4. Restaurants

Clover

7 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA, 02138
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Clover Menu

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  • Natalie J.

    I came here for a weekend breakfast with friends. I ordered oatmeal with Asian pears and a pour over coffee. Both were okay, but nothing memorable. More memorable was the very friendly guy who took our order, Jeremiah. Great customer service!

    (3)

  • Audrea Rachelle G.

    Great area, good selection, cool interior. Killer whoopie pie!

    (4)

  • Paul T.

    Best iced coffee in Cambridge (and I've tried several this summer), great if you like fresh, flavorful and strong / robust.

    (5)

  • Noah G.

    Confused about the hype. Seitan sandwich was just okay (one leaf of lettuce and a few tomatoes and seitan slices in a lukewarm pita) but the rosemary fries were good. I would not return unless desperate.

    (3)

  • Manfred S.

    The place is filthy. No one wipes the tables and seats. Bathrooms were a mess. Where are these guys from the health department? --- Thankfully they are not a compounding pharmacy. Or are they? Seemed cheap on the first look, but it is expensive considering what you are getting. Got the chickpea fritter sandwich. It was a wanna-be-falafel, which failed. Tastest bearable, but not very exiting. The bread pocket fell apart. There must be better middle eastern places around. Rosemary fries were inconsistent. Some were almost raw and others were burnt. Overall, just greasy. Sweat potato was okay, but nothing for the gourmet list.

    (2)

  • Laura S.

    I was so excited to eat here, but they managed to ruin the experience with terrible customer service. I arrived with 2 friends - we checked out the menu, made our decisions, and got in line. My friend ordered and then stood off to the side to wait for his coffee. I stood there, waiting to order. The girl who had taken his order made a couple coffees, walked around, did some stuff. I figured she would get back to me eventually. But after she wandered off out of sight, I finally asked the other employee if I could order. "Oh, yeah!" and she called the other girl back. No acknowledgement that I'd been waiting there over 5 minutes without being served, no apology. I ordered a popover, which sounded delicious. My friend had just ordered one five minutes before. "Nope no popovers!" I was told, in a disconcertingly cheery voice. Not "oh I'm sorry, we are out of popovers. I ordered something else and was told that was also out. Thanks for updating your menu? (And after hanging out for a while it turned out that there were more popovers being made, I would have happily waited for one if they had told me that was an option!) Some food came out really quick, other food took forever. We sat upstairs but just above the counter, listening for my friend's order to be called. When it wasn't done after 20 minutes she checked in with them - "oh you never picked it up so we threw it away." Having stood at the counter for 10 minutes waiting, then listened attentively for another 10 minutes because we were starving, this struck us as seriously unlikely. But whatever, she eventually got her food. The food was eh. I mean, I got a soft boiled egg with a piece of tomato in a pita. It was nothing revolutionary. The prices were reasonable. I liked the grits. But if this kind of service is what I have to tolerate to get mediocre food? No, thanks. I'll hit up an obnoxious chain before I head back here. UPDATE: I was contacted by the company about this review. They apologized and were not defensive and were clear that this is not the level of customer service they expect of their employees. It sounds like they really took the review seriously and have spoken with employees about it. I've heard from a few more people how much they like Clover, so I'm planning to give them another try next time I'm back in Boston.

    (3)

  • Lauren E.

    I love the food here, and I do love the ideas. Somehow it starts to feel a bit too pretentious after you look around, but I put up with it for the food. From the "we're so trendy that we do it this way" ordering from the guy with the credit card machine in front of the electronic sandwich board daily menu to the CSA sign-ups on the wall, it's all just a little too much for me. The chickpea platter (aka falafel w/hummus, beans, etc) is my favorite. You have to order your own pita on the side for an extra dollar if you want to scoop up your hummus with something other than a fork. The hibiscus tea is amazing, too. Once you get over the snob factor you can really start to appreciate the place. And hey, at least they're snobs for a good cause, right?

    (4)

  • Mary E.

    We were very disappointed with our experience with cover today. There was a rude guy making the French fries that sounded so good on the menu. After waiting for 10 minutes looking on at my fries sitting on the counter getting cold, he handed it over to me. I tried it, it was cold and soggy. I told him to replace it with the fresh fries that has just came out. He served people who came after me and said that I have to wait for the next round of fries or I can get my money back. Which I did and left. It was a waste of time. The service was really bad.

    (1)

  • Sarah H.

    I really really want to love this place. It's vegetarian, it's local and the concept is awesome. I had lunch there today, and the food was just okay, and the service was also sub-par. I had the chickpea fritter sandwich, which was decent. The chickpea fritters were delicious and crunchy and the pita was warm and toasty. The issue came in with what I assume was supposed to be hummus but really had no flavor whatsoever. So that took up half of the sandwich. I guess next time I'll ask to leave that off. The guy who rang up my order wasn't particularly friendly and was very snippy when I asked how the system worked. It's not like you order from a counter, so it's not the most straight-forward process so it would have been nice to not have been treated like I was an idiot. I might go back, if I'm starving and this is the only vegetarian option available. I do like that they have free sparkling water on tap. That is definitely a perk!

    (3)

  • Rachel O.

    Great coffee. Great breakfast sandwich. Great oatmeal. Great humans. Great atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Kimmy U.

    I walk by this place every time I visit my brother at Harvard, which is probably once a week or every 2 weeks. And every time, I want to go in and get something! I love their huge glass windows where you can see everything being made and cut and cooked and served. When you walk in, there's someone waiting for you, welcoming you and helping you with the menu. You order and pay at the door, and your food is made in the open kitchen If you want pita, make sure you order it. Otherwise, your hummus will be quite lonely :[ My favorite is the rosemary fries. They can be soggy sometimes, but they're seasoned so well, I just look past that and keep on enjoying My only issue is the lack of hats/hairnets... I don't really like watching my food being made with guys with long hair. Sorry :[

    (3)

  • Mary-amy T.

    Overrated. In theory, this place is awesome. Variety of drinks, local, original food, friendly staff... And yet, every time I go here, I leave disappointed. The flavors are ok, but not wow, and often the sum tastes less than the parts. The ordering and getting your food feels stressful (there have been so many time when my order has just gotten lost or picked up by someone else. I feel like I have to watch it like a hawk to get it). The noise is a bit too loud. I only go here when a friend really really wants to. But I wouldn't go here on my own, or recommend it to anyone as a must. It may tickle your tastebuds, but it doesn't mind.

    (2)

  • Evan B.

    I went back for more. The format of healthy veg friendly fast food at lowish prices makes for a easy decision when on the run This time I tried the BBQ seitan sandwich, along with the eggplant pita again. The seitan was not my thing it was covered in BBQ sauce and tasted like meat, I am a veg who does not like meat so take it as that. The Eggplant and egg pita was still great moist and loaded with flafor. A big score was finding the scug (red spcie) by the forks and knives, this stuff will really kick up the spice and flavor a few notches. Big plus for having that on hand. Also grab some paper it makes a great plate, place mat and place to draw.

    (4)

  • Ashley B.

    Fast food that tastes like heaven and dreams. Granted, I was starving, which makes all food taste better. But I had the chickpea fritter wrap, which was messy, but delicious, and full of veggie goodness - and as another poster noted, is not at all crunchy or grainy. The rosemary french fries were a whole 'nother thing. I was pretty sure I had died and gone to heaven. The fries are the perfect mixture of crisp and creamy. And then the fried rosemary bits... I want to go back. Right now. Add in gorgeous, light -filled, semi-industrial decor, the fact that everything is made fresh in front of you, and the nifty counterless ordering system from the future (which weirded me out a little at first)? Five stars. Probably the best fast food I have ever had.

    (5)

  • Kerry G.

    I'll start by saying, I am not a vegetarian. I really love meat and I don't seem to miss it when I order anything here. The chickpea fritter plate is my all time favorite! I remember the first time I went to this amazing place, I met this fantastic barista/pleasant employee. She walked me through the cold salads, the specialty brews, the different ciders, and made me feel a lot less overwhelmed. I think it's just my personality because their menu is small but the flavors are BIG! Love this place, a great spot in Harvard Square! The employees are super friendly, someone's doing something right here!

    (5)

  • Bruce W.

    Just ordered and tried to eat the eggplant and eggs sandwich from a food truck in Kendall Sq. Server actually asked me "for here or to go?" And he meant it. I guess "to go" gives you some sturdier wrapping. I got the "here" and sat down on a bench to eat it. By the time I sat the sandwich was already dripping, on me. As careful as I was, it continued to trip - on the ground and on me. Come on, Clover. One, don't serve such runny food, which shows poor preparation. Two, wrap things in foil, so your customers don't have to look sloppy the rest of the day. And Clover, how about having a working phone number, so people can contact you.

    (2)

  • Kavya S.

    I love Clover. Yes, I'm vegetarian, and yes, I love organic ingredients, but those aren't the only reasons. Every single meal is great here, but I especially enjoy breakfast. I find myself craving the $3 breakfast sandwiches and trying to find excuses to make plans with people to go to Clover for breakfast. If you pair the breakfast sandwich with a $3 coffee or tea, you have a great, satisfying $6 breakfast, which is hard to find in the Square. Beyond the food, I find the restaurant so aspirational. The white on the walls and the red booths somehow allow me to tap into my creative side--it's cheesy, but somehow I've come up with most of my greatest ideas at Clover. The seasonal decorations such as their annual Christmas tree make me curious about what I will find the next time I visit the restaurant. The payment and ordering system feel trendy and tech-savvy. Also, they always remember my name, even when I haven't been back for months! The staff members are fantastic. Definitely recommend Clover for any occasion--a brainstorming meeting, a work session, a catch-up chat... no matter what mood you are in when you enter, you will always leave Clover feeling inspired.

    (5)

  • Lauren S.

    Clover is something special. First of all, it markets itself as vegetarian fast food, but it delivers a much more inventive menu than your standard fast food fare. I've never been interested in veg*n fast food joints that simply provide a processed soy version of Burger King. I ask much more of my eateries, especially when it comes to their menus. Second of all, the service is brilliant. The ordering process is unique without being weird and confusing (a server stands in the middle of the floor, right in front of the doors, and simply taps your order into an iPod). When your order is ready, the hilarious kitchen crew calls your name; they're pretty theatrical. It gave the whole restaurant an air of playfulness and positivity. Oh yes, and my BBQ seitan sandwich was rockin'. I can't wait to go back if I'm ever (hopefully) in Boston again.

    (4)

  • Kat B.

    I'm on a student mealplan, which means I primarily go to Clover to study, not for a normal meal, so this review will reflect that bias, of course. So: Things that are great about Clover: 1. The food is delicious, unusual, healthy, and well-made. The breakfast popover sandwich is especially great. 2. The staff are friendly and helpful. 3. The food prices are reasonable--as cheap or cheaper than almost anywhere in Harvard Square. 4. There's always seating, and there are usually outlets. 5. It's open til midnight. 6. The rotating menu means I can come here to study multiple times a week and not get bored. 7. The food is local and usually organic, and everything is compostable (also vegetarian!), so it's a business I feel good about supporting. Things that are okay about Clover: 1. Some of the sodas (ginger, for instance) are great. The others are pretty neutral-tasting. 2. The sandwich menu is great but could use some variety. 3. The coffee is perfectly fine for $3 in the Square but nothing special; I wouldn't come here just for that. Things that Clover could do to change: 1. The music is too loud; about half of the songs drive me nuts; and it repeats frequently enough that you will notice the same songs playing over again within just a few hours. 2. The beer is twice as expensive as the same beer brands, with greater variety, at other fast food restaurants in Harvard Square, like Flat Patties. 3. Some of the seating is pretty annoyingly arranged. One of the benches in the second floor back corner is impossible to align parallel to the table it sits at, and the backs of the booths aren't very stable for leaning on. I will be praying for Clover to make its music selection more tolerable, its beer cheaper, and its seating more comfortable. That said, I'll be a regular as long as I'm at Harvard.

    (4)

  • Mollie P.

    Tried out clover today. I went late in the morning and they were out of popovers. Ordered a breakfast sandwich and a cup of barismo coffee. Ordering was quick, customer service sufficient but not exceptional. They seem to have a pretty sleek system going. I appreciated being able to see the food being prepared. The breakfast sandwich was simple and delicious. The coffee was excellent. There was plenty of seating, I really enjoyed working there. It was clean and bright, and never felt loud or crowded, even through the lunch rush.

    (4)

  • Diane Y.

    Clover is great as a whole, but I'll focus on their breakfast menu because I think that's where they stand out the most. I highly recommend trying a... - Popover: golden, flaky exterior with a delightfully moist and eggy interior. - Popover sandwich: My all-time favorite breakfast sandwich. Take one of Clover's amazing popovers, cut it open, and add some mayo, sliced tomatoes, cheddar, roasted tempeh, and fried leeks for a smokey, savory, sandwich with an amazing balance of textures and flavors. - Muffin: Dense, moist, and flavorful-- not to mention much healthier and more reasonably sized than your typical muffin. - Breakfast sandwich: sometimes simplicity is best. This sandwich features cheddar cheese, tomato, and a soft boiled egg. Not as much of a star as the popover sandwich, but still great.

    (4)

  • Lucy B.

    I've been to Clover several times and have consistently found everything about it to be mediocre, including menu options, food quality, and decor. Ambiance: I know bland and basic is their thing, but it's just boring and unattractive to me! Food: I've had their falafel and a few different kinds of sandwiches and they were also bland and uninteresting. I'm honestly not sure how Clover has expanded rapidly. Maybe because they spend so little on everything else??

    (2)

  • Eliza M.

    This was the perfect food to get out of the cold. It was cheap, delicious and WAY better than the surrounding options (cosi, etc.) I had the chickpea fritter sandwich and a ginger soda, which were both amazing. Totally recommend.

    (5)

  • Sylvia G.

    Clover is delicious, when you can get them to actually make your order correctly. For as long as I can remember, I have loathed cucumbers with every fiber of my being. They are flavor abominations of nature and inherently evil. Every time I go to Clover, there is some problem with this. Once, the woman taking my order was annoyed that I asked for no cucumber and very rudely replied "what are you, allergic?" Today, they just added them in anyway and were annoyed when I said that I did not want cucumbers in my sandwich. If I were asking to add some exotic spice, then maybe the level of frustration that I encounter would be justified. But I'm not. I just hate your damned cucumbers, Clover!!!! Avoid this place if you are already in a bad mood and don't want to struggle to get exactly what you want, or if you hate cucumbers. If you can actually get them to make it right, though, it's delicious (especially fore those of us vegetable inclined folks).

    (3)

  • Kristine R.

    Rosemary fries - YUM! I love Clover! If I find myself in Harvard Square in need of a meal, I come here. I've had the rosemary fries which are my favorite, the delightful chickpea sandwich which is a falafel really and packed with veggies and the crudite special which include turnips, celery and radish with a sauce can't remember now though it was tasty. I do appreciate that kitchen is open and you can see them preparing your food unlike some fast food joints where everything is prepared behind the scenes and then put on a mechanism meant to keep it warm. Prices aren't bad, I can usually be full on $8 and that's with my own bottled water!

    (4)

  • Rachel R.

    First, take your classic, chewy white-flour pita and turn it whole wheat. Deduct the grainy, crunchy factor from the falafel inside and rename the new, soft, seasoned, creation "chickpea fritter." Add all the usual suspects (hummus, tahini, pickles, israeli salad, and pickled, julienned vegetables)... but know the ingredients: the hummus is organic and homemade, the pickles are local, the pickling vinegar for the carrots, purple cabbage and red onion is organic, and the tahini is much more mild than anything you'd find in a Middle Eastern joint. Now you've got the most popular item on Clover's menu. Healthier, locally-sourced, brimming with veggies, and complete with house-made components, Clover's chickpea fritter sandwich is a basically the tree-hugging, anarchist, hippie child of a classic pita & falafel... and I can dig that, man. Overall, I'd say the food worth 3 stars, especially after being pretty unimpressed by the fennel and butternut seasonal sandwiches. The whole wheat pita didn't mesh well with the already starchy, somewhat bland fillings. It certainly doesn't add anything on it's own, other than the novelty trademark stamp of all Clover sammiches. However, the concept, prices, and good vibes keep me convinced that the fine people at Clover are worthy of four stars.

    (4)

  • Ann G.

    Admittedly, I am not a fan of falafel or things pita or Middle Eastern food in general, and these seem to be the staples here. I do like the idea of a snack that isn't outrageously priced, but this food is unsatisfying to say the least. I don't find it "experimental" in any way (as "food lab" might imply it might be). The ambiance is nice, with plenty of light and tables and an open and airy feeling, but that's the biggest draw. After unhappily trying the egg sandwich on my first visit (a hardboiled egg on a pita -- I don't get it) I returned for an afternoon snack of the famed chickpea fritter (i.e. falafel). It tastes fine, but no big deal. Also especially irritated (and hence the comfort of giving this place only 2 stars) that my iced tea was warm-ish. After requesting more ice I was told that they were "running out of ice" and was given 3 more cubes. Did I suddenly land in Europe? ICED tea needs ICE. Don't sell it if you don't have the key ingredient, or discount it or refund my money. If I wanted warm drinks I'd fly to London or Rome.

    (2)

  • Gabe R.

    Awesome vegetarian food! Love the BBQ seitan, Rosemary fries, and falafel platter that's called by some other name.

    (5)

  • Pratik P.

    Let me admit right up front: this is the first time I've ever been to a vegetarian restaurant on my own accord. I accidentally stumbled upon this place in search of breakfast food early before my class at Harvard and was incredibly impressed! Their breakfast menu doesn't contain a whole lot, but from what we both ordered, it's worth the quick and inexpensive bite. I ended up getting a popover sandwich the first time around, along with some freshly brewed Guatemalan pour over, and both were made excellently. It was so good that I went up again to place another orders! No shame. :)

    (4)

  • Curtis A.

    Wish there was a Clover close to where I live. Fresh, tasty, earth-friendly, inexpensive. We've spent a week in the Boston/Cambridge area and this is the healthiest and lowest price lunch so far. Did I say it is delicious too?

    (5)

  • Nancy H.

    Came to this place when I was visiting a friend at Harvard. My friend highly recommended this place, so I decided to give it a try. ::Food:: The Chickpea Fritter was really good! Although personally, I could use less seasoning, it was still delicious and healthy tasting. I also had the Rosemary fries and it was the bomb. Not so healthy apparently lol, but it is totally worth it!! ::Place:: I loved how clean and unique this place was. It was bright and energetic, and their customer service was great.

    (4)

  • Jon C.

    Writing this review because I've been eating at Clover for a long time, and today they went above and beyond to help me out. TLDR: Good food, great cheap beer, great customer service. The food: I mostly go to clover for the breakfast. Bfast Sandwich, muffin, coffee. Erry Day. People at the counter know me and know what I get and that's the kind of service that keeps me comin' back. By far the best sammich IMHO is the bbq seitan. I am not a vegetarian and was at first revolted by the stuff, but clover has made me a seitan worshiper ~666~ Sometimes the 3pm specials are worth the extra meal visit. Fried pickles are off the chain danglin' The beer: Bomb @$$ local beer at rock bottom prices? I'm in. Prob not the best place to bring a date under those florescent lights (Check out my pores, bb...) But great place to pre-game with some brews, bro's, and rosemary fries. The Bottom Line: My best gal left her bike helmet and wallet at the H. Sq. location one night, and we returned the next day to find the place unexpectedly closed. After a couple more days of no luck and some information sleuthing, I discovered they were in the midst of a rather serious situation. I figured we were SOL until they had it resolved, but I decided to send an email to a founder Ayr (i know people who know people nbd...) and even during this tumultuous time, I received a response within 20 min. Next day rolls around and someone bikes over just to meet me there even tho they are closed and lets me in and apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks me for my patience as well as being transparent about their temporary closure. Dat's dat service. Also they are sustainably minded with all compostable waste. And once their was a bird flying around in the Harvard location and that was fun to watch, but it made me sad he couldn't figure out how to get out, but at least he had some good food to eat while he was stuck. Made me think about life, you know? SO yea, 4 stars. Keep it up dudes. OH BUT SRYSLY GET A PHONE. CHEEZUS CRISP it was annoying to not have a number to call when I couldn't get in when wallet was locked up like a bird in a florescent lit glass cage. Sheesh.

    (4)

  • Rebecca Y.

    3.5 stars. I love the concept, but don't love the food as much. The chickpea fritter sandwich was a soggy and not well-conceived falafel sandwich. Plantains were ok. Coffee was great, however. The employees here have such passion about what they do (meat-free food that's better for the environment and our health) which is contagious. I think the concept and enthusiasm of the staff was fantastic, but vegetarian food can really taste a whole lot better. I think in a couple years this place could be really great.

    (3)

  • Marko C.

    I heart Clover Food Lab! WOW! Five Stars! I had an opportunity to visit the Clover Food Lab. Wow - this place is absolutely outstanding! Get this - the food is all naturally sourced and the restaurants don't typically use refridgerators because all of the food is made fresh daily! They use locally grown and produced items. The food is tasty and healthy, and very reasonable! Breakfast Sandwich: This was a whole grain pita bread filled with fresh tomatoes (still on the vine), cheese, salt and a farm fresh egg cooked sous vide (placing the egg in a warm bath to slowly cook, but not overcook) style. The egg whites were cooked to perfection and the yokes were smooth buttery. I found out that the eggs are delivered straight to the company, so you are eating eggs that are layed within a 24 hour window! THAT is fresh! And the best part - you get this breakfast sandwich for $3!!! Grade: A! Matt's Coffee: Clover Food sources some of its coffee from very local organic coffee roasters. I was fortunate to have tasted their "Matt's Coffee" which is roasted in MA. the roaster (Matt, of course) roasts his coffee with wood that he picks himself (of course sustainable). The coffee was like 10x better than any Starbucks or Peetes' coffee that I've ever had. The best part is that I ended up buying 7 pounds of the coffee to bring back to CA and share with friends!. DELICIOUS and the best cup of java that I've had in about 10 years! Seriously! Grade: A+ For Lunch, I had the eggplant sandwich. WOW! It was locally grown eggplant deep fried a bit to get it soft and tender, placed insode a whole wheat pita bread, accompanied with a greek yogurt and cucumber combination, tomatores, and a whole lotta goodness. YUM! This is perhaps the best thing on the menu for me! For $5, I got a whole meal and ate very healthy & yummy food. Grade: A+ Lavendar Lemonaide: Clover Food also makes their own drinks. I tried the lavendar lemonaide, which was made by steeping lavendar and mixing it with freshly squeezed lemonaide. WOW - a tasty treat that is refreshing and soothing to the tongue! Grade: A! Fresh Yogurt & Homemade Granola with a Rhubarb reduction: Okay you should first know that I *hate* rhubarb. But, I tried Clover Food Lab's fresh yogurt and homemade granola with the rhubarb reduction. It was delicious fresh yogurt with super fresh and crunchy granola topped with a red-brown rhubarb reduction. The dish was well prepared, as it had the combination of sweet, a bit bitter from the rhubarb, and crunchy from the granola. After remembering that all the items were fresh and picked/made within 24 hours of me eating it, I enjoyed it more! Grade: A-. Clover Food Labs has excellent service & employees. Clover Food Labs has very reasonable prices. Clover Food Labs sources it food locally and organically. Clover Food Labs is concerned with providing good tasting food (that happens to be healthy) Clover Food Labs creates dishes using only fresh ingredients. Clover Food Labs is managed by a very super talented team! Food Grade: A+ Service Grade: A+ Worth The Money Grade: A+ Overall Impression Grade: A+

    (5)

  • Keri M.

    I went to Clover's Harvard Square location, thinking I would get to have one of their delicious egg and eggplant sandwiches that I used to enjoy from their financial district food truck. I was extremely disappointed with the sandwich from this location. Maybe they were having an off day, but the sandwich was sub-par to what I am used to from the food truck. Everything was ice cold, the pita was dry and the eggplant, which usually melts in your mouth, was chewy and watery. Perhaps the quality has gone downhill since so many new locations have popped up over the years. I'm not sure, but I was really disappointed and would probably not return to this location.

    (2)

  • Atari A.

    I'm not sure what other people are talking about when it comes to service lacking here. Maybe it's because I came in on a slow Friday night? The girl up front who looks like Maebe from Arrested Development was super helpful and gave me advice as to what's good for a drink and a snack. I got a Barismo coffee and French fries with rosemary. Maybe it's because I'm not an aficionado but I do love watching someone make my coffee from scratch, as well as knowing they are making my fries as an individual batch makes me feel fancy as fuck. Worth waiting a little less than ten minutes. $3 each?! Great deal. Especially for the great quality of the food and drink. I'll come back here again when I have the chance. I like walking into a food place where it seems everyone who works there is friends with each other. The only thing to dislike are the weird pretentious customers who come in pretending they're not struggling to find their identity in their mid twenties.

    (5)

  • Michael F.

    Update: The owners emailed me, and apologized for my order. They encouraged me to try the place again, so I'm giving them an extra point. I will give them another shot, but I won't be ordering the cold oatmeal again.

    (3)

  • Joe T.

    Wonderful, creative, restaurant of the future! The BBQ seitan sandwich rocked. The French fries had FRESH ROSEMARY on them!?!? The interior layout looks like a pretty, futuristic, warehouse, with leaves growing inside it. The method of ordering involves a friendly, surprising woman chatting with you about what you want while you wait in line and look at the modern, electronic menu.

    (5)

  • Maria R.

    Solid lunch option for vegetarians around Harvard. I like their falafel especially, and the free seltzer water.

    (4)

  • Annie J.

    The owner of Clover Food Lab contacted me, so I wanted to update my review. Here's some of his e-mail: "...Everything at Clover is the result of extensive testing with customers (from the chickpea fritter sandwich, which is probably on v29 right now, to the Fennel sandwich, which is just on v2, to the ordering system, which is still evolving!). We're trying to build a different kind of fast food, one that's tasty and accessible to everyone, and we need a ton of help in the adventure. So we really appreciate you writing to tell us about your experience. Sounds like we screwed up on order-taking with you. Whoever was taking your order should have been able to guide you through the menu and let you know what we're up to. Around 60 percent of the menu changes throughout the year, mostly tied to what's in season in New England. The seasonal sandwich changes every 2-3 weeks, drinks change every day, soups and salads change every day, beer changes every month, coffee changes every 2 weeks. Every week we develop 4-5 new recipes and work them through the menu." I really appreciate that Clover is trying to serve up tasty, seasonal food that everyone likes. I'll try them again.

    (4)

  • Meredith M.

    Fast, cheap food that's healthier than most takeout options. I would definitely come back and try it again, given all the rave reviews. I had the BBQ seitan platter and wasn't blown away by it; the seitan was a bit rubbery, BBQ was a little bit bland and sweet. Still, I look forward to trying the chickpea fritters or brussel sprout sandwich.

    (3)

  • Julia S.

    I can't tell you how disappointed I am that this is not a national chain. Well, at least one food truck in LA (hint hint). I love the "egg sandwich" and "egg and eggplant sandwich". Good for the tummy, good for the soul. Dig the biodegradable/compostable "packaging'. My sandie tends to explode in the paper. Not stoked about that. Egg goo. Maybe they should've done soy paper instead, so I eat the explosion. Mmmmm

    (4)

  • Robert H.

    Great vegetarian food, you can find Clover trucks around Boston or head to their flagship at Harvard square. The chickpea fritter is a classic, typical of Clover food: well crafted vegetarian comfort food. This is what fast food should be.

    (5)

  • Eunice E.

    I hadn't tried Clover until rather recently, and that was because I was intimidated. It looks so mod and hip... I was discussing this dilemma with a colleague a few weeks back, and she (very) aptly said, "I didn't feel cool enough to come here without a posse backin' me up." So, one serendipitous day, one of my friends asked if I wanted to join her and her boyfriend for lunch here, and I jumped on it--here was my chance to eat at Clover--WITH A POSSE. And I'm so glad I did! The chickpea fritter sandwich is just as good as people say it is. The pickled vegetables add such a nice flavour and texture contrast, and it's all uber fresh. Add a bit of their (really hot) hot sauce, and you're golden. Wow. And it's ridiculously filling. The first time I went, I tried their 'hibiscus'... not exactly my cup of tea (!), but it was worth a try. It was a pretty colour, if nothing else. I enjoyed my meal so much that in a span of one week, I had been back two more times (different posse in tow each time). I vowed to try the rosemary fries, and I did each time. Tasty, but can come out a bit soggy (happened once), which takes away from the experience... but when they're crisply cooked (happened the other time), they're divine. The seating arrangements are kind of goofy, with a long communal table downstairs (with booths and tables for two off to the side), and a small area upstairs, but really, I'm not there to look at the decor (minimal, if any... there's just a warehouse-y feel), I'm there to eat lots of chickpea fritters. They do have picnic tables outside, which are great when the weather's nice! Overall, awesome vegetarian food (you won't miss meat at all when you eat here), awesome prices, and awesome portions. Obviously, I'll be back.

