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2nd Street Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Cafes Sandwiches, Cafes
89 2nd StCambridge, MA 02141
Neighborhood: East Cambridge
(617) 661-1311
- Nearest Transit:
-
Cambridge St @ Third St (69, 80, 87, 88)
Lechmere - Green Line Inbound (Green Line)
Lechmere Station - Inbound Side (69, 80, 87, 88, Green Line Shuttle)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 3 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
89 reviews for 2nd Street Cafe
Review Highlights
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"I'm a big fan of the roast beef sandwich with Boursin." In 5 reviews -
"Soups always good-to-great with good variety." In 23 reviews -
"Menu items change frequently: daily specials." In 6 reviews
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89 reviews in English
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Review from Rob K.
New York, NY
5/17/2012
Visiting from out of town, I walked past 2nd Street Cafe on my way from the hotel to the building where I had meetings. It looked perfect, even when closed - totally local, unassuming and just my kind of joint. Then I yelped it and decided to give it a try.
Wasn't disappointed. The sandwiches were great, with fresh ingredients (avocados especially good) and tasty, home-made bread. I opted for a turkey and cheese on pumpernickel to go, with a cookie on the side. The cookie rocked - also home made - and the sandwich hit the spot.
What's even better: the friendly and engaging people working the counter.
Next time I'm in Cambridge, I'll definitely be stopping in. Thanks! -
Review from Alex R.
Boston, MA
4/6/2012
I've been visiting 2nd Street Cafe for years as I work in the area.
Their breakfast sandwiches are awesome. Big hunks of white bread with 2 eggs, cheese, and whatever meat you want (Bacon!) all thrown on the grill together. It's big, tasty, and has the right amount of grease to make you happy.
Their lunch sandwiches are also spectacular. The meatball sub is delicious, the roast beef is tasty, the cuban (not sure if they have this any more) is excellent, and whatever special sandwich they have for the day is sure to be great. The Reuben is one of my favorites in Boston. Good helping of pastrami, kraut, dressing, and butter on rye. Delicious!
Every Friday they do some kind of seafood special. Today I got the salmon cakes which are out of this world. Really. They're off the hook. Served over a mescaline mix with a delicious cream sauce over top. Still licking my lips. Just make sure to get in early for these specials (12-12:30), because they sell out quickly.
The spot is tight, so during lunchtime you will be dealing with a small crowd. No worries, the staff is great and Tony the chef is awesome. -
Review from Jessie Z.
Updated - 2/6/2012
Pretty tasty! This place has traffic that comes in waves... 12pm, 1215pm, 1230pm. It's funny how the lunchtime rush comes and goes. We were able to snag a table which is really a feat since there are only 4 or 5. The staff is super nice and accommodating to each request - I ordered my own sandwich, turkey on wheat, w/ pickles and goat cheese (yeah, pickles and goat cheese, don't knock it till you try it.) Pretty tasty... loved the shaved turkey on it also.
A little over budget for a daily lunch spot but once every few weeks ain't bad. -
Review from Christina L.
Allston-Brighton, MA
5/14/2012
Get Hawaiian Chicken if you can!!! It props up as a special sometimes...and it is sooooo good! The meatball subs are amazing. Go early for lunch; not much room. But the line goes quick!
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Review from A.J. M.
Quincy, MA
5/1/2012
Very good food! Great toasted Italian subs when they have them on special. Everything is fresh, and the bread they use for sandwiches is perfect. The service is also fantastic. It's generally a young staff who seem to really care about their food and their customers. It's very refreshing in that regard. The 3 pieces of criticism I have are that 1) The place is too small. It can get incredibly uncomfortable in there pretty quickly around lunch time. 2) They don't accept credit cards, and 3) There are flies that seem to be buzzing around every time I'm there. These three things are the reason I rated it 4 stars. The food and service more than compensate for the downsides.
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Review from Aboud Y.
Cambridge, MA
3/3/2012
Cute little lunch place but I've never been wowed by anything I've tried here.
