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Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Allston/BrightonHarvard Avenue (Green)
Mon-Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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So many treats, so many choices.
I've heard about their scones, so I came here and bought 2. Sadly, by the time I got to the Brighton/Comm. Ave split, I ate them all.
Definitely get the scones. Mmm.
I don't understand the craze.
I stopped by here with my friend to get some studying done, but we stayed for approximately 5 minutes and then BOUNCED because of two reasons.
1) The wifi was not working. We asked the woman working there, and she provided us with little to no help.
2) I ordered a small iced chai. THANK GOD I didn't get the large one. I am a huge, huge fan of chai... but at my first sip, my face contorted into a "ew-this-is-gross" face while my friend asked me how it was. Blech. It was like sugar-water with a strong kick of bitter cinnamon. I am not that picky with my food or drinks, but I actually had difficulty finishing this off. It only became drinkable once the ice started to melt and the bitterness became slightly watered down.
Although I haven't tried the food, this experience was bad enough for me to be reluctant to go again ...
The place fails to really blow my mind, but the free internet is definitely a rare find around BU.
No music, quiet and nice furniture; average coffee. Will come back if I am looking for a relaxing place.
I love this place!
I went to grab a quick lunch at here with my friend today
and it was my first time....I like the interior design since I am a designer :) I felt very cozy and welcoming ... and love the vintage style!
Anyway..back to the food.... We ordered Orchard Harvest Salad and Iced latte today and the salad was amazingly fresh and yummy!
They used a handful of cranberries and I think...cinnamon tasted pecan was so good :) I'm going back to try all sorts of salad next week and just love this place!!
Wonderfully friendly place to eat an amazing sandwich, drink some tea, and even lounge around and read a book! The atmosphere is great, unpretentious, and very friendly. The food is delicious and made fresh. The honey mustard is the real thrill here-I don't even like mustard! It has the consistency of a slightly less viscous honey, with such a sweet tang that it makes any sandwich it touches into happiness on bread.
I came here based on Giuseppe F.'s review, and I can only agree with everything he wrote! I spent the whole afternoon here, drinking 1 cup of coffee and a bagel with cream cheese. Delightful atmosphere, fun radio music playing, and basically 100% of patrons reading or studying.
I came all the way from Porter Square, and it was worth it.
Similar to another reader below I came all the way from Porter Square, frustrated with the lack of cafes providing both free wifi and plenty of outlets.
I love this place! The staff are awesome - really great service and reminded me that if I thought my cup of iced chai was too weak they would re-make the drink for me. I've never been offered that in my life!
Minus one star because it closes early, at 6PM. Why aren't there any places in Boston with the holy trinity of wifi, outlets, and long hours? :( Still, it's worth the trip on the 66 to Allston if you can deal with the early hours.
My absolute favorite place to get some tea or lunch and study.
Free wi-fi, nice atmosphere, great lunch and scones and an excellent selection of hot teas.
They play soft rock, usually (which is my only reason to complain). It's a little pricey, but not any more so than any other coffee shop around here, and tends to be pretty quiet (mostly full of people working/studying) in the afternoon. I recommend the mediterranean plate, its huge and delicious.
I'm a huge, Huge, HUGE coffee fanatic.
I need one cup a day and have needed for the last 4 years of my life.
So I would like to think I have a lot of experience.
I walked by this cafe at night pretty excited to go to it the next day.
The environment is really beautiful, they have a quaint dictionary quote on the wall about the 'hospitality' and there are college kids sipping away and doing their homework.
I really appreciate places that don't shoo their customers out, but rather invite them to stay.
But as I stood there for 5 minutes behind the girl at the counter bantering with 2 other customers about random stuff I really don't care to listen to, absorbing the environment got pretty old.
I like to rate both on service and quality of food.
I ordered a caramel latte and my boyfriend ordered an iced mocha.
I would have to say I won.
Not by a lot though, I still had to alter the drink to make it less skim milk and espresso, but my boyfriend on the other hand...
There wasn't enough sugar in the world to make the iced, skim milk drink with a dash of bitterness taste good.
