Ball Square Cafe

I'm crazy for pastrami -- the problem is that it's very hard to find good pastrami around here. So…read moreI'm very glad to have stumbled onto Orleans. Their pastrami sandwich is one of the best I've had in years -- nice, lean meat, perfectly toasted bread with good sauerkraut and mustard. I was there for a late lunch and the place was almost empty. The waitress was very nice and helpful. I'll go back soon.

Food was good, service and vibes were awesome. Our waitress (Jess) was superb and very welcoming…read moreand friendly.

Ripped shirt. Attacked. We were not aggressive or anything.

Jumbo Pretzel, Brussels Sprouts, Chimichurri Steak Pizza

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Fried Chicken Sandwich

Elm Street Taproom

3.7(132 reviews)

The restaurant has a beautiful interior with warm tones and beautiful tiles. During the warmer…read moremonths there's outdoor seating. This is a great place to meet up with friends and grab a drink. Parking is limited around here and could take some time. The staff are attentive and service is great. The rodeo smash burger has good flavors and is satisfying. The waffle fries really shined and were crispy. Overall a good value.

Food and drinks were solid and service was great. I also got the strawberry gin smash which was…read moregood and fairly priced ($14) but not strong at all - probably for the best as it was 4pm on a Sunday.

Bar

Steak & Cheese

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Entrance

Boston Burger - Somerville

3.8(1k reviews)

Came for dinner with my friends on a Sunday. We were seated right away. We decided to start out…read morewith some Mac n cheese egg rolls- which were great and held us over until our burgers came out. Two of us got the roots burger- bacon, jalapeños, cheese sauce, tater tots and the usual burger toppings. Love the toppings and the flavor combo. The burger itself was ok. I've definitely had better but it wasn't bad. It's silly they're served with chips and baked beans or Cole slaw instead of fries. Really didn't end up needing either in the end barely finished my burger. The milkshake was a good finisher I took most of it home and finished it later on but it as a good milkshake. And they have really extra milkshakes that have like three in one dessert vibes lol. They sound good in theory but it's a lot. Overall a decent burger place in Boston!

Bad service and bad food. The waiter offered for ranch on the side and then it came with ranch on…read moreit - she looked at us blankly waiting for us to say something, when we did she said I know and then didn't offer to return it. Further, we asked for coleslaw on the side and it didn't come, I asked at the end and she looked at me confused again. Mind you, it was not busy so it was just poor service.

The King - very good!

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Big Papi

Five Horses Tavern

3.7(923 reviews)

0.5 mi•Davis Square

If you find yourself in Boston, hop the red line to Somerville and head to Five Horses. Their fish…read moreand chips are impressively delicious as is their extensive bar/cocktail menu. The atmosphere exudes "happy" hour. Shout out to our server, Brian, for making it a little extra happy with his banter and suggestions on drinks. I can see why this is a popular spot for locals on a Friday night.

We were part of a large group (12 diners) for a pre-wedding dinner/party…read more Except for the couple getting married, I believe the rest of our party were the only out-of-towners dining that evening. This is a pub-type atmosphere with a full-service, large bar serving cocktail specials and a gazillion draft beer options. There is a street-side patio if you wish to watch the people and cars at Davis Square. Five Horses serves American comfort food, and they do a pretty good job serving up their offerings. I ordered the steak tips, and they were OK. They were served Med/rare, as ordered, but they did need a bit more seasoning. Plus one ordered a steak salad, and it was OK. They were pretty frugal with the protein, and it came with an abundance of tomatoes. Another guest split a cobb salad it arrived without some ingredients, like bacon. Other diners stated that their dinners were excellent, so 4 stars seems about right. Even though they were very busy, our table was well taken care of throughout the evening. If I lived here, this would be in my rotation for a brew or two, catch a game, and enjoy a burger.

Eye catching tap handle display

Biscuits and gravy with mimosa flight.

