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Clear Conscience Cafe
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
581 Massachusetts AveCambridge, MA 02139
Neighborhood: Central Square
(617) 661-1580
- Nearest Transit:
-
Massachusetts Ave @ Pearl St (1, 47, 64, 70, 70A, CT1)
Green St @ Pearl St (47, 64, 70, 70A)
Central Sq - Outbound (Red Line)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
165 reviews for Clear Conscience Cafe
Review Highlights
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"It is RIGHT off the Red Line's Central Square stop." In 25 reviews -
"But it is connected to harvest co-op, which is also an..." In 14 reviews -
"Best of all they offer FREE WI-FI." In 8 reviews
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165 reviews in English
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Review from Glenn N.
Cambridge, MA
3/14/2012
Rarely does this happen for me... I've been here probably a dozen times and have only had one menu item: the grilled cheese. I feel bad giving it four stars because I have no idea if anything else is any good. The grilled cheese, in all it's simplicity, is sublime. Nothing special, just exactly what I want when I want it. I hate the location, I don't really like the layout (in front of the Co-op, windows to Central Square which isn't my scene) but if I'm even remotely nearby and want something cheesy, Clear Consciece is where I'm headed.
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Review from Anne W.
5/3/2012
This is a fairly large sized coffee shop in Central Square. Like other reviewers have noted.. it is very close to Central Square T-Stop. Should have no problem finding this spot.
They let us sit in here to do our conversation exchange session with 20+ people. Parking isnt' too bad in this part of Cambridge so I don't mind coming here...
The chai latte wasn't that great unfortunately. Very chai like.. so better than Starbucks.. but not sweet enough.. so not as good as Panera.
They were nice to let us stay for 2 hours. I am not overly wowed by this place.. but it seemed like the people who worked here were nice. -
Review from Cara F.
Medford, MA
1/17/2012
Overpriced items, slow service, mixed-up orders, and for God's sake just once could you consider actually melting the damn cheese on my grilled cheese sandwich?
I gave this place so many chances because of the inviting menu and the chill atmosphere, but... no. -
Review from Say S.
Boston, MA
1/9/2012
oh C3... I do like you a lot. I think that you have quality food and drink.
The only reason that i give you 3 stars is because its often times very packed in there with people that are not enjoying any of your products, which makes it harder for people who want to sit and enjoy your products to find a seat.
I will continue to come in and see you and hope to find a spot to sit for a bit, and if i cant find a spot, chances are i will still grab something to go. -
Review from c m.
Cambridge, MA
5/3/2012
I ordered a tea this morning...and I literally had to sit down at a table and wait for it because the girl making it was carrying on an extensive conversation about smoking pot with her colleague. Seriously? I was on my way to work. I don't think people have to be ON all the time at work, but at least respect my time. THEN she proceeded to cough all over, wiping her face on her arms, all while using her hands to tie the loose tea bag and put it in the water. She coughed a whole bunch without covering her mouth. I couldn't drink it. I had paid for it but I just left the drink there. Gross. This place is just poorly managed and they obviously don't care at all about their business and what they do. Oh AND The health inspector should check this place.
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Review from Kristina L.
South Windsor, CT
1/1/2012
Ordered a decent café au lait which was piping hot and had a nice, strong flavor. I was surprised to find a few open tables here, since every other mediocre (read: crappy) coffeeshop on Mass Ave seemed to be jam-packed and noisy on this Sunday afternoon. Sat for about a half-hour sipping my coffee while taking advantage of the free WiFi. The music that was playing in the background made me giggle...I have no idea WHAT it was, but it was entertaining, nonetheless. So I wouldn't necessarily call this my new favorite coffee spot, But I WILL be back since it's conveniently connected to the Harvest Co-Op Market (where my boyfriend loves to shop).
P.S. I was impressed with their vegan/vegetarian offerings (even though I am neither). I just think it's a nice touch when a coffeeshop has rice milk, soy milk, etc. on hand. -
Review from Lady Fang Y.