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Review from Sean R.
Somerville, MA
4/25/2012
Good breakfast and lunch. Not a lot of variety. Mostly just sandwiches and soups, a couple of entree specials. But it's all home made and fresh and tasty. Extremely nice staff.
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Review from Andrew H.
8/2/2011
When I think of a "hole in the wall", 2nd Street Cafe is the type of place that comes to mind, and in a good way. It's not glamorous. The fashionably "distressed" furniture they have is that way naturally, from years of use, and the decor consists of dusty cooking implements, labeled canisters full of various grains, and old books - largely philosophy and cookbooks. It has character.
It also had a line practically out the door, of mostly young corporate types and students. When you try the food, you'll see why.
Here's how it works: Grab your chips, grab your drink, and let them know which soup, salad, or sandwich you want, and they'll take your name and yell to ya when it's ready.
The Cuban was delicious, if a little non-traditional (but I didn't mind their spin on it) with mayo and pickled hots. It came out melty and delicious. The roast beef with boursin, horseradish, and greens was similarly yummy, and they didnt' skimp on the beef, either.
If I worked in the area, I could easily see myself becoming a regular. It's fast and just plain yummy. -
Review from Steven D.
Cambridge, MA
10/1/2011
The east of Cambridge in and around The Galleria is rather grim for lunch. This saves the day, indeed, I feel slightly mean not giving it a fifth star.
Good, solid food and very nice sandwiches, perfectly reasonable coffee. The only reasonable option for lunch in the streets around and only lack the fifth star as I would like espresso. -
Review from Cara C.
Los Angeles, CA
11/8/2011
This place is fantastic! We are in town for the week and needed some comfort food that made us feel like we are eating at home. This place was the spot. They have a sign that says "Best Soup in Town" and they were not kidding. It blew me away!
This place would be great on a stormy day! The customer is def always right here. Well done 2nd Street Cafe. -
Review from Leslie M.
Boston, MA
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Menu is awesome. Owner and employees remember your name. Keep up the great work guys!
Love love love!!
p.s. Molasses cookies are out of this world. -
Review from Jenny G.
Boston, MA
10/11/2011
I don't come here for lunch as often as my co-workers, but when I do, it's always real good food.
But I'm writing about their cookies. Oh, the cookies...
When I was in high school, our cafeteria sold these giant cookies wrapped in plastic wrap, and we'd heat them up in the microwave and let them get extra soft and gooey and delicious. 2nd Street's cookies remind me so much of those, but no additional microwave heating necessary. And they're homemade!
Everytime I go there for a cookie, I always just stare, unable to decide on which ONE I want, until the staff starts chiming in about their own favs, trying to help an indecisive/greedy me make up my mind. Usually it's the peanut butter that wins me over. Sometimes the chocolate chip. Once the molasses. All were great. -
Review from Matt C.
Hamden, CT
8/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Thankfully, the vast majority of Yelpers have gotten this place right.
Perfect timing to show up at 10 til 12, I was the only one there.
Staff was extremely friendly, as noted in many reviews.
Went with the quick tip consensus, and ordered the #2- fresh roast beef on pumpernickel, with boursin and horseradish mayo. It did not disappoint.
A very generous helping of meat, with wonderful fresh bread. No crappy lettuce, but a nice mesculun mix. The taste of this creation will bring me back here.
For the price- look, for less than $10, you can get a delicious fresh lunch. Completely worth it.
Looking forward to trying more of the menu. -
Review from Sean B.
Somerville, MA
6/2/2011
I loves me a GOOD REUBEN!
The little hole in the wall is within walking distance of where I work, and the sandwiches are great. You REMEMBER the sandwiches you eat here.
I've been greeted each time I've walked in the door here, which isn't mandatory, but something else I remember, and it was nice.
I'd probably eat here more if they accepted cards, but that's NOT a reason to shun the 2nd Street Cafe. If anything I should plan ahead to have a good lunch here. -
Review from Cwot W.
