Clear Conscience Cafe

Elite '08

9

61

David M.

Somerville, MA

An awesome little Cafe in the middle of Cambridge right of the T. Great fair trade coffee for under 2 bucks (and you get a big mug), trendy couches, and plenty of seating and friendly staff. The only downside to this place is that its at one of the entrances to the Harvest Coop. Its a little odd to be sitting at a table having a coffee as people walk in and out of the grocery store... also, they could decorate a little more to make the place feel a bit more... cafe-ish.

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Elite '08

83

202

Maria V.

East Arlington, MA

Very nice! I got their veggie sandwich and have to say it was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had, no exaggeration. Hommus was fantastic (I'm pretty sure it's homemade or damn close to it), ingredients were fresh and in the right proportion, and the whole package was made just right -- not a huge bulging sandwich with bits dripping everywhere. I finished the whole thing and felt proper full, nothing heavy or greasy in the stomach.

Service was really fast, very polite, very chill. Nothing pretentious, again, just right.

And free wi-fi. W00t.

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2

35

Pamela B.

Cambridge, MA

The CCC is a VAST improvement over its predecessor, the dingy, somewhat filthy and sometimes scary Harvest Coop Cafe.  I shop at the Harvest Market on a regular basis, so I breeze through the Clear Conscience Cafe on a regular basis.  I like the fresh, clean, open design and find the environment to be conducive to both good conversation, and quiet personal work.  Also, I've found that the clientele appears to have improved along with the new look!...another plus.

Frankly, I have only ordered breakfast items here, but all were quite GOOD!: the scones, coffee cake, bagels and croissants...excellent.  The coffee is pretty good, too, but not my favorite (I remember liking the dirty old cafe's blend better) and I hope CCC will expand its juice offerings soon.  Freshly squeezed orange would be nice ... or wait...maybe they just didn't have it on the day I tried to order it.  Will have to check on that!  

I'm not sure about the wi-fi, because I don't do any work here, but am getting the impression that it is no longer free, based on other reviews...will have to check that out.

I really like the employees that I encounter on a regular basis (two men...one quite tall and the other a younger appearing, shorter  man with very short dark hair) .  They're always friendly and actually engage me in a bit of conversation (I like this, because at some cafes where I've been a regular customer, the staff would offer no recognition other than ask what I wanted to order).   I don't know if they are the new owners, but they are always there and do a great job.

I hope to try CCC's sandwiches and soups because they sure look yummy to me when I'm dashing to or from the Market.    I like the fact that there is at least one cafe where I can feel good about what I'm eating, not only because of the fair trade stance of the company, but also because of the fact that the food isn't tainted by chemicals.  

To those who have had a less than brilliant experience here, I say try it again!  I believe they've ironed out all the  kinks that new restaurants generally have in the first stage of doing business.

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0

9

J H.

Somerville, MA

I'm happy this places exists. Best soup!!!!! Try the lentil soup. It would have gotten 5 stars if the menu had more variety and if the space was a little more comfortable. HUGE improvement over the last cafe that was in there. The menu is standard. Thank you:)

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Elite '08

13

61

marie c.

Somerville, MA

Ehhhh. Maybe I wasn't here at the right time?

Been working in central for months, stopped in thinking I'd get some soup for lunch today after an unfortunately unproductive trip to the chiropractor.

If you're looking for soup in Central, stick to Au Bon Pain or Whole Foods.  C3 has vegetarian chili, and a soup of the day that was nowhere to be found.

Ordered the roast beef panini.  the woman at the register didn't even look at me.  that struck me as weird and kind of surly.  

waited around for a while.  there's no good place to stand here if you're waiting to take your food out.  people are always rushing around you to get to the store behind you, so everyone ends up doing that thing where it's impossible to tell who is in line and who isn't.

anyway, waited waited. got my panini and left.  was weirded out by the fact that the bread was hot, but the roast beef was really cold.  plus the horseradish mayo was REALLY sweet....

it wasn't a bad sandwich, but it wasn't great.  for $7, I feel like I could get something better in Central.  The fact that everything in my sandwich was organic just wasn't that appealing to me.  I guess I'm a heathen.

