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Crema Cafe
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
27 Brattle StCambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood: Harvard Square
(617) 876-2700
- Nearest Transit:
-
Brattle St @ Massachusetts Ave (86)
Eliot St @ Bennett St (66, 72/75, 74, 75, 77, 78, 86, 96)
Massachusetts Ave @ Holyoke St - Holyoke Gate (1, 68, 69)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
447 reviews for Crema Cafe
Review Highlights
"I look forward to my next trip to Harvard Square."
(in 116 reviews)
"They also make a killer grilled cheese."
(in 25 reviews)
"My lunch was the sweet potato sammy and ginger lemonade."
(in 13 reviews)
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447 reviews in English
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Review from Brian D.
2/7/2012
Approach Crema with a positive attitude and a lust for coffee. Own that caffeine addiction and wait in line. Or, approach Cream at the right time and saunter right up to the counter. Hi nice lady, can I have a coffee and a 'insert item', please? The answer will be yes. I can tell you first hand that I have bought coffee and many, many others things at Crema and I have personally, not been disappointed.
Yes, the lines can be ungodly at times but that can be true of any other dope cafe.
Yes, the customers can be a bit much to deal with - looking at you and your crew as you linger over your empty coffees and surf the wi-fi.
Yes, they may ask you to pay cash if you are just getting a coffee.
Yes, the grilled cheese is good and you can get it with carm. onions and bacon.
Yes, many of the nice people that work her are pretty, probably smell of coffee and have fancy tattoos.
Yes, I spend too much money here.
No, I will not change my ways. Thank you for encouraging my caffeine addiction and lust for grilled cheese, Cream. You are a wicked, wicked, little-bit-of-a-thing. -
Review from K C.
Cambridge, MA
2/2/2012
This review WOULD'VE BEEN a 4 or 5-star review if it wasn't for one, simple thing that turned it into a 3-star review. That is a genuine smile when greeted for our order.
We're new to Boston, and although I've heard "it's an East Coast thing (the attitude)," I really don't think there's any excuse for someone who's in customer service to have such a crappy attitude.
Otherwise, the cafe has a great atmosphere (though I wish it had some cozy chairs to set up camp in - though probably not good for biz - I get that), good coffee, food that smells great (I haven't tried it), and an overall good vibe. I won't let one gal's snotty look of "Can I help you (even though I really don't want to)?" deter me from patronizing Crema in the future. I just hope to see a little friendlier attitude next time. Trust me, you're not the first place in Boston I've been so offput by as the customer.
**Note to business owners, if you can't hire people who are genuinely happy to provide service, it will be detrimental to your business, even if not felt right away, little by little, you will lose customers. -
Review from Kristine H.
Calabasas, CA
1/13/2012
quaint cafe full of intellectual-looking-people eating/reading/conversing.
today i tried the almond earl grey because i never had heard of that combination before - and it was AMAZING! i would come back just for that. the macaroons aren't the greatest here, a little too much creme in the middle if you ask me, but maybe the famous macaroon cafes in LA spoiled me a little :) -
Review from Sofia B.
Somerville, MA
2/2/2012
When I'm out flier-ing in the very cold winters in Harvard Square, I always (always, always, always) stop by here to eat something quick. The ambiance is perfect- low key with hipsters. But really, I go there for a cappuccino and *the* grilled cheese and tomato soup; perfect for a winter- a warm winter at that!
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Review from Raf S.
Brookline, MA
1/13/2012
My favorite hip cafe in Harvard Square. All the bells and whistles of a Brooklenesque trendy spot - exposed brick, delicious espresso, and chunky wooden tables.
There is no wifi and it is often hard to find a spot due to its popularity but it is well worth it.
Their pastries are incredible, especially their croissants and authentic French macaroons. All tea is loose leaf and their coffee isn't bad although I'd recommend a latte over the daily brew. -
Review from Annmarie L.
Arlington, MA
12/20/2011
You know how you see those coffee shops in the movies where the staff is young and hip, having fun behind the counter but taking the time and pride to draw little flowers into the foam on your latte? Welcome to the Crema Cafe.
