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Oxford Spa Cafe
Categories: Restaurants American (Traditional) Restaurants Sandwiches American (Traditional), Sandwiches [Edit]
102 Oxford StCambridge, MA 02138
(617) 661-6988
- Nearest Transit:
-
Massachusetts Ave @ Garfield St (77, 83, 96)
Massachusetts Ave Opp Garfield St (77, 96)
Massachusetts Ave @ Wendell St (77, 83, 96)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 4:30 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 4:30 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
52 reviews for Oxford Spa Cafe
Review Highlights
"I stopped in for lunch yesterday and tried the blue moo."
(in 4 reviews)
"Great neighborhood place."
(in 4 reviews)
"Delicious baked goods, and excellent sandwiches."
(in 6 reviews)
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52 reviews in English
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Review from Laura J.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
1/14/2012
Great Sandwiches! Friendly staff! Wonderful place to stop by for lunch. It is quiet enough to get work done, and their food is delicious. It is also very convenient to eat here while doing your laundry next store.
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Review from Kathleen F.
Somerville, MA
9/5/2011
When I go on walks I pass this place all the time and it has really intrigued me so today I decided to pop in for a little iced coffee action. I looked at their sandwich board and was sad that I wasn't hungry because their combos looked really delicious, but I decided if I liked the place overall I'd go back another time to try their sandwiches.
I go to the counter and ask if they do iced lattes, after having to ask me a few times to confirm what I wanted, what appeared to be one of the owners (the woman) started my latte at the espresso machine and then wandered off. Then the male owner took the cup, filled it w' ice. Sat it on the counter dumped milk in it to only fill it half way, and then shoved it across the counter at me, not completely filled, and without a lid while on the phone, and said nothing.
I had to motion to him for a lid and he tried to put it on my cup and it didn't even click on all the way but he just gave up and shoved it at me. It made me understand why there were no other customers in the place. I feel like I haven't had such awful service in a while.
Now, maybe the experience at the sandwich counter is different because there is a different girl working behind there, but the whole experience turned me off so much that I'm not sure I want to go back and try their sandwiches.
I'm sooo bummed because this place is close to my house and I really wanted to like it! -
Review from Zac C.
Boston, MA
1/8/2012
I had the OG which is basically the Reuben. Definitely a good sandwich but not sure it is worth the near $9 for a large. I would come back but for the size and what you get I will order the cheaper items.
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Review from Che S.
WOODLAND HLS, CA
7/21/2011
Hell yah!
The thesis an dissertation are the everloved shizznit.
Some person complaining "oh it's yuppy food and the drinks are too expensive..." better taste some of that food quick!
Because it is classier than annas and a lot of other places. It's throughly enjoyable and deserves recognition of being high class an DESERVING yuppi food! -
Review from Marty W.
Cambridge, MA
7/7/2011
The Oxford Spa is convenient since it is the only place I pass as I walk from home to work in the morning. It has a wide variety of sandwiches and is popular for lunch. It also has breakfast sandwiches and baked goods (some of which are prepared on premise). The service is not fast or particularly friendly. The quality of the food is variable but tends to be decent. They have a couple of vegetarian sandwiches which taste good enough. Some of my carnivorous colleagues seem more impressed with their sandwiches. It would get three stars if it weren't for the high prices.
If you are a meat-eater and in the neighborhood, give it a shot. As for me, I'll walk to work the long way. -
Review from J R.
Cambridge, MA
11/28/2011
Oh Oxford Spa. I've never been so happy to spend nine bucks on a sandwich. They are all delicious. I think i've eaten my weight in So-La's over the years I've been coming to you. I've also never brought anyone here (meat-eater and veggie alike) who didn't *love* the sandwich they ordered. Yea you might have to wait a few for them to make your sandwich, there isn't always seating, and the coffee is weak, but this is one of those places you can overlook the cons because the pros are so delicious!
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Review from Jennifer N.
