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Allston Cafe - CLOSED
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
155 Brighton Ave(between Harvard Ave & Linden St)
Boston, MA 02134
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
(617) 782-9599
- Nearest Transit:
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Harvard Ave @ Brighton Ave (66)
Brighton Ave @ Harvard Ave (193, 57, 57A, 66)
Brighton Ave @ Linden St (193, 57, 57A)
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
43 reviews for Allston Cafe
Review Highlights
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"And very importantly: VEGAN OPTIONS." In 18 reviews -
"Favorites for breakfast: Tiny Mighty and MegMuffin." In 4 reviews -
"...sweet treats like the original ice cream and baked goods." In 9 reviews
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43 reviews in English
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Review from Casey C.
Allston-Brighton, MA
11/27/2010
Some of my favorite coffee in the city. The Tiny Mighty and the Hostile Hangover Takeover are amazing. Great atmosphere and staff. Was my regular coffee/breakfast spot when I worked in Allston. A+
Update: are they gone? What happened? -
Review from Iris E.
Boston, MA
11/16/2010
The closing of Allston Cafe is the end of Allston.
Sure, Allston still exists, but every day more and more of what makes it worthwhile shuts down. Allston Cafe (formerly Herrell's and Herrell's Renaissance Cafe) was one of those places. This is equivalent to losing Bunratty's.
Why did this place kick ass? It is the best place to get a fast, delicious homemade-style breakfast, lunch and coffee and bump into ten people you know while also taking in the latest artwork by Boston's most cutting edge underground artists. (Goldenstash, Dave Tree, Amy Toxic, Ian Adams, Iansanity have all shown there.) Occasional live music. Yummy sweet treats like the original ice cream and baked goods. ... And very importantly: VEGAN OPTIONS.
-Vegan options include: pancakes, bagels with tofutti cream cheese, muffins, sandwiches, cupcakes and "no moo" ice cream.... and coffee.
- Hipster level is high. This is a hang out for Allstonians, so everyone from ancient rockers, punx, skaters and hipsters hangs out there. You're likely standing in line with half the Boston rock scene.
- The innovative breakfast was originally cooked on the espresso machine. Eggs were made on the milk steamer.
- That said, keep in mind that this was originally an ice cream shop. The menu isn't huge, but everything on it is delicious.
- No parking.
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR ALLSTON CAFE TO * HOPEFULLY * OPEN IN A NEW LOCATION!Listed in: Veg Eats, Punk, Innit?
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Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
8/24/2010
When the Allston Cafe was still Herrell's (and even first became the Allston Cafe) I was probably it's biggest fan. I lived around the corner and was a total regular - I loved the vegan sandwiches, coffee, and the friendly staff.
Since I"m on tour a lot of the time and don't live as close it's a rare occasion that I get to visit this place. A few of the same faces are still there and still awesome with customers...BUT....the last few visits have been a bit disheartening...
The place has been dirty (it used to be spotless when Paige first took over) - they've been out of things, some of the new staff have been really rude to people who look "not Allston" - and that's just not cool.
The kicker for me though was that some of my favorite Herrell's to Allston institutions, like the HumVegan are just shadows of themselves. Now maybe it was the new employee making it, maybe it's the tough economy, but the last time I ordered an HV it was about half the size of the sandwich I used to order on the regular. There was barely any hummus on it, the veggies were soggy, and the whole thing was just sloppy. There was grease all over my takeaway container too like it had been set down in something.
I'm torn because for years this place was my total steady and now it just seems like a shadow of what it was.
Maybe I've outgrown it, maybe times are just tough, at any rate, the Allston Cafe is no longer my must go to place for breakfast and brunch in the A-B area...and that's a bummer. -
Review from Alyssa J P.
Brighton, MA
7/21/2009
I love this place. Apparently the name change is due to the previous company wanting to go corporate, and the employees wanting nothing to do with that, which is pretty awesome as far as I'm concerned, even though the name change came as quite a shock.
The vegan options are awesome, they have delicious sandwiches, although they are a bit pricey if you're a cheap grad student such as myself. However, the cupcakes and other snacks are worth the price. I find that the vegan baked good selection here is probably the best in all of Allston / Brighton, especially now that TJ's is closed and took their cupcakes with them and My Thai and their cake moved to Chinatown.