Boston, MA
11/19/2011
this place is pretty good. Cuban sandwich is alright and really liked the workers. All very helpful and recognize you don't have much time at lunch to get here from work. Hell of a lot better than the 19 versions of chicken you get at the mall food court.
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Review from Zach Y.
Boston, MA
10/11/2010
We accidentally discovered this place while Yelping on the go at the Cambridgeside Galleria. Briefly:
-The food is delicious. I had such a craving for a Reuben, and they really delivered.
-The sandwiches are really large. As in, no need for a bag of chips on the side. This sandwich will be your meal.
-They have that quirky, indie, hipstery, Cambridgey feel that I like (in moderation). The whole restaurant looks like somebody carved out a kitchen, dining room, and living room of a house to turn it into a small sandwich shop.
The bottom line is that nobody should ever need to go to the food court in the Galleria (unless they are cashless or it's a weekend). There really is no excuse when you've got places like 2nd Street Cafe around the corner. -
Review from Mona L.
Boston, MA
12/6/2011
Nice little place to get lunch. The sandwiches are very tasty, especially the Cubano and the Meatball Sub. They only except cash which is annoying. Otherwise, I'd definitely recommend! I would go back for "2nd's"!!!
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Review from amanda t.
Somerville, MA
12/21/2010
Why I like it:
-Fresh ingredients
-Super-friendly staff
-Menu items change frequently: daily specials
-Reasonable prices
-Close to the office
Why I don't eat there more often:
-They are cash only, and I'm a D student when it comes to keeping cash on hand
-They close at 3pm (open M-F), and I frequently head to lunch at 3 or later (because I'm a bird who eats small meals throughout the day)
-I wish they had more vegetarian sandwiches. I'd eat there more often if there were a larger variety to choose from -
Review from Mike I.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
12/1/2010
The good:
* the sandwiches are huuuuuuuge, always enough for a solid lunch, sometimes even more
* the meatballs are really really good
* you can make your own sandwich with the ingredients they have, making for endless possibilities
The bad:
* cash only
* long lines shortly after noon
The ugly:
* nothing, 2nd Street Cafe is great! -
Review from Andrew F.
Scarborough, ME
10/24/2011
Soups always good-to-great with good variety. Sandwiches excellent. Staff attentive and cheerful. Can get crowded at lunch but to be expected. If they weren't, they probably wouldn't be around.
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Review from Michael A.
Framingham, MA
11/3/2011
Great local food, and friendly faces that have been the same all year. Not so typical for the food industry, but they seem to be well taken care of and enjoy their job. Fresh soups each day make this a great spot to visit especially as it has been getting colder. I haven't been for breakfast and have to remember that they close promptly at 3pm, I'd say getting there around 11am is a good idea if you want to beat the rush that can cause a line out the door.
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Review from Zach S.
Cambridge, MA
9/24/2011
I've eaten lunch here on a few occasions and it has always been a positive experience. The food is good, the service is polite and fast, and the price and location are right.
Personal favorites are the meatball sub and the grilled chicken sandwich with pesto and mozzarella. -
Review from Joe D.
Boston, MA
Updated - 10/21/2010
Just like the show Cheers... they will always remember your name.
I think so far... I tried almost everything on their menu. And never a reason why I should stop going. Come on the portions are huge and made fresh.
If you haven't tried 2nd St Cafe, when will you. Once you try it, it will be an addiction.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/21/2010
I just started working in the East Cambridge area a few weeks ago.
I was getting tired of eating… Read more »
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Review from Damien S.
4/1/2008
Noted, Kathleen M! First and foremost, the people in this awkward Amish home-cum-lunch hub fucking rock. When I first walked in, the entire staff of four were peering through the window at a elderly driver posted up in a highly coveted street parking space. My friend waited patiently in her car for the man to leave, but he had better things to do, as commented on by the folks inside.
