Stopped by Charles River Coffee House this month and was expecting something more akin to a charming little cafe. The vibe was a lot less cozy and inviting and the drinks mediocre. For context, I also don't really have a high bar for beverages so "mediocre" for me is pretty low on the quality meter. One plus side is when the weather is nice, I could see it at least being a convenient stop on a scenic walk. read more

What a wonderful little coffee shop. Stopped in while on another bike ride and being I don't drink much coffee the server helped me decide what to get and actually made me a special drink with extra caramel. It was absolutely delicious read more

Cute little cafe near the Charles River. Sandwiches are good but juicy (you'll definitely need napkins!), drinks are all delicious and there's tons of little snacks and options to choose from. Staff is great, attentive and friendly. read more

Great, friendly service! Chicken Caesar salad wrap was very good - ingredients were super fresh. Baked goods kept their freshness overnight and were enjoyed the next morning. read more

Awesome latte and delicious coffee! A great gathering place in South Natick. Many choices for teas, coffee and signature drinks! read more

Nice variety of fresh sandwiches, bagels, coffee, etc., etc:) with lots of seating in and outside of this local gem! read more

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The large ice drinks are HUGE! Very small coffee shop inside, with lots of cute art but very little seating. Come when it's nice out and sit across the street with beautiful views of the Charles. read more

Charles River Coffee House - Ice House Blend Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Natick, Massachusetts

Cute coffee shop with pleasant staff. Sandwiches were overpriced but the one I ate tasted fresh. Baked goods were unattractively stored and presented. The store did not look very clean, but I'll put that down to the boutique look, and nothing stood out as particularly dirty. Unfortunately, the coffee is the worst coffee I've ever tasted. It's not that I didn't like the type of coffee, it's that it tasted like old grounds or a dirty espresso machine. I will not be back. read more

I regularly stop here on long bike rides. The cafe is cute and the coffee is fantastic

Good coffee, iced or hot lattes etc. Best is getting a breakfast sandwich (in a bagel, croissant or gluten free (GF) bread at noon when you still want breakfast. Gets busy, order ahead if you're not the patient type. Lots of fresh made sandwiches and also some items to pick up (scones, bagels, muffins,cookies). About 5 small tables so you can sit and eat - or outside in the next door park while looking at the Charles River and small dam nearby. Support local businesses! read more

A small and quaint place in a very scenic area. Parking is def tight and can be difficult when the coffee house is busy. They have a big selection of sandwiches and a very extensive coffee/ drink menu to offer. Food items include pastries, bagels, wraps, salads, and soups. It can be quite busy, so be prepared to wait, and seating inside is limited. read more

Charles River Coffee House - Chicken Caesar wrap- stuffed to the brim with chicken! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Natick, Massachusetts

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Charles River Coffee House is my go-to local coffee spot. They have a wide variety of both coffee/teas and sandwiches/baked items. It's a great spot to grab lunch with a friend. The service is great. There are only 3-4 tables inside which can make it tough to get a seat, especially if you go at a popular time, but in the warmer months, there is plenty of outdoor seating nearby - including the waterfall across the street! They also have kids meals which I've found helpful. read more

Great Little coffee shop. With a feel of the old days. Chalkboards fill the walls with all your choices of handcrafted sandwiches and drinks. The Decour is fabulous and it's a pleasure to sit and drink coffee here. Parking is very easily available out front as it's a small town and is located directly across from the Bacon free Library which is also a museum. Great mom and pop coffee spot. Kudos... Great place ‼ read more

Cute little coffee shop which has the feel of an old bookstore. There is street parking. Currently the store allows around 4 people inside due to covid, but when I was there this was not strictly enforced. There were 2 tables available to sit inside as well. I ordered a sesame bagel with garden veggie cream cheese and a cinnamon bun latte. Bagel was great, and they were generous with their cream cheese. Latte was good but wouldn't say it tasted like a cinnamon bun, there was only a hint of cinnamon. Overall latte was good, but would probably try something else next time. This cafe also has a freezer with some novelty ice creams, they also have a fridge with some bottled drinks and there's also a cute park across the street where you can enjoy your goodies. read more

Charles River Coffee House - Half of a Seasame bagel with garden veggie cream cheese - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Natick, Massachusetts

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Muffins are delicious even if too large. Coffee wonderfully sourced and prepared. Place is tiny but pleasant with lots of extra space at the park across the street when the weather is agreeable. Efficient, friendly staff! read more

Love their lattes!!! Salads are made fresh to order! The muffins, bagels and breakfast sandwiches are creative and delicious.