Also, I hear the coffee and smoothies are pretty good too, but I usually just opt for water.Listed in: Favorite Vegan Eats
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Review from Michael L.
Allston, MA
4/10/2010
Wish my phone wasn't a junkface and still took pictures.
Also, I wish more places made me think "I want to come here every day." I still call it Herrel's in my head but whatever. I went here for maybe the dozenth (google agrees that's a word?) time, and had my best experience yet. Bagel ($2) and Hostile Hangover Takeover Sandwich ($5.14) plus Iced coffee (~$2) were on my personal menu this time.
This sandwich pretty much ended my days of going to other breakfast places. It was the Jackie-Chan-karate-chop to the fruits/buds of breakfast sandwiches. Hot, spiced (I do mean spiced my friend) homefries on cheddar, with catsup, paired with a dynamic duo of spicy breakfast sausage and straight up bacon. I was truly impressed with the flavor of this sandwich, the creative pairing, and the spice. I recommend getting it on their homemade bread instead of bagel.
gwahhhhh!
Balanced, delicious, bursting flavors. I recommend anyone to try this breakfast sandwich that makes you feel like you are getting much, much more than $5.14 worth of flavor.
The atmosphere is boisterous and cozy, with really great local art displayed on the walls. The obnoxious and friendly counter-worker was quick and loud, and I liked it. He even charged my friend for a small iced when she asked for a serious cream-space in her coffee.
20c discount, score! -
Review from Danielle K.
Quincy, MA
7/20/2010
I went to Allston Cafe tonight because I was craving ice cream.
I was greatly disappointed with the service. The staff member who scooped my ice cream was wiping his nose on his arm while doing it. He was called from the back of the store because the vanilla frozen yogurt was "too hard to scoop".
I wish I'd said to just keep the ice cream and left.
When I got home, I ended up just dumping it down the drain.
To top it off, they didn't honor the 2 for 1 ice cream coupon I had from the Entertainment book and just threw it away.
I will never be back. -
Review from Katie V.
9/19/2010
I like this place a lot. The hipster-to-normal-person ratio is usually 14-1, but what's better than people-watching and eavesdropping while waiting for your breakfast? I have heard some amazing conversations in line for my food/at neighboring tables. And once, I saw a midget with a mohawk in there. Awesome.
I have tried basically every sandwich. Favorites for breakfast: Tiny Mighty and MegMuffin. Both delicious and cost about $3. The french toast is also excellent, as is the oatmeal. Breakfast burrito is hit or miss -- sometimes, it's great, sometimes there's not enough cheese and chili inside.
Lunch: Hot and Sweet turkey is delicious, as is the ham sandwich that comes with mango chutney (or something like that). The BLT is....a BLT. The tomato-basil-mozzarella on foccacia is gigantic and satisfying. I could go on and on.
Yes, sometimes there is a line and wait for food, esp. on weekends. But that's because it's an understandably popular place and the kitchen is small. The staff is very friendly and chill. I usually can get a table/seat within 5 min. And the wifi is free and fast. Me likey.
Oh, one more thing: they never give you crap if you need to pay with a credit card, even if you only get coffee and want to charge less than $5. No attitude about that, which is nice. Other businesses should take note. -
Review from Bradford M.
Portland, OR
7/28/2009
Good location, bad blueberry muffin, good smoothie, good coffee, service with a smile, cute art.
It was a really bad muffin, but the painting on the wall of a monster puking on some heart-shaped helium balloons made up for a lot.Listed in: Coffee Spots
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Review from Justin G.
Brighton, MA
8/17/2010
I always get nervous about giving out five star reviews. I mean that is like saying I love you, if you do it too soon you've ruined a relationship, or at least it becomes very awkward. Anyways, hey Allston Cafe, you are as good as it gets babe.
Really though, this place is pretty fantastic. To begin with I think his name is Justin, the white rapper who you see at all those underground shows in Allston knows how to wake you up in the morning. Salty and direct he doesn't soothe you with the pleasantries of the morning. He can clear a line, and clear you sleepy head with his intensity.
The coffee is great. I'm spoiled, I can't get my coffee anywhere else and feel as satisfied. The food is cheap, thoughtfully prepared, and healthy with a vegan leaning.