"Should we say something?" "I'm gonna say something." "Gross. He's picking his nose." (Snickers from patrons, girl at register) "She should honk." "HONK YOUR HORN!" "She can't hear you." "I'm gonna say something" (His car moves) "It's about time." (Applause)
Just a UFC bunch ready to dole out simple, delicious vittles. Rotating daily entrees and homemade soups complement the standard sandwich favorites - ruebens and cubans and meatballs, oh my! The usual suspects of the Sliced Meat mob are avail to build your own, if you wish.
Let's be honest kids: even if I emerge from the dark depths of a swine slaughterhouse guilty of terribly inhumane practices, I'm still going to want a Cuban. So yeah, I ordered one ($6.95) P.S. Sandwiches are cheap, and also a la carte. Grab a bag of small batch chips for a buck and change.
The Cuban arrived remarkably quick (ruhroh!) and oozed its bevy of toppers - mayo, mustard, relish, hots, and VERY melted swiss. The bread bulked the sheer size of the sandwich, as it only boasted two slices each of its roasted pork loin and ham. Appearance aside, it tasted great thus seating itself between everyCuban and the Elite Honor Roll in my personal trophy case.
It's a unique challenge to review the in-and-out lunch locales, as the subtle details of why you should go get lost in translation. I mean, you're there, you eat, you leave. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Let's just make it simple: the folks at this place deserve your biz. Give it to 'em.Listed in: Say Hello to My Little…
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Review from Tracee D.
Boston, MA
11/25/2008
This is totally what you want in your neighborhood. Good sandwiches. The place was made for a rainy day lunch session. I always order the turkey reuben. It's really good. They shut off the grill around 2:30 so order early. Their website is bare bones but changes daily with their specials. Soups, sandwiches etc..They carry Deep River potato chips which are from CT just like me!!
I've been meaning to review this place for a while! It's not cheap. But it's so good (also like me). -
Review from Chi N.
Cambridge, MA
4/23/2009
It's official. I've become white.
Backstory: Friend from NYC visiting. Quite possibly, the whitest man ever. It's lunch time, we're hungover, and we're hungry. Good burrito and thai place around the corner, but when comes time to picking where to eat, I suggest... "Oh I know a great sandwich place.."
And that was it. My moment of realization that four long years in Boston have turned this rather handsome Indian fellow into a white yuppie, like the rest.
But it is all so worth it. The Cuban here is quite legendary, really, As is the meatball grinder and really, any of the other sandwiches. The soups are hard to resist as well.. and, you see what Im talking about...
Lucky for me, a pint of curry later that evening got me right back on track. -
Review from Damon I.
Boston, MA
8/11/2008
Walking over to 2nd Street for lunch is a real treat to abolish the doldrums of Kendall Square. I wanted one of 2nd Street's cuban sandwiches so bad today that despite the rain, I jumped in the car and jetted over to pick up a phone-in order for myself and a couple others at work. Even w/o the cheese (cow intolerance), slices of warm pork and ham, spicy relish, mayo and bulky bread really hit the spot on a dark, damp inclement day. It was totally worth the ticket that the zero tolerance parking person gave me as I ran toward him, wildly shouting, "No, no, no! I was only here for two minutes to pick up sandwiches!" Evidently, an argument that holds no sway. . .
Cuban aside, 2nd Street has lots of other tasty lunch sandwiches, comforting specials, and an erect-it-yourself list of vittles. Service is always remarkably friendly and after a few visits that bookend the busy lunch hour, you might even become a recognized regular! -
Review from Jen H.
8/13/2009
Oh, my, goodness. The Pesto chicken sandwich was amazing. Huge chicken breast, freshly made pesto, om nom nom. I'm getting hungry just thinking about that sandwich! I will say that my friend and I timed coming here just right, because there wasn't much of a line. After we sat down the line got to be HUGE! They do move people quickly through the line, and do bring you your food fast though, so that's a big plus!
The food is a little on the more expensive side, but not too expensive, and really, I didn't even mind the price once I took a bite of my sandwich.
