Serving the local and global community, The Well Coffee House nonprofit organization is truly a Boston hidden gem. According to their website, The Well Coffee House is “An outreaching nonprofit organization that combines high quality espresso based drinks with superior service, a friendly atmosphere, and a love for our community.” With the slogan “Coffee, Love, Community,” The Well Coffee House provides a unique environment for catching up with friends, studying, and hosting community events.
Background
The Well Coffee House opened its first location on January 21st, 2014 inside Boston's South Station, and currently has three locations in State Street, East Boston, and Everett.
During Biblical times, wells were places to draw water and socialize with others. Inspired by the Bible passage John 4:1-42, The Well Coffee House seeks to be a “modern day well,” bringing people together by regularly hosting events and providing a space for people to meet up.
The Well Coffee House coordinates with other nonprofits, donating proceeds to a different nonprofit organization each month. Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a Boston agency providing services for homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth, is highlighted for November 2023.
As for the coffee, The Well Coffee House serves Crimson Cup Coffee, which has won numerous awards, including the Good Food Awards (twice!), Golden Bean North America, and Roast magazine’s Roaster of the Year. TWCH chooses to serve this roaster because Crimson Cup is aligned with The Well Coffee House’s mission to “give back on a local and global scale.”
My Experience
My friend and I visited the State Street location, accessible from Northeastern University by both the Green Line and Orange Line. Fall-themed decorations line the coffee house, and artwork is hung up for sale on one of the walls, which gives the space a very welcoming, community feel.
The menu was extensive; I had trouble deciding what to order with all the options! I was intrigued by the many specialty and seasonal drinks offered, including a pumpkin pecan pancake latte, caramel apple latte, cinnamon roll latte, and butterbeer latte. Snacks, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries are also sold here, as well as The Well Coffee House merchandise.
I finally decided to order a small Pumpkin Spice Latte with cinnamon on top, and my friend ordered an Apple Pie Chai. Both drinks were absolutely delicious - 10/10 rating. My friend also tried an earl grey macaron, which she loved.
Before hearing about The Well Coffee Shop from a friend, I had never heard of a nonprofit coffee shop. I think the idea is genius. The Well Coffee House strengthens the sense of community in Boston, just by humbly serving coffee. I loved everything about The Well Coffee House - its mission, its coffee, its people, and its space. I will definitely be returning soon!
You can find The Well Coffee Shop on Instagram.