This new cafe in sunny Beacon Hill lit up the neighborhood in early September, drawing longing stares from those who pass by. Nestled between the vibrant shops on Charles St. sits A Sanctuary Cafe, a new cat cafe/micro-bookstore, now open Wednesday–Sunday. 

An intense stare from the cafe window of 80 Charles St.—cats are currently “observation only” as they acclimate to the new environment. They have a play area where passersby can stop and watch them lounge, play, and eat treats, but reservations with the cats are soon to come.

Cat cafes appear all over the world, often becoming popular tourist destinations. The first cat cafe opened in Taipei in 1998, called Cat Flower Garden. The concept has been replicated in many other cities, offering the unique ambiance of adorable cat residents. 

The cafe houses a small, micro-bookstore in its back corner, featuring a curated selection of cat-themed reads for guests of all ages.

A Sanctuary Cafe has documented their opening process on Instagram, drawing excitement from neighbors and Boston residents. Now with their doors open, they are adding new menu items and books. 

Reservations to lounge with the cats are not yet available as they continue to socialize and get comfortable with the space, but their company can still be felt with the work in progress.

A Sanctuary Cafe is open from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. on Wednesday till Friday and from 10 a.m.–5 p.m on weekends.