The inside is small, so if you're planning on grabbing a table, try to time your visit prior to, or after a lunch rush... otherwise you might not be able to sit at a table for a little while. It feels very cozy, however, as opposed to cramped and small.
I could see myself coming back here in the future, for sure... just have to find an excuse to be in that area of town. -
Review from Cory H.
Cambridge, MA
7/18/2008
This place is a hidden gem. Their food is a little pricey, but it's really worth it. They seem to make everything from scratch and I haven't had anything there that I didn't think was delicious. I just had their grilled veggie wrap the other day and it was amazing. The people who work there are friendly and very knowledgeable. The inside is small but it's intimate and cozy. It is packed at lunch, but I've also been there during the off hours and It would be a nice quiet place to read while you eat your meal.
Overall, skip the mall and go there for lunch instead. It costs about the same as the places in the mall and you'll be supporting a local business in the process.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Steve M.
Cambridge, MA
7/29/2007
This is a good place to go for a sandwich or salad if you're in East Cambridge. All the meats, veggies, cheeses etc. are extremely fresh, and the service is friendly. It's a little hectic inside, since it's really the only decent place to get lunch in the area.
The entrees aren't as good, although they do come with some nice fresh greens. Almost all of them are drowned in a bland, overly creamy "curry" sauce that doesn't really add anything.
Definitely better than anything in the Galleria Food Court, but not worth a trip on the T. -
Review from Julie B.
8/18/2010
I've been working near the Galleria for a few months now and had yet to go to the notorious 2nd Street Cafe. Sick of eating soup from Au Bon Pain, I decided to check out the online menu and took a walk over to 2nd Street to try the spicy red bean special soup. I ended up ordering a small soup and half of the grilled chicken, pesto and mozzarella sandwich. My lunch was really great and everything tasted so fresh. I REALLY wanted the roasted veggie wrap but they don't do halves of wraps :( Still, I was very happy with my order and was thrilled to get away from the mall.
The staff was very friendly and the cafe was adorable! I definitely want to eat in there next time. The only downside is that they don't take credit/debit cards. Luckily there's a Bank of America right next to my office :)
Can't wait to go back and try something else! -
Review from Bryanne R.
Philadelphia, PA
9/21/2007
Walking by the cafe on my way to the gym or the red line made me very curious if this place was even open. Needless to say, I've never been around 7-3 on weekdays to stop by, but coming back to Cambridge at 2 today I knew this was my chance to check it out!
I'm a basic sandwich person - just turkey and bread -- so I can't say I have a lot of input on their pre-made sandwiches, but mine was tasty! Everything was fresh - the bread was soft and the meat was very flavorful. They also have nice big cookies!
Very cozy atmosphere - only a few tables, and it's bright and cheery!
I was psyched to have the chance to check out the second street cafe and also that their food was great! -
Review from Kathleen M.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 8/2/2008
The reuben at this place is so delicious that it has inspired "Reuben Tuesday" at my work. Depending on the circumstances of the week, anywhere from 5-10 of us place our reuben order with our Reuben Tuesday sponsor and await the arrival of that delicious sandwich. I'm a big fan of this place for lunch. The reuben does stand out, but all of the other sandwiches, salads, and entrees I have had here have been fantastic! Super nice staff just adds to the awesomeness of this place. Go here for lunch, soon! If you're up for a reuben, I'll see you on Tuesday!
P.S. They now deliver larger orders for lunch! ($45 or more, you have to order the day before.)Listed in: Great eats in Cambridge, Lunch...Biotech Style
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/15/2008
Damien S, take note! There's a cuban in town that you need to meet! This delectable sandwich is… Read more »
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Review from Eli B.
Cambridge, MA
4/7/2009
This place is right down the street from where I work. It's a great cafe - excellent quality food: specials like salmon and tuna steaks accent a more normal menu with sandwiches, salads and soups. It's not the cheapest, true, but it's excellent quality.
Do NOT expect to see any iceberg lettuce, or mass-market fabrique chicken with 'grill marks'! Do expect your turkey sandwich to be fresh and crisped up on the griddle if you want it that way.
