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Amsterdam Cafe
Categories: Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Restaurants Sandwiches Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Sandwiches [Edit]
517 Columbus Ave(between Claremont Park & Worcester St)
Boston, MA 02118
Neighborhood: South End
(617) 437-6400
- Nearest Transit:
-
Massachusetts Ave @ Columbus Ave (1, 170)
Tremont St @ Worcester St (43)
Tremont St @ W Concord St (43)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 10:30 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dessert
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
41 reviews for Amsterdam Cafe
Review Highlights
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"...portion size is great and their prices are even better." In 3 reviews -
"...options it's awesome along w/ tofu ice cream you mix w..." In 5 reviews -
"It's so nice to walk around with your vegan softserve." In 2 reviews
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Jess M.
Boston, MA
4/17/2012
Love the mango froyo. Love the staff!
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Review from Jessica H.
Hyde Park, MA
2/8/2011
I love this place on so many levels.
I used to go here all the time after our animal rights meetings. Every other Monday I would live off their vegetarian minestrone soup or their rollups - falafel, garden burger, etc. So huge and so good! Vegetarian minestrone is hard to come by (no chicken broth) so I usually always got that. The soup also came with pita bread. There was usually always room for our group to sit together.
The other reason I love this place is because of their vegan softserve. They have 3 different softserve options - nonfat yogurt, regular softserve, and tofu softserve. You can get the one you want (for me always the vegan one - tofu) and then you pick the 40+ condiments to be added to it and they blend it together in this big drill. Best combinations: peanut butter + oreo, peppermint + coconut. It's so good! Esp on a hot summer day. It's so nice to walk around with your vegan softserve. The only thing is that it's a pint of ice cream! hello calories! and you eat it so fast.
Sometimes they do run out, so if you are driving across town just for this it may be a good idea to check to make sure they have the softserve in stock. Nothings worse than a sad face + empty belly when you arrive. -
Review from Ghost in the machine X.
Boston, MA
1/8/2012
Tulip sandwich is okay- not bad. Service was good. I think Blunch over on Harrison ave near mass ave blows this place out of the water though
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Review from Jeffrey H.
Washington, DC
4/12/2008 ROTD 3/6/2009
An extensive menu ranging from sandwiches to bagels, baked goods to frozen yogurt. There's seating inside and out - which is a plus for any establishment.
I ordered the Tulip Sandwich which is smoked turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, cole slaw, and russian dressing.
So let's get this review going...
I get home, sit down at the coffee table and pull out my sandwich. THIS THING IS GOLIATH. I'm talking the biggest sandwich on sliced bread I've ever seen. Like a cartoon sandwich where every single fixin' imaginable is piled high on sliced bread, topped with a cherry tomato on a toothpick, and INHALED by some character with an ever expanding almost pornographic mouth. That kind of sandwich.
Eating the sandwich was delicious and sloppy. Sloppy like two drunk people making out on a sidewalk after closing time. Saliva, lips, tongues, sin, messiness, ugliness, shame, and intensity right in the oral cavity. It got so bad, i just threw the sandwich down and devoured it with my hands (this would be the point when drunk #1 throws drunk #2 into a cab and gets a room). Yes, you're reading correctly. First I made out with my sandwich, but eventually I had sex with it. Food sex.
This thing is so sloppy, I think I'll always get take out. I couldn't imagine eating it in public. I'll treat it like one of those drunk folks on the sidewalk, keep their number in your phone to text secretly at 1:30AM and sneak them into your apartment under the cover of darkness. You'd never be seen in public with that kind of trash, but behind closed doors at home is a different story. -
Review from Tom E.
3/17/2007
I had HIGH hopes ordering the Boom Boom Brownie at Cafe Amsterdam... but sadly this cafe is not like the cafes in Amsterdam and their brownie are not like the 'brownies' they serve in those Dutch Cafes either, even if they give them suggesting names. Two hours have passed and I've still felt no effect - so I have to conclude that these weren't the type of brownies I was secretly hoping for.
Casual drug-use aside, Cafe Amsterdam wasn't very good. In fact it was crap. The coffee wasn't great and the staff didn't really want to serve me despite me being the only customer. They were too busy watching Hot Shots Part Deux (kudos to them for the film choice - plus one star).