    (4)

  • Marty W.

    I've been to this location at least twenty times. Twice they've missed part of my order. Another time they made it but had lost me in the system. If I could just order from my app and bypass the inconsistent ordertakers, Clover would get 4 stars.

    (2)

  • Christina K.

    We came here Sunday and were 35 minutes too early for lunch, which starts at noon. I bought a hibiscus tea and the granola with milk to hold us over. My friend had the iced coffee, which was made to order. The tea was delicious - tangy, not too sweet, and refreshing. I wasn't a huge fan of the granola - it was a bit salty. BUT, one of the staff members heard me asking about the baked apple, which I didn't end up ordering, and gave me a sample. It was DELICIOUS!!! I totally should have ordered that instead of the granola! For lunch, we got the bbq seitan, egg and eggplant sandwich and the rosemary fries. Our favorite was the bbq seitan, which was chewy and satisfying, with sweet, ripe tomatoes. I was okay on the fries - there wasn't a lot of rosemary, but I joked that we could just pull some off the planters on the beautiful wood table, and they weren't crispy. Almost seemed like they needed a second fry. Ya know, one to cook, two to crisp. Loved the clean, airy, open decor, and the sorta whole nonchalant, write the menu on the board and butcher paper you help yourself to for placemats and artwork. The food is so affordable. Good value for your money and lots of options for the vegetarians!

    (4)

  • Dawn G.

    I feel like everything about this place is perfect -- the open, airy dining room, the friendly welcome you get, and the BEST breakfast sandwich. The egg is perfectly soft boiled, the cheddar is cold and yummy, the tomato is fresh as hell. The coffee is always great. I stop by at least once a week for my fix.

    (5)

  • Monica A.

    I like the layout, if I were a student I'd probably study there all day... But their tea is overpriced and weak.

    (2)

  • Jerry G.

    Went here w/ the gf and we somehow missed the fact that Clover has a vegetarian focused menu. Even though I steer clear of most vegetarian venues I was quite pleased with the Chickpea Fritter sandwich and rosemary fries we ordered. The BBQ Seitan sandwich tasted like a McRib in pita bread, while okay, didn't live up to the other food items. The handmade sodas, lemonade and whoopie pie finished our dinner on a great note. While I would likely comeback to try their other sandwiches and salads, I would absolutely recommend Clover for any of my vegetarian friends.

    (3)

  • Siobhan G.

    Not the biggest fan of the rosemary fries but the chickpea platter is consistently delicious. I love the rotating salad options, too. The staff is friendly, and very knowledgeable about ingredients, which I really appreciate. I love working here during the day. Clover might also be a great evening study spot if you don't mind fluorescent lighting.

    (4)

  • John L.

    Great food, but the staff and layout could use improvement. Price- not bad. Pretty cheap stuff. Quality- popover sandwich with fried leeks and tomato is fantastic- really good. Quantity- decent sized portion. Atmosphere- very green. There is a huge table in the middle which is okay. The layout if ordering is a bit weird. When you get in, you stand around and a hostess comes to you to take your order. I think it'd be better if there was a centralized order and payment center. Staff- nice, but unattentive. My friends had orders that were missed, never got hot sauce, stood in front of the baristas and never got acknowledgement. Overall, great food, but the staff and layout could be better.

    (3)

  • Nitya D.

    Let's be real, this place is pretty cool. The interior design is kinda funky and someone takes your order and puts it into their cell phone and then it gets magically transferred to the "kitchen" staff. It's nice having a healthy, vegetarian fast food establishment, but the vegan options are definitely lacking. I'm sure they will get better at that. At least, I hope. I like the chickpea fritters (vegan) and the summertime cucumber gazpacho (not vegan).

    (4)

  • P C.

    Note #1: My gf and I are carnivores. Note #2: A romantic dinner for us has more than once consisted of going to Costco and tearing apart a rotisserie chicken at the food court area. Clover Food Lab is a veggie and gluten-free friendly place in Harvard Square. This place caught our eye on a trip to Boston last summer as we were in search of a place to have dinner. It wasn't difficult to stand out being the only brightly lit place on the tree lined block. Once we got inside we were greeted by a super friendly hostess/order taker. It was only after having a lengthy and pleasant conversation with her that we finally took a good look at the menu to realize (cue the horror music) the entire menu was vegetarian! By then it was too late to back away and run for the hills. Admitting defeat, we ordered the Egg and Eggplant Sandwich, the BBQ Seitan Sandwich and the French Fries with Rosemary. When our order came up, I have to admit we were both pretty surprised. Everything actually tasted really good. It helped that the sandwiches were smothered in sauce, most notably the seitan that was just dipping with red barbecue sauce. The fries were delicious with the hint of rosemary flavor. When I left I ordered myself a fresh Whoopie Pie for the road only to realize it was way too messy to be eating while walking and much to sweet to not share. The place really does look like a lab with its bright white fluorescent lighting. The tables and seats are communal like a grade school cafeteria and they look like slabs of tree trunks cut vertically. There were rows and rows of rosemary plants sitting on the tables so needless to say the place just smelled piney all around. Against the wall is a roll of paper that I assumed was for placemats. There was also a bin of crayons tacked to the wall and upon closer inspection of the wall's artwork realized that people were drawing on the paper and pinning them up. In fact a group of hipsters were doing just that while we were eating. We actually had a pretty enjoyable experience here but we both agreed "Vegetarian? Never again!"

    (4)

  • Christina G.

    This is one of my favorite food trucks in Boston. I love their unique menu and the fact that you can enjoy a fast food meal that's relatively healthy and practically gourmet! Clover won me over with its much talked about Chickpea Fritter sandwich that's bursting with color, flavor and freshness. Love the rosemary fries as well. Check it out!

    (4)

  • M G.

    Everything I've tried here (and I've been here about a dozen times) has tasted delicious, and not left me feeling like I've been weighted down with unhealthy food. The seitan sandwich is a standout, as is the hot pepper sauce (which I believe they make themselves). I've never been disappointed with any fruit/water/tea/coffee I've had-- the fruit waters are addictive and refreshing.

    (5)

  • Albert W.

    Scene 1 -- Harvard square hippie food joint. Brightly lit open kitchen behind the counter is bustling with morning activity. A few working professionals are getting coffee on the first floor. Students are on the second floor studying and on their laptops. Electronic sandwich boards are set up to display the ever-changing menu and the latest update on their blog. CASHIER is next to the till pouring coffee into individual brewing strainers. CUSTOMER is waiting on his coffee. (Enter OUR HERO from stage left through the front entrance). OUR HERO: Hi, I'd like a breakfast sandwich and a Peak organic beer, please. CASHIER: Ok, a breakfast sandwich and... a beer? Not a coffee? OUR HERO: Yeah. CASHIER: Okaaayyyyy then. CUSTOMER: That guy just ordered a beer? OUR HERO: Yeah, what's wrong with a beer at 9 AM? CASHIER: Most people order coffee. CUSTOMER: I remember when I was a college student and would drink at 9 AM. OUR HERO: Don't judge. I'm on vacation. OUR HERO waits around for 10 minutes, checking out the customer drawings on the walls. He receives his breakfast sandwich inside a whole wheat pita from CASHIER and sits down to enjoy it, biting into its gooey liquid center. OUR HERO: Mmm... liquid egg yolk... and beer. PROS: - Modestly priced. - All organic menu. - Chipper staff (albeit slightly judgmental). - Huge portions of granola and yogurt on the morning menu. CONS: - They only have one beer on tap. Drink selection could be described as "limited". - The menu is a bit too simple and there's not a whole lot on there that really makes you say "ooohhh" in terms of the ingredients.

    (3)

  • George C.

    I wish the place like this was around my neighbourhood,fresh vegetables,customized choices,cool tea and coffee and many other distinct features you would not find in a typical Mediterranean place. They should optimize the ordering process in my view,little clumsy for a fast serving place but would not take any star out since the overall impression is excellent. And I am from the NYC area,meaning it is not easy to impress me

    (5)

  • Andrew M.

    Love the feel of this place. Feels so organic, almost like I'm in some sort of plant nursery. The rosemary fries weren't very distinctive. The honey lemonade was interesting, reminded me of the flavor of ai-yu jello.

    (2)

  • Sara B.

    Walked in to a super Friendly face, who gave me the whole ordering schpiel and informed me they were opening a second location in my neighborhood, inman!! Anyways, the tempeh blt was the best I've ever had and the sweet potato salad was delish. Even with a beer, total was $6!! The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars was because there were fruit flies everywhere and getting into my food. But all in all, great experience and just as good as their trucks! So glad they have a brick location!!

    (4)

  • Jeremiah S.

    I tried ordering a BLT with onion, they said no, its not because they don't have onions, i asked if they had onions before i ordered, they do. I ordered it with onions they say they cant add onions, i say i can pay the extra they said no, they couldn't "monetize the onion" which is bull, they wouldn't even put on the side. Last time i go there, used to go twice a week. talk about being penny wish, pound foolish.

    (1)

  • N T.

    Very limited vegan and gluten free options. There is pretty much one: chickpea fritter plate. However, this is a tasty option, and one of the only things around Harvard Square for a gluten free vegan, so I'll give Clover 4 stars even though I'm not sure it really merits it from the gluten free vegan perspective. I do recommend Clover over Boloco, which is the other gluten free vegan Harvard Square option. I recommend Wagamama slightly over Clover though, as they have slightly more options (barely). Clover Food Lab is misleading in that their spontaneous looking handwritten menu leads you to believe that the menu options actually change. They do not. The side dishes vary daily, but the entrees are constant. Egg and eggplant, chickpea fritter, etc. (There are only a few options). Some sides I've seen: Wild rice salad, potato salad, fried pickles. The chickpea fritter can be a little greasy, but tastes fantastic and fresh. It is 10,000 times better than the falafel over at Boloco, which is not awful, but cannot compare at all to the Clover chickpea fritter. A few of these make a great snack if you don't mind that they're fried. Clover also has excellent tea. I enjoy the peppermint nettle, and they have a few other herbal and regular loose leaf tea options as well. I wish Clover would expand their options a bit. Perhaps offer hummus with the chickpea fritters? Maybe some hearty soups or stews served with quinoa or brown rice? (the soups are always sold out and tend to be cold cucumber or some other non filling variety) Maybe some fresh juices? (Wagamama has great fresh juice for those looking near Harvard Square) Recently Clover had a big salmonella scare, but this was only at their food trucks and they totally cleaned and redid everything - the whole saga is detailed (with some level of indignation on their part) on their website. They got approved to reopen and considering the amount of cleaning they had to do, their food is probably now safer than most other restaurants. (and it sounds like some bad bread made offsite was the real cause anyways) Note: If you are very sensitive to gluten, I would stay away. The food prep people are out in the open and you can see that they pick up the fritters with their gloved hands which just touched the pita bread. If they would just use a utensil instead to pick up the fritters or poured them out of the bin, they could reduce contamination, but they don't do this.

    (4)

  • Joshua D.

    I've been here a few times. The food is fine and affordable. BUTTTT the service is maddening. They are beyond slow. Painfully slow. Almost zombie like. The mistakes are constant. They accidentally used salt instead of sugar in their lemonade. After telling me what happened they offered me another drink which I accepted. The replacement drink was also made with salt instead of sugar. I mean...I'm not saying your job is all that easy...but...come on now. It's not rocket science. Considering the service is already SLOWWWW and they brew everything on the spot which takes some time as well, I say go somewhere else. Unless you really love salty beverages. Than this might be the place for you.

    (1)

  • Jenny C.

    I love meat. I need my daily protein with a side of chicken to function. However, the food at Clover might convince me to stop eating meat.....maybe once or twice a week. Probably once a week. After perusing the shelves at the Harvard Coop, my friend and I wanted to go to Boloco to grab some dinner. However, on the way there, we were distracted by the bright and shiny lights of Clover. And thus we changed our plans and decided to get a chickpea fritter pita and BBQ seitan pita with a side of rosemary fries. The hibiscus tea is a wonderful and refreshing addition to the meal. All very solid choices. Filling and inexpensive. However, I will probably come back for the Whoopie Pies. They were amazing. They were so amazing, in fact, that whenever I see not freshly-made whoopie pies, I burst into tears because I know that that they will never match up to the greatness that is the Clover Whoopie Pie. I dream about them, crave them, and will probably marry them if I could. So go on down to Clover to get some yummy chickpea falafel fritters! Hopefully they'll have the Whoopie Pies; please let me know if you would like to join my Clover Food Lab Whoopie Pie Admiration-from-Afar Club.

    (4)

  • Sanel S.

    Their tagline of "This is a prototype, we'll screw up something" is misleading. They will screw up everything. 1. Takes for f'n ever to get your order here. 2. The lemonade I ordered was not any good, though they swore up and down it would be amazing. It was simply a watered down minute maid. I threw it away. 3. Falafel sandwich did not taste any good at all. It was completely dry. I ate half and threw it away also. 4. Sandwich is way overpriced which only added insult to injury. The same "chickpea" fritter, I don't know why they don't just call it Falafel since that's what it is, costs $3 less at Amsterdam Falafel in Davis square and is 10 times better. The person I went with swears that the food truck version of their food is actually far superior than their restaurant. I can't speak to that since I don't work downtown and don't have an opportunity to give it a try.

    (2)

  • Ethan A.

    Head in with a friend for a quick bite before a show. Order a drink, fries, and a whoopie pie they had made that day. There's a whole bunch of them on the counter, and they look great. Sit down, a minute or two later our name is yelled out, and I go up for the drink. Sit back down, and we wait. And we wait. And we wait some more. After about 12 minutes, we see someone else grabbing fries, and figure maybe we missed our call, despite sitting right next to the kitchen. Ask if they called us. Employee responds, "Oh, I called that like forever ago. Do you want them?" Do we want what we ordered? Yes, please. So we get our fries and ask about the whoopie pie. Employee responds, "Oh those were self-service. We sold out." Funny that. Apparently purchasing food here is only a suggestion that you might get it at some point, if at all.

    (2)

  • Jamie W.

    I have been to clover twice now. Good for vegetarians with a variety of options. Lots of light and seating. Great prices given it is so close to Harvard square. Both times I opted for the chick pea plater. Portion size is reasonable but probably small by American standards. I would return here.

    (4)

  • Robyn G.

    I've eaten at this location and the East Cambridge location. I really like the BBQ seitan sandwhich. I like their prices. But I have a few bones to pick with them. First; waiting 10 minutes for you to brew one cup of coffee to make iced coffee is ridiculous. I get it; your trying to take great care in your food processes, but when you want a cup of coffee, you dont want to wait around for it. Second; It surprises me and disappoints me that while you're surrounded by other veg/veg friendly restraunts, that offer breakfast options to vegans, you don't. Get on that. It's not that difficult to add a tofu wrap or tempeh breakfast sandwhich to your menu. They had one muffin there that I could have, but it was overpriced, dry and hard. yuck. And lastly, I applaud the environmentally conscious efforts, but handing me a drippy sandwhich in an oversized napkin when I ask for it "to go" is obnoxious. Do I need to bring my own tin foil or bag? The last thing I have to say is, the staff have always been extremely courteous, quick to greet, smiling and happy. That's terrific, if more fast food/sandwhich shops in the area were like that, they'd probably double their business. The fact that I keep coming back, even when dissatisfied with their menu, says something about the atmosphere of the place and it's people.

    (3)

  • Adam B.

    Perhaps I'm spoiled living in a foodie mecca like Portland, Maine, but Clover Food Lab leaves a lot to be desired. This brick and mortar location is plagued by a terrible order/pickup design that causes large bottlenecks and your order to walk off with someone else (hopefully not like your date last night). Employees were generally awesome, although also demonstrate frustration with the user design too (understandably). The menu is presented in a confusing fashion. It looks like you get a whole little meal for a certain price point (like a breakfast sandwich, baked apple, and something else for $3), but in reality each item listed under ($3 or $4) is that price per item. As for the food. Well, I'm vegan and options are very limited at breakfast and better at lunch. And that's true in general too. More options are lunch. Granola and soymilk is all they have for breakfast. A couple options including a BBQ seitan or VLT for lunch. These taste good, although I'd love there to be some more veggies in there. The interior is stark white with blue accents, and awful fluorescent lighting. They tried planting a living wall in the back, but its dying and sad. Go for lunch, get some rosemary fries and say you tried it. Or go to the clover lab food truck by MIT or South Station instead. There the bad interior design does not interfere with the food.

    (2)

  • R B.

    Fun place, welcomingly sterile interior (it IS a lab after all). Funny ordering system, bonus if you get the sassy/funny wait person. So sad I missed the fries. Oh well, ate very healthily. Magnet for the smugly virtuous.

    (4)

  • Charlotte M.

    Pretty good. I've been here a couple of times. Fries could be better, they don't have wifi at all, never mind free wifi, sad. In the past there's been some mix ups with drinks and food. I think they have a unique ordering system, and having to get your food, (drinks, sandwich, fries) from 3 different people, there's bound to be confusion.

    (3)

  • Justina T.

    I've always seen the Clover food truck around the Boston Common, but I never bothered to try their food until I came across the restaurant. I ordered the BLT and rosemary fries. The fries were so tasty (but I'm probably biased because rosemary is da bomb, IMO). I waited maybe fifteen minutes for the cooks to make my BLT (I wasn't in a rush, so I didn't really mind the wait). When they finally called my name so I could pick up my sandwich, I was almost done with all my fries. As I went up to grab my sandwich, the guy who took my order said he'd give me a refund or a free beverage since I waited so long. I thought that was extremely nice and declined the offer (I don't like taking things for free sometimes). The BLT was okay... the dressing made the pita soggy and it was falling apart after a bit of time. The second time I came here, I ordered the rosemary fries again, but instead of the BLT, I got the BBQ seitan. I didn't really know what to expect of the sandwich... but I was thoroughly unimpressed. There wasn't enough BBQ sauce on the seitan, so I mostly tasted the seitan by itself which was bland. The texture was rubbery and unappealing. Just like the BLT, the sandwich became difficult to eat near the end since the soggy pita was falling apart (all the sauce slid to the bottom... BBQ sauce doesn't adhere to seitan very well). I will probably just stick to the rosemary fries if I come back here.

    (3)

  • Kalman G.

    Love the fast-food nature of this place. Eating generally within 5 minutes of getting there. Consistently good fresh healthy ingredients. No meat, but more filling than you might expect. Don't know why they don't call the "chickpea sandwich" simply "falafel," but its pretty great! Coffee is pour-over so will take maybe the full 5 minutes: great-tasting coffee though.

    (5)

  • Guillermo M.

    This place has one of the best french fries I have tried ever. The flavor of the oil combined with the rosemary was an excellent idea. All the other plates we tried were really good: the hibiscus water, the hummus, the falafel. I will come back to try more stuff. The concept, that combines organic, veggie and high technology is cool.

    (4)

  • Jennifer P.

    I like this place, but I don't love it or crave it. I usually get the chickpea fritter sandwich, which is filling, but the quality changes each time I go to Clover. Sometimes they are awesome - piping hot fritters contrasted with some cool, fresh slaw. Other times they are mediocre at best - cold fritters with some cold slaw. The rosemary fries are good, but I kind of find them to be overrated. Also, service is touch and go. A few times I spent waiting over 15 minutes for my sandwich, only to find out that the counter had given away my sandwich to somebody else just 10 minutes before. I continue to come back to Clover because it's easy, fast, and convenient, but it's not my favorite restaurant in town by far.

    (3)

  • Yuan C.

    Not a fan of its taste... Simple and fast, though.

    (3)

  • Samantha Z.

    Clover always exceeds expectations. It is a whole new take on fast food, and it is delicious. I always get the chickpea fritter sandwich. And it is always delicious. The fries are amazingly delicious. If you're looking for a healthy, inexpensive, unassuming place to eat delectable vegetarian food, this is the place. You must try the apple fritters-- I assume they are seasonal as it is currently apple season.

    (5)

  • Andrea B.

    With the fresh and deliciously satisfying vegetarian options available to me at Clover Food Lab, who needs meat? Those were my thoughts after devouring two meals in one day here. My egg and eggplant sandwich was stuffed to the brim with hardboiled egg, eggplant, a variety of other veggies, and hummus. My chickpea fritter sandwich was equally stuffed with tasty ingredients - crispy chickpea fritters, hummus, cucumbers, pickles, onions, shredded carrots, cabbage... Between the two, the egg and eggplant edges out the chickpea as the winner, but I highly recommend both of them. And talk about an awesome use of technology! Right as you come in the door, a friendly and helpful hostess takes your order on a smartphone and shoots it off to the kitchen, where more iPhones are set up to receive your order. And voila! Five minutes and five dollars later, you're in made-to-order Clover Food Lab heaven. My one gripe with this place is its cleanliness. There's plenty of seating, but when most of the tables are in need of a wipe down, your options for where to sit are limited (unless you want to clean a table yourself). But that sure won't stop me from coming back again soon.

    (4)

  • Jacqui S.

    Organic and supporting local commerce is the concept behind this place which makes the food more enjoyable. My husband and I stopped by here to grab a bite to eat and I just fell in love. The food I ordered with the exception of the potato salad was delicious. I ended up getting a blueberry soda with egg & eggplant fritter sandwich. The soda was smooth and sweet. It complimented my sandwich's savoriness well. This place is vegetarian and I didn't realize that until after I ordered, but with the use of egg and eggplant in my sandwich I felt like I was eating something hardy and meaty. The fries though... they were okay, not great. If I lived in the area I would eat here at least once a week.

    (4)

  • Nicole B.

    I wanna love this place because I love me some vegetarian food (and even vegan, if it's nothing really weird), but the food is just average. The herb fries are really good though. I also find it sort of disappointing that they have a small and unchanging menu (at least at this location, the few times I've been in the last couple months). The live music they have occasionally is nice.

    (3)

  • Paul C.

    Do you like hipster veggie food. Because this place offers both. Tasty treats for low wages.

    (3)

  • Julie L.

    Super friendly staff greet you to take orders as soon as you walk in. They have a simple and delicious menu. I usually get the chickpea fritter (falafels) platter. It comes with a healthy serving of falafels, hummus, red cabbage/onion salad and cucumber and tomato salad. You can also get a pita for an additional $1. Their teas are good but I usually opt for the free sparking water (make sure you ask for the water as part of your order). Lots of seating on both levels and the benches outside are perfect for the summer. It's also kid friendly - they provide paper table settings and crayons/markers for artistic expression. :)

    (4)

  • Ian A.

    Pita pocket bbq Seitan sandwich is flavorful and fresh. I also had the apple cider, which was just the right temperature and sweetness. I hope they open one of these in Berkeley!

    (4)

  • Catie R.

    Really cool place, my friend told me that it was on the Food Network so I decided to check it out. I was confused at first when I walked in since I didn't see a register and I was trying to figure out where the line began. If you see someone near the front by the food signs that looks like they're texting, that's who you order from! They enter your order in on the phone and take your name down and you wait for it to be called. The menu is small but its very unique. I had the egg and eggplant sandwich and it was deeeeeeeeeeelicous! Anyone who likes eggplant knows that it can be kind of bland tasting sometimes but theirs was cooked in a way that it a had a great smokey flavor! All of their trash is compostable and they wrap it up in paper so you can take it to go or sit and eat. If I lived in Cambridge I would eat lunch here everyday!

    (5)

  • Lioudmila Z.

    Great food but the employees are often annoying and ineffective--the women who takes the orders chats and then forgets what I ordered or just doesn't put the order in. I love almost everything I order, but I wish they'd act more professionally.

    (2)

  • Andrew J.

    Clover has such good coffee... so its kind of a real shame they don't have an espresso machine. The single cup pour over drip is great, but I'm just not a 12oz guy. Anyway, yeah, this place is wonderful. I'm from New York and a lot of the cafes in Boston don't measure up. But Clover is top notch. Local beers, seasonal everything, and good prices for the products.

    (4)

  • t j.

    I went there once and ordered a drink and some BBQ tofu. The drink came in 5 min. After waiting another 25 min I finally ask why the tofu is not done. I was told they burned it. OK. So could they cook some more?? The cook in an angry tone said "We don't have anymore and we are DONT serve burned food! What do you want me do take it out of the trash!" Not sure what my next move was at this point. Clever cook, confuse the customer.

    (1)

  • Te R.

    i know people are gonna hate for this review as clover is a well-loved institution on harvard square. they use organic local blah blah ingredients and they are green green blah blah. you know what i mean. i had the breakfast sandwich, hummus, and a sandwich here. and they were just ok. the portions are small (proportional to the price). the thing i like here is the ambiance. tall ceiling and spacious. but at some point in the day the place is filled up with strollers and kids and those guys over there with their apple computers. (wifi is not provided. but if you're a harvard student, you can just use harvard wifi. i'm not a harvard student unfortunately). there are things to be loved about this place but i'm not really a huge fan. i couldn't care less about green organic local ingredient stuff.

    (3)

  • Sarah G.

    $13 for dinner for two people of fresh made-to-order grub?? And we had to force ourselves to finish those portions! You walk in here and you instantly just feel cooler. I mean where else can are you greeted by someone standing at a giant fold out menu where they basically put in your order on a iphone type thing?? And then you can see the entire "lab" or kitchen where they make everything and it all just looks so modern. If that isn't enough, they have a wall here that has ivy growing all along it which is really cool to look at, in addition to all of the cool angles and decor they have going on here too. Plus they have picnic tables outside, and any place with full on picnic tables is automatically awesome. Food you ask? Well it is all vegetarian here, so if that isn't your thing, you won't like it here, but they do have beer on tap! Plus the clover brewed coffee too. We got their eggplant plate which was two types of eggplant, hummus, this cucumber salad, and it was pretty good. Definitely fresh and I like the baked eggplant better than the softer eggplant option. We found ourselves wishing we had pita or something to go with it though. We also got a chickpea fritter that was packed to the max with goodness and a side of a roasted cauliflower salad which has pine nuts in it which always makes me happy ha And when you eat here, you are helping the environment too since everything is compostable! Yup my water cup was made of out corn. And for prices this cheap, this type of vegetarian food is a steal.

    (4)

  • Vahan A.

    One of rarest unique food places. Super slow service (at least the day we were there) but the food was worth waiting. Super unique experience!

    (5)

  • August L.

    Always good food. I like the chickpea fritters the best. Sometimes the sandwiches are too floppy and messy, but it's worth it. Added bonus: delicious rosemary fries. Even better: outstanding coffee! You can even just come in for a cup to go -- definitely worth it. Yum!

    (4)

  • Liliya M.

    Free seltzer water with your order, fresh whoopie pies on Fridays, and they are the first business I've seen that uses tech so seamlessly and beautifully. What's not to love?

    (4)

  • Lillian C.

    This place is a vegetarian, quick dining kind of restaurant. Selection is limited to a few plates. The chickpea plate was pretty good but not particularly memorable or amazing. The hot apple cider was certainly a nice surprise and very quaint/ fitting with the cold weather. We had to go to Bon Chon nearby to get our meat fix but the portions are enough to fill an average person.

    (3)

  • Ryan D.

    If you're cravin' iced coffee and feelin' a lil' fancier than Dunkin' Donuts, head o'er here apostrophe. They do individual pour-over iced coffee here- smooth and refreshing. One of the best iced coffees I've had. The egg+eggplant plate blew me away, just wish there was more eggplant on the plate. Friendly staff and nice digs too. Check out the fire extinguisher for an academic-themed easter egg.

    (4)

  • Carrianne C.

    I really love this place- I wish it was closer because it's cheap, and you don't feel guilty after eating here. The chickpea fritter is great, as is the egg & eggplant. Rosemary fries are to dieeeee for, I really love them. I also like that they have a variety of teas and sodas that aren't your standard coke/pepsi products. I'm super thankful that they have their trucks in many more locations now, because you can't ever go wrong with Clover

    (5)

  • Janka L.

    pros *good food, especially the saucy parts *short wait time *eating alone mess-hall style doesn't feel like eating alone *decent decor cons *ordering with employee that is not behind a counter was a first. and confusing. *difficult to put sandwich down. this makes breathing/talking/multitasking an arduous task *falafel-like tastes, not falafel-like prices *password protected wifi

    (4)

  • Josephine L.

    Whoopie pie: 4 stars (not quite sweet enough) Service: 3.5 stars Minimalist, industrial/eco-friendly decor: 5 stars (chairs look like cardboard--coolness) Chickpea plate: 3 stars for chickpeas (over-fried), 4.5 stars for hummus (tad too salty), collective 3.5 stars for the various salads Rosemary fries: Still 4 stars (good but not mind-blowing, and something so simple I could make it at home) Ability to stay chatting with a friend so late that you close the place down: 5 stars Endless flies landing on food and needing to be swatted away: 1 star

    (3)

  • Miel L.

