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09/24/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2026 12:10

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Coolidge Corner

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Coolidge Corner

A guide to eating, shopping, and just hanging out in one of Brookline's hubs

Photo by Daisy Levine (COM'26)

Things-to-do

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Coolidge Corner

A guide to eating, shopping, and just hanging out in one of Brookline's hubs

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Coolidge Corner, one of Brookline's two major commercial hubs (Brookline Village is the other), has been attracting shoppers and diners for more than 150 years. Its many restaurants, Jewish delis, coffee shops, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and historical sites draw visitors from Boston and beyond.

The bustling neighborhood is an easy walk from campus and a quick trolley ride up Beacon Street. Hop off when you spot the distinctive clock tower on the S.S. Pierce Building, at the corner where Beacon meets Harvard Street. And, no, the area was not named after President Calvin Coolidge, but for 19th-century local businessman David S. Coolidge, whose grocery and general store was on the site of the S.S. Pierce Building. At the time, it was the only commercial business in North Brookline. The advent of the electric streetcar in 1887 and 1888 marked the neighborhood's transition into the shopping district it is today.

BU Today has compiled a list of some of the best places to explore when you're in Coolidge Corner.

Prairie Fire
242 Harvard St.

Prairie Fire, 242 Harvard St. Photo by Cydney Scott

This popular rustic-chic eatery has an inventive menu that includes several categories: raw bar, appetizers, pasta, wood-fired pizza and vegetables, mains, and dessert. Highlights include the Boyden Farm Burger and grilled Atlantic swordfish served with chanterelle mushrooms, sungold tomato, pickled shallot, and lobster oil, as well as a wonderful craft cocktail menu. Be sure to check out the restaurant's beer garden, too, which serves a limited menu. While the restaurant accepts reservations, the beer garden behind the building and around the corner is first come, first served.

Michael's Deli
256 Harvard St.

Look out for Michael's small storefront, otherwise you'll miss the delicious food at this deli that, in true New York fashion, cooks all its meats on-site, daily. A hot spot for sandwiches, Michael's has earned top ratings over the years from the Phantom Gourmet and on Yelp. The Juban (maple-smoked Canadian ham, house-steamed pastrami, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard, and pickles on a toasted sub roll) and the Michael's Choice (roast beef and beef brisket with horseradish sauce on your choice of toasted bread) are favorites. It also has "Dirty" sandwiches, which are topped with Dirty brand potato chips and have names like the "Disheveled" Brisket and the "Untidy" Turkey. Michael's also offers breakfast sandwiches and bagels with lox spread.

Topdrawer
275 Harvard St.

The Japanese American retailer Topdrawer offers a selection of high-quality items, including books and paper, bento boxes, pens and pencils, stylish eyewear, travel bags, and slippers. Its products follow minimalist design principles, emphasize environmentally ethical production, and cater to creative professionals. Even if you aren't in the market for a premium notebook, the sleek aesthetic of the store warrants some serious window-shopping.

Paris Creperie
278 Harvard St.

An escape to Paris is right around the corner-Coolidge Corner, that is. This no-frills café serves up crepes that will transport you to a bench along the Champs-Élysées. It offers a selection of savory and sweet crepes, as well as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and smoothies. One of the sweet crepes, the Meringue-A-Tang, is filled with housemade citrus curd, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs. The menu also features a selection of Nutella-based drinks, both hot and cold, with the Nutella frozen hot chocolate being one of the most popular. Made with Nutella, skim milk, and frozen yogurt, it warrants the menu's accompanying warning: "Paris Creperie is not liable for any addictions created by this smoothie."

Bar Lunette
278A Harvard St.

This intimate, French-inspired cocktail lounge serves up classic cocktails, including Old Fashioneds, daiquiris, martinis, and manhattans, but with a fresh twist. You'll also find a small, curated list of wines and beers. The bar is operated by the same team that runs Paris Creperie. Its name is a nod to its former tenant, Dr. Jack Katz, who ran Coolidge Corner Opticians in the same space for more than 50 years ("lunettes" means eyeglasses in French). The decor includes French designer eyeglasses, as well as French posters and fashion illustrations. Be sure to try the Botanic Sauvage (tequila, cilantro, watermelon, hibiscus, and orange syrup) or the Paris is Burning, a smoky, somewhat spicy margarita. And be prepared to wait for a table. Most nights the tiny venue is packed.