Boston, MA
2/28/2012
Two words. Grilled Cheese. They have stepped it up an notch and added two MORE grilled cheese sandwiches to the menu! This cozy place is the front end of Harvest Co-op market, talk about convenient. I often meet here with friends before work-out (to get our carb on) and most of the time we can get a table. It is usually busy and later in the evening it's full of studying students. They have free wi-fi (for an hour). The coffee is good. There are plenty of vegetarian options on the menu too. Central square is come'n back people!!
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Review from Rani P.
2/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
After a long hunt in the Central Square neighborhood for decent bagels and tofu cream cheese, FINALLY I happily gazed at the chalk menu of Clear Conscience Cafe that listed tofutti cream cheese and DAIRY-FREE fruit smoothies that don't just taste like water. Pretty regularly, I come to enjoy what some dairy-free Bostonians don't get to- a hearty bagel with spread. Nothing will compare to the options I have in NYC, but for Cambridge I am pleasantly surprised.
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Review from Ashley G.
South Boston, MA
3/1/2012
They get 2 stars because their coffee beverages are delicious. When you pay $5.90 for an egg sandwich, you would expect at least some distinguishable taste. That was too much to ask for apparently. I get it, organic and local is more expensive, but, $5.90 for an egg sandwich with cheese? Never again. Stick with the coffee.
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Review from Jessica H.
Hyde Park, MA
7/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Vegan scones! Yummy cranberry scones with icing. Yum! Also other vegan baked goods - cookies, muffins, etc.
I really appreciate how vegan friendly it is - from their offering of soy milk in the cafe, to their vegan sandwiches, soups, and even vegan cream cheese/peanut butter options for bagels.
They are also open till 10pm which is great. I stop by there sometimes in and out going to Harvest Coop.
I like the atmosphere and the cafe and wifi. I don't live in Central so I never "hang out" there but if i lived nearby I probably would.
Occasionally the baristas can get a little snooty, especially if it's late but usually they are pretty friendly, and last Monday one even let me still purchase a scone even though they were about closed.
I love how eco friendly they are --LEED certified, and recyclable materials. I was sad to see when they opened C3 they stopped carrying Equal Exchange coffee, but hopefully they will go back to them once again. =) -
Review from Mitch S.
Stamford, CT
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hi All,
Why won't yelp allow me to rate 0 stars? This place was the absolute worst place. The service was awful, compounded by a plentiful staff of pure incompetence. My only hope is that the staff was just too stoned...though that is still no excuse. Three of us ordered - 3 bagels, 1 coffee, and a tea. And got - 1 disgusting sandwich, 3 coffees..... 1 bagel showed up...we waited 10 minutes for other 2 bagels...and then when they got finished...they gave them to people that ordered well after us. Then they have the nerve to say...we are out of bagels...sorry...here is your refund. They should have given us the last two bagels which belonged to us in the first place. They actually refused to give us those last two bagels. And the other patrons, didnt offer those to the rightful owners.
Again... incompetence..and rude clientele...this I would consider the worst review yet of my nearly 100 reviews. Please do us all a favor and close down. In fact, i will cross the street to avoid this even walking past this sad excuse for a food establishment. If i were the owner...clean house - Sunday staff should not work in the restaurant business again.
- amazing.....
- MSZ -
Review from Sarah L.
Boston, MA
2/6/2012
C3 has become my go-to spot with a particular friend, kind of like a nonfictional Luke's or MacLaren's. Despite the near constant crowds, at least on weekend late mornings, we always seem to find a table. I enjoy the tea selection and vegetarian soups and salads, and I once tried an interesting earl grey scone. I'm usually tempted to browse in the adjacent natural-foods-oriented grocery store, resulting in unique impulse buys. The caveats: Often crowded. Not glacial, but relatively slow service, e.g. 5-7 minutes for a cup of herbal tea, sometimes requiring a reminder to the barista.
