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Bloc 11 Café
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Bakeries Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Bakeries, Sandwiches [Edit]
11 Bow StSomerville, MA 02143
(617) 623-0000
- Nearest Transit:
-
Bow St @ Warren Ave (85, 87)
Somerville Ave @ Union Square (85, 87)
45 Bow St (85, 87)
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Fri 7 am - 8 pm
Wed-Thu 7 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Cafe Luna specializes in panini and specialty sandwiches, large salads and gourmet flatbread pizza using the freshest ingredients. We have a hand… read more »
232 reviews for Bloc 11 Café
Review Highlights
"This is a great spot for the Union Square area."
(in 44 reviews)
"Their outdoor seating was dreamy, as well."
(in 21 reviews)
"And the old bank restoration is just cool."
(in 17 reviews)
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232 reviews in English
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Review from Sofia B.
Somerville, MA
1/20/2012
It's a must go to spot, especially in the summers when you can really enjoy the outside patio or a warm breeze from the wall-sized windows that open.
This place is in a cool and calm location in all of Somerville. There are multiple vibes in this one coffee shop. I like to head over to the nook with the fireplace and board games.
Pros: Delicious drinks and ambiance! Love the hub!
Cons: No free wifi (I guess it keeps this place from being packed all the time!)
And I agree with the reviewer, Michael K., about how this place is missing some "X factor." My humble suggestion is that it needs stronger food/sandwiches and/or cheaper prices for that wow factor. -
Review from Sarah W.
Somerville, MA
2/3/2012
I really want to give Bloc 11 all 5 stars -- they have a super friendly staff and an excellent selection of sandwiches, soups, pastries, and beverages. It's a great location with an amazing little side yard for those nice, sunny day offs. I go there often and recommend it all the time.
But what prevents me from giving it all the stars I know it could earn is the cleanliness factor. The tables (which are mostly uneven and wobbly, like most of the chairs) are ALWAYS dirty -- crumbs, salad bits, leftover whatevers all over the place. I frequently have to clean the table myself and even then all I can use is a dry napkin since there's nothing else available. But what is beyond gross is the ladies' bathroom (I can't speak to the men's since I've never been in there). It, in itself, is kinda messy (ALWAYS toilet paper all over the floor) but what really kills me is the smell. WHAT is that SMELL? It's seriously gag-worthy. It smells like a sewage plant. And sometimes that smell makes its way out into the dining area, so if you're sensitive to such things, pick a table in the front.
I will keep going to Bloc 11, there is no doubt -- but I might be more prone to take out than dine-in. -
Review from Christina C.
Somerville, MA
1/25/2012
If its a warm, sunny morning in Union Square, I'd love to be on the tiny patch of grass abutting Bloc 11. They serve what I consider to be the perfect cup of coffee (dark roast that isn't simply torched and then watered down) and I love the staff (Hi, Steve!)
HOWEVER...
A perfect cafe these things do not make.
Not being a sweets person, I don't jump for joy at the sight of pastries, muffins or donuts and being a blood-thirsty animal "lover", I don't care if they're vegan or soaked in pigs blood for that matter. If I'm going to treat myself in the morning, I crave the perfect breakfast sandwich.
To sum up the bloc 11 sammich: Flavorless, unseasoned, overcooked, CRUMBLY eggs on focaccia bread that absolutely cannot hold up to it. You CANNOT eat this sandwich on the go and frankly, you can't eat it at a table, either. Ham cannot save this sandwich and even the default cheddar cheese just sits there. It cools and becomes firm almost immediately because the bread is hardly toasted. May I suggest an orange, melty and somewhat salty Gloucester Cheddar?
In my business, if you can't cook eggs, you shouldn't be cooking at all.
Bring me a sandwich I can eat without having to pack a fork (or a net to catch all of the eggy bits jumping ship) I'll change my review.
Oh, and talk about overpriced wifi! Go to the Sherman Cafe, instead. -
Review from Nancy K.
Brighton, MA
2/5/2012
Ick. Filthy.
-
Review from Stephanie F.
Cambridge, MA
1/4/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Ambience is pretty cool - I love that it's in an old bank building. I love how they've creatively used the space in order to preserve old aspects of what the building used to be! I love that there is outside seating in a little courtyard. It's huge for a cafe which is great because I hate having to fight for a space with college kids who decide they don't want to do work at their university library when I want to sit down for coffee and that's it!
