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Espresso Royale Caffe
- Nearest Transit:
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Commonwealth Ave @ St Marys St (193, 57, 57A)
Boston Univ Central - Inbound (Green Line)
Boston Univ Central - Outbound (Green Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
144 reviews for Espresso Royale Caffe
Review Highlights
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"...coffee, probably the best in BU land, bring your own coffee..." In 46 reviews -
"I live for the iced Spanish latte; try it out." In 6 reviews -
"Fantastic vegan options too." In 4 reviews
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144 reviews in English
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Review from Danny B.
Boston, MA
5/25/2012 10 Check-ins Here
In need of a pastry, bagel, or sandwich? Here's a great location. Coffee snob with a craving for a latte? Stick to the espresso drinks - their drip coffee is odd. Interested in some fun local art that rotates from time to time? Stop on by. Student? Professor? Cafe lover? Hipster? All are welcome.
I'm a huge fan of their bagel sandwiches, particularly the Sunrise. The lattes are great and beautiful, as I would expect from an independent coffee shop boasting of fair-trade-all-natural-organic-blessed-by-the-coff ee-gods coffee beans. The music they play can sometimes kill a study session or even casual book reading, but otherwise Espresso is an awesome, quaint establishment. -
Review from Rachel F.
Boston, MA
2/1/2012
Pros: the espresso is wonderful, very convenient location, fast/accessible/free wifi
Chai lattes are deliciousss
Cons: supah crowded, the "small" is...very small, drinks can sometimes take about a million years to be made (don't come here if you're in a big rush) -
Review from Lisa P.
1/27/2012 6 Check-ins Here
I feel like I've somehow had the opposite experience of everyone else. I come here on a regular basis since it's the closest coffee joint to my workplace. First of all, for those complaining about the number of students in here, you're right across from the T stop called 'BU Central." What would you expect? And no, I'm not a BU student- or a student at any uni, for that matter. In any case, it's not so crowded that you can't find a seat, which has been a complaint of mine when it comes to other places in Boston. The employees have been pleasant, and I never have to wait long for my drink- but ach, the drink quality. Oh dear.
Everything I order, including the coffee drinks and cocoa, ends up being too weak or watery for my taste. And sad to say, but I feel the same way about the fabled Spanish latte everyone talks about. I had such high hopes for a drink that includes the wonderful substance that is condensed milk.
I like the bagel sandwiches, the fatty ham & cheese croissants, and for a while they had a tasty tea blend called chai cascarilla, but this is a coffee place- your non-coffee selections can't make up for your coffee drinks! Sigh. -
Review from Robert M.
5/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is one of those grab-a-seat-where-you-can at a sticky little table, but I definitely got a few minutes feel of being a BU student. It was graduation weekend, but lots of kids were still hitting the books and socializing. They did my coffee perfectly and there were copies of The Improper Bostonian lying around with my boy (and BU alum) Andy Cohen on the cover! (extra points)
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Review from Arwen B.
Brookline, MA
5/15/2012
Today, I ordered a bagel with cream cheese, untoasted. I waited ten minutes to order and over 20 to actually get my bagel. Behind the counter, there was one person working one of two registers, two people frantically making food/drinks, and two employees just dancing. This is the perfect portrait of ERC. Some of the employees are incredibly friendly and efficient, while others seem annoyed that customers have the nerve to order from them. Sometimes you get your order right away, and sometime it seems like the employees are going out of their way to show you that they are not in any hurry to help you. The take-away point here is that this is NOT the place to go if you need your order quickly (like, within 20 minutes).
On the other hand, they have some excellent food and drink items, so I would say, if you have the time, it's worth the wait. I would recommend the honey cinnamon latte, which is the best cafe drink that I have ever had (and I've had an obscene amount).