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Elite '08

55

287

Deepa C.

East Watertown, MA

I had never been to the store or the cafe, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but as soon as I walked in, I fell in love.

Besides the whole all natural food and furniture aspect (which is wonderful), the coffee here is superb! i was pleasantly surprised, since i am usually so finicky when it come to coffee.

The space is bright and clean, but not OTT prissy. The owner was hanging around and chatting with regulars - always a good sign. It seemed like the place where one could spend a few hours. It's not doing your homework on the floor in front of the TV cozy, but more like reading the paper at your sun filled kitchen table while your mother makes eggs cozy.

Whenever I am back in Central, I will make it a point to stop in. Check this place out, even if it is just to peek inside. You will like what you see.

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0

10

Ryan H.

Cambridge, MA

I have never been terribly impressed by the sandwiches and I feel that they are a tad bit overpriced for what you get.  The best value would be the peanut butter and banana sandwich.

The coffee is great and the bagels are very yummy.  Sometimes seating is an issue because people tend to camp out for long periods of time (including some of the more interesting folks from central square...).

Everyone that works there is very nice and friendly.  I've met the owners a few times and they're just as nice.

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Elite '08

1474

588

Ligaya T.

Cambridge, MA

Interesting to see how a face lift, thoughtful menu and green awareness transforms a place. In the past I'd never actually visited the cafe, not enticed by it's offers and actually ignored it after renovation for the first few weeks, an easy thing for a non habitual coffee drinker. Now I'll happily munch one of their yummy sandwiches (wasn't impressed with the salad combos) or a pastry and eat the day away.

Improvements? Sound levels are inconsistent. All the Honest Teas are fruit flavors, unsweetened teas would be appreciated. Also, when you get sammies to go they leave out the bean salad, boo!

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Elite '08

25

108

John S.

Somerville, MA

It takes a lot of guts to call yourself the Clear Conscience Cafe.  I expected the sandwich shop equivalent of the Pompous Barista to serve me, and was pleasantly surprised when it didn't come to pass.

A very friendly cashier took my order for a pressed turkey sandwich (with sliced apples, cheddar cheese, carmelized onions and a tangy cranberry mustard) on multigrain bread, asked if I wanted a cup of water when I said I didn't want any soda and then began making my lunch.

The food was delicious.  The sandwich was made and pressed well, and the chick pea salad on the side was, in a word, zesty.  I sat for about twenty minutes and ate while people watching the young and hip enjoy the free wi-fi.

Everyone I know tends to go to Wendy's when the need a quick bite at the corner of Mass and Prospect.  I'd recommend giving this place a shot.  It's a lot healthier and, hey, you'll have a clear conscience.

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Elite '08

200

428

Trish F.

Cambridge, MA

I appreciate the Harvest Coop's mission even though I don't shop there that much, so that's why I really wanted to like this place. Like.. really really..

The cafe seemed cute with comfy chairs and whatnot, but being cute isn't what keeps me coming back for more. The workers were nice enough. They weren't exactly paying attention to me because there were police officers afoot looking for some drunken guy that had been harassing customers. I did get a smile when I dropped $1 onto the tip stone slab (what IS that? Jars out of fashion since I last worked in a cafe 7 months ago?).

Down to the food. The wait wasn't long which was good because I was starving. I liked the side bean salad but the sandwich was okay. It was basically a tomato sandwich, which is sad because 1) I ordered a "roast beef sandwich" 2) I can't eat tomatoes. The sandwich was a thin layer of roast beef and1/4 of a tomato. I like ma meat and well, meat isn't what they're going for here I guess. To top it off, the bread was cold and not too appetizing.

I won't be coming back for a sandwich, maybe a salad?

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Elite '08

114

338

Devon W.

Somerville, MA

I stopped in here a few days ago for coffees post-gym, and I have to say the service was really nice.  They were out of the breakfast-mild coffee, and were polite and were brewing more, but I just got the darker roast.  Still tasty.  The treats look good, but I resisted.  The price point is okay, and the setting is much nicer than it used to be and always seems to be full of granola-loving patrons.

