Yesterday I met up with friends and made the mecca to the Beacon Hill Books and Cafe emporium on Charles Street in Boston.
If you’ve never been, this enchanting 5 story building is a must-see delight for anyone who loves books, food, and beautiful surroundings. I could happily move in.
About Beacon Hill Books and Cafe
Owned by Melissa Fetter and opened in the fall of last year, the building purchased in 2019 was completely renovated. It had formerly house The Hungry I restaurant on the first floor and apartments on the floors above.
The BHB Mascot
The signature squirrel mascot named Paige appears on a stack of books on the sign outside, and appears on merchandise and menus inside. In a nod to Paige, acorn and oak leaf motifs appear in the custom millwork as well.
Apparently the mythical Paige lives in the store and leaves an acorn on a favorite book each night. The selected book is read at story time the next day while Paige is out frolicking in the Public Garden.
There is even an exclusive storybook all about Paige the Squirrel!
The Decor
The shop was decorated in impeccable style by designer Cathy Kincaid. Fireplaces on every floor, pretty wall coverings, gorgeous millwork, beautiful sconces and lanterns with custom lampshades, it is a visual feast.
Like every good house, every floor and room is a slightly different delight, while still maintaining a cohesive palette of varying shades of blues, taupes and reds. Custom window seats and chairs are scattered throughout in a thoughtful invitation to linger.
You can reach all the levels by elevator if the winding staircase seems too daunting.
The Shop
The entrance and facade all by itself is gorgeous and so quintessentially Beacon Hill. Huge cast iron planters, window boxes and a stairway lined with boxwood topiaries beckon you up the stairs to the bright red door at 71 Charles.
71 Charles Street with summer planters in bloom
Main Entrance to Beacon Hill Books
Step inside to the first floor of the townhouse where you are greeted with a fireplace flanked by blue painted custom bookshelves lining the walls, each bookcase topped with a carved and gilded sign titling the genre of the books in the section.
In addition to books there are a smattering of gift items curated especially for the shop from their signature teas and candles to custom book bags featuring Paige the squirrel.
Each ascending floor boasts a slightly different twist on the classic decor with a main room front to back and some smaller spaces decked out in more dramatic colors.
The top public floor, the 4th floor, boasts the most charming children’s book section. With more window seats, another fireplace, child sized furniture, a fully operational child sized red double door labeled with 71 1/2 it is delightful.
And don’t miss the big red button on the wall that when pressed, will call to life the electric train that loops around the top of the bookcases.
It may be the children’s floor, but it is a charm-on-steroids for every age!
The Cafe
The ground floor houses the cafe and cafe garden which can only be described as adorable.
We had lunch in the cafe garden at a little bistro table. The pocket size walled patio exudes charm and is, like the inside cafe, very cozy.
The tree in the corner was hung with moss covered bird houses, and string lights and a pair of the classic gas lanterns that are everywhere in Beacon Hill add light for evening. The back of the walled garden features a pediment topped and mirrored shelving unit displaying flowers, greenery, and china and fronted by a bar height shelf with stools for more seating.
The cafe is accessible from the street through a little alley or from the main floor inside by going down the stairs.
hidden door displays custom blended tea for sale in the cafe at Beacon Hill Books
It currently serves breakfast and lunch, afternoon sweets, evening sips and savory, and a high tea on Sundays. Beacon Hill Books and Cafe is closed on Mondays.
The seasonal menus were delivered on clipboards and featured appropriate graphics of Paige the Squirrel - with her beach umbrella for the summer menu, and holding a teacup on the drink menu.
The attention to detail found throughout the establishment extends to the food as well.
We were having such a great time I forgot to take pictures of the food, but the gazpacho arrived in a little covered white scalloped pot on a saucer with a slice of a book page nested beneath the pot.
The miniature popovers were tucked into a napkin in a nantucket basket with along with a pot of strawberry butter and a silver spreader.
The iced tea came in a handled glass mug with a colorful striped paper straw, and the lemon cake was garnished with flowers.
Everything we had was delicious and beautifully presented - kudos to Chef Colleen!
Beacon Hill Books and Cafe at 71 Charles St, Boston
Beacon Hill Books and Cafe may be less than a year old, but the whole place has been thoughtfully designed to feel as though it has been there forever. It is a timeless and elegant gathering place for the community that celebrates all the best of city life and is a charming not-to-be-missed destination spot for those visiting Boston.
The shop and cafe host many special events, from book signings to special dinners so be sure to follow them on IG!
Thank you to my friend, Susan, for the stellar recommendation! I can’t wait to go back!