    I tried their egg and eggplant sandwich and it was edible, at best. The eggplant was so salty, I had to take out the eggplant to eat the sandwich. The staff doesn't know how to smile or greet their customers.

    (2)

  • Mirabelle T.

    I've tried a lot of vegetarian sandwiches around Harvard Square, and Clover is pretty good, but not the best in my opinion. I personally like Chickpea fritter sandwich better than egg and eggplant, which kinda surprised me since I love eggplants. I like their sandwiches, but they both seem a little bit too salty for me. I'd recommend Clover if you're in the mood for a nice sandwich.

    (4)

  • Jamie B.

    Clover Food Lab is a refreshing change a midst the regular pizza, burgers, and sandwiches in Harvard Square. After hearing so much about it, I decided to stop in and I was not disappointing. The friendly employee suggested I try the popular chickpea fritter sandwich (basically a falafel) and rosemary fries. The falafel was packed with flavor and food - very delicious and filling. The fries were great too. The rosemary added an interesting flavor. The restaurant is open and airy. You can see the food being made right in front of you so you know it's fresh. I highly recommend this place.

    (5)

  • Amy B.

    I was excited to try Clover after all the good things I've heard about it. But, as you can tell by my two star rating, I was really disappointed. First, although the electronic sandwich boards and iPhone payment system were cool, they were very confusing. I was that idiot standing in the doorway gawking and needed to be prompted through the transaction step-by-step. I felt stupid. That didn't make me happy. I ordered a chickpea fritter sandwich and a city water (love the free water option!). Unfortunately, I really did not care for the sandwich. The components were actually quite good: The warm, crunchy-yet-soft fritters, the tasty tangy sauce, the pickled veggies, and the thick pita. But the proportions and composition were all wrong. My sandwich was mostly pickled veggies with the fritters almost all on the very top, so they got eaten first and I was left with a wad of vinegary crisps and bread. Even if the ingredients had been layered evenly, there was way too much of the pickled veggies relative to the chickpea fritters. The fritters have a subtle taste that gets overrun by the strong vinegar of the veggies. I'd try Clover again, but I wouldn't get this sandwich again.

    (2)

  • Jade R.

    UM. WHAT is everyone crazy about? Maybe I just don't get it... There's NOTHING to choose from. Like, 2 things on the menu. So, I had the chickpea fritter .. yes, it was good. But it's a falafel... Aside from the food (or lack there of) the actual storefront is beautiful. It feels like such a restorative, beautiful place.... until someone SHOUTS names out for you to pick up the food.

    (2)

  • Kelly A.

    Oh Clover, why did it take me so long to 1) try the food off your adorable little truck and 2) realize that you had an actual restaurant? This was a huge mistake. All the delicious foodstuffs I've been missing out on! All the fun iced beverages! All the lovely Clover-techs! We found the restaurant completely by accident last weekend while we were actually looking for the truck. Imagine our surprise when we drove right past it! We almost didn't believe our eyes! Was this real!? A storefront!? We parked (quite easily, mind you, since it was early on a Sunday morning), walked in, and ordered what they called the Super Duper Breakfast. The mister and I, along with our toddler, polished off the whole plate, but we were satisfied and happy when we were done - tons of food. It had huge pancakes, several pieces of smoky tempeh 'bacon', and some scrumptious little corn fritters, and it came with coffee and freshly-squeezed orange juice. Everything was awesome. I got an iced tea, which was also awesome. And for that entire breakfast, we only paid $14. We returned this morning for round two, but they didn't have any brunch offerings despite that today was a holiday. So we opted for a couple of breakfast sandwiches, plus a popover and a baked apple for our little one. Once again, everything was great. I adore this place. Everything about it. The minimalist decor, the food, the vision, the people. Everything. And because it's an all-vegetarian establishment, we will go out of our way to visit it, since we like to support that kind of thing. It's kind of depressing that I'd been missing out on Clover for so long, but I'm totally ready to make up for lost time now.

    (5)

  • Evette M.

    To clarify, the food was totally fine (egg and eggplant sandwich). However, they lost my order and it took asking three different people before I reached a manager who said, oh, we lost your order, we can make it now. Also, the gross part was that a person seated upstairs spilled two completely full water glasses and it started to pour down the wall and dripped onto my head. When I tried to alert someone to send up a mop or something to help them, he completely dismissed my comment and left the patron pulling giant wads of napkin to try to soak up the water and left the trail of water dripping down the wall and forming a mini-puddle on the first floor. So unsanitary and gross!

    (1)

  • Narath S.

    Just went there for my 1st time. Wasn't too busy on a Tuesday night at 7:30. the person greeting me and taking my order was very informative about what I should get for my 1st time. He recommended the chickpea fritter sandwich. I also got the ginger tea. The sandwich tasted really good, but I did have one issue with it. If I was making the sandwich in the pita, I would have layered the ingredients so that I get a little bit of each ingredient per bite. The way it was prepared for me was a layer of pickled vegies, then the fried chickpeas, and then a layer of hummus. So I got a mouthful of pickled vegies on my 1st bite. The ginger tea was spectacular. I've never been able to make ginger tea that strong before. I seated myself and cleaned up after myself. Not sure if they have anyone wipe down the tables or not. I didnt see anyone.

    (4)

  • Chris Z.

    This place definitely used to be better. The chickpea fritter sandwich is the best thing on the menu and the fries used to be good, but this time they were dried out and tastes like they had been sitting out for a while. Disappointed! On the plus side, the cinnamon soda is delish.

    (3)

  • Bill K.

    I really enjoy the food. It's fresh and testy. Egg and eggplant and chickpea fritter are the mainstays. The cold soups are solid and a very good value. The downer is the service at the restaurant in Burlington. There is a posse greeting at the front door to take your order which I guess is intended to be welcoming but, when crowded at lunchtime, borders between chaotic and downright unnerving. Once you've ordered, the food - prepared at different stations - comes directly to you from the preparer. If you've ordered a few sandwiches and soup each shows up when it's ready, leaving you to tend a growing number of white bags and cups as they arrive. i'm pretty flexible but this is no way to run takeout. I have to leave items individually on the counter while I get utensils and napkins. In one case, I got my soup and the sandwiches took 10 mins, so the soup was gone before lunch arrived. Finally, the staff changes often enough that at any given time at least 50% are clueless. And, with the manager, leading the front door posse, he has little control over the back-end of the house. I know this sounds pretty negative but, really, the food is worth the visit. Oh! one more tip: Stick to the sandwiches and not the platters. When your sandwich is 70% salad, small side salads aren't worth the additional buck.

    (3)

  • Betsy A.

    Yes, I'm most definitively a fan. Who would have thought I would be craving vegetarian food... @_@ I definitely didn't! I love everything in this location, starting by it's friendly staff to the layout, to the food of course. Yes, the options are limited; however they're going with quality over quantity here folks. I would rather have a few solid choices than a bunch of diluted crap. They keep it simple, they keep it fresh and most definitely healthy. Go here at least once, just to check it out. You won't regret it.

    (4)

  • Paige L.

    Clover is an awesome place to get a quick and easy meal. The first time I went, they recommended the chick pea fritter. Apparently they recommend it to all new people, I wonder why- it's just falafel. It is good though. I love the BLT mainly because I have never had bacon before. Whether or not the BLT tastes like a BLT will always be a mystery, but I like it. The one thing that throws me off is that EVERYTHING is in a pita. Can they make anything non-pita? It would be nice. But it's easy to make and carry, so not too much to complain about. I love the fact that they only keep fries for so long, so if they are making fries and have excess in the order, sometimes they will give them to the person closest to the fry-o-lator. The fries are delicious- totally recommended! Prices are definitely good. The employees are friendly, the service is pretty quick. The yelling names out is a bit frustrating because if you don't walk up right away to get your meal, they yell it again. So don't go get napkins between ordering and getting your food, otherwise it'll sound like your mom yelling at you to get back in the house, again, and again.

    (4)

  • Michelle T.

    3 friends, 3 drinks and 1 batch of Rosemary fries. Maybe I just wasn't feeling it or maybe I didn't eat any of the "mains", but I was not incredibly impressed. I'll have to admit that the rosemary is a great touch to the fries, but as my dining companion put it, "I can make these at home!!" The fries are really thin cut fries and had a homemade feel to it with the irregular lengths and dark edges, but nonetheless, nothing memorable. The mint lemonade I got was refreshing. If you like your drinks not terribly sweet, Clover has it perfect. The mint made the drink especially...herbal and there were even ground up mint leaves on the bottom of the cup. For $2, I'd probably get it again. The cucumber drink for $3 was kind of a big miss though. Unless you like the healthy feeling of drinking salads, I would recommend another beverage.

    (3)

  • Peter B.

    I didn't totally appreciate this place until I tried the chick pea plate. The menu changes daily and that's one of the best reasons to check this out and to try it more than once. Here are some other good points: Lots of light and space, low cost, awesome ingredients, environmentally friendly plates, cups and forks. Things to know: noisy, slightly chaotic, listen through loud music to hear your name being yelled when the food is ready.

    (4)

  • Panda B.

    I'm really bummed that I don't live in Boston to have Clover all the time. If only there was a Food Lab in California! Thank you Yelpers for helping me find this Boston gem to enjoy while I was there! In my time in Boston, Clover was the one place where I returned several times for breakfast and lunch. Now, I'm sure this doesn't seem like a big deal, but I get bored with food, fast, and make it a point to try as many new eateries, restaurants, delis, and local-hot spots as I can when visiting somewhere new. Clover somehow has a way of luring you in with not only tasty, healthy eats, but hospitality, sweet service, eco-practices, and great prices. In all of my visits, I shared the chickpea platter, pumpkin fritters , chickpea sandwich, soy blt, cider, coffee, breakfast sandwich, rosemary fries, oatmeal with pear compote, and hibiscus tea and soda. Wow. That's a lot of food now that I'm listing it out, but every bite was delicious and I left oh-so-happy, every time. The pumpkin fritters were the tastiest order of the bunch, a 3pm special. They were cinnamony and sweet, warm, soft, and the perfect treat to share. The chickpea sandwich was a close second, and while it offered the same ingredients as the platter by the same name (pickled cabbage, chickpea fritters, hummus, cucumber salad), in the sandwich it was MUCH tastier when having every ingredient all in one single bite. However, the platter was still amazing, too! I really did love the apple cider as well. All of the portions were generous and wholesome, so there's no need to order a ton of food to have a full and happy belly at the end of your visit. But I guarantee you'll leave wanting to try another item--which is how I managed to try so many items in a few visits! I'm not sure how Clover measures up when offering other seasonal offerings, but in all my visits in October, I was a happy camper and kept thinking about returning because of how good _______ was (fill in the blank). It was also great to know that their food trays and cups are all compostable and surprisingly, they don't accept tips! Instead, they ask that you give them productive feedback, so I hope that this review is a testament to what a great job these folks are doing. I also must give major praise to Antoria (?), the cashier at Clover HSQ who is silly and a lot of fun. She makes coming to Clover a delight and puts a smile on your face! If I had one complaint, it'd be that there wasn't ketchup available (that I could see) for the fries. As healthy as I try to be, I am a ketchup-on-the-fries girl. It may have been there, but I didn't see it, though I should have asked. If I had a suggestion or two, it would be that 1) Clover created a cookbook! While I can't enjoy Clover on a daily basis, I'd love their recipes to enjoy when I'm not in Boston. And 2) on a negative note, I agree with another customer who commented on Clover's site that they need to be more specific about their food truck locations. Clover's lead staff also appears to be swamped or lacking in ability to respond to pretty important customer comments on their site. When It comes to food allergies, that's kinda not cool... Anyway, this is reasonably priced, delicious vegetarian and vegan food, by people who care about how we all eat and the earth we share. What's not to love? Even if you're not vegetarian or vegan, try Clover. It may surprise you! And if you're scared of something new, do yourself a favor and order some apple or pumpkin fritters because they are fantastic.

    (4)

  • Marcia E.

    For starters, I'm not a vegetarian let alone vegan! Went with my son who lives in Allston and attends BU. Weirdly combines a hippie, whole earth vibe with more Apple technology than it needs! Plus the food is great! I looked it up on Yelp before going and so I did have the "chickpea fritters" and an order of rosemary fries. Great! The hummus is very tasty! Caution one order of the rosemary fries will serve two if not three! We got two orders for the three of us and it was hard to finish them. Draw back for me was the seating. I know it's supposed to be organic and earthy, but for an eat-in restaurant they need more comfortable seating. I know I'm old and have a bad back, but I'm sure there are others who would appreciate more ergonomic options. Also, it is loud. Too many hard surfaces, the echo makes it hard to have a conversation. Visit one of their food trucks and find a comfy bench and talk to your companion. The food will be just as good!

    (4)

  • Monique S.

    Just got some rosemary fries from here and they were hard as a rock. Did the recipe change? Those used to be so delicious!!! Now they are like potato sticks. So sad. But not to worry. Clover to the rescue. I told them about it and they replaced them at no charge. The new batch was delicious and chewable. The wait is usually 5-10 minutes. The barbecue seitan pita is a hit. It really hits the spot if you crave barbecue but don't want the meat. Also the agua fresca is delciosa.

    (4)

  • John H.

    Update! I think Clover's food has been improving steadily in the last year. The new/seasonal sandwiches have generally been very good. The brussel sprout sandwich was especially delicious. I think the only seasonal one that didn't do it for me was a parsnip sandwich. And the last time I went in, the sides were appetizing, not afterthoughts. Hopefully the trend continues.

    (4)

  • Shuyi Y.

    awesome hot Whoopie Pie, but the sandwich is soso

    (4)

  • jun k.

    Love it. It's like a taste of the West coast. The interior is sparkling and quirky. The food is delicious. The people are nice. I had the egg+eggplant wrap which was amazing and REALLY fillng. Tried the chickpea fritter (fancy name for a falafel?) The dinner plates are pretty much deconstructed sandwiches with carb sides instead of the pita. you can get normal or fizzy water. Anyways, looking forward to coming again!

    (5)

  • E Z.

    My friend and I went during lunch hours on a weekday and it was extremely hectic. We were first timers to Clover and weren't sure how the ordering process worked. The workers were helpful explaining the menu, but it was hard having a conversation with them when the employees behind the counter were shouting customers' names every 5 seconds. The basil lemonade is great, rosemary fries were a bit bland, but I definitely recommend the chick pea entree. We also ordered a barbecue seitan and it was so disappointing- the texture was similar to spam ... Or cat food Fancy Feast.

    (3)

  • Jay A.

    Clover is one of my favorite spots in the Square. Vegetarian food that can easily be made vegan, if that's your cup of tea. Speaking about tea, they have beer, too! Now unto the good stuff, I've tried every sandwich on the menu and the chickpea fritter is the heart of Clover. I always ask for light on the hummus and no pickles, but more red cabbage. I can't get enough of it. The freshness of the veggies provide a nice balance with the fritter. Then, there's the rosemary fries!!! So good. I get super full off of one sandwich and don't recommend getting fries in addition, but if you're with a friend, please split them! For breakfast, I recommend the granola with fruit. The oatmeal is a bit too watery for me, which makes the fruit on top taste a bit odd. The muffins have been hit or miss. Sometimes they are moist and other times dry. I'm a risky girl, so I get it regardless. One thing that confuses me about Clover is their vibe. It's a blend of hipster, techie, that is somehow environmentally conscious, except when they leave the lights on all night.

    (4)

  • Allisoto P.

    Mmmmmm.....Fast food at its best. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. Some dishes I love: the oatmeal with fruit & the granola with yogurt (and fruit). Some that I like: Egg and egglplant sandwich and seitan bbq pocket. Don't be discouraged by the chaotic situation you must face when ordering your food. There is no counter or register, approach the person with an extra large iphone hovering around somewhere near the menu.

    (5)

  • Deanna D.

    Clover is an interesting spot. It's like a Mac commercial: orders placed using iPhones, iPhones & iTablets everywhere. And then it's the fact that the place is white---I mean seriously stark white... it's a bit much but what ever works for them. The menu is small and simple. The chickpea fritter sandwich was a hot, sloppy, tasty mess-- delicious and very filling. The place gets pretty busy, the prices are right and the food comes out pretty quickly. I will be back....maybe not rushing back but will definitely go back.

    (3)

  • Robert S.

    Having woken up at 5:30, driven a friend to Andover, and needing several hours to kill (and a life-saving caffeine fix), I randomly decided to come to Clover early one Saturday morning. Tucked on a side street of sorts (with ample parking, a first in my experience driving to Cambridge....), I walked into the modern, lab-like building, and was cheerfully greeted by a woman, who took my order on an iPhone. They only had 2 kinds of coffee (single origin), and pour-over was the only brewing method available. But I love it; the limited menu (but mostly local ingredients), the simplicity of the coffee process, the modern vibe - all with ample sitting space, and free wi-fi courtesy of Harvard! The only reason I didn't give Clover 5 stars is because, although the theory of the menu is awesome, the actual execution was just a bit bleh - my breakfast sandwich was a little less than inspired. Nonetheless, I will definitely be back if I'm in the area.

    (4)

  • Courtney G.

    Wow, this is my new go-to place to grab quick food anytime of day. The Egg and Eggplant sandwich is fabulous, plus lavendar lemonade and whoopie pie (only on fridays). Its so affordable and unbelievably delicious. They switch up certain items on the menu daily so you can always have something a little different. The coffee is the best cup of joe I've had in Cambridge, and I'm quite particular about my coffee. I also love how efficient they are as a business, that they have ALL compostable plates, cups, etc. and support other local businesses. Way to go Clover Food Lab.

    (4)

  • Brad M.

    Recently went here for lunch. I originally had thought I'd get a free lunch in my department, but it turned out there was a couple hours of talk and discussion tied to this free option so I decided to go grab lunch elsewhere. I had seen the Clover Food Lab while walking around the other day, and thought I'd give it a try. First off, it's not a lab. I asked the employee if their menu changed often and he said that sometimes they have a new item or a new seasonal salad, but that pretty much everything is static. Doesn't sound too exploratory to me, but that's fine, I'm not a huge fan of change anyway. I wanted a simple sandwich, and I saw a lot of people eating something out of a pita, so asked about that. It was their chickpea fritter, which the employee told me was by far their most popular item. That was later made clear, as the orders called out were almost all for chickpea fritters. The chickpea fritter was very good. Some fried (I guess) chickpea balls in a pita with some shredded vegetables in a good dressing/sauce. Very tasty and moist (but not soggy). This is all I had, and will likely try out their other items in the future. I noticed that they had Allagash White on tap for only $3 as well. I didn't feel like beer at the moment, but it's nice to know that I can get a good beer for cheap along with my lunch in the future. Their seating was nice and modern, with a nice upstairs area where you could sit in addition to the main floor and outside.

    (4)

  • lizzie b.

    I had high hopes for this place, but I was sorely disappointed. The space itself is cool and the concept too. I don't like the white walls, but whatever. The front is disorganized chaos, but I liked the ordering system -- however, seriously guys -- the prices should include tax if you're trying to be neat and clean. $12.72 isn't exactly giving you good change, despite the menu being $2, $5, $3.... I had the butternut squash sandwich. It was vile. VILE! Just gross! No taste, not the right consistency, too salty, and the kale was not well done. The white bean spread was flavorless - they could have gone with a stronger smoked paprika instead or sweetened the squash so it's more chunky and maple-y. Maybe added crunch! Seems like their chefs have no talent for recipe design. The bread wasn't even fresh tasting. They should have rolled it into a warm wrap with FLAVOR. Come on people. Vegetarian food does not mean flavorless! Spice it up. I also tried the hibiscus iced tea, which was okay. I am into alternative beverages, but I would actually go for a Starbucks passion-fruit tea over this one. Overall, gross. I would maybe go back and try their breakfast popovers because I love those ~~ quite disappointed!

    (1)

  • Matt S.

    The main reason I just came to this Yelp page is to check their hours, since I plan on eating there when I get out of work at 11 tonight. Might as well write a review... I'm not even vegan and I love this place. Take a special friend here. The BBQ Seitan and Rosemary Fries are the perfect way to say "I love you. And food. Maybe food a little more, but that's just because you just lost your temper trying to find a parking spot in Harvard Square. Whatever, I'm over it. So did you watch the Walking Dead last night?"

    (5)

  • Gail G.

    Love, love, love this place! The service is quick, but the staff is always happy to answer my questions about the food, even when I'm holding up the line. And oh, the food...Clover has turned this picky eater who hates most vegetables into someone who can't wait for lunchtime so she can head over to Clover and get some brussel sprouts or turnips folded into the most delicious sandwiches ever. And the rosemary fries...I dream of them. Often.

    (5)

  • Steph P.

    I was so excited for the brick and mortar Clover to open and was not disappointed on my visit! Same friendly service and delicious food, now new and improved with a place to sit. There are tables and this really long picnic bench like wooden slab with stools. Very cool decor, nice and clean. The menu is pretty much the same, but it seemed even more diverse, which is probably because they have a little more space than in the truck. We had: Chickpea Fritter- always a fave! Turnip Sandwich- a delicious slice of turnip with a honey? sauce and romaine oh my! Borscht Rosemary Fries Vanilla Soda- With vanilla beans and everything! Mulled Soda- Think cider flavors in a clear soda. The sodas are made with their syrups and carbonated water. Simple and My only gripe is that the drinks came out way later than the rest of the food. I don't mind things coming separately, but since they brew each tea individually the drink station gets backed up. I love Clover, its food and its concept and will for sure visit here a lot!

    (5)

  • Lila R.

    The food is awesome here. You can't go wrong (with the food, that is). The experience, however, is an entirely different story. Ordering: the people who take the orders are aggressive and rude, especially if it's your first time going. They sort of rush you along, which actually just makes the process go very slowly, which turns into a huge line. Getting food: TAKES FOREVER. I have been to this place more than 50 times. When they are busy, you could wait 20 minutes. When they are not busy, you could wait the same amount of time. It makes ZERO sense. Also, there is no wi-fi. What? However, the food is great. If the above doesn't bother you, go for it. I wouldn't go if I didn't have such a craving. However, it says a lot that I need to leave AS SOON as I get my food. And afterwards have a huge sigh of relief.

    (3)

  • Cyn C.

    Fast food? Vegetarian? What? A vegetarian friend wanted to treat me for my birthday. I picked this place b/c I don't mind eating vegetarian (I love eggplant) and I love trying new places. We shared the eggplant and egg sandwich, chickpea fritter, rosemary fries, and some winter spiced organic sodas. Each bite was flavorful and filling, though I didn't enjoy the soda as much as I had hoped. I coulda used more fries (so... you might want to get an order for yourself instead of sharing if you love you some french fries). WARNING: if you are not within walking distance, do not live near the T, or have to drive? Be ready to pay for parking or drive around for a bit looking for an available spot on the street. Lunch was about $20 (for the two of us). Parking in the garage was also $20. That becomes a really expensive fast food lunch, even if it doesn't taste like fast food.

    (5)

  • Shane W.

    Eggplant was way too salty. French fries were greasy good. Price was good. Seitan was good with the BBQ sauce. Service was friendly but the staff couldn't read the orders on the tiny iPod screens- messed up our order and name. iPads? Overall good vibe for a quick affordable healthy meal around Harvard square when your vegetarian/hipster friends are in town.

    (3)

  • Joe C.

    Clover, you have a niche, healthy and delicious offering. Why then, do you constantly disappoint me by mutilating it as you hand it to me? Cracked eggs, leaky sandwiches, upside down hand-offs (this one really irks me), arguing with the customer saying "you know, when you squeeze an egg it pops.. you must have been the one to pop it because we never break the yolk" (by the way, I watch you stab the yolk with a kneif each time). I've had about a dozen bad experiences like this in the 1-2 or so years I've been going there. Show a little customer service and a little humility, Clover. Stop arguing with the customer. There's just no need for that, ever. Good food and great service is about care and paying attention to the little things. Show me that, and you'll have 4 stars. You've got a lot going for you but you need to pull it together.

    (2)

  • Dave G.

    Yummy. Yummy, yummy yummy. And yummy.

    (5)

  • Andrew W.

    Cheap good food and open late. food 4/5. (Mostly Vegetarian) atmosphere 4/5. (Hipster feeling!) This is a cute local hipster place that is open late and offer cheap and fairily sized portions of food. The atmosphere here is cheap modern hipster which is the new vibe i guess! The food usually comes out in 5-10 mins. People their are friendly. Food 4/5. If your not sure ask for a sample for food and drinks!!!!! You can tell the food here comes in fresh and possess a high quality. Im not a fan of their soups due to their heathier vegetarian route but nonetheless i think its worth a try if you come here. The teas/drinks they make are usually from high quality tea leaves and fresh berries which give it a refreshing feeling. If you want it to be less/more sweetened etc just them them know and they will tailor it to you. The best here is the rosemary french fries as the fries still give that earthy potato taste while balancing out the sweet and savoriness of the rosemary. Its truly perfectly cooked and a wonderful unification. If you have 5 bucks to spend and your kinda hungry come here! Its prob the most healthier, cheapest and best tasting option!

    (4)

  • Jasmine C.

    This is definitely more "fast food" than healthy: not something for someone wanting to lose weight, but really just good, wholesome filling food that's really convenient. The brussel sprout sandwich is to die for, and I absolutely love it. The japanese sweet potato sandwich is good too (not as good as the brussel sprout) and next in the line of what to order would be the famous chickpea fritter. The mezze platter really depends on what the daily salads are, but it's usually way too much - you'd be better off with just one salad, because the hummus just drowns you and you need to order additional pita on the side to handle it! Also, ++ for free water, great service and a super convenient location/opening and closing times.

    (3)

  • Mrs J.

    Came here for a latte, ended up with the best fresh fruit salad (mango, pineapple, radish and mint). Delicious!! Was greeted by the most enthusiastic person that I thought he was the owner. Gave me a popover to try (very good and I'm sure it's great with sandwich fixins). Did have iced coffee and it tasted very fresh as well. Nice find in Cambridge!

    (4)

  • Angela K.

    Yas. I converted my friend who rarely eats @Clover by ordering Breakfast Popover Sandwich! The sandwich is crisp in the outer layer and soft inside. The texture of popover embracing salty, creamy combination of mayo, fried leeks, roasted tempeh and tomato was a perfect, hearty breakfast. It is filling for a girl but if you are looking for more, check out their yogurt+granola as a side or wash it down with aromatic, deep coffee!

    (4)

  • Damien S.

    Brussels Sprouts Sandwich, live inside my face. I signed the lease for you. You know what I really like? I really like Clover's food. Which I guess can be said for a plethora of plates, the flavors/textures/preparations and what have you sending you to the moon. We all have dishes that we love, but I'm not talking specifics (although, if I were, dat Brussels Sprouts Sandwich doe). I'm talking about their philosophy, their creativity, and the collective feeling I get when I eat here. Everything is wildly fresh, insanely inventive, and meticulously plotted before going to menu. It's like America's Test Kitchen goes rogue on the road, attains a granola-crunchy vegetarian conscience, and opens an institutional (there's much white, and many rounded corners), fast casual eatery. Rosemary on the hand-cut fries? Mandatory. Everything on the menu under $10? Cost conscious. Search for the globe for just the right kind of oven to bake their pitas? True story. And, of course, everything they hand you is compostable. Because Cambridge. Always a front-runner for a quick bite when I'm in Harvard Square, and never fails to hit the spot. Fizz up with their housemade sodas - so refreshing!

    (4)

  • Gillian C.

    I really really loved their sweet potato sandwich when they had it. I used to eat it all the time. I heard the brussels sprout sandwich was amazing, too, while they had it, but due to my hazelnut allergy I never tried it. The other sandwiches are kind of meh for me. There's usually some aspect of it that tastes off / out of balance for my palate. Their rosemary fries are alright. The rosemary is tasty, but the fries are sometimes too soggy for my tastes. I really love their Rhubarb agua fresca they offered this summer, though! So refreshing and delicious. Mostly, I like that this is one of the places I could grab a quick bite by myself. Lots of seating, and a pleasant, open space. Love that everything is compostable, and that they're open late and serve great coffee and beer.

    (4)

  • Molly M.

    I really wanted to like Clover! I'm a big fan of quality, local ingredients and healthy, creative meals. Clover has those qualities, plus its in a cool space and is very affordable. I got the egg and eggplant plate for dinner, and was impressed with the variety of tastes that come with the meal. However, the taste of the food could be improved. The hardboiled egg was cold and overcooked, in my opinion; the eggplant slices were oily; and the hummus was sour and kind of grainy. Additionally, the space seemed a bit disorganized and messy. I do love the philosophy of the place though, so I think I'll give it another try sometime. My friend's sandwich looked delicious.

    (3)

  • Dan C.