Securing seating can be a bit stressful, and there isn't a lot of room (read: probably not a place to stop while holiday shopping...or wearing puffy coats), but once you stalk someone for long enough, this is a great chat & people watching spot.
I haven't tried the food, but the coffee is amazing. They get a little hectic, but are really nice about making sure you are totally happy with your order.
Settle in, hunker down, ignore the glares from those waiting for a seat, and enjoy a great cuppa. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Thais A.
Amazingness between two slices of bread.
I was visiting Boston for the weekend and my lovely friend raved about this place the entire time. Finally, on Sunday she took me here for a nice brunch and it definitely lived up to the expectations she set for me.
I ordered the spinach and artichoke chicken sandwich, a regular coffee and the ginger lemonade that all the Yelp buddies kept mentioning. OMG OMG OMG OMG! So freaking good, in my mouth! creamy artichoke spread, spinach and tender chicken on homemade focaccia bread, couldn't have asked for a better sandwich combination. The coffee was darn good, too. Ginger lemonade lived up to the review.
I also had my eye on the Rosemary and goat cheese sandwich, with walnuts and honey on french baguette, but sadly there was no room left
Cozy and comfortable, Crema Cafe is a must for anyone looking a terrific sandwich in the Cambridge area. -
Review from Zachary C.
Somerville, MA
12/2/2011
My friend and I were robbed while sitting at the counter. When we alerted the staff, they told us the owner was showing a new hire around and would be with us. She never took the time to check in.
Though the police officer who took our report said they'd had other reports of people being robbed at Crema, no sign anywhere alerted patrons to the possibility or told us to keep careful watch on their belongings.
I won't be back. -
Review from Mardget P.
Boston, MA
1/26/2012
Now that the surly yet amazing Hi-Rise Bakery has relocated to Porter, Crema is the only option for quality baked goods in the Square. The banana date nut bread is delicious--well-spiced and full of chunks of dates and walnuts, it feels almost healthy to eat it. The cookies are chewy and clearly made of quality ingredients (the mudslide cookie in particular--chocolatey and super chewy, just thinking about it makes me full of happiness). Sandwiches are also good (the grilled chicken especially--unusual in that it's served pressed with a corn and avocado spread that is sooo delish on its own). Prices high, typical of H Square; service nice, atypical of H Square; seats not available ever, alas.
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Review from Nandanie R.
Braintree, MA
1/13/2012
This place was okay. My light roast cost about $4, and I wasn't too crazy about the flavor. Or maybe I'm not that much of a gourmet coffee person...anyway, it was just meh.
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Review from Jessica W.
Somerville, MA
11/29/2011
I've never had high expectations for sandwiches at coffee shops. At these kinds of joints, the emphasis is on the beverages, not so much the food. But a friend suggested I try Crema's sweet potato sandwich, and I'm not one to leave food recommendations unexplored, especially when they're in neighborhoods I already frequent.
If you don't mind mixing sweet and savory, the sweet potato sandwich's a great choice. There's hummus and some sort of vinaigrette reppin' the savory side, and sweet potato and apple slices reppin' the sweet. I don't like alfalfa sprouts much, but this sandwich makes them okay in my book. Especially when there's avocado involved, which I love any time, any place, any sandwich.
Crema has two other vegetarian sandwich offerings, the Thai Peanut and its grilled cheese.
I loved the gingery, spicy and peanut flavors of the Thai Peanut sandwich, but felt like a key ingredient was missing. The baguette was good, and the crunch of the spicy napa slaw, peanuts, and some other sliced veggies was nice. But if there was something softer to balance out the crunchiness, something like slices of baked tofu, the sandwich would be even better. But the good flavors are already there.
The grilled cheese is good, and stands out from other grilled cheeses out there in that it uses Gruyere. Extras you can throw in include avocado (yes, please!) and caramelized onion.
The baked goods are always tempting, but so far I've been able to resist. I can't say I'll be able to hold out too much longer, though.Listed in: For the love of a good…
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Review from Heather W.
Cambridge, MA
12/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Some of Crema is so good, but some of Crema is, well, not so good.
Good:
- Coffee. I'm a big fan of their normal house blend (get it to make at home, too) and I really do love their rotating featured one. Last week they had this Guatemalan coffee that was straight up heavenly.
