Best of Boston

1997 Best Coffee Shop

Roasters Coffee & Tea Company

If you live in fear of the ubiquitous Starbucks turning up on every street corner, head to the recently opened, one-of-a-kind Roasters. It’s professional enough to be a chain (it’s not), but personal enough to be an original (it is). The coffee tastes better and costs less than that of the usual suspects. The wood-and-chrome interior is beautifully designed, and the glass cases display an exquisite variety of pastries.

85 Newbury St., Boston, 617-867-9967,