    I like Clover. The food and coffee are great, and I like the fact that they change the menu often, prices are good, cheap beer, nice space, etc. But they could definitely improve in many areas. First, the ordering system is unnecessarily slow, confusing, and chaotic. The LCD menu is a nice idea, but it often doesn't actually reflect what's available that day. And just having items like "3PM special" and "daily soup" defeats the point of having a digital menu, which should be easy to update, and not force people to ask what the soups are and so forth. On a related note, the sandwiches/platters should have a description or list of ingredients. During lunchtime, when the line is long, tons of waiting could be avoided if people could figure out what they wanted by looking at the menu instead of asking the employees what the hell the "Pushpir" sandwich is. Then after ordering, you wait until they shout your name for you to pick it up. This is a really bad system. You're either just standing around waiting for your food (which during busy times could take close to 10 min), or if you go sit somewhere else, you have to remain alert to wait for them to call you. Considering Clover tries to use technology in other aspects of business, you'd think they could implement a better system than this. Standing and waiting around is OK for a food truck, but when there's a restaurant space, they should use this to make things more convenient for their customers. Last, seeing as they brand themselves as responsible fast food and highlight their ingredient sourcing (which is great, btw), they really need to provide better nutritional information. The "nutritionals" section of their website never really had much, and it hasn't been updated in years. There's also no information at all in the restaurant itself. For daily special items, I can understand this, but for menu items that have been there for years... there's really no excuse. While Clover is no doubt tastier than typical fast food options (Chipotle, etc.), it's far behind in terms of nutrition transparency. Clover's food is fresh, tasty, vegetarian, and made with good ingredients... but that doesn't mean it's healthy. I suspect Clover's hesitation to provide nutrition info is because the food is not as healthy as many people probably think it is.

    (3)

  • Kevin J.

    Food: 5 Stars Service: 4 Stars Absolutely amazing. Heaven on earth for vegetarians in Harvard Square. They have a variety of innovative fast casual sandwiches or entrees that are all vegetarian and some are vegan too. They have some really cool handmade sodas and also side dishes like rosemary fries. Chickpea fritters is a very popular entree but I feel like any of the sandwiches they offer are delicious. The Miso eggplant is one of my favorites. And the prices are very reasonable!

    (5)

  • Xuejiao L.

    Good food and ppl. just when waiting for the call I cannot hear my name clearly, a little noisy.

    (4)

  • John H.

    this place is original on all fronts from the menu, to the way sales are made (what other fast food joint do you have a cool active display showing sandwich wait times?) , and to the design of the space itself. for the price there is no comparison. i'm an omnivore so the 'vegetarian' label has no significance for me. i eat here because i like the food and it's affordable. is it the best food in the world? no, by those standards, i would give it 3 stars with a 5 star meal going for 10x the price on the rural outskirts of catalonia. is it the best food, service, experience in its class? hands down. my only quibble with the sandwiches is that i wonder if there is too much fatty/mayonaissy taste going on in the sauces (very subtle thing to explain) to compensate for the fact that it's all vegetable based. without the heavy sauces the choice, palate, and seasoning of the vegetables is so brilliantly put together - they don't need to be masked and could stand alone more.

    (5)

  • Kylie S.

    This is a top notch little coffeeshop. It's on the other side of the building that holds Au Bon Pain and the Cambridge Trust. They are new, and still working out the kinks but their coffee is kick-ass, they have great egg sandwiches and popovers, and the vegan BLT sandwich for lunch is delicious. That is all that I have tried so far. It is odd that they have both vegan food and nonvegan but seems like a smart idea. They have a lot of space and aesthetically it is pretty boring (lots of cement, modern, minimalist) but this makes it kind of ideal as a place to stay a long time and work on your laptop without distractions. My only complaint is that they are often not ready to serve lunch at 11 am, which is the time they officially switch from breakfast to lunch and the time that I am usually there wanting lunch.

    (4)

  • Enday G.

    Lovely space at Harvard Square. Good customer service and yummy sandwiches!

    (5)

  • Matt F.

    I tried the brothy mushroom soup today and it was delicious. My dogs would like it if Clover carried (or made) some form of doggie biscuit. As it is, I hook them up outside to get myself something, and then come out of the shop with nothing for them. They give me the sad face, even though they already had doggie ice cream from JP Licks.

    (4)

  • Nho H.

    Chickpea Frita is what I usually get and its great for the price. Would I come here everyday? Nah. Do I crave this?? No, not really. The rosemary fries aren't too special either... just ooook. But maybe Clover can be the one who starts the food truck movement in Boston. That would be cool.

    (3)

  • Michelle C.

    I had to update this review because I visited Clover for a second time. Firstly, I still love the bread and the pickled veggies, and especially the free sparkling water. However, the chickpea fritters this time were VERY dry. I still thought it was a tasty meal overall and a good price, but they need to work on consistently turning out the same quality product.

    (3)

  • Thomas L.

    Clover is so exasperatingly hip, but you just have to let the minimalist vibe and clanky atmosphere wash over (or under) you because the food is pretty good. I've been a couple of times, and enjoyed the soy BLT and the chickpea fritter sandwiches, both served on their signature pita bread. Ordering here is really chaotic: there's a sort-of line by the front door, with sort-of waitrons who take your order on iPods (and take your money and give change with those retro metal coin dispensers that train conductors used to wear on their belts). On my second visit the system was down, so orders were taken with old-fashioned pencils and pads (not iPads!), which made for a longer wait for my food.

    (3)

  • Kristin N.

    It's like if an Apple store sold food. The chickpea fritter sandwich is really good...slightly messy but very filling. Whatever you get, order the rosemary fries.

    (4)

  • Christopher K.

    I love clover and even though I always bring my lunch I somehow end up here at least once a week. The chickpea fitter will be discussed here a lot im sure, but my favorite is the Soy BLT. I dont eat mayo, but this has some herbed mayo that tastes like a piece of heaven. Even better, it has less than 350 calories. Everyone loves the fries, but I am not in love with rosemary so I dont really get it. The soups are what I am constantly the most impressed by. Last week I had a cauliflower puree in some milk base with pine nuts, parsley, and a little bit of curry powder. Amazing. Lots of extra points for dedication to sustainability. If they ever got gluten free bread I would be happy to pay extra for it.

    (5)

  • Kelley E.

    I like this place. The food is good, and the price is right. It has a cool modern vibe, with a very minimalist design and orders placed through smartphones. The sandwiches are on the small side, but they're cheap. I really enjoyed the chickpea fritter (falafel) and fake BLT. BBQ seitan and rosemary fries were ok, nothing special. (I didn't order all of this. I tried bites of friends' sandwiches.) Their drinks are fun and interesting. Strawberry lemonade and rhubarb water were both tasty and refreshing, though next time I will see if I can ask them to put less ice and more actual beverage... The setup of the place is totally confusing though. I've heard great things about the Clover food trucks that hang out around MIT and Boston Common. Maybe they should have stuck to those. The girl I ordered from (after eventually locating her near the digital menus) sounded like she was reading from a script when I asked her questions, with an odd fake unsmiling enthusiasm. When the order comes up, they call your name for each piece of the order separately, so you have to keep running up. And they call your name increasingly urgently if you don't go up quickly... The tables were a little gross, too; I don't think anyone wipes them down during the day. Also, something odd my friend pointed out: with their whole sustainable, good-for-the-environment vibe, why all the disposable dishware and such? Why not have some plates and silverware that can be reused for non-takeout orders?

    (4)

  • E K.

    I love everything here. Rosemary fries are delicious, and so are the chickpea fritters. I had a hibiscus tea as well, and everything was good and reasonably priced. The reason why it's not getting a full 5 is because I did have to wait some time for the food, and with people calling out names and all, it was a little messy and confusing. I'll definitely be back though!

    (4)

  • Mariano A.

    After discovering that they have this location in Harvard Square I don't think I'll be frequenting SOWA market for their food truck as often.The chick-pea fritter (their version of a falafel) is BOMB . I've noticed that you get more or less of the toppings (pickled cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, hummus, etc.) depending on who is working, so depending on my appetite I will sometimes order one and other times order two. Great vegetarian restaurant. Their falafel/chick-pea fritter is as good as it gets in Boston, comparing it to Falafel King (downtown BOS) and Ramis (Coolidge) which I really like, I find myself craving Clover's version more often than the other two. Fries are pretty good if you like the natural taste, remind me of IN-N-OUT fries (for all you westcoast yelpers reading this). I saw a guy eating the sweet potato sandwhich / pita today and it looked really good, he said it was worth passing up on the Chickpea fritter to try this one, so I'm gonna have to try it next time. Their soy bacon is decent, I liked it, but my girlfriend wasn't a big fan. Their drinks are also great, try the home made hibiscus or lemonade drinks. Great coffee too, and whoopie pies on Fridays after 5 make it a nice treat. Great food, very friendly people that work there too.

    (5)

  • Stephanie M.

    Best value in Harvard Sq. Lunch is always solid, with that perfect balance of being filling without weighting you (or your brain!) down for the rest of the afternoon. Staff is always pleasant, and they do a great job of keeping customers informed via their website and twitter. Extra points for being so responsive and welcoming to customer feedback, both positive and negative. Keep the veggie goodness coming!

    (4)

  • Jad A.

    I wouldnt check out a veggie joint for the life of me. I have to credit the casual decor that drew me in while biking around Harvard area. The simple menu is handwritten in a whiteboard and they don't use cash registers. The dude stands there with a coin holster and calculates your order using his iphone. I tried the rosemary fries along with some obscure veggie sandwich in pita bread. Both were scrumpious and would go again and try the chickpea fritter which I found out is really hummus.

    (4)

  • Bram E.

    The mushroom sandwich (it's cold! who knew?) and the bbq seitan sandwich and the rosemary fries are preposterously amazing. (Have you ever been to Ananda Fuara in San Francisco, the place that serves meat-free "neatloaf" which SFers insist must have drugs in it or something, because how on earth could "neatloaf" taste good? Well, the bbq sauce on the bbq seitan sandwich is to the neatloaf what an lsd flashback is to lsd.) (I think. I actually have no idea what those last two things are like.)

    (5)

  • Shang S.

    I'm intrigued, truly. First off, remember that this place is vegetarian, want meat, do not enter! Other than that, I'm the kind of person that loves everything new and efficient but also personal. I love the funky big tree-trunk thing they have for a table on the ground floor. I like their ever-changing menu. I like the super-friendly staff they have who introduced me to the place's concept. I LOVE that they take my order on an iPhone. and wait times estimates... makes me feel like I'm in a Swiss train station. I had the chickpea fritter sandwich as that is one of their most oft-recommended foods.

    (4)

  • Janak S.

    Very healthy earthy crunchy kind of place. I ordered off the kids menu and got the tomato cheddar sandwich, it was quite tasty. The cheddar has a very rich full flavor. We also had the chickpea sandwich which was basically a falafel sandwich, it was okay, nothing to write home about. They don't serve regular soda, so I had to go down the street to get a coke. If you walk down the street to get a coke, you should also get a bag of chips. I had some cape cod chips and they went with the sandwich really well!

    (3)

  • Rebeccah M.

    Great, affordable, healthy, and filling food! Haven't been to the actual trucks yet, but this place gets my vote for a fast and easy vegan option. Read about my whole experience at hungrilyeverafter.com/20…

    (4)

  • Jenna H.

    Clover is a spartanly clean and white (very lab like, appropriate name) little sandwich place in Harvard Square. The food is very reasonably priced, and quite good if not great. I tried the sweet potato sandwich, which the girl I ordered from promised was very spicy, and it was very good, but I didn't find it spicy at all. The rosemary fries however were delicious, hot and salty with fresh sprigs of rosemary tossed in. Overall a good place to get a bite.

    (3)

  • Jesal P.

    Since I last took a look at Clover Food Lab, there's been some expansion: they've opened up a brick-and-mortar location in Harvard Square! Having eaten at their truck, I'm already an enthusiast. But how did the restaurant rate? Walking in, it was a bit chaotic. The line to order begins on the right side just as you step through the doorway. This is actually a bit confusing because the register, kitchen and wait for food all happen on the left side. But after taking a second to assess the system, my dining companion and I figured it out and had our order taken by a hostess armed with an iPhone (to place orders and calculate price) and a coin dispensing hip holster. As we waited for our food, I had time to finally soak in the interior - an industrial-chic space with two floors of wooden, communal tables and white walls, which bounce the light around the airy, open-plan interior. With the kitchen exposed, I could see my food being made and even talk to the cook preparing my meal. After about 10 minutes, I was handed my wild rice soup and my egg and eggplant sandwich. I loved the soup since it was exactly what you are looking for on a cold, busy day. Its base was a well-balanced, flavorful broth. No cream. This means that I not only felt like it was healthy, but it actually was healthy and not food-coma inducing. The rice made it satisfying but not over the top filling. Even though the soup was light, it was still satisfying and there was no way I could have eaten the whole soup and still have finished my sandwich. Which, by the way, was good but not over the top crazy good. It definitely needed some hot sauce, so it's great that they have a whole bowl full of hot sauce right by the cutlery. With condiment added, I really enjoyed my sandwich. It looked great and was given some extra punch and crunch by what appeared to be a cucumber relish. My foodie friend said she was a fan of the chickpea fritter sandwich. So overall, food was good and filling even for a meat-eater. And anything that dispels the idea that vegetarians only eat salad and tofu is a good thing. I'll definitely be going back soon to try their seasonal sandwiches.

    (4)

  • Laura B.

    Clover Harvard Square rocks. It's efficient, inexpensive, and tasty. Best of all it's food in good conscience. All the ingredients are fresh, local (when possible), and organic (when possible). Clover keeps it simple. For that reason alone, it's a must try.

    (5)

  • Lynn D.

    For healthy, tasty food, Cover Food Lab is pretty good. I ordered the chick pea pita sandwich and, overall, was satisfied with my lunch. The place is pretty no-frills. When you go in, there is an employee who will take your order on his/her I-Touch. There's not much from which to choose. There are about four or five sandwiches, some soups, and a few miscellaneous items written on a white board that is sitting on the floor (by the way, I would recommend that Clover raise the board, or place it somewhere else where it's more visible. It was a bit annoying to have to keep looking down near the floor and then up at the person taking the order.) The atmosphere is like a cafeteria, but slightly nicer. If it's a cold day, I would recommend sitting upstairs since it's quite a bit warmer up there.

    (4)

  • Bridget C.

    I went here for lunch on Monday and got the chickpea fritter sandwich and rosemary fries with lavender lemonade. Its was all amazing. The chickpeas fritters were crunchy on the outside and smooth on the inside all of the veggies added a great texture contrast. I think its my new fav sandwich. The rosemary fries were crispy and salty and delish! Today I went again and got the turnip sandwich which was roasted turnips with a delicious apple spread and sharp cheddar cheese. Really really good! I also got the squash soup. Best squash soup I have ever had! Even my own squash soup isn't this good! I hate to admit it I am working a double today and I think I might go here for dinner too! LOL! I want to try EVERYTHING! Its most definitely my favorite spot in the square now!

    (5)

  • Emily H.

    Came here a few weeks ago with friends. I generally eat vegetarian, so I was hoping to love this place. It was okay, but didn't live up to expectations. The chickpea fritter was okay, but not great. Likewise, the Rosemary Fries could have been better. The standout of my meal? Hot ginger lemonade. It was delicious, especially since it was a cold night. I will probably give this place another try, solely because I want to support vegetarian restaurants, but based on my one visit it was not worth it. Plus, everyone talks about how the price is so great --- that's true if all you get is a sandwich, but if you add on fries + drink, it comes out to a pretty average lunch price... but tastes more like fast-food quality than sit-down restaurant. One other complaint -- the food options did not seem much healthier than the typical fast food joint. Clover Food Lab is missing out on a great opportunity to revolutionize the fast-food world by offering healthy, not just vegetarian, choices.

    (3)

  • Jingwei Z.

    Awesome in general. Tables could be cleaned more frequently! A very creative business idea.

    (4)

  • Juan C.

    I liked it better the first time I tried it. Definitely go for the Chick Pea Fritter sandwich. Overall a decent place for a quick, relatively healthy bite. Prices are decent and I have no problem with the iPhone ordering system. I guess it depend son the time of the day because I can see how it could get confusing at the entrance.

    (3)

  • J P.

    Clover is one of my very favorite places for coffee and food in Harvard Square. I love the open feel of the space, the positive attitude of the staff, the philosophy and innovative way they express it, the fresh food, and the fact that so much of it is made in front of your eyes. The BBQ seitan sandwich is my favorite but I have yet to order anything I was not pleased with. The prices are responsible, the sides and salads are always changing and delicious. I started going once and a while in the morning for coffee (the muffins are amazing too) and now I stop by and pick up lunch a couple of times a week. Clover is a great addition to Harvard Square and is quickly becoming my favorite spot!

    (5)

  • Steve L.

    Not a vegetarian, but this place could help me take the trip if I ever decided to go that route. Falafel...perfect balance of crisp, warm, and coarse-cracked chickpea flour. Great tzatziki sauce too. Fries? Pomme frites! The humble potato has arrived. Enough said. Service? Read their credo when you go in. They're serious about this stuff. They even bounce up to you with an Ipod touch to take your order the moment you walk into the place, and you can pay, find a seat (oh yeah, good luck with that, at noon) and chill while your fresh food fast is prepared.

    (4)

  • Amanda M.

    Decided to check this place out today for lunch based on the review in the Boston Globe. Yes, it is all a little confusing and operationally quite odd. Instead of going to the counter you go to the guys standing off to the side with iphones (in a big area that could fit more seating, no less). Then if you want to pay with credit card they have to step four steps behind to the machine mounted on the wall. Then you stand and wait for all the parts of your order to be yelled out separately...drink from the drink person...sandwich from the sandwich person...fries from the fries person...So these factors were leading me to dock off some stars, but the minute I actually tried the food they won me over (and won back all five stars)!!! YUM. I got the BBQ Seitan Sandwich, rosemary fries and Ice Hibiscus Tea. The sandwich was so tasty, moist, and makes you feel good about eating something veggie. The portion is very filling for just $5! So nice to have a new non-burrito, non-Indian buffet option for lunch in Harvard Square. Am really looking forward to more lunches at this place!!

    (5)

  • Eric S.

    I'm not sure about any place that needs this much explanation. You walk in the door and want to order the food you chose from the menu outside, but where do you turn? The people behind the counter kindly directed me to a very pleasant, friendly, and helpful woman with an iPhone standing between two menu signs. Maybe I'm out of touch, but an "Order Here" sign would really have helped. Anyway, the nice woman with the iPhone took a few minutes to explain the menu, take my order, and e-mail me a receipt. I'm a little uncomfortable giving my e-mail out when I order a sandwich. It seemed like they'd hired a person to do a computer's job, typing and scanning and explaining. Anyway, the chickpea fritter is delicious! Pickly, minty, crispy, soft, hot, and cold all in one. I love the decor, which feels clean, casual, modern, and open. Apart from the initial confusion, I feel totally comfortable here. It's hard to beat the price, too, especially on Harvard Square. The chickpea fritter was totally filling for $5.35, tax included!

    (4)

  • Nicole E.

    Im from Chicago and recently visited some friends in Boston who couldnt wait to take me to Clover. While I was reluctant at the lack of meat my meal would entail, I soon forgot all about my carnivorous ways. I walked in and was immediately greeted with a smile. After some food selection deliberation i decided to go with the Chickpea Fritter, Rosemary Fries and Barrington Coffee. Our food promptly arrived and now, even a couple weeks later, I crave this meal everyday. The fritter was fantastic and the fries to die for. And the coffee was the best tasting Ive had (and I drink A LOT of coffee!) While eating we met a very sweet girl with a big personality, Megan an employee, who popped by to say hi and ask how everything was. Not only could we not stop gushing about the food but we reallyappreciated her friendly approach and thought it was great that she even took the time to stop by and chat.....everyone who worked there seemed to have a great attitude made guests feel welcome and want to come back. PLEASE open a Clover in Chicago SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    (5)

  • George C.

    As far as I'm concerned, the efforts of the Clover staff are that of saints themselves. The creators are geniuses! One day I was here, and ordered a fritter and an alagash white. Went to the bathroom, came out, and my sandwich was nowhere to be found! Waited an extra 5-8 minutes...get this. They forgot my fritter so the girl who took my order refilled my beer for free! Now THATS what I call service! Compliments to the chef! I love Clover with my entire being. Everything I've ever ordered has consistently been delish. It's healthy and affordable! Clover Food Lab, and trucks. God bless you.

    (5)

  • Brian G.

    Excellent, quick, cheap. Chick pea fritter sandwich + mushroom 'pate' sandwich, fries w/ rosemary, and great coffee - all awesome! Had breakfast as well, and the egg sandwich - sharp cheddar, tomato, soft boiled egg - was great. Coffee from Barrington was also really good. This will become a regular stop for us.

    (5)

  • Luke M.

    A few friends and I went to Clover the other day for lunch. Although none of us are vegetarians, I think we all generally enjoyed what we ordered. Some items were definitely better than others, though. The Good - The BBQ Seitan -- The crowd favorite. - Egg and Eggplant -- An unusual combination (the eggs are hardboiled), but nice flavor. - Falafel -- Not the best falafel I've ever had, but good by the standards of Harvard Square. As some reviewers have noted, the sandwich is topped with various pickled vegetables. I wasn't bothered by it, but if you don't like pickles be forewarned. The Meh - Mushroom and Walnut Sandwich -- A little bland, but fine overall. The Bad - Soy BLT -- The main issue was that the soy bacon didn't really add anything in the way of flavor or texture. The problem was compounded by the small amount of soy bacon (two thin strips) and the heavy use of mayo, which drowned out what flavor the soy bacon did provide. It didn't taste terrible, but definitely a disappointment. - Rosemary Fries -- Points for distinctiveness; I can't think of any other fast food restaurants in the area that serve these sorts of fries. But on the day we went, the fries were greasy (not in a good way) and soggy. Overall, a good-not-great addition to Harvard Square.

    (3)

  • Slater T.

    One of the most amazing places in Harvard Square. First was invited to Clover by a great friend of mine a few months back, and I've been going back ever since. I've never been disappointed by a meal here. I totally understand that the experimental food might be a little too "out there" for a lot of people, but as someone who generally doesn't like eggplant or mushrooms, the Enzo sandwich is still amazing. The fries, the coffee, the lemonade, and all of the seasonal fare make Clover an amazing spot for a meal. The ambience is also just right, and the fact that you can buy bitcoin in the store now is a big plus.

    (5)

  • Kacey R.

    I love this place! I go to clover at least once a week during the school year to get the chickpea fritter platter. Very delicious, doesn't make me feel like I've eaten a big greasy mess, and cheap! Plus, Clover rotates their salads so you're never getting the same thing twice. I would (and have) recommended this place to many friends! If you just want a snack, their rosemary fries are delicious and fresh-made. Not too oily, either! One thing I wish they had was gluten-free bread...I spoke to a staff member at one point and she said they were in the process of getting their oven approved but - still no bread! There are definitely still GF options, though, so don't worry.

    (4)

  • George Y.

    Found this spot off the beaten path as my friend (who's local) and I (who is not) were just exploring parts of Harvard. What a pleasant discovery. Really friendly service and quick ordering/processing system. 2 drinks and some of their rosemary fries and we were set. The most refreshing part of Clover is that there is plenty of breathing room and it's well lit. So well lit it's almost glowing. Starbucks and their horde of macbook wielding student body would be shocked to see such space go wasted. And as a bonus to my friend, they are very vegetarian friendly. She will be back and whenever I'm in the city, so will I. My only gripe is Clover should nail down or secure the seat backs for the booths along the back wall. I couldn't lean back without displacing the whole seat back.

    (4)

  • Avery M.

    I found the atmosphere of the order area intimidating (they have a "system"), and walked out the first time I was there rather than facing down the hip looking young folks who were going to swipe my credit card on their iPhone. In fact, there is nothing to worry about here. The service is friendly, and the food is to die for. Some of my most memorable meals in Boston have been at this place -- specifically, the brussels sprout wrap! The homemade drinks are also delicious and a step above the competition. I'll be conquering my fears and coming here again in the future.

    (5)

  • Zarzuela K.

    Yummy! The Japanese sweet potato sandwich was great and the 'falafel' (chickpea parties) were good... Went to the Brookline village location for lunch. Couldn't find it on yelp so writing here. Very happy- we were about to go to Cutty's but I wasn't happy with the amount of Pig products on their menu.

    (5)

  • Nick H.

    I could save money for years, obtain a degree in agriculture, get approved for a loan, buy a plot of fertile land for a farm, purchase farm equipment, cultivate the land, plant and nourish coffee plants, hire seasonal labor, harvest the coffee beans, roast the beans, grind the beans and brew my own cup of coffee in the same amount of time Clover takes to dribble out 12oz of coffee. Their system has the equivalent flow rate of a dehydrated tapering piss. I don't know about you but everyone I know has buckets of spare time on their way to work in the morning. Clover's only cashier (the chatty asspipe with an iPhone) spends 5 minutes hamming it up with every wispy personality that walks through the door. I love to wait around and listen to awful people speak to each other in the morning. Coffee is good and the chickpea stuff is tasty. The food would get 3.5 stars if I could rate it separately.

    (2)

  • Matt R.

    Everything at this place could be really good, but the service is upsetting. I think it's a choice made by the owner/management, but seriously ordering here is incredibly stressful. I stood for 5 minutes wondering who to ask about ordering food. The man in front of me making pour-over coffee was right in front of me and did not acknowledge my presence. After a while, I walked to another area of the restaurant looking for a register. Honestly, there was no way for me to know who to order from. I finally asked one of the kitchen people and the pointed at a woman walking around with a phone. All of them treated me like "how could I not know how things work in their restaurant?" I ordered a coffee, and they took my name. i sat down at a chair in the window. At some point the guy behind the counter is yelling words in a sing-song voice. Like a really overly-affected, trying too hard, sing-song voice. I have no idea what he's saying. After a while I realize a coffee has been sitting on the counter for a few minutes. i go up and ask if it's mine. he says "what's your name?" I tell him and he says it's mine. He never made a second attempt to let me know in a clear voice that my coffee was ready. He didn't hand it to me. I picked it up and there was spilled coffee all over the outside of the cup. The coffee was good. Otherwise I was just stressed and felt stupid the whole time. I'm from Brooklyn. I'm used to hipster stores that try and create a "new model" for running a business. But BAD SERVICE is a major no-no. If you're changing things up -- have a sign to explain how things work. Have employees that acknowledge that customers are waiting and tell them they will be right with them. Don't be condescending, and don't let food sit our for a long time if no one responded to your call.

    (2)

  • Ab N.

    I have a new favorite place to eat in Boston! Clover has some fantastically fresh food that they somehow make incredibly affordable. $7 for a falafel platter with the works (falafel, pickle slices, tahini, carrots, coleslaw, and sweet potato salad)? Yes please. Looking forward to trying some of the other stuff on the menu. The atmosphere leans towards hipster, but it's really casual. Big fan of the self serve water and seltzer bar thing. You get your food fast too, which is good, because you'll be hungry :)

    (5)

  • Cindy W.

    Got a breakfast sandwich here which was alright but I loved the sleek interior decoration. Would be a great place for a college student to do homework and the food is inexpensive as well.

    (4)

  • Carrie P.

    Delicious and cheap. They have their issues with the line/iPhone order management system sometimes, but that can be overlooked by their yummy food. I've had the chickpea pita and a few of their daily specials as well as several salads and soups. All of it is good and I can't wait to come back for breakfast! Also - free sparkling water on tap!!! So nice!

    (5)

  • Irene C.

    PROS - chickpea fritter sandwich is most delicious yet healthy thing ever (400 calories woot woot) - cheesy grits with egg is the best grits I've had north of the Mason-Dixon line: filling, cheesy, and well seasoned with salt and pepper - rosemary fries are not too fried, still crisp from the fryer, and the rosemary adds a fresh taste CONS - every other sandwich I've tried (barbeque seitan, breakfast sandwich) has been disappointing - oatmeal in the morning is flavored with some sort of cinnamon sugar, which I wish were optional Stick to what Clover does best: chickpea fritter sandwiches. Note that I don't even like chickpeas, hummus, cabbage, pickles, or pretty much anything in there, but I keep coming back!

    (4)

  • Clarisse S.

    There are a lot of 4 star reviews for this place. I sort of get why: the ambiance is cool and edgy (if you're into exposed brick and open concept spaces), it is one of the few all-vegetarian places in Harvard Square, the staff are decently friendly and the prices are reasonable. But the food is really disappointing. I had the chickpea fritter plate and a side of rosemary fries. My fritter plate came with 3 small and cold pieces of falafel, a side of water-logged carrot salad and extremely watery, loose hummus. The fries were limp and somewhat soggy. I must give kudos to their ketchup; it was the only tasty thing on my plate. Seriously? This is just bad cooking. I also found the waitstaff to be somewhat under trained. One of the staff member's iPhone, which they use to take orders, ran out of battery during our order process. She looked at us and said, "Now my phone is dead. Go over to [another staff member] for help." Kind of rude, right? We went to the other staff member, who was friendly but didn't really know anything about food. Which is fine, but please don't make it up if you don't know. For instance, I asked her if the seitan was gluten free. She thought it could be, but when I told her that wheat is NOT gluten free, she changed her mind. Then she told me to avoid the potato salad because it is made with mayo. But mayo should be gluten free, I told her. Oh, she replies. Ok, I have wasted enough breath. But basically, if you're looking for a good food experience, I'm happy to recommend some other establishments in the area.

