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178 reviews for Hi-Rise Bread Company
Review Highlights
"all the baked goods are top-notch."
(in 38 reviews)
"Hi-Rise, Huron Village, is the best thing about Huron..."
(in 10 reviews)
"yummy grilled cheese though."
(in 8 reviews)
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178 reviews in English
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Review from Anna C.
1/27/2012 1 photo
Today is National Holocaust Remembrance Day, and I'm celebrating with the only thing I ever get at Hi-Rise -- challah. Their challah is different than most other ones I've had -- it only has a hint of sweetness, which I like. They offer plain or raisin (I've yet to try the raisin one), and it comes in a large loaf for $7 (it's huge!).
Happy Challah-Day! -
Review from Sarah H.
Boston, MA
1/22/2012
We came to hi rise because we live nearby and it always looked neat from the outside. However after an extremely disappointing experience, I logged into yelp to see if perhaps I was an isolated incident and could be placated by positive yelp reviews to return another day.
What did I find? Vindication. Service is awful, food overpriced but good.
The woman who took our order not only got it wrong, she was extremely rude, indifferent and impatient. Also it was our first time there and after I paid for three meals, three drinks she did not even explain where to pick up the food or coffee let alone a thank you.
Excuse me for bringing business in and giving you money for overpriced food.
If you can stomach the unpleasant service, the breakfast sandwiches were good. She got our order wrong but what saved this from being a one star was that what we ended up eating was good.
I'd rather spend my money somewhere else for comparable food and exponentially better experience. -
Review from Bert L.
Cambridge, MA
1/2/2012
Pros:
Neighborhood's excellent baker for cookies (Fancy and classics), breads hand picked wines and superlative though pricy sandwiches.
Cons: *Horrendous coffee* (Think Dunkin Donuts 1985) I also tried the expresso:
but it was served room temperature, right out of the machine. Maybe a rookie in need of practice...I tried the hot chocolate: Zero chocolate flavor, and I mean zero. Even my 10 YO daughter agreed.
Swiss Miss tasted like Burdicks next to it. $3 for a cup of colored fluffy milk. Baffling!!! Why have fabulous pastries next to watered down "pre Coffee Connection" coffee standards? For "fun" I tried next doors' Sarah's MArket coffee, same watered coffee thing, but this time unsurprising: it is a local grocery store after all, with no coffee shop pretension. I had to walk all the way down to Sherman's street Starbuck to get a real cup of coffee with actual flavor and aroma. Very disappointed. May I speak with the artistic director? In this day and age, we have learned too much about coffee to accept hot water, sorry. I cannot believe folks are accepting this as coffee.
Also watch out for explosions (Doors? Falling boards? Virile, strong men at work dropping heavy heavy things ?) and pair that with really loud oven electronic alarms :
the Baker shop is in the same room, so enjoy the factory ambiance if you can. -
Review from Kristen K.
Billerica, MA
1/14/2012
I don't understand how anyone could give Hi-Rise Bread Company less than five stars. Hi-Rise is phenomenal. I am typing this as I eat a piece of their bread (a Flute loaf, so good) and on the drive home I wolfed down one of their Oreo cookies. I would have liked to savor it slowly, but that didn't happen. Do yourself a favor- ignore the bad reviews where people say the staff is rude. They're not. They're nice people. It's a great spot with communal tables, no cell phones allowed and absurdly good food. I highly recommend them.
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Review from Daniela P.
Somerville, MA
1/4/2012
Good sandwiches but overpriced and not much space to hang out (not fun when outside temperature is 39!!!!)
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Review from Matt K.
Cambridge, MA
8/17/2011
I guess I'm just not sure how this place could be rated lower than a 5-4. It just won best cookie in the Best of Boston, which was well deserved because they are fantastic, and the sandwiches are all so original and on freshly baked bread.
Try the Nat Queen Cool - pulled pork, avocado, cilantro, tomatoes - just genuine goodness.
The sandwiches are a little bit on the pricey side, but they are huge, and can serve as more than one meal if you like - not for me of course.
Highly recommended as a solid lunch spot. -
Review from Thomas I.
Panama City, FL
6/29/2011
I've been to Hi-Rise twice. Both times the baked goods that I purchased were fantastic (blueberry-lime bread and vanilla loaf). The coffee was wonderful. The employees were friendly to me. There is a $10 minimum on debit card purchases.