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Review from Taylor S.
Boston, MA
5/1/2011
Central Square is a land too coffee-shop abundant to warrant ever going here (walk half a block to somewhere better, ya know?). Anyway, I only buy caffeine at C3 for two reasons. One, the espresso is both delicious, and--as advertised--guilt free. And two, sometimes I grocery shop at the coop behind the cafe, and want a coffee on my way home.
This is where the problems happen.
I got scolded by a very elitist hippie man (I realize elitist-hippie seems counterintuitive but I am confident that I mean what I say, despite the oxymoron) for eating an apple on the premises. AN APPLE. My friends, I am a reasonable person. I didn't whip out a checkered table cloth and some pb&js, okay? This wasn't a picnic. It was an apple. An apple which I purchased ast the coop market that is ATTACHED to this coffee shop. And yet, I was snootily informed that eating things from "outside establishments" is very upsetting to these people, even if you buy their coffee--which btw, I had.
I was sort of hoping it was just me, but a few weeks later I saw the same thing happened to the couple in front of me. Except they were eating carrots and hummus while they waited for their lattes.
If you don't want people eating groceries in your coffee shop you should probably stop being attached to a grocery store.
Also, just hug a tree or something. Sheesh. What a bunch of grumpos.
p.s.
Helpful things:
--Wifi is only available for one hour.
--There is in fact a lot of seating including some pretty comfy chairs.
--On Thursdays there is music. It is almost always terrible (free). -
Review from Vivian C.
8/10/2011 6 photos
First, a warning - this place seems to be in a dead GPS zone, so if you were hoping to use their free wi-fi to access an online coupon that needs to locate you before being activated, forget about it. Or at least come with a back-up.
Despite my frustrated mood, I still enjoyed my sweet potato panini $7.29 and pear coffee cake $2.25 which was ready and waiting for me by the time I finished my visit to the single person restroom, enabled by the key chained to a rather large block of wood.
The panini was made with a nice crusty bread and stuffed with a variety of flavors and textures. The nuts in the coffee cake were lacking in that they were not crunchy, but the cake was a large square, moist enough and tasted pretty good.
There were a good number of tables and chairs, but the ones by the front window were placed so close to one another that I felt like a mouse easing my way through a tight maze.
This spot is located right outside the Central Square outbound exit closest to MIT, and is basically situated in the lobby area of the Harvest Co-op Market. -
Review from Nadia A.
Brookline, MA
5/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I stopped in here for a quick dinner before church one day because they claim to have a decent vegan selection. They do have many items on their menu that are vegetarian or vegan. All of their products are certified organic, which is great for people who are really conscience (no pun intended) about what they eat. But for the near $10 I shelled out for a panini sandwich that didn't exactly fill me up, I was a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong, the sweet potato panini was delicious (!), but I left wanting more. The sandwich doesn't come with anything but a few really thin pieces of apple... Because I was still hungry I splurged on a vegan cookie, and had to shell out another $3... The cookie was hard and was far too sweet.
At least the service was great! Overall, my experience could have been better, but the place seemed to be packed with people enjoying drinks...
Positives: Convenient location, nice drink selection, friendly service, organic (if that makes you happy), tasty food.
Negatives: Small portion sizes, pricey! -
Review from P. K.
Somerville, MA
8/10/2011
It's really more like 3 1/2 stars but hear me out:
The food is very tasty. I love the grilled cheese. Tasty variety of cheeses with a bit of spice. The bread is om nom nom, which is key to the creation of a quality sandwich. The balsamic they serve their side salad with is divine.
The hot cocoa is one of my favorites around town. Smooth, sweet and not too rich.
Most of the time the staff are pretty friendly in my experience.
Cons:
The stupid overdone green washing. Just look at the name!
The wireless is free only for an hour and is kinda crap. The last time I went I couldn't even connect to it and just stared at my tablet with a forlorn look on my face.