And what's with the name Amsterdam? Is it to try and lure deviants like me or is it, as I expect, a shit attempt to appear 'all European' like so many of the places and people of South End? Well, frankly it's embarrassing, they should give it up.
My favourite touch... a framed sketch of a windmill. That's right.. Amsterdam - Holland - windmills... brand association. Sadly the sketch was labelled 'Eastham Windmill' - and that's in Cape Cod. Oh dear! -
Review from morg r.
Los Angeles, CA
10/24/2011
The food is blah. Even worse is the service. We ordered and payed at the counter, sat down to eat a very underwhelming meal and then headed for the door. We were stopped by some dude (I assume the owner) who accused us of not paying. We explained we payed when we ordered from a blond woman at the counter. He brought out another woman (brown hair) who said we never payed her. I explained we ordered from a different woman (Apparently she had left so they couldn't ask her) and the response from the owner was an icy glare. We shrugged, told him to contact his other employee for the truth, and left.
There is soooooo much better in the south end. Don't waste your money. -
Review from Andrew D.
Warwick, RI
3/6/2009
I went in on a slow Friday afternoon and the place was completely empty, so I'm not going to blame the guy at the counter for being on his cell phone the entire time and walking outside for 10 minutes after he took my order. Well, maybe I will. A little.
Despite that, I ordered the Tulip sandwich at the recommendation of another Yelper and loved it, it was probably the best sandwich I've had in weeks. Let me just reiterate: their sandwiches are HUGE. Three slices of bread and piles of food in between them, you cannot possibly take a full bite out of it. I didn't get to try the frozen yogurt this time, but I'm sure I'll be back eventually just for the awesome sandwiches. -
Review from Kate S.
Boston, MA
6/28/2006
Awesome, big-as-your-head frozen yogurt cups with just about any mix-in you could imagine. I had regular fro-yo with twix blended in, and the hubby had sugar free with reese's blended in. I liked his better than mine!
Next time I think I will bring in pretzels and see if they'll mix those in with peanut m&m's. yum. -
Review from Shauna W.
San Francisco, CA
6/2/2008
I just don't understand places that get upset with you when you come in close to closing time. I wasn't planning on hanging out, I just wanted my frozen yogurt to go. If you want to leave earlier then close earlier. I know its annoying when its close to when you can leave and you have a line of customers. Don't forget that the customers are the reason that you have a job. Also don't yell at the customer to close the door when their leaving!
So the story about this place is that its the cheapest place to grab a sandwich in the South End, but there is a reason for that. It as far as I can tell has nothing to do with Amsterdam, it just uses the name--maybe they think its cool? I dunno. The only reason to come here is for the frozen yogurt (I have a sad addiction so I deal). The service is sour and you feel like you're an inconvenience. Two stars, one for the frozen yogurt and the other is for the low cost. -
Review from Alex S.
Brooklyn, NY
4/20/2008
I have been to the Amsterdam Cafe a few times, usually while muckraking at the Lucy Parsons Center and feeling a bit peckish. The food is definitely decent, though the prices a bit steep for what you get: something you could easily make at home if you weren't totally lazy and/or thought ahead.
Amsterdam's only saving grace is their excellent dairy-free frozen yogurt, which I've purchased on multiple occasions. I would have given this place four stars simply for that, alas...the guy who owns the place (or maybe he's just the manager) is one snide mofo. So much so that, after today's event, I will not return.
Here's what happened. The sun was shining. It was 60 degrees, no humidity. A perfect day, you may be thinking, as was I, to ride your bike downtown and enjoy a delicious tofu frozen delight from Amsterdam Cafe. In theory, a good plan, but in reality, a grievous mistake...
Like a fellow Yelper, I was overcharged at the register; having been here before and knowing the price of what I was purchasing, I told the guy who rang me up. He seemed nice enough, and called the manager over, who was visibly pissed off, but did correct the price (with some prodding). When he handed me my frozen yogurt, I couldn't help but laugh: the container was filled less than three-quarters of the way! Normally, I wouldn't be so paranoid as to suggest this was done out of spite, but it was painfully obvious, given the quantity all of the other patrons were receiving. I mean, my portion was literally half of everyone else's. It was crazy.