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Menu with my dirty martini and husband's Negroni

Rosebud Bar & Kitchen

3.9(800 reviews)

I was impressed with this place once I overcame my surprise this is not a stand alone diner car…read more I ordered the bacon cheeseburger since it is a signature dish. It was tasty, greasy (in a good way), and the spiced fries were a nice change up. My wife and I ordered a bottle of wine which was priced quite reasonably. This place has a stealthy good selection of craft beers on tap. Look forward to returning here again.

Walked in on day after thanksgiving for brunch, and this place was relatively quiet. We got an…read moreamazing booth seating, but really wanted their fancy bus seating which gives a classic diner feel to the restaurant. TL;DR - if you are from Bombay, are craving that specific Bombay Chinese food taste, and Vada Pav - look no further - this is the place. Most of their staff are fellow Mumbaikars - shout out to Shiv, Dhvani, and Ronak! Shiv, our server was friendly and our hungry table got straight to ordering which included a flavor packed and well priced Lychee Martini ($10), Masala Chai Hot Toddy ($12), and Spicy 'Lil Rita ($12) - being the best one! Food included some well name dishes like Kashmiri Deviled Eggs ($12), Vada Pav ($12), Rasam Risotto ($15), Butter Chicken Pot Pie ($20), Chicken Steak with Makhani Sauce ($18), Street Fried Noodles ($16), and Penne Pasta with Chicken for the kiddos. Food just hits the right spots and is very flavorful, extremely well seasoned, and perfectly spiced. Interiors and their bar is very inviting. Noise levels during our stay were on the lower end. Service was excellent. What was refreshing was they didn't charge us any automatic gratuity even for our large group - but absolutely deserved a generous one! Highly highly recommend if flavorful food is your thing!

Fried green tomatoes and cheese grits!

Nice pie list!!!

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Meatloaf

Tilde

4.5(26 reviews)

0.9 mi•North Cambridge

Super happy with the chai here. Good spice level and great frothiness. They must make their own…read morebase in house. Also loved the atmosphere, I was able to get reading done in a comfy setting. Music wasn't too intrusive. Service was friendly too.

Stumbled upon here looking for a quick cup of coffee, and wish I had stayed longer! A coffee and a…read morewine bar with a cozy neighborhood feel. While I ordered a usual caramel latte, this one tasted better than most I've gotten before at other places. The coffee itself was super smooth and a good balance of sweetness without being overbearing. My husband ordered a flat white and had a similar response. Not sure what coffee beans they use but it's great! While I didn't get any food, the menu looked quite appetizing and I'd definitely come back to try something on it. They also seem to have games for people to sit and play and host a trivia night, all further emphasizing the neighborhood gem feel.

Almond Croissant

Seating

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Vibes

Avenue Kitchen + Bar

4.6(182 reviews)

0.1 mi

Love the inside and their back patio vibe. The deep dish pizza is insanely good. Probably best…read morepizza in the ball Square area. And the other menus items are delicious as well. Your classic neighborhood bar and restaurant. All the staff are super nice and friendly.

Great spot for the neighborhood, super cozy vibe with genuinely friendly service. We tried the…read moretequila wings, personal pizza, and chicken sandwich, and loved all three. The wings were huge, juicy, and perfectly crunchy with tons of flavor. The pizza had a crisp crust and really flavorful sauce, and the chicken sandwich was hand-breaded with high-quality ingredients. Highly recommend, we will definitely be coming back!

Pizza and beet salad

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Espresso Martini and rum punch

Spoke Wine Bar

4.2(303 reviews)

•$$$

2026 Boston. Dessert review. Wine bar…read more enoki cakes | sausage spice, pineapple sauce (Highlight - Best) sunchoke donuts | xo gouda, powdered leeks Overall, the Sunchoke donuts are "as good as it gets."

Cozy and classy ambiance, bustling on a Saturday night. Service was super friendly and good vibes…read more We got the eggplant dip and the sweet onion really nicely complemented the savory smooth eggplant. I got the charalaboglou and it had nice notes of apple and a pleasantly sour taste. Would love to come back and try more!