The last time I went in the lady in front of me got really upset at the guy that was working because of the minimum on debit card purchases. The employee kept a cool head and just shrugged it off. I thought that he handled it really well, which is a sign of good customer service (in my opinion). -
Review from Sean O.
Cambridge, MA
3/7/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I wrote off Hi-rise a while ago. The superb food was not worth the price tag. I'm not talking money, I'm talking vibe. The bad attitude of the staff soils the experience every time. I should feel better when I leave my local coffee shop and bakery with yummies in hand, not worse.
I stick with formaggios where the warmth of the staff matches the warmth of my coffee. Works for me cause I just take it black. If you want more complex drinks and breakfast sandwiches I recommend Simons on mass ave. -
Review from Oliver P.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 5/19/2011
I wanted to post a quick update. Within hours of my initial post, the owners of Hi Rise contacted me with a thoughtful, heartfelt apology. They are a local family with a baby and are very eager to ensure Hi Rise is a welcoming place for all. The owner's wife noted they have been working on customer service for some time, and it seems they are now redoubling their efforts on that front.
As I have trouble going more than a few days without a cheddar snail, I for one am willing to give them another try...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/18/2011
My husband was in this morning with our infant son. He was there just before 8. When the staff saw… Read more »
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Review from nancy b.
Newton, MA
10/22/2011
Love the sandwiches, breads and soups. The wine and jam make great hostess gifts, too. Nice casual atmosphere and delicious fresh food. I like the grilled chicken and bacon.
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Review from Amy J.
Hampton, NH
3/26/2011
I have to say first that I did indeed walk through the doors of BOTH Hi-Rise bread shops today poised and ready to be treated unkindly. I found nothing of the caliber I expected. I observed a couple of quiet kids along with pretty friendly people. I got the vibe that some of them were simply shy or modest, but no one was rude.
SECOND, and most importantly, the sandwiches, the bread, and the coffee are to die for. We drove down from New Hampshire, on yet another quest over the last year or so for great artisinal bread - and Hi-Rise wins the prize. It's 10:30 at night and I just ate probably 500 calories worth of little pieces that I kept getting up and saying "one more little piece"... It's just that good.
Sandwiches - we tried the Cuban chicken, the Curried chicken with mango chutney, a #21 egg/bacon sandwich, and the kid's peanut butter, honey & banana on Challah. All were terrific. My only regret was not asking for the curried chicken and the kid's sandwich to be toasted or grilled.
The product would be well worth some rude employees if there were any - I think the reputation on here is definitely inflated. Treat THEM with respect and see what happens. That's what we did! -
Review from Drew B.
Somerville, MA
12/5/2010
I don't know who makes a de facto redeye with steamed milk, but I'll tell you right now I don't like it one bit.
You know, Hi-Rise has some tasty baked items - I will give them that - but I've always found a certain arrogance from the staff there. This afternoon's encounter has put me at the tipping point.
See, a redeye is a simple drink to make - it's coffee with a shot of espresso, done. Well that's not trendy enough for Hi-Rise so if you go there and order one they will put steamed milk in your drink, without even asking.
And you know what frustrates me? That generally when an establishment cares about its customers they'll make your purchase right at no extra cost, but not Hi-Rise. Instead they maintained that because their definition of a redeye was printed on their board, they weren't accountable for making it incorrectly - I the customer made the mistake! Seriously?!
It's no secret that Hi-Rise's prices are excessive and generally the quality you get makes it worth it. So you'd think pouring a fresh cup of coffee and an espresso shot sans dairy wouldn't be a lot to ask for. Until Hi-Rise loses the arrogant act and starts treating its customers like reasonable people, I'll be happy spending my money elsewhere. -
Review from Thomas M.
Boston, MA
11/12/2010
I'm not a fan of unpleasant service. I wanted to share with the yelp readers some simple data I complied.
Of the 151 reviews prior to my current post, 25 reviews contained the word "RUDE". Thats 16.3% of the reviews!
Here are some other frequently used words
Surly - 10 instances
Slow - 5 instances
Disinterested - 3 instances
Appalling - 2 (1.32% of the reviews).
