Boston’s North End preserves Italian coffee tradition at Polcari’s Coffee on Salem Street.
Anthony Polcari opened the shop in 1932 after saving money as a pocket-maker at a local tailor, fulfilling his dream since arriving from Italy at twenty.
Current owner Bobby Eustace worked alongside Ralph Polcari for twenty-six years before assuming ownership, calling himself a museum keeper committed to honoring the family legacy.
Why Harvard Bookstore Features This on Postcards
Polcari stocks over twenty varieties of whole bean coffee that smell wonderful the moment you walk through the door.
Bobby and his knowledgeable staff bring down jars to let customers smell beans before deciding, grinding fresh to any preference requested.
The house blend—Mr. Polcari’s original mixture of dark and light roast—remains the most popular choice nearly a century later.
How Three Generations Built Boston’s Coffee Institution
Ralph Polcari took over from his father Anthony, running the shop without children to pass it to but creating a family through the business itself.
Bobby met Ralph when friend Anthony Bellia knew Ralph needed full-time help, beginning a twenty-six-year mentorship that changed Bobby’s life.
They discussed succession in 2005, working together for years after before Bobby assumed sole proprietorship when Ralph passed.
Food Highlights
- House Blend: Mr. Polcari’s original dark and light roast mixture creates perfectly balanced coffee that customers buy in beans for best flavor.
- Italian Roast: This espresso bean extracts beautifully with even grind distribution and perfect oil consistency from expert blending.
- Blue Mountain Jamaican: Available in quarter and half-pound portions, this rare coffee justifies the specialty bean premium.
- Lemon Ice: Refreshingly delicious Italian ice provides the perfect complement to coffee shopping on warm North End days.
- Fresh Ground Spices: Quarter-pound portions of rare spices get ground fresh in front of customers who request specific blends.
- Hot Coffee: Simple menu with three options—hot, iced, or espresso—proves quality needs no complicated customization.
Atmosphere
The shop maintains old-world Italian grocery store character with neatly organized shelves displaying herbs, teas, spices, and coffee.
Rich aromas of fresh coffee and spices fill the small space that somehow accommodates tour groups of twenty without feeling cramped.
Street parking and validated options serve customers who come specifically for Bobby’s recommendations and friendly banter.
Bottom Line
Polcari’s Coffee represents ninety-plus years of Italian coffee expertise passed through three generations of dedication.
The house blend and Bobby’s knowledge justify any trip to Boston’s North End whether you’re grabbing beans or lemon ice.
When Harvard Bookstore features a coffee shop on postcards and tour guides call it mandatory, you stop arguing and start smelling beans.
Address: Polcari’s Coffee 105 Salem St Boston, MA 02113
📞 Contact via website
🕐 Mon-Fri 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Closed Sundays
North End | Street parking available | Family-owned since 1932