Mocktails

Mocktail made to order

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Root beer ice cream

The Burren

3.5(606 reviews)

Best pub in Somerville! The Guinness just tastes better here. Awesome events, good food…read more.. and I absolutely love love LOVE the nachos! No complaints.

Came here for the St. Patrick's Day festivities. Bought a ticket for the 5 pm show and was…read moreinitially displeased with the reduced menu options (no "regular" shepherds pie). That said, I found happiness with the corned beef and cabbage; specifically the corned beef and the carrots. They were top notch. Excellent venue for intimate music and an awesome craft beer selection.

The backroom

Shepherds Pie

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Foundry on Elm

3.5(890 reviews)

•$$$

HULLO. My favorite. 10/10 brunch every single time. I've tried half the brunch menu now and have…read morenot been disappointed once. From the mocktails to the painkillers, each drink has been great. The beignets are unreal. The tres leches french toast has a choke hold on me. The servers are all friendly and I've never had a bad experience. Outdoor seating was really nice during the summer time. Inside is a bit more dim lit but still a nice ambiance. If the window sill is still an option during winter it's a great place to people watch while enjoying a meal. I've also had dinner here and it was scrum as well, good ceasar topped with anchovies. The grilled cheese and tomato soup is not to ve underestimated.

Our food was absolutely delicious!!! The fried calamari was honest the best we've EVER had. It was…read morecrispy, light, perfectly cooked, absolutely everything you'd want when ordering calamari. The French onion soup was rich, gooey, warm, and the perfect start to our meal. My partner ordered the cheeseburger which he really enjoyed, and I ordered the prime rib, which is only available on Saturdays. It was phenomenal. Perfectly cooked, everything on the plate paired so nicely with one another, and it's honestly exactly what I've been craving recently. Our server was so so kind and quick with everything we asked for. The inside of the restaurant is very inviting with the perfect tavern style vibe while also feeling a bit more up scale than the nearby restaurants. I will absolutely be returning! (Maybe to try brunch!)

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A look down the bar.

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Poutine

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72 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Jay C.

19 years ago

Great to have Omar Djebbouri back... This was written Wed. 3/5/08 and added to on Thurs. 3/6/08 and then on 4/2/08 "Defusing a feud?". Wednesday 3/5 posting: I have known Omar's great food and good humor since he joined Julia Sati in creating Sound Bites over a decade ago. Now he is an owner and gets the respect he deserves as a partner to Mike Moccia in Ball Square Cafe. Bravo! Regarding the feud with Yasser Mirza, current owner of Sound Bites... he took over from Julia and kept Omar and Julia's menu. That is the menu he is claiming Ball Square Cafe stole. He doesn't quite get the concept. And to add insult to insult, Yasser said to me that Mike stole his dishwasher and is calling him a cook. Draw your own conclusion. Welcome back Omar - wishing you and Mike great success. Jay Conne Somerville, MA --- Thursday 3/6 Posting: This morning, as I was walking to Ball Square Cafe, I was accosted on the Street by Yasser Mirza, current owner of Sound Bites, making a public scene that attracted a small crowd. He was clearly unhappy with what I wrote yesterday and launched into a verbal attack on me, Mike and Omar. Yasser made accusations about Omar and Mike including claiming that Mike engages engages in criminal behavior. I made clear to him that false accusations of that kind are prosecutable criminal behavior. He ended up walking away screaming and swearing at me, making a public disturbance. This, unfortunately, is consistent with the way I have seen him treat some customers too. Such behavior has natural consequences. Let me be clear about why I'm writing these reviews. I believe that our society benefits from competition as it brings out the best potential in people. Also, I believe that everyone should be encouraged to better their situation as Omar is doing in becoming an owner of his own business. For years now, I have admired Yasser for his hard work as he expanded his business from one to two, taking over one across the street, and then moving Sound Bites to a space more than twice the size of Julia's original. He has kept Sound Bites successful now for a decade with consistently good food and prices. In that respect he has earned his success. It's a shame that he undermines that with this kind of behavior. Ball Square has become a great little community for good food including the outstanding True Grounds across the street. There is more than enough business for all competitors - limited only by the parking. That should lead to respectful, friendly competition and not uncivilized feuding. I hope these postings will shine a bright light on the facts and lead to a better situation. It's all up to the character and judgment of the individuals. Jay Wed. 4/2 posting: In the last month, I was invited to build a website for BSC that you can find at BallSquareCafe.com. As part of that effort, Mike and Omar had me create a page to promote the entire Ball Square Community of some two dozen businesses. All but Sound Bites have elected to be promoted there. This seems to be the catalyst for some community collaboration that could match Davis Square some day. Also, Mike has written a public letter of apology to Yasser, Mayor Curtatone and the Ball Square Community for participating in the feud with Yasser. In that letter he promised to not respond to the provocations of Yasser or their history. Yasser was invited to act in kind but has explicitly refused. He continues to try to justify his describing Omar as his dishwasher - the injustice of which is what got me involved initially. Recently, he called the city inspector to complain that BSC had more than the 24 seats currently allowed by law. Note that this is where he had 50 customers on weekends before moving to a larger space. But this is how he competes, not on better food and service, but by calling in any coercive forces he can find to abuse his competition. Similarly, he has complained if parking enforcement officers warn people that their parking meters need more money - so they are afraid to offer that basic courtesy for fear of losing their jobs. We need the city to be more supportive of business than that. In my opinion, his deep disrespect and fear of people leading to a pattern of deceit and hostility is unlikely to change in his lifetime. What a waste. read more