Washington, DC
Updated - 6/18/2010
To answer my question, yes, something did happen to the Oxford Spa. Apparently, it's under new ownership, and it really, really shows.
I used to love the Oxford Spa (I even love the name -- how luxurious!). I loved the quirky sandwiches, the cute interior, the outdoor seating. But it somehow feels unloved now - the interior is looking a little shabby, the sandwiches aren't as good, and the baked goods are disastrous (always an optimist, I sampled the cookies here again, and unless you are trying to crack one of your teeth, these are definitely to be avoided).
I'm sad for this place. It used to be a real neighborhood institution, and the last few times I've stopped in, I notice that it's not as crowded as it used to be (whenever I'm in the neighborhood, I go to Rustica instead).1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/15/2009
Did something happen to the Oxford Spa?
Because a long time ago, it was my go-to spot. I'd have a… Read more »
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Review from Esss E.
Cambridge, MA
10/21/2010
I hope the owners are reading these more recent reviews because the place has changed and not for the better. What used to be carefully crafted sandwiches are now sort of slapped together. They used to have delicious (and often still warm) scones with figs and apricots and such. Lately I haven't seen anything like that. Recently two of us each got chocolate cookies but one of them was inedibly stale - as in should have been tossed out stale. The fun and artful signs aren't getting done any more. The new floor isn't cool. The vibe is gone but mostly it's the food we went for and that, sadly, needs some professional help. Soon!
The 2 stars mean: "Meh. I've had better". The sorry thing is that the better was Oxford Spa itself. -
Review from Steve M.
Cambridge, MA
4/22/2007
This is a pretty good lunch place on the northern outskirts of Harvard Square. I personally prefer Darwin's food, but the service is definitely faster and friendlier at the Spa. Certainly better than Au Bon Pain, though, and if Darwin's weren't around the corner I'd be going there a lot more.
It's a favorite of Harvard grad students and professors, especially from the science departments which are down the street. They offer a wide selection of beverages and pastries as well - most, if not all, of the pastry is provided by the excellent Iggy's Bakery.
Of course, it's only a "spa" in the Boston sense, where "spa" refers to the bubbling waters of a soda fountain. -
Review from Anna P.
Cambridge, MA
5/12/2008
I kinda thought I was over being impressed with the fancy sandwiches of Cambridge. I just hadn't tried Oxford Spa.
First of all, the interior is adorable without being overdone. Rickety wooden tables, chalkboards full of menu choices, kitschy little decorations everywhere. You can eat outside at one of two tables, or you can sit on a long wooden bench (also good if you need to make a quick cell call before lunch).
I ordered the special golden beet sandwich with arugula and goat cheese. The sandwich could have been a salad in itself - heavy on the arugula and beet with just enough goat cheese.
The molten chocolate cookie was, in fact, molten in the middle and crispy on the outside. No clue how they swing that.
For a small sandwich (which was in no way small), cookie, and coffee I paid $10.00. I also had to wait a really long time for my food, which I found odd because it was relatively empty. I felt like both of these things were made up for by the friendliness of the staff and the relaxed atmosphere.Listed in: Coffee Shops I Have Known
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Review from Faith N.
Allston-Brighton, MA
11/29/2010
I came in for a sandwich the other day, which was good, just a standard vegetable sandwich.
There was nothing really special, but judging from previous reviews oxford has lost its sparkle.
I'm still willing to come back and try something new, I'm an optimist, and i love sandwiches.
Another thing that would keep me coming back was if oxford became a certified green restaurant. As far as I know, a lot of restaurants are recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability, and a green restaurant association certification is a great way to let consumers know they are serious about it.
I've been urging a lot of my favorite places to look into this certification, and even though Oxford isn't one of my favorites (yet), no restaurant should be ignored.
.
Enjoy! =) -
Review from Flora H.
Los Angeles, CA
9/15/2007
Definitely a good spot.
I tend to order based on names alone. I could not resist The Dissertation sandwich. Service was kind of slow, but it's a nice place to hang out. I'm sure I'll go back. -
Review from Melissa W.