Brookline Booksmith
279 Harvard St.

Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St. Photo by Cydney Scott

One of the Boston area's best independent bookstores, Brookline Booksmith has been a Coolidge Corner institution since it opened in 1961. The well-stocked shelves, featuring the latest bestsellers alongside graphic novels and literary classics, make it a reader's delight. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and is happy to provide recommendations for shoppers looking for a great read or the perfect gift. The lower level, the Used Book Cellar, has a generous selection of used, reasonably priced books. The store features a café and a large selection of gifts, including soaps, puzzles, mugs, coasters, and dish towels. Brookline Booksmith frequently hosts readings and book signings featuring popular authors, as well as monthly book clubs and weekly story-time events for children and YA readers.

Mecha Noodle Bar
285 Harvard St.

This Asian comfort kitchen serves fan favorites like phở (Vietnamese rice noodle soup), ramen, and cocktails. Mecha, meaning "mom and pop" in Vietnamese, is a small chain operating in the Northeast and run by owners Tony Pham and Richard Reyes, both sons of immigrants. It's an homage to their Asian American culture and is committed to supporting underserved communities. Each month, the restaurant donates a portion of every bowl of ramen sold to local nonprofits. The menu is delicious. Try the red oil dumplings, or the shoyu paitan ramen, with black garlic, nori, scallion, egg, and menma (fermented bamboo shoots). The cocktail menu (21-plus) includes Asian-inspired beverages and sakes, as well as a small selection of wine and beer. The restaurant does not take reservations, but tables turn over fairly quickly.

Upper Crust Pizzeria
286 Harvard St.

Craving some classic Italian comfort food? You'll find it at Upper Crust, conveniently located directly next to the Coolidge Corner Theatre. It's the perfect place to grab a quick bite. The menu boasts a number of appetizers and small bites (the honey butter chicken tenders or fried mozzarella come highly recommended), pastas, salads, calzones, and more. But they're best known for their pizzas. Whether you're a plain cheese lover or a pineapple-on-pizza fan, you'll find something delicious to satisfy your taste buds. Diners can create their own pie or select one of the many specialties listed, such as the Autumn Harvest-pumpkin bacon, roasted squash, caramelized onions, mozzarella cheese, and a touch of maple syrup. Limited outdoor seating is available in warm-weather months. If you'd rather cook at home, you can purchase the eatery's balls of dough, available in both small and large sizes. A few of Upper Crust's made-to-order pizzas are also gluten-free and/or vegan.

Otto Pizza
289 Harvard St.

Located right across the street from Upper Crust, Otto has a reputation for pizzas that combine unorthodox flavors and ingredients, including spicy pulled pork and scallion; sriracha chicken and avocado; buffalo cauliflower, scallion, and blue cheese; and butternut squash, ricotta, and cranberries. The results are delicious. The Portland, Maine-based chain is best known for its mashed potato, bacon, and scallion pizza-and after one bite, you'll know why. There's also a selection of craft beers and wine for dine-in customers.

Coolidge Corner Theatre
290 Harvard St.

The Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St. Photo by Cydney Scott

Brookline's popular art deco movie house has been entertaining film lovers since 1933 with first-run and independent productions. Big shots like Meryl Streep, Martin Scorsese, and the late Robert Altman have appeared on panels. You can feel like a star, too, when you sink into one of the plush chairs in the cozy 43-seat screening room. The main hall seats 432, and a smaller auditorium seats 174. There's also a 27-seat screening room called the Gold Screen. The theater underwent an expansive renovation in 2024 that added an additional 14,000 square feet to the complex. The new addition includes a large lobby (so patrons can purchase tickets inside instead of freezing outdoors in the cold weather), a sleek concession stand, two new 200-seat theaters, and a third-floor Education and Community Engagement Center that can be used for seminars, lectures, and school programs and rented out to community groups. Coolidge Corner Theatre hosts special screening events, including Big Screen Classics and Science on Screen-the latter features films tied to science with notable subject experts introducing the movies. Learn more about this and other programs here.