There aren't really good side purchase options for your sandwich. They give you a bit of salad which is nice but I can't get a cup of soup, no just a giant friggin bowl for it. It's that or weird totally unappealing pseudo-potato chips. -
Review from Te T.
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
hmmm when is it ok when a cafe doesn't make their own lemonade... pouring it off a bottle and putting ice in... hmmmmm but their grilled cheese didn't disappoint. you should try it.
the supermarket is in the back so the traffic at the door was quite distracting for most purposes. but i managed to sit down and get some stuff done.
and... i went home with a phone number from a guy across the room. :) which was a nice touch if it was set by the cafe. i doubt it though lol. -
Review from Erin C.
Boston, MA
5/15/2011
They are conveniently located for a quick bite and they have free wifi which is nice. But the food is not very good. I've had their breakfast sandwiches and pastries; not impressed with any.
The only thing that I've liked is their strawberry mint smoothie (that might only be available seasonally...not sure). -
Review from Zach K.
Cambridge, MA
11/15/2011
clear conscience is a clear disappointment. i've looked past their exorbitant sandwich prices and the lengthy wait time, but messing up my order twice in as many trips is unacceptable. I always order my sandwich to go and twice I have been given the wrong sandwich. Sure, you may say that I took someone else's and misheard the name being called, but that was not the case. It is unfortunate because the sandwiches are usually pretty good. All I wanted was my chicken panini. Never again.
Listed in: Central Square lunch joints.
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Review from Callan C.
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Clear conscience cafe is located on the Mass Ave side of Harvest Coop. The coffee is good and it is a nice and convenient location. The biggest negative is that it is pretty busy since, besides being a cafe, it serves as a hallway to the grocery store. If you can get in the area by the windows you are a little more out of the way.
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Review from alwyn v.
Boston, MA
A hipster place in Central Square where all the hip young kids go for coffee, free WIFI and pleasant ambiance.
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Review from Tim D.
Boston, MA
8/11/2011
Dear coffeeshop: please bring back your old seating-arrangement!
The window-seating here is now gone. This coffeeshop has turned its back to the most diverse, fascinating, poetic, eccentric neighborhood in Cambridge.
The entire front window is now blocked by a couch which is turned inward, with its back to the street.
When the people walking by the window look into the cafe, they now see only the backs of our heads.
Dear coffeeshop: please bring back your old seating-arrangement!
This cafe was marginally more diverse than the other independent coffee shops in Cambridge, and I always attributed this merit to its welcoming row of window-seats: when the people of Central Square walked by here, they could see tables arranged along the window with their neighbors looking right back at them. In a city where eye-contact among strangers is considered innately threatening (unless money is changing hands), all of those brief looks traded through the protective window could seem precious, even beautiful. They were among the only looks which could be freely traded in Central Square.
But now we're turned back inward, toward the friendly, hardworking baristas with their mixtapes of cheerful "80s Nite" favorites. It's always nice to see them, but I think many of the people who come to this cafe would prefer to look outwards, through what was once the best bit of people-watching real estate in all of Cambridge.
Please mark this review "useful" if you miss the window-seats!! -
Review from Tamarleigh G.
Belmont, MA
4/18/2011
I love this place. It doesn't have everything I wish it had, or as often as I wish it would have things, but at least I always know I can get a good cup of coffee in here with a clear conscience. That's what they're here for, and they do it quite well. If I end up with a piece of coffee cake (which is REALLY yummy there--both the regular apple spice one and the peach one), I consider that a nice bonus, but I don't count on it.
Coffee is the one thing that Life Alive down the street does not do. They have tea, and they have a nice coffee substitute, but if you want a good cup of coffee, this place delivers. They have also been a model of green construction and green values in this community, and for that, I salute them.
The staff are great as well. I always know I will enjoy my visit. And I can pick up groceries at Harvest while I'm there! -
Review from Jabra Z.