The atmosphere is very independent with an empyhis on showcasing the color of Allston. You can't be anywhere else. Well maybe Williamsburg or west Chicago would have a similiar/same vibe. Accordingly the crowd is tatted up with messy hair and funky clothes. Mostly keeping to themselves reading Death in Venice or pretending to do work on their macbooks/other apple product. If Hopper were around and paiting today, this is what his iconic diner would look like.
The service is pretty slow, but I think it just means they are taking their time to serve you a superior product. Besides, they aren't in any rush to kick you out. I think they would be just as enthusiased if you were hanging out looking like a hipster/chicster and not purchasing anything.
Allston Cafe, it's like the Seabiscuit of cafes. It has heart. Which should be it's tagline when adapted into a teledrama on the Lifetime Channel. -
Review from Alex B.
Boston, MA
10/23/2009
Allston Cafe is a little coffee shop sitting on the corner of Harvard Ave that is welcoming to anyone who walks by. Its a cozy place with about 10 small tables to sit down. This isnt any sort of chain because all the decor in the place looks like it was done by the people who work there, adding to the genuine feel.
The wait staff is friendly and dont seem to be the typical starbucks employee who are just there because they're at work. These people seem to enjoy being there making the experience much better.
I've only been there for breakfast and they have a lot of options. They're all tasty, but there is one item that is something like I've never seen before. Its called the "Hostile Hangover Takeover" and consists of sausage, bacon, egg, cheese, hot sauce, and home fries on a bagel. Its a behemoth of a sandwich and is worth going there merely to try it. -
Review from Allison R.
Somerville, MA
1/21/2010
A lunch date with my favorite coworker gay brought us to the Allston Cafe. I'd popped in here once before on a freelance marketing gig, and noticed nothing's really changed since the name was Herrell's except the sign.
As I'd been warned, some pseudo-homeless dudes wandered around and did weird shit like play a portable flat keyboard thing at the register when I went up to ask for syrup-- but I think this may have been an employee? Not sure.
Breakfast is served all day, which is always a major win. My heat skipped a beat when I saw my menu options, which included the Breakfast bomber-- two eggs, hash browns, a side of meat, and pancakes or french toast. I can list on one finger the number of fine dining establishments I frequent that offer french toast with anything else on the side.
I gleefully ordered my food from one dude and a chocolate milkshake from another girl. Not to be upstaged, my gay also ordered a shake and the bomber, but with his eggs over-easy.
After some searching, I located ketchup, tabasco, salt, pepper, and syrup and was equipped to commence my eating. We enjoyed a delightfully cozy lunch punctuated by intermittent gushings of "I'm so happy right now." Maybe we would have gazed into each other's eyes if we weren't so transfixed on stuffing more potato cubes into our faces.
Granted, it's a hipster hangout and I wonder how clean they can really be if the manager drinks ice coffee behind the bar and leaves her purse on their ice bin, but if I ignore these small food violations and suspend my disbelief in the subculture for an afternoon, I found I can enjoy some tasty comfort food and conversation.
burp. -
Review from Karen H.
Allston, MA
5/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place gets so busy on the weekends! It's kind of a neighborhood favorite for the Allston punk kids and what not. You can see a lot of the local artists' work displayed here and all the tables are painted by an artist too. Very cool and rowdy atmosphere and run by cool cats. Their coffee and lattes are pretty good and cheap. The "breakfast bomber" is a steal and you'll be stuffed with all the eggs, pancake, and homefries! (It comes with a choice of meat but I don't eat that so they gave me a side of fruit salad. Sweet!) I like eating inside here as long as I get a table. All the condiments are self serve at the station so you might have to figure it out a little. Lots of vegetarian and vegan friendly options (including pastries) that I have yet to try!
Only complaint is that I wish their egg & cheese breakfast sandwich could be substituted with avocado rather than meat. I tried it with mushrooms and it was just alright. -
Review from Jack S.
Allston, MA
9/21/2010
Delicious coffee, great sandwiches
Very cool hipster/artsy motif going on inside.
It's usually too packed to actually get a table when I go in there but I'm usually in a hurry anyway so it's not a big deal.
Everything I have ever gotten here was good. Especially the tiny mighty which is my favorite. Cheap and DELICIOUS -
Review from Renee M.