The only thing I've started to not become a fan of is their coffee. It's too acidic for my taste.. even if I add cream to lessen the intensity. I've had their coffee ~9x and it has been consistently acidic across blends. Unless you like your coffee that way, then disregard this 'negative' aspect of my review.
Their pastries are not bad. I like that they have vegan options, too, even though I'm not a vegan. It's considerate to those that are! -
Review from Daniel R.
Somerville, MA
1/6/2012
The atmosphere reminds me a bit of Crema Cafe, or maybe Pavement Coffeehouse minus the funky seating options.
I don't have the best of vision so I couldn't read the sandwich menu very well (note: I can't remember the last time I've ever had a problem reading a menu from afar). You think with that kind of menu they'd have a small handheld version to accommodate people with poor vision. Nope! So I didn't buy a sandwich. Their loss. I find this particularly odd because they have a menu online.
I was the only one waiting for a drink yet my latte took forever. I've gotten faster service at cafes that were packed. It was really obvious the people behind the counter were smitten by apathy. I got the impression very, very early in they did not give a shit about giving me good service, and they did not give a shit about coffee in general. And usually I don't complain about that kind of stuff! Honest!
Then I received my latte and holy cow. The "barista" didn't even make an attempt to pour it decently. Never mind the lack of art (which is definitely a red flag mind you); she accidentally poured too much milk so it ran a little over the edge before I even got it. The drink was a good temperature and the milk wasn't scorched but I attribute that more to luck than anything else. I feel like next time I go in I might get some scorching hot milk.
I will be fair, though, the coffee they use is great. Intelligentsia's Black Cat. Overall my latte was actually pretty good but I don't trust their baristas enough to order many more in the future.
The sticky bun was respectable but not enough so to redeem my dismal service and lack of trust toward the baristas. Oh well.
They have WiFi with a pricing scheme that very deliberately caters to regular customers. Safe to say I won't be in that category. -
Review from Damien S.
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ashamed to admit that for as long as I've been exploring the nooks and crannies of Union Square, this past weekend marked the first venture in to the (literal) vault that is Bloc 11.
It's a sleek, sexy coffee shop that's modern and somewhat icily hip. Almost too streamlined with an industrial, no-softness approach you'd expect from a cafe phoenix born from the ashes of an old bank.
The line (there's always one) splits at a fulcrum of pastries and today's blends to form two distinct paths. I tell you this so you know when your drink is called, it will be on the side from which it was ordered. May seem obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many patrons found themselves doing laps for their medium chai latte.
Prices are on par with an trendy java hut ($3-6 for two sizes of the bean or the leaf) and the pastries ride in same range. Our blueberry scone - not a contender for the 2011 SconeOff, but very well could have been - had a more cohesive, almost bready texture and massive, abundant berries throughout. Delicious, even in spite of an unnecessarily sweet icing (perhaps make it a drizzle?).
While waiting for our chai and hot chocolate, we took time to explore the dining space in the rear, which actually seemed a little more cottage-like. That is, until you meander past the giant vault door and into a rightfully warm set of benches, positioned lovingly where safe-deposit boxes and enormous wealth once resided. Kitschy, and kind of just there because it always been, but oh so cool. Outdoor seating for all-season al fresco sippage adds a nice touch.
Her chai was too weak and watery, which on the plus means it's brewed to order (not Oregon mix) but on the negative means it's too weak and watery. On the flip, my hot cocoa sat rich and thick on the tongue, and had a pleasantly sweet foam I totally mustached.
So far, this is the cafe of choice for morning walks through Union, and I'd love to return for a lunch sandwich (variety, all $9). Dig their attitude on transport with discounts for cyclists and a dedicated parking space out front that's been converted to a bike rack. A little jab at Diesel, you say? -
Review from Michael K.
Somerville, MA
12/16/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Bloc 11 is my go to cafe when I don't feel like brewing up a cup at home. They brew high quality coffee which is always rotating so you can try some really interesting stuff.
There is a bit of a line some times, but with their multiple registers they're able to crank through the line relatively fast. Cashiers are friendly and helpful, so if you don't know whats something is, ask, they'll happily explain.