Boston General Store
313A Harvard Street

Coolidge Corner's Boston General Store has a new address. The expanded location recently moved a few doors down Harvard Street and offers a curated selection of practical, well-made, and long-lasting products. You can find specialty cutlery for your kitchen, beautifully decorated notebooks for class, unique decor for your room, or even a special birthday gift for a friend. Make sure to also check their website for events and pop-ups they host throughout the year.

Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli
306 Harvard St.

Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli, 299 Harvard St. Photo by Jacob Chang-Rascle (COM'22)

This boutique Japanese supermarket sells a wide range of foods, from organic fruit, fish, and meat to delicacies like sweet potato cake and imported bottled teas. They also have a selection of home goods and trinkets (look for their Hello Kitty bowls). In addition to a large selection of foods imported from Japan, they recently launched their own brand, Maruichi Select, focused on local, sustainable products, with its own storefront across the street. The brand offers specialty drinks (check out their seasonal strawberry matcha latte) and dishes. You can also find Japanese cosmetics and beautiful wooden chopsticks. Follow the Facebook page for updates and images of tasty-looking treats.

Bell86
308 Harvard St.

This Korean tapas restaurant, which opened in 2025, serves up a variety of small-plate dishes-like corn cheese, kimbap, fried rice cakes, and fried pork belly-as well as specialty dishes like fried red perch with sweet and sour sauce and Korean fried chicken. The drinks menu includes a number of Korean-inspired cocktails like the "Belltinii" (house-brewed omija tea with Khee soju) and the "Citron Meets Honey" (yuja tea, real honeycomb, and Khee soju).

Village Vinyl & Hi-Fi
307 Harvard St.

Photo by Daisy Levine (COM'26)

If you love vinyl records, a trip to Village Vinyl is a must. All of the store's records are in good to mint condition and labeled so you know what you're getting. And with an inventory of approximately 10,000 albums, cassettes, and CDs, chances are you'll find something to take home. The store prides itself on stocking the music that music lovers want to hear-from Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison to Gravediggaz and David Bowie. If you're in the market for music merchandise, you'll find T-shirts of famous bands as well as posters. There's also reasonably priced quality used and vintage stereo equipment for sale, including turntables, amps, and speakers. The store buys quality components from customers, tests and repairs them (if necessary), and then sells them. Can't visit the store in person? Check out the online store.

Coolidge Corner Clubhouse
307 Harvard St.

The only sports pub in the neighborhood, the Clubhouse can get crowded, especially when a Red Sox, Bruins, or Patriots game is on. It's known for its heaping plates of nachos-aptly named "Mile High Nachos"-sandwiches, salads, burgers, lobster rolls, and BBQ ribs, as well as the 30-plus draft beers on tap and numerous LCD high-def TVs. There's also a weekend brunch, daily breakfast (served 11 am to 3 pm), and trivia on Tuesdays.

2nd Street
301 Harvard St.

2nd Street is the latest vintage store to join Coolidge Corner. With locations in major American cities like New York and Philadelphia, 2nd Street has become one of the biggest names in the sustainable clothing market. Stop in to look at the gorgeous designer racks full of hard-to-find vintage items. The store carries clothing and accessories for men and women, and includes brands ranging from Supreme and Dior to Adidas and Nike. Those interested in selling goods must bring a valid government ID with them. The store provides cash for goods (no trade-in for credit available).

Buffalo Exchange
312 Harvard St.

Buffalo Exchange, 312 Harvard St. Photo by Jacob Chang-Rascle (COM'22)

Love shopping thrift? Cleaning out your closet and want to sell some gently used clothes and accessories? Buffalo Exchange is the place for you. The privately owned, family-operated resale boutique has nearly 50 US stores (including one in Somerville), and its success is due to its upscale thrift store niche. The store has a great selection of new and recycled fashions for men and women. It's a great way to be both sustainable and fashionable. They also have a costume section during the Halloween season if you need a last-minute look. For those interested in selling items, make sure to bring a valid, government-issued ID like a driver's license or passport (sellers under 18 years old need to bring an adult with a valid ID). Sellers can choose to either walk away with 25 percent of the store's selling price in cash or 50 percent in store credit for anything the shop buys.