In summary:
Pros: really good food and drinks (honey cinnamon latte, soups, and tomato/mozzarella sandwich), some staff members are very friendly, nice atmosphere, convenient location, decent hours (for Boston), food prices are average
Cons: the wait can be ridiculously long, some employees are less than helpful, definite hipster vibe, small drinks, the to-go coffee cups leak, can be very busy and difficult to get a table, drinks are expensive -
Review from Katie S.
Boston, MA
4/22/2012
I definitely prefer local coffee shops to the chains, and this is no exception. My favorite drink on the menu is a Spanish Latte, and I order it almost every time I go here. If you catch ERC on a down time, everything goes flawlessly. But they almost never have down time. They're busy at breakfast, lunch, and all class changing times (so about every hour or so). And the prices are a bit high for the actual amount or coffee you get if you have anything other than a regular coffee or tea.
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Review from Karen P.
Boston, MA
1/19/2012
The cafe is pretty spacious & nice. That's about it for me though.
I understand ERC is a small chain & some people prefer it over the infestation of "corporate Starbucks" all over BU's campus, but the prices here are similar to what the latter charges -- only Starbucks actually makes good drinks. $4 will get you more bang for your buck at Starbucks too (tiny sizes here).
I've only ordered lattes from ERC. Iced Spanish latte had a distinct taste as others have mentioned, but not a good one. Caramel-flavored latte was burnt. Mocha latte was weak.
Had a bagel with cream cheese once -- that was fine. I could come back for the food, but there's no shortage of better places on Comm. Ave.
Long story short: clearly I never learn my lesson since I've been here three times already! I need to haul my lazy butt across the street to the Starbucks in the GSU or the one in Warren Towers the next time I'm hankering for caffeine. -
Review from Ashley D.
Edgartown, MA
3/22/2012
The coffee here has always been good, and the space is lovely. They also have Spanish Lattes, which are delicious.
However, THE STUDENTS. EVERYWHERE. Not surprising since it's on BU's campus, but good god. During the big coffee hours it's like a war zone. A war zone of loudmouthed college kids shouting over each other about stupid shit. It's not relaxing at all, not good to bring friends to (since you can't hear each other well), and pretty stressful to be in. I am a BU student and I can't stand being in there when it's busy. My advice is to get your coffee and leave as fast as possible. I still go because Starbucks can be just as crazy, but it's not a fun experience.
Also, it's overpriced. All coffee places seem to be overpriced because I'm super cheap, but it's still irritating. -
Review from Lauretta L.
Boston, MA
2/21/2012
This place is generally pretty crowded, but I like coming here to chat with a friend and escape the hell that is school. The staff has always been nice and helpful, but the drinks have been either a hit or miss with me. I've had the Americano, which has been both amazing and gross...which is strange because it's just espresso and water. The Yerba Latte is a yummy alternative, but mine came lukewarm. The Soy Mocha tasted like...hot soy milk. I could barely taste any chocolate. I think the quality of the drinks deped on how busy the place is, so I'd recommend coming here during down times.
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Review from Sarah G.
10/13/2011
I love coffee shops. I love working in coffee shops. I love hanging out in coffee shops.
And this coffee shop is another good one in Boston. They have free wifi which is always a plus for me while I am attempting to multiask while gchatting and doing grad school work, but don't come here depending on the internet, because at peak times when pretty much every table is packed with student groups doing homework and having meetings and whatnot, the internet is definitely not the fastest....But at least they have the option of free wifi most of the time! But there is a decent amount of space in this cafe, and rightfully so since BU tends to take over in waves between the classes. The line can be pretty long at times too, but as long as you aren't there during the class intermissions, they are pretty quick.
I need to go back there and try this whole Spanish latte thing that everyone was ordering--here I was with my normal non-fat latte feeling like the left out kid on the school playground since everyone's drinks at the bar, one after the other, were all Spanish lattes. So next time, I'll be the cool kid. -
Review from Jess N.
10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I made a quick pit stop for lunch. I was visiting BU for a training and needed a bite to eat. After scouring the area for a meal (there are plenty of options), I found myself back at Espresso Royale.