I really love the vibe of this place with the always changing art on the walls and the huge front windows not to mention the large bike rack. Makes for a great bike ride during to hang out and enjoy a cup of coffee.
The only food I've ever ordered from here is the oatmeal, it was was really quite good, they let you load it up with fruit nuts or brown sugar.
As I write this and look at my 4 star review I'm trying to decide why it wouldnt be a 5 star review. I guess there is just some X factor missing, I think a big more variety in their coffee drinks would be awesome, and it would be awesome if they would put the prices on their bagged coffees you can buy.
I go here often, and enjoy it every time. Check it out if you're in the area. You'll definitely love it if you're a big fan of Diesel in Davis sq but think it's too busy there. -
Review from Ann G.
Somerville, MA
12/4/2011
I really enjoyed my trip to Bloc 11 today. I was expecting the interior to be a little more bank-y, but the massive vault in the back was the only thing that made me think "bank". It looked to me like a re-purposed industrial building. Either way, I liked the look. The drinks were great (apparently the chai was the best my date had enjoyed in a while) and I thoroughly enjoyed my egg sandwich.
Biggest downside was the line and the lack of available table space. I didn't realize until searching for the bathroom that a cozy back room existed (fireplace and all!). So I bet there was a spot for us that I just didn't see.
For about $22 we got a chai latte, cafe con leche, egg and cheese sandwich with avocado, and a lunch sandwich. You can decide if that's a good deal. -
Review from Jamoque A.
New York, NY
12/16/2011
Plenty of reviews here to give you the details.
But, if were to sum it up in one sentence: this place has an unhealthy obsession with Jeff Buckley. -
Review from Kitty G.
Littleton, MA
1/3/2012
It is expensive considering they do not make any of the baked goods at the cafe. The atmosphere is excellent! They embrace the arts and music. Sandwiches are delicious! Vegan options! Coffee is really the emphasis of this cafe! If you are in the Union Square area and you want a GREAT cup of coffee, this is where you go! The internet is expensive
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Review from Kalun L.
Boston, MA
9/3/2011
Bloc 11 is a neat space, has friendly staff, and serves strong coffee.
Their ham & cheese croissant was meh. In fairness, it's hard to find a place in Boston that serves a good one.
The obnoxious thing? They charge $4.95 an hour for WiFi. Maybe it's unfair to expect free WiFi at a coffee shop, but it *is* the standard of the coffee shop industry, and I did blow over $10 on coffee and a meh croissant. Even if you ware going to charge for WiFi, $4.95 an hour? Seriously?
As an aside, to the hipster wearing Ray-Bans, cut-off jeans shorts, dress shoes, and a striped shirt, sporting a moustache: Dude, you're a caricature. -
Review from Jared S.
7/31/2011
Another bad guy review. I WAS SINGLED OUT FOR MY DOG.
First, to be fair, the good - huge space, interestingly set up and very quirky thanks to the bank layout. Good selection of beverages and pastries and sandwiches. Good coffee. Nice outdoor seating area.
Now the BAD. They must put a lot of love into their sandwiches because the place was not busy at all (I walked right up to the counter when I got in) and it still took FOREVER to get my sandwiches. I literally watched the guy making my sandwich gingerly put each leaf of lettuce onto the top of the sandwich one at a time. Seriously dude? I had the curry chicken salad and the egg salad sandwich, and love is the only thing they put a lot of into the sandwiches because both were very meager considering their $8+ price tag (I don't remember the exact price and, wouldn't you know it, they don't have the prices on their website!). Also, while the curry chicken salad was ok, the egg salad had way way way too much dill. The two sandwiches, two iced coffees, and a croissant came to almost $30. So weak.
Now the UGLY. While my wife and I were enjoying ourselves on their patio with our dog - something WE'VE DONE BEFORE and something MANY OTHER PEOPLE DO - we were approached by an employee and told OUR dog wasn't allowed on the patio due to health code violations. But there was ANOTHER dog on the patio and its owners weren't told to leave, and there was at least one dog INSIDE BLOC 11. We were singled out for no reason - my always well behaved dog was enjoying the shade under our table and minding her own business. And I get the health code thing and I'm fine with that, but either you enforce the policy consistently (PUT UP SOME SIGNS OR SOMETHING) or don't enforce it at all. When we mentioned all of this, the girl even said "Yeah well, it's up to us to enforce the rule..." which I took to mean "we don't want YOU or your business." Even the woman sitting next to us was aghast.