Bottega Fiorentina
313B Harvard St.

Photo by Daisy Levine (COM'26)

This restaurant-groceria offers Italian cuisine you can eat on-site (indoors or outdoors) or take home, as well as ingredients to make your own Italian dishes. You'll find antipasti, paninis, cannoli-all reasonably priced. Hams and spicy salamis fill the deli case, and Italian pastas and sauces, olive oil, biscuits, and bottles of Sanpellegrino line the shelves. Try the arugula and pear salad with walnuts, Parmigiano cheese, and lemon olive oil, or the Italiano panini (salame, soppressata, mortadella, provolone, cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, hots with vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil). The award-winning Fedora sauce (made with tomatoes, rosemary, garlic, and cream) is outstanding. A daily list of special homemade dishes is available for eating in or takeout. It offers pastas in a mix-and-match format, where you can choose the type of pasta and the sauce. Bottega Fiorentina is now offering breakfast starting at 7:30 am on weekdays and 9:30 am on weekends.

Barlette
318 Harvard St. (Unit 11)

This tiny bar, located in Coolidge Corner's famed Arcade Building, began life as a BYOB bar in 2023 and opened as a full-service cocktail bar in 2025. Craft cocktails are made with seasonal ingredients, so the drinks menu changes frequently. You'll find unique concoctions like the Bloody Gold, a twist on a spicy Bloody Mary made with tomatillos, golden beets and bourbon, gin, tequila, or vodka (it can also be ordered spirit-free). For fall, try their Sour Apple Sour that combines locally sourced apples, warm spices, and your spirit of choice, with a salted caramel rim. Barlette also serves up classic cocktails like martinis and Old Fashioneds. Patrons can also enjoy nibbles, such as pigs in a blanket, chips and dip, and sourdough bread with hummus.

Ganko Ittetsu Ramen
318 Harvard St.

Ganko Ittetsu Ramen, 318 Harvard St. Photo by Chloe Grinberg (COM'19)

Located inside the Arcade Building, this eatery specializes in Sapporo-style ramen-which, unlike most ramen, is prepared in a wok. Typically, ramen is made by mixing tare (sauce) and the base broth in a bowl, then adding noodles and other ingredients. But in Sapporo ramen soup, the tare is caramelized with vegetables before the broth is added, giving the dish a deep flavor. Diners can select from nine types of ramen, including: tan tan, with a spicy sesame broth; shoyu, with a soy sauce broth; and miso, with a broth made from the fermented soybean paste essential to Japanese cuisine. If you're not sure what to order, check out their website for a graph demonstrating where menu items fall on the scales of spicy versus non-spicy and traditional versus modern. Their popular tan-tan skews more toward the modern side with an original sesame paste, ground pork, and homemade spicy garlic aioli that promises to offer "a unique ramen experience." The noodles, soy sauce, and miso are imported from Japan.

Rami's
324 Harvard St.

Rami's has been the go-to for Middle Eastern and Israeli food in Coolidge Corner for more than 35 years-and its reasonable prices make this a real gem. Be sure to try their falafel-crispy ground chickpea balls-whether served in a pita, a platter, or on the side. The kosher menu includes house-made hummus, bourekas, tangy baba ganoush, and pillowy pita bread. Desserts like baklava (crispy phyllo dough layered with cinnamon and nuts, topped with a honey syrup) and imported fruit nectars are amazing accompaniments to a meal. In observance of the Jewish Sabbath, the restaurant closes each Friday at 2 pm and doesn't reopen until Sunday at 10 am.

Pure Cold Press
326 Harvard St.

