This delightful, family-run cafe on Highland Ave in Somerville is serious about its coffee. The owners handpick beans from different roasters, and their espresso drinks pack just the right punch with beautifully textured foam. The delicious pastries, baked goods, and sandwiches make it a breakfast and lunchtime go-to.
The vibe: Small and homey. A modern white counter is warmed up by a roomful of antique accents and a small pastry case holding treats on fun, mismatched plates and pastry stands. A blue-framed menu behind the counter presents the offerings.
The food: Katie Rooney, the owner and head baker at 3 Little Figs, is a baking wizard. Her biscuits are a standout, and she's known for experimenting with unique flavors. The black pepper biscuit piled high with scrambled eggs and cheddar is divine. The ricotta toast is a delicious alternative to your everyday avocado toast. You can get yours in sweet (honey and cinnamon) and savory (olive oil, salt, and pepper) versions. Five sandwiches and a couple of specials on the sideboard make up the heartier options at 3 Little Figs. There's a BLT, for instance, with North Country smoked bacon, leafy greens, tomato, and Sir Kensington's mayo.
The drink: Drinks are more plentiful here than at other equivalent cafés in Boston. Besides all your standard espresso-based coffee drinks, 3 Little Figs offers fruity smoothies, shakes, teas, and bottled drinks, such as kombucha, ginger ale, and strawberry lemonade. Smoothies are made with coconut water, and oat, almond, soy, and whole milks. The chocolate shake, made with roasted sweet potato, banana, tahini, dates, cacao, flax, and milk, is magic. All shakes and smoothies can be made with hemp protein.
Time Out tip: Get there early for the freshest pastries, and be prepared to stand in line. It can get tight in here during busy hours.