7 Pond Coffee Bar

Consistently the best coffee in JP and served the way coffee should be, with the merest hint of condescension. If you want a hug with your latte you should go to Ula.

Excellent, strong, smooth coffee. And early this morning I came in with my 4 year old on the way to school, feeling especially sleep deprived and desperate for caffeine. I realized I had no cash and there is a. $ 10 credit card minimum. The very nice guy at the counter comped my large iced coffee and told me to just pay the next time I come in. I gratefully told him I would be back tonight and he said with a smile, «no rush, just pay whenever you come back for coffee.» He just earned a loyal customer.

This place intimidated me. It is good espresso and coffee. I see what they are doing trying to make a simplistic coffee menu. So if you do not like straight espresso drinks this place is not for you (luckily I do like straight espresso). No sweeteners, not even sugar is offered. I don’t think they have lids for your to go drinks either. There just seems to be a lot of small rules that would probably alienate some people. A little different for me but hey I am from Indiana and obviously know nothing about east coast coffee standards.

My favorite coffee place in JP. I looked forward to swinging by on the weekends and getting a cup of coffee but the last three trips have sucked. The first time I went, they didn’t have have any coffee brewed and offered to make an Americano instead (and I don’t care for them). The second time, I ordered 3 medium coffees and a small all to go, and they made only 3 of the 4. The server seemed confused and overwhelmed so I didn’t mention anything. Yesterday I went in mid-​afternoon and after waiting a few minutes for someone to take my order, I was once again informed they were out of coffee but could make me an Americano. That’s the last time I’ll be swinging by this shop. I don’t buy coffee at a shop because it’s less expensive, or its so much better thane what I brew at home; I buy it for convenience. If I end up waiting awhile for someone to take my order, then the order isn’t right, or they’re out of coffee, it’s a pain, not convenient. I’d like to support the small local business, but I can’t see myself heading back considering how poorly executed a seemingly simple process is.

Delicious coffee. Atrocious white hipster attitude from the people working here. There’s no need to be so surly and jerkish to folks. I kept wondering if it was just me so I sat at the tiny counter for 45 minutes and heard them interact with a handful of other people in the exact same way.

Great coffee and great staff. They helped me out when I was in a rush, and I appreciated their understanding. Shop is modern with stool seating, wide range of coffee and some pastry selection if you’re feeling peckish.

I have been to this spot a handful of times and have never had the terrible service experience that half the reviewers are expressing… So I can’t speak to that. I come alone, order a coffee, pop in headphones and sit in a stool. Here’s what I do know: the pastries (not sure where they’re made) are delicious. I got the coconut macaroon today and it was top notch. Also I’ve had mocha, latte and green tea there… All which were top quality and well made. I believe better then Café Nero which is down the street. I believe it’s the same coffee as Barrington coffee which is another small chain in Boston that is high quality. Design of the place is cool and there are always newspapers.
I do echo some of the comments of others though… Design of the inside is not great and the line to get coffee gets right in the way of the bathroom. Also if there is only one staff member the wait to get coffee can be annoying. They should have two staff always. Credit card minimum of $ 10? Is troublesome for a coffee shop. Also there isn’t too much seating so don’t come during peak hours expecting to sit several people.
Bottom line: if you want a quality coffee, have cash and you’re in the neighborhood then give it a try. If the baristas annoy you then don’t come back. I’ve yet to have that experience.

It’s like this place took a class in customer service and user interfaces and did exactly the opposite.
Ridiculous credit card minimums, rude ass staff that watches you in silence while you try and decide on a drink, hard dry little baked goods, awkward bathroom doors and locks, literally the same erratic jazz song on repeat and long ass lines.

I have now given this place the benefit of the doubt twice now. And twice, I’ve been mistaken. The owner/​barista is a pretentious snob that wouldn’t know customer service if it hit him in the nose.
They refuse to leave out items so that you can doctor your coffee to your own taste. They are consumed by the idea that their knowledge of items and products allows them to make decisions for you.
Further, everything that I have ever gotten from there besides the Tebirkes has been awful. I had a chai tea latte from them today that was literally undrinkable. He completely burnt the milk and made the drink far too hot.
He makes teas with not enough materials in them, so they are weak. He also does not steep things for long enough.
They make it plainly clear that they do not need the business of us JP residents. I hope that they go under.
Go to City Feed. At least they have good people there.
Oh, and $ 10 minimums, while may not be illegal– are usually in direct violation of the business’ contract with the credit card providers. So, not only does his product suck– but he is a scam artist. Avoid at all cost.

Delicious coffee, and a quiet, clean space at the heart of JP. The inside isn’t very big, and the baristas aren’t poor hipsters, so it’s a different feel, but really relaxed and nice. Delicious coffee! Bring a friend, but not too many cause it’s small

I take it back. I take it all back. the cappuccino is a dream. And the tebirkes (a Danish pastry with poppyseeds) are to die for.
The people behind the counters have been loves.
I’m glad I gave the place another chance.

I think this place has some of the best coffee in the city!
Although the coffee is great, there are a few cons. Unless you get a spot on the street, it’s a little difficult to pop in quick in the morning to grab your coffee. I’ve also gone by twice in the past year where they were running late in opening for the day. It was a little bit of an inconvenience to wait outside as they open, but the great coffee is worth the wait. I would stop in more frequently, but I never carry cash and use my debit card for everything. They have a debit card minimum which is much higher than the price of the coffee.