I think many coffee places, when you order a large instead of a small, in order to save on cost, all they do is add more milk...resulting in a milky diluted coffee colored drink.
My advice: Only order hot drinks in their smallest size, otherwise you might as well just order steamed milk.
I give this place a 9/10 for ambiance... With carefully selected colors and unique furniture, it's definitely a chill spot to settle down for an hour or so with some light reading as you enjoy their Delicious croissant sandwiches and wonderful drink selections... They take a LOT of care in preparing your food: it seems like they only give you the best part of any vegetable they use (either that or they have a magically ripe garden hidden under the store...) Whatever the case may be, it quickly became a neighborhood favorite, and I welcome the addition and expect it to be around for many years to come! : )
I LOVE THIS PLACE.
The Mediterranean plate - with hummus, falafel, baba ganoush, and grape leaves is amazing. And it's a crap-ton of food for like $8. Can't beat it.
This place is a great for students who want to study. I ordered a small mocha with whip for $3.50 and it was really good. The atmosphere is many students studying and people on their laptops because of the cafe's free unsecured wi-fi.
Drawbacks:
I came on a Sunday and unfortunately parking was a little difficult in the area. I ended up parking about a 5 minute walk away from the cafe. There are also people that come to chat with their friends so it can get a little loud if you are trying to study next to them. I ended up having to use earplugs to study and not be distracted by the conversation at tables around me.
Overall, this place has a great atmosphere and I would come back again.
Two words: honey mustard.
Whatever sandwich you get, whatever is on it, whatever kind of bread you prefer, you need to get that with some of Second Cups's honey mustard. It's quite possibly the best condiment ever made. Sweet, spicy, with a light and creamy conistency.
I only got the honey mustard because the owner, who was running the counter when I went in for a sandwich, recommended it...right after he insisted we try free samples of the egg salad.
This place is warm and cozy. Its run by a man who really cares about his customers. And, if that wasn't enough, they make a proper hot chocolate with steamed milk, Ghiradelli chocolate, a dash of cinnamon and whipped cream.
But really all you need to know about is the honey mustard and the kind man who is serving it to you.
My friend had been raving about Second Cup for a few months, so I was looking forward to trying it.
First - the website leaves much to be desired - you can find the menu on Menu Pages.
Second - I felt it was a bit out of place on Brighton Avenue in Allston - surrounded by dive Chinese food places and Spike's Junkyard Dogs. Although it is next door to my favorite Indian place - Punjab Palace, so there's that - and there are some other good restaurants a block or two away.
Second Cup is a tiny place with about 7 tables - one of which is a long, picnic bench-style table - and a few chairs for casual coffee drinking. There were many people sitting around with laptops and school books, so we were unable to snag a cute little table by the window (it was VERY close to the table next to it and we didn't want to disturb the girl studying). We were able to grab another table though, but I think it's because we got there before noon on a Saturday. Note: this place started to fill up, so if you plan on eating there, go early or late.
The way it works: you order at the counter and then they call your order and you pay when you pick it up. Although the guy who took our order said he would bring it to us, but that's neither here nor there.
I asked for just a tap water and was immediately impressed when I got a HUGE glass coffee mug filled with ice & water. Definitely points for that.
The food comes on wax paper in low baskets - no washing or throwing out of plates! (I like that) - and it's just the sandwich. No pickle, chips or anything.
My friend ordered the Tuna with Brie Cheese (I was totally debating about getting this, but only like cheese with my tuna if it's a melt) on 7-grain bread.
In an attempt to be healthy, I ordered the Cajun Chicken sandwich with tomato, cucumber and honey mustard (according to Menu Pages), also on the 7-grain. In actuality, it had tomato & lettuce and I didn't taste honey mustard. To be fair, I think the in-store menu said lettuce, not cucumber. When I ordered, the guy warned me that it was spicy, and he wasn't kidding! It definitely had a nice kick.