Shocked was used 4 times but one person was 'shocked' that so many reviews were negative. -
Review from Lisa M. K.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 1/28/2011
Ok, down to 2 stars. I am trying to keep it local but I have probably visited HRBC for the last time.
Asked if they'd make me a London Fog. They make them all over Cambridge. Starbucks sells them (I have heard). Employee said dubiously, "what's in it again". I told him the THREE very standard ingredients. He tells barrista. Barrista sneers, scoffs and rolls his eyes - all very obviously so I'd see him do so. Rude.
Rather pathetic to think a simple tea drink is exotic and mock-worthy. At this point I am not even offended from a customer service standpoint but from a coffee shop standpoint. Shops shouldn't sell coffee/tea if they can't handle it and think they are above such things.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/11/2010
*sigh* Moving from Central/Inman area, I was desperate for a good local alternative to the 1369 and… Read more »
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Review from Jolene S.
Updated - 12/2/2010
I had awesome service at Hi-Rise today. My waitress (short black hair) put time and energy into stuffing my soup cup and I was so glad that I resisted the urge to save $$$ and just buy pizza for dinner. The turkey gumbo soup had chunks of chicken, a bit of sausage, rice and nice flavor--it came with a side of bread. Since it was in later in the evening, I was able to eat and read in peace.
Hi-Rise charges fair prices. I think a lot of the agita that comes out in reviews has to do with the price point and some of the staff (one lady's kind of w*tchy). I agree that $2 for two little cookies is a lot, but Hi-Rise provides hearty, nutritious, and fresh food--soups/sandwiches that are fairly priced given the portion, time, and energy that it takes to make food to order.
Look, I can't/won't eat here every day, but if I do come in, I know that the food will be worth it. I'd skip the quiches and pastries for the soups/sandwiches.
And for the most part, the staff members are nice (just don't ask to use a debit/credit card on orders under $10).3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/5/2010
If you're looking for an inexpensive meal option in the area and can't bring yourself to get a bagel… Read more »
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Review from Kelly M.
Cambridge, MA
6/11/2011 17 Check-ins Here
Hi Rise... you are an enigma. You make delicious, delicious baked goods. You make really respectably good coffee, most of the time. You have a pretty staggering selection of unique, reasonably-priced wines. You roast totally excellent chickens at 6 pm, and include a thoughtful little container of roasted onions or gravy with each chicken (seriously, I will never ever buy a grocery store rotisserie chicken again after this discovery... thanks, Yelp)!
You are also a real chore to visit, for the most part.
I'm OK with the no cell phones policy; that's a reasonable request in a neighborhood cafe. And a $10 credit card minimum is quickly learned. The cobblestone/river rock/pea gravel/boulder floor means none of the tables and benches sit quietly or steadily for guests -- I'm not convinced this is not on purpose, but it's not going to stop me from visiting. The serious attitude, though, from a couple of the front-of-house staff members is one of the most off-putting things about you, Hi Rise. Everyone in the kitchen/bakery area is smiling and seems to be having a great time -- and really, how could they not, hip-deep in butter, cheese, vanilla, cocoa powder, and various other awesomeness -- so why is it that a couple of the people helping the guests are often so unpleasant? I'm not asking for some kind of creepy fake sunshine attitude 24/7, but maybe just... turn to face the wall before you roll your eyes at my request for an end slice of vanilla bean loaf? That's all I'm asking.
I bring out-of-town guests here for two reasons: 1. a spinach croc and an Americano, and 2. to fully appreciate the "experience." I won't stop smiling at you, like a parent trying to remind a petulant child that really, it's not all THAT bad, if you promise never to stop making the roasted chickens and the poppyseed coffee cake. -
Review from Penelope T.
Somerville, MA
5/11/2011
I love this place. The bread is amazing. The baked goods are so right-on. Their seasonal cupcakes are the best cupcakes I have ever had and you can't eat one in a single sitting- they are so rich. The almond cake is my favorite cake ever; it has pieces of marizipan in it and it is oh so amazing. The baked goods are not too sweet, they are always just right and taste like high quality ingredients were used.
I am not that big of a fan of the sandwiches and they are way overpriced for what you get.
I realize that I am eating ten sticks of butter per visit, but I can't and don't want to stop. -
Review from Liz H.
