Caffeine

Parisian pretensions aside, the Square is not without its share of serious coffee houses, the perfect place to start a relationship, end one, read a book, or just mainline caffeine. In fact, most places offer rich brews, with varying degrees of atmosphere, although the prices are usually steep.

Au Bon Pain (Holyoke Center): Yes, it's the same fare that the little carts in the airports offer although you can get the croissants warm. The coffee is strong and a good buy at 50 a cup, although the cappucino and espresso aren't terrific. Outdoor seating in newly bohemain Holyoke Center draws crowds--watch for the break dancers and the jazz players. Coffee Connection (The Garage): Boasting a list of international brews longer that the course catalogue, the Coffee Connection is for the serious connoisseur who knows what he she wants. If you're stymied, try the Brazilian and branch, out from there. The cheese platters and desserts are not bad: the atmosphere's less languid than some true schmoozers would wish. Cafe Pamplona (12 Bow St.): One of the Square's chic spots, packed in the winter, Pamplona is the place to be seen, whether you're reading your favorite Russian or Sanskrit tomes; or just making the scene with a friend or teaching fellow. It's also the traditional place to break up with your romantic attachment: "Beware of being Pamplona'd." Good coffee, small portions, but untypically good prices, a few snacks and pastries, Cafe Algiers (40 Brattle St.): An underrated little grotto next to the Brattle Theater, the Algiers is a slice of the Middle East with a warm and comfy atmosphere, strong coffee, and an array of eats from pastries to hummos and tabooli. With classical and sometimes ethnic music, one of the best coffeehouses in the Square. Passim (47 Palmer St.): More than a coffee shop, Passim is a gift store with cards and exotic trinkets and live folk music at nights (with a cover charge).