Philadelphia, PA
4/8/2010
I came in here last Saturday with my roommate searching for some iced coffee. Well, it so happened that I was hungry too so I decided to splurge the extra $2.50 for a breakfast sandwich. Good call on my part.
I forget what the sandwich I had was called but it was egg and cheese on an English muffin and it was fresh and yummy! The iced coffee was pretty awesome too. The people that work here are super nice and friendly and the whole atmosphere is chillaxed and fun. I spent half my meal coloring in the random coloring books they have in the back! haha! Good times, I'll be back :) -
Review from Blake J.
Allston, MA
7/19/2010
I wholeheartedly love Allston Cafe. That said, I fully recognize it is not going to be a cafe that everyone can handle.
First things first, Allston Cafe is completely endemic to the neighborhood. No need to ask around folks, you are in Allston Village. For some people that conjures words and images like "student ghetto", "hipster hangout", "dirty crust punks", "40 oz.", "artsy and alternative", "un(der)employed youths-in-revolt" who are "slummin' it on Daddy's dime"... whatever the hell it is you think normally happens in Allston, Allston Cafe will not necessarily contradict those notions. From the artwork on the walls and tables to the staff with all of their piercings and tattoos to the customers who might've read On the Road as a self help manual to the indie kidz bop that plays all day, the nontraditional vibe is everywhere . If those ideas give you pause, not only are you in the wrong cafe , but you really shouldn't have taken the B-line past Kenmore...
Beyond the perceived culture, I've found service to be perfectly nice and friendly and I am not even one of the regulars the staff knows by name. From what I've seen the folks there have been more than accommodating to all types of legitimately annoying people. (Being civil to someone who thinks they and their espresso are entitled to just park at a four-person table during peak business hours is certainly beyond my politeness range at any rate.)
People and culture aside, the food is great and cheap! For breakfast, the megmuffin, the tiny mighty, and the egg and cheese are tops. (The first two I no longer eat as a vegetarian). Sandwiches: try the Taj of BLTs or the ultimate tomato and mozzarella. Most things are rather customizable for vegetarians and vegan and accordingly I've found Allston Cafe to be one of the few places that has made my switch from omnivore to vegetarian seamless. In terms of drinks, I don't drink coffee, so I can't comment on its quality, but ALL of the smoothies are good.
Initially, I was going to give Allston Cafe four stars and if I were still eating meat, I absolutely would have, but for inexpensive vegetarian options, friendliness, a debit/credit card machine, and free wi-fi I'm adding the final star. -
Review from Bret C.
3/28/2010
Not sure about all of this vegan stuff they do - I come here for the ice cream. It's outstanding.
I drive/walk by here all the time but didn't stop until this week. Went twice already this week.
Frappes are good, but just save yourself the effort and get a huge portion of a few different ice creams. Mud Pie is out of this world. "OMFG Chocolate" is just that. OMFG it was good. Cookie dough is one of the best I've had.
Sure, it's not called Herrell's anymore. And it's not in the safest area. And it needs some work on the inside. But it's sort of eclectic with funky employees.
Up next...trying out the sandwiches. But I'll probably just skip those and eat more ice cream! -
Review from Frank L.
Jamaica Plain, MA
5/2/2010
So for my first review I figured it should be here since I've gone on average 3-5 times a week for at least 6 years.
The staff is like a sitcom everyone has their own quirky personality and makes for interesting conversations. It can get loud and unruly at times but that's part of the charm.
The food is quick and always satisfying. My favorite is a classic Breakfast sandwich on wheat toast with eggs, bacon and cheddar cheese thats hands down the bomb. Also if I'm extra hungry a grilled BlueBerry muffin with butter is kinda like a mini stack of pancakes. The Mini (English Muffin, Eggs, Bacon, Cheese) is also tasty and light breakfast. Can't forget the coffee cause nothing is better then a Large Iced in the morning.
The prices are cheap which is great for the quality of food your getting, I think I spend less than $6 everyday.
Overall a good spot and you'll become a local in no time. -
Review from Rachel H.