    (2)

  • Jamie B.

    So I went back to Clover and got the Egg & Eggplant sandwich, rosemary fries (giving it one last chance), and a coffee - George Howell Borboya. Coffee was great - George Howell is local and a fantastic roaster. Even though they used basic Melitta pourovers, it tasted better than drip coffee. Egg and eggplant sandwich was incredibly salty, and the bread had an odd flavor - like the plastic bag it might have been stored in? Not sure. I love the concept and the veggies but the saltiness was just too overpowering. Fries - hmm. They were crispier this time, but by no means incredible. Not a bad addition to the sandwich, though. I was scratching my head at why they didn't have condiment containers.... I want to love Clover, I really do. I love their overall concept, the fresh ingredients, their place as a local chain, and the way they study reviews and social media to tweak recipes (I was offered a free meal because of my previous, scathing review about the fries, which apparently matched up with other reviewers' recent experience). But I can't help but say it still doesn't live up to the hype. Maybe I'll try again in a couple of months with a different menu item. I hope it'll be better then.

    (3)

  • Christina H.

    Yummy in my tummy. It was my first time in Cambridge and I looked to Yelp for advice on a vegetarian lunch joint and y'all directed me to Clover. It was great! You walk in the door and are greeted by really friendly "dining liaison" who walks you through the menu, offers advice, places the order and charges you in one fell swoop -- standing right there by the door! The food is casual, but gorgeous -- I had a chickpea fritter (falafel) sandwich and some fries with a lavender lemonade. The sandwich had all sorts of lovely veggies in all of the colors of the rainbow -- red cabbage, pickled onions (I think that's what it was), carrots...And the flavors were beautiful. The restaurant itself has a modern, cool vibe...maybe bordering on cold. But it really is a great place to have yummy, balanced, affordable and quick lunch. My crew had a $26 bill for 3 meals and 2 drinks -- not bad at all. Vegetarians will not be disappointed...unless you're a pizza and pasta vegetarian. Then you'll be greatly disappointed. Kisses and kudos to you Clover...

    (4)

  • Celia Z.

    Honestly, there isn't much that gets better than Clovers, in terms of a college students tastes and just as important, budget. A new concept of an all glass exterior and a ever-changing menu made of natural organic ingredients, Clovers definitely has a hip, contemporary vibe. Often on my way from class after a long day or amidst an excuse not to go eat in the dining halls, I'll stop here for a sandwich or snack. The french fries with rosemary are some of the best I have ever had. The fresh potatoes don't get fried until you order, so that you can visibly see it being taken out of the oil and sprinkled with salt and seasoning. The BBQ seitan sandwich really elevates the imitation meat, which often has a bad vibe. The breakfast parfait with fruit is refreshing and fresh, while the egg and eggplant tastes healthy and fattening at the same time, an oxymoronic term that translates in my language to delicious. Friday afternoon whoopie pies are $2, and come straight out of the oven; filled with a gooey, light cream cheese filling, they win my award for the best whoopie pies in the world, though my sample size in terms of variety is not very large. The one thing I still have to try is the breakfast egg-white sandwich. On move-out day last year, I was going to stop there for breakfast, only to falter to my sense of timing as I had to race to the airport without the food. As I left, I promised Clover we would meet again.

    (5)

  • Kyle W.

    I NEVER order food without meat. Had I known Clover was a non-meat food place I would have passed. WOW was that chick-pea-fritter so dang good. I recommend it to anyone even non-vegetarians. I went back breakfast was not as great as I thought it would be. In all, a good spot for lunch.

    (4)

  • Dave M.

    3.5 stars the place was uniquely designed. it was well maintained. the staff was friendly and the service was quick even though it was packed during lunch. we got the egg and eggplant platter ($7), the chick pea platter ($7), BBQ seitan sandwich ($6), and rosemary fries ($3). i didn't know it was vegetarian when i went so i was a little disappointed at first but the food was good although the eggplants in the platter were salty and the fries were a little soggy and thin. i expected fatter fries, not mcdonald's fries but i guess it keeps them lower on calories this way. other than that everything tasted okay to me. overall, i think it's good to try but the food isn't really for me.

    (3)

  • J H.

    I love the food, love the vibe, but the service at the Harvard Sq location was abominable last week! Their speaker was blown out and the music was blasting static, I asked them to fix it or to turn down the noise at least and the manager gave me serious attitude about how their policy is not to touch the volume. It was like a Seinfeld episode where I was explaining to the manager that the policy makes sense under normal conditions but if the speaker is broken then it's...well... crazy to keep blasting static. The broken speaker was in the eating area, not the ordering area, and the manager got all sass and no service with me. I wrote a letter of complaint to Clover management and received... silence. So, loud static when you try to eat, dead silence when you try to communicate? Thumbs down Clover. I expected better from you.

    (2)

  • Katy M.

    The fries live up to their reputation, and other than one time when my sandwich was soggy on a bad day, the chickpea fritter sandwich is always delicious.

    (4)

  • Kate C.

    I go to clover on a regular basis for their breakfast sandwiches. Service has been slow and the sandwich subpar before, but today was by far the worst. I ordered the popover breakfast sandwich and proceeded to wait 15+ minutes. When I finally did get my sandwich, it was cold, in a tiny popover, and had some strange slivers of meat on it. And no egg. A breakfast sandwich with no egg. Needless to say, this was the straw that broke the camel's back, I will not be returning. Bunch of hippies.

    (1)

  • David C.

    Clover's menu might not be very big, but that's probably for the best. I have a hard enough time deciding between the chickpea fritter and egg and eggplant sandwiches every time I go. The chickpea fritter sandwich is probably my favorite of the two, but if I'm in the mood to be healthy (which is rare if I'm eating out), I'll get the egg and eggplant, and I'll choose the plate over the sandwich. The food at Clover is quite modestly priced, with hearty sandwiches and plates running you no more than $7, but some of the drinks can run as much as $3 for a small cup. I don't know about you, but for my money, I'd rather buy another half a sandwich. The staff at the Harvard Square flagship is incredibly friendly, and they seem to have a pretty good system worked out for getting food out to their hungry customers quickly. I went when they weren't very busy, however, and I could barely hear them call my name when my food was ready. I can only imagine how hard it would be to hear your order over a crowd. Perhaps they need a speaker system? I'll take a Clover bakery first though.

    (4)

  • Jiyea C.

    Finally got around to trying to chickpea fritter sandwich Don't really like red cabbage but in this combo, I wasn't toooo tempted to pick it all out. Yes, I sometimes do this in salads, even though I am probably too old to be picky about my veggies and have no allergies. The flavor was good and I thoroughly enjoyed my rather large lunch. I probably shouldn't have tried so hard to finish it haha. This might be a terrible comparison but for some reason, the chickpea fritter sandwich and the falafel wrap at Amsterdam Falafelshop seem comparable in my head. While Clover's location is far more convenient for me, I prefer the Davis Square eatery more than this one.

    (4)

  • Denise A.

    Clover has been an lunch (and quick dinner) staple for me ever since I moved to Cambridge. This place convinced me that vegetarian (even vegan) food is tasty and hearty enough for a full meal. Yeah, I have vegetarian friends who have been telling me this for a while, but you have to eat it to believe it. They've got some classics always on the menu. The chickpea fritter (ie. falafel) platter/sandwich is one of my favorites as was the egg and eggplant sandwich. The only thing was that after a while you do get a bit tired of their basic offerings. Thats where the rotating sandwiches, salads, and soups come in! Among others, I've had the Sharan, the Japanese sweet potato sandwich, tomato and cheese sandwich, and probably my all time favorite...the brussels sprouts sandwich. If you've read some of my other reviews, you'll know that I'm nuts for the 'sprouts and this sandwich certainly does them justice. Heed this warning, however: no matter what sandwich you get, you run the risk of sauce spilling out. Be careful! They have rotating beers, lemonades, teas. Most recently I've had their anise flavored lemonade but they have everything from blackberry, rosemary, beet, ginger, etc. through out the year. They always have fizzy (CO2_ water on tap (they make my day with this) as well as RT (labeled 64F) and cold (42F) water-in case you were wondering what those numbers and letters were. Their rosemary fries are probably my favorite fries in the neighborhood. Maybe a bit oily but always crispy and flavorful. Sometimes I wish B'good and Clover joined up for this reason. Bright, clean space. Great mission. Everything they serve you with is compostable and gets thrown out in the same trashcan (yes!). They've got some plants growing around which is my favorite part of the decor. And you can draw with paper and crayons they provide. Your artwork may be featured on their walls. You can also sign up for farm shares at different points of the year!

    (4)

  • Judith M.

    My sister, visiting from Tulsa gamely tried the bbq seitan sandwich and opined: "don't think I'm a jerk, but IMHO, this place is terminally hip. It reminds me of Grandma's Boy." I agree. Close- but not quite is what I'm saying. Love the free seltzer and the killer octopus of water traps out emits from. Likewise, I dig the ethics of recycling & sustainability built into everything. Also, the cashier was very nice and helpful & cue w that money apron. Here's where we start losing stars: Thank you for the after 3 pm special idea. I love that. However, those onion rings were a tad burnt, and wanted salt. Which I could not find. Yes, I ate them anyway. The coconut lentil soup I ordered appeared as miso. Way over salty miso. The order taker was story nice about getting it switched, but turned out they were out of that and the delicious carrot. Leaving me with African peanut soup. I make a very tasty version and was fine with that. The soup was not fine. I how to hand of both full cups to a denizen panhandler. They may not want it. Kudos to the order taker who gave me my money back with apologies and no tude. I have hope for the dream though, so I'll be back.

    (3)

  • Ashley I.

    I've been here for 4 years and never went to clover. I recently went in, and have been obsessed with it! I've been there almost 4 times in the last 2 weeks! The fritter sandwich is amazing, just add srircha for some tang! Fries are also pretty good.

    (5)

  • N C.

    I really like the concept: they seek to make satisfying fast food that's also fresh and nutritious. They certainly deliver on that. Their various offerings are quite tasty, and they're always working behind the scenes to innovate and improve. However, the portions are on the small side, so I need two helpings to get full, which makes for a pretty expensive lunch. My biggest complaint is with the breakfast. I came here to meet several friends on a Saturday morning. After reading and re-reading the breakfast menu a few times, I was surprised to find nothing vegan. I figured I must be missing something, because what kind of vegetarian establishment doesn't offer a vegan option? So I asked a worker, and he feebly suggested that I get a muffin (which wasn't actually vegan...). It was disappointing that this veggie spot lacked vegan options, and it was even more disappointing that the staff seemed oblivious to this oversight.

    (3)

  • Missy S.

    I've been wanting to try this spot for sometime now. I used to see their food truck around and the line was always there to challenge my patience. This week, I went for lunch with a friend. We tried the chickpea fritter platter and the bbq seitan platter. The chickpea fritters were mini falafels. They were super crunchy, which made them awesome and were served with hummus, pickled cabbage, onions, carrots, and pickles and the bbq seitan (which if you're like me and have never tried seitan, kind of tastes like meat made out of bread) was served in a homemade sweet, tangy bbq sauce with an incredible potato salad which is fresh, and tastes like it may be made with some tihini, and was alone, amazing. The pita is a fantastic addition, served warm and super fresh tasting. Wish the menu had a bit more variety, as I'm not a huge falafel or fried food fiend but definitely worth stopping by.

    (4)

  • Paige C.

    Welcome with samples Fried spuds fresh rosemary love cheesy pimento I went here only once while in Boston, and I was so disappointed... because I knew that it would probably be my last visit for a long long while. I walked in during a not so busy time and was greeted quite pleasantly. They have beer on tap. They have George Howell coffee. They have daily specials. Enormous vegetarian sandwiches for less than 8 bucks. But I had to get fries, of course. Before I ordered, they offered a couple samples of the fillings. I got some amazing pimento cheese cucumber pita deliciousness. Yes. The fries are COVERED in rosemary. Ketchup seemed like an abomination. I'm so sad just thinking about how far away I am...

    (5)

  • Justina D.

    I really like this place: vegetarian food (plates and popovers) , tasty and not pricey. I really like the chickpea popover. They have a nice lemonade also. The place has several locations but this is the best, with two floors and a communal table. Habitués seem to be Harvard students, thirty-something people, usually in groups, and young families (kid friendly).

    (5)

  • Inês L.

    Went back during lunch because I was in a pinch. The good news is that I had a better experience. I got a chickpea fritter sandwich and the rosemary fries. This time the fries were dry, warm and loaded with crispy fried rosemary. It was a generous portion so I really recommend getting it with someone. I also got the chickpea fritter sandwich which was very tasty. I think the sandwich could have used a few more fritters since they're pretty small. I'm not going to lie, at first I thought they were burnt turds but, to my surprise, they're crispy on the outside and fluffy and soft on the inside. But they're tiny and hidden in between all of that hummus and pickled vegetables. I'd get a salad just of those vegetables actually, couldn't believe how much they stuffed in there. My only suggestion is that what they are making is really falafel. Chickpea fritters are actually something else (generally flatter, made of besan and ground chickpeas). I guess I'm only bringing this up because I didn't get what I was expecting. It was still good, but just not what I would consider a fritter, it's more smaller bite size falafel. Overall, better. And, in general, I love their mission and what they're doing. They compost, they use fresh seasonal ingredients, they are always growing. The staff is always friendly, service is fast. I love the overall set up and I love that they do farm shares.

    (4)

  • Gina P.

    Not a vegetarian, but very impressed by the flavors! Best hummus I've had recently! Ordered the chickpea fritter, hibiscus iced tea, and fries with rosemary. The fritter is definitely worth ordering again!

    (5)

  • Jeff C.

    Great breakfast and very friendly! They're very focused on serving up a great product and even solicit feedback on what you're eating and drinking.

    (5)

  • Derek H.

    Amazing customer service! Carbonation on the keg of beer was off, but they comped it. Best customer service I think I've found in Boston, anywhere. Pour-over coffee, BBQ Seitan sandwich, couscous salad, and fries also all great.

    (5)

  • Kelsey G.

    The food here is cheap, fast and delicious. The coffee is a bit expensive (but not by Harvard Square standards) but definitely the best cup in the Square. I typically go for the chickpea fritter sandwich which is a delicious and filling meal- but I also recommend the rosemary fries and the brussel sprout sandwich. For breakfast, I also sometimes get the oatmeal with the pears, and that is a great buy for just $3- healthy and on the go.. also all their silverware and servery is compostable, which is fantastic.

    (5)

  • Vidyadhar N.

    I LOVE IT SOOOO MUCH. I'm not a vegitarian but when I decided to stop by here I tried their chickpea fritter and it felt like a firework in my mouth. Omg I would definetly recommend this to everyone

    (5)

  • Esther J.

    Walked in, someone helped me to order, recommending the favorite falafel, and tried their free carbon water. It was very good. I was stuffed. Look forward to trying other things in future. Harvard Sq can be challenging to find parking, but it was easy that day. Bright, not crowded inside. Good energy.

    (4)

  • Jason L.

    I really, really, like Clover, but I kind of think it deserves three stars. The food is universally and unfailingly good. Of course get the chickpea fritter sandwich, loaded to bear with hummus, pickled onions, red cabbage, and all kinds of good flavors. The rosemary fries are fresh, hot, herb-y, delicious. BBQ seitan is tasty and tangy, clearly prepared with love and attention. Get all that, eat it, leave with a smile. (Also, beer. They have local beer, the good ones). But everything at the Clover restaurant locations is difficult. First, I too often have to stand in a stupid, tedious line. I saw the owner of Clover saying that he wants to open 1000 Clover stores, and it would be great if we could live in a world where such a thing was a reality (I have some doubts about this concept working in, say, Texas or South Carolina, but it would totally fly in Chicago). But they will never get to more than a handful of stores if they don't fix this ordering issue. It takes a while to order your food, and you kind of awkwardly stand next to a person with an iphone to do so. No counter between you, so the interaction isn't entirely unpleasant, but it is just unusual. I see people being awkward about it, and I'm awkward about it And for the love of god, why can't I get a plate or something? I order a sandwich, fries, a beer, and a bubble water. That requires at least two trips to the counter while the folks frantically making the food are screaming my name in a tone that I thought only my mother could generate. I would really like a plate or a tray or something to facilitate this process. Pro tip: since there are no cups or anything for ketchup or hot sauce, use the coffee cup lids to contain your condiments. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful, with a really cool raw wood communal table in the middle, and a striking brick floor with white walls and a trellis in the back with ivy growing up it. Very cool. Very good music selection too. I heard a song from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot followed by the best song from the Heartless Bastards worst album. Good stuff. By all means, go to Clover. Get your fritter on. Be patient though, take a deep breath, and once you are at your table, all your care will melt away in that pickled red onion bliss.

    (4)

  • Tiffany J.

    Quite possibly one of my favorite casual restaurants in Boston. This place is vegetarian, but (wisely) not advertised as such. Best known for their chickpea fritters, but the brussels sprout pita sandwich and egg & eggplant pita sandwich (my favorite) are seriously underhyped. Rosemary fries are a good choice. So is the ginger soda (made with real ginger, not fake syrup!). I also love their free sparkling water dispenser.

    (5)

  • Lola T.

    A great place with great values. Stick with the chickpea fritter (even though it's one expensive falafel) Rosemary fries aren't great , lemonade is good. Minus two stars for terrible service and sub par employees

    (3)

  • Mister M.

    Quality of the food is 4 stars, but quantities are small and orders get overlooked or messed up often. Nobody understands where the line to order begins, and the people who take your order do not seem interested in moving at a reasonable pace. I usually wait 5 minutes before even ordering, and a cup of tea is $3.75! YIKES.

    (2)

  • Erin H.

    I very rarely go out of my way to try veggie/ vegan places, but my friend had heard this place was pretty good. Apparently, it's a very hipster place (seems the definition of a hipster is a bit different in LA). Perhaps I didn't have as good of an experience since I started to feel sick by this time of my trip. I the chickpea pita sandwich, which is basically a falafel hummus sandwich. It tasted ok, not really much different from other falafel places. The portion was decent, and considering that there's no meat in these dishes, it probably would be a filling meal. I also got the lemonade which was pretty tart and tasty. I think most of the items are a bit messy to eat. It's going to get all over the place. That being the case, you should get something to cover your table. There are rolls of white butcher paper all over the place, but they're not clearly marked. I happened to notice them, but no one else seemed to see them and was making messes all around. As I mentioned, I wasn't feeling well, so I didn't finish my sandwich. I asked if I could get a box to go. They do not have boxes for you (I thought they were joking at first, not joking). They just gave me a bag and more butcher paper. Overall, it was an ok experience. Not sure if I'd go back.

    (3)

  • Nathan L.

    Clover is a unique Harvard Square staple for a reason. I'm a huge fan, especially of the breakfast if you can beat the morning rush. The food is quality, often locally sourced, and relatively inexpensive: a combination that is pretty hard to find. I highly recommend the popover breakfast sandwich (unreal), and I've developed an addiction to the rosemary fries. The coffee selection is stellar, and they frequently carry George Howell coffee--a huge plus. The atmosphere during the rush can get wild, but the staff is pretty adept at managing the chaos.

    (4)

  • Lisa R.

    First time I have been to the Harvard Square location. I like Clover for its mission. They serve local, sustainable food for very affordable prices. Food is healthy, but still interesting and delicious. I came here on a pretty busy weekend for lunch. I got the chickpea fritter platter and a side of rosemary french fries. The fritters were fried to a burnt crisp and the french fries came out about 20 minutes after my platter was finished that by the time I got my fries I had finished my meal already. Fries could definitely use salt, but I could not find salt anywhere in the dining area and didn't want to bother to go through waiting customers to ask for more salt. Overall though I still like the concept behind Clover and while some things aren't executed perfectly, I would still return to support a local business with a good cause and mission.

    (3)

  • Greg S.

    Maybe 4.5 stars? I got a popover breakfast sandwich, which was excellent. First attempt at coffee was almost room temperature though. They refunded the coffee and gave me a new (and hot) cup. Making fast food from all fresh ingredients is hard and they seem to be doing a good job at it.

    (4)

  • Amy O.

    awesome in every way. hope they expand to LA, but until they do, Clover is a MUST visit in Cambridge.

    (5)

  • Olivia J.

    I am an ardent meat lover. When I am forced to come here because of my vegetarian friends, I always get the egg & eggplant sandwich and I actually like it! All the others I found rather intolerable. I love their rosemary fries! Also, if you don't mind spending $ on getting a drink, try their tea. They time it so that the tea bag is seeped in water for an appropriate amount of time and the resulting product is great tasting!

    (4)

  • Daisy R.

    Greeted with a cheerful, energetic hello which was just what I needed after a very long day, hoofing it around Boston. Simple vegetarian menu, two choices of locally brewed beers and nice, bright, clean, friendly atmosphere. Could use a bit more Harvard Square hipster funk but it works. The food is fresh, healthy and yummy. The icing on the cake was finding a spot next to an outlet so I could charge my phone.

    (4)

  • Lorenso E.

    I'm far from vegetarian, but I can see why the vegetarians go wild over this chickpea fritter. Strawberry soda was also good. Shoutout to Emma for being so helpful.

    (4)

  • Jennifer Y.

    I'm not a vegan but I am hooked with the concept, their seasonal recipes and their unique pita sandwiches. It's a local delicacy where you can't find anywhere else besides greater Boston.

    (5)

  • Cassandra Z.

    Amazing customer service and even better food!! Love the chickpea fritter and the hibiscus tea is the perfect refreshing summer sip. Thanks to their superb staff, creative menu, quick service and minimalist design - Clover is one of my favorite eateries.

    (5)

  • Susan J.

    Best fries I ever had, and the falafel sandwiches are so delicious. However the noise can be pretty irritating. Background music, yes, but the high-volume blasting? not conducive to a nice lunch. Left me wishing there was a nice park within a block where I could take my food and eat quietly.

    (4)

  • Steven G.

    I've had the opportunity to try a fair amount of Clover's sandwiches, sides, and drinks. There are very few places where you can find this combination of reasonably priced, healthful, and ecologically responsible food options. Not to mention the vast majority of food items are incredibly delicious. Even those items that miss the mark a little bit manage to be inventive and push people outside their preliminary comfort zones. The Chickpea Fritter sandwich is glorious, and is probably the safest option for anybody who is new to vegetarian/vegan cuisine, or is just not generally open to adventurous foods. The Egg & Eggplant Sandwich is also very good, though I found the eggplant itself a little on the salty side (though it could have just been the batch I got). The Pushpir is a very neat take on Indian cuisine, with a fresh and spicy flavor profile. The pour-over coffee is excellent (now serving intelligencia coffee), as are the varieties of Lemonades (i've tried the Cinnamon and the Ginger). The rotating menu items keep the options interesting, despite the day-to-day few items. It's a great place to study for the day, especially if you are a Harvard student; the University Wi-Fi is strong in the building, probably from a nearby affiliate in the building. Great job Clover, keep being inventive, environmentally friendly, and keep those costs down :)

    (5)

  • Wen-fai F.

    I'll admit it, I used to be a Clover non-believer. I used to think that this was just a place for picky eaters and elitists who want overpriced organic food and fancy sodas. There's already enough elitism in Cambridge, and I wasn't excited about yet another business that was promoting that culture. Slowly but surely though, Clover has won over my heart. The chickpea fritter is fantastic as everybody says, but I think the brussel sprout sandwich is really what sold me. Filled with tender brussels, cabbage, shredded carrots, and peanuts, it really is a one of a kind pita sandwich. Recently when I was there, sipping my fancy Vanilla soda (also delicious), I thought, "if this is what the new fast food revolution is, then I'm very excited to be a part of it." It's quick, it's much healthier than any other fast food joint in Harvard Square (or Cambridge, for that matter), and it's affordable on a student budget. It serves up delicious food, and just so happens to be vegetarian. I also like how they market themselves as a "lab" - constantly trying new dishes out on the customer to see what sticks. I've had the pleasure of meeting the owner who is super down-to-earth and has an infectious love for the craft of making healthy fast food. Very happy this place exists in Boston, and would always recommend it to locals as well as people from out of town.

    (5)

  • Heidi L.

    Pros: - the folks who work there are super nice - the space is awesome - the lemonades are tasty - get the apple fritters when they're around! Cons: - the time from ordering to getting your food is really un-fast. Makes it super hard to swing by to get lunch to go, or even to have a working lunch - the rosemary fries are too salty and not really crispy (vs. Garden at the Cellar). similarly, other fried things (except the fritters) have ridiculously heavy batters - the chickpea fritter sandwich, while tasty on the first bite (&my favorite sandwich there), quickly becomes less exciting as you keep going (possibly due to the high proportion of pickled cabbage and carrot)

    (3)

  • Joy W.

    Was looking for a quick but adventurous lunch experience in the Harvard square area, and Yelp pointed me to Clover Food labs. Apparently it started as a food truck and has expanded into brick and mortar. FOOD Per everyone's recommendation, I ordered the egg and eggplant sandwich. Who would have thought that eggs and eggplants go so well together? At first I thought they were trying to be punny and play off the word "egg" but that pairing is genius! (Mostly when the eggplant is fried) Seriously, there was a party in my mouth and another in my stomach. My only complaint is that it was a really messy sandwich - I needed about 4 napkins and wish I had grabbed a knife and fork. ATMOSPHERE It is a really modern space with white walls, hardwood floors and clean cut wooden tables. They have a few tables for 2, a few tables for 4, and a long communal table. I didn't get a chance to visit upstairs but it looked nice from below. SERVICE When you first walk in, there's a person at the door who takes your order in a portable tablet. They send it to the kitchen electronically and you can pay with cash or card there. You can wait for your food since its pretty fast then go sit down. They are a really friendly group of people. Overall, had a great experience and would recommend it for a quick casual lunch. [62 of 100]

    (4)

  • Ida A.

    The most perfectly cooked eggplant I've ever had was in this egg and eggplant sandwich. The eggplant is sweet and salty and the PERFECT texture- crispy on the outside, like custard in the inside. 4 starts instead of five because their hummus is missing lemon juice and it's a tad too thick. And the bread could be better but isn't bad. But I would eat here any day.

    (4)

  • Irene P.

    Overrated, IMO. Boyfriend and I dropped by here for some rosemary fries and a Mediterranean platter of some sort. The platter was just alright and not very generously portioned, and the fries were, mm, flaccid. We couldn't really taste the rosemary. Admittedly, our experience was colored by the privileged polo-shirts-and-khakis-adorned extended white family sitting next to us on the big outdoor table. They waxed prolific about the accomplishments of the son/grandson -- not least of which were his trophies in rowing. Then, after they finished eating, they left ALL of their trash -- five persons' worth -- on the table for the lowly peasants to pick up for them. Ugh.

    (2)

  • Leah B.

    I still love clover, but I miss the Japanese sweet potato sandwich. It was absolutely my favourite, and the plantain sandwich just can't compete. The beans and plantains are just too heavy together. Also fair warning, I found the pushpir sandwich to be very spicy, so make sure to have water near by. In regards to service, I've now been to multiple locations and I'm impressed with the level of service at all of them.

    (5)

  • S C.

    I love clover for it's unique and healthy foods and it's cool atmosphere. The food tastes great and it's a fantastic option for local fast-casual. The only drawbacks are that they can be a bit slow at getting you your food and it sometimes it can be hard to find seating in this popular but small place. But overall always a good experience!

    (4)

  • Alex M.

    Look, people hate on hipsters. And I get it. They can be pretentious. There is also a method to their mayhem. Sometimes the crazy things they do are actually the best way to live a life in a city. Or just to live a life. They also often enjoy well crafted things. That's why you don't find them sucking down Dunkin Donuts coffee. Because it sucks. You know what basically never sucks? A pour over. I have never had a bad pour over. I don't know if it's possible. So this place rules. The coffee was easily the best I've had in Boston. And there was free wifi thanks to Harvard. Thanks Harvard! Now is it a cozy cafe? No. And that's fine. Rarely are pour over cafes cozy. Still, get your damn coffee here. And sit for a few minutes. And enjoy something. The hipsters (and the French) have it right.

    (5)

  • David G.

    BEWARE if you have a serious food allergy or are gluten free. I have celiac disease and although clover food lab seemed to be sensitive to gluten free modifications it came with a saracstic attitude: "do you want us to change our gloves" "should we get an epipen ready?" No one should ever feel stigmatized because of a special dietary need, and the staff should be trained to handle this without snarky comments.