Cambridge, MA
11/28/2011
I went there last night for coffee with a friend.
We ordered an americano and a cappuccino. The coffee tasted awful. Bitter and burned. No going there for coffee again. -
Review from Anastasia L.
Melrose, MA
9/9/2010
Today, 3C's, I'd give you 1 star. Now I've worked in a bakery before, in college, and I know what it's like to wait on annoying people all day and get caught up in the fun chit-chat with fellow staff- when it was quiet. But when it got busy, I got down to work. 3C's management should pass this tip along.
First I waited ages for that cringing moment when they bark out your name and if you don't immediately pick up your order, they bark it out again... And waited... And waited... And listened to the inane conversation about what music to play in the cafe off of someone's iPod... And waited...
And listened to the sandwich guy go, "Whoops! Haha, I totally forgot about this one! [my sandwich, forgotten on the panini press and burned into charcoal dust]"... And listened to the ABSENCE of any update or apology about my order... And waited...
Finally heard a name akin to, but not the same as, my own, called out. Waited. Decided to check it out. Yes it was the same sandwich I ordered. What was my name? Ohhh... haha close enough. Ha. ha. ha.
As yummy as the sandwiches and smoothies are, I am avoiding this place until I don't get PO'd as soon as I think of their name. Shape up, 3C's!! -
Review from Lisa S.
11/11/2010
I really want to give this place 3.5 stars, but I'm going to bump it up to 4 because of it's vegetarian and vegan options. They even mark on their menu board what is vegetarian or vegan, for easy ordering.
I've come here a few times since I moved back to Boston. I *love* their dairy-free smoothies. You definitely cannot go wrong with them, and they are great when I'm craving a smoothie and trying to avoid dairy. They are also the only cafe I've found nearby that serves Tofutti cream cheese- a staple in my diet since I used to love cream cheese before I stopped eating dairy day-to-day. Also, they have vegan pastries and cookies, which makes me happy.
The last time I got coffee there, it was so-so. They have rice milk and soy milk, so that was pretty fabulous for my latte (I'm used to having to default to soy milk with no choice). The actual final coffee product was so-so, though.
The service can be really slow, and often the people who work there are kinda obnoxious in a hipster way. I've been there a few mornings where there was about 12-14 people in line and the waitstaff didn't really seem to care at all. Every time I've been there, they've had one or two waitstaff who had no idea what they were doing and kinda just meandered about, asking questions or staring into space.
They have plenty of tables and couches for people to sit on and study, but I never would- there are much better places to sit and study in Central. I pretty much only come here to grocery shop at Harvest and then take my Clear Conscience Cafe food home with me. -
Review from Deepa C.
Somerville, MA
2/11/2008 ROTD 12/20/2008
I had never been to the store or the cafe, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but as soon as I walked in, I fell in love.
Besides the whole all natural food and furniture aspect (which is wonderful), the coffee here is superb! i was pleasantly surprised, since i am usually so finicky when it come to coffee.
The space is bright and clean, but not OTT prissy. The owner was hanging around and chatting with regulars - always a good sign. It seemed like the place where one could spend a few hours. It's not doing your homework on the floor in front of the TV cozy, but more like reading the paper at your sun filled kitchen table while your mother makes eggs cozy.
Whenever I am back in Central, I will make it a point to stop in. Check this place out, even if it is just to peek inside. You will like what you see.Listed in: with my mind on my money
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Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2008 2 photos
Interesting to see how a face lift, thoughtful menu and green awareness transforms a place. In the past I'd never actually visited the cafe, not enticed by it's offers and actually ignored it after renovation for the first few weeks, an easy thing for a non habitual coffee drinker. Now I'll happily munch one of their yummy sandwiches (wasn't impressed with the salad combos) or a pastry and eat the day away.
