I waited 30 min for a small iced americano that was made with tap water (from a hand sink). The whole experience was confusing and disappointing. read more

It is rare I find a Cafe that has affordable, high quality food/coffee, an attentive helpful staff, and Cafenation has all of the above and more. Having lived in Back Bay for a few years and inadvertently became a food snob, to my dismay. In recently moving out to Brighton, I decided to give Cafenation a chance, and needless to say, I was extremely impressed. Everything they sell is very high quality, and homemade. Generally you find Cafe's that specialize in one area, Cafenation is unique in the sense that it does everything very well. This has become my one and only local cafe I eat at, both breakfast and lunch is very well done here. read more

when i lived in brighton cafenation and whole foods were the only places i would go to get iced coffee. great iced coffee. great iced tea. TOFU CREAM CHEESE. there are a couple of vegan options for food, but i've never had anything there for food other than a bagel with VEGETABLE tofu cream cheese and a banana. real good. top two things about cafenation: 1. JUMBO MEGA size. you can get an iced coffee or tea so large you can barely hold it in your hand. for serious. i'm not sure what the actual name is, it is probably referred to by the amount of liquid it can hold, but you can probably say "LARGEST ONE YOU HAVE" or "HUGEST". 2. in the warmer months the open the front windows and you get to watch the mayhem of people interacting or trying not to while waiting for the bus. read more

First time here I came here I ordered a latte. Very milky, hardly any coffee. Second time I came here I ordered a cappuccino, and I got a latte instead! If I have better luck in future I'll update my rating. read more

LOVE this place!! The staff is friendly and warm, always love coming here... free wifi too! can't beat the atmosphere... Awesome tuna melt and turkey club on rye! awesome lattes too. getting hungry thinking about their food... read more

I'm have my Macchiato sitting in Cafenation with two shots. Fantastic place with casual and free feeling. Maybe I don't know about coffe, but my Macchiato size is way smaller than I thought. Maybe I though every cafe should serve the size as big as that Starbucks serves. I don't know. But I can't deny love the feeling of the place! read more

The best coffee shop in the area. Very west coast vibe, delicious food, and amaaaazing lattes.

Alvin, the owner, is wonderful. He is professional, attentive, and accommodating. The baristas here are also skilled and friendly. Hazelnut mocha latte hands down my all time favorite. Delicious Nutella flavor.The first time I wandered in here I ordered a latte and a smoked salmon avocado sandwich on toast. Just keep a napkin over your food, sometimes you'll find your meal having conversations with a fruit fly or two. read more

One of my favorite local destinations! Very cute cafe with small tables and bar-type seating at open-front windows. Somewhat "hipster" atmosphere with a steady stream of customers. If you're an iced coffee fan Cafénation is worlds better than Dunkin' or Starbucks. I haven't tried any other drinks because I can't bring myself to not get one when I go. They have a lot of other specialty drinks, tea, and smoothies, though. Their bagels and bagel sandwiches are delicious and their baked goods and crepes look amazing, though I haven't yet tried them. read more

Any coffee shop that understands that to make tea you must put loose tea leaves in an actual pot is to be commended. I learned to drink coffee because so few coffee shops can make tea, but I drink it happily here. Good food too - I've had a breakfast crepe that wasn't exactly mind-blowing, but a very tasty breakfast and a super rich mushroom and blue cheese sandwich with a surprisingly tasty salad. They have nice tables in a light and spacious room - the best study spot I've found yet in the city. Still, they lose one star for not opening until 7:30 on weekdays. Honestly, they're about 3 blocks from St. Elizabeth's and next to an express bus route to downtown - I guarantee there's a market for caffiene starting at least an hour earlier than that. read more

Love it. Very yummy. Great crepes, cool staff. Busy busy on the weekends but always worth the wait. I would highly recommend if your in the area read more

The banana chocolate chip muffins at this place are unbelievable: cornbread consistency, sugared, golden-brown top, and the perfect blend of milk chocolate and (buttery) banana. The crab and avocado crepe is also delicious. Few coffee shops serve decent decaf coffee, but it's pretty great here, too. The sandwiches are a little pricey but I'm happy to help keep cafenation around! read more