Really dumb, I live around the corner and could have been a regular. You have ensured I will never return. -
Review from Tori G.
Somerville, MA
8/18/2011
I think of Bloc 11 is the more relaxed and elusive sibling of Diesel in Davis square, and much of what I feel about one applies to the other. They both have great open spaces, delicious pastries, damn good coffee, and great tableware (sounds strange I know, but I love getting hot drinks in a glass cup). Plus they are dedicated to community involvement and sustainable waste management. Thanks for sifting through my trash guys!
But Bloc 11 has some distinct advantages over Diesel. Its location in Union Square gives me an excuse to bust out my underutilized bike for a short ride and means that I've never had trouble finding a place to sit. I also prefer Bloc 11's atmosphere. The fresh flowers everywhere recently are a great touch. It is brighter, airier, and dare I say... less pretentious than Diesel. Most importantly though, I dreamt about the Arrow sandwich for days after I got it last time I was there. That is a VERY seriously delicious sandwich, with cheddar, avocado, banana peppers, greens, and literally the best tempeh I've ever had. It's all vinegar and spice cooled by greens and smoothed by cheddar and avocado and I love it.
But they don't get the full 5 stars for two reasons. 1. The awkward order pickup system. They're not fast enough to let you stand at the counter at wait for your food without feeling awkward. And if I sit down in the front seating area I often don't hear my name called. 2. Price. I know that I'm paying a premium for sustainability and local sourcing, and I am very happy to support that mission. Unfortunately, my budget doesn't support frequent purchases of 9-dollar sandwiches. If only it did... -
Review from Matt C.
Boston, MA
12/6/2011
Four stars for food and atmosphere. Five stars for being bicycle friendly. Bicycle corrale out front.
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Review from tricia marie b.
Cambridge, MA
11/20/2011
Fresh and innovative sandwiches served slower than molasses by a hip staff. While the inside has been thoughtfully designed and looks amazing, dine outside if you can, they've got a great little patio. I have been here on more than one occasion and have seen flies buzzing around inside which is never a good sign. I like how they support local artists and have art up on the walls.
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Review from Angela A.
Somerville, MA
6/26/2011
Pricey ($9 sandwiches! $4 drinks!) but an occasional treat because it's just so luxurious: the big vault doors, the revamped bank/steampunky setting, the gourmet nibbles and awesome beverages. Try the Brazilian limeade - condensed milk and lime juice; simple, and stunning. It fulfills it's cafe obligation of being comfortable and inviting on a lazy Sunday afternoon: great place to sit and read your Derrida/Foucault/hipster graphic novels, looking/feeling cool and consuming some fanciness while idling the day away. Bonus: Union Square is fab for a stroll, and the comic book store is a stone's throw away!
Oh yeah; and they do open mic nights. -
Review from Alex Z.
Somerville, MA
Bloc 11 is a great coffee house in the heart of Union Square. They have an eclectic menu of sandwiches and salads. Try a scone if they're available. They care about their coffee, and where it comes from. They get imports from Intelligentsia and Stumptown, two very serious coffee makers, and rotate their offerings daily.
Their drinks vary in complexity. I stick to simple cups of coffee, but they have a variety of espresso drinks to choose from. Try their Vietnamese coffee, a blend of sweet and smooth. Try their edibles. I've had some of their sandwiches, and a lot of people are on the fence about it. Not many places make a "spicy curry tofu salad sandwich" with apple slices and avocado.
Tell you what, go there and try their egg sandwich with prosciutto and cheese on rosemary foccacia bread, and then tell me what you think! It's my favorite.
Their walls are usually decorated with cool, local artwork. The music is mild and doesn't distract the scores of locals who hangout with books and pads and work to be done. It's a great place to talk, and you can have privacy in the back if necessary. In the evening, they host a variety of live music events. What else could you ask for? -
Review from Julie F.
Somerville, MA
6/27/2011
Bloc 11 has the coolest interior of any cafe I have ever been to. However, that's where the compliments end. I want to love this place but so many things leave a bad taste in my mouth.
