2nd Street Cafe
89 2nd St, Cambridge, MA, 02141
2nd Street Cafe Menu
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Salads
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Baked Goods
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Sandwiches
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Entree Specials
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Soup Specials
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Special Sandwiches
Healthy Meal suggestions for 2nd Street Cafe
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Salads
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Baked Goods
-
Sandwiches
-
Entree Specials
-
Soup Specials
-
Special Sandwiches
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Address :
89 2nd St
Cambridge, MA, 02141 - Phone (617) 661-1311
- Website https://www.2ndstcafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:30 am - 3:00pm
- Mon : 7:30 am - 3:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
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Heather D.
yum! I got the special sandwich (roast beef with Boursin) and my boyfriend got the meatball sub. Everything was fresh and fast. The employees were SO nice too
(5)Meghan M.
On my way to work and needed a coffee and a bite to eat desperately! Luckily I spotted this little gem. Hidden on a side street in Cambridge close to the Kennedy/Longfellow Elementary school, I think I hit the place right at the perfect timing (after rush hour). No line, no wait--- the girl at the front was as pleasant as anything. Her personality resembled the feeling you get when you think about blowing bubbles in a field, or a unicorn jumping over a rainbow! Haha! So not only was it a great start to the day with positivity but a delicious egg sandwich and fresh coffee!
(4)Diliny C.
I enjoy both their breakfasts and lunches. Great sandwiches! I usually order their wraps. - says the person who doesn't usually like sandwiches or wraps.
(4)Cate T.
I ordered a delicious chicken melt sandwich from here. It was my first time coming here. The line is literally wrapped around the tiny little place - and out the door. So I would recommend going on off hours - or not right at the lunch rush. All of their sandwiches and specials look incredible. Honestly - my biggest complaint is cash only.... why!!! It's 2015 - I know there are fees and it's a small business, but who carries cash in this day and age! I don't even think my grandmother carries cash anymore......actually she probably carries her checkbook still.
(4)Raisa S.
love, love, loved this place! I have worked in the area for 2 years and I have NO idea how I missed it. It is definitely my new go-to. The staff was probably the highlight, they were super friendly from the minute we walked in to the minute we left. I got the chicken salad with pieces of granny smith apples in it, it was perfection. I'm not usually one to order chicken salad out because it sceeves me out sometimes, but this was really really good. The sandwich was huuuge and I got it on sourdough bread which was very soft and fresh. I was between that and the chicken melt, I asked which was better and two of the girls behind the counter disagreed, they each said opposites. They told me to go with the chicken salad since it was the fresher option at this time of day (late afternoon). I loved their honesty and I was definitely not disappointed. Keep in mind it's cash only, I totally forgot this so my co-worker had to pay for me (but they do have an ATM in the place). The only thing I think that could improve is some chips or something extra on the side for the price. But still delish!
(4)Eric P.
Perfect neighborhood cafe. I used to always get Anthony's favorite breakfast sandwich. And the coffee is the bomb
(5)Sha P.
A quick lunch. We got the chicken pesto and chicken melt. Both were prepared well. I wasn't blown away by either one. It's a small place with limited seats, so if you go during lunch hour when they're busy, you may have to grab your lunch and take it to go.
(3)Kevin R.
Quality sandwiches, had the chicken pesto and chicken melt. Service was quick. Cash only!
(4)Matthew B.
Pretty damn impeccable edibles. I'm a glutton for flavor and 2nd St delivers on my dream for complex sandwiches no one in their right mind would know how to ask for. Avocado, mustard and excellent cheeses are bound for your sandwich. If choice is available, go for the sourdough. Perfect bread. One more heads up -- they're cash only unless you use the LevelUp app. Stick to the latter and get some points toward your meal.
(5)Laura P.
Great spot to grab lunch. Only bummer is its cash only and they close at 3pm. They have an atm, but be warned you are charged a $3 service fee. I get the chicken salad sandwich most of the time. It has bits of apple which adds a little sweetness and texture. I've also enjoyed their cob salad and some of their soups. Im not a huge fan of the meatball sub, but there are so many other great options to choose from. Definitely check out this spot!
(4)Cristina R.
Being employed in East Cambridge isn't always easy. Lunch time rolls around, and the options aren't pretty. Cafeteria or Cambridgeside food court? Luckily, I can now add this cafe to my lunchtime list! It's an adorable space with chalkboards on the walls, shelves lined with recipe books and knickknacks (giant Yoda Pez dispenser, anyone?), and a very cozy vibe. All the sandwiches sounds deeelicious. I was feeling the Roasted Veggie Wrap, but unfortunately they were out of roasted veggies the day I went. Drat! What to do, what to do... Alright well I guess I'll stop trying to be healthy. The Chicken Melt it is. And I don't regret it one bit. You can choose your bread (Italian white, rye, pumpernickel, etc.). The sourdough came perfectly toasted and was the absolute right call. For a melt, the sandwich wasn't overwhelmingly cheesy. There was a perfect balance of large chicken chunks, cheese, avocado, lettuce & tomato, and condiments. When you come here, no matter what you order, make sure to get honey mustard on that sucker. This stuff is slightly sweet, creamy, and as you're eating, it provides a swift kick of spice that opens up your sinuses when you least expect it. Yessiree. The sandwich was big, so I wrapped up the other half for tomorrow's lunch. Our meal closed with a giant $2 peanut butter cookie, which we happily shared between the 3 of us. Be aware that this place is cash only. And the sandwiches aren't exactly cheap (mine came out to be $8.50). There's an ATM inside, but you'll get charged a transaction fee, making the meal a few bucks more expensive. So plan ahead, or use LevelUp if you're cool like that.
(4)Kate A.
I'm fortunate enough to live right down the street from this gem so obviously I'm bummed that they aren't open on the weekend! That said, this place is delicious. My go-to is the greek salad; I don't know how they make their dressing, but it is SO good. I've tried to replicate what tastes like a simple lemon vinaigrette at home, many times, to no avail. I should probably just ask for the recipe! Their soups are all made from scratch as well, and everything I've had has always tasted fresh. The line does get long around Noon/12:30 but the service is always prompt, and friendly. Important: they are cash only, but do offer LevelUp.
(4)Amy B.
My closest friends know the way to my heart is a delicious sandwich. 2nd Street Cafe delivers. Off the beaten path, but easily walkable from Kendall Square, 2nd Street Cafe offers salads, soups, and enormous sandwiches. So far every sandwich I've tried has been delicious. There is not a lot of seating inside the cafe, and what seating exists is not the most comfortable. But since you're probably going to inhale your delicious sandwich pretty quickly, that doesn't matter much. I imagine it will be more of an issue in the winter, when fewer people want to take their sandwich bounty outside. 2nd Street Cafe does not accept credit cards, but they have an ATM inside and also accept LevelUp.
