In the past, I'd been to Bloc 11 a few times, simply when looking for a change in atmosphere, but now that I live around the corner from the place, it's thoroughly won my affections. To begin with, the space is huge. You'll not have a problem finding someplace to sit, be it in the front, which is kinda-sorta a patio, or the large back section. The people watching from the front is pretty solid, and it's not really ever too loud, so I tend to go there more often than not. The staff are the hip, friendly coffeeheads with good taste in music that you'd expect from a place like Bloc 11. Friendly enough to make one want to achieve "regular" status, even. They're pretty content to talk shop if there isn't a big line, which comes in handy when trying to negotiate their not-so-small selection of teas and coffees. The coffee itself is pretty solid, though honestly I haven't been blown away by any cup of coffee in years. Uhh, it's better than Dunkin? If we're being honest here, though, you're probably more about the atmosphere of the coffee shop than the joe itself, and Bloc 11 certainly has that in spades. A great place to wade through a newspaper or book. read more

I love this place. Great sandwich menu, all made fresh from excellent ingredients and more than just a choice of coffees for drinks. The staff are always helpful and totally willing to let you make up your own things. I love the attitude here and the great taste in music. This place is really dog friendly too which is great because they are right down the street from the dog park. You can't hang out inside with your dog and read a book or anything, but they usually have a bowl of water out and if your dog is small they don't seem to mind if you hold it while you look at the menu. read more

The outdoor space and the great natural light inside was what invited me into Bloc 11 but...seriously let down. 1. Wifi - not free - This isn't 1998 in Nepal!! 2. At least smile to your customer and make eye contact when you're taking an order. You can't simultaneously be making loud jokes with your colleague and take my order. 3. When I ask for something to be warmed, don't direct me to an invisible person in the kitchen and tell me to take it there. Dear staff, please show some sort of customer service. Y'all work in a great space! Although Sherman is smaller, I always prefer that place over bloc 11 - (bloc 11?? very unfriendly btw - shoulda done more research before picking the name!) read more

Good coffee? Check. Good food? Check. Great atmosphere? Check. Free wifi? No go. I know I can't have it all so I'll be happy with 3 of 4. I go to Block 11 at least once a week as my guilty coffee pleasure. Definitely give it a try! read more

Great cafe. You can work here, caffeine-up, and fill your belly - all in a comfy atmosphere with decent seating, slate outdoor space and tables out of the hustle-and-bustle. read more

Bloc Somerville - Bagel sandwich in a comfy spot. - Bakeries Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Bloc 11 was a go-to staple for all the years I lived in Somerville and I go back now when I am in town. The food is good, nicely prepared and the staff is friendly. The vibe is kind of urban loft art space meets industrial coffee warehouse inside a former bank vault (literally). The owners also run the Diesel Cafe, which is a great spot for people watching. They recently changed the menu again, and I'm not 100% sold on the new version of the "Union" salad... it was still good, but I missed the avocado on my last visit. A few plusses for Bloc 11 versus Diesel: the outdoor patio (summer) and fireplace (winter). The bathrooms are much, much, much cleaner, and the kitchen is all open so you can see the cool, hip, fun staff making your order. read more

Try the union salad with falafel. Great size and proportions of veggies! I drink black coffee and have never had any complaints with theirs. All around it has a great atmosphere and one of my go to places! read more

Bloc Somerville - Union Salad with Falafel! - Bakeries Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I'm from New York so I'm a big bagel critic. Let me tell ya the Bagel with Lox is to die for. All the ratios of the cream cheese to the lox to the veggies are perfect. A little on the pricey side but so worth it. delicious read more

Best cafe ever! I love this place so much they have such good food and service! 5 stars all the way!

This place used to be so good but as someone who prefers cash to card this place is now the worst. No cash options available in this place which now smells like old milk and sweat. Never will I suggest this place to anyone again. read more

Have really only gotten their coffee/lattes and it's expensive but yummy. They charge an extra $1.00 for added flavoring which is common but makes a latte that was originally over $5 to potentially $6 or $7. This cafe is more of a treat spot for me when I'm in good spirits and want to spend over $6 on a coffee. If your in Boston looking for a cute place to visit or in the area I'd pop in here. read more

I've only had the coffee here, but I was not disappointed. The options were endless and their creations were lots of fun. I also went to a mini-seminar about different types of coffee which was awesome. I had never seen that before at a coffee shop. They make their own caramel, so the caramel latte I had was awesome. They would get five stars, but all the prices were very high for coffee! It's a good treat once and while though. read more

Delicious! Just went there today for the first time and had "the Rivet" hot sandwich-- proscuitto, herb ricotta, caramelized onions, tomato, and greens on rosemary focaccia! All the ingredients tasted really quality, and the combination of flavors was simple and satisfying. Lots of other menu items look tasty, too. I also had a little pot of peppermint tea, which was yummy. My only qualm: price. A little on the high end for a cash-strapped college student, but probably perfectly reasonable for anyone outside of that category. In spite of that, I'll definitely be coming back sometime soon (when I can afford it). read more

