I came here for the 2nd time today. I have to admit that the first time I went to cafenation, my boyfriend and I weren't particularly fond of the breakfast crepes. I got the scallion scramble with proscuitto and he got the pesto & sun dried tomato. They each came with two scrambled eggs inside and I just thought it was too much. I think the eggs overpowered the rest of the ingredients in the crepe and I tasted mostly egg. I think one egg would've been suffice for me. I kept hearing rave reviews about the place though so I wanted to give it another chance. I decided to try the savory crepes. My boyfriend had the pesto chicken and I had the crab & asparagus. They were absolutely delicious! I love the mesclun greens that came on the side topped with their home-made basalmic glaze. YUMMY! I'd definitely go there again to try their other savory crepes and dessert crepes. You can't really compare Cafenation and Paris Cafe since each establishment has a different focus. However, I'd have to say that the crepes at Cafenation are more filling than the Paris Cafe crepes. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a fan of Paris Cafe and now, a fan of Cafenation too. read more

Atmosphere: Post-collegiate and young professionals, half of whom are typing away on their Macbooks and tablet PCs. I generally get a friendly feel. Service: Of the half dozen times I have been there, service was great. The people are friendly, knowledgeable and attentive to detail -- they even make suggestions, which so far have been on target. The food comes out quickly. Imagine a less corporate feel than Starbucks, but with all the efficiency. Food and drink: Lattes and mochas have been great, no complaints. Crepes and Omlettes have been pretty good. For $7, I cannot complain. I had a cheese and broccoli crepes that was excellent, while another one had a little too much sauce, making it a little on the soggy side. The only downer is ventilation. At full capacity, the smoke from the pans and grill gets annoying. At a lower traffic times, smoke is not an issue, but more of an enhancement as a good aroma. read more

You had me at the pun. quaint coffee shop with good brews, sweet pastries and chill atmosphere. There's nothing more you need in a coffee shop unless you want couches and to camp out all day. read more

I'm so happy there is actually a cute neighborhood coffee place within walking distance in this area. The coffee is good and the food is (sometimes) awesome. I've tried the Californian panini which came with a little side salad - it was very flavorful. Then the other day I tried their seasonal pumpkin spice crepe with pumpkin filling (of course) and gingerbread crumbles on top. A bite of this with a little added whip cream is just the thing that takes me to my happy place - pumpkiny, not too sweet, not bland, just enough crunch with the crumbles. However, the egg sandwich items are not so great...so maybe skip those! I like going early in the morning, gettting a seat by the window and people watching. The only reason I give 4 stars is because my first time there I asked the barista if the crepes are what they are known for, she seemed sort of annoyed and basically replied that everything was good and then she said "we're sort of a big deal" with a look of superiority on her face - I mean even if it's true, you don't say it... and so that brings things down a notch. But other than that comment, the service has always been great, not too friendly but certainly not rude. read more

This has recently become my Saturday morning post-workout destination, and I'm wicked happy about it. Not sure if they've made staffing updates or if the kids behind the counter on Saturday mornings are just super cool, but the service is way better than in past experiences. Really fast, very friendly, and frankly it says something when the employees look like they're enjoying themselves. The coffee still kicks ass. And so far I've been able to get a seat when I go. So you should go there, but get your order to go so I can have a table. Thanks. read more

What a quaint, cozy place! Definitely a welcoming and warming cafe. A little hard to find seats when it's busy, but other than that the food is so fresh and full with flavor. I got an Iced Hazelnut Mocha Latte and the Morning Harvest omelette. Sided with buttered multi-grain toast and cantaloupe, it was the perfect brunch! I absolutely loved the mushrooms and caramelized onions, yummy! The coffee was really good, too. Everything was priced right. I would definitely come back! read more