Madison, WI
11/14/2006
Oxford Spa is a god-send on weekend mornings when I drag myself out and limp over there to wake up. Delicious baked goods, and excellent sandwiches. It's so cozy in there, I never want to leave. The massive windows warm the place up, and it smells so darn good. Mmmmm. But it's small, so eventually I find myself guilted into leaving so someone else can soak up the sun for a while.
I'm so lucky to live so close to this place. I just wish it were cheaper... -
Review from Anastasia L.
Melrose, MA
10/6/2006
This place gets 5 stars for its sandwiches, which are, however, expensive even by Cambridge standards, and 2 stars for its staff. They can be SO grouchy!!
The sandwiches are, for the most part, delicious. I really like the So-LA, a delicious vegetarian option. I'm not a big fan of their prepared foods, like quiche and noodles, and especially not a fan of their salad. They have a selection of breakfast goods like bagels and scones, along with some bread (Iggy's) and cookies, but these often sell out.
A few tables provide a place to enjoy your meal and watch the erudite Cambridge students and residents stroll by. I wouldn't call this a coffee shop really, in fact their coffee is standard at best.
Bonus: It's next door to a laundromat featured in the movie Love Story. -
Review from Barney B.
San Diego, CA
4/16/2008
there are pros and cons to this place.....
Pros
The sandwiches are quite delicious - and they come in half size.
It's a great neighborhood place, perfect for hanging on a Sunday to read the paper
A couple of outside tables, for more enjoyable summer hanging
the food is fresh and tasty
Cons
Half sandwiches are mere pennies from full sandwiches - neither are cheap.
Coffee is limited to drip - no espresso to be found
Summer hours have random Sundays off, it seemed
But if you are in the hood, come grab a meal - it's definitely worth it. Off hours, the convenience store across from Cambridge Common has wrapped sandwiches from the place too. the European (ham, brie, butter, baguette) is fairly sublime. and ice cream sandwiches are available for the casual warm day walkby. -
Review from Robert H.
Somerville, MA
3/18/2008
Would you believe that I had never walked down Oxford Street until yesterday. That is a MUCH nicer walk between Porter and Harvard than stupid ol' Mass Ave! It was a walk made all the better by discovering Oxford Spa.
My lovely girlfriend and I were playing hooky from our jobs in order to look for new ones, and we needed an early-afternoon walk. We hiked from my place near Clarendon Hill/Teele Square all the way to Harvard. By the time I got there, I was HUNGRY (she ingeniously ate lunch before we left), but didn't feel like anything at Harvard. I decided to try to find a new way home, so we headed up Oxford Street. About halfway to Porter, we ran across Oxford Spa, so we went in.
I got the Blue Moo. I can try to express to you in words how incredible this sandwich was, but I won't do it justice. The French bread was crusty and delicious without shattering into a thousand tiny razor blades when I bit into it. The roast beef was surprisingly tender for a sandwich. I rarely get roast beef, because most places serve tough, stringy beef, but not here! The greenery (arugula?) was fresh, and the chunky blue cheese dressing was delicious without overpowering the rest of the sandwich. (As a side note, I'd love to have peeked at what kind of dressing they were using - it would be perfect with wings.) A splash of balsamic vinegar tied the whole creation together. It may have been the best sandwich I've ever had.
Everything on the menu looked delicious. If we weren't planning on going home and making our own quiche that evening, we probably would have bought a couple of slices of theirs (or their frittata or lasagna).
I will be back! Soon! -
Review from J L.
5/22/2009
I've been in Boston for 4 years. I used to love the Oxford Spa. It was the place to get a ([n] overpriced) sandwich.
But in the last year or so, something has gone horribly wrong. Sandwiches are even more overpriced, but the ingredients they use are getting worse.
Twice I was served moldy bread with my sandwich... Twice... in 2 weeks. I thought it was just a horrible accident the first time so I kept my faith in the Spa. The second time around, on a different day of the week, at a different time of day, and with a different server, same moldy bread. I then realized that the Spa we all knew and loved had gone and is never coming back. -
Review from Julia F.
