Black Bear Café

79 Leonard St, Belmont, MA 02478, United States
+1 617-932-1496
$$$ Cafe
(48 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

If you’re looking for a cozy retreat that intertwines the worlds of coffee and literature, then look no further than Black Bear Café, nestled within the charming community of Belmont, MA. This delightful café, located at 79 Leonard St, captures the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its warm ambiance and exceptional offerings.

As you step inside, you’re greeted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the subtle rustle of pages turning in nearby books. The café thrives on its partnerships with local suppliers, ensuring that every sip and bite supports the community. From MEM Tea to Recreo Coffee, their commitment to quality shines through every mug of coffee served. Popular choices from their extensive menu include the strong and bold Espresso and the velvety Cappuccino, which invite you to savor the moment. And don’t miss out on seasonal indulgences like the Cinnamon Maple Latte or the tempting Caramel Apple Cider from their Autumn Menu, designed to wrap you in warmth as the leaves change color outside.

The café not only serves exceptional drinks but also features delightful snacks that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Customers rave about the scones, especially the lemon variety, which pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or cold brew. Whether you’re popping in for a quick morning pick-me-up or a leisurely afternoon treat, Black Bear Café offers a selection of light bites that are both satisfying and delicious.

The atmosphere is as inviting as the menu. With its quaint setup, the café is part of a delightful bookstore that feels like stepping into a scene from a romantic novel. Reviewers such as Kristy Johnson capture this charm perfectly, describing it as “the quintessential bookstore from your dreams,” complete with movable ladders. It’s a serene oasis that is ideal for reading, studying, or simply enjoying the company of friends without the distraction of blaring music, as noted by Eugenia Valerie Clifford.

Moreover, the staff at Black Bear Café are consistently praised for their friendliness and efficiency, making every visit feel personal and welcoming. Whether you’re there for an iced coffee like Daniel Noonan enjoyed or a soul-warming Hot Chocolate, you can expect service that matches the quality of their offerings.

In summary, Black Bear Café is not just a place to grab your morning brew; it's a community hub where coffee lovers and bookworms unite. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to treat yourself to this gem. Your taste buds—and your mind—will thank you!

For inquiries and more information, call them at: +1 617-932-1496

Service options
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Locals
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

48 Reviews
Heather Owen

14 Sep 2025

Nice strong espresso. Efficient crew, very clean. Gotta love a good book store too

Marya M

30 Aug 2025

the best lavender matcha iced tea i’ve ever had in my life!!!!!!! incredible drinks and vibes

Kristy Johnson

29 Aug 2025

Love this little bookstore and cafe!!! Everything in their cafe is local: MEM Tea, Recreo Coffee, Danish Pastry House sweets, OMG! Bagel Bagels, and so on. Them, the book store is the quintessential bookstore from your dreams. It even has a those ladders that move along a wide wall of books, like the one from Beaty and the Beast!!! Now, there is a sign telling you not to get on the ladder (surely for insurance purposes), but I love that it exists. They also have a plethora of tiny trinkets and gift cards and other amazing things. Everyone was also so so friendly! I have trouble with my joints and they brought a chair over for me to sit on because the register was taking a while (which was good because two kids came racing past a moment later, and I’m very anxious around kids running because I’m fragile). My ONE complaint is I wish someone had told the kids not to run in a bookstore, definitely made me tense and anxious, but, other than that, it was delightful.

Tati 72

17 Jul 2025

This small and cute cafè placed inside an equally beautiful library, offers excellent coffees and cappuccinos and delicious desserts. Try scones especially the lemon one,they're amazing!

Daniel Noonan

15 Jul 2025

It's a little coffee shop inside of the book store and it honestly feels quite quiant. Super friendly staff. The iced coffee tasted great and while it's something fairly simple, my toasted bagel was done just right. If I'm ever around the area again and looking for a coffee, Black Bear will definitely be where I head to.

Mike

02 Jun 2025

Nice local coffee shop/bookstore with good food and great coffee. Very few tables and can get a little loud with other conversation going on but employees are very courteous and customer oriented.

Eugenia Valerie Clifford

01 Jun 2025

This little cafe is a part of a book store. They serve tasty inexpensive coffee and locally made baked goods. Lunch is also offered, but I haven't tried it yet. My favorite thing about this cozy nook is that it is quiet, no annoying top 40 music blasting from the speakers, so it is a great place to meet a friend, study or simply enjoy a book :-)

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