorated and strategically placed locales for the elite hip. Disguising that their coffee tastes like water with dark wood and leather furniture and exposed beams. Those rats.
It was a sad, sad time… then my husband found Render! Render, who has REAL food. I’ve ate my way through much of the menu. I’m very picky with textures but the scrumptious homemade veggie cream cheese calms even the strongest neurons trying to fire off warning signal: tiny textures ahead. Their chocolate chip cookie is my favorite in town. It’s chewy and brown sugary without too many chips. Render chooses quality beans from quality roasters. Look behind the counter and you’ll see the care and attention they put into producing superb nerd-​out-​coffee-​science crack in a cup. I attempted to try other coffee shops and failed miserably. It’s one thing to give someone a great cup of coffee, it’s entirely another to –consistently– give them a great cup of coffee.
And most notable of all? Time. The cornerstone of a great coffee house to me is time. No coffee houses slow down time more than those in Vienna. They each had their own personality without sacrificing the quality of their coffee and fare. Render is the first coffee house I’ve encountered stateside that forces you to slow down. You feel like you’re walking into someone’s home with the family pictures on the fire mantle. The art on the walls (some of which is now in my home). The back deck. You are forced to wait as they brew a pour-​over. In this concrete jungle that I lovingly call home this little shop reminds me to stop a moment to enjoy my coffee, company and walk home down the corridor. I’ll admit I reserve my visits to the early weekend hours to avoid the crowds whenever possible but even when it’s crowded that doesn’t keep me from picking up to-​go.
Treat yourself — go to Render.

Smallish space but enough tables (variety in small, medium, circle), friendly staff, outlets, a fire place (don’t know if it was working), ample lighting, windows (!), parking nearby (but not a lot) and last but not least, good good coffee. What !? Yes, this place is for real. It’s a nice place to grab coffee and get some work done, people watch, and also to catch up with a friend. Their cortado was well made and I’d definitely go back.

Consider yourself lucky if you manage to grab a table at this hustlin’ and bustlin’ café!
I came in on a Monday afternoon during what I thought would be the post-​lunchtime rush when Render would be fairly empty and full of available space. Needless to say, I was wrong. While it wasn’t so crowded that I had to take my drink elsewhere, it was packed to the point where I had to hawkishly keep an eye out for any customers that looked like they were leaving. Of course, then came the awkward part of waiting around their table as they packed their things, put on their coats, and whatever else… but it didn’t matter because I scored a spot at Render! Which, was apparently quite the feat considering all of the other people I saw wandering the café like lost puppies.
The space itself is quite large and features an atrium (think: urban greenhouse) in the back that offers a pretty and picturesque view of the South End for those who need a little break from staring at the computer screen. And even though the tables were all filled, there was never a moment where I felt utterly cramped or claustrophobic by the number of people around me. In fact, I don’t think I could have been more productive and a little part of me thinks that Render’s cool and chill ambiance had something to do with it.
As for my chai latte, it was the perfect pick-​me-​up after a long morning. Frothy, warm, and with a kick of spice, it added some much needed heat to a blistering cold day in the Hub.
While I would love to come back and have a repeat of work sesh at Render, I’m not so sure if that’s possible considering its popularity. But, with winter in full swing, you can bet that I’ll definitely be back for some more chai — even if it’s to-​go!

This is a great study spot. There isn’t a ton of seating but if you can snag a table the food is great, lots of tea options, very good coffee. Also friendly staff. There is an outdoor patio in warm months too. However, because this is Boston and warm months are rare, part of the seating is surrounded by glass windows and MAD cold most of the time. So come prepared with a sweater. Honestly just realized that possibly they are purposefully making it cold to push out annoying table hogging Unilocaling graduate students like myself. Hmm…

Definitely one of my favorite places to grab a latte or cold brew coffee. I used to come here all the time when I went to BU because they have a good amount of outlets (though some of them do not work) and many two-​person tables. I also love their seating area, it is basically like sunroom, and they also have an outdoor patio. But aside from that their coffee is also just amazing. I highly recommend getting a hazelnut or vanilla latte; the syrup they use is all house made, so its delicious! (The hazelnut latte has tiny pieces of hazelnut even in it. But for this reason I don’t recommend getting it cold because it tastes a little weird.) I still make the trip to come here even though I live like half an hour away because its just worth it!

