Hang Outs
Boston
Calamus Bookstore
92B South St
One of Boston's very few LGBT bookstores. Subscribe to their newsletter to receive updates on latest book releases, or just drop into their shop, one block away
from South Station on the Red Line.
Flash's Restaurant
312 Stuart St
Do you love American Cuisine? Flash's has fries to die for. It's located by Arlington station on the Green Line. It also has great cocktails.
Francesca's Espresso Bar
564 Tremont St
This place doesn't have a website, but judging from the rave reviews, it doesn't need one. Those who have rated
Francesca's have only good things to say about their coffee, brunch, salads, and sandwiches. Located in South End, it's a prime location to people-watch.
Trident Booksellers and Cafe
338 Newbury St
Located at the end of Newbury street, near the Hynes Convention T stop, Trident provides free internet, a wide selection of contemporary books including a
sizeable LGBT section, good coffee and lunch items.
We Think the World of You
540 Tremont St
Straight from an editorial review: "A very friendly queer bookstore with a great selection of bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender literature. Anthologies,
periodicals, sex manuals, cookbooks, history books, travel guides, and biographies, as well as free local queer groups' newsletters. Ask for recommendations and
call about the ongoing author series. Besides books, this place is a great first stop for gays and lesbians new to the area for information about almost anything
gay-related. Wonderful, supportive, and discreet staff."
Cambridge
1369 Coffee House
757 Massachusetts Ave or 1369 Cambridge St.
A favorite alternative to Starbucks with a nice homey feeling. Both locations are in Cambridge, one in Inman Square, and the other in Central Square.
Brattle Street Theatre
40 Brattle St
This theatre features a lot of cutting-edge indie films, as well as old classics. Frequently, they will show films that cater to the LGBT community as well.
Check out the listings on their website.
Center for New Words
7 Temple St
The CNW hosts talks, book groups, and other programs designed to strengthen the voice of progressive and marginalized women in society. Check their calendar for
upcoming events.
City Girl Cafe
204 Hampshire St
Located in Inman Square, Cambridge, this little gem was rated by Phantom Gourmet as a great place for Italian cuisine, be it lunch, dinner, or my personal
favorite, brunch. Also wonderful that they now serve beer and wine.
Somerville
Blue Shirt Cafe
424 Highland Ave
Your local health food joint. Seating is limited but they do draw a more bohemian crowd with their vegan wraps and fruit smoothies. Meat-eaters, there are
plenty of chicken wraps for you too!
Diesel Cafe
257 Elm St
Located in the heart of Davis Square, Somerville, Diesel features a semi-outdoor storefront in the summer, wall decor from local artists, pay-for-service WiFi,
and coffee good enough to give their across-the-street competitor, Starbucks, a run for their money. On the weekends, plan to go early to secure a seat. For
those of you who arrive and find the place packed, fear not -- a second Diesel is opening up soon in Union Square!
J.P. Licks
4A College Ave
If ice cream, not coffee, is more your taste, then visit J.P. Licks. The ice cream is rich, and they experiment with new flavors. No summer day is complete
without a cone or a dish and some people-watching. This is the perfect place to do just that.
McIntyre and Moore Bookstore
255 Elm St
This is not your run of the mill Borders or Barnes and Noble. This place specializes in used and rare books, and has a history and charm that's palpable once
you enter the store. A nice place to browse on your way to or from Diesel.
Starbucks
260 Elm St
Yes, there are some lesbians who enjoy Starbuck's patented 5 dollar lattes, present company included. And then there are those who are forced to go to Starbucks
because Diesel Cafe across the street is packed to the brim. Either way, grrls can be found at this conglomerate chain coffee house, located across from
Diesel.
Jamaica Plain
June Bug Cafe
305 Centre St
This is a popular hangout in the heart of JP that serves up some slightly pricey but more or less tasty wraps and sandwiches. The coffee is good, but the
specialty drinks are a gamble. What's awesome is that there is free wireless access, and the space is pretty big and can accommodate a lot of guests. If you're
close to that part of the city, don't forget to stop in.
Milky Way Lounge
403-405 Centre St
If you love live music, this place has something going on every night, in addition to one of New England's most unique past times, candlepin bowling. Did I
mention that there's a very romantic, dimly lit restaurant upstairs, called Bella Luna?
And Beyond ...
Coolidge Corner Theatre
290 Harvard St, Brookline
Another "art house" theatre that shows indie films, including LGBT films. The theatre is located in a very bustling area of Brookline. Some nearby favorite
stop-ins are Peet's Coffee, Starbucks, Uppercrust Pizza, and Good Vibrations, a sex toy specialty shop which is next up on our list.
Good Vibrations
308 A Harvard St, Brookline
Hailing from San Francisco, this premier sex toy and sex education shop may be a little advance for "coming out beginners" but don't let the paraphernalia scare
you away -- there's also a lot of great resources at Good Vibes, including a large book section that feature not only sex manuals, but also sexuality education
books. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and discreet while the store itself exudes a fun and healthy take on sex.