This sleek kosher juice and salad bar opened in 2015 and is owned by Haim Cohen, whose father owns Rami's, next door. Designed with local artists in mind, Pure Cold Press dedicates significant space as a gallery. The small eatery is vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free items as well. Select from almost a dozen fresh juices and smoothies, with ingredients such as celery, dandelion, apple, ginger, watermelon, pineapple, and cucumber. Recharge with the Super Hero smoothie, a blend of kale, strawberry, banana, mango, and pineapple. The outstanding salads and wraps are another highlight. There's a selection of breakfast fare as well, including omelets, pancakes, and oatmeal, served until 2 pm. Pure Cold Press also closes early on Fridays, at 3 pm, and reopens Sundays at 8 am, in observance of the Jewish Sabbath. Outdoor seating is available in warm-weather months.

Zaftigs Delicatessen
335 Harvard St.

Lines out the door of this Brookline institution are common, but it's worth the wait. The friendly staff keeps things moving. Try one of the delicatessen's famous loaded latkes or the Monte Cristo sandwich, stuffed with smoked ham, cranberry-apricot chutney, and Swiss cheese on grilled French toast. If you're in the mood for breakfast, the banana-stuffed French toast with date butter and berries is excellent, or you can create your own omelet with a variety of toppings. Breakfast is served all day. The restaurant has sidewalk tables during warm-weather months.

Union Square Donuts
409 Harvard St.

Union Square Donuts, 409 Harvard St. Photo by Chloe Grinberg (COM'19)

Fresh, handmade donuts are served up every day at Union Square Donuts' Brookline location. (You'll also find them at Assembly Row and Union Square in Somerville, at the Boston Public Market near Faneuil Hall, at Time Out Market in the Fenway, and in Harvard Square.) Prices range from $4.20 to $5.05, and the menu rotates monthly. You'll also find vegan options, donut holes, and filled donuts. You can wash it all down with a hot or cold brew or a hot chocolate. Online ordering is available and you can purchase frozen cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, and pepperoni pizza rolls to bake at home.

Far Out Ice Cream
419 Harvard St.

Interior shot of Farout Ice Cream Shop. Photo by Ziyu (Julian) Zhu (CGS'23)

This New Zealand-style ice cream shop combines premium, locally sourced, hard-packed ice cream and real frozen fruit to create a blended, creamy, and airy treat. Customers begin by choosing their dairy option: vanilla or chocolate ice cream (and their nondairy, vegan counterparts) or low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt. Then, they select their fruit, such as raspberry, strawberry, banana, blueberry, mango, or raspberry. The numerous toppings include sprinkles, coconut flakes, chocolate flakes, and graham crackers. Seasonal flavors rotate monthly based on availability. There are also a number of drink options-including café au lait, nitro cold brew, hot chocolate, and root beer float-and certified kosher and vegan options.

Kupel's Bakery
421 Harvard St.

Kupel's Bakery, 421 Harvard St. Photo by Cydney Scott

While an intense debate has swirled for years over the pronunciation of the bakery's name (long or short "u" in Kupel's?), many swear the kosher shop offers the best bagels in Boston. One of our favorites is the Coolidge Corner sandwich, made with chive cream cheese, tomato, and onions on a bagel of your choice. Others rave about the egg salad, pastries, and homemade cream cheese, with flavors ranging from plain to Miami lox (with scallions) to strawberry. Expect long lines during prime chow times. Open daily, it has nearly every type of bagel imaginable, from pumpernickel to plain (they don't carry asiago because it isn't kosher). PS: the shop's name is pronounced with a short "u," as in "couples." If you don't believe us, just check out their logo.

The Butcherie
428 Harvard St.

The Butcherie is famous for having one of the largest selections of kosher groceries in the Boston area, with a wide variety of deli meats, wines, and snack foods imported from Israel, and traditional Jewish delicacies like noodle kugel, beef brisket, and knishes. You'll also find kosher wines, a bakery serving up challah, bourekas, and cookies, beautiful cuts of beef and poultry, and prepared savory foods for takeout. If you're having a party or small get-together, you can order various platters, ranging from fruit arrangements to a shawarma package that feeds up to 12 people. Closed Saturdays.

Los Amigos Taqueria
1294 Beacon St.