(4)Marie R.
I go here like twice a week my job is a block away. The breakfast sandwich is delicious and its fairly large in size for 5 dollars. They have fast service, they are always friendly, and the food is fresh. In fact when i call they already know my order. i like the place in general it has a homey feeling to it, so does the food. Its a small place but its worth stoppin in. They do hav funny hours though they are open for breakfast and lunch.
(4)Diane Y.
I went here several times last summer, and I can assure you this place never skimps out on the sandwiches. They're huge and very meat-y. The place is pretty small, and it's always packed at lunch (sometimes the line goes out the door), so don't expect to be able to find a seat. But considering the traffic, the service is reasonably speedy. They have daily specials (sandwiches or pasta) that are always pretty good. The staff is quite friendly, and they take care to learn your name and your usual orders (if applicable). Oh, and it used to be that they only accepted cash, but now they also accept LevelUp, which is much more convenient (and gives you money back the more you go there).
(4)Mike F.
Man this was an EXCELLENT sandwich. Good ingredients and the sourdough was great. Loved that they accepted LevelUp, too.
(5)Danny B.
A solid lunch spot, especially when faced with the chain options of the nearby Galleria. The space is small but quaint, with shelves of cookbooks, nick knacks, and funny signs sprinkled on the walls. The staff is personable, if not quirky, and accommodating. As for the food, their sandwiches are my favorite and range from meaty classics to vegetarian options. Try the chicken melt of melted cheddar, avocado, honey mustard, mayo, with the standard lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion. The salads all looked great, and I've heard great things about the soups. Cash only, but they do have an ATM or take LevelUp. Definitely check it out for a quality, non-food court option.
(4)Jessie C.
Pretty tasty! This place has traffic that comes in waves... 12pm, 1215pm, 1230pm. It's funny how the lunchtime rush comes and goes. We were able to snag a table which is really a feat since there are only 4 or 5. The staff is super nice and accommodating to each request - I ordered my own sandwich, turkey on wheat, w/ pickles and goat cheese (yeah, pickles and goat cheese, don't knock it till you try it.) Pretty tasty... loved the shaved turkey on it also. A little over budget for a daily lunch spot but once every few weeks ain't bad.
(4)Julie B.
I've been working near the Galleria for a few months now and had yet to go to the notorious 2nd Street Cafe. Sick of eating soup from Au Bon Pain, I decided to check out the online menu and took a walk over to 2nd Street to try the spicy red bean special soup. I ended up ordering a small soup and half of the grilled chicken, pesto and mozzarella sandwich. My lunch was really great and everything tasted so fresh. I REALLY wanted the roasted veggie wrap but they don't do halves of wraps :( Still, I was very happy with my order and was thrilled to get away from the mall. The staff was very friendly and the cafe was adorable! I definitely want to eat in there next time. The only downside is that they don't take credit/debit cards. Luckily there's a Bank of America right next to my office :) Can't wait to go back and try something else!
(4)Alyssa B.
2nd Street is one of my go-to lunch spots since I work down the street. I love their reubens and the chicken salad. I tried the roasted vegetable wrap last time I was there and I didn't love it. I felt that the goat cheese didn't go with the veggies...I don't know maybe it was just me. Besides that incident, I've never had anything else I didn't love. Remember your cash money.
(4)Andrew K.
Pretty solid food, but they have a tendency to run out of things around closing time. Closes at 3pm so not for folks who like to have their lunch later in the day.
(4)Mike L.
I eat here almost everyday. Amazing staff. Great fresh ingredients. Cool daily specials. The only problem is that at lunch it is so popular it can be hard to find a seat.
(5)Rob K.
Visiting from out of town, I walked past 2nd Street Cafe on my way from the hotel to the building where I had meetings. It looked perfect, even when closed - totally local, unassuming and just my kind of joint. Then I yelped it and decided to give it a try. Wasn't disappointed. The sandwiches were great, with fresh ingredients (avocados especially good) and tasty, home-made bread. I opted for a turkey and cheese on pumpernickel to go, with a cookie on the side. The cookie rocked - also home made - and the sandwich hit the spot. What's even better: the friendly and engaging people working the counter. Next time I'm in Cambridge, I'll definitely be stopping in. Thanks!
(5)Mike S.
Between breakfast and lunch, I probably eat here 3 times a week. Breakfast: 2nd Street is the only game in town when it comes to real filling breakfast sandwiches. My favorite breakfast item is egg and cheese on pumpernickel bread. It's $4.50 but it's the size of two egg sandwiches anywhere else. I hear half sandwiches are available if you're not as hungry. For lunch, I always order the same sandwich. Chicken pesto on pumpernickel. It's so good. I like the way the cold fresh mozzarella cheese tastes with the hot grilled chicken breast. The pesto is tasty and plentiful and the tomato slices are well represented. When I'm very very very hungry, I order soup too. They've been good and you get to pick your own dipping bread from the big basket. They used to write daily riddles on the little chalkboard in the back. Why did that stop? The counter stools are kind of uncomfortable but the other seating options are fine. In the summer, you can get sandwiches here and eat in the park around the corner. Don't let the noon to 12:30pm crowds dissuaded you. Arrive at 11:55am and there won't be a line at all. Or, have a later lunch after 12:30 and there won't be much of a wait. Even at busy times, the wait isn't more than 5 minutes. There's a great atmosphere amongst the staff and if you come frequently, they will learn your name and your usual order.
(5)Damien S.
Noted, Kathleen M! First and foremost, the people in this awkward Amish home-cum-lunch hub fucking rock. When I first walked in, the entire staff of four were peering through the window at a elderly driver posted up in a highly coveted street parking space. My friend waited patiently in her car for the man to leave, but he had better things to do, as commented on by the folks inside. "Should we say something?" "I'm gonna say something." "Gross. He's picking his nose." (Snickers from patrons, girl at register) "She should honk." "HONK YOUR HORN!" "She can't hear you." "I'm gonna say something" (His car moves) "It's about time." (Applause) Just a UFC bunch ready to dole out simple, delicious vittles. Rotating daily entrees and homemade soups complement the standard sandwich favorites - ruebens and cubans and meatballs, oh my! The usual suspects of the Sliced Meat mob are avail to build your own, if you wish. Let's be honest kids: even if I emerge from the dark depths of a swine slaughterhouse guilty of terribly inhumane practices, I'm still going to want a Cuban. So yeah, I ordered one ($6.95) P.S. Sandwiches are cheap, and also a la carte. Grab a bag of small batch chips for a buck and change. The Cuban arrived remarkably quick (ruhroh!) and oozed its bevy of toppers - mayo, mustard, relish, hots, and VERY melted swiss. The bread bulked the sheer size of the sandwich, as it only boasted two slices each of its roasted pork loin and ham. Appearance aside, it tasted great thus seating itself between everyCuban and the Elite Honor Roll in my personal trophy case. It's a unique challenge to review the in-and-out lunch locales, as the subtle details of why you should go get lost in translation. I mean, you're there, you eat, you leave. Lather, rinse, repeat. Let's just make it simple: the folks at this place deserve your biz. Give it to 'em.