- If you want the most buttery fatty (yet evil-ly tasty) sandwich ever, this is a good place to try. If on a diet --) move this comment to the cons.
- Big fan of their oatmeal in the morning. Extra yummy with bananas.
Cons:
- Their pastries always look super tasty but they pretty much ALWAYS disappoint. And yet I keep getting tricked!
- I ordered their yogurt parfait a few weekends ago and was totally weirded out to find friggin cantaloupe and other melon varieties in there. ???? Parfait is supposed to have berries, not melon... That's just cheap and weird tasting. Have you ever tried watermelon soaked in yogurt?? No? Well, there's a reason for that.
One last thing -- I came by last Sunday (I think it was Sunday) in the morning for a coffee and oatmeal. On the door I (and a bunch of other coffee-seekers) saw a sign "Closed for private event. Reopening at noon"
Ok, I have a problem with this. First, if you're a coffee shop and you're going to be closed on a Sunday morning, shouldn't you have a sign up the day before?? Or better yet, what about the Sunday before so your regulars know what's up?? Secondly, it sort of hurts my heart that Crema would be willing to sacrifice its normal regular customers Sunday morning caffeine fix for some sort of random morning fiesta -- regardless of giving us notice. -
Review from Cassy H.
Updated - 1/6/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Crema golden latte! It's golden, because they added the natural sweetness of honey. Amazing, must try. Additionally, the baristas will create pretty latte foam art, which is always a plus.
Listed in: Hahvahd Square Eats, Caffeine and Me: East Coast
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/15/2011
Good place for a quick meal... and very reasonably priced for Cambridge standards.
What have I had… Read more »
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Review from Joanna F.
12/1/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I should probably review Crema since I keep finding myself here. The coffee is delicious. I've had a killer iced coffee and most recently have gotten hooked on their mochas. It's kind of expensive for what it is. I haven't tried any of the food yet, but I'm sure I will at some point. Their baked goods look ridiculous.
The atmosphere is ok, but it's always so packed that it hardly seems worth it to hang out. I would rather enjoy my drink while walking or hanging out at a park nearby. That being said, once it gets cold out, perhaps I'll find myself enjoying my drink indoors. -
Review from John B.
Boston, MA
1/29/2012
Wow...looking at these reviews I must laugh...Some guy ordering espresso and saying he only adds water, lier (stop stealing drinks, no wonder prices are high, because of cheap you know what like YOU)....some other loser has a bag stolen and now it's the owners fault...HS has all kinds of thugs all over the place, I assume this was not a Harvard Student because they would be way too smart for that....I was going to give this place 4 stars (as there is better) but felt bad for some of these ridiculous stupid reviews....so you are going to get 5 stars. Oh the other thing is the prices...you are going to a café in the middle of Harvard Square, you are not in Kentucky, get with it people...pay the extra 30 cents, hopefully SB will get the hint and stop moving onto every corner. Oh another thing....i am a man of color and never felt like I did not belong, there is another coffee shop in the South End that made me feel like I should have been ordering my coffee elsewhere, that review will come after I give them a few more chances.
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Review from Hilary H.
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Shall I sing your praises, Crema Cafe? Of course, of course...
In a neighborhood with a bajillion other cafes, the crowd was constant, but I never felt the need to flee. In fact, I was quote cozy at my high top with my tea. Speaking of... my tea was deeeeee-lish. Loose leaf, English Breakfast, boiled water: this is a tea-lovers simple wish first thing in the morning, and you granted it. You did.
The sandwich I had for lunch later on was sublime. Grilled chicken, avocado, some zesty corn sauce topping it all off and pulling it together between the grilled bread... yum, and yum again.
I was most impressed with the order made out of chaos. The line was never-ending, but the service is quick and painless.
Why four stars, you ask? No wireless. Just do it, and you'll make many a dream come true. -
Review from Misti Y.
12/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
You must sip the Red Nectar. I don't know much, but I know that. Most of my experience was a blur of a buzzing Harvard Square cafe. Busy. Loud. Too many brainwaves. We had to fight for a seat with a plug. There was loud samba? music playing. Amongst all this, however, was the Red Nectar, an unexpected combination of white cranberry juice and a shot of rooibos that is a new take on thirst-quenching for me. I approve. And, the egg sandwich on a heavenly light muffin is pretty delicious too. I wasn't able to stick around to try lunch, but they do serve up sandwiches. If you can deal with the energy, it's a good spot for bites and bevies.