The coffee is wonderful, the food is great. I love the art on the walls and the music. The women that work there are usually super friendly and helpful, not to mention welcoming. The guys are kinda cranky- which is why I'm not giving them 5 stars. I wish they would just be kinder. I'm also hopeful they get some almond milk for their barista to use. I'd be there everyday. read more

Good coffee. Worst.Music.Ever. I always have to wear headphones in here. read more

Florentine crepe was awesome! Service was gracious, and there was plenty of space. Contemplating a trip back here to try a nutella crepe... read more

After my friend repeated the name of this coffee shop/café about three times with the right emphasis- I finally got it. Sipping on tea, snacking on a crepe, and working on free wifi definitely had its perks. I felt hydrated, nourished, and productive thanks to the chill atmosphere and open-minded menu. There were a few cold spots where the ac would directly blow on you- but once we were able to find a spot close to an outlet with a normal temperature, I was happy to have found a place to join the other work wanderers. Metered parking outside was convenient, although I would guess from the crowd most people biked there. All in all- a cool spot worth checking out. read more

I first visited Cafenation for brunch last Saturday, because it's easy walking distance from my place. I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I had to go back on Wednesday for lunch. Generally speaking, if I am at a place that has some version of Eggs Florentine, I will order that without any consideration for what else is on the menu. I knew that Cafenation had crepes, but I wasn't expecting anything remotely Eggs Florentine (or Benedict)-like. So, imagine my delight and surprise when I discovered that they actually have a crepe with poached eggs, Hollandaise sauce, and spinach. It was completely delightful. The crepe itself was light, fluffy, and perfectly cooked, and the insides were warm, delectably gooey, and very tasty. As excited and happy as I was by the plate in front of me, I also couldn't stop sneaking peaks at the sammich sitting on the table across from me. So, naturally, I had to go back. On Wednesday, I decided to hang out awhile. I brought my laptop, ordered a panini, and set up shop. My only real complaint here is the size of the tables. I can share table if I have to, but I really prefer to be able to sit in the back of the shop and hide out for a few hours. Unfortunately, all the single-person sized tables are at the front of the shop (or next to the line), so it's not as easy to zone out and ignore everyone as I would like. Also, I was sitting in the back corner and I was broiling in my fleece, and absolutely freezing without it (my fault, I guess, for wearing a tank top underneath instead of a t-shirt). I ordered the Californian panini, which comes with brie, sprouts, tomatoes, onions, and avocado (I could have sworn it also had turkey or chicken, but their menu tells me it doesn't). I like that the default is that you get a salad with your sandwich instead of chips or french fries. My only real complaint is that I feel like a panini should be toasted, and it wasn't. If you don't want to toast it, fine, but call it a sammich, not a panini. Sammiches are also good. I do think the coffee's a little overpriced, but that's because I know that I can make delicious pots of coffee at home for about a dollar (for four cups), so I always get mildly annoyed at paying $3 or more for what is essentially 8 ounces of burned water. Never fear, though, I blame Starbuck's and since I can't get a reasonably-priced cup of coffee anywhere else (except at home), I'll be back. read more

Cafenation is my new favorite lunch spot--their veggie "Hummer" sandwich is freaking amazing and I daydream about everyday at 11am. The space is functional, the employees very friendly, and the food consistently good. Sandwiches run about $7/$8 I believe, so it's not an everyday lunch place for me, but when I am buying lunch you'll rarely find me anywhere else. read more

I am quickly becoming a regular here, which is fabulous. I love this place, especially the fact that it's right around the corner from my apartment, and provides excellent hangover-curing breakfast crepes. YUM. Although most of the complaints here refer to the snobbish service, I haven't encountered a single employee that has a bad attitude. Unfortunately, they're not that bright. TWICE now I have ordered a mocha and received a big cup of flavored, steamed milk. How does that happen? It's completely inexplicable. I also generally have to repeat my order a few times until the write it down correctly. "Yes, that's right. A TURKEY CLUB. On multigrain....NO, multigrain. To go." And then I get it on a plate, instead of to go. I don't get it. Fortunately, dumb service doesn't really bother me, especially when I am rewarded with delicious sandwiches and coffee. That is, when they give me coffee with my coffee. read more