Somerville, MA
9/23/2010
The service here is laughably bad. In fact, on the rare occasion that I brave being sassed to death while ordering a freaking sandwich, I have to laugh to keep from completely losing it.
That being said, the food (BREAD om nom nom) is good- You get what you pay for. Don't waste your time on their meal bowls or whatever they're called- Just go for the starchy deliciousness that keeps this place thriving. It definitely isn't the service, that's for sure. -
Review from Nicholas C.
Cambridge, MA
10/31/2010
The bread is excellent. This bakery really knows what they are doing. No excessive and heavy ingredients such as butter, sugar, or milk. Just pure, classic bread. The basic ingredients are taken in exactly the right proportions (white flour, whole wheat flour in some breads, water, salt, leavaner, corn meal in corn bread, and olive oil in some breads), the dough handled perfectly, and the baking done masterfully. The crumb is airy, moist, and spongy. The crust is a perfect brown. The bread is flawless in texture and delicious.
Edit: I would just like to note that you cannot taste much crumb if it is not a cob, and many of the breads are pretty similar. There are notable differences, though.
Service is very functional, but extraordinarily unpleasant. They do not leave you waiting unnecessarily. They answer questions and get you what you need. At the same time, you are barraged with condescending stares and a rude tone. No one wants to talk to someone who is essentially berating them. Regardless of whatever situation the staff is in, they need to learn to not take their problems out on customers. If they can't do that, they should work in a job where they don't have to deal with people. Ultimately, if the service is this bad, why have it at all? It's not providing atmosphere or anything else, really. Do self-service and have a monitored security camera. There can be a single person on the job to answer questions, if any unfortunate customer has any.
I finally found bread I loved and that sat well in my volatile stomach, but I will not be going back.
Edit: As I have discovered more recently, there are other bakeries in the area with great bread and much better service. Pay no heed to this one. -
Review from Alyne W.
Santa Monica, CA
8/25/2010
Unfortunately the cons outweigh the pros at this establishment...the service is the worst I have ever experienced.
We stopped by late last week and ordered the Vanilla Bean Slice which we loved. We thought the service clerk was just having a bad day so yeasterday when we had a craving for the vanilla bean slice we didn't think much of going back. MISTAKE!
Whoever owns/manages this place needs to really rethink how they train their employees. Its hard to imagine that everyone in there is miserable all the time but my guess is the Top must not be too happy. Employees attitudes are usually indicitive of their superiors attitude.
You guys have a great product, a wonderful space but gotta do something about the energy of the place.
Oh and make sure you have cash if you are spending less than $10 if you decide to go and there is no sign that says so just a rude gal without a smile. -
Review from Sara G.
Cambridge, MA
8/7/2010
I have to admit, I read the previous reviews and entered the store in a bit of a defense mode, ready to battle off snooty little hipster workers.
Well, pretty much, they are. But whatever, I ordered a small loaf of Concord bread, which was tasty and picked up some wine. But the overall "vibe" of the staff didn't sit particularly well with me.
I lucked out on a street parking spot, but, in general parking here is a bear.
I might return, might not. -
Review from Naomi U.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 7/14/2010
July 2010
Just to be clear, the "service" here is as surly as it ever was1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/27/2007
I completely concur with each undesirable comment regarding the 'customer service' in other Yelpers… Read more »
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Review from Michael G.
Cambridge, MA
11/20/2011
I've tried just about every sandwich on their menu board. Truly Amazing!!! I've yet to order one I didn't like. Favorites are #2, #1, #22 and #11. The people who work at the counter and friendly and knowledgeable. They offer suggestions when I can't decide, and they always remember my name. Friendly service and great food. What more do you need?
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Review from Lindsey B.
Jamaica Plain, MA
10/30/2010
Can't deal with this place. The baked goods are pretty tasty, but it kills me to pay their prices for little crumb-sized cookie-lets. I've never tried the sandwiches because they cost as much as a nice sit-down lunch at a real restaurant. Top it off with the surly, cooler-than-you'll-ever-be counter staff, and High Rise is a pain in the ass.
Good fresh-squeezed orange juice, though, if you're looking to burn five bucks. -
Review from Lisa W.
Cambridge, MA
12/28/2010
Working nearby, we come here a lot to pick up lunch or a loaf of bread to take home.