Outdoor seating: my husband has been kicked out of this grassy area while waiting for me inside because he had our well bahaved dog with him. Now, I would understand this if dogs were never allowed, but often times the outdoor seating area is teeming with dogs so what gives?
Staff: I used to be a barista and I am only expecting the person who is taking my order to know the menu. I don't think that's asking too much. I ordered an herbal iced tea and asked if it was sweetened and the answer I received was, "Um, I don't think so." I ordered it in the hopes that the girl was positive on her hunch though very annoyed that she didn't know and couldn't be bothered to ask anyone preparing the drinks. The tea certainly tasted sweetened to me!
Wayfinding: your order can come from either side of the bar. Not sure which? Yeah, me either. If it correlates to the side in which you ordered from, call me dumb but I've never made that connection. Signage or communication from the person at the register would be helpful. I don't need a surly look from an employee when I try to pick up the wrong drink because when my name was called I walked to the wrong side of the espresso bar.
Price: one large iced tea, one large iced coffee and a very small muffin cost me $11. Even if each drink were a reasonable $3, that would make for a $5 baby muffin. The quality of the food and drinks is high, but damn, that's pricey. -
Review from Susan R.
Jamaica Plain, MA
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
A cold sandwich should not take this long to make, people!
If a sandwich shop were an emergency room... I would understand this kind of wait. But it's not. And the sandwich was 'meh' at best.
-1 star for such a distasteful name... minus the other two for being overpriced and super slow. I can't imagine ever wanting to return. -
Review from Logan J.
10/12/2011
this place is pretty great. it reminds me a lot of diesel cafe in davis square, which is a little easier to get to and one of the reasons i dont come here more often. anyway, this place has great coffee and even better baked goods. like diesel, they get knocked down a star because they dont have wifi. the food is pretty good but nothing too special. for me, the sandwiches always sound better than they are. even as im writing that, the thought of a curry tofu salad on wheat with avocado, apple and greens sounds delicious. maybe i just dont love sandwiches. or maybe they just arent as great as they sound. regardless, i was left wanting more from their sandwiches.
the space itself though is amazing. ive heard that there are board games, although ive never played them there. they have an awesome front that opens up during warm weather and they have a few different little rooms in the back if you want a little privacy for studying or just for hanging out with friends. ive heard they have open mic nights too, which ill hopefully be going to sometime soon.
overall, this is a great place to visit, especially if youre in the area and want to chill for an hour or so in a really relaxing environment. -
Review from Calli C.
10/11/2011
Living next door to this place has its perks! Whenever I feel like I should get out of my house and don't feel like going far, their patio is perfect for kicking back with a book and one of their tasty drinks and sandwiches. I am a huge fan of their sparking limeade, though make sure you ask that they go easy on the simple syrup! Their sandwiches are good-sizes and really really tasty, with my favorites being the Juniper (tuna salad, beets, apples) and the Paragon (curry apple chicken salad, sprouts). They also have a good assortment of pastries and taza chocolate if you're just looking for something to munch on. Either way, this is a great neighborhood spot.
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Review from Meli M.
Somerville, MA
5/16/2011
I went into Bloc 11 at the recommendation of a friend. All the sandwiches are clearly posted, and I was asked if I wanted mine hot or cold - not a choice I was expecting, but one that I greatly appreciated on a rainy day. The chicken salad sandwich was flavorful and presented well with a mini coleslaw side made with red cabbage. I'll have to go back and try their soups. They smelled delicious, but I was in the mood for something more substantial.
Seating is plentiful between the front area in the window, the back area behind the open kitchen, and for sunny days, the outdoor patio. Also, the staff behind the counter were more than happy to fill my water bottle for me.
4 stars rather than 5 since it's a bit on the pricy side ~10 for a sandwich after tax. -
Review from Allison K.
Baldwin, NY
7/5/2011
I didn't think this place was anything all that special.
Reading the menu, I was definitely intrigued by the different varieties of sandwiches but all I wanted was a breakfast sandwich, since it was 10AM. The only option they had was the egg, ham and cheese, which I ordered a slice of avocado with. I did wonder why they only had one breakfast sandwich option; the only other breakfast option was oatmeal, which I can't ever justify paying for when I'm not at a grocery store and buying it in bulk.