    (2)

  • Philip H.

    Value value value healthy fun tasty! I found out about Clover from a friend's Facebook posting (yay social networking) and went there for lunch and dinner the next day. I went again the next day for breakfast and then again the following week for dinner. Wow 4 times in a week. The first time I went, I got the Beet Soup (really good), the Spice Cider Soda (sophisticated taste, wasn't that great), Rosemary Fries (a must-have every visit, but a little bit more soggy than I'd want... I'd like to see a little more crisp to them), and the Egg-and-Egg sandwich. The staff are very friendly and fun. It's an open kitchen concept, so you can see all the staff making your food, frying your fries. I didn't try them, but they have a cool assortment of organic coffees. The cheap prices, 3.5 star food, and unique atmosphere. It's a great start and I believe that they will continue to utilize customer feedback to improve and refine their selections! I'm cheering for this place and other independent places like this.

    (4)

  • Mike R.

    Clover fall just short of four stars. It makes a great chickpea fritter, their management is dedicated to quality food and ingredients and is constantly innovating, and their abundance of vegetarian and vegan options is impressive. They're also reasonably fast. If you're looking for quick, high quality and low priced vegetarian or vegan food in Harvard Sq. they are a great choice.

    (3)

  • Steve D.

    Tasty, innovative, friendly, fast, good value. Check it out.

    (5)

  • Laura J.

    Good veggie food. I enjoyed my chickpea fritter sandwich, which was pretty good. I love their Friday night whoopie pie...delicious!! I also appreciate their reasonable prices and that all their goods are compostable. The decor is too sterile for my taste (and I'm used to MIT). The music was also a bit too loud. However, I'll be back.

    (4)

  • Susie Q.

    Get the BBQ seitan sandwich. Seriously. It's so good. I tried the chickpea fritter too, and didn't like that one as much, just cause I'm not a fan of onions. I really want to try a bunch of other things on the menu, but haven't gotten around to it because I really want that BBQ seitan every time. I love it very much and I really think that I'm going to marry it. Gosh, I hope it says yes.

    (4)

  • B.Kiddo K.

    Well, I scouted out this place after rave reviews of vegetarian and vegan offerings and figured it would be a nice funky organic spot. Its pretty much a step above fast food. ie. the fries have rosemary. They had one vegetarian option( I believe, at least one they were not "out of" at 8pm on a Friday). At first glance there seems like there are other vegetarian offers but they are fried, etc. I told them to put no mayo on my food and they did even though I told the girl I was vegan. I also asked for aside of tahini and they did not give it to me with my food, they had forgotten. The place is semi clean, you need to pull out paper to put on the ikea-esque tables. People like that, but not so much me. They don't really offer anything to drink either, very few selections and the vanilla soda is just club soda with vanilla added. They were out of most of the menu as well which is very annoying, esp when they can't get t he order right with what they do have. Highly overrated. But, the bathroom is super clean!

    (2)

  • Formerly Picky Eater J.

    Quick service, great food at an affordable price. I suggest the Chickpea fritter plate - you get the same stuff as the sandwich, but in a tray to pick at (and maybe more of it?). Just make sure you ask for the pita on the side, I'm not sure if it's provided automatically with the plate.

    (5)

  • Emeen Z.

    They have Stumptown coffee!

    (4)

  • Are E.

    Food has been tasty each time I've eaten here. Certain things run out so prep with a Plan B. Inventive, affordable, tasty, fast, vegetarian/vegan = excellent. Only four stars simply because the ambiance is not conducive to sitting and relaxing (ultra-hipster decor = not comfortable).

    (4)

  • Elle K.

    I love Clover. Quick, delicious food - made perfectly and with such an interesting blend of ingredients. I always leave feeling extremely satisfied and also healthy. Wonderful sandwiches and plates!

    (5)

  • Jason A.

    Simply awesome. Best deal for great food in Boston Metro. I'm not a vegetarian and you don't have to be to enjoy the food they concoct.

    (5)

  • Dorothy W.

    According to their blog, they will be serving whoopie pies on Fridays. Whoopie, indeedie. Now let's hope they get more organized.

    (3)

  • Jessica C.

    Great! A good, quick vegetarian option. I had the chickpea fritter plate on one occasion -- delicious. On the other, I ordered the BBQ Seitan, which the server standing by the large white menu kindly described to me. It was rather tasty, and I almost forgot I was not eating meat. It's exciting that Clover Food Lab now has a mortar-and-brick location in Harvard Square, after hearing the food truck lauded endlessly by my friend, an MIT student.

    (4)

  • Mitsuo K.

    The sandwiches were very quick to come out and very delicious. However it got very messy very quickly. The hot sauce was quite spicy and I enjoyed that.

    (4)

  • Amanda B.

    I've reviewed the truck on the Common, but I figured I'd cover the sit-down version, too. The main difference here is the staff, I think. While everyone was generally pleasant, I was there at a non-peak time and I had to wait FOREVER for my food. They were slow and chatting with customers and during my 15-20 minute wait, I could see that's what was slowing them down. Nonetheless, here are my feelings on my favorite menu items: Love love love the chickpea fritter "sandwich." The flavors are so layered and it's a great combo of textures as well. From the shredded carrot and pickled cabbage to the fritters and hummus. So. Good. I order it without onions because onions are the devil's ingredient. So good, in fact, that I have not been able to bring myself to order anything else!! I get the craving for the chickpea fritter and that's it. End of story. One of these days, I'll get around to trying something else. The other thing I live for here is the agua fresca. It's delicious regardless of the flavor. Really just fruit-infused water. The tiniest touch of sweet, but mostly mellow deliciousness. I also recently tried the spearmint lemonade and was impressed and hooked immediately. Not too tart, not really sweet, the slightest hint of mint. It was perfect. They also have the square app, so they can accept credit cards. Handy if you're low on cash. Clover recently started profiling their offerings and their nutritional info on their blog. This was a great discovery. I love knowing this as I keep track of my intake.

    (4)

  • Andrew C.

    Good quick healthy is a rare combo these days. Love this place. Coffee is expensive but also amazing.

    (5)

  • Dessa R.

    Usually the emergence of a new vegetarian food spot evokes a disappointed sigh from me. Isn't some tofu option at a normal restaurant enough for you people?! Do you seriously need a whole restaurant? That space could have been used for a steakhouse or something. Coming from a committed meat-eater, if the entrees on the menu didn't have a beating heart at some point, I probably don't want to go there... except when I find myself preparing for a lunch engagement with a vegan friend, scouring Yelp for cheap food options, and coming upon this "Clover Food Lab" at the top of the highest rated list again and again. So we gave it a shot, but I didn't have high hopes. I had the chickpea fritter sandwich. It was very falafel-esque, but far better than any falafel I've had in this whole city! All of the ingredients were evenly spread. The soft pita was packed with moist chickpea fritter goodness and other colorful veggie ingredients that I pretended wasn't there. It was, in a word, fantastic. The rosemary fries were also quite worthwhile, sprinkled with crispy herbs, made on site with fresh potatoes-- and tasted like it. To drink, I had the lavender lemonade, which was refreshingly different. I also tried a sample of the iced hibiscus, which was slightly less sweet, but also very nice. The entire experience was extremely satisfying... and a bit unconventional. When you enter, order right on the floor with the nice folks in the red and yellow t-shirts-- they have iPod like devices to take your order and are extremely patient and knowledgeable. The space is modern and clean, but pretty noisy. They really encourage customer feedback, as evidenced by the humble mission statement scrawled on the wall in black paint, and the open forum for contact on their website. A delicious, progressive, and healthy lunch for less then $10? Even with the absence of meat, it's hard not to love this place.

    (4)

  • Daniel R.

    I walk by this place everyday and after six months I finally went in. I was a little disappointed that they dont serve meat, but I understand why they do not. I talked to a really friendly women with a really werd hat on, I think it was a penguin hat. She was very pretty and that complimented her personallity. I asked her about the Cauliflower sandwich and she stated it was very good, and she was definitlety correct. This was one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. A sandwich without meat tasting this good??? Say what ! it was like I was chewing on a cloud in heaven. It was sooo delicious. If anyone from Clover reads this, thank you for the delicious sandwich, I look forward to the same kind servie and of course the same sandwich as today. Thanks -Danny

    (5)

  • Aaron K.

    Started my order asking about the bread option for the platter. Ordered the platter with bread and guess what when the food arrived, no bread. That apart food is all cold. Maybe good for pure vegans or similar. Not going back.

    (3)

  • Jessica W.

    As a vegetarian, I've eaten many variations of falafel sandwiches. But I'm not jaded yet, and I like Clover's version, the chickpea fritter sandwich, a lot. The pita's loaded with hummus, chickpea fritters and vinegary veggies. I haven't figured out how to eat it without making a mess, so I recommend having napkins nearby and if you're eating with others, they should be people you're okay with seeing you at your not-so-prettiest. I enjoyed the BBQ Seitan and pimento cheese sandwich as well, though the chickpea fritter's my favorite of the three. The rosemary fries, while good, didn't stand out all that much. The star anise lemonade was just very lightly sweetened, which let the star anise flavor really come through nicely. I preferred it over the vanilla soda, which I found a little bland. Next time, I've got my eye out for the agua frescas. The space is very open and bright white, and as an avid people-watcher, I like sitting in the upstairs area overlooking the front door. You can also help yourself to white paper and crayons for doodling.

    (4)

  • Kara B.

    Aah Clover. Yes, I'm a fan. Not the biggest fan since I do love meat. My only issue with this place is that it is selling a concept that seems kool and inspired but its not original. It ripped off all the falafel stands throughout town, the US and the middle east. Its convenient and at times cheap in comparison to its surroundings (SOWA market). I will go hear when I want a safe, bland tasting option.

    (3)

  • Andrew R.

    Wow, the beer here is an insanely good deal. A+++ for that. Fantastic job, Clover. And you know what? Your staff rocks. They're fun, energetic, and playful. And extremely helpful. I finally learned what the heck is in the breakfast sandwich (which seems like a great deal at $3) and what the plates are all about (which also seem like a great deal). They come with pita bread, right? Or was that just for that one girl for whatever reason? At any rate, it still seems like a great deal. But back to the beer...awesome price for local brews. My hat's off to you.

    (5)

  • Erin C.

    I like the philosophy of Clover and its food -- very eco-conscious, seasonal, and local. Also it's pretty healthy and a good cheap food option in Harvard Square. But, they don't always execute their food successfully; sometimes the fries are soggy or the sandwiches bland. (but my boyfriend just said "if I were vegetarian, I would come here all the time") In general, their breakfast oatmeal/granola options are always tasty and the infused drinks and iced teas (that they make in house) are interesting and refreshing. The people behind the counter are also very friendly and fun, so it's a great atmosphere. The main reason that I go to the Harvard square location is the great lighting, good study space, and excellent Harvard wifi signal. I don't mind loud, but if you need quiet then this place is probably not good for you (the minimalist interior design doesn't absorb any noise). The tables and benches are built nicely, not rickety, and big enough for laptops and books (a problem with many independent coffeeshops). Pretty good outlet coverage all around the walls.

    (4)

  • Alek C.

    I really want to like this place. it is the sequel to the slick foodtruck by MIT, serving up minimally-processed vegetarian fare for reasonable prices. I also commend them for going out on a limb and building a new kind of restaurant from scratch. Unfortunately, it doesn't work. I feel like I'm eating inside an Apple store. The place is swarming with employees, but food is slow to come, if it ever arrives. I was the only customer in the barren, whitewashed box - I ordered some of their rosemary fries. 30 minutes later, I was still waiting. Apparently, my order had been lost somewhere between the hostess placing it in her special Clover iPod Touch, and any of the 6 cooks receiving it. 5 minutes were spent by multiple employees fumbling with their iPods, trying to find my order, while others stood by waiting to get the digital order and begin frying my potatoes. what has happened to these people? have we lost our common sense for Apps that promise to be slick and efficient? why did no one call out "one ordah of fries!" and just serve it up? fast food this is not. To Clover, I suggest you downgrade to Restaurant 1.0, put down your gadgets and use your words.

    (2)

  • Jenny L.

    It's a neat vegan restaurant. Definitely get the egg sandwich and some fresh OJ! Service is really, really slow, but prices are decent (aka $7 will get you a sandwich and fries).

    (4)

  • Whitney W.

    Food is good. Wait is kind of long. Sometimes there is way too much sauce on my bbq seitan sandwhich, depending on who your sandwhich maker is.

    (3)

  • Mark O.

    Out son took us there for the breakfast sandwiches and coffee. The ordering experience is strangely a highlight: orders are taken as you arrive by a charismatic wait staff. Food was straightforward, good and cheap.

    (3)

  • Vanhnida B.

    I FREAKING LOVE THIS PLACE! I've yet to dislike anything Ive had. For a normal meat eater to say that, it think its huge! AND they have BEER! The hush puppies are my fav, I will eat at least two before i make it back to my table (about 12 steps). Its fast, easy and super affordable. This is my kind of fast food.

    (5)

  • R G.

    The food was great. I had the chickpea fritter sandwich and the rosemary fries. I didn't find the sandwich overly pickled as some have (every falafel I've had has involved pickled things). the bf also raved about the egg and eggplant. I liked the decor. it was clean and open and I liked seeing into the kitchen, except.... most of the employees behind the counter seemed pissed off to be there. I know most of us probably aren't constantly smiling when we work and they are working very hard, but when you're in a customer service environment where everyone can see you, it's nice to try to remain as pleasant as possible. this especially goes for the girl calling out the orders when they're ready (who is having direct contact with customers). she would angrily yell out the names and was visibly pissed if you didn't leap to grab it out of her hand within five seconds. look, I'm sorry you work at a restaurant that doesn't have plates so you have to stand there holding it, but that's how it is so learn to do it with a smile or move on. I don't particularly care for the whole iphone ordering thing. it seems contrived, a little silly, and creates some congestion right by the entrance. I can deal with it, though. the price is right, the food is tasty,

    (3)

  • Kate I.

    Clover Food Labs is my recent but fond discovery. I went last week, and didn't get a chance to write a review, but I want to give credit where it's due. The space is clean and futuristically minimalist, and I get a tickle of satisfaction when I eat at this environmentally friendly spot: There is little paper waste, unless you consider the roll of paper and crayons for dinner doodling wasteful. (I don't.) Menu highlights include aromatic hand cut fries, punched up with sprigs of rosemary, and the egg and eggplant sandwich. Eggplant's a culinary diva who usually commands a dish with voluptuous meatiness. Ah, my delicious, purple-enrobed vegetable temptress. In this sandwich, however, the eggplant harmonizes well with the egg and hummus. And it is a lovely melody: the sandwich had a lush, velvety texture, the cucumber salad adding a playful nip. I also sampled the BBQ seitan sandwich. I love BBQ sauce on anything, and the seitan may be too chewy for some, but I was satisfied. (Just to coddle my delusions of self-restraint, I want to make it clear that I didn't eat both sandwiches. BUT it wouldn't have been the worst thing...the nutrition stats are super reasonable!) So, I guess it's fair to say that I wanted ALL THE THINGS. Service is zippy and the food was reasonably priced and filling (always appreciated by a broke English major with no jobs/prospects of one.) Delicious, healthy inexpensive food, quick service, and crayons. Really, what more could you need?

    (5)

  • Roxie D.

    This place looks great on paper, but I just can't get it up for Clover- you are deluged with attitude and hipster glares if you step through the door without the requisite skinny jeans and wayfarers. The lines are always crazy long and the staff moves at a glacial pace, even during the lunch rush. I'll pass!

    (3)

  • Carolina S.

    I. LOVE. THIS. PLACE. So much so that I almost don't want to review it for fear it shall become packed with people. A delicious breakfast sandwich on bread straight from the oven, perfectly seasoned tomatoes, lettuce, and a beautifully poached egg all from locally grown and organic ingredients? - $3. Sure you only get the paper wrapper to eat over for the sake of saving resources, and yes the poached egg squirted it's beautiful yellow yolk on the table . . . but it was so delicious. I'm never getting a breakfast sandwich from Bon Pan with pre-cooked frozen egg patties ever again. A steaming cup of fresh local apple cider, piping hot with a cinnamon stick in it? -$2. Friendly human employees cooking the food from scratch before your eyes and chatting you up while you wait in a lovely and secluded, modern-minimalist cafe hidden beside Harvard Real Estate services? - Priceless. While Clover doesn't tend to be very busy in the mornings, the lunch and dinner rush hour can make finding a place to sit difficult. I recommend finding a table and placing your coat (or dinning companion) there *before* you order.

    (5)

  • Nicole P.

    I made a pit stop here yesterday, and I was very pleasently surprised. I was a bit confused when I entered based on the set up, but the young man taking orders was very helpful. I got the sweet potato sandwhich which had a lot going on. The sweety potatoes were a little spicy, and it had a jicama slaw and cilantro dressing to balance out and give it a clean slightly herby flavor. I don't know if it'll be my go to, but it definitely filled me up and made me happy. I think next time I go I'll satiate my 'junk' food craving with their fries and fried pickles. Mmm... fried foods.... I really like the decor, open and inudstrial, but it was a little cold! I kept my hat on!

    (4)

  • Nik B.

    Clover Food Lab redefines fast food. Offering the all-American sandwich, fries and soda in an unprecedented manner. The word vegetarian may stray many away but I assure you, the hearty yet thrifty meal will make you resent the idea of ever having a Big Mac again. The interior is reminiscent of an Apple Store and is further complemented by the fact that the establishment runs on iPhones. A line forms as you enter and your order is taken by someone with one of the Apple devices. The sandwiches range from soy blt to BBQ seitan to chickpea fritter. I ordered the soy BLT sandwich ($5), an order of Rosemary French fries ($3) and a vanilla bean soda ($2). The sandwiches are served in healthy flat pita breads, and always properly decorated with sauce. My soy BLT had the perfect amount of mayo, lettuce and tomato, but could have used a bit more of the tasty soy bacon (which I assume is made in house). The fries were great, fried slightly brown and salted perfectly. The rosemary added a lot of flavor to them. The vanilla bean soda was an excellent complement to the meal, and I loved being able to drink a delicious soda free of high-fructose corn syrup. Several return trips to Clover Food Lab are in order!

    (5)

  • Jordan A.

    This place gets 4 stars with me because: 1. I am not a vegetarian, but every time I meet my boyfriend in Harvard Sq, I pick this place for lunch. 2. Usually my boyfriend is paying for those lunches, so I should be picking expensive places... but I'm not. I pick Clover.

    (4)

  • Rachel J.

    As a longtime vegetarian, I really wanted to like this place more than I did. The girl who took my order was super friendly and spunky, but I thought it was kind of silly when she whipped out her iphone to send my order to the kitchen, which is about 5 ft away. I'm all for technology, but aren't those people close enough to just talk to? My biggest problem, though, was with my sandwich. I had the BBQ seitan, and it just didn't deliver on taste. First of all, the sauce was a bit too salty, and the seitan was a lot spongier (more like tofu), and less chewy than I expected. The best part of seitan is the texture, in my opinion, and they missed the mark on that. The sandwich included leaf lettuce, which unfortunately stuck out and got eaten before everything else. It would have been so much better with something more like coleslaw or cabbage; something with a lot more crunch and maybe a little bit of creaminess to cut the tang of the BBQ. Maybe even jicama? It's not my job to figure this out, but I'd be glad to taste-test potential improvements :-) Criticisms aside, despite my 3-star review I will definitely be back to try more items, and who knows, maybe even up my rating.

    (3)

  • Somers K.

    I like the idea of this place, but it failed to deliver. If you're into odd, vegetarian food, you might like this, but it just wasn't for me. Don't get me wrong, I prefer my sandwiches without meat, but I also like them to taste like something other than a giant pickle. Unfortunately, Clover didn't provide that. Right from the get-go, I was confused. The hand-written menu is bizarre and hard to figure out. Once you do get it, you order from a greeter who uses an ipod to take your order. Yes, this is the Apple store of food service (it looks that way too). I ordered the chick pea fritter sandwich, and my boyfriend got the BBQ seitan. We also both ordered rosemary fries (the only redeeming part of an overall lousy meal). My sandwich, as a mentioned before, tasted like a giant pickle. Everything in it other than the fritters and the hummus (aren't those kind of the same thing...) was pickled. I hate pickles. After the first bite of mostly fritter (which was fine), it was a big pickle. Yuck. I'm still burping pickle. Never again. My boyfriend ordered the seitan BBQ, which he didn't realize wasn't meat. I had to explain that he had just consumed insoluble, elastic wheat gluten after he told me that his sandwich tasted weird. It tasted weird because it was weird. The fries were fine, but you can get decent fries elsewhere. If you want a crunchy, fresh, veggy sandwich, go somewhere else. If you're down with seitan and soy bacon, I guess this place is for you. Clover would not do well in any other place but Cambridge.

    (1)

  • peter b.

    was intrigued! went. enjoyed it. the chickpea plate was a solid choice with some nice sides. apple fritters were excessively frittery, not enough apple, and the red pepper flakes were interesting. jack d'or on tap, nice! day of the dead rosemary? overall, I'd have given it four stars if it weren't for the half-dead rosemary plants sitting in pots at the community table.

    (3)

  • Francesca R.

    The interior is a bit chilly (literally and figuratively) but otherwise lunch from CFL is the consummate lunch experience. It's fast, it's tasty, and it's cheap. I made the mistake of ordering a sandwich and fries the first time I went and nearly had to be rolled out of there. The portions are huge! I love that it's all vegetarian, of the creative, tasty and satisfying kind.

    (4)

  • Heather W.

    A chickpea fritter and those little fried apple fritter ball things = the best cheap meal you can get in Cambridge. And I mean that. I've looked. The only real "negative" about Clover is that there other sandwiches don't come close to the chickpea. Well, another negative is that they don't have those little apple fried thingies all the time. And their lines get out of control because they've set it up like you're in an Apple store (you know, where the guys are checking you out with their oh-so-hip little portable scanner do-dads. (Though I do think they're working on their flow issues.) But seriously, you 100% MUST try this place. The food is cheap, delicious, and the pita bread thingie they make those chickpea fritters in is, I shit you not, made of dreams and fluffy pillows. It's amazing. When I see carb-phobic freaks eating the stuff out and leaving that poor delicious pita by the wayside a tiny tear forms in my eye and my mouth remains open - agape in disbelief and horror. GO! You will love it! I love Clover!

    (4)

  • Elle K.

    I can't remember what the hype about this place was exactly when it first opened - Local ingredients? Vegetarian? Eco-friendly? Something like that. What I do know is this dedicated meat-eater daydreams about two of their sandwiches. 5 BIG fat stars for the chickpea fritter and egg & eggplant sandwiches. 4 stars because I've also tried a soup and the rosemary fries in the past, and I can't for the life of me recall what they were like, which means they were probably somewhere between slightly subpar and average. Their hot cranberry drink is also a little baffling - pink-tinted, slightly tangy hot water with a wrinkly cranberry floating on top? Anyways, on to the sandwiches. - Chickpea fritter Sandwich: Loaded with all sorts of good things - hot hot chickpea fritters, hummus, pickles, shredded carrots, cucumber and tomato, lightly pickled red cabbage (surprisingly good). Drizzled with tahini. It barely fits in your mouth for a bite. Scratch that. It doesn't fit in the average-sized mouth at all. You kind of have to work your way from the edges in. - Egg Eggplant Sandwich: Hummus, fresh cucumber/tomato salad, eggplant (pan-fried?), sliced hard-boiled egg in pita thing. Eggplant is nice and hot. It's almost crispy on the outside despite not being deep-fried or breaded, and kind of explodes in your mouth when you take a bite - hard to explain. Really really good. Menu options are sparse, but honestly, even if there were more options, I don't know if I could tear myself away from these two things. If I somehow do, I plan on trying the cauliflower sandwich next. It sounds dreamy too.

    (4)

  • Laura A.

    i love clover! it's the perfect place to grab a cheap, healthy lunch or dinner. i love the chickpea fritter and the rosemary fries are super delicious. sometimes they also have little treats, like desserts or a side or a soup or something. the coffee is delicious (barrington coffee). i also like that the people who work here seem to really be friendly and love their jobs. i ran the 5k they sponsored back in december and it was a good time (free beers!)

    (5)

  • Bacon S.

    Awesome spot. Definitely ahead of the curve as far as sustainable and healthy food production goes. Everything I tried was great and meat-free which is the big deal: food can taste good and fill you up without having a ton of animals in it. Prices are incredible and the tea selection is as well. Cool idea with the beer too.

    (5)

  • Ernie F.

    Rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up for unique concept and offerings. Ordered (* = recommended) BBQ seitan ($5, seitan is wheat gluten), Iced coffee ($2) Quick Comments: * INTERIOR: Seating is open, spacious, and bright. Bright LCD menus, open kitchen, and a garden upstairs. 2-story seating. * MENU: Vegetarian only. Lacks descriptions. Preparation times listed for each food/drink. * SERVICE: Cashier stands in lobby, answers Q's and takes order. People ask a lot of questions, so the lines can be held up at times. * FOOD: BBQ seitan was good, but benefited from adding chili sauce. * OTHER: Everything is compostable. Free carbonated water! Run-Down + Nice restaurant concept and interior decorations. + Interesting food menu items, food comes out quickly. +/- Great for vegetarians, bad for those who only eat meat. - Coffee pour-overs only 3/4's full, shortchanges people who like black coffee or use little cream. - BBQ seitan could use a little more flavor, but otherwise good. I would come back again because its a great place to grab a quick bite or drink, or to simply sit and surf the web. The concept of the restaurant reminds me of Berkeley :]

    (4)

  • TheKoub G.

    The food was decent but the arrogance of the staff was a real bummer and I will spend my money elsewhere. Here is my conversation with the guy behind the counter: that made my food Me: Can I please have some hot sauce on that? Guy: We don't have any. Me: What about that hot sauce right there (pointing to the commercially made hot sauce in big bottle)? Guy: That is for a specific sandwich and I can't give that to you. Chef orders. Me: Sort of ridiculous, isn't it? I just want some hot sauce. Guy: The chef makes the sandwich how he wants - it would be like you reading Shakespeare in your own words. Me: This isn't exactly Shakespeare we're talking about, is it? Guy: It is what it is. It'd be one thing if he had some ultra special hot sauce - we're talking about Srirachi Rooster Hot Sauce - I find it laughable that they use some commercially made hot sauce that is available in any Asian restaurant in one of their recipes and then compare it to Shakespeare. Shakespeare would call you a plagiarist. Get a life.

    (2)

  • Austin R.

    Interesting concept, very cool space. The egg and eggplant was out of this world. Their hot sauce is killer and their special side, the corn fritters were amazing. My gf had the falafel and surprisingly I wasn't a big fan. A bit too vinegary in my opinion.

    (4)

  • Rachael L.

    Wow. I ate here last night and was blown away. The food is fast, yes, but it's definitely not fast food -- everything felt like it was just cooked with real ingredients, and I was almost overwhelmed by how great it smelled and how much I wanted to try everything on the menu (thank goodness they don't give you too many options or else it would be crazy!). The people working here last night were really friendly and the space feels fun and nicely thought out -- I love the exposed kitchen. If there were more Clover Food Labs in the world, maybe people would understand that vegetarian and vegan food isn't weird or gross -- it can be delicious and it's own great kind of cuisine.

    (5)

  • Kristen C.

    I work in Kendall Sq and there are plenty of offerings for food. But there is something special about the food trucks that inhabit the area. Clover is my favorite, although the others are on par. I am not a vegetarian but fell in love with the Egg & Eggplant sandwich. On first blush, you notice that it's not that big of a sandwich, but its heft more than makes up for its relatively smallish appearance. Take note: eat this when you are not trying to impress anyone. It is ridiculously, deliciously messy! Take a fork and copious napkin. They are two must-have accessories in order for you to devour this sublime sammy. Today it is 6 degrees outside and I fully plan on bundling up and trekking out for some Egg & Eggplant goodness. Oh! And a hot-mulled cider. And maybe some rosemary fries. And then I will tell my employer that I need to have a nap! Bon Appetite!

    (5)

  • Meagan F.

    Definitely tasty, well-seasoned vegetarian food. The new squash curry soup is really good. The Chickpea plate was just ok; I found the hummus to be really oily, not enough chickpea fritters, and I wasn't quite sure how all of the salads went together. The service is quick, but the white walls and open-air venue makes the place really loud around lunchtime. Very healthy and a better option than most fast-food places, but maybe I tried the wrong meal?

    (3)

  • Enay V.

    Had to knock a star off because the person who took my order pocketed my change right in front of me. I had to ask her for it back. kinda weird. Other than that, this place is awesome! best lunch I have had in a long time. AND the price is perfect as is the timing. great place, nice concept, definitely will be back!

    (4)

  • Anthony R.