The vibes in here are so cute!! It's very woody and gives cozy vibes. Their breakfast sandwiches are amazing. I forgot the name of what I got but there was sausage, scrambled eggs, greens, cheese, and mayo. The bagel was super hot and so good. read more

Charles River Coffee House - a person holding a sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Natick, Massachusetts

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We'll be going back there next time in the area. Got the basic hot coffee and it was excellent. We also got a couple of blueberry muffins that were huge. It has a retro look and great music in the background. Waterfall across the street. All good! read more

Worst service ever. No acknowledgment upon entering or regarding what the delay was. Slowest worker ever. Never got served after waiting in line for 15 minutes with just one person in front of us. So can't even comment on the food! read more

I love the location (south natick, route 16) and the rustic decor. The wood floors and furniture with country accents everywhere, along with a focus on selling coffee by the pound, gives the feel of walking into an old general store....but smaller.... and without a wheel of sharp cheddar under glass on the creaky counter and an old man shopkeeper wearing an apron with civil war spectacles on trying to give you a sample of his homemade fudge while his colonial garbed wife just stands there staring out the window and wringing her hands waiting for the weather to change while a worn out dog sleeps on the floor too close to a burning pot belly stove, slightly toasting his fur. (boy, that image was random). I love the coffee. I love that they have bakery items and a soda/juice fridge. I love the bagels, which are from....? And I especially love their homemade veggie cream cheese, which is very unique and delicious -- it is pinkish and primarily features bits of onion, carrot, and tomato. The bagels are big and substantive, with a heaping amount of cream cheese (if you like just a little bit of cream cheese, just tell them to cut the amount in half or you will be overwhelmed). As a big guy, I can barely finish the bagel in the morning, but it is good value, since it holds my hunger well into mid-afternoon. The staff is very friendly and fast. What I noticed, which was very cool, was that even though I'm not recognized as a regular to them (yet), I was treated as a regular the very first time I visited. So those people that have a phobia or are not comfortable trying new small places because you feel uncomfortable not knowing the menu and the ordering/payment drill, it's fine here. Parking is parallel on either side of the street. For seating, there are a few tables inside, and one large table that seats about 5 or 6 people at it. It has a couple of games on the big table, like Chinese Checkers. If you like to be outside, there is a small park with chairs at the end of the building across from the Library (which might be built on an old Indian burial ground???); and there is a bigger, more scenic park on the Charles River behind the library with benches at the water falls area. This beautiful park is about a 30-second walk from the coffee house. Beautiful area. If I had to find something to add here to the rustic authenticity, is maybe they should just go ahead and find a spot for that sharp cheddar cheese wheel under the glass domed cover (sans old man, wife and dog). I know I would buy a wedge here. I think this place is perfect and memorable in my 5 to 10 visits here over the past two months or so. I look forward to going in and am never disappointed. read more

Charles River Coffee House - View from the right of the ordering counter, looking behind the counter from the coffee condiment area. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Natick, Massachusetts

I get that coffee houses have this sense of being rustic and offer a sense of coziness and charm but have You stepped in there recently? It's a bit on the unclean and very cluttered. Their coffee is good .. their food is decent but my OCD is super elevated when I go in there. Wonder how Inspections over look that. read more

Came here late on a Monday morning, I was in downtown Natick and all of the close coffee shops were closed so I found this one here on Yelp. I got an iced mocha and a bagel with cream cheese and it was so good! They have a lot of other menu options, sandwiches, pastries, etc. also had a sip of my friends hazelnut Iced coffee and it was really good! There are about six tables, it's pretty small but a great place to meet someone for a coffee and something to eat, will definitely be back! read more