The line was long but I persevered and before I knew it, I ordered a mozzarella, pesto, tomato and arugula sandwich. It was the perfect size for me and I finished the whole thing. If you arrive with a larger appetite, I'm sure they had chips or something you could order.
Walla, lunch was over. -
Review from Toby W.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Espresso Royale Cafè is nestled in the heart of the Boston University campus, and clearly caters to the academic crowd. There is lots of comfy seating and plenty of small tables for people who want to settle in with a cup of coffee or a sandwich and their laptop to get some work done.
The back of the cafe has a little more of a lounge-y feel that you might not notice if you just glance in the front door and would be a lovely spot to curl up with a book or a laptop.
The coffee and food is decent, but not particularly cheap and nothing out of the ordinary for this kind of cafè. Te staff was friendly, and the music brought a smile to my face when they played a series of chip-tunes, including a handful of Mario Bros themes.
Ultimately, place is nice, but nothing particularly special. Certainly not worth going out of your way to visit, but I've never been particularly unhappy with anything there. And it's always nice to support a locally owned shop instead of hitting another Starbucks for my coffee fix. -
Review from Gabriel U.
Allston, MA
8/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place has great coffee, great bagels (from Bagel Rising), and relatively good seating.
Plus, if for any reason you ever want to be served by a staff made exclusively of hipsters I'd say this is the place to go. -
Review from Shannon B.
Cambridge, MA
10/5/2011
If you need to study, giddyup to this place! Although... good luck trying to push past all the BU kiddos with their laptops and smartphones though.
I love the drinks although they're definitely not cheap- always appreciate places where you can get yerba mattes, and soy milk for that matter.
Bagels are tasty, compliments of Bagel Rising.
All in all, I keep going back for the lounge-y vibes, strong coffee, and studious atmosphere. -
Review from Nicole V.
5/18/2011
Ohhh... I am going to have to strongly disagree with Yelpers on the love for ERC.
To start with, I have a big exam today. I would like to start my morning with a breakfast that will hold me over and a good coffee while I study. Since ERC is only a 10 min walk from my testing center, I walked there this morning to review for a few hours.
So the place: It was actually quite a bit bigger than I expected from the outside. There were plenty of people studying and most people seemed to be socializing in the front. I went to the back where there was a plethora of plugs. +1 for ERC. I set up the laptop and went to pick up the food.
The food: I ordered a medium coffee and the beloved tequila sunrise sandwich on an everything wheat bagel. The coffee tasted burnt and the sandwich just didn't do it for me. I did think that the bagel was quite good, but the sandwich was rather "meh" (man, I love that word). And it was all about $9. That's pretty hefty for a breakfast that was mediocre, at best.
The experience: it got loud, but I would absolutely not hold that against ERC. They're running a business and good for them that they have so many customers. I went to plug in my headphones and begin the studying via online seminar. That's when I discover that there is no Wifi. Apparently it wasn't working.
The "aha" moment: This is when I realized that ERC and I were just not meant to fall in love. There was no Wifi, I didn't like the crowd (far too many pompous conversations being had around me), the coffee was horrible even with loads of milk/sugar, and the food wasn't good.
So I packed up, left, threw out my coffee, and went to Dunkin Donuts. Maaaaaaaybe I'll go back someday, but it's doubtful. The love affair I was hoping to have ended before it could even start.
Also something I can't hold against them but contributed to my bad experience: the dude next to me who chewed with his mouth open, loudly said "mmmm....AH" between all bites/sips, and awkwardly stared at everything. -
Review from Alyssa J P.