Service: fine
bread: great!! I recommend the concord and the huron loaves. I'm still working my way through all the types, but those two are my favorites. I think they're dense and good value, and stays fresh for a week or so.
sandwiches: I think they're really good (a bit rich and greasy, hard to eat neatly) but a bit overpriced. ~$12 per sandwich
soup: good, they give you two bread ends to go with the soup which makes it filling -
Review from Sarah M.
Acton, MA
4/4/2011
I've been to Hi-Rise dozens of times over the past four or five years. I'm not local but its a quick drive down Rt 2 so I'll hit up Hi-Rise when I make my trip to Formaggio which is just around the corner.
I can definitely see what people are saying about the service. The servers all act like they're doing you a bit of a favor by taking your order and getting your bread. Not usually outright rude, but no real effort to be friendly. I've never ordered anything complicated so I can't comment on the competency but the general lack of interest and the annoyed vibe is well, annoying. I asked the cashier (this past Sunday), when the website was going to be up. Her response was, "whenever, your total is $8.50." Not exactly a friendly reply.
The food is great and yes, VERY overpriced. The prices of all the sandwiches hover around $9-12 and that always seems to be just a bit shocking. The sandwiches look really big but most of the size goes to the very generous size of the slices of the bread. All of the bread offerings are awesome. I'm not too crazy about the other baked goods like cookies and brownies. For $3, that medium sized chocolate chip cookie better blow my mind and it definitely does not.
I would recommend buying your bread here and then walking around the corner to Formaggio for their daily sandwich specials which usually top out at $8 and the staff all falls all over themselves to help you and make you feel welcome.
And credit cards are accepted for $10+ orders which really isn't that hard to do here. Hasn't anyone told them that its against VS/MC service agreements to require minimums on credit card purchases?? -
Review from Tatsu I.
11/22/2008 ROTD 11/29/2008
Would you like to know why my clothes smell like Baked Serotonin a lá Michelin star kitchen?
Saturday, 8:26AM "Ugh, Sleep Hangover. Hey, can I get the 50 three-egg omelet with #00FF00 pepprs, Canada's best chedd, #FF0000 onion, avo, tomato, mustard, but with Concord Whole Wheat instead of Semolina, still grilled?" "Sure, anything else?" "Um, Big Coffee. Plz."
Sunday, 1:00PM "Ugh, Hangover! Hey, can I get a 51, 1/4# of Spence smoked salmon, capers, #FF0000 onion, tarragon mayo, and iceberg on toasted Corn Bread? Eh, maybe I'll try it on Brioche today. And a 'plus fort' Krazy Kap, extra shot?" "Brioche, check. 3 shots, uh huh. For here?" "Um, Yeah."
Monday, 10:06AM "Ugh, I'm late." *Sidestep sidestep* "Cheddar Snail, this Rosted Leek Quiche, and a coffee." "Large or Small?" "To go." "Lrg or Sm?" "To go. No, sorry, large! No bag either. Um, to go...?" "Excuse me?"
Tuesday, 2:22PM "What would you like?" "Ugh, sleep. Hey, can I can I, get get a pint-sized Potato Carrot Leek soup only 3/5's of the way up with extra chives on top and a Potato Brd Roll if you have any?" "I'll check. What is three-fifths??" "Um, yea, like not *too* full, so I can mix in cracked #000000 pepper." "Next person, can I take your order!?"
Wednesday, 6:00PM "Have you been helped?" "Um, hey! How bout a number 6 El Presidente, no chick'n, sub that silky hmmd hummus instead of grill chickn, harissa!, #000000 olive spread, to-mates, onion on Concord, grilled?" "Mmmm, sounds good! I do the same! Anything else?" "Yes, Irish Breakfast Tea with a Lemon Slice."
Thursday, 7:36PM "What's this? Ohh, Guy's new '06 Mercerey Pinot Noir, oui oui, plus a few pats of Plugra s'il te plait, for that Irish Soda Bread special. And the Olive Loaf. Oh, any coffee left?" "Coffee, yes. Bakery closes at 8 you know." "Really?!" "Tatsu, how long have you been coming here? Ugh, Take home dinner, instead. We have 2 Chicken Pot Pies left, or 1 Grilled Steak Tip Roasted Potties and shrooms + Swiss Chard left." "Nah child, still vege, still strong!" *V Sign*
Friday, All Day (2) 60-watt batteries, running on single core (CPU1), no BT, no LCD backlight, face the window, reading off reversed (ctrl-opt-cmd-8) liquid crystal type on a overcast day.