Jamie N.

18 years ago

My mate and I look for very specific things in a brunch place, and Ball Square Cafe provided a number of them. Typically, I eat out for brunch once a week or so, and I'm no stranger to the Somerville breakfast scene. Yet, for some reason, could be the crowded popularity of this place, aforementioned mate and I have been totally reluctant to check out BSC. Which brings me to Presidents' Day, 2009. On a whim, and starving, we entered the cafe. A gregarious, large man in a black button-down greeted us immediately and we were seated. "Hey, guys. Is this your first time here?" He was so welcoming. I felt like I entered a friend's house. Our waitress was less than thrilling (I don't think she cracked a smile once). I was willing to forgive her when I had my first bite of yum-yums. I ordered the "Fit for a King (or Queen)." I loved the addition of "Queen" in the menu, in pink font. Eggs, over medium, cooked to perfection, just the way my mama makes 'em. Sausage, like perfectly shaped poo with the appropriate meat taste. Pancakes, chocolate chips added, worthy of taking the remainder home. Tasty bagel. Boyfriend's Corn beef hash benedict was scarf-worthy with a nice amount of Hollandaise. The food here is plentiful. I noticed sandwiches at nearby tables that took up an entire plate. The french fries were like bricks! Coffee is self-serve, which I am led to believe saves me from caffeine overdose (wait-staff constantly filling my cup and luring me into a bad ADD hyperactivity zone), and allows me to mix the different flavors. End of story - eat here. read more

Will B.

172

132

3 years ago

Title: Exceptional Breakfast at Ball Square Diner Review: I recently had the pleasure of dining at Ball Square Diner, and it was a breakfast experience like no other. Here are five reasons why it was absolutely amazing: 1. Macaroon French Toast: This isn't just any French toast; it's the most amazing French toast I've ever had. The unique blend of sweet macaroon flavor with the classic French toast is a culinary delight. 2. Delicious Eggs: Despite the generous portion, the eggs were cooked to perfection. They were flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and a great complement to the rest of the meal. 3. Worth the Drive: I live surrounded by half a dozen breakfast places, but I'd gladly drive the 30 minutes to Ball Square Diner. The quality and taste of their breakfast make every mile worth it. 4. Unmatched Quality: There's something about the breakfast here that sets it apart from others. It's not just food; it's an experience that tantalizes the taste buds in the best possible way. 5. Highly Recommend: To anyone looking for a memorable breakfast experience, I highly recommend Ball Square Diner. It's not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that's absolutely worth it. In summary, Ball Square Diner is a must-visit for anyone who loves a great breakfast. Their unique dishes, combined with excellent service and a cozy atmosphere, make it a standout destination. read more

Jenny B.