Brighton, MA
Updated - 3/30/2011
Pros: ERC just started ordering VEGAN CHOCOLATE MUFFINS (omg!) which are hideously delicious, their selection of tea is pretty outstanding, they are literally next door to where I work
Cons: Said vegan chocolate muffins sell out by 10 a.m. (although I have requested they start ordering more and I hope they will), Bagel Rising Bagels are the most awful bagels I've ever eaten and degrade in quality when toasted, service consists of generally stoned hipsters asking you to repeat yourself several times, they are literally next door to where I work (BU)
I think that adds up to 3.5 stars but since I'm feeling generous I'll round up.Listed in: Favorite Vegan Eats
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/29/2009
Espresso Royale is next door to work and has vegan snacks, so I hit it place up once a week or so… Read more »
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Review from carly r.
Boston, MA
6/6/2011
Don't feel like writing a novel. The food and ambiance get 4-5 stars, the staff and service get errr 1-2.
The whole indifferent hipster thing has worn off for me as a novelty. I work part time at a day job with one of those oh-so-glorious half hour lunch breaks (cue Chris Rock bit on "you know you have a shitty job when your lunch break is a half hour") When time is of the essence, ER does NOT get the job done.
The location and nice fresh food are appealing, but I wouldn't set my Conversed foot in here if time were of the essence...which for most unemployed trust fund hipsters, it's not. For us normal people fending for ourselves, espresso royale may serve as a weekend luxury, but not part of your daily grind...unless you work for a pot head at a pro bono startup, who won't care if you take an hour to "run out for coffee". -
Review from Ankit N.
Boston, MA
1/10/2012
So I don't know as much about this place as many people who sit for more than 15 minutes with their laptop etc. I have read a decent amount of leftist literature and when I first met this place, I got the vibes of a contrarian culture and all that has come to signify. So I kept my distance.
After having been here many times (each time short visit), I feel like the people are nice. They smile (note: starbucks) and are happy to take your order. I usually get a sunrise sandwich which at about $3.5 feels really good and a coffee to go. All in all, the bill is $6.26 which is decent in a city like Boston especially in the university area.
So, I would recommend this place. They might give the impression of a "occupy boston" but I think the folks and the ideology they represent is quite balanced. They also enjoy the advantage of being in a very nice spot, opposite the center of Boston Uni. In contrast to this review, I should perhaps talk about Starbucks down the lane but this is not the place for that. Good luck! -
Review from Susan R.
This review reflects their inability to manage their daily rush times. You would think that they would have a handle on this by now. Maybe print out the CAS schedule? Same lines for coffee and sandwiches gunk up the works... And heaven forbid you are just in line for a regular coffee. They get any stars for the friendliness of the staff and yumminess of their finished product (since the staff seems to actually care about how their food/drinks come out). Best snacks/coffee around... But the line situation is seriously stupid. Most times I just turn around and leave- an when I DO stay, I see people peeling out of the line and giving up every single time.
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Review from Michelle S.
Oakland, CA
10/29/2010 9 Check-ins Here
I could kick myself. I walk down St. Mary's St. to get to school and I usually go to a overcrowded Starbucks that is managed by either clueless or unfriendly counter staff. I hate Starbucks...but like that ex who still puts out when you're lonely, it's good in a pinch.
However, I recently went a little out of my way to go here instead. It's so worth the extra steps.
They have a diverse variety of teas and coffees (and even, like, ten types of lattes...and no I'm not counting the crappy syrups you add to them) and a surprisingly expansive menu of sandwiches and pastries.
I hate sandwiches; but their mozerella panini is pretty great. Of course, I get it without tomatoes and that makes it a glorified grilled cheese. But the balsalmic and pesto make it so....adult.
If you get there right at noon, it's not busy yet. There are a lot of places to sit in the restaurant. I would imagine this is popular at night with the study crowd; but I would also imagine that it would be too loud for me.
The coffee's pretty good too.Listed in: Good Coffee...
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Review from Mick T.
Boston, MA
Updated - 4/27/2011
Great coffee, probably the best in BU land, bring your own coffee cup and save .40c. Their lattes etc are quite good too. I like their bagels and soup, and their bagels are the nice bready floury kind that I like.
However I do find their sandwiches expensive, and they don't give you enough soup for the cost. When it's busy, it can take 10+ minutes for lattes or sandwiches or shite like that, if your in a rush and there's a long line, just dont' bother.