My wife and I stopped in because we wanted something light but substantial. So we decided to check out our soon to be new neighborhood and find where we will avoid cooking the majority of our meals. She and I, because we are dorks, ordered the same thing - The Fuse and a large lemonade. The Fuse is a sandwich with a curry tuna salad on rustic white bread. Very tasty, I finished mine and my wife would have finished hers if I hadn't already grabbed a couple of bites... The lemonade was phenomenal, perfect sweetness with perfect tartness - the yin and yang of beverages on a summer day. The actual restaurant was pretty cool, tables tucked away in neat little nooks and crannies. Everything was clean, thoughtful, efficient, but still laid back. One star off for the price, come on $21 for two lemonades and two tuna sandwiches? I shall be back for further evaluation... read more

I needed a coffee shop for later in the day, Sherman's is great but they used to close so bloody early. I just cannae get to a shop before 6. Bloc 11 changed that. It's spacious so you don't feel like you're crammed next to everyone else, and the staff is always really cool, even with my odd request of iced tea and a sliced lemon on a plate, they even remember my name. The food is really good, a bit on the pricey price side, but does the trick, and the only gripe I would have about them is the internet actually costs money, not even Starbucks charges you anymore. The outdoor seating area is awesome as well, and just adds to the space inside. read more

Really the best lemonade around. Once I had a sandwich as well, which was also very good. they did a really nice job renovating the inside and I like that they have an outdoor area. So far, so good read more

Update! I was walking by a few weeks ago and they were closed because the floors were being redone! I thought, "Thank God, some nice warm hard wood will really make that place more inviting". The next day I walked by and they had covered the concrete floor in ice-cold, grey, slate! What was the point? I guess they're not into wood. (Hopefully they read some of these Yelp reviews before the place gets gobbled up by Starbucks) read more

I really want to rate Bloc 11 more than three stars. I go here at least once a week and always enjoy the experience, but I think both the coffee/espresso and the pastries aren't very good. I know they serve Intelligentsia, but I never enjoy my cup of coffee; it always seems too weak. Espresso drinks have fared no better. That said, everyone who works here is extremely nice. There is plenty of seating and even if it's busy it's fairly easy to find a table or spot at the bar in the back. There is unmetered street parking nearby which is a huge plus for me. I also like that they have one of those stamp cards where you can eventually get a little discount after purchasing 10 drinks or something like that. read more

I generally like this place, but I have one big complaint! WiFi is horrible! Besides that I had to pay $5 per HOUR it didn't work! I was disconnected every time I would try to open new page and after 40 minutes of trying I had to give up! I don't mind paying for the service, but I do mind if I don't get it! read more

On my first visit I was very impressed! They made the best non-fat vanilla latte I've had in a long time. It may have taken a bit longer than I had anticipated to create this masterpiece but it certainly was worth the wait. The delicious looking sandwich/bakery case also convinced me that I "should" eat something for breakfast (I'm typically a latte-only kind of girl) and I succumbed to a fresh, moist and scrumptious bran muffin. Delicious. The atmosphere was quite nice with pleasant staff and plenty of tables in the front near the bright windows. I did visit at an odd hour- about 10am so I must have missed the crowds. I will be returning soon! read more

Really cute cafe in Union Square. This place used to be a bank and they kept the safe there as a part of interior design. It's really cool. Their outdoor eating space is very nice too. It can get really crowded (especially on Saturdays, as a lot of people make a stop here after going to the farmers market in Union Sq.) My recommendation: Sandwich - The 777 Salad - The Wisteria Coffee - The Black & White Other drink - Lemonade & OJ (Both fresh squeezed!) read more

I've only had Bloc 11's coffee and scones. Scones have never been a disappointment and coffee is fine too. This place is more of a 3.5 stars to me, but I can't bring myself to emote a "yay" when I think of this coffee shop. It's good, but there's so many other places that are good too. As other people have voiced, Bloc 11 would become more desirable and higher rated if it offered free wifi, even if it was time limited free wifi. Just sayin... read more

I really enjoy the atmosphere of Bloc 11 and the little extras they do - i.e. Monday movie night and outdoor patio seating. The coffee is always good as are the soy lattes. I've had a couple of the salads and the tempeh is addicting! As a vegan they don't have very many breakfast items to choose from so that's a little disappointing. As big as this place is for a coffee shop it does get super packed so be ware. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. You do have to pay for wi-fi, which during this day and age is a little ridiculous. Regardless this is one of my favorite coffee shops in the neighborhood. read more

Nice relaxes atmosphere, pretty much everyone is working. Coffee is good but service a little slow. The food on offer does look tasty. Only major downside is paying for wifi $6 per day but there is a discount for a week. Would come back 100% if the wifi was free with coffee. read more

Bloc Somerville - Front section of the cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Absolutely delicious latte. Atmosphere was great and there was a ton of outdoor seating. Perfect for a Fall day! read more