    Since starting to work downtown, the Dewey Square Clover truck location has quickly become a go-to lunch destination for me, so I was psyched to check out the brick-and-mortar version of Clover. Sure enough, it's quick, healthy, friendly, and delicious -- just like the trucks. Vegetarian without being aggressively so, packed full of flavor, and delightfully experimental without being bizarre. Unfortunately, taxes (which aren't levied at the truck? or are built in?) ruin the exactly-$5-for-a-sandwich thing, so prepare to receive change or bring plastic! Its roots as a mobile establishment are clear, however, meaning that if you're thinking of it as a truck in a store it's great, but if you're thinking of it as a stand-alone fast food place, you're highly liable to enter and leave confused. Yeah, it's super cool that they take your orders on iPod touches at the truck, but it's puzzling to be steered away from what looks like an ordering counter to an employee with a phone. Clover truck veterans will have no problem navigating it, but all the newbies I've brought in have been confused. Fully worth checking out, though, for a cheap and healthy breakfast, lunch, or snack in Harvard Square!

    (4)

  • Marion D.

    Being nowhere near MIT, I'd had Clover envy for months when I discovered the Harvard Square restaurant. It was instant love. While I'm not a strict vegetarian, I love really good vegetarian food, and Clover does a fantastic job -- fresh ingredients, really nice seasonings, creative flavor combinations, and lots of specials to keep you interested. Plus the prices are excellent, and the staff is always nice. I love their soups best -- most recently a spicy, creamy "African peanut," but also a super-loaded mushroom soup and other yummy options. Big fan of the BBQ seitan and the eggplant sandwiches; others have been good but not excellent, I think because the pita they use is dry-ish, so you need a nice, very moist filling for best effects. Best improvement they could make? A Davis Square location...

    (4)

  • Anne C.

    I went on a Friday night around 6:30, quite alone, as I killed time before meeting up with a friend. My checklist was long--inexpensive, nutritious, satisfying, fast, and unpretentious. Honestly? Clover was all of that. $5 got me a sweet potato sandwich that I will probably have dreams about. The place was busy, but not overwhelmingly so (I'd imagine it would be at lunch, though)--and I felt perfectly acceptable sitting at a table by myself alternating betwixt chewing and moaning in delight. The crowd was a mix of students, couples, a few families, and at least one other loner. The noise level was a buzz, not a clatter. I docked a half a star, only because I didn't find the space particularly clean--which stood out in such a stark white dining area (albeit, I was sitting upstairs, which is perhaps less frequently wiped down?). Still, worth it!

    (4)

  • Cory N.

    Chickpea Fritata great Pour over brewed coffee to order iOS POS iPod touches to order and on the line

    (5)

  • Kendall H.

    breakfast is OFF THE CHARTS! its not even fair how good they make their soft boiled egg in the breakfast sandwich, BBQ seitan and egg+eggplant for lunch is also solid. Good ingredients, simple prep, fast good friendly service all at a good price.

    (5)

  • David L.

    Brattleboro, Vermont meets Cambridge, Mass. I appreciate the sustainable ethic here, from fully compostable serving materials to the simple, if noisy interior. The food was right for the price, and inventive. A pita pocket with jimcama and sweet potatoes for five bucks and a basket of fries for three, plus bubbly, carbonated local tap water, free. A deal. Vegans, I think you'll be happy here. Oh, and I'm writing about the Clover off of Harvard Square.

    (3)

  • Ben T.

    I'll be brief; I love this place. And now that they are serving beer, and not just any beer but Pretty Things, I'll be spending more time here. World's best fries? On certain days they have them. I'm thinking this place is going to be nuts in the summertime, what with that big Paris-sized sidewalk they have. Best addition to Harvard Square in awhile.

    (4)

  • Brandon C.

    Men do strange things for falafel. History illuminates this inconspicuous truth. People continue to live in one of the most tumultuous and politically unforgiving areas of the Earth, the Middle East, and I ask myself "how can they cherish a land that brings so much suffering and deem it in various incantations to be holy?" It must be the falafel. I had a chickpea fritter sandwich on a whim at the Comm ave. food truck spot. Though updated, spun and at first seemingly other, this was just a rehash of all the most essential structures that create a great falafel sandwich. Street food, on the street, a concrete revelation that desired the slaughter of a tofu lamb, the anointing of a block of Comm ave. with greasy falafel drippings, and the throwing of shade on those golden-calf-worshippers at Chipotle. So I find out there's a "restaurant" in Harvard Square. I wanted to repeat my falafel revelation but on a grander scale. Bring me to your temple. But there is no temple, they call it a lab, and that's fair because the hospitality felt like an orchestrated social experiment conducted by an underfunded college psych department. The decor is dystopian, like what I imagine Mad Max's children's school cafeteria would look like. A haphazard line forms at the front to put in your order with an iPhone-weilding employee equipped with gun holster cash bank. They take your order, and you sit and wait for your name to be called. They call my name. I go up to find out that they're out of lemonade. I get a hibiscus tea -- sweet, floral, balanced with the tea's astringency. I almost sit down -- they call! I get my falafel sandwich, and they inform me my girlfriend's food is not ready yet but in a socially awkward, unconcerned, maybe even snarky way. They offer me a complimentary sample of fries, but I had ordered a side of fries which I was still waiting on. I go back, and they call again. Finally I've gathered my full order after 3 or 4 calls. And I proceed to enjoy very delicious food in a ransacked, post-apocalyptic cafeteria, waiting for the next round of calculated irritations to test my sympathetic nervous system response. What I wanted from a Clover Food Lab was a food temple that could truly glorify the quality, simple and thoughtful food they produce. I imagined a more worked out, filled out concept for a restaurant, and I respect their minimalist approach and how that has worked for them. But at some point, adherence to principle for the sake of the principle and not for the pragmatic use that principle brings, is when the system breaks. Why even have a lab when the trucks do absolutely everything the lab does and provides the same level of hospitality and ambiance as the sidewalk bench?

    (2)

  • Elizabeth D.

    The concept is definitely unique. I've only tried the hibiscus iced tea. Great flavor. If I were in Harvard Square hanging out for the day, I would definitely return. I just wouldn't make a special trip for it.

    (3)

  • Maria C.

    Friend plantains and fried pickles, need I say more? The lavender lemonade is also superb.

    (5)

  • Mardget P.

    You would not think that a chickpea fritter (why they don't call it falafel, I don't know) would be so alluring--but I can't seem to get enough of the ones from Clover Food Lab! The fritter sandwich is SO good. Every bite has equally distributed, generous amounts of the fritters themselves, pickles, pickled cabbage, carrots, maybe some other veggies that I can't recall--delectable hummus and tahini as well, all packed expertly into a fresh pita. The parsnip sandwich is equally good and equally well-arranged and equally generous. The people who work at CFL are super nice and patient with the confused customers who are not quite sure how to order, where to go, etc. (The one star off is for the aforementioned confusing system--seems like it could be pretty easily organized by just moving some furniture around near the entrance.)

    (4)

  • Holly M.

    Service so good I have not yet finished the meal or left the restaurant. Clover is so damn tasty and affordable, and shamefully I have always taken it for granted and never reviewed. But today, after I ordered my carrot soup, they ushered me over to the counter, told me they were afraid the batch was too salty, and had me try it. When I agreed, they insisted on giving my money back, replaced my first order with tasty lentil soup, and gave me a little extra because they said "the first pour was a little watery". Whaaa? A+.

    (5)

  • Catherine S.

    I wasn't sure what to expect with Clover, especially since I'm not a vegetarian or vegan. But I really enjoyed their food. Love how it's all locally grown, and you can't help but be impressed with the veggies growing upstairs. The place itself has a great, clean, modern ambience, and there's a lot of space to sit down. I had a seasonal sweet potato sandwich that was awesome, and their coffee was good too. Hoping to go back and try the lavender lemonade, sounds so refreshing! This won't be you're kind of place if you want a burger or turkey sandwich, but if you like experimenting, you'll enjoy it here.

    (4)

  • Vincent M.

    Pretty poor. I ordered two things, and neither of them were as I expected. Who knew that 'lemonade' on the drink menu means anything but! Be sure to ask what the lemonade happens to be on that day because it may be some un-lemonade like concoction that makes you start to believe that lemons and sugar should never meet again. And when I said I DIDN'T want my sandwich slathered in tahini sauce, what I meant was I DIDN'T want my sandwich slathered in tahini sauce. But thanks for doing it anyway. When all was said and done - even if my food came as I ordered it/expected - it was overpriced and underwhelming. But alas, Clover has one thing going for it: it's trendy. And the best part about trends? The die.

    (1)

  • Roscoe R.

    I've been to Clover tons of times & REALLY wanna give it 3 or even 4 stars. I'm partial to all things MIT, & I value Clover for its potential, for what it COULD be with a little tweaking. WHAT'S GOOD: 1. CERTAIN FOODS. Chickpea Fritter Sandwich is A+. So are the Rosemary Fries, if the oil's fully drained. Those are the 2 things to get. Soy BLT Sandwich is VERY tasty but is mostly bread with very little filling -- won't fill you up & weighs far less than the Chickpea Fritter Sandwich (same price, both $5). BBQ Satan Sandwich is a little weird but ok. Personally I'd never get the Egg (Gross) & Eggplant (Grosser), but to each his own! WHAT NEEDS WORK: 1. TAKE-OUT ORDER PACKAGING. It amazes me that a fast-food place that's been around for this long STILL can't competently deal with take-out orders (I've gotten Clover to go lots of times & it's NEVER smooth/right). As a result, I'd recommend that you steer clear of Clover for take-out unless all you get is a sandwich (sandwiches are packaged fine). Here's the tale of my latest Clover take-out attempt (TL;DR devotees can skip the next paragraph): It's 3pm on a weekend. I order a Chickpea Fritter Sandwich and a Coconut Shiitake Mushroom Soup TO GO. I should know better, but hey, I'm an optimist! The souper friendly Soup Lady hands me a paper cup of soup & then shouts to the order-takers, "WE'RE OUT OF SHIITAKE MUSHROOM SOUP." I say, "Uh, it's to go." She says, "Oh, ok, lids are back there behind the stairs." [NOTE: If you've been to Harvard Square's Clover location, you know this ritual all too well. It's like some strange rite of passage. That is, if you want anything to go, you're always sent behind the stairs to forage for bits of self-service packaging -- and when you get to that behind-the-stairs wasteland, the ketchup will be empty, the plastic cups/lids or paper bags will be all gone -- you'll never find everything you need to self-package your to-go order.] So I go behind the stairs and find 2 types of lids: One for cold drink plastic cups (with the usual straw hole in the center), and one for hot drink paper cups (with a sipping hole by the lip). So I go back and say, "Umm, Soup Lady, there are no to-go lids for hot soup there -- I just need a NORMAL to-go lid for soup -- A LID WITH NO HOLES -- because it's, like, soup TO GO, you know?" She cheerfully says, "Oh, we know how to deal with that! Just go back behind the stairs & bring me a hot drink lid AND a cold drink lid!" So I comply. She takes the soup-filled paper cup & puts the holy hot drink lid on it. She then puts that entire assembly into a slightly larger plastic cold drink cup & places the cold drink lid on top of THAT. The cold drink lid didn't quite fit due to the size of the hot drink cup inside, but she forced it to mostly fit. "There!" she exclaims, confidently. "All set!" And so I put this Rube Goldberg hot soup container inside Clover's PAPER to-go bag, along with my sandwich, & turn to leave. Feeling a bit dubious, I carry the paper bag carefully & with both hands -- one on the bottom, one on top. Well, I get as far as JP Licks, about 1 block away ... and what happens next was like in slow motion. I feel the side of the bag give way. I know what's happening, so I step aside to avoid food-borne shrapnel ... and SPLATT! There, less than a foot away from a bewildered-looking homeless guy sitting beside the JP Licks entrance, in the middle of a beautiful, unseasonably warm afternoon in Harvard Square, goes my Coconut Shiitake Mushroom Soup, all over the brick sidewalk. Apparently my soup cleverly sneaked past all those ILL-FITTING LIDS WITH HOLES IN THEM, managed to surreptitiously soak right through the side of its PAPER BAG carrier, and proceeded to create a spectacular masterpiece of organic sidewalk art that would've done Sidwalk Sam proud! Less then a half-second later -- I kid you not -- a voice behind me says, "Hey! I work for Clover! I'm a chef there! Go back, tell them what happened, & they'll give you another soup!" So I go back, knowing they were out of this soup (I got the last serving, remember?), and ask for (and receive) a free fries. Yayy (is the sound of a hollow victory)!! 2. FRIES. The Rosemary Fries are super tasty. So what's the problem? They're often WAY too greasy -- as in greasy enough to soak through A PAPER BAG (ahem). Fries shouldn't glisten. Easy fix: drain the fries longer when they come out of the fryolator. 3. BEVERAGES. Clover's beverages all taste sugar-free to me. If you're a super-taster, forget it. Every Clover beverage I've had has been really bitter. 4. CALL-AHEAD ORDERS. DEF call in your take-out order ahead of time ... O SNAP, YOU CAN'T! Why not? CUZ CLOVER HAS NO PHONE! Seriously, guys -- really?! FAIL! 5. PITA-LESS CHICKPEA PLATE. As a million customers have already said, you NEED to include a piece of pita with this item. Hummus requires a bread vector. SUMMARY: Eat a yummy Chickpea Fritter Sandwich + Rosemary Fries on site!

    (2)

  • Betts C.

    I feel like I need to update this review. Having gone back to Clover, oh three times now, I'm a little too addicted to give it only three stars. I have tried the potato-leek soup, which I really liked, and wish I could order a little side of pita to accompany it to make a more filling meal. I love the sweet potato sandwich, and that's become my favorite thing. I think it's entirely filling and I love the cilantro-y sauce and jicama slaw. Jicama is a food that I really adore, and that has been sadly removed from my everyday life since I left Austin, TX years ago. So I'm glad to have it back. I have since tried their fries, which are good and slightly squishy without being greasy. They sort of remove the healthiness of my Clover experience, so they're just a little treat that I try to share with others. Their teas are excellent- I'm particularly fond of the ginger and the hibiscus. The atmosphere and quick service remain enjoyable. And the prices are still good for Harvard Square. They're also doing a great deal to try to make the ordering process less intimidating, which is nice. The giant menu outside allows you the moments of pondering you might need the first time around, and I usually make sure I know what I'd like before I walk in the door so as to avoid stopping traffic. But even if you do end up a little confused or haven't decided while still outside the door, no worries. The staff is understanding and enthusiastic. However, they will likely recommend the chickpea fritter sandwich. I'm going to recommend the sweet potato. But maybe that's just me.

    (4)

  • Morgan T.

    Vegetarians rejoice! Fist Life alive and now CFL. It's like Cambridge has finally been dragged in the 21st century by these two places in terms of vegetarian food. CFL essentially counters Life Alive's focus on grains with awesome pita-wraps like BBQ Seitan and to-die-for rosemary fries. I don't always love seitan stuff, but my wrap was really good. We also had some tasty apple cider. They do coffees and other drinks as well. The interior design is a study in modern minimalism, accented by a huge communal wood table (there booths and small tables as well) and what will be a huge wall of ivy. The space is bright and open, and starkly white. There are lots of outlets for laptoppers. The service was very friendly and fast and the food was just amazing.

    (5)

  • Callan C.

    Fast, affordable vegetarian. Clover is a great spot to grab a quick veggie-only meal. $5 will get you an entree item which is enough for a moderate meal. I got the chickpea fritters, which is a delicious pita stuffed with vegetables and fried chickpeas. Also had the baked potato, which was seasoned with some kind of sour cream or sour cream substitute, chives and some crispy alternatives to bacon. It was good but nothing over the top. The environment at this location is industrial and not really comfortable. Also found that the tables were pretty dirty and the service counter had run out of forks and napkins. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and assume it had been a busy day, plus the food, affordability and speed of preparation makes up for most of the negatives. I'll be back!

    (4)

  • Maho K.

    Ok so first I have to admit I'm not a full time vegetarian, so I haven't really had a lot of vegetarian food. I'm only vegetarian-ish at college/ on campus. In short I don't really know what I'm talking about when it comes to vegetarian foods. Oh, Interesting stat. I just learned, 93 % of their customers are not vegetarian. Anyways... I've only been here twice, but I already really like it. So far I've only had their Chick pea plate and the Chicken fritter. The chick pea plate comes with several chick pea "meat" balls served with some boiled purple cabbage coleslaw, and hummus with olive oil (?) drizzled on top. I like to eat my chick pea "meat" balls with a dollop of hummus and a stab of coleslaw (I usually hate coleslaw), simply scrumptious. It also comes with diced cucumbers served with a nice light dressing, and some mushrooms served with herbs on top, it is a little sour but still quite tasty. The fritter has the same contents (i think), but in the form of a soft shell taco. They serve some scrumptious beverages, delicately flavored with some unique ingredients. So far I've had their lavender lemonade and hibiscus ice tea, both of which were delightfully delicious. I have to say the food is good, but their beverages are a little better, even though I've only come here a couple of times. I like the set up of this eatery too; there is lots of seating available on the first and second floor. They also have crayons and paper for you to draw on while you wait for your order (which won't be long), and when you're done you can tape it to the wall with the tape provided, not just for children. I'm not sure, but I think that this may be an eco-friendly/ conscious business, I think a lot of the dinner ware are compostables or recyclables. Also, I like the concept of this place as well as their food/beverages and pricing, it works very well. It's a unique fast food-ish experience. Even though it isn't exactly a high end eatery, I think it does what they set out to do, if that makes any sense, and for that I give it 5 stars. I will most definitely be returning in the very near future! BUT you must avoid the crazy lunch crowd, they start serving lunch at 11:00, and I think the crowd gets there around 12:00ish or maybe it was 12:30, eh I can't remember, sorry. Oh, by the way, ordering can be confusing for first timers, go to the 2 people holding i pads standing by the signs. Also, if you don't really know what to order, the staff, from what I've seen, seem to be more than willing to help you out.

    (5)

  • Brent H.

    I love this place!!! Super yummy, cheap and healthy vegetarian food done with style and a friendly attitude!

    (5)

  • thermopylae x.

    upon first visit, girl by lcd menus didn't offer info on how joint works never gave a receipt or took the correct order, forcing me to get up and wait in line again, to reorder my beverage restaurant was infested with multiple families of flies, buzzing 'bout floor was greasy, as was the table, and when asked for a cloth to clean it, was given a filthy, warm, gray towel i barely wanted to handle food was pedestrian, bordering on sour and unfit for consumption i was hard-put to not retch in my mouth a little before running out the door this place could use a serious board of health visit

    (1)

  • Xtine B.

    My impression of the area very much reminded me of the area around Berkeley's campus. There was even a Body Shop across the street from the subway entrance! (For the back story to that send me a private message.) The only thing missing was my tie dye-wearin', dreadlock-sportin', freak-flag-flyin' brethren. After walking for 30+ minutes (in circles I might add), I finally found the place. When I researched it I thought it was a food truck so when I landed in a brick and mortar establishment I had to quickly realign my expectations. If you're expecting a typical fast food joint you'll be disappointed. There's nothing typical about this place, thank merciful heavens. The name really fits the place. They actually have prep stations that remind me of chemistry class in high school. :) The menu is a bit overwhelming for the newcomers but with the help of their super friendly staff, I decided to order more food than I could consume in a whole day. So, on to the food....... Chickpea Fritter Sandwich: Excellent, plenty of spice and interesting accompaniments that enliven what could have been a rather boring main ingredient. Not crisp and dense like falafal, these fritters are soft and creamy inside, nicely crisp outside. The bread is outstanding! Toasted, thin, almost pita like but softer with better flavor. The whole thing was fleshed out with pickled red cabbage, red onion, pickles and grated carrot. The sauce is simply perfect, reminds me of a yogurt sauce. BBQ Seitan Sandwich: I had to order this because I'm told it's made in house and I know, first hand, just how hard this is to accomplish. Served on the same amazing bread as my 1st sandwich and dressed with some simple but fresh tomato and lettuce, the seitan was excellent. A bit chewier than mine but great taste and a really good, not over-the-top or over powering BBQ sauce. Rosemary Fries: Yup, they're as good as everyone says but grab one of the homeless and hungry off the street and bring them with because they give you enough to share for sure! I had the hibiscus tea and was overjoyed with it. Just sweet enough to cut the bitter edge. It was oh so fresh and obviously made in house. The funny part about the meal is that I grabbed a little cup of chile sauce to ramp up the flavor (usually absent in most vegetarian eateries)...... I threw it away, never needing to use it. Best place I've eaten at during the whole trip! Bravo!

    (5)

  • Rachel P.

    This is a great vegetarian option if you're in Harvard Square. I got the chickpea fritter sandwich and the rosemary fries. The fries were tasty though didn't have much rosemary. The sandwich was really good, with lots of different flavors (the hummus was especially good). I later shared some whoopie pies - earl grey and avocado. They were fresh made and quite flavorful. Everyone working there was friendly, and I liked how you could watch them cook. I also liked their emphasis on using compostable products, and the fact that you could draw pictures with crayons and put them on the wall.

    (4)

  • Hain L.

    a cool venue with healthy & quick food options. the breakfast sandwich was good (but then softboiled/poached egg on anything is delicious). Yogurt cup with granola was ok but i did not like the apple compote on top at all.

    (4)

  • Michelle L.

    I'm a fan of the sugar shack brunch thing they have going on in March. Honestly, I'd have gone just for the fresh maple syrup. I like that they offer combos-- I'd been expecting the usual a la carte, and trying to figure out how best to sample a bit of everything on the brunch menu without emptying my wallet. I had the pancakes and corn fritters. I had missed the corn fritters when they were a 3 pm special, so it was nice to have a chance to try them. The pancakes were also good, but the maple syrup is (rightly) the star of the show. I've also noticed the drink menu is getting more and more exciting. Fresh-squeezed orange juice, mysterious new flavors of soda and lemonade and tea... Evidently there's a maple syrup soda on the menu right now, which I may need to check out.

    (5)

  • Nita P.

    i come here at least 2x a week from central. solid food, good value for the prices, very yummy drinks, stellar customer service. yes, they fold your sandwich "to-go" in a large piece of heavyweight paper. i've walked 20 minutes with that type of wrapping in my purse with no leak, so no issues there from me. if you're expecting a box... get the platter. if you're a carnivore, or a vegan... yes, there are probably better options for you. but if you just want good food, and either like that it's vegetarian or feel that you don't need meat at every meal, then come here! it really is excellent.

    (5)

  • Cheryl L.

    Definitely a place to go and go again. Very inexpensive, easy and nutritious. Limited menu but that's okay, still a solid resource.

    (4)

  • Cory N.

    Read and heard all the Buzz about this place and about their food trucks around Boston. Little did I know one was in the building I work in! Went for the basics: Chickpea Fritters and the French Fries with rosemary. The place had a pretty cool ambiance, very futuristic feeling and clean but what could you expect with a "Food Lab" in their name. There are employees right by the door to help you with your experience through ordering and getting familiar with their menu, then you pay at the cashier and then pick up at another station. It's pretty sick how you can see the whole process happen in front of you. Back to the food: loved all the veggies they stuffed in the Chickpea pocket and the fries were perfectly seasoned. Will definitely have to try other items on the menu, maybe the Egg and Eggplant with the sweet potato fries.

    (4)

  • Marissa M.

    The atmosphere has a very distinct eco-trendy vibe. The decor is the picture of minimalist contemporary design; the hostess placed my order on an iPhone; and I received my receipt via email. However, I was truly struck by the food selection. I ordered a chickpea fritter sandwich ($5), rosemary fries ($3), and a basil limeade ($3?). Everything was delicious. The portion sizes were very generous. Ultimately, it was too much food for me. I was debating trying their brown sugar lemonade, but I convinced myself that this would be over-indulging and that I would just need to return another day. When I did return, they didn't have the brown sugar lemonade, and I got the strawberry lemonade instead. It was great! Distinct and fresh strawberry flavor, balanced by the tartness of the lemon. This place prides itself on being vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Usually, I am the poster child for carnivores, but this place gave me unique and delicious alternatives to my standby meat dishes. However, to be entirely honest, the basil limeade was my favorite part of the meal; it was just so refreshing and unexpected.

    (4)

  • Maki P.

    As someone who works in Harvard Square, I have always been jealous about my MIT-located-friends' stories about the famed Clover Truck. I am SO excited that Clover is expanding and I plan to make this a regular lunch spot. $5 for a quality, mostly healthy, colorful sandwich is a great deal. The chickpea fritter sandwich reminds me of falafels from my favorite stand in Paris, garnished with bright red cabbage and pickles. The egg and eggplant sandwich has deliciously charred eggplant that warms my heart in the middle of a work day. I'm really not a veggie person and I shun most vegetarian establishments, but this is a really satisfying lunch option. The rosemary fries were also tasty, but I'm not sure they're worth an extra $3 when you could get soup for the same price. I'm not sure how necessary it is for orders to be taken on iPhones, but whatever, I'm here for the sandwiches, not the cash register. And it does make for a friendly vibe with obliging staff milling around the entrance area and chatting you up about the food choices. The space is friendly, bright, and simple, and I'd totally hang out and do problem sets there if I were still in school.

    (4)

  • Ed L.

    I not familiar with the food truck, but stopped in the restaurant on a whim recently and really enjoyed the food. Clover has an odd techfeel throwback cafeteria vibe. I'll bet it gets jammed up at times, 'cause the place is good. Vegan food that carnivores will like.

    (4)

  • Rich M.

    There are few restaurants that I could eat at for every meal - but Clover is one of them. Whether its Egg on Egg (grilled egg plant with hardboiled egg), a simple peanut butter, banana and honey sandwich or Cheesy breakfast grits (with a soft-boiled egg) - Clover has the food that makes my stomach happy. It is simple, inexpensive and unpretentious.

    (5)

  • Lusi F.

    Did not realize this place was vegetarian :( I gave it a try, my friend and I had the chickpea fritters and some type of fake meat sandwich. The chickpea fritters were okay, I would eat it again as a sandwich if others wanted it the fake meat one was...I think I'll stay a meat eater. the layout was cool though as was the service

    (3)

  • Damon I.

    The Food Lab! Sounds ominous, but rather it's completely agreeable in so many ways. This is not fast food, but good, inexpensive food fast in an alabaster austere space. The kitchen is completely open so you can watch your food as it's made after ordering from an affable, ipod equipped employee. The folks working seem to enjoy themselves as they ladle up wonderful seasonal soups, and construct both new and staple snacks. The menu is adaptive and completely vegetarian in it's offerings with few fast food cliches but popular mainstays, like the the chickpea fritter, and the egg+eggplant sandwiches. Follow Clover on Twitter to get updates on delectable specials like apple cider doughnuts in the fall, or refreshing watermelon tea in the summer. On the wall, Clover's mission is clearly written. They want to create something fresh and new, are guided by the thoughts of their customers, and want to continue improving what's already a great thing. Have at it Clover, I hope your mission leads to nothing less than a vegetarian fast food dynasty!

    (5)

  • Alan Y.

    Good for vegetarian

    (3)

  • Pearl T.

    Have you ever noticed how you can't spell Clover without LOVE? Yeah that's how I feel about it. Vegetarian fast food that's cheap and delicious. Their signature chick pea fritter is packed with pickled veggies, hummus, and falafels. It's a flavor overload - the good kind, of course! We noshed on the rosemary fries, which could be a little rosier and a little merrier, but delicious nonetheless! The Venezuelan plaintain pita is full of sweet, melodious plantain. The flavors just melt together in harmony. I swear I heard a full orchestra playing somewhere as I ate it. It can't just be all in my head. It just can't. I think I've found my new (c) Lover.

    (5)

  • Cynthia E.

    My mom and sister came to visit me and we headed over to clover for lunch. I am still getting used to having vegan options around me! I am like a kid in a candy store. The staff was very friendly and informative. I got the BBQ seitan sandwich, my sister got the chickpea fritter platter and my mother got the oyster mushroom sandwich. We all shared an order of rosemary fries with vegan mayo. It was all delish! I can't wait to try out more. It was reasonably priced as well, much cheaper than I was expecting.

    (5)

  • Michelle B.

    I used to like this place but their prices have gone up and as the quality of the food has gone down. Clover is marketed as a healthy, vegetarian fast food alternative but while their food may be vegetarian it is certainly not healthy. Almost all of their sandwiches center around fried vegetables which in my experience have been overly greasy. While the open kitchen set-up is modern it's a little uncomfortable watching the workers stress and yell to each other. They look frazzled and rushed. I used to go to the food truck by MIT before they expanded and the food was much better. I think this is a case of expanding too fast and the quality of both the food and employee management has just really plummeted.

    (1)

  • Michelle S.