5/5/2009 3 Check-ins Here
I hadn't been here in ages until I convinced my dad that we could share a sandwich and both be full. We went and got eh... Some sandwich with whole wheat bread, sprouts, turkey, and loads of lettuce and mozzarella cheese. It was super tasty.
The guys who were working here didn't look very excited to be at work, not miserable, but damn close. They were all reppin the Sox though, so they at least had that going for them.
The building is old, looks a little sad, and looks like it could use a little TLC. There is enough seating, and on nice days there is space to enjoy your food outdoors while you listen to screaming children at the school across the street. -
Review from Emma D.
Chicago, IL
9/22/2007
Oxford Spa is a lunchtime staple in my department. We also get catering from them for all sorts of lunch and brunch meetings. I've enjoyed all the sandwiches I've had from there (the thesis and the dissertation are quite popular with the other grad students ;) but I also enjoy the Moo-bah with roast beef, carmelized onions, and blue cheese if I remember right). They also rotate entrees and I've had some good mac n' cheese and a decent quiche.
Cookies here are also excellent (mmm double chocolate chip) and you can buy Iggy's bread and various other baked goods. Beware that it can get super packed over lunch and the 5 inside tables and 2 outside ones are often full up. -
Review from Patrick H.
Somerville, MA
6/9/2009
The green sign that hangs above the sidewalk on Oxford Street is attractive and soothing, spelling out the words "Oxford" and "Spa" in a nice typeface, with an avocado between them. Unfortunately for the Oxford Spa Cafe, this is where the attraction ends.
It was months before I even realized that this place was indeed a coffee/sandwich shop and not a spa/massage shop thanks to that same green sign out front. And now that I've tried it twice, I rather wish I hadn't "discovered" it at all.
Since I walk by the Spa on a daily basis to get to Harvard Square, I figured I'd stop in and see what all the fuss was about since it seems to get a decent amount of business considering its somewhat remote location. The interior is nothing to gawk over, but it's certainly not uninviting either, and there are enough tables to seat a number of patrons.
I grabbed a drink and ordered myself a sandwich by the name of The Dissertation. It's nearly the same as The Thesis, a French roll with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil, drizzled with olive oil. The difference is the prosciutto, which adds another $1 to the already inflated price.
While I waited for my sandwich to be hand crafted, I picked out a small bag of chips from the good selection they had and found myself checking out the cookies behind the counter. By the time my wallet came out, the total bill for my girlfriend and I was $24. But hey, this is quality food we're talking here, right? It must be worth the money.
There are a couple tables outside (and by that I mean exactly 2), so we grabbed one and sat down. Having a table didn't seem to help much since it was on a permanent 30º slant and my drink kept sliding off. I think I've seen people throw out better furniture than this on trash day.
So how was the food? As for the $7 Dissertation, I imagine I'd rather have written one than eat this sandwich. It was bland, lacked any real substance, and was hardly enough food for an average human being. The giant peanut butter cookie I snacked on afterwards was dryer than the Mojave desert, probably due to the fact that they're left on a tray on the counter rather than sealing them in some sort of container. In fact, the only thing worth eating was my bag of chips, which obviously wasn't "handcrafted" by Oxford Spa Cafe.
A few days later I went back to give the Spa another try, this time for breakfast, and realized that it just wasn't worth my time or money. I ordered a breakfast burrito, which was pretty much just some egg, peppers and tomato in a tortilla, as well as an iced coffee. When preparing my tasty beverage, which flowed out of a big metal canister, the guy working behind the counter was kind enough to open a small Coleman cooler to grab (with his bare hands) a few ice cubes to put in my drink.
If you truly want to overpay for a sandwich, but would actually like to eat something tasty, skip Oxford Spa Cafe and head to Darwin's in Harvard Square. The people are friendlier, the food is much better, and they have beer & wine to wash it all down with. Plus you won't have to listen to annoying children yelling at a playground across the street. -
Review from Cait S.