Most of the staff are pleasant. However, there's this one lad who never replies to my "Hellos" or "Thanks You" and just gives me a blank stare. However, he does reply to fellow hipsters/bicyclists, and I think that's kinda rude.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/7/2011
Hands down the best coffee near BU's campus, bring your own mug and save .40c.
The lines do get long… Read more »
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Review from Liri K.
Boston, MA
10/8/2010
Whether in Tel-Aviv, NY or Boston I always look for the best coffee shop around. Why? Because above all, I appreciate a good cup of coffee. But also because I need some groovy atmosphere to get my reading and work done.
I have been going here for 3 years now on a regular basis. This place always has the nicest workers (including the owner Larry and the manager Marcus) who make the BEST bagels and drinks with a SMILE :). The clients are all laid back, the music is great and now they also offer free WiFi (you heard me!). What more can you ask for??
Try their other stores as well: Pavement, for Jacob's lattes, well worth it. Bagel Rising if you are in Brighton and craving a good bagel. Espresso Royale on Newbury, if you need a boost while shopping!Listed in: Coffee Shops
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Review from Liz D.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
9/29/2010
The coffee is pretty good and the location is great, but the food keeps going downhill...despite costing kind of a lot and taking forever to get it because of the lines.
I've received bagel sandwiches with rotten sprouts (it takes a long time for sprots to straight up ROT, by the way) and the wrong dressing on them (think super sweet raspberry vinaigrette on a savory sandwich: ew.). Today I got one of the worst salads of my life: tons of old (like when it turns translucent and yellow-ish? that old) lettuce, a bunch of jarred, still wet red peppers, and a little packet of dressing for like $8. And there's no way to email the owner about stuff like this because their website is forever in limbo.
It's one of the only options near my job/classes and the staff is nicer than in the GSU, so I'll still swing by for bagels with cream cheese, coffee and other little things that can't easily be screwed up. But they're really failing at everything else. -
Review from Nate B.
Dorchester, MA
12/10/2006 ROTD 9/10/2007
As a multi-coffee cup a day citizen I pride my judgment when it comes to coffee shop hot spots. I've relied upon Espresso Royale various times to get my daily caffeine fix, and I can honestly say that their chai is amazing. This should not lead you away from any of their coffee or espresso drinks however, they will also allow you to feel your heart palpitating in a manner never felt before. Their latte's are great and if your hands aren't shaking, or your forehead not sweating by the end of your cup, then I will literally pay you back for it.
The ambiance at ER rival most trendy and elitist feeling cafes that I've seen both in Boston and in Western Mass where I went to college. The one positive exception is the fact that unlike the stuffy, pseudo-intellectual attitudes commonly held by todays young baristas, ER's baristas greet you with a smile and sometimes you can even catch one of them belting out Elton John whilst preparing you a bagel. ER is quite large and has enough room to seat a good amount of people. The amount of tables also guarantees that even if there are no seats available when you first walk in, that by the time you wait through the line to get a drink, there WILL be a table with your name on it.
The one thing prohibiting me from giving them a 5 star is the fact that the wireless is not free. In fact you have to pay something like $3.95 for an hour, $7.95 for a day, or $14.00 for a month. Not that I'm complaining, but if you want free wireless just go to the harvard ave cafe in Allston. Ok, ok well I'll admit that I got suckd into paying for wireless on numerous occasions just for the fast-paced environment of ER. But if you don't need to have a quiet buzz of conversation at your coffee shop while doing work, I suggest you go elsewhere. There are a number of couches and large tables for larger groups of people, and the decor is very bright, and features artists (which I'd assume are locally based).
I love ER despite its expensive wireless rates, but I encourage you to go and make your own judgment. Because my judgment may be skewed by the double espresso that seems to be influencing my ER Yelp! :) -
Review from Tarah H.
Boston, MA
6/16/2008
Yay! I'm a fan.
