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Mariposa Bakery
Categories: Food Bakeries Food Coffee & Tea Bakeries, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
424 Massachusetts AveCambridge, MA 02139
Neighborhood: Central Square
(617) 876-6500
- Nearest Transit:
-
Brookline St @ Green St (47)
Massachusetts Ave @ Sidney St (1, CT1)
Massachusetts Ave @ Sidney St (1, 64, 70, 70A, CT1)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Stephen T. said: "This is one of the most convenient places to get alcohol in Central Square. Their size allows them to carry many more brands than the next closest liquor store, Libby's. The prices are a bit more expensive, but you pay for the location…" read more »
121 reviews for Mariposa Bakery
Review Highlights
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121 reviews in English
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Review from Courtney H.
Cambridge, MA
The four stars are for the pretzel rolls and the sandwiches they come on, in particular the BLT. So. amazing.
Their chai lattes aren't sweet enough, but that might be a matter of personal taste. I've liked some of their other drinks. The service is fine. It's not really a place I would hang out at with a coffee, but it's great for grabbing some breakfast or lunch.Comment from Suzanne M. of Mariposa Bakery 2/9/2012
Thank you for your feedback and the stars! Pretzel Rolls are… More » -
Review from Sarah P.
Boston, MA
The coffee, in particular the lattes, are really good and worth a trip on their own. I'm not sure what type of coffee they use, but it's smooth and subtle.
The food is so-so. I've had a few of the bakery items and they look good but left me a bit disappointed. It's one of those places where you clean up after yourself if you eat in, so the tables can be cluttered and a bit messy. -
Review from Teresa P.
Meh. Really not as amazing as a friend claimed it to me. The oh so gloried $5.50 breakfast sandwich was pretty lame. Turkey sausage with egg? Dude, my brother who can't cook could easily make this on a super lazy day. You can make a dozen of these sandwiches yourself with the same amount of money... and you could likely make it way better.
Essentially it was texas toast with one sad looking sliced hot dog and an emo egg. Definitely didn't like that they didn't slice the hot dog up into smaller pieces to cook with the egg and make it more spread out. The avocado breakfast sandwich looked significantly better, with more contents to the sandwich.
Mariposa, if you can call these breakfast sandwiches if they barely contain anything..... it's probably better off being called toast... with a side of hot dog and egg. -
Review from Kevin M.
Somerville, MA
Love Mariposa, been going for years. They've got a wide tea selection, fresh (delicious) bread for their sandwiches, pleasant pastries, and decent coffee.
It's a big space, but not a whole lot of seating. However, I've always enjoyed the vibe and the staff. Probably my favorite cafe in Central. -
Review from Anon O.
Cambridge, MA
I've been going here 2-3 times a month for the past 5 years to buy treats for my company, each time getting $30-$40 worth of scones and muffins. However, I won't be going back anymore. Their quality used to be the best in Cambridge. They used to make their mocha or chocolate milk with a delicious homemade chocolate mix and it was literally the best I've ever had. Over the past year they would often not have that mix and now they seem to have switched over to a crappy cocoa powder. Needless to say the mocha is hardly worth getting now.
They used to have a variety of scones and muffins with a refreshing rotation of interesting things from cinnamon buns, to pecan muffins, to croissants to you get the idea. For the past 5 months every time I've gone in, they've had the same selection. Their chocolate chip scones used to be amazing - even better than Flour, but now their quality isn't consistent. I've gotten scones there that are still doughy on the inside or sometimes they are just off. This is super disappointing because they used to always be perfectly cooked. Also, they've replaced the cocoa dust on top with way too much crystallized sugar.
Perhaps the worst thing is that sometimes their milk goes sour and either they don't notice or don't care. When this happens I've called up and told the barista and received a rude-ish "uh... ok..."
As someone who has spent literally thousands of dollars of my company's money there, I will not be returning. I've never posted on Yelp before and am creating an account just for this posting. If you're the owner and you're reading this, I hope you'll get back on track!Comment from Suzanne M. of Mariposa Bakery 2/9/2012
Dear Customer, I would like to start off by apologizing for… More » -
Review from Bailey Z.