19 years ago

I had an embarrassing and terrible experience at Ball Square Cafe this morning. It began when the manager decided to take a large party reservation (arriving in 5 minutes). He proceeded to move people around the restaurant, people who were already seated and eating. It was unreal. He moved them to the crappiest tables too, next to the bathroom and all the commotion of the coffee station that customers use (so basically you have asses on your table), and the business of the wait station. If this wasn't rude enough, this dumbass manager guy moved these three huge guys from the window seat to this small two top at the back of the restaurant. It was SO ridiculous and embarassing. The worst part though, was when this large party arrived (seated at the best tables in the restaurant by the way), the whole staff seemed so stressed out, which made our breakfast stressful instead of nice. Then, the whole huge party crowded around the coffee station, and the poor people they had moved up there were surrounded by people, staff trying push by them...oh my, such a mess, so unprofessional, so unappreciative of their regular customers. I feel quite sure that Ball Square lost a few customers today. I had an experience there that I won't soon forget. read more

Jane V.

17 years ago

So the first time i went in here was because Kelly's was closed, and lets just say I'm glad it was. We walked in 5 minutes before they were closing and they encouraged us to sit down, making a joke that if they were closed they wouldn't let us in. the food came out in about 5 minutes (and since I've been back plenty of times i know this wasn't just to get us out of there) and was piping hot. I got the fruit bowl and for only $5 it was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Mango, kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, melon, apples, papaya....the list goes on. All other fruit bowls should bow down to this. They also flat grill corn muffins which is my favorite All in all, I'm"m glad i can walk here. And since its right next to soundbites and way better I'm surprised the line isn't out their door every weekend instead read more

Jayjay S.

166

2 years ago

Here's a review for Ball Café in Somerville: Ball Café is such a charming spot in Somerville--a perfect place for a cozy sit-down meal. The ambiance is warm and inviting, and the staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. The highlight of my visit was definitely the famous Coconut Macaroon French Toast. It was absolutely divine--soft, perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavor. The subtle coconut sweetness combined with the rich, delicate texture made every bite unforgettable. It's clear why this dish is so well-loved. If you're looking for a welcoming café with standout dishes, Ball Café is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back to explore more of their delicious menu! read more

Sarah G.

2 years ago

I recently had a great experience with their catering service - best in class high-quality service. The restaurant was packed but it was clean, and smelled great. No wait time for pick-up; as soon as I walked in the door, my order was ready and I was greeted with a smile. They ensured I had everything I needed before I left and even walked the food directly to my car that was parked down the street. The food was amazing, and even though we had it catered, it was hot and delicious when we were ready to serve it. All my guests couldn't stop raving about how great the food was and were eager to know where it came from. I will definitely be returning here and recommending it to everyone I know. BALL SQUARE CAFE IS THE BEST! read more

Bruno R.

3 years ago

I recently had breakfast at Ball Square Cafe. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, creating a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy my breakfast. The menu offered a wide range of options, but I couldn't resist trying their omelets. I opted for the spinach and feta omelet, and it was absolutely fantastic. The eggs were perfectly cooked, and the filling was flavorful and generously portioned. The service was attentive and friendly, ensuring that my dining experience was top-notch. Overall, Ball Square Cafe is a gem of a breakfast place with great food, a delightful atmosphere, and impeccable service. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic breakfast experience. read more

Anthony B.

6 years ago

The experience feels a bit like a food counter with a sit-down component masquerading as a full service restaurant. You wait outside in line for upwards of 20 minutes. You're then ushered to a cramped table where you're approached and served as quickly as possible. Fast service would usually be good, but it feels like they're trying to get rid of you as quickly as possible. They bring the check and you pay to whoever goes by the table. I expected something a bit more personable for a towny restaurant and I got meh service and meh food. read more

Victoria R.