(4)Mark O.
Good tunes, good soups, nice people, good sandwiches. Good place.
(4)Adam E.
Amazing sandwiches- the daily special is always amazing.
(4)Andrew H.
When I think of a "hole in the wall", 2nd Street Cafe is the type of place that comes to mind, and in a good way. It's not glamorous. The fashionably "distressed" furniture they have is that way naturally, from years of use, and the decor consists of dusty cooking implements, labeled canisters full of various grains, and old books - largely philosophy and cookbooks. It has character. It also had a line practically out the door, of mostly young corporate types and students. When you try the food, you'll see why. Here's how it works: Grab your chips, grab your drink, and let them know which soup, salad, or sandwich you want, and they'll take your name and yell to ya when it's ready. The Cuban was delicious, if a little non-traditional (but I didn't mind their spin on it) with mayo and pickled hots. It came out melty and delicious. The roast beef with boursin, horseradish, and greens was similarly yummy, and they didnt' skimp on the beef, either. If I worked in the area, I could easily see myself becoming a regular. It's fast and just plain yummy.
(4)Alex R.
I've been visiting 2nd Street Cafe for years as I work in the area. Their breakfast sandwiches are awesome. Big hunks of white bread with 2 eggs, cheese, and whatever meat you want (Bacon!) all thrown on the grill together. It's big, tasty, and has the right amount of grease to make you happy. Their lunch sandwiches are also spectacular. The meatball sub is delicious, the roast beef is tasty, the cuban (not sure if they have this any more) is excellent, and whatever special sandwich they have for the day is sure to be great. The Reuben is one of my favorites in Boston. Good helping of pastrami, kraut, dressing, and butter on rye. Delicious! Every Friday they do some kind of seafood special. Today I got the salmon cakes which are out of this world. Really. They're off the hook. Served over a mescaline mix with a delicious cream sauce over top. Still licking my lips. Just make sure to get in early for these specials (12-12:30), because they sell out quickly. The spot is tight, so during lunchtime you will be dealing with a small crowd. No worries, the staff is great and Tony the chef is awesome.
(5)Jenny G.
I don't come here for lunch as often as my co-workers, but when I do, it's always real good food. But I'm writing about their cookies. Oh, the cookies... When I was in high school, our cafeteria sold these giant cookies wrapped in plastic wrap, and we'd heat them up in the microwave and let them get extra soft and gooey and delicious. 2nd Street's cookies remind me so much of those, but no additional microwave heating necessary. And they're homemade! Everytime I go there for a cookie, I always just stare, unable to decide on which ONE I want, until the staff starts chiming in about their own favs, trying to help an indecisive/greedy me make up my mind. Usually it's the peanut butter that wins me over. Sometimes the chocolate chip. Once the molasses. All were great.
(5)Cara C.
This place is fantastic! We are in town for the week and needed some comfort food that made us feel like we are eating at home. This place was the spot. They have a sign that says "Best Soup in Town" and they were not kidding. It blew me away! This place would be great on a stormy day! The customer is def always right here. Well done 2nd Street Cafe.
(5)Marc P.
Get the Reuben!
(3)Leslie M.
Menu is awesome. Owner and employees remember your name. Keep up the great work guys! Love love love!! p.s. Molasses cookies are out of this world.
(5)Steven D.
The east of Cambridge in and around The Galleria is rather grim for lunch. This saves the day, indeed, I feel slightly mean not giving it a fifth star. Good, solid food and very nice sandwiches, perfectly reasonable coffee. The only reasonable option for lunch in the streets around and only lack the fifth star as I would like espresso.
(4)Matt C.
Thankfully, the vast majority of Yelpers have gotten this place right. Perfect timing to show up at 10 til 12, I was the only one there. Staff was extremely friendly, as noted in many reviews. Went with the quick tip consensus, and ordered the #2- fresh roast beef on pumpernickel, with boursin and horseradish mayo. It did not disappoint. A very generous helping of meat, with wonderful fresh bread. No crappy lettuce, but a nice mesculun mix. The taste of this creation will bring me back here. For the price- look, for less than $10, you can get a delicious fresh lunch. Completely worth it. Looking forward to trying more of the menu.
(4)Kimberly W.
The cafe is tucked away on a relatively small residential street. The workers there are all super enthusiastic and fun. It's a cute cafe with a few tables and some bar stools over a counter that looks out the front window. There is coffee all the time, and the place mostly sells sandwiches. However, the hours are restricting as the place closes early at 3 on weekdays.
(3)Zach Y.
We accidentally discovered this place while Yelping on the go at the Cambridgeside Galleria. Briefly: -The food is delicious. I had such a craving for a Reuben, and they really delivered. -The sandwiches are really large. As in, no need for a bag of chips on the side. This sandwich will be your meal. -They have that quirky, indie, hipstery, Cambridgey feel that I like (in moderation). The whole restaurant looks like somebody carved out a kitchen, dining room, and living room of a house to turn it into a small sandwich shop. The bottom line is that nobody should ever need to go to the food court in the Galleria (unless they are cashless or it's a weekend). There really is no excuse when you've got places like 2nd Street Cafe around the corner.
(5)Matt L.
Good breakfast sandwiches; great lunch sandwiches. The line can be long, but it moves quickly. Try the mama's meatball sub. Keep in mind it's cash only.
(4)amanda t.
Why I like it: -Fresh ingredients -Super-friendly staff -Menu items change frequently: daily specials -Reasonable prices -Close to the office Why I don't eat there more often: -They are cash only, and I'm a D student when it comes to keeping cash on hand -They close at 3pm (open M-F), and I frequently head to lunch at 3 or later (because I'm a bird who eats small meals throughout the day) -I wish they had more vegetarian sandwiches. I'd eat there more often if there were a larger variety to choose from
(4)Sean B.
I loves me a GOOD REUBEN! The little hole in the wall is within walking distance of where I work, and the sandwiches are great. You REMEMBER the sandwiches you eat here. I've been greeted each time I've walked in the door here, which isn't mandatory, but something else I remember, and it was nice. I'd probably eat here more if they accepted cards, but that's NOT a reason to shun the 2nd Street Cafe. If anything I should plan ahead to have a good lunch here.
(4)Mike I.
The good: * the sandwiches are huuuuuuuge, always enough for a solid lunch, sometimes even more * the meatballs are really really good * you can make your own sandwich with the ingredients they have, making for endless possibilities The bad: * cash only * long lines shortly after noon The ugly: * nothing, 2nd Street Cafe is great!