Listed in: Boston
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Review from Jamie S.
11/2/2011
Great peanut butter cookie, underwhelmed by the coffee! Judging from the ambience and crowd, I was expecting to have my hair blown back ("Whateva blows ya hair back." -Matt Damon recommending books to Robin Williams in "Good Will Hunting"), but the regular drip coffee was less than stellar. It was 4 pm on a weekday, maybe it wasn't the freshest batch, but still. Looking at the pictures of latte art, maybe I'll try one of those next time. Doubtful. Caffe Americano, that's more my stylo.
But, the peanut butter cookie was enormous and scrumptious! So try one if you go. -
Review from Linda H.
Boston, MA
12/3/2011
Wonderful sandwiches, coffee, and baked goods. I frequent this place often.
The space itself is fairly large, but it is always packed and there is often a fairly decent sized line. The classic crema chicken sandwich and and chicken jarsburg sandwiches are the only two I tried. Wonderful. Coffee - great. French macaroons - outstanding.
So why am I giving Crema only 3 stars? The service is pretty spotty. Yes it's busy, but I was charged for and given iced coffee instead of iced black tea (which is what I ordered) on 2 separate occasions. I was made sandwiches on white bread after specifying I'd wanted whole wheat on another 2 occasions. Sandwiches, while delicious, are made painstakingly slow. Given the high volume of orders that come in, and given that sandwiches are pressed, I understand it can take a while. If you have 15-20 minutes to kill while waiting for a sandwich, great. Otherwise, opt for a pre-made sandwich or salad and get the heck out of there. -
Review from Zak M.
Cambridge, MA
1/5/2012
My girlfriend had a brand new laptop stolen from her bag at Crema this week. The entire incident was recorded on a surveillance camera in the cafe, and the manager of the cafe said that she recognized the thieves as two people who had previously visited the cafe. Apparently they were quite professional in their approach.
While these things obviously do happen sometimes, we've both been very dissatisfied with the way Crema has handled the incident. We're both long-term customers, and the impression that we've gotten from Crema is that this happens with some frequency, and that they are utterly unconcerned about it. They have not publicized the images from the video or allowed us to obtain a copy of them. While they have agreed to provide a copy to the police, pursuing this type of theft doesn't appear to be a very high priority for the police (understandably).
If I were an owner of Crema, I would feel a responsibility to make these images (as well as those of other recent thefts) publicly available in order to attempt to apprehend the thieves, who apparently have operated on Crema's premises on multiple occasions. They were recognizable to at least one person who worked at the cafe. Perhaps someone else at the cafe might recognize them as well. At a minimum, I believe that it would be appropriate to post a sign informing patrons that thefts have occurred recently, and to take extra care.
Instead, it appears that Crema has decided to avoid taking simple proactive measures to attempt to mitigate the risk for other patrons. It's possible that this is motivated by a desire to avoid polluting the ambience of the cafe with a photograph of a suspect or a warning sign. Personally, as a (former) patron, I would prefer to have that information. We can only wonder how many thefts Crema has recorded on its surveillance cameras, and how many thefts might have been prevented if some of these images would have seen the light of day.
(Apparently I am not the only one who feels this way. See the first review here: http://www.yelp.com/bi...) -
Review from Hubert H.
Cambridge, MA
10/30/2011
A decent place to get a tea or orangina. A bit loud though - why does the music need to be so loud?
I in particular remember the cupcakes being quite decent, if a bit on the sugary side.
Otherwise, a very pleasant place to chat, get a coffee, get a tea, get lunch, meet up with folks, etc. Look forward to trying out their sandwiches. -
Review from Christina M.
Somerville, MA
9/24/2011
Sooooo good. Why didn't I know about this great, quick, cheap eat before? I frequent Harvard Square often, and always wonder where all of the quick, no-fuss places to eat are. I've probably passed Crema Cafe dozens of times and never really noticed it. I'll be sure not to forget the next time I'm looking for a yummy lunch, and am so indebted to some local Cambridge friends for suggesting this place during a work outing.