I enjoy the Harvest, and will most likely be stopping into the cafe if I need a coffee instead of a kombucha tea when I am shopping.

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Elite '08

37

108

JJ G.

Cambridge, MA

There is a lot to like about C3.  Not only are they trying to do the right thing, but they have basically rescued the sinking ship that is the Harvest Cooperative Market in the process.  And I thank them for that, because I have long loved the idea of the Harvest Coop, and now I am not too repulsed by it to learn to love the market itself.  

There is one thing at C3 that I totally die for- the peach coffee cake.  It's a must try!

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Elite '08

204

852

Allix T.

Allston, MA

My book group chose to have our latest meeting here - we're dorks and like to keep things in theme - since we'd just finished The Omnivore's Dilemma, Clear Conscience seemed a logical choice.

The staff are nice, the layout is very spacious, and they play some chill music at a reasonable volume. It's the kind of place where someone will ask to share your table even if there's another one open - and I kind of like that.

The only bummer is that you have to buy something from the actual cafe to sit there (in the past you could chill with your groceries from Harvest). Not a total downer per se, but for a place calling itself "Clear Conscience" I will admit that I was pretty floored by the almost complete lack of vegan items on the menu.  I mean with all of the local vegan bakers it would seem an easy feat to add a few extra really "clear conscience" items to the menu.

Just sayin.

Other than that, good fair trade coffee (but that's sort of a given in Cambridge) and a pretty good side three bean salad (one of my fellow bookworms couldn't bring herself to eat it b/c of the texture - the former freegan in me couldn't let food go to waste).

All in all a pretty decent place for a book group meeting - I'll give it another shot but I am really hoping that they'll expand the menu a bit. Five stars for concept, but two for follow through...

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Elite '08

39

261

Flora H.

Cambridge, MA

This is a wonderful place. I went the other day on a sunny afternoon (still freezing cold outside) and was able to soak it up through the huge windows. Decent espresso and really good sandwich selection.

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17

12

Laura M.

Cambridge, MA

4 stars for convenience, atmosphere, and the chicken sandwich.  I work a block from central so this place is perfect whether I need a quick snack or a long leisurely lunch break.  I should note, however, that I normally do super late lunch, say 2:30 or 3, so lines haven't been an issue for me.  The one time i was there it noon it was extremely crowded and the normally attentive service suffered because of it.

I go for the chicken sandwich, which was the best they've ever made it when I ordered it yesterday.  I hate to reference a Taco Bell commercial, but crunchy, cheesy, and melty (or whatever the hell that pregnant woman is craving) is the perfect description of this sandwich.  I stay for the music, which is almost always awesome, and the laid back atmosphere.  

Tuesdays are the one day I let myself eat lunch out (I'm broke) and lately I find myself going to C cubed for my weekly splurge.  I've had the coffee a few times, and I honestly expected a little more, but it was definitely drinkable.  The prices are high for the amount of food that you get, but I think the sandwiches are worth it.  

Considering my old go-to lunch place in Central was the homeless reality show that is the Wendy's, C cubed is definitely an improvement (although I do miss the fries sometimes...)

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127

188

O M.

Somerville, MA

I really wanted to like this place because it is close to my office and I am sick of the Central Square food scene.  I've gotten sandwiches here a couple of times when I needed a carb fix.  The sandwiches were just okay, but not great for the money.  But the reason for the 2 stars is the abysmal service.  Both times I was asked what I wanted 6 times, then waited like 15 mins, then was asked if I wanted it for here or to go 5 times.  I pay that much for a sandwich sheerly out of convenience, and this was NOT convenient.  I can go to Hot Off The Press and get a cheaper, better sandwich in 5 minutes, and the service there is good.  

The space is really nice and this place has potential, I just hope they include the service.  This is the kind of business I like to patronize, but only when they have their game together.

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Elite '08

75

133

Colin N.