A friend of mine proclaimed Mariposa to have the most amazing breakfast sandwiches. We tried to come here on Black Friday, but it was closed. The anticipation made me want these sandwiches even more so we made a second trek the next day. The sandwiches come on either bagel or toast and with the options of avocado, turkey bacon, or turkey sausage with the egg and cheese.
I ordered the turkey sausage and waited. My disappointment when the sandwich came out was similar to when I found out that Santa was not real. Okay, maybe not as dramatic, but you get the idea. This pedestrian sandwich could have been made by any college student. I'm pretty sure I could have made it with my eyes closed. Their idea of a turkey sausage egg sandwich is a hot dog sliced in half, a fried egg with some cheese on an oversized piece of white toast. The bread was bland, and the proportion of meat and egg to bread was terrible. I think it took me three bites until I finally got to the inside. The turkey tasted nothing more than your average hot dog. Hot dogs don't really fit onto pieces of toast, even when they are butterflied. You would think that a bakery would also use their own bread for their sandwiches. Save your $5.50 and take your business to Subway instead for a footlong. -
Review from Nor A.
Boston, MA
I'm done giving Mariposa second chances. The last 3 times I have been to Mariposa, they messed up my order. And then when I bring my food back to be corrected, they give me an attitude, like it's my fault! The food is so-so, but the worst part of Mariposa Bakery is the awful service. The people who work the cash register and kitchen clearly have no concept of customer service. They're rude, slow, and unaware.
If Mariposa wants to stay in business they should re-think about who they hire. -
Review from Allison T.
Arlington, MA
Update: Service has improved. Still slow for some items such as sandwiches, but I've had no screw ups and the staff are mostly nice and attentive.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/19/2010
I like the coffee and love the bagels at Mariposa. I've been going semi-regularly for the past few… Read more »
Comment from Suzanne M. of Mariposa Bakery 2/9/2012
Thank you both for your comments on customer service. We… More » -
10/19/2010
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Review from Jason B.
Philadelphia, PA
Dear Pretzel Rolls,
Even though I now live in the land that loves pretzels the most, I still miss you.
Love,
Jason -
Review from Varun S.
Boston, MA
I had a bad feeling when I entered this place. It some how felt stuffy and stale and sort of dirty. I ordered a chocolate chip muffin and a cappuccino while my friend ordered the eggplant sandwich.
The muffin was stale, the outer of the muffin (yes "outer layer") completely came off...the inside wasn't cooked well and was all doughy...the coffee was passable...the sandwich could've actually been tasty if the egg plant was like an egg plant should be and if the bread was baked better...
The seats were torn...there were flies flying around the area where the muffins are kept...and they charge a lot for the kind of quality they provide
in short...they should close down -
Review from Joseph K.
Waltham, MA
I went in and after staring at the menu, I decided on the gazpacho. When I ordered it, the girl at the counter said they were out. This made me wonder why it wasn't erased off the chalk menu...
So I settled on an eggplant sandwich. The sandwich was very good and it was on thick slices of bread. The cucumber and tomato were good and it was a shockingly good sandwich. It was $8 for the sandwich though.
Unfortunately, the tables were not very clean and there were newspapers just lying on empty tables. -
Review from John K.
Arlington, MA
After strolling by this place a gazillion times (it's on my walking route to/from my job), a girlfriend and I decided to stop in to grab something quick. "Quick", it most certainly was not.
After waiting ~15 mins in line, we placed our orders. The waitstaff was friendly and didn't seem the least bit annoyed with having to take (very minor) special orders. This is where the good news ends.
We literally waited 20+ minutes for two pretty standard sandwiches. And the place wasn't even packed! We could see three people in the kitchen who LOOKED like they were working furiously, but that couldn't have been the case, or else we would've gotten our food in half the time. Now usually, when I'm unhappy with the wait time, I'll tell myself that the food will be worth it. NOT HERE. The sandwich I got (Italian chicken) was THE BLANDEST sandwich I have ever tasted in my entire life. Not to mention that the pastries were covered in flies. I should've kept on walking and never stopped in. -
Review from Ashley A.