I just noticed that Yelp put that next to my star rating. Bravo, Yelp, for reading my mind. Bravo.
The decor looks like the inside of a crayola box with a gray tile floor because of the bold, saturated, differently colored walls. There's a sign that warns patrons to bus their own tables else face the wrath of the monkey deity. (I don't remember what they called him, but there was a mask on the wall)
While waiting for my delicious sammich and coffee, I thought about how I would love to run around the place snapping pictures to send to http://www.passiveaggr... . And I'm sure that each note was fully well prompted and earned by idiotic customer behavior.
Hipster run and decorated - BU student infested. Good food. Great coffees. They care about the quality of the coffee as well as the craftsmanship that goes into making your brew. There was a lovely little design in the top of my latte due to a controlled pour. These bevs are made with love. The menu can take you to Hog Heaven or Hog Hell ($6.66 - how clever). Lots of avocado to offer. Plenty of vegan-friendly options, including pastry. The eggs are free-range and so are the spirits.
Go! Go! Gadget-Espresso!Listed in: Step Aside, Chai
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Review from Vanessa C.
Boston, MA
2/16/2008
I am bumping this up to 4 stars. "why" you ask? the answer is simple. caffeine-free vanilla rooibos soy latte. ok I know its like yuppie x 1000000000 but I dont do caffeine, ok? the soy makes it creamy. its rare that I can order a fancy dessert drink in a place like that WITHOUT caffeine. even though it cost me more than my first bra, at this point it almost feels worth it.
but yeah...FOUR DOLLARS FOR AN ECLAIR THE SIZE OF MY INDEX FINGER??? ok. it was a really good eclair. but still.... COME ON GUYS!
nice list of caffeine-free beverages and teas makes it even. way too expensive for what its worth, but hey, thats the city: NYC prices in crappy college-town Boston.
the kids behind the counter need showers. and haircuts. ugh, Im getting old :( -
Review from diana y.
5/7/2008
Spend more than an hour in here and you will emerge smelling like day old coffee. I don't know what it is about this place-- just don't wear your Sunday best if you plan to chill out here.
That said, this place is comfortable (sink right into that big green couch), the staff is relaxed (albeit chain-smoking in front of the store half the time), the coffee is great, the tea selection is amazing, their bagel sandwiches rock and their desserts aren't half-bad, either. Best part? They let you sit here forEvAr and study.
If it weren't for Espresso Royale, I wouldn't be able to define the Central Hudson 4-part Test or recite the remedies for copyright infringement. That's right. It's all because of Espresso Royale.Listed in: Prepare To Be Impressed
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Review from J D.
Upland, CA
1/30/2010
I wrote a review for this restaurant, and the manager/owner literally sent me a threat through the Yelp private message services demanding I remove the review. Not just a misguided request to removed it, but a threat in the event that I didn't remove it.
So instead of removing it, I am simply updating this review to reflect that I was in fact threatened for information I put on a public website about his establishment.
How this guy manages to run a business is beyond me. -
Review from Sarah A.
4/25/2006
I really like this place, when it's not insanely crowded. They have an awesome way of doing cafe au lait. They give you an separate carafe of cafe and a separate carafe of steamed lait and a coffee cup. Thus, you can create your own cafe au lait with your desired parts cafe and lait. I also like the whole dark, funky atmosphere. They have real lamps, which makes it feel comfortable, and couches and comfy chairs. Perfect for lounging. Sometimes it can get loud in here, however, when it is crowded and/ or when they play the music a little too high. This makes it rather difficult to have a conversation or focus on reading or studying. I agree with others who say it's best in the summer when it's not so crowded.
I would give this place 4 stars, but I am subtracting a star for the crowds and the loud music and the fact that it's a little overpriced.Listed in: BU Essentials
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Review from Billie M.
Boston, MA
5/23/2007
I always feel like I'm a huge pain in the ass when I go here.