Cambridge, MA

It's amazing how price insensitive I can be when the food is tasty. Almost $8 for a sandwich is a LOT. Prices are higher than most coffee shops in the area. The atmosphere is good though, and the branding ("Clear Conscience") makes you feel like you're helping starving children or something.

I will alternate between CCC and HOTP, but I have to admit - I'm leaning towards CCC even with the higher price.

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Elite '08

27

281

Bryanne R.

Jamaica Plain, MA

Very excellent cafe.  Great food/snacks.  Delicious drinks.  Lots of space to sit and chat/do work.  Good music playing. Super friendly staff. Clean bathroom.  Looks like a big step up from what it used to be.

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0

2

r. h.

Cambridge, MA

I have shopped at Harvest Community market for about 10 years, and I remember when they opened the cafe, which was nice.
The whole place always had a great community vibe with the huge bulletin board.

Now, with "Clear Conscience Cafe" we lose that whole community feel.  The bulletin board made you feel connected to the community.
the owner doesnot realize that community is just as important as earthly sustainability.

I was told the owner refused to put the bulletin board up.   He says he cares about the environment, but does he care about people?

I felt that he might have a pretty "high concept" about being green.  I totally believe in being green.  But being green is a world view, that is about caring for ALL that is living.  
Whats the point in advertising "being a green" cafe unless your full heart is behind it?

I am not convinced the owner is as concerned about living things, is  he is about cashing in on the latest "green trend." As another peron noted, he does not even have any Vegan items, even thought there are tons of vegan bakers in the area.
However, I will always support Harvest..even with its limitations.  

He feels he is doing everyone a favor, because he "saved" Harvest.  

But unless he really cares about the community, it might as well be another freak'n Starbucks.

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Elite '08

15

107

Bevin C.

Cambridge, MA

I have enjoyed the sandwiches here.  I like the little bean salad they throw on your plate.  I like the coffee.  My experience with the eager beavers behind the counter has been largely positive, though sometimes they seem a little desperate.  It is fun to sit and watch the staff yell at the Central Square StreetFolk who wander in and sit on the comfy couches without buying anything.  Given the location, I say C3 was asking for that.

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Elite '08

16

164

M. Deloris D.

Arlington, MA

I dig the Clear Conscience Cafe.   I hang out here when the frightfully inefficient 70/70A bus routes fail me.  Really, how difficult is it to get to Waltham?  I digress.   The staff here are friendly and the decor is calming, true to the 'hood, you still run into the 'street' element from time to time.  I'm a big fan of their coffee and coffee cakes.  It's no coincidence, the two compliment one another well.   The arugula walnut salad is also quite good, thing is, I don't like paying nearly six bucks for greens and nuts but dieters can't be choosers right?   There's also free WiFi here which makes it a sweet study spot, if you can get over the flashing lights and sirens that give Central Square it's character.

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18

129

Eve L.

Brighton, MA

It used to be that the Harvest Cafe was laughably inefficient.  I went there faithfully for many months because of the baker who made the Elvis muffins (chocolate, banana, and peanutbutter = heaven) but when they went away, it wasn't worth the incredibly stoned cashiers and mangy looking digs, even  though the food was good.  

Now, Clear Conscience Cafe has moved in, clearly espousing the same values Harvest Co-op has always upheld, but now with a pleanant, clean, modern re-design, and delicious food.  It's a real upgrade. It's amazing how much more space they got just by removing the hip-high wall that was creating a walkway in the old design.  

I do, however, miss the community board, which was the best of its kind in the Boston area.

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Elite '08

60

196

Annie P.

Cambridge, MA

Update:
The sandwiches are getting more and more WEAK!
I no likey so muchy anymorey.

Update:
Oh looky here. Today was actually the first open to public day.
Ceilings are high. Lots of tea options.

No more flyer board.. just a bunch of new Out of The Blue (eew) Gallery Art... the pieces were very bearable to look at though. They have this artist who does paintings that = photographs. Nice touch with the hanging wires to put them up too.

Turn around is that the food is now freshly made on the spot. No more pre made mushy wraps and sushi rolls.

Had the PB&Banana on Whole wheat. Tasty. Plenty of healthy choices for bread.