(4)Aaron G.
After working near the Second Street cafe for two years, I've eaten a good number of their sandwiches. On the bright side, the food is fresh and well-prepared. They also allow you to call in and then skip the line when you pick up...which saves a lot of time. That being said, it baffles me how they could be missing such basic items: no turkey sandwich, no sub rolls, no baguettes, no kaiser rolls. I also find that their chicken salad sandwiches do not work well with the bread they're served on; it's rather flavorless and the sandwich falls apart every damn time. I will point out that the staff is fairly...friendly and vocal. This can be a good thing, but personally I tend to avoid this place if I have a headache...but that's just me. What takes this place from 3 to 4 stars for me, though, is the lunch entree specials. Although it's not prominently advertised, they cook two different meals every day and have large portions available for a mere 9 dollars. It's really high-quality, home-cooked food, usually with a great salad. I recommend you order early, as they often sell out by 12:30. A little more diversity in the sandwich menu would make this more of a staple, but between what they have and the daily specials, this is a great place to eat.
(4)Stephen C.
This place is awesome! The staff is very friendly. If it's your first time here you have to have the reuben! This is by far the best place to get a sandwich in Cambridge.
(5)Philip W.
Went here for the first time yesterday for breakfast and came back for lunch. For breakfast I had the Breakfast sandwich. WOW! I've been looking for something like this for breakfast for a while now! Food was ready in literally 3 minutes. They are extremely fast and friendly here For lunch I ordered the Reuben and hot damn was it tasty and huge! I love me a good reuben and they definitely know how to do it right. Although the line got long, they were flying through. One guy ordered and by the time he paid his chicken salad sandwich was done. They make everything right there too. I will be back here many more times to try out more of their sandwiches. After writing this review my taste buds are craving some more. Definitely going there for lunch today.
(5)Joe D.
Just like the show Cheers... they will always remember your name. I think so far... I tried almost everything on their menu. And never a reason why I should stop going. Come on the portions are huge and made fresh. If you haven't tried 2nd St Cafe, when will you. Once you try it, it will be an addiction.
(5)Mike Z.
My colleague and I decided to come here for lunch and we had the grilled cubano and grilled reuben. The place was very small, but fortunately, it was not packed. It was close walk from work. The girl behind the counter was very friendly. Now here's the problem: the food. The reuben was WAY too salty! I wanted to stop eating it after two bites in, but my hunger got the better of me. I decided to split half of it with my colleague for her cubano, which tasted a tad better (it was a lot smaller too!), but it was still too salty. After the meal, I was dying of thirst the whole day. I think my taste buds will instinctively go numb if I ever go near this place again, for the sake of saving myself from a possible death by heart attack via HBP.
(2)Tony A.
Excellent lunch spot, I cannot wait to come back! The ambiance is both warm and quirky, with bookshelves containing A Theory of Justice and Collective Dialogues of Plato each next to Superman Sunday Classics. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich that wasn't on the menu and it was delicious. Just the perfect amount of butter, and the cheese was melted just right. The Hungarian mushroom soup was also amazing with a little spice to provide each sip with an exclamation point. In addition, couldn't ask for better service. The cashier even came by during the meal when she realized our bill should have been a couple dollars cheaper than we were charged and brought us the change. Will hopefully go back next weekend!
(5)Alexis J.
Obviously a favorite of the working {wo}man and I just have to agree. Tasty, fresh, and fulfilling. Great vegetarian options, too. I will be coming back, probably weekly. The ordering process is a little weird but got to love the plate basket they serve your sandwich in!
(4)Christine Y.
I was excited to try a new cafe in the area, but 2nd st was a let down. The food was okay but the service wasn't very friendly. I asked nicely if they served expresso and I got a dirty look"Nooo" with a roll of the eye. Then when asking about the breakfast sandwich if it could come on a croissant. Again I was rudely given a no we don't have that here. I was just asking as it was my first time. Sadly it left me feeling like it would be my last time as I felt stupid for liking an iced latte with my breakfast.
(2)Natalie B.
Why I love the 2nd Street Cafe: 1) Servers/ Cooks are awesome, friendly, and remember my order. And helped me out when I was 15c short this morning. 2) Food = Fresh, quick, filling. As a tour guide that leaves hourly from the Galleria with maybe 15 min for a break every few hours, they have always been a great pit stop. Their breakfast sandwich is the best deal in Boston. 3) Their coffee is delicious, hot and bold. 4) They have a small library of cookbooks that are great to flip through. 5) Did I mention their employees are wonderful? With sane hours and proper weekends, no wonder they are helpful and seem happy to be there. All in all, I would move in if I could.
(5)Jen H.
Oh, my, goodness. The Pesto chicken sandwich was amazing. Huge chicken breast, freshly made pesto, om nom nom. I'm getting hungry just thinking about that sandwich! I will say that my friend and I timed coming here just right, because there wasn't much of a line. After we sat down the line got to be HUGE! They do move people quickly through the line, and do bring you your food fast though, so that's a big plus! The food is a little on the more expensive side, but not too expensive, and really, I didn't even mind the price once I took a bite of my sandwich. The inside is small, so if you're planning on grabbing a table, try to time your visit prior to, or after a lunch rush... otherwise you might not be able to sit at a table for a little while. It feels very cozy, however, as opposed to cramped and small. I could see myself coming back here in the future, for sure... just have to find an excuse to be in that area of town.
(4)Dorothy W.
A homey environment, healthy food and super nice people help make this spot a key attraction for breakfast and lunch in East Cambridge. It's a funny location, surrounded by homes and apartment buildings just off the beaten path, but in a way, that makes it special. It's a pleasant experience to walk a few blocks and land in this intimate sandwich shop. The portions are decent and they make very good sandwiches, but I have had a problem with a couple of my orders. Even when I ask for no cheese or dairy, it has crept in. Veggie wraps can be quite bland and heavy on the lettuce. It's always very quick, even when a busy crowd surges in and they handle every bit of confusion with grace and professionalism. I'll be back quite a bit and hope to bump it up a star. We need more places like this.
(3)Jolene S.
A hair in my bean soup turned me off. I was so excited to go to this cafe for soup and a salad or sandwich. After seeing the hair, I just couldn't get past the soup. My companion raved about how "cute this little place is" and wished they were open on the weekend, but I've got mixed feelings about going back. The people were nice, the sandwiches looked good, and the location is conveniently along my commute, but the soup wasn't that impressive. For the same money, I can buy more soup at zigo--of equal or better quality. Sure, 2nd St's soup looks more like my mom's, but I still can't get past the hair. Cash only, folks.
(2)Liz P.