I wanted to like the sandwich, I really did. But I was expecting the sandwich to come on a breakfast roll, like most breakfast sandwiches, and it came on rye toast instead. Okay, fine, maybe I should have specific in my order with that.
But the eggs. Good Lord, the eggs. They tasted very similar to the eggs that you get from a school cafeteria. In fact, they taste more like egg beaters/fake eggs than the real deal.
I actually happened to see my sandwich being made, and observed the preparer slap on a scoopful of mushy yellow, which I thought could perhaps be mashed avocado, but no. It was the eggs. It was pretty disappointing, to see how little consideration they have for a key ingredient in their single breakfast sandwich.
I can only hope that they prepare their other sandwiches with better care for the preparation of ingredients. Considering how other people seem to rave about this place, I'm guessing that the lunch options are much better here, so I'd go somewhere else if you're looking for breakfast. -
Review from Tim F.
Somerville, MA
9/25/2011
This is a place I want to like...but just don't. The concept of turning an old bank into a cafe is fun...but once you sit in the vault, your latent claustrophobia will show itself. The airiness of the front area and patio is nice. But the food isn't great and it's very expensive for what you get.
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Review from Nick P.
Fitchburg, MA
6/13/2011
Bloc 11 has been on my list of places to stop in and give a whirl, so I finally made my swoop.
Any frequenter of cafes will enjoy this menu which has your favorite cafe beverages and munchables. My interest piqued upon reading their sandwich selections. Some really well devised flavor schemes here, a tough decision had to be made!
I was with my traveling food companion Courtney (girlfriend) per usual, so we narrowed it down to two sandwiches and agreed to go halves on them. Our sandwiches arrived promptly, mine being a tofu-scrambled sandwich topped with apples and other fixings, and Courtney snagged herself a 'wich boasting 'marinated tempeh' which blew our minds! We gobbled them down, pausing every-so-often to sip our coffee beverages which were also well made.
Confusing was the set-up of this super cool cafe. The drinks and food are somewhat hard to notice when they come out and there is a stranger shouting your name frantically. Court went to the wrong side at one point and was met with a stern attitude and almost walked away with a scalding hot americano on her shirt, which the annoyed help had pretty much thrown at her. As stated before, the food was mega-tasty, but pretty dang pricey. This is redeemed by the fact that they also use as much local/organic products possible.
I guess by now I should come to know what you can expect from the ever-pretentious cast of characters working in a cafe environment, so it won't deter us from going back again! -
Review from Jeff S.
Somerville, MA
10/29/2011
Pretty underwhelming. They do have a pretty good interior as many other have noted. 2 gripes: they didn't make my order as they were having trouble with the computers, and had to ask them about it, that's not that huge of a deal. What was a bigger deal was that my drink was awful. I got a chai latte and it was probably the worst I've ever had. Waaaaay to sweet and poorly spiced. I think I had 3 sips of it and chucked it. Since I don't drink coffee, I don't think they have a whole lot to offer me...unfortunate as it's close to where I live and looks like it could have potential.
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Review from Amanda G.
Somerville, MA
2/7/2011 1 photo
I love this place for two reasons: concept and food. Concept being, sustainable, local ingredients, in a funky, architectural cafe setting. Food is fresh, delicious and everything you want in a late weekend lunch - which, for me, is a rockin' salad or sandwich, and tall mocha latte.
In short:
- I love the Union salad.
- I love their coffee.
- Their baked goods rock, too.
The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars is because it's always crowded (not a bad thing for them I guess) and this is part due to the fact that they let people sit around on their laptops for hours after they've been served, taking up precious space. I tend to come here on a Saturday, feel incredibly anxious that I won't find a clean spot for two, and then eventually sit down, enjoy my meal, and forget my initial panic. But, something to consider if you're coming in a large group and not everyone is patient... :)Listed in: Baller on a Budget
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Review from Mike C.
Dorchester, Boston, MA
1/5/2011
I went there last week, really hungry. Thought I'd get a sandwich, but they had no bread! "Sorry, we're out of bread." What the... so, I step back to figure out what to do. On the soup board I spot Curry Peanut Soup. Sounds interesting.
It was on the counter in a flash. Miraculously, there were pieces of sourdough bread to accompany the soup.