It's cool if you want to dole out punishments by chinsin' on people's ice cream and giving them attitude, Amsterdam Cafe. But, in the great words of President George W. Bush, "if you fool me once, you can't get fooled again." -
Review from Steve s.
MA
1/10/2007
I have an addiction...To frozen yogurt of all things. Amsterdam Cafe has the best frozen yogurt, and it almost tastes like ice cream. Its not as good as my favorite food, The DQ Blizzard, but darn close.
I live a block from this place, and I have no self control....Also good sandwiches, they don't skimp thats for sure -
Review from Julie S.
Los Angeles, CA
8/9/2007
The whole Amsterdam theme is pretty random - it has been interpreted here as pictures of windmills and tulips, and naming a sandwich "The Red Light District". I was grabbing a late lunch with my boyfriend, and I ordered a BBQ chicken wrap, due to my love of all things BBQ sauce. I thought BBQ sauce was a pretty universally standard condiment.
I was wrong.
My wrap was filled with a bright orange goop that, while sort of good, bore no resemblance to the sauce I so dearly love. The guy working there was kinda rude, and insisted on taking a really complicated phone order while I waited at the counter. I absolutely had to try their "Orgasm Brownie," and while it did not induce the sensation for which it was named, it was fuckin good. I think I blushed when I ordered it.
Overall, a mixed bag. For a more uniformly enjoyable experience, you're probably better off going somewhere else. -
Review from Samantha E.
Austin, TX
9/15/2010
The coffee and espresso come from packets...
If I wanted instant coffee I would buy into the Starbucks Via packets.
The decor is really a clusterf*!# so you don't even want to stick around to eat.
I did order a croissant bacon/egg/cheese breakfast sandwich (that I took to go) and it was surprisingly delicious... Unfortunately it wasn't good enough to make up for all the other suckage this place is bringing to the table. -
Review from Danielle W.
Somerville, MA
7/10/2008
Amsterdam Cafe seems like an overall great place serving a wide variety of food. It is bright and colorful yet small. I had a raspberry fro yo (only $3.75) which gave me the best feeling brain freeze ever. It was sweet but not too sweet and even though it wasnt mixed all the way through it was still delish. Matt had a black iced coffee and we both split this huge cookie.
Overall its a nice place to stop for a cup of joe, a bite on the run, or one of their many frozen yogurts. It isn't big and it gets busy really easily but a nice place on the go. -
Review from Elizabeth D.
Tampa, FL
8/1/2010
I like their frozen yogurt with the wide variety of mix-ins they offer. I also tried their mozzarella and tomato sandwich on French bread. It was just OK.
What really put me off was that my friend (Linda E) and I accidentally grabbed another patron's sandwich wrapped to go because I couldn't understand what the woman was calling out. Linda E opened up the sandwich and split open the bread wondering if they had gotten her order wrong. She returned the sandwich to the woman at the counter, and the woman turned around and gave it to another patron (unaware) as his order! First she peeked into the bag and then brought it into the kitchen (I'm guessing to check the wrapping), then came back out 5 seconds later and called out to the other patron! Definitely not going back for sandwiches, only for the froyo. -
Review from Haley M.
Boston, MA
8/21/2009
I'd give it 5 stars if I just stuck to the frozen yogurt. But I had the food, so we're back down to 3.
The yogurt is so great - really low fat and you can mix in whatever you want, everything from fruit to Milky Way bars. My favorite (of this week, at least) is Cinnamon. It's not cheap, over $4, but you get a ton of it which is great if you want to share it and even better if you don't.
But the food...there's something wrong here. I've had sandwiches that were just ok, the bread is decent and the meat alright, but it's not a step up from something you could pick up at Stop & Shop that was probably made yesterday. The soup I had once clearly came from a can. And the last straw was a salad with what was supposed to be grilled chicken on it but was actually cold rubber that was held together with what appeared to be fat, but since I was sure it was not actually meat but plastic, who really knows.
