If you are standing at an intersection in Boston somewhere (outside where they exile the minor folk of our society)-you will most likely notice a Starbucks in the vicinity, if not TWO! \r
Cornering the market is easy when there are addictive substances involved. Not to mention your core demographic just strolls into the establishment (blackberry in hand) by means of habit. \r
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For those of us giving non-conformity a try, unbutton your collar, and continue down the block a ways. There you will find a locally-run bagelry known as Espresso Royale, normally run by a group of indifferent yet polite 20-somethings- serving up real sandwiches and LOCAL fair trade coffee and tea. Hipsters galore? Hell yes, but they know where to get the right stuff, cheaper too. Ask any manager of Starbucks if they have ever heard of Whole leaf Genmai-cha, or Yerba Mate.\r
The locations are in decent areas also: Northeastern, BU, Newbury St, and the Bagel Rising out in Allston. \r
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Pros: VEGAN FRIENDLY! Tons of great teas and sandwiches, soy milk at the condiment bar, free WiFi, local promotional posts and billboards, and discounts if you arrive with your own travel mug.\r
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Cons: No locations in Cambridge, the large iced coffee isn't that large (especially when compared to the local competition i.e. J.P. Licks, Dunkin' Donuts etc.), vegan spreads are tasteless, ""cage free"" eggs is BS. \r
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and OMG, the hommus - its amazing\r
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