Even if I were a food critic, it's unlikely that I'd have words spectacular enough to fully describe the experience of this spicy golden nutty stew. It was so good I should've licked the bowl. I didn't but I asked how often they make Curry Peanut Soup. Answer? Maybe once every couple of weeks.
They really need to create an email list for this. I would love to be alerted when Curry Peanut Soup day comes around. I may start a fan club and petition for an email list. If this sounds like something you might possibly find interesting, try it. You'll have no regrets. -
Review from Jane S.
Boston, MA
11/28/2011
This place is decent. Decent food, decent space, decent staff. Bloc 11 would definitely get more stars from me if it wasn't SO expensive! $3 for a small iced coffee? $7 for a egg sandwich? I would suggest Sherman's over this place. Meh.
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Review from Christine S.
Cambridge, MA
1/29/2011
This is right along the lines of Diesel Cafe in Davis Square, which I suppose is only natural seeing as they are sister restaurants. A lot of the same drinks, except at B11, they use the spanish words instead of the french (i.e. mocha con leche replaces mocha au lait). Sandwiches are delicious. They even have outdoor dining space for nice weather!
The only thing I don't love is the cold, empty, stark-ish feeling inside of this former bank. Little has been done to make it feel comfy and warm. Although I respect that they kept some of the bank in place (like the vault sitting area), I wish it didn't feel as cold and echo-y.
Disclaimer: I have not been to Block 11 in a long time. Somehow I left this review unfinished and just decided to complete it now. Things may have changed at B11 in the past year. -
Review from Steve D.
11/27/2011
Cafe service at restaurant prices. Easy to spend $5 on a coffee too. Cool interior though and some items on the menu are tasty.
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Review from Blake B.
Cambridge, MA
3/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bloc 11 makes good use of the space left behind by the bank which used to inhabit the space. There are benches and a large table in the large vault, a picnic table in the slightly claustrophobic small vault. The atmosphere in the larger more open spaces is charming, decidedly hipster.
My girlfriend and I visited on a pleasant Saturday afternoon and the place was only sparsely populated. 20-30 people in a space that could easily fit 100. This is likely due to the fact that everything is priced about 59% more than you'd expect for a hip Union Square cafe. A 16 ounce cup of regular coffee is nearly $3. The sandwiches almost $9. For these prices I expect to at least be able to finish my sandwich without constantly having to swat away fruit flies. I even had to crush one with my index finger when it got itself stuck to a bit of jalepeno jelly.
We both got different hot sandwiches and exchanged halves. They were both delicious, though the "alder" was a bit too sweet for both our tastes. This was the one with the fly trapping jelly. The "Davis" was great. Both sandwiches were pretty drippy and sticky and impossible to eat without going through a bunch of napkins. We both had to wash our hands afterwards. The dollop of high carrot content coleslaw was a nice addition.
Bathrooms were clean, but the sink drain was a bit clogged in the men's and the automatic hand dryer didn't work; a roll of those institutional low absorbency brown paper towels was sitting on the sink, soaking up a bit of stagnant sink water on it's edges. Fine, but at these prices I expect a bit more.
This cafe seems a bit out of place in Union Square. It would fit in better in Davis or Harvard, even Inman. I suspect the owners are biding their time, waiting for the Green Line expansion to Union which will surely raise real estate prices and usher in a new hipster golden era for Union. -
Review from Josh W.
Somerville, MA
8/8/2011
A couple of dollars and two smiling clerks (Baristas? Checkout people? I don't know what they're called in coffee shops) later, I had an iced coffee I thoroughly enjoyed.
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Review from David V.
7/27/2010
I've always been a Sherman Cafe loyalist, going back to the days before Bloc 11 ever existed. Though I still visit Sherman more frequently, I've come to love Bloc 11 for a few things.
For one, you can always find a seat here - this space is cavernous. Diesel in Davis Square is probably about the same size but it's rare to find an open seat there even in off-hours. I love the outdoor seating complete with a well-maintained patch of grass and ivy-covered wall. People watching in Union Square has never been better!
The coffee and tea is high quality, or at least the iced varities are (I almost never drink hot beverages). The sandwiches are tasty but I feel like there's not a ton of variety in the selection - many feature similar combinations of ingredients. And they come only in one size - at Sherman you can order a half sized, and Oxford Spa offers a small for a few dollars less. The baked goods are decent - Sherman has them beat by a mile, but Bloc 11's selection is solid and aside from a rock-hard cookie, everything I've had is great.