Improvements? Sound levels are inconsistent. All the Honest Teas are fruit flavors, unsweetened teas would be appreciated. Also, when you get sammies to go they leave out the bean salad, boo!Listed in: Picnic Fixins
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Review from Trish F.
Boston, MA
2/7/2008
I appreciate the Harvest Coop's mission even though I don't shop there that much, so that's why I really wanted to like this place. Like.. really really..
The cafe seemed cute with comfy chairs and whatnot, but being cute isn't what keeps me coming back for more. The workers were nice enough. They weren't exactly paying attention to me because there were police officers afoot looking for some drunken guy that had been harassing customers. I did get a smile when I dropped $1 onto the tip stone slab (what IS that? Jars out of fashion since I last worked in a cafe 7 months ago?).
Down to the food. The wait wasn't long which was good because I was starving. I liked the side bean salad but the sandwich was okay. It was basically a tomato sandwich, which is sad because 1) I ordered a "roast beef sandwich" 2) I can't eat tomatoes. The sandwich was a thin layer of roast beef and1/4 of a tomato. I like ma meat and well, meat isn't what they're going for here I guess. To top it off, the bread was cold and not too appetizing.
I won't be coming back for a sandwich, maybe a salad? -
Review from Ralph M.
Minneapolis, MN
12/4/2010
When my pickiness finally gave way, I stopped into Clear Conscience Cafe for my coffee and grading.
It seemed like a simple quest I was on, a place to sit and grade (with coffee). It was not to be this day. I'm surprised coffee shops haven't started charging rent on seats.
But CCC had an open seat, and I was damn tired of looking, so I went with it.
So yes, I had a seat. Yes, I had my coffee.
But damn this place bugs me.
"Clear Conscience Cafe"?
Really?
I didn't sit down and read a pamphlet, but let's just assume they have all the little bells and whistles. Organically, shade grown coffee. Carbon neutral (purchased carbon off-sets to account for all the production and travel of this coffee). And, of course, the baristas and everyone else involved in the production, transport and preparation of this coffee was paid a living wage and are represented by a union. In short, the most progressive cup of coffee in the history of the world. I haven't done my research, but let's just assume that's what they do, because the name of the place is "Clear Conscience Cafe".
Still, can you shut up about it?
Christ, I may believe in all that but I don't need it trumpeted at me with such gaudy, holier-than-thou pride. And of course, they cover the walls of this place in those trite affirmational slogans (e.g. "be the change you want to see in the world" and all that).
If you need this much sunshine pumped up your ass, seek clinical help. Anybody with a functioning psyche should be embarrassed by this Stuart Smalley of coffee shops.Listed in: My Favorite Reviews (of mine)
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Review from Matt C.
Cambridge, MA
7/1/2008
I imagine the brainstorming session for the name of this place went like this:
"Let's call it the Clean Conscience Café. Has a nice ring to it."
"Let me stop you right there, Bob. See uh, we don't really plan on keeping this place that clean, per se. So why don't we go with 'clear.'"
"That sounds like acne medicine."
"Yeah, I know, but it works."
I stopped in here after work on a Friday. There were plenty of open tables, but that was because each one had some sort of leftover food component carelessly left for somone to clean up. And since they make it clear they aren't going to help you out in that area (a handwritten sign instructs you to bus your own table), you can pretty much count on eating your panini with a piece of someone's unwanted arugula eyeing you inches away. The condiment bar was also in a sad state, with sticky pools of a simple syrup/half and half marring an otherwise well stocked bar.
The ham and cheese had a nice twist with cucumber and spicy mustard, but I don't think I'll be back unless they wipe the hummus off the seatback every once and a while. -
Review from Eve L.
Brighton, MA
11/8/2007
It used to be that the Harvest Cafe was laughably inefficient. I went there faithfully for many months because of the baker who made the Elvis muffins (chocolate, banana, and peanutbutter = heaven) but when they went away, it wasn't worth the incredibly stoned cashiers and mangy looking digs, even though the food was good.