We stopped by at the peak of lunch on a week day and it was busy. Luckily, the light rain outside deterred other patrons from sitting in the outdoor seats that were adequately protected from the showers, and we were able to find a place to relax and eat. Although the people working there were inundated with orders, they were very friendly and looked like they were trying their hardest to bang out the food and still make it look presentable. The food I saw other people looked really good, as I spied colorful quiches, heart-warming soups, toasty sandwiches, and rich desserts.
For my lunch I had the Crema grilled chicken sandwich. Oh my goodness, it was so delicious and I especially liked the cheesy corn spread and the generous slices of fresh avocado, piled high on top of juicy chicken on perfectly toasted sourdough bread. Now that's what I call a sandwich with soul! I was also able to try a sample of some of their desserts that we shared as a group, and although the chocolate brownie, chocolate chip cookie, oatmeal cookie, and homemade granola bar were good, the mud pie was awesome. Can't wait to go back and try their other offerings! -
Review from Lillie T.
St Paul, MN
1/3/2012
After a hefty dinner, we strolled. Hark, what's that across the street, I say to my dining mate, but a warm, split level cafe? Just the place for an evening sit. And it was so! The upstairs has a nice large table at which an older man was studying Mandarin. Behind the counter are friendly, grungy twenty-somethings, and next to the register are delectable baked goods. We got the cardamom currant snickerdoodle (more shortbread than snickerdoodle in my opinion, but so tasty once past silly semantics) and the incredible (or some other equally accurately descriptive adjective) oatmeal cookie. Yum! Good!
Also, the Red Crema is sweet and spiced and lovely.
And, the atmosphere was relaxing and unpretentious, with nineties music playing the entire time we were there. Stupendous! -
Review from Jen S.
11/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I made it a point to wake up early to get to Harvard Square to check it out before we had to head to the airport. My goal was to have a Golden Crema Latte at Crema Cafe and visit Harvard. If I lived near here the Golden Crema Latte would be my weekly treat to myself. It is just that good and with an egg, spinach, tomato, and cheese on a croissant is heavenly.
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Review from stacy y.
San Francisco, CA
11/11/2011
Delightful Spot.
Perfect for a leisurely cup of coffee on weekend mornings. Friendly and efficient staff with a good variety of options to choose from on the menu. I had the oatmeal, english muffin and latte and was impressed by each. A great find for an out-of-towner like me full of local charm! :) -
Review from Cathy D.
Evanston, IL
11/21/2011
this place is a gem; probably my favorite sandwich place in the Boston area (though admittedly I haven't been to many).
sweet potato sandwich = perfection. -
Review from Sophie C.
Chicago, IL
10/26/2011
Latte art? Check.
Tasty unique little sandwiches? Check.
Warm, cozy atmosphere that's equally suited for dates, catchups, and a productive afternoon with your hipster MacBook Air? Check, check, and check.
This place is the adorable coffee cafe of my dreams. The food is reliably delicious, when it comes to the coffee, they roast and sell their own beans. Portion size was also generous when it came to the sandwiches, which is usually an issue for me in a place like this.
Bonus: service is warm and efficient, and they're always more than willing to make sandwich recommendations if you're the ambivalent kind. A gem in Harvard Square. -
Review from Katia O.
New York, NY
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
3 stars for wide selection of drinks, sandwiches, and pastries but unfriendly and unthorough staff. Came here for an early lunch, and they couldn't provide me a receipt when I asked. Made me wait 5 minutes to later say they can't print me one b/c of technical malfunction. The sandwich I ordered and already paid could not be made b/c they were out of croissants, and this was told to me at the pick up area by the sandwich maker. I glanced at the ordering area, and the line was too long for me to bother and go re-order, repay, or collect my difference for changing to a different kind. Very inconvenient.
I was very excited to try this place after reading a lot of reviews. I came 10 min before 11, and they told me they could only offer me breakfast sandwiches, so I was very disappointed. Really wanted to try that sweet potato sandwich people have been raving about.