Other plusses - you can usually find a discarded newspaper to read, and there's a very good chance it will be today's paper. Grab yourself a few random sections of the Globe and the Times and kill an hour or two!
They have occasional performances in the early evening hours, including an open mic night that seems to attract cute girls.
The downside - no free wifi. While laptop campers annoy the hell out of me, it would be nice to check my email someplace besides my sunless apartment sometimes. Sherman seems to have the best solution - you can pay for it, or get an hour free with a purchase. Because after all, who's going to be so lame as to go into a cafe and set up a laptop without buying something?
I think it's great that there are two very cool independent cafes in my neighborhood - it's kind of like how Davis Square was a few years ago when they had Diesel and the Someday. There's a lot of ways to make a coffee shop lame, but Bloc 11 avoids all the usual pitfalls. Small tweaks is all I'd ever suggest from them. -
Review from Marcy L.
9/19/2010
As a writer and an artist - I'm always looking for the perfect, quirky coffee shop (location is key for inspiration); alas - I am left wanting in Watch City. I was out for adventure in Somerville (and in desperate need of caffeine) when I skipped by Bloc 11: opened folding glass windows reveal an artist-friendly community (hipsters, yes please).
*"The Alpine" was my first choice (a minty mocha delight - and with a fun design swirled into the foam on the top!). Next time I visit B11 I will surely sample their breakfast/salad menu (everyone else seemed like they were really enjoying their selections). Salads and sandwiches look fresh and filling.
*Amazing interior! So many places to sit: up front in the window - along the inside of the garden - around back - in one of the two vaults (no really...the doors are still existing) - or in the courtyard. The design as well as the establishment is exceedingly clean.
*Staff is fun and friendly (they all seem like people I would hang out with); art-people *heart*
Come with a book - grab a giant mug'o'joe - chill in the courtyard and enjoy your afternoon. I love that this place has delicious coffee, (assumingly) delicious food, unique seating options and I don't have to deal with the Starbucks yuppies in order to enjoy it all. -
Review from Greg B.
Somerville, MA
8/21/2010 17 Check-ins Here
Bloc 11 is part of our routine, in between local shopping trips, or as a break from working around the house. The staff is always friendly, the coffee great and strong, and the sandwiches and soups are well made and flavorful.
About a year ago, they pared down their menu to stick to local ingredients and they honestly haven't suffered at all for it. Union Square is becoming a locavore hub, and it's great to see another business hop on the wagon. They also removed all trash cans, using all recyclable & compostable products for take-out cups and napkins.
The noise levels can vary from normal conversation to very quiet, depending upon where you sit, but except for the busiest of days, there's rarely a wait to find a place to settle down. I do wish they had some more variety in their baked goods, or perhaps just a few more cookies. -
Review from Thomas I.
Panama City, FL
7/21/2011
I only had an iced coffee but it was very good. My barista was super nice. The interior was awesome... lots of exposed brick. The building is huge with plenty of seating in the back. I really enjoyed my experience.
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Review from Betts C.
10/27/2010
I really like this place. I like the size, i like the staff, I like the overall approach and the laidback attitude. I come here often, get a pot of tea, and stay for a couple of hours. It's a good place to work (I write, and this is a good spot to find decent music and a volume that isn't terrible, until the noon-ish hour, which is loudish), and it's also a good place to just sort of read and hang out.
I desperately need to try their food, and I know that. But so far, their coffee has been excellent. Their selection of teas is good, and their Thai Iced Tea was a summer treat.
It's a good, open sort of place, with the entirely front looking out over the street. It makes for good people watching. That also means it's light and pleasant. So yeah, I'm a fan. -
Review from R H.
Somerville, MA
9/17/2011
Bloc 11 is by far the nicest cafe in Union on a weekday. Come weekends, however, the place turns into a daycare center for parents and their kids. The staff doesn't seem to care or do much about this. Worse, though, on a recent trip to Bloc 11, I waited 45 minutes for a simple tofu salad sandwich. This might be less painful if customers were able to sit down and wait for their order to be called, but to have to wait at the counter for a full 45 minutes is such a waste of precious work time.