Brighton, MA
7/10/2010
If you are vegan and live in the area, it's very easy for this place to become a staple of your diet. They offer vegan pancakes, french toast, lots of sandwich options, smoothies, and a vegan breakfast burrito that is worth its weight in gold. The staff are generally very friendly and will make an effort to learn your name if you're in all the time. It's a great neighborhood place, if you don't mind loud-ish music and college students taking up all of the tables. Don't bother going for brunch on Sundays--it's packed. Price-wise it's good for vegan food in Boston.
I took off a star because their coffee (hot and iced) is atrocious, which has become kind of a deal breaker for me. -
Review from Julie T.
Boston, MA
11/14/2009
This place is still technically Herrell's to me. Kind of like how the Banknorth Garden whatever is still the Fleet center. Some things just stick and this is one of those things.
I almost never come here for the ice cream and it's probably a crime, but it's kind of cold at this point in the year (November) and I usually take a walk out here for their great breakfast/lunch options.
The Megmuffin has totally won me over. I love it. It's sausage, eggs and cheese sandwiched in between english muffins that have been slathered with grape jam. The contrast between the salty sausage and the sweet jam is absolutely fantastic. Another definite has got to be the Motherclucker. Haha. It's not technically on the menu, but it IS fabulous. A huge wrap filled with eggs, sausage patties, chicken patties, cheese, salsa, hot sauce, tons of veggies, and sour cream, it's ready to give you a heart attack, but just one of those things where you just can't stop eating. I can't ever eat the whole thing in one sitting anyhow.
They also have a variety of pies and cupcakes and brownies daily and have tons of choices for vegans as well. The guy is also often insisting that they have the best coffee anywhere, but I have yet to find out. Since he lives only a couple blocks away from this place, I've eaten here a good half a dozen times within the last week, but that's nothing in comparison to his eating here that many times in a day.
This place has suddenly become my new go-to place and I don't feel bad about it for even a second. -
Review from Lu W.
Fenway, Boston, MA
11/2/2009
I come here almost every weekend for breakfast, and most frequently order the breakfast burrito. However, I omit the vegetarian chilli and substitute sausage! Try it, it's truly delicious.
If I'm feeling like I don't want a 600-calorie breakfast (rare), then I get the breakfast sandwich with bacon. It's pretty decent, but nothing life-changing. I like their iced coffee, too- but I've never ventured beyond that drink-wise. Good place. -
Review from Greg J.
Brookline, MA
8/17/2010
Vegan carrot cake and the BBQ tofu sandwich are each an excellent time. Gets a little crowded for breakfast, but if you can get a table and the vegan pancakes, you'll leave pleased.
Music ranges from annoying to awesome. At times the staff seems like they're doing you a favor by serving you food.
All in all a good spot. -
Review from Grace S.
New York, NY
2/4/2010
[redirect from Herrell's in Allston -- it's now Allston Cafe]
Pros: It's cheap, it's good enough, it's right next to the 66 stop.
Cons: Well, for bagels, you can go right over to Bagel Rising. For pastries, you can go to Padaria Brazil. For...just about anything, you can go elsewhere, and your dollar can go to something much, much better.
Balance: CONS
BOTTOM LINE: This is the mecca of choice for kids who've outgrown the pit in Harvard Square. They seem to love it. I'm not sure why. -
Review from Allison J.
ASTORIA, NY
7/21/2010
Allston Cafe is a little bite of hipster heaven. Delicious vegan pancakes and muffins, burritos to die for and yummy smoothies make this place taste great, but it's hard to keep your eyes on the food with all of the bizarre and interesting people who keep walking in an out the door! Combine that with the constantly changing artwork on the walls and you'll forget about what you were chomping on.
Great place for vegans and omnivores to commune! -
Review from Amy G.
Brooklyn, NY
8/10/2009
we waited 57 minutes for an order of vegan french toast and a muffin.
we're from NYC where the lines are longer, and the food we're waiting for is usually a lot better. this was a total waste of our time. -
Review from Ben L.
6/30/2009
Having a huge banner across your store front with an entirely new name is a surefire way to give people major WTF moments.
With the recent purging of Allston businesses I was worried that something horrible was afoot. As I walked up my apprehension slowly dies down. The normal people are here. There aren't dead bodies of former employees stacked up against the side of the building. The only evil cackling is coming from inside my head.
Once inside you know that everything is still right. This is your local place, your Allston place, with the good things that word implies.