I love places like this. Small shop tucked away on a side street with a friendly, outgoing staff and creative, delicious sandwiches. Their chicken salad is superb, and they always have tempting specials. I haven't met a sandwich I didn't like here, and I've tried most of them. The restaurant is pretty small, so I prefer to take my sandwich to go rather than eat there. It has a nice cozy atmosphere, but can get a little cramped when people are lined up and waiting for their food. The main reason for not giving 2nd Street Cafe 5 stars is that it's cash only. I'm the type that rarely has cash on me (...probably not good practice), so unfortunately it's rather inconvenient. But other than that, I absolutely love 2nd Street!
(4)Aboud Y.
Cute little lunch place but I've never been wowed by anything I've tried here.
(3)Cory M.
This place is a hidden gem. Their food is a little pricey, but it's really worth it. They seem to make everything from scratch and I haven't had anything there that I didn't think was delicious. I just had their grilled veggie wrap the other day and it was amazing. The people who work there are friendly and very knowledgeable. The inside is small but it's intimate and cozy. It is packed at lunch, but I've also been there during the off hours and It would be a nice quiet place to read while you eat your meal. Overall, skip the mall and go there for lunch instead. It costs about the same as the places in the mall and you'll be supporting a local business in the process.
(4)Jill S.
Yum! Staying nearby at The Cambridge Marriott and wanted soup for lunch. Got the small soup-1/2 sandwich combo (spicy kidney bean soup & Cubano). Great flavor on both. Awesome neighborhood gem.
(5)Shaina P.
And finally, the girl who calls out my name when my order is ready gets my name right!
(5)Michael A.
Great local food, and friendly faces that have been the same all year. Not so typical for the food industry, but they seem to be well taken care of and enjoy their job. Fresh soups each day make this a great spot to visit especially as it has been getting colder. I haven't been for breakfast and have to remember that they close promptly at 3pm, I'd say getting there around 11am is a good idea if you want to beat the rush that can cause a line out the door.
(5)Kathleen M.
The reuben at this place is so delicious that it has inspired "Reuben Tuesday" at my work. Depending on the circumstances of the week, anywhere from 5-10 of us place our reuben order with our Reuben Tuesday sponsor and await the arrival of that delicious sandwich. I'm a big fan of this place for lunch. The reuben does stand out, but all of the other sandwiches, salads, and entrees I have had here have been fantastic! Super nice staff just adds to the awesomeness of this place. Go here for lunch, soon! If you're up for a reuben, I'll see you on Tuesday! P.S. They now deliver larger orders for lunch! ($45 or more, you have to order the day before.)
(4)Sarah D.
If i worked near this place i would likely eat here every other day. Fresh, simple food. Fast Service. Giant roast beef sandwich with boursin and horseradish mayo. Man, i want that sandwich right now. Last friday we drove all the way from quincy to eat lunch here, demolished our enormous sandwiches in under 10 minutes, then drove all the way home. Worth it.
(4)Ken B.
I recently started working in East Cambridge near the Galleria Mall and noticed 2nd Street Cafe on my walk to the "T" one day. I made a mental note because normally I like to eat out once or twice a week on my lunch break. 2nd Street Cafe is a very small nook in the wall but they have a great little sandwich menu. I ordered a delicious chicken sandwich on wheat bread with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and pesto. Overall it was a very satisfying sandwich and a welcome alternative to the mall food court! My one complaint was that there was a bit too much pesto. It ended up making the perfectly toasted bread soggier than I would have liked. They'll definitely get a second look from me, however. Check it out if you're in the area and want a quick bite that will fill you up!
(3)Rob S.
Overall: a great spot. Excellent sandwiches and soups, friendly staff. Seating is limited during lunch hours, but can be very cozy for a half hour with the newspaper. Best establishment in the area. Two things needed to change my vote to 5 stars: Better bread/bagels (Iggy's?) and better coffee selection (current coffee is good, not great). Otherwise, love the place, go several times each week!
(4)app P.
What a perfect lil sandwich shop. From the friendly staff who always great you with a smile (no matter how packed their tiny cafe), to the delicious assortment of sandwiches, salads, special entrees, and homemade treats. The prices are insanely good -- between $4-5 for half a sandwich (which, really, is all you need because they are overloaded!). The ingredients are fresh and sandwiches made to order. The roast beef with boursin is a favorite, as is the cuban (oh, what a wonderful at-work hangover lunch). I also like the variety of the specials (pasta dishes! crabcakes!) and soups (meaty, vegetarian, vegan!). Cash only. I recommend calling ahead so you avoid waiting in line. The only problem? 2nd Street isn't open on weekends!!
(5)Loan V.
This is a local favorite (at least for where I work), the food is great! They make great sandwiches. Their biggest assets is the quick-friendly staff, I think I heard some where they're all friends who decided to open up a business together. But either way they know your name by face, which is really cool and makes you feel important....lol. You should always call or check the website to see what the daily special is. Bon appetite!
(5)Michelle K.
So, I got me some cash and went on down to the 2nd Street Cafe... and then I fell in love with a Cuban, sandwich... and the meatball sub. Holy cow, this thing is HUGE - definitely big enough for two meals for me. The staff at 2nd Street is super friendly, the specials change daily, and I love the walk over there. It really doesn't get much better than this for lunch.
(5)Laurinda U.
It's a cute little cafe near the courthouse and FYI - cash only. I went here for the first time the other day and ordered the chicken salad wrap. The sandwich was good but for $7.75, I thought they could give me a drink or a bag of chips with it. That being said, service was quick and polite when I went. There is a basket of bread you can nibble on while you wait and a keg of water ^_^
(3)Drew M.
Very good food! Great toasted Italian subs when they have them on special. Everything is fresh, and the bread they use for sandwiches is perfect. The service is also fantastic. It's generally a young staff who seem to really care about their food and their customers. It's very refreshing in that regard. The 3 pieces of criticism I have are that 1) The place is too small. It can get incredibly uncomfortable in there pretty quickly around lunch time. 2) They don't accept credit cards, and 3) There are flies that seem to be buzzing around every time I'm there. These three things are the reason I rated it 4 stars. The food and service more than compensate for the downsides.
(4)Bryanne R.
Walking by the cafe on my way to the gym or the red line made me very curious if this place was even open. Needless to say, I've never been around 7-3 on weekdays to stop by, but coming back to Cambridge at 2 today I knew this was my chance to check it out! I'm a basic sandwich person - just turkey and bread -- so I can't say I have a lot of input on their pre-made sandwiches, but mine was tasty! Everything was fresh - the bread was soft and the meat was very flavorful. They also have nice big cookies! Very cozy atmosphere - only a few tables, and it's bright and cheery! I was psyched to have the chance to check out the second street cafe and also that their food was great!
(5)Mike H.
Great sandwich! Just had a Reuben, it was certainly the best I've had from anywhere in the Kendall Sq. area.