Cambridge, MA
This place rocks. It's a low-key, hippie, organic place. The ingredients are fresh like the thick gourmet loafs of bread they use for their yummy sandwiches. Curry Chicken Salad is the best. The coffees and teas are awesome. The counter peeps are cool.
Yes it's a bit messy, yes it's a bit self-serve, but that's just the chill bohemian sandwich place it is. -
Review from Emily G.
Arlington, MA
I don't know, maybe I'm just grumpier so I can appreciate other fellow grumps more, or maybe this place is cheerier. Whatever it is, I love this place. Fresh baked goods, great coffee, nice casual vibe, and pretty good sandwiches (just don't order the veggie burger, that thing is weird) make for a nice hangout or work spot. Upping my review to 4 stars. What was I thinking?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/10/2008
I'm with Devon on this one. I so want Mariposa Bakery to be my hangout neighbourhood cafe, the place… Read more »
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2/10/2008
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Review from Marko M.
I needed a spot to have a quick business meeting and found Mariposa Bakery! Glad I did!
You walk into the store and you are greeted with a very warehouse-themed coffee shop with cute chairs and art deco. The baristas were very friendly and the prices were very reasonable. Seating is available with a lot of windows so it is bright and fun to hang out.
I ordered the iced coffee and was glad that I did. It was made very strong, and they offer several types of milks for you to doctor your drinks up! I also ordered the cookies, which were home made and fun to eat!
The best thing about this place is that it is very peaceful and relaxing. People here are cool and kicked back. Nice change in a bustling town! -
Review from Shendi X.
Boston, MA
Lovely and trendy, without being pretentious - if I lived around here, I wouldn't hesitate to often bring a laptop here for personal work use, while enjoying a fine cup of coffee. So cute!
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Review from Stefanie G.
Cambridge, MA
Really love this place. Go as often as possible. Very fresh ingredients and delicious combos. The people who work there are cool and I usually leave with a smile on my face. Although, I must say that you should try staying away from the rush-hours because the service can be slow. :(
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Review from Valeria S.
Boston, MA
This is a strange and confusing place.
Once it was windy outside and there were a bunch of leaves (it was Fall) and a plastic bag (a black one, moreover)
I had a muffin and something else, a cookie maybe, but the fact that I don't remember means it was probably good, I mean ok.
But, believe it or not, THEIR ESPRESSO IS VERY GOOD!!! -
Review from Lauren R.
Morristown, NJ
How sweetly surprised I was when I decided to give Mariposa another chance. I recently returned to once again order a mint mocha and egg, cheese, avocado and tomato breakfast sandwich on a bagel. It was delicious, natch, but it was also made really quickly! The friendly dude behind the counter informed me that they got a new toaster, which has really helped speed up their food production. Hooray!
I also recently came here for lunch for the first time, and was really pleased with the experience. The bakery was calm and quiet, a welcome respite from my job, which involves a lot of college students and answering telephones (fun). The sandwich I had was a special (Italian salami & goat cheese, YUM), but I will definitely be back to check out the regular items on the menu. Mariposa has definitely stepped up their game!Listed in: Central Square
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/8/2009
Oh, Mariposa. I really want to love you, but you keep disappointing me. I walked by you every… Read more »
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10/8/2009
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Review from Jessie Z.
Picked up a half-dozen muffins this morning for work. Pretty tasty and the team at the office liked them. I was there right as they opened before it got too busy. Also had the caramel latte, also tasty. I was happy with the experience. Lemon scone was good, not the best I've had but certainly not the worst either.
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Review from Tall C.
Boston, MA
I've stopped going after a while. Although the location is great and the place really nice, the staff is either unfriendly (the girls) or hits on female customers (the guys). Two friends of mine are embarrassed to go now because the guys at the cashier were too sticky (flirting while taking the orders, making the whole process extra long and messy, asking one of them out, etc.). Personally I like to go to coffee shops where people are friendly, but professional enough to make customers feel at ease.
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Review from Jen H.
Mariposa Bakery, what can I say. Your chicken sandwich was decent sized, bread was soft, it was tasty... but I don't know if it was worth the $ because you're a bit on the expensive side.