You can find your usual but quite alert Harvest staff behind the counter. Friendly, straight up about getting your order correct (what bread, warmed up? etc..) and he even cleared our plates and paper cups for us when we just sat around chit chatting.
Seating for four available. Seating for two everywhere. Plenty of room. The stiff communal and modern look gives off a Starbucks-ish feel.. but it's CLEAN! I don;t know for how long.. but enjoy the bouncy floor and relax. Ahhh...

The point of this review will still remain: pissing off Tom E.
-------------------------------------------------- -------
This is the new place opening up to replace Harvest Coop Cafe. (Which includes their wondrous public bathroom)

This review is mainly to piss off TOM E.

I've walked through this renovating cafe for a couple of weeks now.. so it counts.

You too can walk through it now.. so go walk on by. Brightly lit.. with a great zen-like name to go with it.
Hope the free wi-fi and the huge board with flyers from all over will also follow.

This is from the website-----

"Dear Harvest Customers:

We have exciting news to share. Our cafe renovation initiative is beginning.

The Clear Conscience Caf's design and development is green and follows the strict LEED guidelines. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Upon completion the caf will offer the community a much improved caf setting and continue its commitment to serving organic and fairly traded products.
During the construction the caf will be closed.
However, access to the Harvest Market from Massachusetts Avenue will be kept open as often as possible.
The side entrance doors to the Harvest Market will not be affected and will remain open as usual.

We are very excited about the continued development at the Harvest Coop Markets and apologize in advance to all of our valued customers, for the temporary inconvenience as we prepare to serve you better.

-- The Staff at Harvest Co-op Market"

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16

22

arete j.

Cambridge, MA

11/07/07, Update: C to the Power of 3 is growing. They seemed pretty organized today (and I also got cheddar instead of boursin cheese). Keep up the good work.

C to the power of 3 needs to grow a little more.

I suppose when a place just opens, it can have a bit of trouble getting organized.C to the power of 3 has this very problem. It's in the center of Central Sq, and the Central Squarians are excited that there is a new place for sandwiches, and coffee. So, again--they need to get it together. It gets crowded: the line is long (which now leads me to my next point):

When I ask for NO boursin cheese but substitute it for cheddar, they need to do it. The person at the cash register, for some reason, can't let the sandwich maker know this. Why? And, the sandwich maker doesn't know whether or not the sandwich is "to go" or "for here". So this causes the sandwich maker to SHOUT for who had what sandwich, and if it's "to go" or "for here". Ridiculous. This confusion causes everyone to wait, and to get something you didn't ask for--like my unwanted boursin cheese.

Despite of my slight annoyance, I'll give it second chance. They do use natural/fresh ingredients (which is very important to me). It's also an an improvement from the old dingy Harvest Co-op Cafe's sloppy-soggy sandwiches. I just hope C to the power 3 grows to be more organized.

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0

4

katy d.

Cambridge, MA

What a gorgeous place to have a coffee! As a remote worker, I used to suffer through my writing sessions at the old Harvest Cafe (free WiFi but lots of crazies who put Central Scare on the map). Now the cafe is a destination, with lovely lighting and very comfy couches and seats. I was also happy that their coffee was as good as the old Harvest Cafe's. Haven't tried the food yet!

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0

7

M W.

Cambridge, MA

Pretty space, but I do not care for the new coffee. I always liked the Coop blend back in the day. I think the staff are trying to find their way;  I've waited 10 minutes for a bagel with no line-not sure why that was such an ordeal. If they at least bring back the wall of flyers and vanity mirror, we'd have something to look at while wait.

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1

3

Sherwood C.

Cambridge, MA

Organic Coffee that is premium, premium, premium.  Finally you can drink fair trade and not have to suffer through it.   Easily the best coffee in the square.  The shadow knows.  The Harvest Co-op has really done it.  Check out how they made-over the old dump that used to pose as a cafe...even a few lounge chairs and sofas. Free wifi too!

Was there today...who would have thought you'd ever see a crowd in that place!  Let's just hope Clear Conscience Cafe can keep it up.

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