Francesca's Espresso Bar   

564 Tremont St
Boston, MA 2118
617-482-9026

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Coffee and sandwiches and cookies, oh my! Before the South End became the hip and chic dining and nightlife hot spot it is now, it was just another neighborhood loaded with pizza joints, convenience stores and, of course, coffee shops. Francesca's just might have been the coffee shop that unleashed the South End's blitz of trendiness. Since 1995, it's been a gathering spot where you can kick back and read the paper or duck in and knock back a quick cappuccino, delicious sandwich and a snickerdoodle. Francesca's offers up coffee that competes with any gourmet cafe in the city; one step inside and the intoxicating aromas will open your eyes with that startling alertness that only caffeine-laced beverages can produce. The blends range from bold and miraculous to mild and faithful, coming in sizes for those who enjoy a jump-start in the morning and for those who need to attain near-Earth orbit by the 9AM work whistle. Ever-popular espresso drinks (especially the cappuccino) are expertly concocted to satisfy even the most discerning java elitist. But lest you forget that the South End is the epicenter of urban hipness, Francesca's offers eyebrow-raising specialties, like Mad Tea Party (a Chai drink) and Sex on the Counter tea. (It goes great with their enormous Rice Krispie treat). Francesca's has walls of windows, wood trim, a vintage metal lunch counter and lots of regular fans who not only patronize the coffee bar, but also enjoy the cafe fare. Soups, sandwiches and light bites are available along with the requisite pastries, bagels and biscotti. Local artists have their work on display here, too, adding a dash of local flavor to the already savory surroundings.