Charles River Coffee House - Asiago Bagel with Cream Cheese - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Natick, Massachusetts

Was here earlier this afternoon but accidentally checked into the ice cream place next door. Oops! Anyway, stopped in for something cold to drink and this was the first place we saw along our drive home. Beverages weren't bad but weren't great either. I had an almond joy latte which I had an idea of how it would taste but it didn't live up to my expectations. The chocolate sauce tasted funky but I drank it anyway since I was thirsty. The other two members of my party had an iced coffee and and iced tea with no complaints. I do have to say that this coffee shop is very cute inside. It's also fairly pricey. They take credit cards and have free wifi as well. I'd try this place again if I'm in the area but I won't have the almond joy latte a second time around. read more

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This charming venue located alongside the river for which it is named is my regular coffee shop when visiting the Boston area. The muffin tops are to die for and the coffee selection is top notch. Maggie and her crew greet you with a smile and make you feel welcome. Highly recommend. read more

This is a lovely vintage feeling coffee shop with a great tea latte. Nice friendly employees and a five bucks for three muffins deal towards the end of the day. Get lunch and sit by the waterfall outside read more

I've been here a few times and it's a lovely local spot. The owner, however, makes me never want to go here again. I was there this morning and he was rude to all of the customers except for certain female ones, with whom he was outrageously and overtly flirtatious. I wish I had said something in person because it made my skin crawl. read more

After a nice long hike, we were hungry and ordered lunch yesterday. I had the tuna on a wrap and she had a chicken salad sandwich. Came with a bag of locally made chips which was nice. I also got an iced hibiscus tea which was refreshing, and she got a small iced coffee. It all came to $29. Kinda pricey. The sandwich hit the spot but didn't blow me away. My cousin felt the same way about her sandwich. Not a place I'd go out of my way to go to again, but it hit the hunger spot at that moment. read more

I love to stop by little independent coffee shops to reminisce on the days of old where we use to buy food from local neighborhood restaurants...well the coffee here quickly reminded me why we are obsessed with big corporate chains like Starbucks- because they taste good. The coffee here was neither good or terrible. Just forgettable. Didn't know how to order. The girls took the orders of the two people in line behind me before they took mine. They both assumed the other had taken care of me. They were nice but clearly don't have a system for taking orders. I got a tuna sandwich. I appreciated that it was prepared like a home made meal. Fresh, light, and not drenched in mayo like most places. but for $7.25 a couple of chips and half a pickle? it felt overpriced. Got a bowl of mushroom soup, it tasted ok But it was LUKEWARM so that ruined it for me. Advice for the owner: the girls working here both looked like they just rolled out of bed. Sloppy clothes & hair. Just plain un-professional. Made me a little weary that they were preparing my meal. As an owner I would implement some type of uniform/ appropriate work attire, or at least ask them to put their hair up or a hat on while they are working w food. 5 stars for atmosphere. 2 stars for the poorly microwaved soup. Street parking only. Limited seating. read more

Charles River Coffee House - Tuna sandwich & mushroom soup - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Natick, Massachusetts

most excellent sandwich had turkey and bacon with cheese on a bagel. delish. great coffee too! staff very friendly and efficient. cozy atmosphere to chill and enjoy the day read more

the best coffee and food ever and the ice cream place makes amazing stuff also highly recommend 100000 better then other coffee shops

MUFFINS! I am not a coffee drinker so I've only been here for the breakfast sandwiches and muffins but holy crap the muffins are awesome. The chocolate chip ones I've gotten are usually still be warm when I get home. They're not dry, they're flavorful and have just the right portion of chips to satisfy my sweet tooth. They're the best I've ever had and I stop here just for them when I can't contain myself. Their breakfast sandwiches are also great. I'd rather go to a local place like this than Dunkin Donuts to be served a sandwich that was warmed up in a dirty microwave. The John Eliot (lox with cream cheese and capers) always has a good portion of salmon and is done really well. Their bagels leave something to be desired but they weren't bad by any means. I've never come in when the owner is there, only female or younger guy employees so I can't speak to his attitude but I've always been treated well by everyone when here. I will close by again saying TRY THE MUFFINS! read more

First time there. And LAST!!!! The skimpiest, most pathetic BLT I've ever had and way overpriced. Can't figure out how they are still in business. I wish I had just gotten a bagel from the case I saw. At least they looked a normal size. Can do a lot better than this place. Pretty disappointed for the $$$$$. Sorry:(. read more

Not a bad spot among very few in this neighborhood. Coffee is pretty good, good food options and pastries. Good option if in this area.