My iced chai tea latte, tasted like watered down chai tea. I had to add a crap ton of sugar in the raw to it before it started to have some more flavor.
Did I enjoy my lunch, yes... but for the $ I spent I could have gone somewhere else, gotten same/better food, and probably at least a side of some kind (mini side salad or something of the sort). Shame, because you're hella convenient to my office! -
Review from Sophie H.
Cambridge, MA
I love this place. Sure, the baristas seem like they are stoned out of their minds, and the small coffee holds about two sips. But this is still my favorite coffeeshop, especially when I want to sit and work.
The sandwiches and baked goods are yummy. The tables are big enough to spread out, and the music is not oppressively loud (*ahem* 1369). Plus the bathroom is extremely clean. -
Review from Mike M.
Dallas, TX
I think if you have some free time and aren't in a huge rush to get out the door on your way to work, Mariposa does a decent job at delivering good coffee/tea selection along with a nice menu of breakfast and sandwich items.
The thing is that among its local competition, it is probably second best in just about every element.
The coffee is good, but not as good as Andala or 1369.
The atmosphere is nice, but not as good for chilling as Clear Conscience or Andala.
The food is pretty good (i had a breakfast sandwich on a bagel), but not amazing.
To top it off, my bill was like $8 for a coffee and breakfast sandwich. A little pricey for what you get. On the plus side, the sandwich came in this adorable cardboard box rather which made me feel like a 4th grader taking my Ninja Turtles lunch box to school.Listed in: Why is my hand shaking?
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Review from Julie J.
Boston, MA
This place is just okay. I wouldn't come back though. My sister and I stopped by after grabbing some treats from Flour, where we skipped coffee due to their outrageous prices. Found Mariposa on the way home and decided to stop in. It was busy... but I found that their business was due to how slow the service was. I mean, it was ridiculous -- this is a coffee/tea/bakery place. Service should not take this long. We waited at the cashier, next in line, for a good 5 minutes, with a line accumulating by the second, before the cashier came and took our orders. Sure, the cashier was busy making coffee drinks, but really, she was busier chatting it up with her coworkers.
Drinks were good though, and the atmosphere is nice. But I think there are plenty of other coffee shops around the area that I'd choose over this one. -
Review from P. K.
North Reading, MA
Cute, cozy coffee shop. The tea we had wasn't great, but I'm willing to go back to try other things (food, lattes, etc). The people who work there are also nice.
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Review from Tom E.
Mariposa is worth a try but can be very hit and miss. The experience largely depends on the staff. On my first visit I was served by a charming (and gorgeous) tall brunette who made sure my coffee was made perfect and my toast was just right. She even apologised for not having Marmite - what an angel. When will I see her again? sigh
Others times I've got the young guy who told me he couldn't make me any of the food as 'he didn't know how' and he was on his own. WTF?? Oh well.... And another time when he did feel like making me a curry sandwich it was quite mediocre and exorbitantly priced for what it was. -
Review from Jillian M.
Cambridge, MA
Ok, so for the good news.... they have fabulous bread of all kinds, creative pastries, quality ingredients, VERY good coffee and breakfast pizza. Also, I like the aesthetic, though the tables are sometimes so close together that you have to slide your ass along someone else's table to get in.
For the bad news... the 3 times I have gone in, the guy behind the counter has been so incredibly annoying that I nearly had to leave. As far as I could tell this was a cafe, not a karaoke bar.... so why were we forced to listen to him sing? I don't understand.... just take people's orders... no need to preform or editorialize. -
Review from Trish F.
Boston, MA
There was a time in my life when my dinner consisted of oatmeal cookies with dried cherries and an Izze or Vitamin Water from Mariposa.
I wish I could tell about the brownies or baked goods at the counter. Or their breakfasts. Or the pies that they make around the holidays. But I can tell you the people there are great. I always got a smile with no judgment every day I got the same thing. I will report back with more insights I swear. I just never get down to Central Square when they're open. Sad! -
Review from Devon M.