Yeah, no thanks. First of all, what kind of coffee place has a debit/​credit card minimum? Isn’t all coffee going to below that minimum? Shouldn’t you plan for that by taking cards? No, instead trying to up-​sell everyone to hit the minimum … sounds like a great idea. Also, wildly rude when I have been in with the required cash for my coffee. You sell coffee, man. Not rare jewels. Make it accessible, and put a smile on yer dang face. Meanwhile, the café nero folks are sweet and friendly everyday.

I love finding funky coffee shops all over the world. Because each coffee shop makes their drinks differently I usually just explain what I want and the barista takes it from there.
Well…not so much here. Instead, he wouldn’t listen to what I wanted but went on to give me a dissertation on milk and how they don’t make espresso, only ristretto. And after all his lecturing he says, do you want a latte or a cappuccino? Zero customer service. I wish I would have walked out.
It was so over the top I thought a camera crew was going to jump out at me.
In the end, it wasn’t even good.

CREMA… if you don’t know what that means, go to Dunkin, down the street.
AMAZING — The ONLY place in JP that knows how to properly make a latte. The milk is steamed to a velvety smooth foam that pours as only properly steamed milk will… allowing those boastful foam designs that brag «this drink was made by somebody that know what they are doing and is pushing their skill towards an art»
AMUSING — I laughed when I read about crybabies bemoaning this place won’t serve espresso in a paper cup. espresso was FUCKING INVENTED so you could sip it up quickly at the bar and leave. I love that they insist on this Italian convention.
INTERESTING — I haven’t brought a baby in, so I can’t speak to their reaction to the possibility. However, I’m NOT one of those parents that expect special attention because I have a baby with me… we’ll see, I guess.
ANNOYING — I don’t love the $ 10 minimum for credit charges… I’m too lazy to stop at the bank often enough to keep cash on hand
Other coffee shops take note… this is how it is done

Tucked on a corner near the heart of JP, this shop helped contribute to a wonderful afternoon I had recently on a sunny fall Saturday. We enjoyed everything about the ambience of the shop, from the well-​crafted center pieces (which look like a good potential DIY project) to the nice jazz playing in the background. The tea selection was very good, and the barista was friendly and knowledgeable about all of the available varieties. There was even a tea which the menu claimed to be a cure for hangovers, and we shared a hearty laugh with the barista about that.
The only suggestion I’d have is that there is a $ 10 minimum for cards, and this is not displayed very prominently. We had to adjust our payment plan mid transaction which could have proven problematic for two less adaptable individuals. But all in all, our visit here was a glorious experience. I’d seen some negative reviews before my visit but am glad I didn’t listen to them and checked it out anyway.

It-​s very tiny, and it is not what I am used to look for. You would not feel comfortable staying there to work. But it is a GREAT place to enjoy White Tea Silver Needles or amazing Cappuccino with Granola!
I am most certainly looking to go back!

I have never had such an infuriating experience. I should say 3 awful experiences, as I had such high hopes for a new neighborhood coffee shop, that I made the mistake of giving them the benefit of the doubt and returned 2 more times.
I walked in with my daughter silently falling asleep in her stroller so that I could order an iced coffee to go and walk around the pond. (I know they have iced coffee to go because at least last rude interaction I was able to procure one). There was no one in line and a few people seated who had already been helped. Instead of being greeted with hello, I was briskly and rudely told that they will not serve me with a child in a stroller. I said that I’d be happy to wait outside, but that I was getting a coffee to go. He refused to allow me to order; mind you had he just taken my order in the first place (I had cash in hand) I would have already been outside waiting for my coffee. I replied that he was not being very family friendly to which he gave a dismissive shrug and pointed toward the door.
Unfortunately, as I said, this was not the first incredibly negative experience I’ve had but I’d chalked the last egregious un-​family friendly behavior to laziness. I went in with my daughter strapped to me asleep in her carrier and ordered a drip brew. The barista informed me that it would take a few minutes (I was aware I could have just gone to Dunkin Donuts but I actually appreciate and enjoy good coffee). Then she told me that she did not think I had enough time. I was flabbergasted. I hadn’t taken a phone call, spoken to anyone and the baby had not woken up, so I was unclear what form of divine intervention had given her the idea that I did not have time to wait and order something from their menu. I walked out in a daze trying to comprehend what had just taken place.
7 Pond does not belong in JP, Boston or New York. Their business practices borders on illegal and have clearly crossed the line of unacceptable. I have never been so disgusted by the pervasive and egregious behavior of a business (I see from other reviews that I am not the only one who has enjoyed their hostile treatment).
I write this while sipping on a delicious iced coffee from Café Nero up the street located at 733 Centre Street. Great coffee and treats, a handicap accessible door and ramp and the barista waved and smiled at my baby.

Clean, minimalist, and sophisticated coffee shop near a corner. Lots of natural light and decent amount of seating considering the square footage of the space. Nice jazz was playing while we enjoyed our macchiatos.

This place is very cozy, small and intimate. The service was a bit standoffish, they had about two people on. The latte was good, art was a bit lackluster made me sad considering there were only a few people in the place at the time. A smile would have sufficed! There was a sign up saying they brew Barrington. I asked about it and they go on a guest roaster system.
Bumped up one star because I like their espresso machine. I might try it again if I’m in the area.