Nice spot in back bay close to both BU and Northeastern. Had a latte with two shots of expresso pulled perfectly. They have an area in the back with tables, long windows, and a glass ceiling that shines natural sunlight on you. Gives you a reason to stop relying on that basic Keurig. #coffeebeantown
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I really enjoy Render Coffee. My boyfriend and I always come here when we venture over to the South End. The baristas are incredibly friendly and always seem to be in a good mood and ready to help (rare in baristas around Boston…). Also, I asked for no cheese on my breakfast sandwich one day (I am lactose intolerant which I didn’t mention, just asked for no cheese), and the barista followed up and asked if I wanted him to skip the butter as well, assuming it may be an allergy/​intolerance situation. I was super impressed by how thoughtful that was!

The service at Render Coffee was excellent: the barista was so kind when we told him that we’d never been before, and gave us great recommendations on drinks. We ended up trying the hazelnut latte and the mocha.
We loved the mocha, and were slightly underwhelmed by the hazelnut. The flavor was delicious, but we didn’t love the texture of the crushed nuts. Not the barista’s fault – he told us what the drink entailed – but we just didn’t end up loving it.
Will definitely plan to visit again the next time I’m in Boston!

Render Coffee is my new favorite coffeeshop in Boston! A small spot, packed with people, I’ve found Render is the perfect spot to study, get work done, or meet up with a friend and chat about what’s life has thrown at you. The people are really nice, and knowledgeable about their coffee. They serve single origin roasts from various roasters on the East Coast, adding a nice variety to whatever you’re feeling like that day. It can sometimes be hard to find seating, but with a little patience, tables open up fairly often. It doesn’t get too loud, and the music they play is really relaxing yet upbeat. Can’t wait to go back!

Ah wonderful discovery on a walk through South End has become my new favorite morning coffee shop on my walk to BU. Render Coffee hosts a friendly staff who smile and chat with you at the register, usually remembering your name and saying goodbye as you leave. Makes me feel special!
The coffee is delicious and lovingly made and shows why you shouldn’t just settle on Keurig. The pastries are delicious and freshly made. I usually get the bagel which is nothing special, but it tastes good.
My favorite part of this coffee shop is the back area. They have a gorgeous glass ceiling and big windows that look out at a garden and back porch area. It is so relaxing to sit there and let the big city melt away.
Truly an oasis in the South End.

Came in for a late afternoon study sesh with a friend. We found some seats in the back but were sad to realize that the outlets were not working.
Cute little coffee shop with nice baristas. I enjoyed the vibe inside and admired their décor. I had a cup of slow drip and my friend had tea. I will be back to try one of their signature drinks. The café is connected to this super cute shop full of accessories, vintage goods, stationary, Bostonion décor, etc.

Pour over coffee is fantastic. You can drink it black, no bitterness whatsoever, and you can taste the different flavor notes of the coffee.
Anyplace that allows you to drink the coffee or espresso without sweetner or milk is worth your time. Ice tea is good bet as well. Ask for it in a «to stay» glass and help save the environment.
Nice atmosphere and great service. They bring your drinks to your table which is apprehend.
The back patio is a great spot to chill on sunny days.

Render Coffee is a larger sized coffee shop with plenty of seating ideal for studying or doing work in the South End. Both times I have come, it was as quiet as a library.
I have tried the following:
+ CHAI LATTE: Very smooth, without overpowering or strong chai flavors.
— GOAT CHEESE & SPINACH QUICHE: This is a hefty pastry for the morning, but I did it. It was very heavy and salty, missing another element of flavor or taste. However, the quiche shell was flaky and light.
— BREAKFAST SANDWICH: I was very excited about this. On toasted Iggy’s wheat bread, there was egg frittata with a rosemary and potato combo topped with cheese and tomato. I opted without bacon or ham, which definitely would’ve made this sandwich very heavy. I’m not sure that I enjoyed the omelette-​like consistency as part of the sandwich. It was very savory and overly salty.
I will give them another shot for their coffee, as they are a coffee shop, but I wasn’t impressed by their food options.