This place is a great part of Brighton. From the staff to the sweet lattes to the fluffy crepes, I know I can go here to relax. Even late at the end of the day when every worker tends to get anxious and grumpy, the staff here has been cheery and helpful. If I had to complain, I'd say that it can get pretty crowded in here and difficult to find a seat- but that only reflects on their popularity, doesn't it? read more

Gem of a spot with a menu full of winning combinations. I'm in love with the Californian sandwich and wouldn't change a thing about it. It comes with a generously sized side salad and this awesome basalmic vinaigrette. The staff is friendly and professional, always packing up my to-go order neatly and delivering it to me personally, no matter where I'm standing in the cafe. I've only dined in once, at the high-top table with shared seating. I've been told people tend to linger and that can suck up the seating, but it doesn't bother me when I'm breezing in and out. I would come here every day, for coffee, breakfast and lunch, if I could. I kind of wish this place would franchise itself so I could pop in wherever I am. read more

I'm almost a regular here. Bagel and lox are excellent and so are their breakfast sandwiches. My favorite is the Cowboy. Their coffee is also pretty good- they use Square One Coffee and when I feel the urge to splurge I buy my beans here. Espresso drinks and chai drinks are also good. Can get a bit crowded on weekends, but that means it's good. read more

Full disclosure: the owner is a longtime friend of mine. That said, given the considerable commentary below, my little blurb is simply an extension of the clearly obvious...which is, of course, this place rocks. Lowkey; a bit artsy--but utterly unpretentious; sides of various green foods in place of chips / fries / similarly grease-laden accoutrements; a pun that succeeds; liberal nutella dispension; Cafenation has, dare I say, all of the ingredients. read more

How did I not review this place sooner? I live, breathe and die Cafenation. I love this place. Best paninis around and the dressing they use on their salad is spectacular. Lattes are decent and the coffee is top notch. The staff is uber friendly... I've never experienced anything less than perfect, smiling service. This is my go-to coffee shop... the only down side is that they close so gosh darned early! read more

Didn't love it, didn't hate it. I gotta say it's SUPER small and doesn't have much going for it as far as atmosphere. I had a hot cider which was delicious and a muffin that was ok. I thought it was a little strange that the girl working there didn't know what kind of muffins they had, but I think she was new because she didn't know a lot of things. This wasn't exactly the type of coffee shop I was looking for, but I could see how other people might find it enjoyable. My main complaint was the lack of aroma. Well the aroma of coffee that is. That is always my favorite part of a coffee shop. I did however notice that when I got home my clothes had picked up a smell that wasn't exactly pleasant. Seeing as how I had only gone from my apartment, to the coffee shop where I sat for about an hour and a half, then back to my apartment, I have to assume that I picked it up there. I probably won't be back. read more

Iced hazelnut mocha latte. A phenomenal drink that is executed consistently every time. It's iced perfection that is not overly sweet. Balanced. Tasty heaven. Just go get it. read more

I love that this place clearly has regulars who know each other and are kind to one another. The owners are around and know their customers. The staff behind the counter are polite, friendly, and easy to chat with. They brew a decent cup of coffee, make a mean omlet, and allow my pup to come inside to stand in line with me for coffee. The only downside of the nation is that it's super crowded on weekend mornings. Even then it's a pretty pleasant place though because the staff keeps their cool and the other customers are pretty amicable. So I'm not reducing a star because of the chaos at times because it's charming chaos and who am I to be pissed they are getting some good business? read more

What a cute family-run cafe! On a friend's recommendation, I came here last Saturday and was pleasantly surprised. Yes, the place was packed but the staff was still very attentive and friendly. The tables were bussed as soon as patrons left and the condiments station was kept exceptionally clean. I like to add honey to my coffee so I was happy that the dispenser wasn't sticky at all. Most importantly is that the iced coffee was excellent! It wasn't bitter or watered down like so many other places. I'll definitely be back again to try their crepes. read more

Free wi-fi. Great coffee and okay espresso. Bagels from Bagel Rising, and they do delicious things with them. And they have smoothies. Sometimes they take a while to get your order to you, and it gets crowded very often, but is definitely a great option for food in Brighton center. I could almost say it's the Diesel of Brighton. read more

Makes one of the better mild flavor coffees around (as opposed to Starbucks bitter blends). Savoury crepes are pretty good as well.