12 years ago

The service here is awesome! It seemed that the owner / manager was really concerned that we stood outside waiting for a table for 1 hr, and tried to give us the best service. But hey it was January 1st, and most places must have been closed, hence the long line. I ordered a crab eggs Benedict and the yolks in the eggs were a little too hard. They should be runny. Everything else was good though. The place is a little small but clean and has a "home feel" to it. I would definitely come back! read more

Javier A.

3 years ago

I've been a repeat customer at this establishment and have consistently enjoyed their delicious food, particularly the coconut macaroon French toast, which is my absolute favorite. The customer service has always been exceptional. My only suggestion would be to avoid seating near the windows during the winter months as it can get quite chilly. Overall, it's been a delightful dining experience each time I've visited. read more

Kelly L.

7 years ago

never fails to impress! my go to restaurant with my family. If you are not in a rush on a weekend, then this is the place to go! i'm sure the majority of people can agree with me hence the constant 45 min wait every time i go. let me assure you that this cafe is WORTH the wait. They have speedy attentive servers and you can easily get in and out in 30 min once seated. i love the pancakes and the scrambled eggs! read more

Annie L.

8 years ago

Went here for brunch on a rainy day, and we are very happy that we found this gem on yelp. Even though it was a long wait, we finished with a very satisfying experience. I love the self-served coffee bar which you can easily get a hot coffee while waiting in the cold. The foods is delicious and the servers are very friendly and helpful. Love this place and will definitely come back. read more

Jonathan S.

18 years ago

A fast, hot, and delicious breakfast sandwich to go, AND super friendly waitresses. Quite a contrast to the atmosphere next door. Don't stand by the register while you're waiting, though. The owner will freak out, then start cleaning the coffee area compulsively while explaining that you are about to get knocked dead by a speeding and steaming plate of french toast. read more

Jabran Z.

5 years ago

Food and service is great but the owner is a sexist bigot. My wife was nursing our infant son, a right she has by law. He harassed her and when I pointed out that she is protected by law, he proceeded to lay out the most sexist defense of his actions imaginable. The owner was penalized by the city for his actions which I believe is a matter of public record. read more

Naz C.

18 years ago

So, the gossip on the whole Soundbite/Ball sq cafe fight is not good...it's ugly. BUT, if I am to review just on the food, I give it 5 stars. I had the most ridiculously rich and delicious french toast with carmelized strawberries on it here...so good in fact I can only go there once every few months so I won't get too big!!! It's so good I can't stop! read more

Diana A.

5 years ago

Service and food is good, but the history of this place makes me want to boycott it. The owner is a xenophobe who took the work laid out by an immigrant businessperson (who owns and runs Sound Bites next door). This is why their menus are almost identical. More info here: https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/2016/05/01/somerville-breakfast-wars/ read more

James W.

13 years ago

I went there recently on a snowy saturday morning and guess what the place was packed and there was a line outside. But I have no doubt in my mind saying it was worth a wait. We ordered some omelets, french toast and a waffle. The food was simply just great and i have no complaints with the service either. Definitely going back! read more

John s.

16 years ago

Breakfast joint, semi-self serve. Good portions. Reasonable prices. Likely a wait to get in. Parking can be tricky. They ran out of self-serve hot chocolate packets last time I was there... and breakfast is not quite the same with bottled orange juice. But, it's quick, good selection and tasty for the most part. read more

Rachele S.

6 years ago

This restaurant is one of my absolute favorites, and I eat there multiple times on every visit to the area. Everything I've ever tried on the menu has been incredible. The service is friendly and fast, and the proprieter is probably the friendliest man I've ever met. I will definitely be returning. read more

Ball Square Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated November 2026

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Mama Ana

4.2

(141 reviews)

Solid brunch spot with a massive amount of flavorful and unique options, from breakfast to lunch to…read moredessert. We absolutely devoured everything and talked about it the rest of the trip.