This fast and casual restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine with a contemporary twist. You'll find fish tacos and specialty burritos like The Plantain (fried plantains, cilantro brown rice, black beans, jack cheese, mango salsa, lettuce, jalapeños, guacamole, drizzled with smoky chipotle crema)). Or, you can create your own burritos, quesadillas, bowls, and salads. And there's an excellent vegetarian selection, including a dessert quesadilla-a grilled tortilla filled with Nutella and sweet fried plantains.

Coolidge Yoga
1297 Beacon St.

Coolidge Yoga offers a wide selection of classes, including core-centric classes, vinyasa flow, yoga classes for new and expectant mothers, family yoga, and even yoga for athletes. Prices vary depending on the plan you sign up for. The studio also offers students a discounted first three weeks of unlimited yoga for $49 that includes unlimited in-person studio, Yoga in the Park events, and live stream classes. Drop-in classes are $30. Virtual classes are also offered (purchase 30 days of virtual yoga for $59), as well as outdoor yoga sessions during the summer months.

Mint Julep
1302 Beacon St.

Started by two Vermont friends, this women's boutique carries a curated array of American and European clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Whether you're looking for something to wear to the office, a nice dinner, or a cocktail party, chances are you'll find it here. They also have a wide array of handbags and accessories to pair with your new outfits. Designers include Rails, Astr, Lilla P, Citizens of Humanity, and more.

Esmai's Restaurant and Bar
1306 Beacon St.

This eclectic fusion restaurant combines flavors from around the world, creating unique dishes including a banh mi charcuterie board and bulgogi empanadas. Whether you like pasta, salad, seafood, or fried rice, Esmai's menu has all its bases covered and more. Their brunch menu isn't limited to just American classics like chicken and waffles. You'll also find banh mi and traditional Japanese milk bread. Esmai's also has a beautiful roof deck with fairy lights and floral decoration that elevates the dining experience to a whole new level. Heaters make it possible to dine al fresco as the evenings get a little chillier.

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates

1330 Beacon St.

L.A. Burdick, the popular chocolatier and cafe that has shops in Harvard Square and Back Bay, opened a third local shop in Coolidge Corner in 2024. The shop, located in the historic S.S. Pierce Building, is renowned for its delicious hot chocolate and handmade chocolate mice. Try their Burdick Cookie, their take on a classic chocolate chip with dark chocolate chips, walnuts, and a hint of vanilla bean. It's the perfect place to visit on a crisp fall day.

Lee's Burger
1331 Beacon St.

Open for lunch and dinner, this no-frills eatery serves up classic hamburgers and cheeseburgers, as well as veggie burgers, subs, salads, hot dogs, and sandwiches, all reasonably priced. Try their bestselling Double Jack Split Burger, two eight-ounce patties on a brioche roll with lettuce, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle aioli. Most of the other burgers on the menu run between $10 and $15. Lee's also offers a variety of subs and sandwiches for those not in a burger mood. The french fries, fruit smoothies, and milkshakes are all excellent, as are the numerous side dishes, including mozzarella sticks, onion rings, chicken wings, and chicken fingers. If you want to get out of your comfort zone, try the avocado milkshake.

Arwa Yemeni Coffee
1333 Beacon St

Arwa Yemeni Coffee 1333 Beacon St. Photo by Lea Tran

This Texas-based coffee house chain has made its way to Boston with a chic location in the center of Coolidge Corner. The female-founded business highlights the traditional flavors of Yemen. You can try a Jubani, a blend of light roast coffee, coffee cherry husks, and warm spices, or a Mofawor, a creamy spiced milk-based coffee drink. The menu also includes other classic drinks like espressos. Prices range from $4.50 to $7. The sleek interior, comfy seating, and late hours make it the perfect place to also get some schoolwork done.

Maguro Boston
1335 Beacon St

This Thai and Japanese restaurant offers an extensive menu of premium sushi rolls, classic Thai dishes, and warm bowls of ramen. Stop in on a weekday and take advantage of their daily lunch specials where you can get an entree, appetizer or roll, and a side for $16. If you're feeling super hungry, the restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat menu Monday through Wednesday from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm. Prices start at $50 for the standard menu and $80 for the premium tier. Make sure to follow Maguro's Instagram page, as they sometimes feature giveaways.