Worth an update. When I give a place 5 stars twice in a row, I'm REALLY impressed. The same friend and I came back for breakfast over the weekend. We ordered and it was very crowded. The woman behind the counter was very upfront and honest that our food would be about 20 minutes. That's cool. I got the strawberry and nutella crepes, my friend just got nutella (but then stole some of my strawberries!! get your own!!) They were delicious. I tried the hazelnut mocha which was very very sweet, but I have a sweet tooth. My friend noted that their hot chocolate didn't seem to be mixed well so she didn't finish; but everything else was good. My only complaint would be that even though were ordered right after each other, our food came out sort of far apart. There were a few orders up between us and I didn't want to be rude and eat until hers were done. Perhaps next time we won't come in on a busy weekend morning. read more

I really won't be able to write much about the menu. But if you need to kill a few hours or if you are looking for a place to study during the week, this place is just perfect. They have free wi-fi, many power outles, comfy chairs and tables. I got a cookie and a medium coffee. Cookie was quite delicious, and plus I got one free refill for the coffee. (However, they disable free wi-fi on weekends and holidays due to "a shortage in seating"...) read more

I was going to be one of those dicks who wrote a review without actually having anything from here. I came by on a Sunday around 10am, with a half hour to kill before my bus was supposed to arrive, and twenty five minutes in, I was still half way, or about ten people deep in line. It was disorganized, and a women started trying to get orders from people from the back of the line, which was just met with a chorus of "....I don't know what I want yet." I tried again the next day, and the iced hazelnut mocha was perfect. Not diabeetus inducing like anything flavored the bigger chains have to offer. I completely counteracted this buy ordering a sweet crepe. Whatever. yolo bro. Prices for an ice coffee, and the occasional insane line will just make this a once in awhile stop for me. For what it's worth, when I finally interacted with the staff, they were very friendly. read more

They stopped serving savory crepes and home fries...so now they have the lamest breakfast ever. Also, they need to manage house better. Every table was taken up by people not eating (or drinking coffee) while other folks were trying to eat standing up. read more

So, to be fair, I'm only reviewing tea. The staff was friendly enough. The tea was okay. It was a hot summer day and there was no a/c so the place was muggy. I will try it again, of course, and revise my review as necessary. read more

$4 minimum on credit cards, and all of their prices are conveniently under the minimum, in hopes of upselling you on more than you actually want. It's the 21st century! Stop expecting people to pay with cash. read more

Cafenation is a hidden gem of a coffee shop. It's a small place, and very easy to miss in the busy area. I do capoeira upstairs, so I go in a lot. The staff are always super friendly, they hustle on weekends...even though the line can get long, it moves fast. They have a huge selection of crepes and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. I've never gotten something there I wasn't happy with. Also lots of caffeinated goodness. There's about 10-15 tables, and a rail you can eat along with stools. On nice days they open the large front windows to give the front of the cafe an open-air cafe feeling. There's always something new to look at, as local artist's artwork adorn the walls. Definitely a good stop for a quick breakfast or lunch on the run! read more

Cafenation has quickly become one of my favorite parts of living in Brighton Center. It is a great place to go to either grab a coffee and a scone to go or sit, eat, and spend the day reading, Facebook stalking, or whatever. Everything I've eaten there (The Bleu Mushroom sandwich, the Pumpkin Ginger Spice crepe, the Nutella and Banana Crepe, and the Nutella and Strawberry crepe are coming to mind - ok, I like crepes) has been beyond delicious, as have been the lattes (Pumpkin Spice and Mint Chip are my faves) I've had there. Another enjoyable aspect of Cafenation would be the fact that they always seem to have a local artist's work on display. The only negative thing I can think to say is that it gets super busy and crowded at brunch time on the weekends, so be sure to go early if you want to get a seat. Once that brunch crowd hits, it honestly gets overwhelming in there - the place will be jam packed, and some of the staff will starting freaking out a little. All in all, though, Cafenation is pretty amazing and has yet to disappoint me. read more

Hipsterville! Is that a bad thing? Decide that for yourself. I love that I can get my latte in a ceramic mug if I plan to grab a seat and hang out for awhile. Their lattes are right on par with the same thing I would order from Starbucks, so why not come here instead? Their food menu is also so fun! They have crepes for breakfast and lunch, and lots of tasty sandwiches. On weekends, this place can be crowded and it might be hard to find a seat. But it's worth the fight/wait (depending on your social temperament). Come here with a friend to catch up or on a casual first date. It's a relaxing, low pressure environment with enough style to make it fun. read more