This place is a great spot in Boston for coffee lovers. They are conscious about their coffee reputations and live up to those standards.
However my extra star isn’t there because, despite service coffee & food is GREAT; they could do a little tune up to the space. Create a little bit more design uniqueness to the tables, chairs and atmosphere in general. They have a great sport with great indoor and outdoor seating space, but they don’t seem to care about the décor as much as they care about their coffee.
And I’m honestly looking for the perfect experience, not just the product. However, if you are in the are, you better try it :)

They serve Counter Culture coffee,
I don’t know what that means but I know that I mean it.
Maybe they’re as on point as they seem,
or maybe I only like them because they’re in Boston and don’t seem it.
Atmosphere; finally I feel like I can relax.
Yeah right, that residential parking surely getting me a ticket.
The last time I felt as satisfied and content as this
was the last time I got a cup in Cali.
«You actually have almond milk?!
Get real» I told my barista.
She responded «if only you knew how real this goat cheese quiche really is,
you’d stop acting like a silly Unilocaler,
you would respect this spot,
whether or not you believed it was actually in Boston.»

C’est grâce à internet que nous avons trouvé ce café. En effet, nous étions à la recherché d’un bon café répondant aux standards de la «third wave». Nous n’avons pas été déçues. Nos 3 cafés: un cortado, un latté et un cappuccino étaient parfaits. Nous avons aussi commandé une quiche qui était excellente, un brownies et un bagel et rien né nous a laissé indifférentes.
Le service était très bien, les autres clients avaient même l’air sympathique alors que la terrasse était super invitante. On a adoré!
Si je vivais à Boston, ce café deviendrait sans nul doute mon café de quartier.

Had a cappuchino and an almond croissant here for breakfast. The croissant was moist and delicious! The coffee was smooth and had a nice finish. Service was fast and polite. There was ample seating and a nice deck outdoors. I would recommend it if you are in the neighborhood.
*edited for a typo

Hazelnut latte. All you need to know about this place at the moment (and I pray you are not allergic to nuts). I love to explore cafes and find smooth and rich tasting coffees.
The hazelnut latte was brewed to perfection, infused with their homemade syrup that includes ground up fresh hazelnuts that simply enhances your coffee enjoyment. Wish this place was a bit bigger though because it’s always packed.
Not as interested:
Tried their Chai latte but it was a bit bland and watery for my taste despite the heavenly milky white appearance when served

Last time I was here, it was freezing cold outside, and it was packed inside so I just got an espresso to go and a bag of some GREAT coffee beans (Sipacapa from Counter Culture). Today’s weather was perfect, and I remembered Render had this outdoor patio thing so I figured I should check it out today and get some studying/​reading done.
After I ordered, I was lucky to get a seat in the awesome space in the back where you are INDOORS but all the walls, including the ceiling was glass, so I was basically in a room lit by the amazing sunlight with the addition of the cool air conditioning from being indoors. It’s so rare to have a space like this, and I loved the fact that I was studying under the beautiful blue skies and natural light. (How awesome would it be to read a book while it’s drizzling outside in this room?!)
Food/​drink: I got the double espresso and a bacon & cheese quiche, and both were splendid. The double espresso was pulled perfectly both times I ordered, and with a touch of brown sugar, brought out the bright and tangy flavors (not too much acidity, I love it!). The quiche was not as warm as I would have liked it, but I loved the single portion style of it, with the amazing crunchy crust that holds the whole thing together.
Service: I think the fact that they bring out your drinks to you is a great touch to the shop. Everyone was very friendly and genuinely seemed to enjoy being there.
I’m running out of coffee beans at home, and I will definitely be stopping by soon for some new beans here. Love it.

I’m glad to have found this place. This place is going to be my favourite spot in this streak in Boston, as it’s not very far of my home.
Located in almost the end of Columbus Ave, you can see from the outside inside of the bar, just going up the stairs. You’ll find a high table and the bar when you enter in, every time I went there were almost no lane, as you order and they take what you have order to your table, that’s awesome.
The café is divided in two areas, one next to the building with some small windows, and one full of big windows, where it’s very nice to work with your laptop or read. The power plugs of the outer zone don’t work, so keep it in mind before sitting there with your laptop.
Talking about the coffee and the food, they are very good in my opinion. The coffee tastes like coffee (I like strong coffee), and they have also other options as Chai, Hazelnut or tea, I really recommend them too. I also like having coffee in a ceramic glass or mug, so many cafés give you paper glass although you are taking the coffee there.
Also they have some pastries, muffins and bagels, just in the bar. I tried bagels (I love bagels) with cream cheese and there awesome.
The music is not very loud, and people used to be quiet.

Love at first sip…
My first time visiting this café but won’t be my last. I ordered a hazelnut latte with almond milk and it was delicious! The hazelnut taste is strong but not overpowering. Also not super sweet.
I will be visiting again soon!