Mine was rather greasy - way more than I expected - and very messy. So was my friend's. I think mine came out to about $6 or $7, which is reasonable for a good-size sandwich. I was pretty full after. But a pickle would have been nice. :)
We decided it's not a great place for a date - sandwiches are messy and the tables are SUPER close together = not good for private conversation. But it's perfect for a quick meal or a nice leisurely lunch with friends. I wouldn't be able to study there - too much people watching!
eight things i love about you, 2nd cup:
1. your iced chai
2. your crimson berry tea - with a slice of lemon
3. your super friendly (and cute!) staff
4. the fact that your owner doesn't mind when i stake out a spot for the entire day to do some serious studying
5. your endless selection of delicious sandwiches, salads, and pastries - nom nom nom!
6. your huge windows, opened up in summer to let the cool breeze in
7. your mellow, non-intrusive background music
8. your free wi-fi
The sesame bagel I had was fantastic. Reminded me of sesame candy I used to eat when I was younger. The guy at the counter was quick and extremely friendly.
The place is great to chill out, read a book, use wi-fi or just chat with friends. It's got such a cozy feel that you don't really wanna get up and leave.
I hardly ever give 5 stars. I even give my mother's cooking 3. Sorry mom, but your baked chicken could have soaked up the Exxon Valdez spill.
So why would I give such high rating?
I love the 2nd cup for all the same reasons why I loathe most other cafes. Cutting edge underground music? Nope. Too Cool for You hipsters dressed in ironic clothing discussing esoteric topics? None. Baristas who speak a cafe language that would stump Noam Chomsky? MMmmmm no.
2nd cup is an honest cafe serving good drinks and better than expected food. The 6 foot tall windows slide open to bring in the summer breeze. The cafe is comfortably appointed with an eclectic mix of soothing colors and furniture. The owner, who I think is Egyptian, is friendly and likes to joke, but not in an obnoxious "oh just shut up already and take my money and give me my coffee" sort of way. Some day in the future I'll stumble upon the Latvian counter girl in an Esquire spread, providing one of those rare "Hey I remember when" moments.
In this day and age of over-styled and hyper-marketed BS, its nice to find a little oasis in my backyard where I can just be. Its unique without being outrageous. 2nd Cup is neither mainstream nor counterculture. Its that really nice kid you knew in high school who was always so welcoming and demanded nothing of you. I miss that kid. And any business that can conjure up one of the rare positive memories of an otherwise angst-filled high school experience deserves nothing less than the highest praise.
This place is lovely; clean, fast, friendly and QUALITY drinks. and oh lordy the baked goods are great as well (ditto to the sandwiches wraps salads ect.)
The woman who works here is such a sweetheart, totally friendly and wants to make you exactly what you want.
The cafe its self is pretty. With big tables and small, and different assortments of chairs this place is perfect for any size group and for activity, weather it be studying, chatting or some solitary reading 2nd cup is perfect.
If Allston does anything well, it's coffee houses. I've already given In House 5 stars, so I feel a little promiscuous giving them to 2nd Cup as well. However, promiscuity is another thing Allston does well, so here we go...
Things I love: baklava, coffee drinks, individual tea pots, Rooibos tea, lovely bathroom stocked with all kinds of lotions available, enormous seating area, ham cheese and eggs on a crescent roll, the location right around the corner from me.
Just great. Everyone is very friendly there, if a little disorganized.
Word of warning, however: avoid the seats near the windows mid-morning to mid-afternoon on a sunny day. Unless you enjoy that lovely eggs-in-a-skillet feeling.
I'm not sure if they're quite 4 star material especially since I'm really picky about my coffee shop hang outs. I finally came into 2nd Cup Cafe after a long ago scouting of places to study around here.
They have free wi-fi - thumbs up for that. They also take credit, even though I had cash today. And they have seats!!! And I believe when it's warm out, those windows that I was sitting next to are probably open.
But there was just something about this place that's holding me back from 4 stars. Maybe it's the fact that I was told I can't put my foot up on the tree stump of a table I had when the chairs to table ratio was awkward when leaning back. Fine. Maybe it was the fact that my Vanilla Chai Latte wasn't so much Vanilla-y nor Chai-y enough for my taste.
For now... an A-OK 3 stars until I find something about 2nd cup that would make me a dedicated regular.