Bloc Somerville - Latte with caramel syrup. Perfect for some outdoor reading on a nice autumn day! - Bakeries Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I LOVE this place. I have been coming for years. Great sandwiches. My favorite is the SCOUT. Good salads. Fresh. Lots of vegetarian options. Good chocolate chip cookies. Some of the other bakery items are hit or miss. Very casual, you order at a counter and bus your own plates. Quick. Easy. Awkward expectation to tip on dine-in and take-out food even though there is no table service. Cool interior. Used to be an old bank. Good place to meet a friend for coffee. Friendly and accurate staff. Warning - Parking is hard. Weird situations with diagonal spots that place you into on-coming traffic. Heavy ticketing in that area, too. Gott-a love Somerville. read more

I have several food sensitivities. The staff were super helpful & knowledgeable about ingredients. You can't go wrong with a great cup of intelligentsia coffee at this place. Great space, nice ambiance, good music. I'll be back for sure! read more

Gorgeous place, lofty and homey. I go there for the breakfast and the coffee. Get the egg & cheese with avocado and ham -- promise you won't regret it. The bread is perfect, if that's something you care about. Seats by the window are the best. I don't need wifi, so I'm pretty satisfied with the whole experience, but def pay attention if you can't pay. read more

Great breakfast. Oatmeal with brown sugar was not too sweet and just enough crunch. Lemon blueberry scone moist and not too sweet. Fun location in an old bank branch vault seating available. Serving up friendly service. read more

Bloc Somerville - Bakeries Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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This place is way overpriced. Food is average and pretty generic. Coffee is also mediocre. Sandwich and coffee will cost you a whopping $16.50 and up if you pay the "optional" 10-20% tip. Oh, and it takes roughly 10 minutes to make aforementioned generic sandwich, even when there is little traffic in the cafe. If you want great tasting food, coffee and service that matches the price tag, go to Juliet's around the corner. Other than the nice seating/chill ambience, Bloc isn't worth it... read more

Love this place for a tea, a bagel, and getting some work done on my laptop. Good sandwiches and oatmeal too. Taking off a star because it's expensive, so I don't go too often, only when I want to treat myself or really need to get work done and can't get it done in the house! read more

I'm pretty picky with my coffee, and this place has the best coffee around. Their service is quick and friendly. I'm able to order on my app on the walk over, and my delicious latte is ready when I get there! The food is pretty decent also, but the coffee is the winner. read more

I have been to this place twice. Love that they take credit cards, more cleanlier that their first location and larger. Only wish they had more for a breakfast menu on Sunday.. Love the coffee so much to choose. So good to have one where to go in Union SQUARE.. THANK YOU And a place that understands a good cup of Jo ... read more

Quick note about the "soap" in the bathroom - it really is soap. Yes, it's a purell sanitizer foam dispenser, but I checked the refill container on the floor under the sink, and it was actual soap. Would be nice if they could somehow remove the purell label since it's not purell in there, but that's the deal. As far as the coffee and atmosphere goes, I do love the place. The sandwiches are pricey, but at least they're big and full of stuff - not all bread. The best deal is the egg sandwich on focaccia - delicious and filling and $4. I often get one of the daily soups ($5) - which I'm pretty sure are homemade. They're good and they come with a good-sized hunk of bread. I'm no coffee connoisseur, but I like the coffee there just fine. Yeah, it costs more than Dunkies, but glass mug and fair+ trade beats styrofoam cup and 'who knows' any day for me. The initial mayhem has died down a bit during the winter, but I expect if last year is any clue, it's going to get crazy busy on Saturdays again once the weather stays nice and the Farmer's market starts up. read more

I have been meaning to try Bloc 11 for quite awhile and finally set a coffee/tea date with a friend here to check it out. I was very pleased and wondered to myself what took me so long to stop in here. Service was great (albeit a little slow, but super friendly and apologetic), the atmosphere is pleasant and the drinks were tasty! I love the brick walls and that the service is in the center, but didn't like that it seemed crowded and difficult to find a seat. It's a lovely addition to Union Square! read more

Environment Have 6 or so outdoor tables and pretty nice indoor seating Food watery ice coffee... plan sandwich Price ice coffee + sandwich cost 14? em.... not so good as for a cafe... Remark nice outdoor seat , may order a hot coffee next time, that's all... read more

The cafe is quintessential Somerville. An old bank building converted into a cafe, very bright, lots of sun, lots of space to sit. Good interesting selection of sandwiches and beverages. Its Diesel's cousin in Union square (I think by the same owners). There also a vault room inside with a heavy steel door! The staff is friendly, I don't have the easiest name but they always get it right when calling my order. read more

Pour overs, intelligentsia coffee, coffee supplies, baked goods. Great spot. Lots of tables inside and a huge outdoor patio. read more

Bloc Somerville - Cool old safe. Neat building! - Bakeries Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

The sandwiches are really good and large. I like their coffee and other beverages, like the lime rickey and some coffee soda concoction. A large selection of teas that they serve in a pot. Interesting space with plenty of seats, but no free wifi. read more

The emerging hipster in me loves this place. The only thing holding it back from 5 stars.. no free WIFI. :( Dirty chai latte was mean.. very tasty. Sandwiches looked yummy as well. read more