I really wanted to like this place more than I did. I walked in with pretty high expectations and to be blown away by this little spot, but really wasn't. The service wasn't great, the place is in need of a new paint job and some cozier furniture, the breakfast goods weren't really labeled well, and the selection wasn't great. The upside? My scone and coffee were really delicious. I got a lemon scone to go, and when I got a chance to eat it, the icing was tangy and perfect and the scone had a great flavor to it. I really liked it. And for $4.25 for breakfast, that's not a bad deal.
To go, it was a good experience, but I wouldn't hang out here.....the counter service was lacking (I don't like being looked through when I am greeted, but maybe that's just me) and the atmosphere isn't warm and inviting. -
Review from marie c.
Somerville, MA
I don't understand all the 3 stars on this place. Have you people not tried the sandwiches on pretzel rolls? PRETZEL ROLLS.
So many yums, I can barely find the words.
I have been working in Central Square for a year now and I'm really upset that I haven't been getting lunch here on a more regular basis. It's a bit of a walk down Mass Ave from the T (let's face it, it's a smelly walk. Central Square does have a unique odor) but it's totally worth it.
Go eat a pretzel roll and enjoy your day, ok? -
Review from Jess P.
Cambridge, MA
This place makes me feel like a cooler, more grown-up version of myself.
Funky yet tasteful green walls and lots of space to read the paper (or atleast more than your other options nearby!). Let the record show this place is also *clean* which is in contrast to many of its cafe neighbors in Central.
The chef comes from Rialto, and infuses the menu with quality, gourmet ingredients. The Grilled Chicken sandwich is fabulous with chipotle aioli & really flavorful parmesan. Get your sandwich on the "pretzel bread" - dense, soft and slightly sweet with a kosher salt studded crust. I can also vouch for the scones - a great balance of fruit/nuts and not too sweet. -
Review from christine t.
Somerville, MA
I had a really hard time with the rating on Mariposa. On the one hand they have scones that pwn, bodacious baked goods, awesome offerings of tea and coffee, a sinful selection of sodas and beverages. Did I already say everything they offer is really good?
On the other big heavy hand that's constantly smacking my face, the service is awful. Its inconsistently awful, every once in a while I'll get good service, like this summer when the nice Aussie guy worked there, but for the most part, no, no sir I don't like it. If it was consistently awful at least I'd know what to expect.
You might say, but Christine, there's only 2 people there and its the morning rush! And I say, That's not an excuse, it doesn't take 2 people to steam some milk, or 1 of the 2 people should be working and not talking on the phone, or disappearing in the back for the 25 mins while I'm waiting to get my tea when there's only 2 other people in line in front of me. I mean gees, I've been to Luna at the same time in the a.m. when there's only one person running the counter because the other is prepping the foodstuffs for the day, and i get in and out in 5 mins, including a short wait in line!!!
I REALLY have to be craving Mariposa's scone-y goodness to torture myself with this place. Otherwise I'll save myself the time and frustration for tea or coffee and go across the street to Luna. -
Review from Katrina L.
Cambridge, MA
So, I'll caveat this review to say that this has very specifically served my purpose-- a random place to study without the distraction of internet, with good coffee and healthy food.
I love the atmosphere, it is darling inside, the lighting is a bit dark, but the exposed brick is beautiful, and they have a great space in general. The food appears great-- unfortunately, when I went, they didn't have avocado so I couldn't have the vegetarian sandwich, they were out of tuna fish so I had to resort to my third choice-- egg salad. They put lots of vegis on it for me as compensation which was great! And the sandwich was great, particularly the bread.
Sure, the staff can be a bit spacey, and its not your quick turnaround downtown Starbucks town, but thats part of its charm! -
Review from Tiffany Z.
Berkeley, CA
Decent place your order at the counter spot for coffee/tea drinks, but nothing special about the atmosphere that entices me to come back or linger.
Sandwiches on their homemade pretzel rolls are really great though! Just don't try pairing the pretzel roll with tuna as much as you might like the two separately (completely my own fault as I asked for this combination).
For me, this is a convenient pick-up-a-coffee on the way to work place with a good selection of homemade baked goods and breads. However, I wouldn't make it a destination if you don't live in the area. -
Review from arete j.