Stick to the yogurt, expect nothing fancy, and you'll be a-ok. But don't say I didn't warn you about the other edibles. -
Review from Matt H.
Boston, MA
7/15/2008
-meh stale coffee
-boring atmosphere
-food was okay
Overall nothing offensive, but I wasn't compelled to go here again over the five other coffee places near by. -
Review from Kevin L.
Boston, MA
7/10/2008
Now, there isn't a whole lot to go on here, but whatever...
Pros: LOVE the Fro Yo (Frozen Yogurt)...tons of flavors... $3.75.... perfect for a summer evening. I. Love. it.
Cons: Haven't tried food yet...no prices on the menu makes me feel like if I don't look nice or smile pretty, that they will charge me more for my food...hence my avoidance of them.
I do like the location for people-watching AND they have 2 little tables w/ umbrellas outside which is always nice!
Great Fro Yo so I suggest at least checking it out for that whilst you go for your summer evening jaunt around the South End!!! -
Review from Michael F.
New York, NY
1/28/2007
My girlfriend and I just got back from Cafe Amsterdam, she wanted some pumpkin frozen yogurt. We ordered 1 pumpkin frozen yogurt, and were told that it is seasonal and they don't have any, even though it was still on the menu on the wall. My girlfriend decided to get carrot cake frozen yogurt instead (listed as $2.85 + $.48 for special flavor). The woman behind the counter made the yogurt and rang it up as $3.86. I assumed the extra $0.53 was for tax and whatever. We gave her $10 but she only gave us back $6 back. When we asked for our change she said it was "four even" even when we pointed out that the register said TOTAL: $3.86. She said the extra money was for tax. We then told her it says it will cost $3.33 on the menu, she said, the carrot cake is extra. I told her it was misleading to customers, she replied with "okay" and just stood there. So we left, never to return. It might be okay if this was a one-time thing, but I've heard too many bad stories about Cafe Amsterdam, and I'm beginning to think they're all true.
I will never go there again, not when there are so many other places to choose from. -
Review from Kiwi H.
4/7/2008
I live close enough to this place that if I wanted to, I could frequent it as a great easy spot to regularly grab some coffee, curl up in the corner with a book and snuggle up in. Well, it's alright, but it's just not what I'd hoped. Previous expectations aside, let me explain.
The decor is cute: yellow, orange, and other warm colours on the walls, it feels sunny and welcoming. There really isn't a lot of seating available, and within that seating there's only one couch, but the place isn't huge so I guess that makes sense - it just doesn't feel very cozy to me that's all. And the TV playing sports games just felt strangely out of place in the atmosphere. The 'Lavazza' sign in the window called out to me, since I generally associate that with pretty good coffee spots. My caramel flavoured coffee was pretty decent actually and I liked it, but my friend's chai etc. wasn't amazing, and I was a little surprised that there was no milk, creamer, half-n-half, etc. available on the 'add-ins' table nor was it offered when we got our stuff.
I got sucked into the baked goods window, but nothing screamed 'eat me!' as that moment, so frozen yoghurt it was. I really liked it, since I loved the way they actually ground up little things (like peppermint patties and heath bars!) and mixed that into your fro-yo. The blueberry was good, but I think I liked the mint chocolate better. Portion sizes were huge though, and there's a huge selection of flavours that accommodates many dietary restrictions too, which is really excellent. The staff wasn't particularly friendly; in fact, one guy (I think the owner/manager but I'm not sure?) was in a pretty sour and grouchy mood which was off-putting (I know everyone has bad days, but geez, it's not my fault whatever it is!) which was kind of strange amidst the sunny colours of the place. As for the name... well yeah, I don't know what's particularly Amsterdamish (yes I made that up!) about the place, but oh well.
I haven't yet had a chance to try the sandwiches etc. so I may get around to that sometime soon, but I don't see myself becoming a regular. But I could definitely see myself grabbing a froyo from here sometime on a sunny day, when I don't have energy to trek out to Berryline in Harvard (my fave for frozen yoghurt!). -
Review from C Q.