(4)David J.
Very friendly. Second best Cuban sandwich I've had.
(4)Trish F.
Well I guess I can do a review now that I no longer work there..I can't be accused of being partial anymore.. right? Here's a few tips/observations: 1) If you check out the website (specials and soups updated daily) and find yourself craving one of the specials, call it in! You're not the only one that wants mac n cheese with grilled chicken and spinach.. or salmon cakes.. or shepherd's pie.. or BBQ pulled pork. Call it in.. and then you can go ahead and skip the line when you get there! 2) Cubanos and the grilled chicken sandwich with pesto, mozzarella, and tomato are probably the most popular.. I really like all the special sandwiches (best chicken salad I've ever had).. although I'd take a reuben on pumpernickel any day. 3)Magical times to get food and avoid the line? Before 12 (lunch starts at 11) and after 1:15-1:30. But beware.. the grill closes at 2:30.. so get those cubano and reuben orders in before then. 4) Taste the soup (like in Coming to America)! I never considered soup to be a meal until I started working there. Grab yourself some bread from the basket and have a some lamb and white bean, caribbean fish chowder, turkey chili, beef stew, or butternut squash etc (like I said, they change daily).. all filling and delicious! 5) CASH ONLYYYYYYY.. the closest ATM is by the mall. 6) If it's not on the menu.. and it's not too crazy.. they'll make it! BLT's, tuna melts (with spinach and tomato = yummy!), grilled cheeses, chicken caesar wraps.. toasting or grilling sandwiches... the staff is always willing to go the extra mile when they can. 7) They do light catering. They have platters for sandwiches and can even do soups. For the most part, the day before would be best... earlier would be even better. No delivery. Hmmm... I really wanted to list 10 things.. but I guess I'll come back to it later! haha
(5)Steven M.
This is a good place to go for a sandwich or salad if you're in East Cambridge. All the meats, veggies, cheeses etc. are extremely fresh, and the service is friendly. It's a little hectic inside, since it's really the only decent place to get lunch in the area. The entrees aren't as good, although they do come with some nice fresh greens. Almost all of them are drowned in a bland, overly creamy "curry" sauce that doesn't really add anything. Definitely better than anything in the Galleria Food Court, but not worth a trip on the T.
(4)Sean R.
Good breakfast and lunch. Not a lot of variety. Mostly just sandwiches and soups, a couple of entree specials. But it's all home made and fresh and tasty. Extremely nice staff.
(4)Ryan D.
Handmade and fresh, hard to find now a days. Wish they took credit cards though
(5)Paul m.
Saw a mouse. Do not go there. Response from the restaurant "I saw your other reviews and noticed you are an asshole. get a life." Gotta say this place is in denial and rather bad mouth people and observations of mice that enter their place then trying to say we are sorry and working on improving our cleanliness. That is a great reason why not not come to a place like this clearly they do not value people's input and rather let the mouse problem fester and get worse instead of simply making things better too bad Rats like this exist. Get Rid of this Rat owner and don't show up to this dump that has nothing but bad things to say about us Yelpers. Remember if you have an opinion that is not 5 stars according to this owner "YOU NEED TO GET A LIFE" and are called an asshole. Maybe this nasty owner of 2nd Cafe should find a life himself as he says and act like a grown up that is greatfull for any business he gets I won't go here and you should not either. DO NOT GO TO THIS MOUSEWHOLE.
(1)Michael P.
Just tried this restaurant out today, and had the Roast Beef sandwich with Boursin. For around $7, they give you a pretty substantial sandwich, and it was pretty tasty. The staff was friendly and helpful. The only drawbacks are that it is cash only, and that the place is really too small to dine in when it's busy. Your best bet is to do takeout or eat in when it is not so busy. I would def go again.
(4)AB H.
Chicken salad sandwich special with cranberry sauce, some nuts, served on wheat bread with lettuce and a cup of corn chowder was good. Not great, certainly not 4 stars. The bread was fresh, thick and bland. They are super friendly.
(2)Dave S.
I work around the corner from 2nd Street and go here most days for lunch. The staff is very friendly and they remember all the regular's names. The food is made fresh that day, including all dressings and sauces. My personal favorites are the meatball sub, roast beef sandwich, chicken salad sandwich, any specials (fish specials in particular), and all the soups (especially Posole). Without 2nd Street I would have to change jobs for lack of good food. Thank you 2nd Street!
(5)Josh R.
Honestly, there aren't many great lunch choices around the Kendall area. This place has pretty good sandwiches and tasty salads. Be prepared for the crowds, though; everyone else has also found this little gem. It sure beats Au Bon Pain or Galleria sushi! Some of the soups are great as well, but the gazpacho was pretty unimpressive.
(4)Leroy t.
Killer lunch (and breakfast). Very fresh salads and sandwiches that are prepared right in front of you by very friendly people. Plus bomb chip and beverage selection. Three homemade soups are offered each day, anddd they update their website each morning with a daily (changing) selection: their Cream of Tomato is the best I've had! Delivery is ONLY for lunch catering, so don't try to order a sandwich for delivery. Also, it's packed inside at lunch, so take-out is your easiest option, though outside the 12-1:15 rush, seating is easy to find. After working nearby for a while, 2nd Street is the only place I'll go for lunch... try the chicken salad... golden raisins mmmmmm...
(5)Dachary C.
Yummy stuff! Second Street always uses fresh ingredients for their day's entrees and soups, so it's always tasty. Their website is updated daily to reflect the daily specials and soups. It's on the pricey side - $4 for a soup and $9 for an entree, but if you like good quality, fresh food, it's worth the price. I always recommend it to people when they're in the neighborhood, and my co-workers and I eat there frequently. Try the Tomato and Roasted Fennel soup with a fresh grilled cheese sandwich... yum! A couple of tips when dealing with this place, though - the sandwiches are average quality, so you're just as well served hitting other restaurants given the pricey nature of this establishment if a sandwich is what you want. There's also hardly any seating, so you should call ahead for your order and plan on getting it to go.
(4)Winston C.
A great hidden gem where everybody knows your name. Working in the area, there is no shortage of places to eat but this is the place to come for a home cooked meal. There is a nice selection of delicious sandwiches, soups and salads but the real winners are the daily specials. All sorts of made from scratch delights are available to break up the doldrums offered by other local eateries. Check their website to get a jump on the others and get in as early as you can. A coworker sometimes brings in a breakfast sandwich and I attest that they are delicious as well. Around lunch, the lines can get long but you'll never wait more than a few minutes for your food. Your order is taken as you wait and by the time you get to the register and pay, your food is just about ready. After coming in a few times everyone in the place will know your name.
(5)ElBee B.
Indeed a shop where you're always greeted with a smile. But the most important thing: they have the best soup! I have yet to try one that was less than delicious. Not too salty, no thickeners, just very fresh and quality ingredients. Yum.