Cambridge, MA
Mariposa is lacking the extra star because they close at 7pm. Other than that mere compliant its a great place to meet up for coffee and a bagel in the weeeee hours in the morning: 7am. I especially love the bagels they bake themselves, and the Tuna Sandwich --probably the best in town. I find the staff extremly friendly. There have been a few times they've played classical music.... which I applaud and shout "BRAVO! BRAVO!" to them (as I love classical music, and wish more cafe's would play some as well.). It's just so pleasant.
BRAVO! Mariposa te amo! -
Review from Sam M.
Cambridge, MA
I am a fan of Mariposa. I work across the street, and whenever I get hungry I can leave the apron on, traverse the Little Big Dig, and pick up a few pretzel rolls for a couple of dollars. Mariposa's pretzel rolls, as it happens, are by far their best item. They're thick, chewy, and made with big grains of kosher (I believe) salt.
Sandwiches are good as well, especially on the said pretzel roll. I've had the pastrami, meatball, and tuna (three different items, not all at the same time...), and all were made fresh with high-quality ingredients.
Where Mariposa could improve is in their drinks - fairly expensive and only mediocre quality. I'm willing to pay $2-3 for a cup of coffee, but it has to be good - Mariposa's brew doesn't do it for me. Same goes for their lemonade, which costs the same as a fresh squeezed at Tosci but tastes like it's from concentrate.
The service is friendly but if i were managing the store I'd hire one more morning person. Between brewing coffee, making sandwiches, and cleaning up the front-of-house, the two regulars have a bit more than they can handle. That's not to say that they don't work hard -- they really do -- it's simply more of a three-person setup.
In general, though, I usually enjoy visiting Mariposa mid-morning between batches of ice cream for a pretzel roll...or three or four... -
Review from Jennifer N.
Washington, DC
Mariposa is OK. If I walk past it, I'll often go in and sometimes I'll buy something, but it's never a destination for me.
I agree with earlier posts- the staff used to be sort of flustered (often there wasn't enough staff) and most of those issues seem to be resolved now.
I also agree that Mariposa often seems to run out of key ingredients which can be disappointing.
I'll add that I have always found the display of food there less than appealling (I'm big into aesthetics...). I will also add that Mariposa is such an amazing, cool space, and I have always felt like it's not being used to potential. How about some comfortable chairs? Some better tables? Something? I mean, this is a place with a green wall, high ceilings, and a very cool peninsula (is that what it is?) in the middle. This place could be mind-blowingly cool inside, and somehow it never lives up to my atmospheric expectations.
Finally, when Mariposa first opened I had the most delicious chocolate chip loaf there. Not a cookie but a slice of loaf - almost like bread. It was heavenly. I've never seen it there since. Please, Mariposa, bring back the chocolate chip loaf. I'll come by regularly if you do. -
Review from Clara L.
I met up with a good friend who also happened to be in Boston the same time I was there for a little breakfast and to catch up on our lives. It was a tuesday around 8:30am when we got here. The place wasn't crowded, and the baked goods on display looked pretty good. I ended up ordering an egg, tomato and avocado sandwich on a toasted sesame bagel. It was really good and hit the spot. I didn't have any coffee here, so I can't comment on that.
The place wasn't busy at all, but I wonder if it ever gets busy. It's near the Central Square Station on the red line, which is between Harvard and MIT, each having a closer stop. Perhaps this bakery was not close enough to be either campus to be a regular for students. Not sure... nonetheless, it was clean and I liked it. Glad we randomly passed it on our search for breakfast that morning. -
Review from Julie A.
Arlington, MA
I have come here a few times to grab some lunch and have been really unimpressed every time.
The service is slow and they always seem put off by me ordering something. Like I am asking them to go out of their way to make me a tuna sandwich! C'mon, it's your job dude!
The menu is very limited. I have ordered an array of sandwiches and each time I think they are not so hot. Not bad, but not good either. And they are pretty expensive.
The pastries always taste stale.
I was excited when they moved in but am very disenchanted with them at this point. I go across the street to Luna or down to Harvest to get a custom sandwich for half the price!
