Render Coffee

A follow-up to Render’s original cafe in the South End, this second location breathes a more startup-y air than downtown peers like Intelligentsia, Blue Bottle, and Kohi, which occupy smoothly corporate lobbies. Render is in a lobby too, but this one belongs to Cambridge Innovation Center, a local group of coworking spaces founded in the startup-dense city across the Charles River. With its bright yellow Linea, particle-board counter, and 3D printer in the back, the vibe is more brainy than suave. There’s plenty of seating for you to court investors or listen for tips on the next big app. Have a Kalita pourover or try the malted cold brew. The coffee comes from Gracenote (whose own shop is nearby) and Tandem, of Portland (Maine). There’s a limited lunch menu, too. Weekdays only.

—Alexander Henry