My egg/cheese sandwich was bland and undeserving of my review. After all, it wasn't made with a croissant as I initially asked for. My cup of cappuccino, however, was a real treat. It was beautifully made with a heart looking foam on the top, and it was sooo yummy!
It's a loud place but definitely worth checking it out. It's located right in the heart of Harvard area, and great to just get a quick bite to eat or grab some good coffee, or for studying if you are a college student. Very loud though, but whatever. Just put on your headphones and listen to music! -
Review from Kat O.
Somerville, MA
10/3/2011
I love Crema.
The combinations of ingredients in their sandwiches are truly interesting and delicious. They get pricey, but they're biiiiig and satisfying, so what the heck. I recently had an event catered by them too and it was an overall great experience. I placed the order and was contacted by whoever handles catering a few times addressing some detailed requests I had submitted just to make sure she had them right. I recommend the spinach and spiced carrot salad! Yummo. -
Review from Stef S.
Updated - 11/26/2011
Came back here again. I love you, Crema. It's always crowded but I love the tea lattes, the general ambiance, and the pastries. Love it love it love it.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/10/2011
A seriously fun place with great selection of food and drinks! I love the atmosphere, though it gets… Read more »
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Review from tritri j.
Huntington Beach, CA
8/4/2011
The service has a "I'm-too-cool-cuz-I-work-in-harvard-and-I'm-a-hips ter" vibe, and the woman actually scowled when I wanted a receipt. What's up with that? Maybe it's an environmental thing..
But the food was excellent. Really great spinach and chicken sandwich! I asked for the sweet potato chips, but I guess my cashier was so offended about the receipt that she messed up my order. But I did have some from my friend's and they're pretty good - not to salty and really fresh.
If you can, go for the upper floor seating. It gives a nice view and it's not so crowded up there. -
Review from Cristina W.
Boston, MA
10/3/2011
Went to Crema Cafe for lunch today after reading so many great reviews. I had to try the Sweet Potato Sandwich, and it really was tasty. Not mind-blowing, but definitely an interesting and yummy combination of ingredients. It left me full an satisfied.
The place was pretty crowded (at 1pm on a weekday) but I was able to find a table without much trouble. I would definitely go back! -
Review from Damien S.
Ridiculously embarrassed.
It's like I forgot to call Mom on the second Sunday in May. Or actually showing up in lecture pants-less. Or saying the wrong name during... an award ceremony. Perv.
How I've gone this long without reviewing my favorite lunch spot in Harvard Square is beyond me. Let's cut to the chase: I want to impregnate the turkey sandwich with jicama slaw and nurse the baby manwich we've created with bottle after bottle of the red nectar (white cranberry juice and a shot of rooibos tea).
It's crowded at lunch, at 2pm, at 4:17p and 10 minutes . And all the time. Why? Because, Heinztard, good things come to those who wait and this wait becomes insignificant when presented with your crisp and chewy, tendercrunchy meat+veg on Iggy's bread. Or is it their own? I'd ask but my face is always stuffed. "Just read the website, Damien." How can I when I'm using the housemade sweet potato chips as tokens for Charon, knowing that I'll die from choking on the oversized bite I just took.
The roasted lamb sand sports a killer flavor profile, getting all sorts of bitterness from arugula and walnut pesto to complement the metallic meat. I dug it the one time I bit, only finding minor qualms with the slightly fatty cuts. For a quick grab-and-go, try the tuna salad on a pretzel roll. If you need reason beyond those six words, well, read a different review.
And while I don't drink coffee, I'd gladly order whatever takes the longest to make, just so I can spend more time not creeping on the barista who I may or may not have a crush on. And if I did, it's definitely not because she tells me (and, it seems, only me?) to "Have a great day" and seals it with a killer smile. Probably bats for the other team, but that's... okay.
We'll always have jicama. -
Review from Leanne C.
7/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is for coffee + coffee shop feel only.
Price: A-OK!
Coffee: Decent, a little weak (for the iced coffee, that is).
Hired help: Super nice.
Atmosphere: Unique and nice enough. It was a pinch crowded for my tastes and lacked the intimate coffee-shop-feel I have grown to love and expect.
Next time I'm around, I'll try to shuffle through their food selection and pick up something vegan-friendly and update my review :)Listed in: Coffee Across the Country
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Review from Suji C.