"Anyway, so I have this Picnic tomorrow, give me box of every cookie and sweet thing you got!" "Ok, but what do you want?" "Oh I know exactly. *Dreams of future* -
Review from benjamin B.
Cambridge, MA
4/14/2009
Eating at high-rise is like negotiating with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. There is a clear payoff but do not expect to come away unscathed. You will be belittled, made to feel unwelcome and will certainly come away with less than you expected for your efforts.
The upside to all of this is that if you are patient you will have the pleasure of paying $12 for a sandwich... or $6 for a cup of fruit.... or $6 for a small breakfast sandwich.
I have stood in line staring at the a member of the counter staff for upwards of three minutes before being served, only to be greeted with an aloof "have you been helped yet?". Generally this is followed by an equally long wait at the register as the counter staff talks, stands idly or is generally confused what to do to remedy the growing line.
My wife and I typically have an argument over who has to walk to high-rise and suffer the aforementioned indignities just so we can enjoy some really fine baked goods. I guess the bottom line is that one of us always ends up going regardless, but I really wish they made the decision easier. -
Review from Ashlee C.
Queens, NY
1/26/2010
This place can kiss my freakin' keister! Let's start with the vibe. The folks at Hi-Price, errr, I mean Hi-Rise, make you feel like they're doing you some sort of grand favor for selling you their wares.
The employees suffer from what I like to call, "Cambridge syndrome". They have an air of superiority about them when you ask a simple question or make a request. They are wildly inefficient, slow, and not very friendly. Essentially, they're amongst the worst counter help you will find in this immediate area.
On to the food. They offer a myriad of sandwiches, breads, and baked goods if you are willing to shell out the casheesh. Sandwiches are about 9-10 dollars each and a cinnamon roll came to nearly 3 dollars.
The breads and pastries are all fresh daily, but really, with the lousy counter help and plethora of new mommies pushing their oversized strollers around, I just can't deal. Maybe I'm not sophisticated enough for Hi-Rise, I don't know what it is, but me and this place just don't jibe. There are so many cafes in Cambridge with friendly staff and fresh baked goods, that I see no reason to suffer through the aggravation at Hi-Rise. -
Review from Marilyn Y.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/9/2010 1 photo
Not knowing any bakeries in the Boston area and desperately seeking a handsome blueberry pie for my husband's birthday, I found myself at the Hi-Rise cafe in Harvard Square. I was told that the sister store on Concord St. had an excellent and tasty plum berry pie and so off I went in search of this pastry through the tangled streets of Cambridge.
Upon entering the Concord St. café, I knew that I was in the right place for excellent baked goods.. Half of the store is taken up by large tables, sacks of flour and baking supplies .You can watch the folks here make the breads and pastries. The other half is the cafe. The large display case is filled with baked goods and breads. The front of the cafe has an inviting seating area where large windows cast sunlight onto the customers enjoying the day. Sitting on a pedestal behind the counter, was a lattice topped pie, golden colored and filled with fruit. I had found what I came looking for!
I bought the pie and a few other baked items. I found the staff to be very friendly. With the pie sitting on the front seat, I happily headed back toward Boston, when my moment of glee quickly dissipated as a cop pulled me over in Harvard Square. Getting a ticket in Boston is hard to do, since no one obeys laws from what I observed. Sadly, my gorgeous pie now cost over $100.00.
However, this plum berry pie was perfect! The crust was flaky and the filling was surprisingly not sugary. The filling was a beautiful blend of plums, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. It was well worth the hassle. If only that cop had been looking the other way! Still, this pie is one of the best I have had with its unusual blend of fruits. The other baked goods were superb as well.
When in Boston, I will be returning here for lunch and dessert. This little cafe, bread company and bakery is well worth a visit. The old building with its wide planked wooden floors and large windows has a uniquely New England style. And hopefully it will not be a bittersweet moment as this was. I know there is a policeman just waiting for lost visitors at the Mass. Ave/ Auburn St corner of confusion. You can't fool me twice!Listed in: Coffee Wonderland......in…
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Review from Courtney C.