Now I'm a pretty simple kind of gal when it comes to ordering....every once in a while, when I'm feeling all crazy and complicated, I like an extra shot of espresso in my latte. Other than that, it's basic; coffee, soy milk, sugar. That's it.
So I don't really get why they always look at me with such disdain at the ol' ERC. Like I just asked them to stand on their head while juggling flaming cups of espresso instead of, well, making me a damn cup of coffee, you know, cause I'm IN A COFFEE SHOP!
The worst part of it is, the coffee isn't even that great....it's good, it's caffeinated, but I don't hear a chorus of angels every time I take a sip. So if they aren't assembling the best cup of coffee ever, exactly what are they doing for the 15 minutes it takes for them to get me my drink?
Maybe it's just me, but I always feel like I'm missing the joke here. -
Review from Carissa H.
Boston, MA
1/27/2007
Espresso Royale is easily the best coffee shop in Boston. The staff is unparalleled. They're not rude; they're willing to explain what's in a drink if you don't know; they're obviously having a good time without shunning everyone in line and they just create a really warm atmosphere.
They also have really good food and incredible drinks, to boot. -
Review from Olivia K.
Berkeley, CA
2/7/2008
Long lines. Burnt bagel smell. A rotating soundtrack of the best of The Doors and Led Zeppelin. Strict dress code of black, plugs, armpit hair and tattoos.....
YERBA MATE LATTE!!!!
Can't beat it. -
Review from Kaitlyn S.
Boston, MA
10/27/2011
Best of all the ERC's, the vegan baked goods are awesome! As are the tofu spreads for the bagels... better than the cream cheese!
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Review from Dan S.
Boston, MA
1/30/2007
Espresso Royale is a great coffee shop if the following things appeal to you:
-Waiting 45 minutes for a cup of coffee when the place is moderately busy because there's only one register being manned by a disgusting, lazy hippie chick.
-Having your bagel prepared for you with a heaping helping of hipster douchebaggery and lame-ass quips by the goofy-voiced loser who cuts the bagels.
-Sitting in stuffy, sweltering conditions no matter what the season, and breathing in the pungent fragrance of the deoderant-less dirtbag college students who for some reason cram this place to the gills. You'd think at a college coffee shop there would be some good people watching, but at ER, you'd think wrong, unless you're into dude-hats, bad breath, and face piercings.
-Paying $8 for a sandwich assembled by the same slack jawed troglodyte mentioned above, for whom, apparently, the skill of putting a well-proportioned amount of roast beef on a bagel is as perplexing as the mythical gordian knot. That $8, while a ripoff, includes a free smart-ass self-referential lame-as-hell joke.
-After your endless wait, in which you will be barked at by some twit if your cell phone rings, you get to drink coffee that tastes like burnt dog hair.
-Being unable to work or read because they are playing the latest pile of emo dog crap that passes for music to the unlettered Phillistines behind the counter at an egregiously offensive decible level.
If, like me, you think this sounds like a living hell, go to Dunkin' Donuts and get your coffee served in 15 seconds by friendly professionals, and sip it in the relaxed, empty environs where your only company is likely to be a raving homeless man who is ten times as pleasant as the average customer at Espresso Royale. -
Review from Hussam B.
Cambridge, MA
1/30/2012
Their chicken salad bagel is amazing. Also a nice place to study or just chill with friends.
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Review from Nick L.
Cambridge, MA
1/6/2007
A fairly roomy locale with relaxed atmosphere, this is a spot that I'd like to visit more often. The drinks were reasonable, friendly service, seating to choose from. It was a reasonable location for studying. My only warning is to check the hours: they closed at 6 the first time I tried visiting, which surprised me, especially given that they're in the middle of the BU campus with loads of students. It could be a wintertime quirk, I don't know. (Turns out it was a quirk, they're normally open later during the school year.)
Sunday is my favorite day to visit, when there's that combination of peaceful morning and brunch-like patrons. They've also got a deal where you can get a free cup of coffee with the purchase of a bagel.
