110 billion dollars. That’s how much America spends on coffee each year, from going to cafés to putting that new Keurig coffee maker to use. Coffee is a part of our lives, and for those of us who like to venture beyond the thirty minute Starbucks drive-through line, it can be challenging to find the best place that somehow manages to be cheap, delicious, fast, cute and is fine with you taking up two tables with your math textbook. For the past four years, my family has made the rounds to almost every coffee shop, trying to find the ultimate spot. Though I can’t tell you that Lawrence boasts the ultimate, dream coffee shop, we have some excellent options, one of which is Barker Café and Bakery.
Ideal for studying as well as meeting up with friends, Barker has a great atmosphere, with an excellent location at 816 Massachusetts Street. With a large amount of seating options, you can sit and chat at raised tables, look out onto Mass at a bar-like set-up, and if you need to focus, there are booths tucked in the back.
Offering both drinks and food, Barker has a small but delicious menu. They have plenty of coffee and tea options, including cappuccinos, americanos, lattes, chai, black tea and kombucha. For food, they have breakfast, pastries and a lunch menu. The breakfast includes options such as breakfast burritos and sandwiches, ricotta and jam toast and biscuits. For a quick snack on the go, they have traditional and chocolate croissants, delicious cinnamon rolls and more. If you’re staying till lunch, there are also sandwiches and salads.
Overall, Barker is a great place to either work and munch or enjoy with friends, making it a great, versatile restaurant in a great location and one of my favorites!