Now, Clear Conscience Cafe has moved in, clearly espousing the same values Harvest Co-op has always upheld, but now with a pleanant, clean, modern re-design, and delicious food. It's a real upgrade. It's amazing how much more space they got just by removing the hip-high wall that was creating a walkway in the old design.
I do, however, miss the community board, which was the best of its kind in the Boston area.Listed in: Best Brunch Spots, I'm Useful!
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Review from Alena D.
Allston, MA
6/3/2008
It's a huge improvement over the previous cafe.
It just rankles me a little. The Clear Conscience Cafe... are you serious? I get that the harvest co-op is in bed with their eco-friendly, all natural, hippie brigade, but this place kind of pisses me off.
You tore down an existing cafe to create a jazzier more expensive one, using manufacturing materials and i don't know how many unnecessary pollutants in a generally unnecessary upgrade. Your plastic cups are biodegradable? That's your concession to green, eco-sustainability?
I like the sandwiches, they're not bad, but I could do without their personal brand of green commercialism. -
Review from Tom E.
1/29/2009
The main purpose of this review is to piss Annie P off.
Why? Because after she did the same to me with her review of this place, it meant that I never ever tried it and in my head always associated everything Clear Conscience with her.
Well now I've finally tried it, I could associate Annie P and her review with my good experiences with the nice brown chairs, the decent coffee, the green ethos or the useful free wifi. But no, my mind will instead just associate Annie P with the flip-side of the deal - the central square crazies all around this place.
So yeah, Annie... now I see crazies at CCC... I think of you. -
Review from Maria V.
3/18/2008
Very nice! I got their veggie sandwich and have to say it was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had, no exaggeration. Hommus was fantastic (I'm pretty sure it's homemade or damn close to it), ingredients were fresh and in the right proportion, and the whole package was made just right -- not a huge bulging sandwich with bits dripping everywhere. I finished the whole thing and felt proper full, nothing heavy or greasy in the stomach.
Service was really fast, very polite, very chill. Nothing pretentious, again, just right.
And free wi-fi. W00t. -
Review from Leighann F.
Astoria, Queens, NY
8/26/2008
After a rough morning (usually preceded by a long night out) nothing sets my sights straight like an organic smoothie and a shot of wheat grass. I've never eaten at Clear Conscience, but am consistently refreshed by their daily selection of Iced Teas.
What clears my conscience? Skipping the coffee and updating my antioxidant levels with a beverage from Clear Conscience! -
Review from Annie P.
Cambridge, MA
10/19/2007
Update:
The sandwiches are getting more and more WEAK!
I no likey so muchy anymorey.
Update:
Oh looky here. Today was actually the first open to public day.
Ceilings are high. Lots of tea options.
No more flyer board.. just a bunch of new Out of The Blue (eew) Gallery Art... the pieces were very bearable to look at though. They have this artist who does paintings that = photographs. Nice touch with the hanging wires to put them up too.
Turn around is that the food is now freshly made on the spot. No more pre made mushy wraps and sushi rolls.
Had the PB&Banana on Whole wheat. Tasty. Plenty of healthy choices for bread.
You can find your usual but quite alert Harvest staff behind the counter. Friendly, straight up about getting your order correct (what bread, warmed up? etc..) and he even cleared our plates and paper cups for us when we just sat around chit chatting.
Seating for four available. Seating for two everywhere. Plenty of room. The stiff communal and modern look gives off a Starbucks-ish feel.. but it's CLEAN! I don;t know for how long.. but enjoy the bouncy floor and relax. Ahhh...
The point of this review will still remain: pissing off Tom E.
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This is the new place opening up to replace Harvest Coop Cafe. (Which includes their wondrous public bathroom)
This review is mainly to piss off TOM E.
I've walked through this renovating cafe for a couple of weeks now.. so it counts.
You too can walk through it now.. so go walk on by. Brightly lit.. with a great zen-like name to go with it.