Very cute cafe. There are plenty of yummy pastries to tempt you as you walk in. I got the brazilian…read morebreakfast style sandwich and my dad got the colombian house plate. We shared empandas. All of the food was fresh and tasty. The price was reasonable, we both also got drinks and the total was around $50 or so. The food was filling! I could barely finish my sandwich. You order at the register then can sit anywhere and they bring the food to you. There was plenty of seating and the place was kept clean. Nice natural lighting as well. Street parking can be found along the road, there is also a paid parking lot right across the restaurant. There was another empty lot but wasn't sure what for so we didn't risk it. Would go back to this hidden gem in Assembly row!

Juliet

4.2

(436 reviews)

A cute little Sommerville cafe with some really tasty stuff -- I got the smoked salmon plate and…read morewas very happy with it (I knew I would be when I saw they were offering it with labne) but the chilaquiles and omelets both looked so good I almost wished I'd ordered those too. It's the kind of place where all of these things come out with a delicious fresh salad piled on top that almost looks better than the main dish. A small run of very tasty pastries. Good ambience. One of my best friends lives around the corner and I am very jealous.

After doing some digging on Yelp and IG, I narrowed down our breakfast, brunch or lunch spot to…read morecome here! I drove from NY to Cambridge to spend quality time with my daughter and post-celebrate her birthday. So after dropping my bags off at my kid's apt, I figured I'd call Juliet and see if I could lock down a table. Unfortunately, the only seats available were at the counter. Not a problem- we were cool with that. Buttttt....after relaxing in her apt for a bit, I lost track of time and ended up missing that window. Fast-forward to when we were FINALLY here. Let me say- Josh, the host, came through and managed to find us a table! THANK YOUUUU! There's something for every eating lifestyle plus, there are hot and cold beverages, mocktails and brunch cocktails. Our server, Medha, was awesome! We asked for her thoughts on a few dishes and what we appreciated most was that she kept it all the way real! No sugarcoating or just telling us what she thought we wanted to hear- just straight-up honesty. I went with the three-slice Gruyère and mozzarella grilled cheese with a side salad and some seasoned breakfast potatoes. That grilled cheese was good- the bread had those toasted, golden-brown edges with just the right amount of crunch when you bit into it. And the cheese was perfectly melted and gooey. My kid ordered the chilaquiles and I'm not even going to lie... I liked her dish better than mine! It wasn't because my grilled cheese wasn't hitting- it actually was- but those chilaquiles and the seasoning were on point and every bite had flavor. So instead of just tossing some plain tortilla chips on the plate and calling it a day, they actually seasoned those chips with like a seasoned salt. That extra touch made those chips pop. Juliet didn't disappoint! Nice food, lots of menu choices and great service- that's what I'm talking about. The only slight negative was my almost flavorless lavender and thyme mocktail that tasted nothing like it. But big shoutout to Josh for finding us a table and Medha for keeping it real.

Tasty Cafe & Kitchen

3.4

(167 reviews)

Best place ever, staff is soooo kind and food is always good. I am a loyal regular hereread more

First time trying Tasty because my roommates brought it back for me one morning. Got takeout so…read morecan't speak much to the vibe of inside the cafe. The food lived up to its name. My strawberry matcha was delicious and reminded me a bit of Blank Street. The sandwich was fire. I would go in person for sure

Andy's Diner

3.4

(127 reviews)

•$

Andy's is a very nice place that's been in business here for decades. The staff is wonderful and…read morethe food is delicious. There's plenty of tables and also counter service. Their service is prompt, top notch and professional. On street parking is usually available within a few blocks, and it's on at least two bus lines and a short walk from the Porter Square Red Line stop. It's generally fairly quiet. The rest rooms are a bit dated but seem clean. Correction!! They do have a parking lot behind the building. The entrance is on Creighton Street.

The quality of the food seems to have gone down. We had breakfast there the other day and it was…read morejust OK.