Where the couches???? so that's really my only complaint so i thought i would lay it out, but more of a suggestion.... hmmmm (though ppl probably would never leave) Otherwise: Good coffee, Great atmosphere, Friendly service, Free wifi, local art work and Yelpers welcomed. My Fav: I really like the avocado and hummus sandwich, they even toast the bread,(its the little things) really yummy, light but scrumptious. Never would have thought to combine to two but really works for me. And even a lil side salad (boy i feel healthy) didn't know about the one free refill, but thanks for the info. read more

Cute little café vibe with a. Friendly atmosphere. I would highly suggest this spot if you are a college student in the area with more than fair prices you can't argue a choice like cafénation! I ordered a hot mint latte, my only possible way of describing the complexities of the drink is to state that it was completely bomb! The Rounder (on Jalapeño bread)- this is a combination of eggs and cheddar cheese freshly prepared. I would suggest this meal for a budget student only being $4 for a nutritional breakfast at a large size. The staff- I sparked up a conversation with the barista and was told the history of the café. Very respectful and lax employees. The service for a busy morning was outstanding receiving the food quickly. The verdict- I would recommend this café and will definitely have to stop by again when I'm in the area and try some more of their delicious drinks! read more

These guys have a lot going for them: -good, strong coffee -really tasty crepes including ones configured as meal, which is a really nice change of pace -tasteful space, with a rotating featured local artist's work on the walls -nice seating by the sliding windows that open on to the sidewalk in Brighton Center (and you occasionally used to get panhandled through while seated) -free wireless (on most days) The biggest drawback is they don't have a proper kitchen with ventilation for the fumes from cooking, so on a busy day the whole place smells of a mix of crepes and coffee, not tasty but kind of thick and stale, which at the beginning is alright, but does get to be a bit much before long and you smell like it afterward. This used to be my #1 goto place in Brighton Center when I lived there (when the smell didn't seem to be so noticeable). I still go back to enjoy it when I'm in that part of town, but the smell wears on me and I'm not in as big a rush to go as before. Note - when the windows are open on a nice day, the smell issue is largely moot. Also, this place is packed around brunch on the weekends, so it can take a while to stand in line. Coming just a little early makes for no line. Their food, drink and experience will not allow me to give it less than a 4 star, especially in Brighton/Boston. Boston's supposed to have weird unventilated spaces. It's like the freedom trail or something. read more

quite literally the best iced mocha I've ever had, I have to stop myself from going every morning

This place beats going to Starbucks. I've been in a few times for the wi-fi/food when I needed a change of scenery from my couch. I actually wish they had couches but its still a cool joint. The coffee is great! I love their selection of cold bottled drinks too. They have every variety of Odwalla-my favorite pick me up drink. I love the sun dried tomato cream cheese, my mouth waters in the morning thinking about it. The bagels are large and super fresh. The paninis are yummy. I've had the caprese and turkey club. Both were excellent. The side filed green salad with honey dressing is a nice add on. For only $6.50 you have a great lunch deal. I also tried a brownie for dessert. Very rich and tasty. It's a cool place to hang out if you have a few hours to kill. I recommend sitting at the bar facing the street and people watching while surfing online. Service has always been friendly. read more

As a young-hip business person trying the studio without walls method of photography, I need a meeting spot. When I lived in Brighton Center, the cafenation was my meeting spot of choice. There's free wireless, munchy snacks, and almost always a seat free. Sometimes I still meet clients there if they don't want to come to my new "office" which is the Diesel cafe. I'm not a crepes girl- but I've heard that they're fab. I love the Italian and French sodas as well as the cocoa. read more

A very solid neighborhood place. Even when cold outside, it's cozy and warm inside. Busy but not insane, and casual hipster staff (yes, that's a compliment). Good crepes, good coffee, decent everything else. In other words, I'd go there if I'm already in the Brighton area and want coffee, or if I specifically want a crepe. Otherwise, I wouldn't make a special trip. (Although the Strawberry and Chocolate Crepe is, I'll admit, very compelling.) Three stars for good food, good atmosphere, and for making a good breakfast crepe and latte when I was walking around freezing Brighton this morning. read more