I've never had anything there that wasn't delicious, and I've gone quite a bit. The friendly and perky staff always brightens my day too!
Cheers! -
Review from Natalie B.
Cambridge, MA
11/24/2009
Why I love the 2nd Street Cafe:
1) Servers/ Cooks are awesome, friendly, and remember my order. And helped me out when I was 15c short this morning.
2) Food = Fresh, quick, filling. As a tour guide that leaves hourly from the Galleria with maybe 15 min for a break every few hours, they have always been a great pit stop. Their breakfast sandwich is the best deal in Boston.
3) Their coffee is delicious, hot and bold.
4) They have a small library of cookbooks that are great to flip through.
5) Did I mention their employees are wonderful? With sane hours and proper weekends, no wonder they are helpful and seem happy to be there.
All in all, I would move in if I could. -
Review from Dachary C.
Cambridge, MA
5/10/2006
Yummy stuff! Second Street always uses fresh ingredients for their day's entrees and soups, so it's always tasty. Their website is updated daily to reflect the daily specials and soups. It's on the pricey side - $4 for a soup and $9 for an entree, but if you like good quality, fresh food, it's worth the price. I always recommend it to people when they're in the neighborhood, and my co-workers and I eat there frequently. Try the Tomato and Roasted Fennel soup with a fresh grilled cheese sandwich... yum!
A couple of tips when dealing with this place, though - the sandwiches are average quality, so you're just as well served hitting other restaurants given the pricey nature of this establishment if a sandwich is what you want. There's also hardly any seating, so you should call ahead for your order and plan on getting it to go. -
Review from Mel P.
Cambridge, MA
9/9/2009
Yummy Tuna Sandwich.
I like Tuna. I know boring huh? Not so with 2nd St. Cafe. They made my sandwich just right AND before lunch time. I was hungry-- and pregnant so I wanted a Tuna sandwich right then and there. (Don't mess with a pregnant woman). I will have to go back for the Pesto Chicken Sandwich that people keep raving about. I love chicken, oh and pesto too.... here I come... -
Review from Alexis J.
Watertown, MA
6/15/2010
Obviously a favorite of the working {wo}man and I just have to agree. Tasty, fresh, and fulfilling. Great vegetarian options, too. I will be coming back, probably weekly.
The ordering process is a little weird but got to love the plate basket they serve your sandwich in! -
Review from Tani S.
10/22/2009
I was so surprised...this place looks so modest from the outside but is a warm and vibrant refuge. I went for breakfast this morning... the omelette and breakfast sandwich were delicious and for the price of each meal ($4 for the omelette, $5 for the sandwich) I was shocked at the quality of ingredients (fresh spinach, bakery style bread) and the yummy meal...
The interior is cozy and a deligthful yellow. They are really sweet behind the counter. Just stopping by helped me get my day started off on the right foot! If only they were opened on weekends... -
Review from Andrew D.
Warwick, RI
5/22/2009
As I'm sitting here licking the pesto off my fingers and mentally preparing myself for the second half of this enormous chicken sandwich, I couldn't help but think back on all the good times that 2nd Street Cafe has brought me. Be it the not-so-brief mass exodus from our cubicles down the street for a lunchtime reprieve, an afternoon coffee break on a warm summer day, or an excuse to skip that 10 am meeting in favor of a breakfast sandwich, 2nd Street Cafe is just one of those places you won't soon forget.
This is the kind of place the echoes the heart and soul of Cambridge, that small-town community feel less than a mile outside the city. You will always be greeted with a smile, groups of people will be sitting around the tables sharing stories and laughing, and you can watch them prepare your food right behind the counter. There's even a basket of bread-ends next to the cash register that's always fresh and free. What more could you ask for?
Oh yeah, and the food? I think others have already said it best, but I promise you won't be disappointed. Fresh ingredients, extremely generous portions, and a large variety of options make 2nd Street Cafe the go-to place for any meal.
