🇺🇸 Best of Boston 16/100

📍 Address: 71 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114 🕙 Opening Hours: Tue–Sat: 8 am – 9 pm Sun–Mon: 11 am – 5 pm The café is closed on Mondays. Located in the charming Beacon Hill neighborhood, this spot beautifully combines a bookstore with a café – and has even been named Boston’s best bookstore by Vogue 🏆! Housed in a converted five-story townhouse, it’s now one of the area’s most popular destinations. The first floor features a cozy café, while the second to fourth floors are dedicated to books 📚. The building’s classic red-brick exterior reflects Beacon Hill’s iconic architectural style. Inside, you’ll meet Peggy the squirrel 🐿️, the store’s adorable mascot, created in collaboration with children’s book illustrator Sarah Brannen. Peggy’s story is about a little squirrel discovering her home turned into a bookstore – and you can even find her tiny home hidden under a bookshelf on the second floor! Seasonal decorations add to the whimsical charm ✨. The café, located in a semi-basement space, glows with warm, inviting light. A narrow hallway leads to a lovely courtyard, blending indoor and outdoor atmospheres seamlessly. Sadly, the coffee is pretty disappointing – not recommended ☕😬. They do offer light bites if you’re curious, but seating is quite tight. Still, it’s worth a visit for the vibe alone! A real highlight is the print vending machine by artist Inciardi 🎰. It features designs inspired by the bookstore – like the building facade and Peggy the squirrel. For just four quarters, you can get a mini art print! If you need change, head downstairs – but be sure to use cash. Card payments come with a ridiculously high fee 💸 (P.S. The ICA has a similar machine!) #BostonDiaries #BostonLife #CambridgeMA #BostonEats