1/13/2010
This is not the Oxford Spa that I remember from when I lived down the street and half of my friends used to work there. It used to be always packed with people and it was always kind of game to see how long it took to find an open table. In the summer we would buy food at Oxford Spa and take it over to the park on Sacramento Street. I miss those days.
Sadly Oxford Spa has lost its edge under new ownership and the loss of the steady stream of local customers that made it a cool place to hangout. I will still stop in to pick up a sandwich but only when I'm feeling nostalgic. I know you can't go back, but I wish Oxford Spa could. -
Review from Eve L.
Brighton, MA
6/18/2007
I think people are underrating this place, big time.
Their sandwiches are AMAZING and their staff are all very attractive. What more could you ask for?
I used to go to grad school at Lesley and this was my favorite place for lunch. Their Good Egg sandwich is one of my faves.
Plus, it's a great little neighborhood with a park across the street that makes for a nice impromptu picnic. -
Review from Babs P.
San Francisco, CA
7/3/2006
The best thing about this place is the food. Sandwiches have some creative ingredients and are named after collegiate things, like the Thesis sandwich. The location is great, too, sitting on the quieter edges of Harvard Square.
The worst thing about this place is that there is no bathroom. How can a coffee place not have a bathroom? Coffee is a diarrhetic!
Otherwise, the ambience is fantastic, with high, detailed ceilings that a friend of mine said reminded her of Baltimore. -
Review from nathan r.
3/31/2007
I might have given the Oxford Spa three stars if not for the horrible service I encountered. First thing's first- the turkey sandwich was alright...the turkey didn't really didn't have a lot of flavor and the lettuce took over the sandwich- as it was piled on. My wife makes way better cookies; however, the selection of Kettle chips was nice.
Now for the service...as my order came up and my mouth was watering (as I was quite hungry) the woman who was at the cash register was on the phone with a personal call! I had my money out and just wanted to start grubbing- but she had to talk about her roommate woes and laundry mishaps...leaving me hanging. I waited for five minutes before she even acknowledged me (I guess she should watch the BBC Office episode in which the crew watches an instructional video on how to treat a customer- I think that may have actually helped her...and me).
I'm sure the turn-over rate at the tiny shop is high- as I see help wanted adds in the window quite a bit- hopefully for Oxford Spa...that chick is gone. I won't be back to check though. -
Review from Tessa C.
1/13/2008
Great local spot to get a good simple bite to eat.
Part coffee house / part sandwich shoppe.
Everything is made to order. No soggy bread. No wilted lettuce.
I love the BAT (bacon arugula tomato) - excellent.
Get the half sandwiches if you have a smaller appetite! -
Review from Kara S.
I can't believe I hadn't been to Oxford Spa before, especially since it's on my street-running route and I've been to the (awesome) playground across the street before with my niece.
I stopped in for lunch yesterday and tried the blue moo. FIrst off, superfriendly staff, plenty of tables so I could settle in with my magazine and relax. My first bite of the blue moo blew my mind, such a perfect marriage of flavors. But as I ate it, I started to be slightly dissatisfied by the texture of the caramelized onions on it. They were just too thick and tough, almost as if it was the outer section of the onion. I imagine that might just be a one time issue, but it really affected my overall enjoyment so I'm docking a star.
I also tried the molten chocolate cookie which was indeed molten and chocolate. I thought it was tasty, but it had nuts in it. As someone who likes nuts in her salad but not her cookies, I was kind of meh on that. I ended up picking them out.
But seriously, everything bad was just due to my personal taste. So it's me, not them. It really seems like an outstanding local sandwich shop and I will be back to try many more sandwiches (and figure out if the onion issue was an anomaly or just the way they roll).
Oh and it is expensive, but worth every penny. I did get a large and I think I would get a small next time, since I felt like I should have rolled out of there instead of walked. -
Review from Lauren A.