Updated - 11/10/2011
Oh, and must mention that the iced chai tea latte here is perfect! Not too sweet and perfectly spicy. Beats Starbucks!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/20/2011
(so far) Best cafe in Harvard Square!
Great for a quick bite, a caffeine and/or dessert fix, sit-down… Read more »
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Review from Nadia S.
Waban, MA
1/12/2012
One of the best coffee houses I have been to. I frequent this place often, and it's a great place to study, or to get together with friends, with a great cup of coffee. They really know how to make an awesome latte. Although this place can be crowded, it is definitely worth it to stop in for a well made drink and a bite to eat/dessert.
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Review from Coco K.
Boston, MA
6/22/2011
Not only does this place whip up a mean (tasty) list of sandwiches, but their drinks are delicious too! A fellow friend got me hooked on their Red Nectar drink and now I can only order it in a large. There is always a line, which is completely understandable considering the outstanding scrumptiousness of the food, baked good, and beverages, but in all honesty I've never had to wait terribly long and I've always found a place to sit. If it's sunny and packed you can always find a nice place to sit and enjoy your sandwich out in front of the cafe. It's great people watching too!
The employees are friendly, but sometimes overwhelmed. The sandwich makers are hard and work churning out a whole slew of tasty, melty, yummy pressed goodness so leave them to their job.
Great Harvard Square cafe. If your looking for a new place to grab a drink and a sandwich I recommend Crema Cafe.Listed in: Lunch Calls For Sandwiches
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Review from Emily A.
Cambridge, MA
5/29/2011
Crema is one of those places that I want to like. I live in the neighborhood and I'm a sucker for a great cafe. I originally started coming here back in 2008 shortly after they opened.
And sure -- there are some bright spots. The gazpacho soup and the tomato bisque are both super yummy. The grilled cheese is pretty good, if you manage to get it in less than 15 minutes and/or still warm (though it is a tad on the pricy side, as far as grilled cheese go).
However the downsides to this place just seriously outweigh the positives. Over the past few months I've gotten increasingly sour and dour service from the cashiers (and yes, I understand it gets busy and life is hard, but does it hurt to acknowledge me when I'm smiling and saying hello and trying to order?). A lack of policies about seating means that I'm never able to find a seat (Crema is not the only cafe with this conundrum). However what really annoyed me enough today to write a review about it was the fact that they NEVER have the items I want or need (that are on their own menu!) when I come to eat them. Case in point: plain bagels. I have come to Crema more than a DOZEN times to be told (after waiting in a super long line) -- "Oh, we only have cinnamon raisin right now. We ran out." And no, I am not a fan of lox on a cinnamon raisin bagel (gag).
Order enough supplies to last you, hire some new cashiers, figure out what to do about the delay in food production (18 minutes for a small bowl of gazpacho to go? Something's wrong with this picture!), work on the seating issues, and I'll gladly come back. -
Review from Liz L.
Medford, MA
6/26/2011
I really, really want to give Crema five stars. If it were up solely to the food, I absolutely would. I haven't really had the surly service problems others report, but the thing that gets me is the WAIT. It takes ages for food to come up sometimes, even ready-made soup; one time it took them over 20 minutes just to ladle soup into a bowl for me, even though it was a dead time with only a handful of other customers ordering at the time. I have also had the experience several times of food of those who ordered after me coming up before my order does. However, the food is delicious, which is why I keep coming back despite the wait to get it.
Personally I especially love the sweet potato sandwich (my first introduction to Crema was someone else getting one for me on a lunch run) and a couple of their soups, especially the vegetarian sweet potato chili (so hearty I can only ever eat a cup full, no matter how hungry I am) and the potato-leek soup. I also am a tremendous fan of their macaroons (both the coconut and the French kinds) and their oatmeal jubilee cookies, the last of which appear to be named for how you feel once you eat one (dried cranberries, pecans, oatmeal and chocolate chunks in one cookie? Why did I not think of this myself??). -
Review from Tami L.
Cambridge, MA
12/20/2011
Nice atmosphere, great homemade sweet potato chips, nice quiche options. Sometimes the service is slow and the prices aren't cheap.