Somerville, MA
8/7/2008
I don't know why I haven't reviewed this place yet. It is simply incredible.
As I always do in these situations, I will fully disclose my ties... this if the gf's new place of employment... she's now a baker there. But my love affair with Hi-Rise started about a two years before she started making dough there (oh snap! couldn't resist!).
The sandwiches are great. All of them. Any of them. I can't imagine you'll be unhappy with you choice. Today I went all the way with the Sin Sandwich and a large Earl Grey. The counter-person was SO thrilled someone was ordering the nutella-and-chocolate work of art... apparently the name can be a deterrent for some. I beg of you... GO for it! Even if you do burn in hell for all eternity with the Backstreet Boys' "Millennium" album on repeat, it will have been well worth it.
Delicious food aside, they have a great selection of tea and coffee drinks. For cold beverages, I recommend the Bright Blue Soda. Your experience isn't complete until you've tried their Gazpacho. Fresh baked bread and pastries will beckon you while you wait in line to order. They also offer a limited selection of quality liquor, $50 mixed cases of wine, and craft beers.
This place is hot for omnivores, vegans, the picky, the hard-to-impress, and locavores alike. Just come ready to cozy up... the majority of seating is on benches at two long tables, so you'll likely have strangers at your side. Bonus points if you walk out with a new friend!
Also, I should note that they have a $10 limit on credit/debit purchases. This is easy to meet, because the average sandwich price is $8-$10... so when you add in a drink you're most certainly there. Don't balk at the price... these aren't your momma's elementary school lunch-sack sandwiches... they are large portions of gourmet food served between two slices of fresh-baked heaven! -
Review from R E.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2008
I came here at 7:33 by their clock and asked for a sandwich and they said they stopped serving them at 7:30.
Quaint little neighborhood sandwich shop my ass. -
Review from Rob D.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2006
Yup - I'm in with everyone else. Amazing food - and bread that rivals (beats?) Iggy's...which is saying something. (The olive bread on Saturdays is really great.) Sandwiches are amazing, and its just really a nice place to hang out. Oh...and the wine. They sell inexpensive wine that is really really good. (Plus, its a short walk from my house, but that's just geography. I used to live on the other side of Cambridge, and I still drove to this place.)
...but the counterhelp: good lord. What's the word I want...surly? disinterested? drugged? (Oh, think I'm exaggerating? Check out the "I see dead people" smile on the woman who manages the place.)
Anyway the place is this odd combination of "come in! have a seat! relax and enjoy!" and "get the fuck outta here! what are you LOOKING at? jeez, aren't you done YET?!"
...if the food ever takes a turn for the worse, I'm gone. -
Review from Lauren E.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
4/23/2010
This place's reputation rests on its bread.
But the rest, is kind of blah...
The picture you see when you first walk in is promising.
But then you get to the counter, try to get some service, and it's no good.
But I think we all go because we love the bread.
But honestly, it's turning out to NOT be my favorite bread. Sometimes the bread is too hard, so crusty that it's sort of painful to chew. The seeded multi-grain baguette has a funky taste (fennel? anise?). Not something I want to mix with a meal. Now I basically stick to the $4 daily bread, and get my whole grains elsewhere.
And the prices are really high.
Talk about high rise...
But, it's close to home, and that one bread I tend to buy is very good, but I'm now on a quest for another source of local bread.Listed in: Kitchen Adventures: Food,…
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Review from Cara P.
Cambridge, MA
7/2/2008
We stopped here on the way home to grab two sandwiches.
OMG OMG OMG! This place rocks. Not for the carb wary, the second you step in, the smell of bread wafts through the air. HEAVEN!
Yes, the sandwiches are expensive...but shit, what isn't these days. Plus it is made on fresh made bread and high quality ingredients.
I wonder if people realize that they can leave when they take a look at the prices. No one is FORCING you to buy a sandwich for $9. Think about it ;p -
Review from Deepa C.
Somerville, MA
10/20/2007
I love this place. The mixing, kneading, baking frenzy hits you as soon as you walk in. The smell and heat and yeastiess permeates the air, making it thick and swimmy. As you pass the baking section, a bouquet of baked goods preens on the counter: challah, cinnamon loafs, apple pies, pear tarts, wheat breads, burger buns, baguettes, big round loafs, sugar encrusted ones, loafs spotted with herbs and olives, you name it.