Burnt coffee, way over priced pastries, Luke warm soup & filthy bathrooms!! Need I say more!?!

Best coffee and bagels around, very delicious and good service recommend to anyone anyone who doesn't rate this coffee house a 5 star obviously has had their taste buds removed read more

Latte was substandard and it was clear the barista had little experience and insufficient training. The espresso was bitter and likely overly tamped with a poor grind. The milk steaming was poor at best. Otherwise its nice inside and they have very good food. That being said the coffee scene in Natick and the surrounding are is poor at best. read more

Cute, super local shop in South Natick. Coffee isn't artisan or fancy, but it is it decent. I've have had their muffins from time to time and they always feel a little bit too crunchy on top. I've never had any of their real food because it all seems over priced. ANYWAYS. The location is what makes it. The space is super tiny and it's hard to find a seat sometimes, but walk across the street to the Falls area and hang out in a park bench and enjoy the fresh air. That is why I come to this coffee shop. Grab a coffee, enjoy some nature. read more

Probably one of my favorite places for Sunday morning, this is the quintessential neighborhood cafe. The setting is great, the food is great, and the crowd is usually pretty light. One of the first things I notice is the thoughtful bowl of water they set out for passing dogs. The operation is small, and the menu focuses down on a particular offering rather than trying to cater to every possibility. The workflow behind the counter is a bit serial, but they don't need to worry too much since the line is never all that long (when I am there.) Here is how you should, in my opinion, use this place: 1. Order a poppy bagel with their homemade veggie cream cheese. 2. Order either a smoothie or a hot drink (seasonal choice) 3. Eat in the window table or outside 4. Head down to walk along the waterfall in the Charles just across the street. There is a nice park on either side. Be aware that they do only accept cash. read more

Support Local Businesses! Located in charming and beautiful South Natick, right across the street from a section of the Charles River that's still relatively untouched, it's a charming (i really hate to keep using that word but its the best word to use) place that serves up quality espresso, regional coffees, and delicious teas (all the stuff they make is from Mighty Leaf, good stuff), with a few options for baked goods and some light lunch fare. It's really small on the inside, but it's perfect to stop by and grab a cup to go and enjoy the area. read more

While I've lived in the same town for nearly all my life, not more than a 10 minute drive from this shop, I'd never been until about a year ago when a friend suggested it as a spot to meet up for a quick lunch. Since then, I've been a number of times, mainly for a quick lunch or place to stop. First the good. Food is authentic; you won't find any frilly fancy speciality items on the menu here, but what they do offer is quality and tasty. I typically get a sandwich, which comes with a pickle and chips. They're pretty accommodating as far as how you want your sandwich made and prepared, which is always nice. Good selection of bread, as well as baked goods. Food is served up somewhat timely, and staff is pleasant. Atmosphere is quiet relaxed and peaceful, a great place to meet up with a friend or for a quick weekend bite. Now the bad. Shop is small so seating is rather limited. Likewise with parking, which is street only. There also doesn't seem to be any set rules on how your order or dine - it's really quite confusing. Do I pay before or after? Wait at the counter or you going to bring it to me? Clear my own plate? Trash location? Recycling? Confusion aside, I definitely enjoy this place. Not sure if it's worth a trip out of your way to visit, but if you're driving by and have the rumblies, I wouldn't hesitate stopping in. Adjacent to the waterfall and Elm Bank Park, it makes a nice spot to stop in after a bit of a walk or scenic tour as well. read more