Photos taken by Rose Baler
My TikTok has been full of Boston food recommendations lately, and one coffee shop caught my eye. The first location of Central Perk Coffee Co. has opened on Newbury Street, and it’s exactly how I envisioned Central Perk to be from the TV series “Friends” but with a modern twist.
I’ve been a stan of “Friends” for years and have rewatched the series at least twice. At first glance, I wasn’t sure if this shop would be a gimmick or if it would give me a glimpse of the show I’ve come to love. I have to say it did surprise me, and I was pleasantly surprised by the interior and exterior design as it resembled the show’s set. One of my favorite touches to the design was the classic orange couch sitting outside this store and was the perfect spot for a photo shoot.
I decided to order a classic hot mocha latte with oat milk and a breakfast sandwich, and I sat by a sign that said “the one with…” which was a fun touch. Each menu item represented a recipe or a famous saying from the show such as the cold brew called the “oh. my. gawd!” Another favorite was Phoebe’s grandma’s cookies, except these didn’t seem to be the classic Toll House recipe that Phoebe’s grandma had used, but they also looked like a great choice!
If you are a fan of the TV series “Friends” or want to find a coffee shop with a cool and unique ambiance to study or grab coffee with a friend, I recommend this place. It’s a must-see for those who are curious if this coffee shop does indeed resemble the show we all know and love, and it is an easy location to stop in and then shop your way down Newbury Street!