I'm not a coffee drinker, but this place is still a favorite! Be sure to get their limited-time caramel cider (fall/winter only, I suspect). Also, their savory and omelet crepes are fantastic. All served on healthy buckwheat, and very tasty. Finally, the owners are a couple of locals that really care about their customers and their shop. This place is a must-try, even if it is slightly off the beaten path! read more

Service has gotten much friendlier in the past year. It's fast, cheap, and has delicious food. I love this place!

I'm obsessed with this place. This is my weekly brunch spot. The food is unique and reliably filling, people there friendly, owners crazy, and they even have frequent customer cards, what more could you ask for?! The crepe omelettes are to die for, plus you can sub the meager fruit slices they come with for a heap of salad. The sandwiches are great too and everything tastes fresh. read more

A friend who lives in Brighton Center said she knew a great place for us to catch up, and off we walked to Cafenation. I had never noticed it before, and I was quite surprised and pleased overall. My friend raved about their salads and sandwiches, but I couldn't get the Swiss, mushroom and carmelized onion breakfast bagel sandwich off my mind the second I saw it on the menu. It was hot, gigantic and delicious! My only complaint was that the bagel was barely toasted, but the sandwich was still very hot. They have a great selection of tea and coffee and super friendly staff. I will definitely be back! read more

I used to live in Brighton and would often have breakfast at this local coffee spot. Coffee = fabulous, but what I like even more is the tea selection. Loose leaf tea of great quality.. my favorite is the Earl Grey. The food is delicious, with freshly baked homemade tasting muffins every morning, excellent bagels with their signature cream cheeses (my favorite is the honey walnut). Sandwiches and omelettes include all sorts of creative combinations as well as the normal classics. And after a few times of coming here they employees will remember you and your name... Oh, and my boyfriend and I had our first date here so this place is extra special to me. read more

The crepes are soooo delicious! Love the sandwiches too! Great place to grab lunch and even have a working lunch!

I don't really hang out in this area anymore, but if I did Cafenation would be the place I get my coffee from every time. I haven't tried their crepes because they are pretty expensive but I do love their coffee. I have had their pumpkin holiday special and their regular caramel latte. Delicious. read more

I really enjoyed this place, especially since they had a frequent coffee-drinker's card and its located conveniently near the bus stop in Brighton Center. The coffee was good, the lattes were okay. The scones & breakfast sandwiches were good. The people working were always nice. On the warmer days the front of the shop is all open, which is awesome. It seems to always be busy - often difficult to find space to read/work. read more

Ok so the food is delicious, you can't deny it. I live right in the area and frequent the cafe for a hungover bagel sandwich. The bagels are from bagel rising which this JAP has deemed the best in the area. Crepes, sandiwches, coffee, tea... literally everything is good and healthy. BUT my biggest problem is the distinct scent of this establishment. You can smell it standing on the corner outside, while you wait inside in line, and if you didn't get enough you clothes will remind you for the rest of the day, hell I think I can smell it from my apartment sometimes. I just cant put my finger on it; it's not burnt cheese, or burnt coffee or toast... its just the smell of Cafenation. But its not bad enough to keep me from going. End of story. read more

Love this place! Coming from NYC this is definitely the type of cafe that would be sitting in East Village or LES. One of my good friends moved out to Brighton and let me crash at her place so I decided to keep myself busy and find the nearest coffee spot. I got a large cappuccino (and loved that I was able to get it in a super large mug) and was overwhelmed by all the delicious menu items so asked the barista. I mentioned I was hungry so he suggested a crepe -- either the tuna melt or the chicken broccoli -- and then told me definitely the chicken broccoli.So I ordered that, which came with a lovely little side salad. And it was filling! I even took some of it back with me. It was a Friday night so not busy, but I'll definitely be returning for some solid study time. read more