More likely to have seats filled up than any other place I can think of in the area. Good art up on the wall. Just the sort of staff that you want when you're hanging around and just the type of people to pass food over to customers when they are sitting right there.
The name may be new but this isn't any corporate takeover. -
Review from Jang David K.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 11/26/2009
i fell in love with their vegan carrot cupcake as well....it's so moist and not too sweet....a rare balance for a vegan cupcake! Their lattes are average...i'm liking em less and less every time i have it.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/26/2009
it's hard to find free wireless cafes around allston and i was so excited to study at Allston Cafe… Read more »
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Review from e p.
Beverly Hills, CA
8/8/2009
Really good breakfast. Lots of wierdos taking up tables.
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Review from Josephine P.
Boston, MA
9/22/2009
Allston Cafe is the first coffee shop I visited since I moved to Boston. Coming from an area that only really had Starbucks, I had pretty high hopes.
I ordered my regular caramel latte and a mozzarella sandwich, my boyfriend ordered an iced mocha and the portobello sandwich.
What is awesome is that you can pretty much make up your own sandwich. I opted to add onions to it free of charge.
This place is really what I think of when I imagine a neighborhood coffee house.
Everything is pretty moderately priced about $10 will get you a great sandwich and a nice fatty drink.
Although it's not for the faint of heart (referring to the psychedelic graffiti art in the restroom), it has a lot of personality.
I respect Allston Cafe because of its role as a neighborhood venue, everywhere you look there are flyers, posters, and local 'zines that seriously promote local artists, bands and community events.
However, personally, the best part was that they have board games that you can sit there and play as you enjoy your hearty meals and drinks- I highly recommend playing battle of the sexes the Simpsons edition.
The only factor keeping me from giving it all 5 stars has to be the seating.
No place can ever have enough chairs to accommodate every single customer at all times without looking like a barren waste land 40% of the day, but It would be nice to have some outdoor seating.Listed in: Places I would show off when…
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Review from Meghan D.
Beverly, MA
6/30/2010
Oh, Allston Cafe. You won me over with your Megmuffin-it's my name! it's grape jelly/sausage/egg/cheese/yumminess!-and lost me with your horrible, horrible service. *sigh* I wanted to like you! You serve the best coffee within walking distance of the bf's apartment & have funky art on the walls. One time, my coffee & breakfast sandwich were even free (Coffeemate promotion) & that was kickass. I enjoyed the friendly banter among the staff and the regulars & looked forward to many happy returns, even though I'd ordered stuff from the menu and been told "Sorry we're out of that". More than once. The free wifi? cool. The board games? cool. Then came the last (emphasis on LAST) time I visited.
It was busy (as usual) & I needed hang-over recovery sustenance before driving back to the north shore. Waited in line for 15 minutes before the guy behind the counter said "Hey, if you're ordering food it's gonna take like a half hour or more to get it". Damn, that's a long wait for a simple meal, but thanks for the warning. The bf & I said Kthanxbye & started to walk back to the apartment when I realized "Hey! I still want coffee!" So, I went back in, went up to the part of the counter where they'd been taking drink orders two minutes earlier and....got ignored. We're talking avoiding eye-contact ignored. They served only from the line, which they hadn't been doing before(I had personally heard multiple times "If you're just getting coffee, order at the counter!"). Huh??? And I'd JUST left, so the people behind the counter probably should've checked what was up. I felt like a jerk just standing there & didn't feel like waiting another 10 min in line so I just hung my head and left. Allston Cafe, you broke my heart. -
Review from Mitchell B.
Boston, MA
11/12/2010
IT'S SOO SAD THAT THEY WILL BE CLOSING FOR GOOD ON 11/13
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Review from Amanda S.
Brighton, MA
6/24/2010
AVOID AVOID AVOID. Absolutely awful service. I went in with two friends on a Thursday when there was no line. The staff stared at us like we were doing them such a disservice by ordering their food. They then took 20 minutes to toast and serve a bagel- with an extreme 'tude.
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Review from Robert F.
Acton, MA
7/13/2009
I haven't been to this cafe in a long, long time and recently read that there were some changes so I stopped in for a quick bite on the go around lunch time. They serve breakfast all the time, which I like - since it is breakfast and usually less expensive than other meals.