11/5/2008
Today I heard someone say that Darwin's has the best sandwiches in Cambridge, and I thought to myself that they must not have had the Pearadise at Oxford Spa. It's a fig and bacon sandwich with blue cheese dressing and some sort of greens on wheat, with balsamic vinaigrette. I know, you're feeling skeptical, but you have to try it to believe it.
Aside from the Pearadise, the Oxford spa serves a variety of fantastic sandwiches. I've tried at least three of the others and have yet to be disappointed. A suggestion, though - buy a large instead of the small and save the leftovers for a snack. The large size is twice the size of the small (it's the length of an entire loaf of bread) and totally worth the extra two dollars. I think the Pearadise is around 8.50 for a large?
In addition to the sandwiches, I love the neighborly atmosphere of the store and the friendliness of the employees. I'd be here every day if I could afford it. -
Review from Joanna F.
Updated - 2/18/2009
I really go back and forth with this place. They make the best sandwich I've ever had (the blue moo). The flavors of the french bread, roast beef, bleu cheese dressing, balsamic vinegar and arugula are an amazing combination. However, the other sandwiches I've tried are just all right, and even though it's the best sandwich I've ever had $9.40 for a sandwich is ludicrous in my opinion.
Anyway, the reason I have to drop a star is because the service is pretty horrendous. Every time I go in, it's not that busy yet it usually takes at least 10 minutes for them to make my sandwich. TWICE I noticed my sandwich sitting at the counter without anyone telling me it was ready. I had to go up and ask if it was my sandwich. WTF is going on here? I'm obviously waiting... can you just give me the sandwich that's done??
I'll probably be back for the Blue Moo though.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/3/2008
I've been to Oxford Spa a few times now. The first time I went, for some reason I was rather… Read more »
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Review from annie k.
Los Angeles, CA
1/25/2006
Very good sandwiches, scones, everything. Great neighborhood place. About the scones: they are the best I've had, of dozens of places, in greater Boston. My only complaint is the coffee. If the coffee were good, you'd see me in here all the time. The espresso is just plain undrinkable.
Update: Used to be at five stars, now at three. The scones *used* to be the best, but they changed the recipe. Still good, not the best. Someone else I know arrived at this conclusion independently.
Also loses a star because of a new creepy, unhygienic employee. -
Review from Martha F.
Cambridge, MA
6/17/2007
I'm almost embarrassed by how often I eat here. I mean, sandwiches are something I should be able to make by myself, in my kitchen, right? But I'm pretty sure that even if I got off my butt and tried, there's no way I would be able to make anything that tastes as good as the OhMitt (turkey, avacado, bacon and a touch of russian dressing). Also, you can't beat the great selection of bottled drinks. The staff is always friendly, even when they're really busy.
Its a little on the pricey side and I do wish they had more tables, but other than that, I wouldn't change a thing. -
Review from Buck W.
Cambridge, MA
8/19/2011
i want to like this place, i really do. it's just that the people who work there are SO unfriendly. i'm not sure what makes them so unhappy, it doesn't seem like a bad place to work. is it really that hard to show a minimal amount of friendliness to your customers?
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Review from jodi h.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 7/16/2010
I think the Oxford Spa has gone downhill. The place was pretty empty last time I went, my favorite chocolate lava cookies weren't fresh, and my sandwich was just so-so.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/1/2008
The sandwiches are pricey, but fresh and delicious. My favorite is the Oh, Mitt (Romney??) which is… Read more »
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Review from S K.
Cambridge, MA
1/10/2009
Dear Oxford Spa,
Are you breaking up with me? I fear you do not love me anymore. I have passed many a blissful hour with you in the past, my nose buried in a book as a bagel with cream cheese sent endorphins coursing through my veins. I was charmed by your authenticity, your appearance, your ineffable atmosphere. I used to introduce friends and family to you with pride.
I fear that is all in the past. Three weeks running, my husband and I have braved the cold to visit you. Something was not right. The staff had all turned over (again), the music was off-putting, and you didn't seem happy. As you did not have BAGELS (except the plain ones, and who can live with that?), we turned on our heels and went elsewhere to satisfy our desires.