Temptations Cafe
1350 Beacon St

The eatery's menu reflects the diverse background of its owners, with Cuban and Lebanese influences. Try the Cubano, filled with roasted pork loin, honey ham, and chipotle mayo, or something from their all-day breakfast menu, like their pepper jack breakfast burrito. The cafe also offers classic coffee drinks, partnering with the locally based Fazenda Coffee.

Kung Fu Kitchen
1353 Beacon St.

Kung Fu Kitchen opened in Coolidge Corner in 2025, but has already drawn a loyal following due to its unbeatable soup dumplings, stir-fried ramen, and hand-cut noodles. You can get your dumplings pan-fried or steamed. Pair your meal with a refreshing passionfruit green tea or any of their other drinks. It's the perfect place for dim sum, so bring your friends.

Eureka Puzzles
1355 Beacon St.

Calling all puzzle and game enthusiasts! Located next door to Paper Source on the corner of Beacon and Webster Streets, this shop is stocked with jigsaws, games, toys, and books made for all ages, as well as mechanical puzzles and puzzle boxes. If you want something more personal, Eureka offers custom puzzle services that can turn your favorite photos into a jigsaw puzzle. The store also offers after-school and adult Dungeons & Dragons sessions, and has a board game lending library.

Brookline Farmers' Market
Centre Street West parking lot, off Beacon Street

From early June through mid-November, the Brookline Farmers' Market is open every Thursday from 1:30 to 6:30 pm. A neighborhood mainstay for more than 40 years, it has nearly three dozen vendors selling a huge selection of local produce (much of it organic), along with eggs, ice cream, baked goods, fresh meats, fish, and more. For news and updates on the market, follow it on Instagram or Facebook.

Knight Moves: Board Game Cafe
1402 Beacon St.

Amanda Caswell (CFA'22) and Nick Huang (CAS'20) playing a round of Scrabble at Knight Moves Cafe. Photo by Cydney Scott

The first board game café to hit New England, Knight Moves has over 600 games (see the list here), from strategy board games like Catan to party games like Cards Against Humanity. The knowledgeable staff will even teach you how to play new games. The café's casual, relaxed setting, along with a menu of yummy drinks and snacks, is a comfortable gathering place for groups. Parties of 10 or more must book a room in advance.

The Clayroom
1408 Beacon St.

Looking to get crafty? Book ahead on the Clayroom's website and gather some friends for some pottery painting. Visitors can choose from a range of ceramic items to decorate and paint, including bowls, mugs, ornaments, and other trinkets that make for a great decoration or gift. Once you've decorated the piece, you can return it to the studio for glazing and firing and pick it up five days later. You can also purchase one of the studio's home kits, which allow you to decorate your piece in the comfort of your own home before you return it for firing. If you're feeling ambitious, book a private class to learn how to throw clay on a pottery wheel.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
83 Beals St.

JFK was born in this Brookline house. Photo by Cydney Scott

John F. Kennedy was born on tree-lined Beals Street and lived in the three-story home for six years. His mother, Rose Kennedy, later restored the interior to the best of her recollection, donating almost 200 family objects, including the future US president's bassinet and porringer. The site is operated by the National Park Service seasonally, and free guided tours are offered; find hours here. The National Park Service also offers more extensive tours of the surrounding neighborhood.

Public Library of Brookline, Coolidge Corner Branch
31 Pleasant St.

This Brookline Public Library branch is ideal for students looking for a quiet, off-campus spot to study during the day. It offers an array of programs, including story time for toddlers, free movie screenings, book groups for readers of all ages, Pokémon game nights, weekly craft programs, and English conversation groups for those learning English.

Getting there: By foot, head down St. Mary's Street or St. Paul's Street from Commonwealth Avenue to Beacon Street, and turn right. The walk takes 15 to 25 minutes. By MBTA, walk to the Saint Mary's Street trolley stop on Beacon Street and take the outbound Green Line C trolley four stops to Coolidge Corner.

Click on the points in the map above for more information on the places listed in our guide to the Coolidge Corner area.

This article was updated September 24, 2026.

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Boston University published this content on September 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 25, 2026 at 18:10 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]