Hours change based on the season and student schedule at BU, closing early in the summer and over holidays.
1/23/08 Update: Construction has been completed, and includes limited bike hoops out front of the shop, about four bikes worth. Beyond that, there are a few street signs and the sketchy bike rack in front of the parking garage just down the street. -
Review from Katherine J.
Somerville, MA
1/1/2007
The guy behind the counter was friendly. When I ordered my "super dry" cappuccino, he wrote "super dry" on the cup.
Alas, my cappuccino wasn't super dry and I made my friends each hold the drink to see how heavy it was. Yes, I know, snobby. And overall the cappuccino was good-but when I want a super dry cappuccino, I want it super dry! -
Review from Coelie A.
Washington, DC
4/27/2007
It's only recently I've become a regular, and I can't believe it's taken me 3 years to realize how amazing this place is! Where to begin: Staff is friendly, fun-loving, knowledgeable and always suggesting new things to try. It's a great place to meet for conversation (though you may have to talk loudly) and bringing your laptop (except wi-fi isn't free, boo). Wouldn't say the atmosphere is really condusive to getting any serious work done considering how loud the music is and how many people traffic through the place.
Definitely avoid coming in 10 minutes before and after the hour if you want to avoid long lines. But if you want to flip through the magazine you just bought at the CVS next door, there's no better place than ERC to buy a drink, get one of their DELICIOUS, JUMBO-SIZED pastries (which will need to be popped in the micro for a few secs) or bagel sandwiches, and pull up a chair or lounge on the couch to soak it all in. Though staying too long may leave you smelling kinda dank. Small price to pay seeing what a great underground college coffeeshop this is! -
Review from A T.
Boston, MA
1/9/2008 5 Check-ins Here
Since I go to BU, I visit ERC pretty much everyday. I am not a big fan of coffee, but I love their hot chocolate and bagel sandwiches. The secret 'awesome' item on the menu is their chocolate fudge. I don't mind the calories when I'm eating one of those. Love them love them love them. The spicy chix sandwich is a new addition and its pretty good too.
The atmosphere is very laid back and they play some awesome indie music. At times they have promotional CDs that you can pick up. The staff is super cool too. You'll see a lot of BU students studying or hanging out here when school is on.
The only negative thing about ERC is that you need to pay for the wifi. Unless you're a BU student (in which case you can use the wifi on campus if you sit near the window), you have to pay for it. Oh, sometimes the lines get too long too.
UPDATE - I may have just fallen in love with the wraps. Confirmed.Listed in: My Hood, Survival Food
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Review from A P.
Brighton, MA
3/28/2010
This place has most definitely improved since the recent renovations.
The first few times I went here, I was a BU student and everyone LOVED the place. I was unimpressed. There were tons of hand-written notes all over the place, directing people where to put things and where not to put things, that seemed to be ripped straight from the pages of passiveaggresivenotes dot com. There was a disheveled bookshelf at the front of the place, and the music was LOUD. I have no idea how anyone studied there, because I had to shout to have a conversation and make the person I was talking to repeat herself after every sentence.
Now, they've gotten rid of the hostile notes, the disheveled bookshelf, the clashing paint, and the loud music. Thank God. My boyfriend and I were able to eat our bagel and coffee in peace when we went last, and we didn't have to shout. The place somehow felt a lot cleaner, too, and the staff seemed more welcoming.
My bagel was pretty good, but my coffee was average. I ordered a mocha latte, but it didn't taste very mocha-y. They were out of medium mugs, so I got a free upgrade to large, which I enjoyed. My boyfriend liked his bagel sandwich, but was disappointed to see that they had removed the salmon sandwich from the menu, and had to substitute chicken for the turkey in the sandwich he ordered because they were out. He also favors their chai and their wide selection of exciting teas.
I especially liked the art for sale on the walls, and the funky paintings on the tables. It's a good place to go for a sit-down coffee/brunch experience.