This place is awesome! You will want to sit in here for hours, getting more coffee and re-fueling with any manner of delicious pastries, savories and sandwiches. The decor is simple yet wholly inviting, and it smells great. Free wi-fi is always a plus. Service is really friendly and efficient.
The only thing that put me off were all the passive-aggressive notes about not putting your feet on the tables and not stealing things from the bathroom.
Just a note - there's a minimum charge of $3 for credit cards. So if you're just getting a cuppa, bring cash.
Toronto has a whole chain called Second Cup Cafe, which made me think of this place, haha.
This place is definitely better than the chain in Toronto (reminds me of Starbucks) and now that I've come here a few more times I feel like I can give a better review. The other day I came in and decided to read my book for a few hours (yes, hours) before I headed off to karate. It was thundering and lightening out and I had my bike, so I decided to come in. I ordered a Thai Iced Tea and got one of their salads with curry chicken on it. The price of the salad was not bad (I think it was around $6.00 for a small?) and there was a generous offering of chicken, which I appreciated. Thai Iced Tea was not the best I had, but definitely drinkable. The salad left me feeling content.
Many other people were sitting the storm out in the Cafe so I didn't feel bad for taking up room for a while. The people again are really nice, telling everyone to have a nice day, etc. I'm still a fan.
Very cute.
While waiting for the BF before heading over to Pubjab Palace, I stopped in here and…
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This place has a great atmosphere, but I'm none too impressed with the beverages. The coffee was so-so, and my chai latte was mostly ice, bitter, with the cream all clumped on the bottom. I can't speak for the food, I can only hope it's better though.
I went to 2nd Cup Cafe for lunch today. They have a coupon in the Greater Boston Entertainment book, but I checked yelp before heading out to see if the restaurant would be worth checking out.
You guys are right again.
The food is delicious.
I had a smoked turkey and avocado on 7 grain bread and my boyfriend had a tuna on french bread. The honey mustard sauce on both made us say we're definitely coming back.
Thanks for helping us find this gem!
Allston Village is growing up from the pimply teenager it used to be to a hot college student everyone wants as their 'friend'
OK, maybe I am sounding like a really bad after-school movie, but I am pretty impressed with this little 'hood. Boarded up old stores are now turning into funky shops, restaurants, and cafes, yet the bohemian feel to the area (and the obstacle course of driving down Brighton Ave) still remain.
And tucked between these places is 2nd cup.
I almost popped into Spike's for a quick bite and saw this place, with its awning announcing 'cafe menu' and figured, well, Spikes can wait. Glad I popped across like Frogger to this joint and tried their falafel wrap - easily one of the tastiest ones I have had in town in ages. Light and fresh, but still full of flavor.
The vibe is perfect - quiet enough to read, even with windows open -but not so quiet that it feels like a library. Comfy chairs and tables, but not cramped. Seemed to be free wifi, but didn't ask - just figured likely since many customers were online.
And the service was ultrafriendly.
return trip, guaranteed
The interior is clean and beautiful, a very pleasant place to hang out for a few hours with a friend, a book or a laptop and WiFi. The chai latte I ordered was a little bitter for my tastes, but acceptable. The owner himself was working the register and quite personable. I'm partial to establishments where the proprietor is involved in the workaday operations. They also had free raisin cookies to nosh at the counter.
Also, they're one of the few establishments in Allston/Brighton that accepts the Boston Community Change card, so huzzah for that.
Added an extra star for their mochas. My weekend guilty pleasure, for sure.
Also, the boyf was waiting outside with our peppy little dog and the owner had him bring the dog in and even petted him and gave him some cold cuts and baby-talked to him (the dog, not my boyfriend) which was really nice.
All of their coffee is really good and the people at the counter have always been very nice. I… Read more »
I liked the big table, free wi-fi, and atmosphere. The food was pretty good, but not necessary a place I will return to. The coffee, my husband reported, was not good. But we are really picky about our coffee, so it just depends on your preference. I had the hot chocolate and it was just OK.
Love it! I spent most of the day here yesterday and I can safely say it's great.