Despite being right around the corner from me, I RARELY go to Cafe Nation...probably because 99% of the time, I head North of Comm Ave, or East of Market Street from my apartment, but every time I DO go to Cafe Nation, I am pleased. Free wireless (of which there is entirely too little of in the city), nice and friendly staff, good selection of coffees, teas, and specialty drinks, tasty sandwiches and crepes, and the occasional bunch of bananas...which I wish to death Dunkin Donuts sold...seriously. They lose a star though for being hot. As in temperature hot. It is always 671 degrees in there, what the hell? read more

This is a nice little place for when you want a hot, freshly prepared breakfast but you don't want to deal with the Devlin's brunch crowd or the greasy tables at Mandy & Joe's, and when you've finally realized that Mirror Cafe is garbage. Excellent coffee, not that under-roasted "New England style" crap that's only suitable for loading with milk and sugar...this stuff has FLAVOR. The pastries are good, but the real highlight is the omelets. Overstuffed with fresh ingredients and prepared right in front of you, they can't be beat. When it gets busy, it can be a bit of a wait for one because there's just one cook with a little frying pan...but it's worth it! I've noticed the place get a little bit smokey when the cook is working really hard, but it's never been unpleasant. You order at the register, but if you get something cooked they'll deliver it to your table for you...so get comfortable! One last comment: I'd like to compare this place to Espresso Royale on Comm Ave. I absolutely HATE that place because the service is so terrible (and rude), and what really gets me are the positive reviews that place gets from people who say, "well you just have to put up with their hipster indi attitude." SCREW YOU, NO I DON'T HAVE TO PUT UP WITH IT. This place is just as "hip and indi," but the service is great and the employees are very friendly. read more

I can now understand all of the positive reviews. This place is definitely above average and deserves 4 stars- mostly for the food. The avocado humus sandwich and the mango were both awesome (and honestly unexpected given we thought this was just a coffee shop for the most part). It's a fairly spacious place, not huge, but just big enough to fit a descent number of people. There's free street parking that's pretty extensive as well which is a huge plus for all you drivers out there. The main drawback was that they closed at 6pm. We didn't know this and went ahead and ordered/paid for food at 5:30. Once we found out they were about to close we were a bit annoyed, but since the food was so good we forgave them and left on happy terms :) read more

It took a while to find this place out, but once I did, I have a hard time going to Dunkin Donuts to get breakfast. Starbucks (or better) quality Iced Coffees for $2, Egg and Cheese breakfast sandwiches with Bagel Rising bagels and XM Satelitte radio make for a great Saturday morning. Check it out! read more

Hungover? In need of a nice nutritious bacon/egg/cheese bagel sandwich? So was I when I came in to Cafénation this morning. Lifesaving. Friendly staff, quick service, delicious food! Wasn't a huge fan of the house coffee honestly... a little bitter for my liking. BUT free refills- so.... not going to argue with that. Definitely will be coming back here- they've got a full menu filled with yummy options that I'm looking forward to trying. read more

Cafenation - Bagel sandwiches are cheap and delicious! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brighton, Massachusetts

I'm almost glad when I have work to do so that I can head over to this cafe. Free wireless, interesting music, open air front in nice weather, plugs for your laptop, and a staff that's friendly and doesn't blink an eye when you're there 2 hours later. The crepes are fantastic - all fresh ingredients and interesting combinations. The hot vanilla is a treat. I also give kudos for using real plates/silverware if you're staying to eat. Pretend like you didn't read this so it stays not so crowded... read more

Please don't charge $2 for a goddamned cup of tea! You're a cute little neighborhood spot with great coffee and pretty good food so don't ruin it with this trendy high-falutin' tea nonsense! I like this place for the most part. You can usually nab an open table (often on the dirty side since they have a bus your own crap policy) where you can read or not write that novel you've been working on... you know... that novel you've been working on for three years now. read more