Boston, MA
5/31/2008
I'll admit I was lured in by the name, but my craving for munchies was hardly satisfied by this crap establishment. The egg samiches are gross and always microwaved, the tuna salad is pretty much low-grade kibble, and the lettuce in the salads is the slightly brown variety of iceberg. If you're in the area and want something similar but not gross, head down a few more blocks to the corner of mass ave and tremont and eat at Corner Cafe. The decor isn't as cute, but the people are much nicer and the food is actually good.
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Review from Gabe M.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2008
Fantastic place for roll-ups (a huge pita style sandwich). The spicy buffalo chicken roll-up is great. They have really good frozen yogurt as well with lots of options to blend in. Great place!
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Review from Jim M.
Boston, MA
8/2/2005
The Amsterdam Cafe has great paninis, sandwiches and cookies. The frozen yogurt blends taste like the Dairy Queen of my youth. My only complaint, and this keeps me from going there more often than I would, is the owner of the place. He's a mean-spirited little man, and from what I've observed, treats the employees poorly. Its a shame, because I live a block from this place, but I don't feel comfortable going there simply due to him.
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Review from Christian H.
Boston, MA
7/13/2008
The froyo is killer here (it's the kind that's like, a default flavor that they add stuff to -- so good). The outdoor seating is cute (2 tables, but I appreciate the effort) and the sandwiches are great (reasonably priced too). I'm a big fan. Definitely a delicious treat for a reasonable price. I'm not sure what all the bad reviews are about -- I've honestly never had a problem with this place. It's a neighborhood style place. I think people forget that kind of thing some times... We're not changing the world here people, we're simply providing sandwiches and delicious froyo.
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Review from Chris C.
Boston, MA
10/3/2007
Change of heart... I originally whined about this not being a destination to get a cup of coffee. I will stand by my original thoughts of their subpar coffee, but recently had my eyes opened to their mastery of the Sandwich Arts. Delicious, reasonably priced with fresh ingredients they should drop the "Cafe" and rebrand as Amsterdam Sandwich Shoppe and Yogurtery. Then I'd have nothing to complain about.
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Review from Alexander C.
Boston, MA
6/16/2009
I know I only went for frozen yogurt, but WOW. They have many flavors and a few of them are very interesting. Small and unique I would defiantly recommend it for dessert.
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Review from Katie P.
Brookline, MA
2/7/2009
The most fantastic frozen yogurt I've ever had: go for the fruity flavors!! I was obsessed with it last summer and probably gained 10 lbs. They also have amazing fancy sandwiches with cool names like Red Light District and Van Gogh.
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Review from Kate P.
Boston, MA
3/3/2009
Sorry Dad, I know you work for Ben and Jerry's and you give me free ice cream coups all the time, but Amsterdam Cafe delivers fro-yo to my door! If there are two things you know about me it's that I'm lazy and I love ice cream!
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Review from Kristine A.
Boston, MA
7/31/2009
This is such a cute place, I think it's great. They have such an array of vegetarian options it's awesome along w/ tofu ice cream you mix w/ toppings. Be warned it's basically a pint of ice cream & polishing it off in one sitting, as I have in the past, is quite easy. The have tables inside & out along w/ a tv which I always find amusing shows on. Good stuff. Really.
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Review from Brady B.
Dorchester, MA
2/27/2007
First of all, this place is not in fucking Roxbury! It's a few blocks in from Mass. Ave. on the south end section. The sandwiches are excellent! I've never eaten inside because it's small and I live nearby. The frozen yogurt is as good as the other Yelpers have explained. Try the Windmill: A double decker chicken salad with tomato, bacon and romaine sandwich that I never could finish in one try (and I can eat). It's that good.
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Review from Kaitlin M.
Boston, MA
8/10/2010
This is one of only a few quick on the go sandwich places in the South End so that's a bonus. But the sandwiches are lacking a bit. They rarely add on any sauces, spices etc. so be sure to add your own. They do have frozen yogurt that they make blizzard style with add ins. But as always nothing is as good as the real thing.
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Review from Debbie M.
Natick, MA
1/26/2009
You are lucky you are checking Yelp first - don't do it! Go to Colombus Cafe instead...
- The place was pretty empty, we actually thought it was closed but it turned out to be open. It's a small place with counter service and a few tables.