(4)Chris R.
Tucked away on a little street near the courthouse, this is one of those places that I may have never found without Yelp. But now, I'm thinking this might become my local coffee spot. The inside is really cozy, with kind of a sophisticated vibe. There were a few people there eating at 8 AM. All in business attire. The woman at the counter was super nice. I just got a bagel and a coffee, so I can't really evaluate the food. The bagel was fresh and the french roast was quite good. Sometime I will check this place out for lunch and I may revise my review.
(4)Cara P.
I live right down the street from this hidden gem. I wish more people knew about it, yet it *is* pretty much hidden from main street foot and vehicle traffic....I have only been after lunch hours but I am sure it is bumping from all the court employees and lawyers...and the galleria mall employees (the food court bites the big one)...I got the caramelized onion soup...oh my...it was mouthwatering.....My SO loves the chicken salad....I plan on going back there to grab some morning bites.....I love this little cafe.......I am so happy it is near me.....I always feel like I am missing out when I read a review of a little obscure cafe not near me...but now I have my *own*.........PS The employees are SUPER friendly.......and the place is CLEAN! Two big enthusiastic thumbs up!
(5)Annie P.
After being in a crummy mood and going for a bike ride to clear my head... this place was the surprise down the block answer to EVERYTHING. A few quiet streets away from the Cambridgeside Galleria Mall. Looking in through the wooden framed windows.. I saw two guys in business suits with coffees and a stack of papers, an international fest of a family on line ordering and also a book shelf. If I hadn't read the little reviews up on the window.. I would've just thought it was some cute cafe. Breakfast till 11AM, delicious flexible sandwiches for everyone at lunch either to stay or to go and full on entrees. I had the Cubano (#4) since that seems to be what they are known for. Cheese was melted very nicely... where it can become a hazard after it gloops on your skin. Bread was toasted perfectly and I think they did a section to section sauce spread... every bite was sort of different. Spicy to sour to sweet. With a drink.. it came out to about $9 something. Worth it? I;m not sure yet.. have to go back and try more. The whole place gave off sort of a Chicago/North Carolina feel. Yeah.. if you were to mix those two states up.. this would be the end product. Also the staff made me feel really comfortable and I liked how the girl saw that my cup of ice had melted by the time I was pouring their freshly brewed iced tea into it.. so she just grabbed it politely and got me a new one. There's a couple of stools by the window... two large tables to fit about 5-6 and a two seater table. That's it. If I wasn;t such a freak and hadn't gone at almost peak lunch hour.. I would have stayed the whole day and chilled out till I could order something for dinner. Serious. I want to marry it right now.
(4)Andrea G.
I love 2nd Street! It's right by my office so I like to get lunch here. It's usually packed, but worth the wait. All the sandwiches are delish, and they have specials every day. Oh, and they have the best brownies and cookies. However, it's a little pricy, so they lose a star for that.
(4)Nancy C.
I love 2nd street cafe. I stop there in the mornings before work and sometimes for great salads and soups at lunchtime. The owner John was a chef at a big time Boston Restaurant (Aquitaine)before opening this place. The girl who works the register in the morning is awesome, her name is Tammy! She is so peppy it's refreshing and a nice start to my day. I also really love the guy(William) working with Tammy in the morning chopping away, Say "hi" to William if you head in there. They are all so helpful, I love that part of my day!
(5)Anonymous P.
My pasta entree was simple but solid. I would go back here for a quick, quality lunch.
(3)Becky P.
bright and sunny a little pricey but dependable don't plan on sitting during lunch, you'll have to fight the lawyers friendly efficient staff
(4)Kate H.
Nice people, bad, over-priced food. I am a sandwich fanatic, and they just don't have good bread here. It's bland and too chewy. As any sandwich fanatic knows, can't make a good sandwich w/o good bread. In my opinion, the ABP @ the galleria makes a better sandwich.
(2)Sean E.
One of the best lunches you can get. The sandwiches are a bit upscale but they're worth every penny of the $6.95. The standard eight or so include roast beef (w/ boursin & horseradish mayo), chicken pesto, and meatball -- or you can design your own. They even have pumpernickel as a bread option. I love pumpernickel! Quality soups and salads are one the everyday menu as well as daily specials which are usually full-on meal type deals like pastas or turkey with a side of mash. The place is a bit small and is popular with the business folk in the Lechmere area so be prepared to walk it down to a bench by the Galleria if you're not lucky enough to get a seat.
(5)Colleen W.
Great people. Good food. The owner always remembers your name when you come in. They have a daily selection of specials that are always tasty as well as great soups. A bit pricy, but the best lunch around this part of cambridge.
(4)Michael G.
I had to trek out to Lechmere to go to Calumet and figured I'd stop by this place. I totally never would've walked in on my own without Yelp, but I imagine I would've eventually gone here if I'd worked in the area. Anyway, Trish's hints were really helpful. Due to my schedule, I showed up a little past 11 AM anyway and found the place deserted and was able to sit there and eat my lunch in peace. Even better, I already knew what the soups of the day were from checking the website, so I could order without the soups even showing up on the chalkboard yet. Anyway, the cubano was definitely one of the better ones I've had and it had a nice spicy kick to it, and the caramelized onion soup was excellent. I just wish it'd had a piece of cheesy bread on top. And yes, the people here are really friendly. It's too bad this place isn't open on the weekends or for dinner, but I guess they wouldn't get much business then.
(4)Aaron H.
I'm the proud owner of a 2nd street cafe t-shirt, which is a pretty good indicator of my devotion to this fine lunchtime eatery. Okay fine, I've actually never worn it, but still, someday it might sneak its way into my gym rotation. I've probably had the spinach salad w/ bleu cheese, walnuts, and pears thirty times (add chicken for a little more), and it delivers time and time again. If you're up for some grease, get in on the Grilled Cubano, which will temporarily transport you to a land of taste bud nirvana (but with hot peppers that burn). I seem to be physically/mentally unable to take more than 3 minutes to devour one, which I'm sure reflects some form of compulsive behavior. Check out the website ( 2ndstcafe.com ) for the daily entree and soup specials, and if you can, arrive at 11:45 to beat the rush. The service is great -- very efficient, and it's true -- they remember your name after just a few visits!
(5)Christina L.
Get Hawaiian Chicken if you can!!! It props up as a special sometimes...and it is sooooo good! The meatball subs are amazing. Go early for lunch; not much room. But the line goes quick!
(5)Chi N.