I asked about the changes, and the only thing that changed I believe was ownership/name. After looking at all the menu options I did opt for a breakfast burrito - they were busy so it took a while since there is only 1 guy cooking. It gave me a chance to really look around - and noticed some amazing art work that is for sale...very unique.
The breakfast burrito contains toffettes, salsa, and I forget what else, but when it was being made the guy making it asked if I would like hash browns inside - said would be really good - so I agreed. He also cut it in half to make it easier to eat since I was taking it to go. The service is personal and friendly - can't beat that and the sandwich was great - the hash browns were awesome in it as was having the salsa inside versus on the side. There were other breakfast items I would recommend trying, too - and they have an array of drinks - hot and cold - and vegan breakfast pastries.
If you are in the allston village or even coolidge corner area stop in, you won't regret it. -
Review from Micaeli R.
Boston, MA
9/29/2010
A breakfast favorite. Usually crowded and hard to find a seat on weekend mornings and afternoons. There's quite a stereotype of people that work and go there. You'll feel like youre not trendy enough. But luckily, that does nothing to the food! it is delicious, and very cheap. You can get everything from a breakfast burrito to coffee ice cream for breakfast. I'm a big fan of their french toast and a mixed berry smoothie. Their smoothies are all organic and fresh, but theyre pretty pricy (between 4 and 5 bucks a pop.) I like this place, but it's no Bagel Rising. It's easily my second choice of breakfast places in Allston.
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Review from Anna K.
Boston, MA
10/11/2010
This place is really cute, but extremely Allston-hipster. The coffee and breakfast sandwiches are good, typical prices. You get to color on the walls, probably the best part.
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Review from Ethan A.
Boston, MA
5/16/2010
Jam packed on a Saturday morning, but pretty fast service nonetheless. Getting a table consists of good timing, luck, and sheer audacity to fight through a crowd when one opens up. Have been here on a slow afternoon, service was really chill and laid back.
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Review from Naomi S.
Allston, MA
6/16/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Allston Cafe always makes me happy. Their vegan carrot cake cupcake and oat bran muffin rock. In fact, the latter is usually gone by mid-day. Great food, atmosphere (it really does seem like a sitcom, from the idiosyncratic employees to "the regulars"-aka customers)! I take away a star, because the service is usually quite slow. :P but then again, you're coming here for the food and people, not the stepford wives-esque artificial "fast and friendly" service. :D
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Review from Devon F.
Boston, MA
9/23/2009
If you aren't in a rush this is a cool place to check out. 5$ can get you an egg sandwich and an ice coffee... a tad bitter, but not bad for the money. Local art is constantly changing on the walls, and the employees are really friendly. vegan friendly muffins are really good too! Only downside is its usually crowded during the weekends, and there is a good chance your going to have to curb it. So grab it to go, and enjoy some good cheap eats. (they seem to be open later too, serving ice cream...update later)
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Review from Michael D.
Boston, MA
11/15/2009
Allston Cafe has quickly become my sunday breakfast joint. The food is really great, always fresh, with quality ingredients. I particularly enjoy their breakfast wrap with sausage, atomic cream cheese, chilli, tomatoes, onions, and spinach. You can't find a wrap like that anywhere else. The smoothies and their espresso are also excellent. I really enjoy the the staff here, they are a mixture of brash, artsy, and just strange but it totally works. Allston cafe displays lots of local art which is always great to see. So the only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is because I can never find a place to sit since its always so packed. Lots of people sit to soak up the free wi-fi and there are only a few tables. Either way, I highly recommend this spot.
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Review from Michelle H.
Brighton, MA
4/22/2010
This place wasn't bad, but I am only gauging it on what I had, the vanilla frozen yogurt, and how hard it is to screw that up? I went here with the hope to find a great cup of ice cream...well the first three flavors I would have preferred they didn't have. Mind you, the flavors were up on the board, they just hadn't taken them down that particular day. I'm sure if they had the flavors they had listed I would have been much more thrilled. As I said, I only got vanilla, and wasn't that pleased. I have yet to find a frozen yogurt place on the east coast that is even comparable to anything in Ca
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Review from Erik G.
Allston-Brighton, MA
9/14/2010
Great coffee, and great, cheap breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burrito! The bagels an cream cheese selection is awesome. Its close to my house and a great place to have a morning(afternoon) meal after a long night
