Get unbiased advice before you buy. It's laid back, and you can stare into space for hours on end, soaking up good music, thinking up big thoughts, and staring out the window onto the busy-ness of Mass. Ave. The coffee is excellent. Rumor has it that the owner visited quite a handful of tea shops to help him hone the design of the 1369 teapot and serving method, which includes a special strainer and wirey mesh inserted into the teapot. It's a rare mix of flannel-wearing patrons, groovy music, and the mysteriously humorous look on the servers' faces which make me feel like it's okay to unwind after a long day.
Service is speedy and cheerful.
Feel free to ask for suggestions. Buy 9 cups of house brew, and the 10th is free. Lots of tables. Art on the walls in a series of changing exhibits. Window seats, aisle seats, bar seats.