It's official. I've become white. Backstory: Friend from NYC visiting. Quite possibly, the whitest man ever. It's lunch time, we're hungover, and we're hungry. Good burrito and thai place around the corner, but when comes time to picking where to eat, I suggest... "Oh I know a great sandwich place.." And that was it. My moment of realization that four long years in Boston have turned this rather handsome Indian fellow into a white yuppie, like the rest. But it is all so worth it. The Cuban here is quite legendary, really, As is the meatball grinder and really, any of the other sandwiches. The soups are hard to resist as well.. and, you see what Im talking about... Lucky for me, a pint of curry later that evening got me right back on track.
(4)Amanda J.
Love this place. First of all, come here more than once and they'll probably recognize you. I love that. It's tiny but always very warm and inviting. I'm a big fan of the roast beef sandwich with Boursin. Amazing. The prices are really reasonable and the portions are really big. The specials always sound really delicious and they usually have a great and unique soup of the day going on as well. If I could say one negative thing it's that it's cash only and since I *never* have cash on me, that means a run to the ATM first.
(5)Cwot W.
this place is pretty good. Cuban sandwich is alright and really liked the workers. All very helpful and recognize you don't have much time at lunch to get here from work. Hell of a lot better than the 19 versions of chicken you get at the mall food court.
(4)Mel P.
Yummy Tuna Sandwich. I like Tuna. I know boring huh? Not so with 2nd St. Cafe. They made my sandwich just right AND before lunch time. I was hungry-- and pregnant so I wanted a Tuna sandwich right then and there. (Don't mess with a pregnant woman). I will have to go back for the Pesto Chicken Sandwich that people keep raving about. I love chicken, oh and pesto too.... here I come...
(4)Wilma E.
chicken salad sandwich --- soooo on point. I've had a couple of their other sandwiches which were okay, but not memorable like their chicken salad sandwich. The service was okay -- the chefs/cooks always look like they have some place better to be. The cafe is cute, but way too small to get any work done if I wanted to get away from my office. Pea soup is good... but it tasted better the next day! That's homecooked meal trait!
(3)Tani S.
I was so surprised...this place looks so modest from the outside but is a warm and vibrant refuge. I went for breakfast this morning... the omelette and breakfast sandwich were delicious and for the price of each meal ($4 for the omelette, $5 for the sandwich) I was shocked at the quality of ingredients (fresh spinach, bakery style bread) and the yummy meal... The interior is cozy and a deligthful yellow. They are really sweet behind the counter. Just stopping by helped me get my day started off on the right foot! If only they were opened on weekends...
(5)Tracee D.
This is totally what you want in your neighborhood. Good sandwiches. The place was made for a rainy day lunch session. I always order the turkey reuben. It's really good. They shut off the grill around 2:30 so order early. Their website is bare bones but changes daily with their specials. Soups, sandwiches etc..They carry Deep River potato chips which are from CT just like me!! I've been meaning to review this place for a while! It's not cheap. But it's so good (also like me).
(4)Eli B.
This place is right down the street from where I work. It's a great cafe - excellent quality food: specials like salmon and tuna steaks accent a more normal menu with sandwiches, salads and soups. It's not the cheapest, true, but it's excellent quality. Do NOT expect to see any iceberg lettuce, or mass-market fabrique chicken with 'grill marks'! Do expect your turkey sandwich to be fresh and crisped up on the griddle if you want it that way. I've never had anything there that wasn't delicious, and I've gone quite a bit. The friendly and perky staff always brightens my day too! Cheers!
(5)Andrew F.
Soups always good-to-great with good variety. Sandwiches excellent. Staff attentive and cheerful. Can get crowded at lunch but to be expected. If they weren't, they probably wouldn't be around.
(4)Sara G.
I was only disappointed here once, because it was closed. Well that and I once ripped my pants on the step. long story. anyway... A coworker recommended this place to me. what a great suggestion. i frequent often. I love the people that work here, they are so friendly!! their favorite bread is pumpernickel (with the roast beef sandwich). so i always order that. the portions are huge, so I only order half. the Asian mushroom soup is DELICIOUS. if you are lucky enough, it will be on the daily changing soup menu. tip: bring cash, the pumpernickel encased sandwich cannot be purchased with plastic.
(4)Zach S.
I've eaten lunch here on a few occasions and it has always been a positive experience. The food is good, the service is polite and fast, and the price and location are right. Personal favorites are the meatball sub and the grilled chicken sandwich with pesto and mozzarella.
(4)Nathalie N.
Reason #367 why I love 2nd Street Café - they can turn a crap day into a good day. Seriously, just walking in and chatting with the folks there can turn my day around. Add to that the delicious soups (chicken and rice and chicken noodle are my favorites) and yummy sandwiches and this place is perfection. They always know what I want, even before I do. And if they run out of something they are super quick to suggest an alternative that does the job. AMAZING. It's wonderful to see people so happy and nice - refreshing, too since people in this area can be a wee bit uptight. If you live or work in the area - go in. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Damon I.
Walking over to 2nd Street for lunch is a real treat to abolish the doldrums of Kendall Square. I wanted one of 2nd Street's cuban sandwiches so bad today that despite the rain, I jumped in the car and jetted over to pick up a phone-in order for myself and a couple others at work. Even w/o the cheese (cow intolerance), slices of warm pork and ham, spicy relish, mayo and bulky bread really hit the spot on a dark, damp inclement day. It was totally worth the ticket that the zero tolerance parking person gave me as I ran toward him, wildly shouting, "No, no, no! I was only here for two minutes to pick up sandwiches!" Evidently, an argument that holds no sway. . . Cuban aside, 2nd Street has lots of other tasty lunch sandwiches, comforting specials, and an erect-it-yourself list of vittles. Service is always remarkably friendly and after a few visits that bookend the busy lunch hour, you might even become a recognized regular!
(4)Andrew D.
As I'm sitting here licking the pesto off my fingers and mentally preparing myself for the second half of this enormous chicken sandwich, I couldn't help but think back on all the good times that 2nd Street Cafe has brought me. Be it the not-so-brief mass exodus from our cubicles down the street for a lunchtime reprieve, an afternoon coffee break on a warm summer day, or an excuse to skip that 10 am meeting in favor of a breakfast sandwich, 2nd Street Cafe is just one of those places you won't soon forget. This is the kind of place the echoes the heart and soul of Cambridge, that small-town community feel less than a mile outside the city. You will always be greeted with a smile, groups of people will be sitting around the tables sharing stories and laughing, and you can watch them prepare your food right behind the counter. There's even a basket of bread-ends next to the cash register that's always fresh and free. What more could you ask for? Oh yeah, and the food? I think others have already said it best, but I promise you won't be disappointed. Fresh ingredients, extremely generous portions, and a large variety of options make 2nd Street Cafe the go-to place for any meal.
(5)Mona L.
Nice little place to get lunch. The sandwiches are very tasty, especially the Cubano and the Meatball Sub. They only except cash which is annoying. Otherwise, I'd definitely recommend! I would go back for "2nd's"!!!
(4)