- We ordered 3 bowls of soup and they arrived about 15 minutes later, lukewarm.
- We ordered one sandwich on a croissant (we did not order heated) and it was a little charred and crispy on top
- We asked if our 5 year old could use the bathroom after spending about $30 for eat-in soup, sandwich, and a couple drinks, and their response was "we don't have a public bathroom". When I asked where they recommend I bring her, they said "I don't know". When I said "she really needs to go", they said "we don't have a public bathroom".
- They stared at us and didn't seem happy that we were there. It just felt weird.
- We ended up going to Colombus Cafe because we were locked out of our place in the neighborhood and my daughter really needed to go to the bathroom. The waitress at Colombus Cafe was super sweet. When I asked if my daughter could use the bathroom, she said "sure, anytime", with a big smile. Colombus Cafe has amazing food and drinks and the staff is incredibly friendly and down-to-earth. We didn't go there in the first place because we didn't have time to wait for a table... -
Review from Ruth P.
Boston, MA
6/27/2005 1 photo
Cafe Amsterdam has the best frozen yogurt in the South End. Its just like ankara's or cafe podima... you pick the flavors and they blend it all together... but in addition Cafe Amsterdam has tofu and sugar-free frozen yogurt for your lactose intolerant or low-carb-diet friends. Now EVERYONE can go get frozen yogurt together! What more could you ever ask for in life? The place also has good wraps and paninis. Amsterdam has outdoor seating as welll - so its a nice place to go, sit outside, people watch, and enjoy your frozen yogurt. Ah.... summer in boston is fabulous!
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Review from Heidi M.
Pembroke, MA
8/30/2005
Good for lunch and that is about it. Their portion size is great and their prices are even better. It is almost like eating at home. A little bit of an older crowd here, but it is still a good deal.
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Review from Kayla F.
Hillsboro, OR
8/11/2008
This place is good for a quick bite. Was even better when you're stumbling around looking for weird music shops in 90 degree heat. I had a delicious pressed sandwich here, and some pretty good wraps. The froyo is the clincher for me. Tastes just like ice cream but hopefully none of the guilt. Seating inside fills up quick though.
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Review from Tim N.
Boston, MA
5/19/2008
Although the name says Amsterdam, I'm convinced it's owned by the French. The owners and/or counter help seem to be almost annoyed that they have to serve you. This place could easily be a solid 3.5 stars but there's way too much attitude in this place. The location is great since it's right down the block but my advice would be to save your money and walk a block west to Uptown Espresso or walk down to Tremont and Clarendon and check out Francesca's.
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Review from Devon M.
8/13/2008
We often order paninis from here for the office, and I have to say, they are consistently good, are delivered quick, and have a pretty decent variety. My only complaint is that they don't bring you another menu when they deliver, and we've been ordering kind of the same pressed sandwiches over and over, which isn't a bad thing because they are pretty tasty. They are pretty heavy on cheese, so they can be a little greasy....not a bad thing, as they are delicious, but they sure can make you want to work out for a little longer. My only complaint is that they often call to see if we can come out versus bringing it up.....they are only a few blocks away and it would be easier if they just walked and didn't have to try and park. The delivery folks are always courteous, and bring us extra plates whenever we ask. I like the Amsterdam, despite the fact that I've never gone in and only have had lunch delivered.
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Review from Amy G.
Brooklyn, NY
8/10/2009
vegan fro-yo with whatever I want in it? five stars, no questions asked.
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Review from Julie C.
4/22/2008
i like the soft serve and all the topping choices you can get. a big serving for price. altho service is rather on the slow side.
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Review from Laura A.
7/20/2008
my hairdresser at liquid is always recommending this place for me as a veg-friendly place, and it definitely is. not only do they have tofu for blend-ins (!!) they have a vegetarian soup of the day and a bunch of different veg sandwiches and roll-ups. i had the gardenburger pita roll-up and it was tasty as hell. i am pretty sure the gardenburger inside was homemade. my boyfriend had the "van gogh" and it didn't look that impressive (it was basically just meat and cheese) -- go for the roll-ups here. they're as big as your forearm and cost like $6!