Kelly's Diner

3.8

(405 reviews)

I'm so glad I came here. After moving to the north east I really wanted to have a classic diner…read moreexperience and this totally delivered. I was asking for recommendations from my new classmates and Kelly's kept coming up. The patrons were hungry, the staff were friendly, and the pancakes were maybe the best ones I've had at any restaurant in the whole city. And maybe top five of all time anywhere. This is the perfect place to grab a big diner meal. The pancakes are wonderfully buttered and fluffy. The home fries were also excellent. I'll say the price is a little much if you just want the most food for your buck but for this area and the quality amount of food you get it's worth it. I'm just still used to Florida prices haha.

A wonderful old school diner car with a very friendly staff. A walk back in time. All the…read morebreakfast items were very good. Parking in rear. I'm from New Jersey - the home of diners- and was so happy to learn this diner had been moved from nearby Delaware to this location.

The Neighborhood Restaurant & Bakery

4.2

(909 reviews)

This place is packed on the weekends. No online reservation system so you have to get there earlier…read moreto write your name on the waitlist. The patio outside is super cute, you're covered by grapes (literally). It's really fun!! I wonder what it's like in the winter here because in the nicer weather the patio is a plus. Their menu is large and they have specials, breakfast and lunch entrees come with an appetizer which is cool. Plus lunch a dessert! We got there late/had to wait so we ordered lunch. The linguica with peppers and onion was our choice, I got mine with rice. It also came with a salad or soup, we got one of each. Salad was yummy and had that nice homemade feeling. My boyfriend liked his soup. Plus they bring you delicious warm bread. The linguica was delicious as well as the vegetables and rice, all paired nicely!! My dessert was a rice pudding I liked it!! Portions were big I had leftovers. It was honestly delicious and I get the hype. I would like to come back for breakfast. Biggest things, cash only and be prepared to wait--but come early to put your name on the waitlist.

I saw that employee management can be improved, but their structure is an ultimately neighborhood…read morerestaurant. All that has to happen is friendly and welcoming service, which they provide. The service and food is good. It's not anything impressive, but I am satisfied and do not find myself being disappointed here. The ambiance is the best part. Super welcoming, cozy, nice. Cash only is strictly a business move so profits don't get eaten up by POS systems and merchants. There's an ATM available, but $3+ for a withdrawal? I never complain, but I'm considering majority of folks who don't want an unnecessary fee. I don't see myself coming back if I weren't in the neighborhood, Nothing necessarily impressed me. It's just a good stop to make and it won't disappoint as long as you have cash.

Semolina Kitchen & Bar

4.1

(297 reviews)

Ambiance is elevated casual…read more We came last week and incidentally found they do discounted apps at a certain time Monday to Friday. We enjoyed a cheese pizza, delicious Peri chicken sliders, and the vodka pasta with some wine. All were delicious. It was fun sitting at the bar. Seemed to be a family friendly restaurant so will definitely come back as a group. Service was attentive.

High hopes, mid reality. The place is very nice, really cool ambiance with the big windows and the…read moreclassy atmosphere. But there's a kind of cookie-cutter-ness to all these places that are X + pizza. New American...and pizza. Seafood...and pizza (looking at you, Waypoint). You know it's 100% because arranging cheese on thin bread is all profit. And when a place kind of goes all in on that, well...not the best sign. The service was also oddly hostile. I'm guessing it's because Tufts tuition has gone up. It's not a bad place by any means. But it's nothing worth going back to.

Café Rustica

4.6

(376 reviews)

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Favorite sandwich in the Boston area! We sat in the back porch since we had our dog. The owner (not…read moresure if that was the owner but it felt like it) was super kind and friendly. Definitely will be coming back!

A neighborhood café in Somerville with a lovely backyard. With autumn here, sitting outdoors is…read morevery pleasant. Roast Beef & Brie Sandwich: The filling was excellent; the beef was tender and juicy, and the vegetables were fresh and varied, not dry at all, and the olive oil added a wonderful aroma. However, the bread was noticeably hard, especially the crispy crust, which made my jaw ache from chewing. Iced Latte: This time, the iced latte seemed rather ordinary... nothing much to say.

Boston Burger - Somerville

3.8

(1k reviews)