Undercurrent Coffee

Undercurrent is the Plaza Midwood coffee shop on Commonwealth Avenue, from the same founders as Not Just Coffee and Night Swim. A big central bar anchors the room, with cozy seating around it and a menu of locally sourced food. There is a second counter inside Optimist Hall, but the Commonwealth shop is the one to actually sit in. It stays busy through the day without feeling frantic.

What to know

• Food is sourced locally instead of shipped in.
• The Optimist Hall counter is better for a grab and go.
• It sits across from Giddy Goat and Calle Sol.
• Parking on Commonwealth is easier than most of Plaza Midwood.