Comfortable, not super crowded and an incredibly helpful staff. I had an iced coffee and a tuna salad sandwich. I STRONGLY recommend their foccacia bread. The toast it before they make the sandwich so it's just the right amount of crispy.
The prices are good and the atmosphere is one of the best I've encountered in a long time. People seemed to be relaxing, it wasn't too crowded with students. I noticed more than one table where someone was marking up papers and blue books and the guy across from me folded up his sunglasses and snapped them away in their Dior case. Plus I was there, so you know they take all kinds.
A few things that really impressed me:
1. One of the women working there saw me wearing my coat and said, oh! is it too cold? let me go and turn up the heat! Even when I explained that I'm just always cold, she decided to turn it up a bit anyway.
2. They had hand moisturizer from Trader Joe's in the bathroom.
3. Very cool mirrors
4. A wide assortment of chairs. Comfortable chairs are crucial to a pleasant coffee experience.
5. It seems like the kind of place where the people who work there want to get to know you. I never seem to go to any one place often enough to actually make that happen, but I like being in that environment all the same.
This place was a well needed addition to the Brighton Ave. strip. I've been to Second cup a few times and always enjoy it. They have great bagels and awesome Chai tea. The tuna and brie sandwich I had on Iggy's foccacia was amazing. The servers are super friendly and accomodating.
I chatted with the owner one time and he really knows what he's doing. The atmosphere is very pleasant with hardwoods, exposed brick, gallery artwork, and comfy seating. It gets a student/young professional crowd most of the time and offers free wi-fi. Try to get a table in the open windows in the front for some good people watching.
YES!!!!
A place with free wireless and a clean bathroom. Something I've been dreaming about for a long time.
The only downside to the 2nd Cup is that the tables are a bit small and the cafe doesn't have enough outlets for the number of people with lap tops.
But with that said, I am still super grateful that I can type away on my laptop in a nice, clean and welcoming coffee joint.
I hail from the land of coffee shops. I have spent countless hours in a countless number of them. After moving here, I was devastated to find that Boston's idea of "going out for coffee" meant either a 2-minute express trip to Dunkin Donuts, a room filled wall-to-wall with college students and an atmosphere more like a happening daytime bar, or easing uncomfortably into a sofa chair at a sorry excuse for a starbucks, praying that a homeless person hadn't wet their pants there recently (Not to sound like a jerk but I actually saw that happen...TWICE).
Needless to say I am extremely happy about 2nd Cup opening in Allston (its way too cold to walk to Andala at Central Square right now). True, the coffee isn't the greatest, but there is a promising tea and sandwich menu. The window seats are excellent (and surprisingly warm), the staff is really nice, and the atmosphere/decor as well. I'm worried that the small seating area will fill up too quickly as word gets out and it will turn into a 1369...1239...? Whatever. But for now, Second Cup is one of your best bets in Boston for "going out for coffee" in a place where you'll actually WANT to order a second cup.
FINALLY, a place in Allston that actually tries!
I've said it time and time again: the problem with Boston is that very few establishments actually try to be something more than just a hole-in-the-wall, even when it's very easy to set yourself apart with a few strategically placed designer chairs and a nice comfy sofa.
I wish I could keep this place to myself, so I would always have a nice study destination, but I can't resist spreading the word. This very nice coffee shop has managed to change the landscape of Allston in a small, but imposing way. Situated adjacent to LAB, that kick-ass tshirt shop, 2nd Cup Cafe is an inviting addition to the grungy, college-kid infested intersection of Brighton Ave and Harvard Ave.
A simple, but decidedly more high-end sandwich and salad menu is a welcomed sight. Rounded out by a superb coffee and tea selection, this little cafe is an indication of the changes being made to "the BU ghetto."
Oh, and did I mention they're cheap, the coffee is delicious, the guys wear chef's jackets, and there's FREE WIFI.
I've been here a few times and I really do adore the place. As others have said - it was definitely needed in this neighborhood. I like
the decor and general laid back feeling - not too "hipster". Really liked the yellow flower pot with spearmint on my little marble top table.