The coffee is good as well, and they have soup and sandwiches, although I have yet to partake.
The prices aren't insane for Cambridge, but not exactly cheap. Also, it can get crowded and there is limited seating. It's not exactly a quiet place to read a paper, but people were doing it.
So local beers and good selection of wines, bustling atmosphere and a must visit for anyone who loves bread.Listed in: with my mind on my money, CHOCOLATE!, The Glory of Brunch!
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Review from joe r.
Lexington, MA
11/5/2008
The best grilled cheese sandwich in the city!! Starts with the bread, then the two kinds of cheeses they use. Tomato and mustard give it texture and a spice, and my mouth just loves it. And priced for success.
Otherwise, I always split a sandwich with a fellow worker, and we love 'em. Again, priced to win. Generally get them to go, and always cruise by looking for a space around the four corners, and if one is available, I get my lunch here. If no...cruise on, no problem, and I will get to eat here some other date.
They have universal papers for me to read while I wait, or if able, grab a chair and enjoy my sandwich there. The barista at the espresso machine is one of the best in town. They know what they are doing with an espresso machine, so I can get a great latte.
Great place, fun to take out of town guest. And I can navigate the parking and seating, and leave my friends to enjoy the great food. -
Review from N M.
Leesburg, VA
8/31/2010
I am a huge fan of Acme bread company in the bay area, and I've been looking for something that matches it on the east coast. This place is somewhat like that, but let me explain. They make their own bread, and the quality of the bread is pretty good. They don't have a lot of variety in the kinds of breads they make - but that's alright. The ambience and the staff are quite warm and welcoming. The smell of fresh bread wafts through the entire space.
I got a salmon sandwich for breakfast, and it was perfectly done. It was delicious. The house coffee is also quite decent. If I lived in Cambridge, I would probably frequent this place.
I guess it's on the pricey side (especially if you compare to Acme, which I mentioned earlier) - but considering that it's a unique place in an area where such bread companies aren't easy to find, I can ignore the price tag. -
Review from Let It B.
Allston, MA
6/11/2009
Walking into High Rise is like walking into American Apparel - you never quite feel cool enough to be there. I'm almost surprised the door man let me past the velvet ropes; it's a good thing I had Kate "Hipster 2.0" F with me to up my cred.
We strolled in to a nearly empty bakery around 8:19 AM. After a quick scan of the menu choices, I approached the counter with great trepidation.
"Have you been helped?" asked counter girl.
"Good morning, can I please have a HiRiser breakfast sandwich?"
"We don't serve breakfast sandwiches until 9."
FOR REALZ?!?
"Oh, ok, I'll just have an iced coffee then. Um, thanks for talking to me."
I know the staff don't make the rules, but esssss....I was so ready to spend $7 on a single egg on some small bit of toast, and you're going to deny me that extravagance?
In all seriousness though, I actually get quite a kick out of the fact that the food retains enough of a following to afford the staff a bit of customer-service leeway. It's probably an awesome place to work, you ain't got TIME to smile-fake for no lame foodie wannabes, and no one's gonna make you do it either! They'll keep crawling back, because the coffee's great and the bread is almost as good as Clearflour's! -
Review from Meagan H.
3/10/2007
Today, something happened that made me change my mind about Hi Rise: the Amazing Grace sandwich. This sandwich is on the kids' menu and is the most delicious grilled cheese on Earth!!! Also, I was at Hi Rise at 4pm, when 5 other people were there...much more enjoyable than normal. I will stick to my guns about it's pricey-ness and necessarily avoidable busy-ness (see previous review below), but hereby change my rating from 2 stars to 4 stars!
Previous review: Hi-Rise is a great name for a bread company. I'll give it that. And the food is wonderful, though very expensive. I guess my main concern with this Huron Village hot spot is that I get an anxiety attack every time I go in there. The line is always a mile and a half long, the acoustics of the space make it difficult to hear the person taking your order, and there's never anywhere to sit once you've received your food. Very frustrating. I would ONLY recommend that first timers go to Hi-Rise well after 2pm on a weekday, but not before and DEFINITELY not on a weekend.