Hope the free wi-fi and the huge board with flyers from all over will also follow.
This is from the website-----
"Dear Harvest Customers:
We have exciting news to share. Our cafe renovation initiative is beginning.
The Clear Conscience Caf's design and development is green and follows the strict LEED guidelines. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Upon completion the caf will offer the community a much improved caf setting and continue its commitment to serving organic and fairly traded products.
During the construction the caf will be closed.
However, access to the Harvest Market from Massachusetts Avenue will be kept open as often as possible.
The side entrance doors to the Harvest Market will not be affected and will remain open as usual.
We are very excited about the continued development at the Harvest Coop Markets and apologize in advance to all of our valued customers, for the temporary inconvenience as we prepare to serve you better.
-- The Staff at Harvest Co-op Market" -
Review from Peter G.
Boston, MA
Updated - 11/25/2008
So after receiving a nasty message from what seems suspiciously like a puppet account regarding my previous review; I thought I should take the time to update my review since many things have changed over at C3 in the last year. Sadly, a few other Yelpers have received incendiary/nasty messages from the owners of C3 over their reviews, whether or not I too am a victim of C3's overzealous owners I won't let that impact the following review.
The interior has been much-improved and feels much less institutional and noticeably uses materials that appear recycled. It is still severely lacking that cozy quality that so many look for in a cafe, however. The seating is comfortable, and the recent changes in configuration have made it much easier to get around the cafe. Also, if you're sensitive to the cold get ready for a refreshing cold-blast every time the front door is opened.
The food still disappoints and in my opinion remains being over-priced. Why? Because the attention to detail and the flavors just aren't there. The food simply isn't the sum of its parts even though much of it is organic (or at the very least all-natural). There is no ambition on the menu, and it's all stuff I could make at home that I buy right next door in Harvest, and would probably make better. The only exception might be the pretty sweet Bean Salad.
Still the drinks are solid, and the coffee strikes me as a bit more consistently good than it does even at the venerable 1369 (although I find 1369's cold-brewed ice coffee to be better). I'm with Ligaya that they should offer unsweetened Honest Teas - those things are BRILLIANT!
Overall improvements have been made (with no doubt more to come), but I just can't see myself going here even though try as I might, I just can't love this place even though I want to.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/5/2008
I was not impressed with this place. The interior is Oh-So-Very institutional. There's no character… Read more »
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Review from Josephine P.
Boston, MA
Updated - 10/12/2010
When I first discovered this place, I was a HUGE fan. The mission was great and the best part was that they practiced what they preached and even had a market behind them to help everyone else buy local and fairly traded items. It was really inspiring. I actually do go out and buy fair trade organic coffee now and I AM A CHEAPSKATE. So yeah they really made an impact on me personally.
Too bad their coffee is TERRIBLE. I ordered a caramel latte and my boyfriend ordered the seasonal pumpkin iced coffee.
Both were the worst drinks I have ever paid $4 for.ever.Listed in: Places I would show off when…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/7/2009
I love this place.
The coffee- my passion, was really exceptional. I ordered a caramel latte and I… Read more »
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Review from Mel J.
Boston, MA
11/2/2011
The management of this cafe should be 1) embarassed 2) really concerned about fixing their incredibly bad service 3) royally apologetic to all the green-minded, formerly-happy-to-pay-for-their-organic-greuel people they've managed to piss off.
When I went in for dinner, it was not that busy; however, it still took.20 minutes to get my sandwich. The person preparing the sandwich went slower than a snail's pace (and also seemed to fumble around for ingredients as if he'd never made a sandwich there before). Really, it was actually incredible to watch someone move that slowly and inefficiently - it was almost as if he were trying to be incompetent.
Management: do you even read Yelp to get a grasp on how your clientele feels? You probably should - you have a pretty poor showing here, all of it reflecting the poor, slow, and sometimes even rude service.