Food and drink: big YUMMY baklava. decent falafel wrap although tell them not to heat it up with the lettuce inside -it gets soggy! You can smell all the teas and get a cute teapot all for you. And I heard chatter that the scones were good.
During the school year it can get pretty crowded and hard to find a seat, but you can tell the owner is trying to make sure people can find a seat if there is one available - but he doesn't rush people to leave. The internet was sketchy when I tried it so don't count on it, but maybe it will get better. Also, they had a tea tasting once that looked cool. Oh and I loved that they were playing the chicago soundtrack. AND they open early, I believe 7 AM which is great!
Allston is definitely getting a makeover, and the Second Cup is one of my favorite new additions to the 'hood. The owner, Farzhad, (actually a cousin of Ali, owner of KooKoo Cafe in Brookline) is an absolute gentleman! It's truly a labor of love.
The space is just so cozy and inviting--marble tables, warm woods, and homey decorative touches like pumpkins on the side tables. There's ample seating for studying, and the front windows open up to the sidewalk so you can bask in these last warm autumn days...
I'm not a coffee drinker, but I I know Farzhad will go out of his way to make sure your cuppa joe is just the way you like it. In fact, there was a young woman in line ahead of me who had a complicated coffee order that took about 3 minutes to explain and Farzhad made absolute certain that he had it right--even recreating 2 of the 3 coffees because they were not perfect. They also have a nice selection of Mem teas and bottled drinks (including San Pellegrino aranciata) for those like me :) The food menu is also very similar to KooKoo's, although they also have a few salads, which KooKoo does not. The tuna and brie on wheat is delicious! And keeping the students and locals in mind, the prices are so reasonable, you'll really be tempted to stay for a second cup ;)
To quote Sid the Sloth: "Yummo!!" (Slur optional)
Second Cup Cafe is such a cute cozy little joint. I have been here for breakfast and just for a random coffee/tea fix but each time I am impressed with the number of menu items and the friendliness of the people behind the counter. The coffee drinks are good and the owner knows his teas!! Seriously, ask him some inane question. Tea nerds like myself will be impressed.
Two other things of note: free wi-fi and if you don't carry cash they don't balk at running your debit card even if the total is only $4.38.
On the warmer days, they open the front windows for an authentic cafe feel. I will be back because I just noticed that they put baba ghanouj on the menu. Heck yes!
I was here in the morning on a weekday, hoping to get in some good work in a peaceful environment.
My cappuccino was excellent. However, I couldn't get any work done because the guy working was talking SO LOUD on the phone. I was the only patron in there. I guess I must have been invisible...
I'll go back here, but not to accomplish anything except a caffeine fix!
---------------
6/5/08
Gave them another try, and had a great experience. The staff was so nice and friendly (if not a little too...). Great coffee, nice quiet atmosphere this time. They were playing NPR, bless them. I'll definitely be back; my mind is changed!
I like the idea of this place. Tables as well as easy chairs, window front that opens up for warmer days and locally owned and operated. Actually, if you have a Boston Community Change card (http://www.bostoncommu.../ - "When you shop at participating businesses, a portion of each transaction is returned to you as a cash rebate and a portion is directed to a non-profit or school of your choice, encouraging you to Shop Locally and Share Locally."), they are accepted here! I really like getting an iced coffee and while I've never tried a sandwich, they look tasty...just a little over priced.
the location is fantastic for me. I can crawl out of my bed and mosey my walk down to the second cup for a coffee. They have george howell's coffee which is delicious! and they have orangina! woohoo!
I like their sandwiches, they're cheap and healthy with falafel, tahini, and other things of that nature.
The staff are incredibly friendly and very accommodating. I just wouldnt come here if i were in a rush because sometimes they're too accommodating if you know what i mean asking too many questions, being a little bit too friendly. thus slow. this is boston dammit!
anywho, i like it.
Coffee is solid and the staff are very friendly. They're falafel wrap is a staple I wouldn't dare want to live without.
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
Category: Coffee & Tea
Malden, MA
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Brookline Village
Category: Coffee & Tea
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