I am so GLAD that I stumbled into this way cute cafe! I'm one of those girls that absolutely LOVES x 3 crepes + coffee + tea!!! And I am also very picky when it comes to my crepes + coffee+ tea haha ;) !!! Some places make it too sweet, too salty, too bland, too everything, but the only word I can think of is YUMMY! The thing that makes me happiest is- I can go there Monday through Sunday and eat mouth watering, lip smacking yummalicious crepes without having to repeat the same order twice in one week! Ok, I know I am going on and on about the crepes, but if you've tried it, you'd so understand! The coffee there is exactly the way I like it! There seems to be something "special" in their dark roast...but its inexplicable, just GO and try if for yourself! Yes, it's THAT good! I love paninis too, but I have to admit that I've never tried it here. Everytime I go in, I tell myself to order a panini, but when it's my turn, I always end up getting a crepe. Anyhow, if anyone is up for going w/ me to cafenation, lemme know! And PLEASE order the panini so I can try yours! haha =) The cafe is real clean and yes, that goes for the bathroom too- yes, for both men and woman! And NO, I've never been in the Men's room, but I hear it's clean! Plus the service is pretty great! I read that a few people deducted points here and there, but honestly, we all have our days! U can't really write a review based on one experience. I dare you to go back on a weekday when it is less crowded! You'll def rewrite ur review! I use to own a cafe, and its a lot of work! Great job Cafenation! Keep up the good work! Oh yeah, if you go there often, take a look around you... not only will u be happy with the free wi-fi, the cleanliness of the place, the service, the taste of ur food and drink, but umm, there's also "eye candy." Don't believe me? Just go and you'll definitely know who I am referring to! *-* read more

The atmosphere of Cafenation is wonderful. Always a good music selection, great decor, art, just relaxing all around. Took my friend from out of town here and she always wants to go when she visits. Wonderful coffee, good pastry, friendly staff. I've never really found it to be too crowded. Could use some armchairs or couches. read more

I'm a big fan of Cafenation. I usually go for breakfast on the weekends, but have had the occasional lunch there too. Either way, I have never been disappointed in the food or service. There is something for everyone on the menu, however, my personal favorite is the sun dried tomato and pesto crepe. Their crepes are just filling enough and have never left me hungry. For a yummy and sweet alternative to the protein breakfast, try their nutella crepe....I've been known to have one of each for breakfast :) Their pressed sandwiches are also great and I love the small side salad that comes with them. They have the best espresso drinks around, smooth and flavorful....Not that burnt taste Starbucks has been known to have. The staff is super friendly and I love that they bring your order to you after you sit down. If I lived closer, I'd be there everyday for my morning latte. read more

Good hip local cafe. Good food, nice staff. Right at a bus stop ( 57, 501 and 503 buses ) 65 and 86 half block away. Coffee to go! I drink hot coffee on the norm but if i get iced coffee, I get it from here. Cold brewed ice coffee! No watery taste. Nice place to meet someone casually or to surf the web. I recommend. read more

I don't know what is happening to this place. I am a frequent customer and I used to enjoying brunching and having coffee at café nation. But lately, the coffee is undrinkable! I usually order iced coffee but the last 3 times, I couldn't drink it from bitterness, even adding a lot of sugar do not help! You guys should try what you brew before serving it. I don't like inconsistency. Hope this review helps to improve the coffee. read more

This is a great neighborhood place. I wish they offered soy milk, organic milk and free range eggs. Still, it is a good place to go. The coffee drinks are great, the egg and cheese sandwich is all right, and I love the tuna melt sandwich. It comes with a great side salad. I thought the crepes were ok--next time I'm going to get one with mushrooms/carmelized onions because I heard that's a good one.The people who work here are really nice. And there is usually a table available when I come in. They have a high chair available for babies. And they are right on the 57 bus route so when you are done you can hop on a bus and get into Boston. It's right in Brighton center so it's a great place to meet friends. If there's a reason that I don't come in that often, it is that it seems like it always smells like burnt eggs in here. read more

