Peet's Coffee Tea - Cambridge

Patrick at Peet's in Harvard Square is an outstanding employee! I want to express my gratitude for his commitment to his customers and his expertly crafted coffee. Peet's is my favorite cafe in the area and has become my go-to spot, all thanks to Patrick's warm and welcoming service.

--- This restaurant experience felt like a battleground of sorts. The proprietor, who seemed to have a chip on his shoulder, appeared to consider himself the master of all he surveyed. He prided himself on the establishment's ideals of freedom and equality but, in practice, left much to be desired. Instead of fostering a welcoming atmosphere, the environment felt stifled by his attitude. The vibe was reminiscent of a bygone era characterized by respect, literature, and culture, now seemingly overshadowed by the singular focus on profit—as if a simple cup of coffee or a slice of bread warranted such a superiority complex. It’s baffling to think that patrons had to pay for their meals only to be treated like they owed the owner appreciation for allowing them the privilege of dining there. I witnessed a moment yesterday where he interacted with a well-built customer. The owner’s politeness seemed to hinge on that individual's imposing presence, as if he understood the consequences of crossing someone who could easily put him in his place. In summary, if you’re looking for genuine hospitality or a sense of respect, this might not be the place for you. The decor may evoke the charm of the past, but the service leaves much to be desired. Some choose not to speak up out of respect, but it’s clear that this restaurant has a long way to go in providing a welcoming experience.

I filed a complaint on the Peet’s website and received several responses promising that the issue would be addressed, but today I saw the same manager at the counter, acting as if nothing had occurred. The fact that he hasn’t faced even a suspension, especially given his history of treating Asian customers as inconveniences, is completely unacceptable to me. As someone of mixed Asian descent, I can no longer support Peet’s, an establishment that fails to hold bigots accountable and continues to employ them, thereby creating an unsafe environment for everyone.

I found my oat milk latte to be quite chunky and chalky, which was unlike anything I've ever tasted before. It's nice that they offer a large size for coffee, especially in such a busy city! The barista was very friendly, even though they seemed extremely overworked, as this place is often crowded. Unfortunately, they use the less impressive Pacific Foods brand for their oat milk, especially when compared to the Oatly brand found in much better coffee shops. Additionally, there are no vegan food options or pastries available. I would recommend the nearby Pavement Coffee, which is much better.

With the closure of the large Starbucks near the main Harvard subway entrance, this cafe has become the most pleasant, comfortable, and convenient spot in the Square. Tatte often feels overcrowded and hurried, while Patio's has only a few large tables. This cafe is spacious and located right next to a park. Inside, the seating is quite nice, with large windows on three sides. I particularly enjoy their frozen lattes (blended iced coffee drinks). The pastries are decent as well.