Next week, same story: perhaps those plain bagels in the basket are fakes? We asked the new guy behind the counter what the deal was with the bagel crisis--he said you were waiting for college kids to come back to get stocked up (ignoring your other faithful admirers in the meantime, boo hoo). So, we came back today--guess what? All you offered was a few sorry plain bagels. The guy said "we stopped carrying them so much since they didn't sell." Who? What? Where? I am so confused. Are you not a cafe? Do you not cater to breakfast eaters? Do new Englanders not eat bagels for breakfast anymore?
You had a makeover recently: Your floor was all crummy and it was replaced--by what looks like "new" OLD tiles from a nursing home. Come on--can't you even dress up in alternating black and white for me anymore?
Then you chose to adorn yourself with a rack of SINGLE SERVE CEREALS. Clearly your morals have left the building; why are you selling commercial trash designed to rot kids' teeth and fill landfills as quickly as possible? That item alone screams "Oxford Spa is having a nervous breakdown." Let's head off the identity crisis: YOU ARE NOT A 7-11 SO STOP ACTING LIKE ONE.
I'm sorry to say it, but I have been two timing you for a while, and now I am moving in with my other lover for good: Rustica Cafe on Beacon Street, a short walk away. There they even know our names and treat us like family (while you never acknowledged us after 10 years of faithful patronage.) The music is eclectic and tasteful, and the owner is always present.
Goodbye, Oxford Spa; 3 strikes you're out. Please get a grip on yourself and do not become a blight on the neighborhood. -
Review from Kristin S.
Somerville, MA
1/17/2007 3 Check-ins Here
I love Oxford Spa. Its my favorite place in the Harvard Sq area to get lunch. They have a good selection of sandwiches (not your typical deli fare) and they are always quick and prompt. I have never gotten anything besides the Thesis because its so damn good. The olive oil they drizzle over the bread is amazing...sometimes I end up eating the bread on its own because its.that.good.
Listed in: Over the river....
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Review from ace z.
Cambridge, MA
12/21/2007
Very friendly, very tasty, but getting a little pricey. One of the best things about the sandwiches used to be that they were significantly cheaper than, say, the Hi-Rise, but it's pretty close now.
This would be a 4.5 star review, that half getting knocked off for the price. -
Review from Nick B.
Philadelphia, PA
6/16/2006
The food is good, but what I really enjoy about this place is the huge window that lets in all the sun on a nice spring morning. Grab a cup of coffee, an egg sandwich, and a newspaper and it'll feel like you haven't even left your bed yet.
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Review from Bradley D.
Portland, OR
7/29/2008
I love this place. It's right down the street from my school/work and I can't believe I slept on it for so long. I went there for the first time with a friend for a business meeting and was hooked. The sandwiches are delish and I really enjoy the space. I will continue to go back here to this little neighborhood hangout.
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Review from Cory Q.
Cambridge, MA
7/7/2009
Awesome sandwiches, Cambridge classic. This place has been around a long time and it's an excellent neighborhood place. I recomend the reubenesque, a reuben made with purple cole slaw instead of saurkraut. The staff are friendly and atractive.
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Review from Jillian Y.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2008
Oh, I love this place. I've had the Thesis and the So L.A. and both were just incredible, filling, fresh (pricey, but whatever) lunches. And the interior really is adorable. This is going to be my new once-a-week lunch splurge, for sure!
Listed in: Best of Harvard
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Review from sweetand s.
MA
1/31/2007
Good but over-priced. I do love their home-made chili and soups, as well as their frittatas, but I always feel like I am paying through the nose and cannot get out of there without spending $10 for lunch, which is a lot for the amount of food you get. That being said, they do use top-quality ingredients and it is a nice change from other lunch spots, just not my first choice all the time. Staff can be moody and place is rather pretentious...yet the food is definitely well-made, tasty, and above-average. Personally I don't like the vibe very much.