Good staff, coffee, tea and friendly atmosphere. Right next to the inbound bus stop too! I've enjoyed my time in this rather plain, lived in, traditional coffee shop. read more

Cafenation - menu part 1 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brighton, Massachusetts

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I haven't been on yelp for very long, but every time I enter a new place, I now automatically take little notes for the review I know I'll be writing later, so i'm alway excited when i end up somewhere thinking, i am SO going to give this place 5 stars. I was up early this morning and figured instead of walking down to Harvard Ave from my new place, I'd turn right and walk down Cambridge St instead. What a good decision, because it led me here, to Cafenation! I think the menu here is more interesting, and less overwhelming, than Paris Creperie in Coolidge. The cafe is also MUCH more spacious, lots of tables and chairs, room to walk around, none of that awkward standing/line forming that happens at paris...you all know what I'm talking about. The service was pleasant. One girl seemed a little snarky, but it was probably 9.15, so I would most likely be snarky too. I had a raspberry lemon bar crepe. DELIGHT! What a wonderful combination of things. I sat on a comfy couch and read my book, and no one bothered me. my only regret is discovering this place now, when I can no longer sit in coffee shops all day and "study". read more

As I am now in the neighborhood, I of course stopped into Cafenation this weekend. Food is still fantastic (eating BBQ chicken in a crepe somehow makes me feel healthier.. yeah I know.. I'm swimming in denial) and the service is very quick/friendly. It was a tad warmer in there than I'd like.. as in the AC was on but not freezing up the place which most people prefer.. but eating in a restaurant (for me) in the summer is partly to get in on the AC I don't have at home. :) Just a couple notes. Weekend hours are different for the summer: Saturday - 8-4PM Sunday - 9-4PM Figured I'd let y'all know since it's not noted on the website. Also on weekends from 11-2PM they've cut off the internet in order to free up seating for all those wireless guzzlers (and who can blame them.. this place is awesome and wireless is FREE slash they have a ton of outlets for you to use). read more

I am hurting so much as I write this review. You see, I wish I had written a review earlier when I would have given it a solid 4 stars. But as it stands I need to be honest... The loss of a star stems from 3 things. These are 3 things that to be fair I did notice last time, but given that there is no mention (or no obvious mention of it on the menu really upsets me. 1.the inclusion of salad INSIDE a crepe - come on lettuce and tomato INSIDE the crepe - this has never happened to me in France! 2. The pretty poor dressing on the accompanying salad. Too sickly sweet, and it merged into my crepe - not really loving it. These points though are minor inconveniences though when point 3 is taken into consideration 3. They put MAYO inside the crepe. A ham and swiss crepe with salad and MAYO inside - eh? come on that is not cool. I hate mayo. No mention of this on the menu - or at least not in a conspicuous place on the menu. Now, it did cross my mind that maybe the swiss had melted and it was just runny cheese, but I am pretty certain, and please correct me if I am wrong, that there was some sort of Mayo-ish dressing - different in texture from the melted cheese and giving it some sort of sweetness that was just a bit wrong. On the plus side though, the coffee here is solid and the actual crepes themselves have a really nice authentic texture to them - unlike mr crepe which is really too thick and paris creperie which is too chewy to really be called authentic crepes. A-OK, but I want to still be a fan! EDIT - So I just went onto the website and on the menu there the mayo and salad is noted. HOWEVER it is not on the large board above the cash register where one places an order. Please please cafenation managers, can you rectify this and possibly even have a more detailed menu within easier reach when ordering? read more

The crepes are great. Not the traditional style I was expecting, but great nonetheless. Yes, there is no a/c or ceiling fans... so during the summer it's kinda stuffy. It's a cafe, so it's also kinda small... and the kitchen is right in the same room.... which increases the stuffiness. Always a few people on their laptops that seem to be there for hours with an empty cup of coffee... which is... well, takes up space for people who wanna eat. Condiment area is sorta messy but gives that "at home" feel, i guess. The Staff is ultra-friendly. They seem to open and close whenever they feel like it... which kinda keeps me away as I am unsure when they open or close or have "private parties." I honestly don't understand why a place like this isn't open early and late hours. read more