    Clover makes the NorCal-er in me rejoice. The place is an experimental, minimalistic, and modern fast casual restaurant with plenty of seating (both downstairs and upstairs) and plenty of windows to let in natural light. You get rung up at the counter on mobile devices/iPads, so don't be alarmed that you don't see any registers! The menu changes frequently but always features some great flavor combinations. The food is fresh, never frozen, and oftentimes organic. This is a place I can trust to get high-quality food for a great price point. There are some staples on the menu - people rave about the rosemary fries and the whoopie pies. I thought the chickpea fritter sandwich was pretty good, but not spectacular - there is a nice tang from the red cabbage. The breakfast parfait with fruit compote is delicious! The yogurt is fresh and a little runny which made me skeptical at first, but the overall mix of the yogurt and generous helping of granola and sliced peaches made for a satisfying and not-too-sweet parfait. I'm not always a fan of vegetarian restaurants, but this is one of my go-to places in Harvard Square for a quick bite.

    (4)

  • Michael Z.

    breakfast sandwich was pretty dull: pita, tomato slice, swiss cheese, egg. probably insufficient to independently stand as a breakfast. somewhat expensive for its complexity and weight. it was painful to watch the kitchen staff fumble with the ingredients. pretty sure my sandwich came to me colder than it should have.

    (2)

  • Xiao Z.

    I've only been to the Clover Food Trucks, and to be honest, I was quite impressed with the overall vibe and quality of food served at Harvard Square. This busy establishment is two stories, with outdoor seating, very high ceilings and white wall paper interiors, giving this place a much brighter and roomier vibe. The actual way to order food is unique in that you are greeted by servers when you walk in with ipads and they will submit your orders directly to the kitchen staff without forcing people to form a line. As for the food, I tried the zucchini tofu sandwich, the chick pea platter, fresh hot coffee and Allagash white. I thought the zucchini was well prepared, the tofu firm, not overly fried, and I really like the bread, which was like an risen pita bread. The chick pea platter was a little bit on the smaller side, but for $7, and trying out the chick peas, the grilled eggplant, hummus and falafel. The coffee was great and the Allagash was amazing as always. While I may not be the biggest super vegetarian place, I think this is definitely one place I'd bring my friends to try out on a Harvard tour. Food: 4 stars Price: 3-4 stars Ambiance: 3-4 stars (lotta chairs, but very uncomfortable) Service: 3-4 stars, I like the individual waiters, but it confused the hell out of me initialy

    (4)

  • Chriss G.

    Woke up after move in with no idea where to grab a solid breakfast. After reading the reviews, I decided to grab a cup of coffee from a very popular local chain and head this way for the chickpea sandwich the reviews rave about; I can skip the eggs today, I figured. Upon arrival, I was promptly greeted by an extremely friendly and personable cashier. Noticing it was my first time, he explained the gist of what Clover is all about: vegan friendly, gluten-free friendly, local. He noticed my cup of iced coffee and offered a replacement from their own reserve, asking I toss out the loser of a taste test. It wasn't a close test. After scarfing down a delicious Popover Sandwich and sucking down an iced coffee, I can say with confidence that I'll be back for that Chickpea Sandwich later this week!

    (4)

  • Lizzie B.

    This is definitely the crown jewel of the Clover empire. I noticed I've reviewed every Clover except for the Burlington location - so I will keep this short... There is outdoor seating in the spring/summer. Because the Republic of Cambridge is a cruel overlord, Clover hasn't secured an outside liquor license .. so NO beer for you on the patio. If you aren't so devastated by lack of libations, outdoor seating is really nice. Clover is located on a quieter street in Harvard Square, tucked away from much of the commotion. Ample seating indoors- upstairs and down. Downstairs is a bit too loud for me - with all the order shouting- but upstairs is a bit more tame. Food times posted on the electronic board, and are generally followed. My delicious salty/sweet Asian inspired Zucchini sandwich came out within the one minute promised. Unlike some of the other Clovers where the rosemary fries suffer from some quality control, Clover Harvard always delivers a large portion of perfectly seasoned awesomeness. Homemade sodas are tart and delicious and always taste as promised. My watermelon soda last night tasted like I stuck a straw into a carbonated watermelon. All the sandwiches are very good. Try to break away from always ordering the Chickpea Fritter. The heirloom tomato, Brussels sprout, pimento cheese, and other special offerings can bring much mouth happiness.

    (5)

  • Jennifer W.

    Vegetarian establishment that prides itself on locally-sourced food. Let's start with the "room for improvement" items so we can end on a positive. The portions here are pretty small for the price, and my friend and I didn't find our selections very filling at all. Also, the options are pretty limited, since I believe they are seasonal. That being said, the food was very tasty. I had the chickpea fritter platter, which was basically tiny falafel with hummus, bean salad, pickled vegetables, and tahini sauce; my friend the eggplant and egg platter, which contained one hardboiled egg and several slices of lightly-fried eggplant. The service was very friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere quite pleasant - wide open, brightly-lite spaces that didn't get too loud even with a number of diners. I admire them for sourcing their food locally and catering to vegetarians, and understand that the sourcing will affect the prices, but I probably won't return unless I want a very light meal.

    (2)

  • Kelly L.

    My boyfriend and I decided to visit Boston on a steamy, humid day and decided to try Clover based on its reviews. I honestly wasn't too excited; I was a vegetarian for 20 years and have eaten lots of subpar meatless restaurant food. Luckily yesterday was an exception. The menu features sandwiches, platters, seasonal sides, and a wide variety of interesting drink options. The ordering process was a bit strange; you have to find the worker with the apple device. Once you've ordered, they give you a time estimate. I loved the various water options; you can even get sparkly water for free. The food came quickly and was delicious. We ordered the chickpea platter, chilled green pea soup, and carrot pistachio salad. The platter had 5 tiny falafel balls with hummus, wild rice pilaf, and some pickled veg. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly filling. It was the perfect meal for a hot day and I would definitely come back.

    (4)

  • Tracey L.

    Clover is an interesting place. They clearly fit the "hipster" label people are throwing around, but for good reason - they are socially conscious. Everything is locally sourced and compostable, and I am a huge fan of that. The experiment sandwiches can be super hit-or-miss, but the heirloom tomato sandwich is SO good. It's seasonal, so def rush here in the summer for it. They take a fairly long time to make food and drinks, so if you're in a hurry, this is not the place to go.

    (4)

  • Christine J.

    really yummy and healthy. the plates are fab, pitas too. I enjoyed everything on my platter. from hummus to falafel, to ferro salad to cabbage salad. may have been a little too much cabbage/carrots tho. but i'd rather that than too much fat/grease, right?! the lemonades and hibiscus ice teas were sooo yummy, not too sweet which is SO hard to find. perfect amount of sweetness in drinks and salt in food. I loved it. only thing is my friend's rosemary fries weren't hot. which was strange bc we waited 10 min for it. hmmmm.. also when she asked for a box to put her leftovers in, they just gave her a sheet of paper to wrap it up....? otherwise a great spot.

    (4)

  • Sarah M.

    Went here for lunch around 2:30 on a Monday. It was not really crowded and we only had to wait about 5 minutes for our food. I got the chickpea platter and we shared the Rosemary fries. The platter was VERY good and filling. Everything was great. The sauce could have used some garlic IMO but that's just personal preference and it was still okay with all the other flavors. The fries were fresh, and delicious. The set up is okay.. Plenty of seating indoors but we sat outside because it was pretty loud even though they weren't too busy. I thought it was a little weird how they have the orders being taken up front and that took a minute for us to realize, but it's not a big deal. Menu was clear and easy to read and everything was very clean including the bathrooms. I would definitely go to them for lunch again!

    (4)

  • Dan M.

    Fun and unique place near Harvard University. We went here for breakfast after touring the campus earlier that morning. They have some interesting "fresh" twists on favorites, like the egg sandwich was served in a pita with tomato and all sounded farm fresh and interesting. But I was in the mood for oatmeal and with the pear topping, it was so tasty and filling and warming. The popover was quite good too. I really liked the free water choices (H2O, CO2+H20) and taps to fill yourself. They have freshly brewed/ground coffee as well. The staff here are very friendly and will help you figure out the menu and the specials. I like that they are creative and offer farm fresh items. And they are very earth friendly with recycling and local sourcing. I wish we had a Clover near where I live.

    (4)

  • Agustin K.

    Hipster vibe to the extreme. I like the idea, i.e. Health and nature friendly concept. But on the execution part, I think the staffs have taken it to the extreme. They're not too welcoming of us non-hippie people. The falafel sandwich is very fresh and quite generous in size. The pickled slaw added a different twist and the falafel is certainly fresh. The sriracha is also nearly. For $6.50 it's very fairly priced. The rosemary fries is also on point. Love munching on the fried rosemary. No trays. You're supposed to rip a piece of rolled paper and use it for placemat. We learned that from one of the regulars who had a really good service from the staffs. I wish they could be a little bit more welcoming to us too.

    (3)

  • Eric R.

    When I lived & worked in Boston area, I ate at clover 10 times a week. The food had great flavor, surprisingly good texture (I'm a meat eater), and you feel good after eating there Jasper and the crew are quick to greet newcomers and offer suggestions... But my favorite times were when he'd say .... "Be sure to come tomorrow... We are testing a new xyz" Oh ya... The popover breakfast sandwiches rule. There are days that a wake up in DC (home now) genuinely upset that I can't grab one of these pieces of magic on my way to work.

    (5)

  • Junwen X.

    Pretty fantastic place here!

    (4)

  • Victoria O.

    Conveniently located right next to Harvard's campus. We went for a late lunch on a summer day, so was a little quiet. I would say it is a bit of a bizarre place, but something I think fits the college crowd. Has a ton of seating and a loft area with seating where it looked like some students were studying. Menu is comprised of a section of sandwiches on toasted pitas and platters, which seem to change seasonally. Ordered the CHICKPEA FRITTER sandwich. The pita was perfectly toasted, lined with hummus, stuffed with carrots, pickled cabbage, pickles, and topped with a tahini dressing. WIll be honest...it was very tasty, but was overstuffed with cabbage and carrots. Would have been perfect if there was just a tad more chickpea fritter. Also ordered the STRAWBERRIES & CREAM. Strawberries are sourced locally and come topped with old fashioned cream and a side of sugar for dipping. Was ok, but would recommend going around the corner to JP Licks if you are looking for something sweet. Worth spending your calories on something else. Had a very cool tap which served club soda and two temperatures of water. Side Note: It was very loud inside and was hard to hear when your order was being called.

    (3)

  • E F.

    Fun & casual. Lots of veggie and vegan options. You get what you pay for, mostly, but with high staff turn-over, you may have to deal with inexperienced staff fairly regularly. The good news is they hire friendly folks. Best: Breakfast sandwich, side salads, fresh squeezed OJ Miss: yogurt (AM), and occasional cold bread on sammies

    (4)

  • Elizabeth J.

    After going here again I am downgrading the rating to 1 star for the following reasons: (1) Hygiene: At least 2 people behind the counter were touching their gloved hands to their faces/body without changing gloves. This was nasty to behold. (2) Portions: They seem to be shrinking. (3) Noise: They blast bad music at intolerable levels. I cannot hear the person across from me. It would be much more pleasant if they did not blast music at all or played ***SUBDUED*** classical/jazz music.

    (1)

  • Krina S.

    A great lunch spot. Pretty good sandwich sizes for only $6. The chickpea fritter sandwich was basically a delish falafel with lots of veggies. The hummus made it a tad soggy after awhile though. They have weird sodas. The chick was super nice and let me try a sample of the kumquat soda, but then when I actually got it they diluted if with seltzer and it didn't taste as good. Still not bad for about $2.50 though. They really need to get some trays though, it's really hard to carry a sandwich (that's barely in a piece of wax paper, and a soda and fries, and make it upstairs to a table.

    (4)

  • Steven R.

    I haven't been inside the restaurant, but I was with a large group that ordered delivery. The food was so good! They have some really unique options and all of it tasted great. Delivered quickly and hot as well.

    (5)

  • Miranda P.

    After hearing a bunch of hype from acquaintances, I recently went to Clover with my boyfriend and was disappointed. I mostly disliked how rigid the menu was. I wanted the breakfast sandwich with a hard boiled egg instead of a soft one (I hate any sort of runny egg), and apparently it's impossible. It's a little puzzling, because I assume they make the egg fresh, so... why not just boil it a minute or so longer? The cashier insisted hard boiled eggs simply aren't an option, so I just let it go. None of the other items appealed to me, so (after the cashier insisted that the breakfast sandwich is awesome, runny egg and all) my boyfriend and I both ordered the breakfast sandwich. I thought it was gross, but that's not surprising. However, my boyfriend loves all sorts of eggs and also said the sandwich was mediocre, so there's that. I do give 2 stars for the cute decor and the cheap prices. They should learn to be a bit more flexible with the options, though. It really wouldn't kill anyone to cook the egg for another minute.

    (2)

  • Jolene S.

    I can't believe it's been almost 4 years of patronizing this location--the egg and eggplant is just as good (if not better) as it was the first time, though a bit more pricy. I got it all over me last time (sorry, jeans + jacket) but it was good! A great, filling dinner spot--open late ('til midnight, saving me from going to Tasty Burger--after a week of burgers all over Boston...).

    (4)

  • Shengzhi L.

    Delicious local, vegetarian food. Extremely affordable. Staff that is excited about their product. Lots of seating. Free crayons and paper to make art with your friends. I've been to Clover over a dozen times in the last couple of years (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and it's never disappointed. The food is locally sourced, vegetarian, and totally delicious -- I am not a vegetarian, but I've always found their options tasty. The chickpea fritter is a classic, and I like the seitan a lot too. Parts of the menu also rotate so you can always come back and try something new. Entrees go for around $7 or $8. They also have creative drinks (I remember a delicious rhubarb tea, and there is always free sparkling water). Note that the meal options, being vegetarian (usually with some tofu mixed in), are very light. You can get some heavier things (like rosemary potato fries), but generally, come here for a light meal. The staff are extremely nice. Although it's a fast casual place (so no table service), the staff are always happy to answer questions. They are actually really excited to talk about their product (despite no tip), and the excitement may rub off on you. There is a lot of seating on two floors. In particular, the place is never very full on Friday nights, so I've gone with student groups there a number of times, and never had a problem finding seats. For the more artistically minded, there are free crayons and paper to draw on, and you can post your creations on the walls afterwards. It's really fun! My favorite vegetarian place in Harvard Square, and a reliable and delicious choice when I want a light meal. Five stars.

    (5)

  • Diana L.

    Pricing = good. Real good for harvard square. I would happily pay 6$ for one of these sandwiches and 5$ for a Pretty Things or Aeronaut beer is quite nice indeed. The fries were kind of mediocre, I wish I had gone with a different side, but they weren't bad. And 3$ is a reasonable price for them. They charged us on square attached to a little iPod and didn't ask for tip (which I appreciated because that tip line always makes me nervous). The beer was good, the service thoughtful, the space is very open and nice with cobblestone floors and huge white walls and ceilings. It's basically a kind of healthy vegetarian fast food option. Compostable everything = very cool. I went here on a date and it was pretty awesome. My boyfriend and I both liked it a lot. The brussel sprout sandwich was awesome as was his bbq seitan sandwich. I'll definitely be back when I want a healthy & affordable bite to eat in harvard square!

    (4)

  • Lee T.

    Come here even if you don't recycle, are not vegetarian, not vegan, are repulsed by granola eating hipsters. It's that good. Get the popover sandwich, oatmeal, and breakfast sandwich. In that order.

    (4)

  • Isabella C.

    Cool new place with a different kind of feel to it! It's almost like an IKEA cafeteria in an odd way, perhaps attributable to the general decor and atmosphere. There's a range of food and it's great as an alternative to a fast food store if you're just looking for a quick bite. They have an unconventional system where you order with one of the staff on a mobile device rather than going up to a cash register. I've tried the fries and the cranberry drink here -- both were great! I loved sitting at the bench tables. I remember in particular enjoying their music -- not quite top 40 but definitely a lot of easy listening. Definitely look forward to coming back and trying more of their food -- in particular, the popovers at breakfast!

    (4)

  • Yun-Ju H.

    This place is surprisingly awesome ! I ordered Cheap fritters sandwich. The size of sandwich is too big to finish for one girl in normal appetite. Whole ingredients of meals are natural, nutritious and high fiber. They use the herbs to flavor the foods and also composed the most "green" foods in it!

    (4)

  • Aaron K.

    Clover has seriously changed fast food for me forever. Fresh, delicious, inventive, you could use a whole bunch of great adjectives (there's another one) to describe Clover. They have the classics like their chickpea fritter sandwich (a modern take on the falafel sandwich with pickled veggies and many fresh toppings). Where Clover truly shines is their rotating specials which feature local fresh veggies. So Fresh and So Tasty. The new fried blue oyster mushroom special featuring kale, tomatoes and some delicious aioli makes me think of an oyster po'boy. The breading on the mushrooms is fantastic. I know people are afraid to go veggie sometimes but I really never miss meat when I'm here. Other rotating specials to look out for are the cucumber and pimento cheese, the heirloom tomato, their Indian sandwich (if you like spicy), and their regular off menu item the soy BLT. This location is particularly special because they even include estimates on how long each sandwich will take to make on the menu! Talk about information overload, in a good way!

    (5)

  • Millie S.

    I can't believe it's taken me so long to eat here - four years of living a 5 minute walk away, yet I just went for the first time. It might just be me, but the menu kind of surprised me as there seems to be a bit of a misperception with Clover - even though it's vegetarian/vegan, keep in mind its offerings aren't so much healthy food as they are veg fast food. That being said, my classic Chickpea Fritter was pretty flawless, and the Soy BLT also delicious. Will say for the latter though that the ratio of filling-to-bread was really off...the 'bacon' itself was great but there was just relatively so much pita compared to it that I couldn't really taste it other than the smokiness. Maybe another slice added in would help? Maybe a bread other than thick, fluffy pita could be used? I ended up taking off half the pita. Prices are surprisingly low, like $6 for a sandwich. I think I've otherwise only seen Bon Me with that pricing. Also, talk to the staff! They're all very friendly and are more than happy to help you choose something if you ask them what their favorites are, what they'd recommend, etc. Addendum: Despite being mostly vegetarian, I never went in before because it seemed so sterile and snooty from the outside ("oh yes i'm so hip and hipster i only eat organic raw free-range all-natural gluten-free sunkissed mountain-spring-water-fed"), and while I now know this was a very premature and misguided judgment, I've also actually met quite a few people who avoid/ed Clover because they're also put off by its image. My point is, if you're at all in that thought camp pleeeease come try this place out! It'll definitely overturn all of those conceptions.

    (5)

  • Kelly R.

    I've only been to Clover a few times. I think most people tend to go for lunch/dinner (and I have, too--I've tried the chickpea fritter and rosemary fries, both of which are good), but recently I've had the opportunity to try quite a bit of their breakfast menu. Of regular breakfast items, my favorite is the popover breakfast sandwich. Though it's vegetarian, I believe it has some sort of meat substitute, so it manages to be quite flavorful. Alone, I don't find this all too filling, though, so if lunch is a long way off, you might want to think about ordering something else to go with it. I have also tried the muffins, plain popovers, hot mulled cider, iced coffee, and oatmeal. Muffins are quite good--go well with either butter or jam, and the popovers are nice and airy. Hot mulled cider was underwhelming but not a bad choice for someone who wants a hot drink that isn't coffee. Iced coffee is nothing special. In terms of their oatmeal, I think the toppings are seasonal, and the one time I've had it, mine came topped with some sort of apple. It came in a cup, which I thought was strange as a for-here diner, but I can see how that would be super convenient for anyone on the go. The oatmeal was pretty good but could have come out significantly warmer; I also would've preferred berries, but I guess it's all seasonal. Another morning, I happened to catch an event they were hosting this morning with Barrington Roasters; somehow, this involved $2 homemade cider donuts, and let me just say--with no exaggeration--this cider donut was THE BEST CIDER DONUT I HAVE EVER HAD. Served hot, fresh, and perfectly soft and even moist on the inside. Overall, a great option for a quick meal whether you want to dine inside (cool, clean space and atmosphere with tons of light) or on the go. One thing I will say is that the wait isn't so bad, but the wait times on the screen are not very accurate.

    (4)

  • Kevin O.

    ****UPDATED 7/17/11 Since drafting an initial review, I've had a few additional opportunities to stop by Clover. On each occasion, the friendly staff have been quite helpful in directing me toward the vegan friendly options on the menu. The consistency with the quality of CFL is a most appreciated factor in why I return to dine there. I've enjoyed all of the menu options that I have tried: BLT (vegan version), BBQ seitan (vegan version), and the chickpea fritter. The rosemary fries are great as a side order. In terms of atmosphere, CFL is a great place to meet with a friend or group of friends over a light, easy meal. It's also an ideal spot for picking up lunch to go if one plans on eating outside in Harvard Square. I definitely recommend CFL to folks working/living in Harvard Square as an alternative to the chain burrito shops down the street.

    (4)

  • Jason M.

    I am a rugby-playing motorcycling adrenaline junkie. I love meat, and I try to eat a ton of protein each day. You would not expect someone like me to go to a vegetarian restaurant often. I come here at least three times a week. They are amazing, fast and cheap. For the n00bs, the order goes like this 1. Order something 2. Say for here or to go 3. Say your name, cause they will call it when the stuff is ready. 4. When they call your name, get the food Some vegans complain that this place is not vegan friendly. That's what the two platters are for, vegans. I enjoy the BBQ seitan. Grab extra napkins, cause the mixture of BBQ sauce and white stuff will spill all over you as you reach the end of this sammich. They have specials every day at 3. Cheesy grits are boring, the fritters are amazing. The mushroom sammich is also pretty darn good, if you like mushroom.

    (4)

  • Katie M.

    I like that Clover is here. Stationary. Accessible to a girl who doesn't work downtown or go to MIT. I dig the vibe, the ideology, the idealistic hopes. And it's super yummy! Hand-dusted rosemary garlic fries, healthy stuffed pitas, pour-over coffee... the apple fritter I shared with a friend was pretty much the highlight of our night. There are kinks to work out, however -- ordering is unnecessarily difficult and the process is so individualized that the food can take awhile depending on how many other people are before you. Their idealism could use a dose of practicality, but as they say on their huge white brick wall, it's not going to be perfect; they're going to make mistakes. And I do appreciate the sentiment. But I hope for the day when some definitive form of organization, as uncool and unhipster as that may be, takes hold!

    (4)

  • Shannon C.

    Checked this place out on a Friday afternoon, it was totally packed. There are people that take your order on an Iphone & the automated board behind them tells you what your wait time is - oh Cambridge. We got the chickpea fritter sandwich, the roasted sweet potato sandwich & some rosemary fries. The chickpea fritter and fries were to die for - seriously delish. The Potato sammie was just ok - really just because the potato was slightly underdone. The jicama slaw on the potato sandwich was excellent. Will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Darja M.

    I really really like this place. It's easy on the wallet and the food is great! The best part is the about everything on the menu is some sort of vegetable/healthy. The staff is friendly and the overall feel of the place is very "hip." I wouldn't come here for dinner, but for a quick bite it's great. In fact, it's so good that I find myself craving some Clover food while in China.

    (5)

  • Rachel E.

    While I believe in Clover's mission of providing healthy, affordable and tasty food, I think it's missing a key component to its food: balancing flavors & textures. I've had the Chic-pea Fritter a few times now, and each time I'm overtaken by either too much pickled flavoring or not enough sauce to balance the patty. The butternut squash sandwich around Thanksgiving was to be promising -- but it was served cold which certainly didn't match with how those veggies are typically served and what I wanted. Last, I tried the Mushroom Walnut - and could only take a few bites before the very tart cranberry dressing overpowered the hardly-noticeable mushroom block inside. Again, the balance of temperatures & flavoring needs work. Though their sandwiches leave me disappointed there aint nuthin' wrong with them rosemary fries!

    (3)

  • P'raka ..

    Just wanted to update my review since I've recently started eating the food here in addition to getting the fantastic drinks. I've had the chickpea fritter sandwich and it is phenomenal - I would definitely recommend it. The rosemary fries are just ok - I wasn't blown away by them. I guess my only concern would be that the sandwich is really quite big and they just give it to you in the wrapper. Maybe I am just a slow/messy eater but I ended up going back to the truck and getting one of the trays they put the fries so I had a "plate" for my sandwich. Also providing some wet-naps would be a nice touch!

    (4)

  • Lindsey J.

    I am a big fan. I first had clover via their MIT truck. The beauty of what comes out of a tiny truck kitchen on wheels in inspiring. Now I come here more often because unlike the truck, this is a bus trip away after work. Here is what you do: order food with the people in front with the iphones, and wait at the long wooden table or meander upstairs. The servers in the open kitchen call you when any or all parts of your meal is ready. It is casual but high quality fast food. The chickpea fritter is bursting with color. I love when the sandwich cook is loose with the tahini. I always want more! A falafel styled sandwich with tahini and hummus? Yes, yes yes! This new brick and mortar store is really interesting, although maybe still a work in process. This is why I've given the place 4 stars. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm absolutely addicted to the rosemary fries and chickpea fritter sandwich. The individual brewed coffees are awesome. The homemade syrups that make sodas kind of like Italian sodas are always refreshing and new. But I'm excited for what else will come. That last star is reserved for all the new sandwiches, ideas, and fixtures that will pop up in this huge space. I like to think of Clover Food Lab on Holyoke St literally like a food truck inside a restaurant, so I'm eager to see how it will evolve and how it will keep trying new ideas into the cafe/fast environment.

    (4)

  • Alexandria V.

    When I first arrived in Boston, Clover was my first intended destination. I wanted to find their food lacking or in teeny-tiny portions (as everything so inexpensive), but no. We almost shed a tear for how simple, and freaking delicious everything was. Thank you, Clover: haven for poor vegetarians with somewhat discriminating tastebuds. Thank you.

    (5)

  • samantha h.

    oh deliciousness all around...and friendly service...and awesome space... i've been to this location three times now, and the trucks multiple times. sandwiches: the soy BLT is my favorite - simple, delicious and filling. they use the same light and tasty pita for all their sandwiches. the bbq seitan is super tasty and gooey with sauce. the chickpea fritter is like a falafel. i love the cabbage in the sandwich. the egg and eggplant is a great combo of grilled eggplant and hardboiled egg. the breakfast sandwich is simple, with a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg, tasty chedder and tomato. popovers are light, airy, eggy. looking forward to when jam arrives! tried the soda with mulled spices - very unique and refreshing. the coffee is strong and adventurous. super all around!

    (5)

  • Emma T.

    So refreshing to have an awesome, healthy food truck like this. I had the eggplant and egg sandwich. So tasty! Cant wait to track them down for breakfast!

    (4)

  • Sassy O.

    One word: Popovers! Okay, 4 words... popovers and fruit salad. Sunday brunch doesn't get cheaper, tastier or easier for veg-lovers. The fruit salad isn't just fruit; it has cucumbers and other vegetables chopped up with crunchy refreshing melon, apple and other fruit. Light and refreshing, perfect summer snack. Add a warm, just-baked popover on Sunday and a cup of tea and I'm happy. When I was in there, it wasn't in-your-face crowded like most of the coffee shops and restaurants in the area. You actually had breathing room. Customer service was quick, efficient and friendly. I liked the decor, off-the wall, funky, and contrary to another reviewer, this place was clean when I was there. Extremely so, which I check closely. If you're in the Harvard area, do stop in on Sunday morning for the popovers, the Sunday local secret.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth A.

    Let me begin this review by saying there is a whole lot to like about this airy, light-filled eco-eatery in the heart of Harvard Square. The concept - healthy fast food - for one, super low prices for another. What's not to dig about $5 vegan sandwiches and $3 craft brews? And the list goes on: an open kitchen, a friendly staff, locally sourced ingredients, a relationship-driven business model, and last but not least, an owner who walks his talk. He's a game changer, that's for sure. So why isn't this a 4-star review? Because, truthfully, I don't love the food. It all tastes kind of the same. It's obviously fresh, but there's something about the way it's prepared that obscures the freshness. I'd recommend it for breakfast - the coffee is individually brewed - or a quick, nourishing lunch. But if you want really tasty and healthy food, I'd head to Life Alive in Central Square for a 5-star salad.

    (3)

  • Nikki K.

    Just stumbled upon the truck in the Common. Loved the chickpea fritter and mint lemonade! Also, LOVE that they accept credit cards outside with an iPhone connector. Will definitely return. Quick and friendly service for a healthy lunch on the go!

    (5)

  • Brian S.

    I'm a self-proclaimed carnivore, but their chickpea fritters are simply amazing. They rotate new types and flavors of lemonade, all of which are fantastic. Everyone is friendly, and the place has a great atmosphere. The place is pretty cheap too; I'll often swing by after a late class for $3 fries and a $4 beer. The Rosemary fries are the best fries in Harvard Square!

    (5)

  • Michelle M.

    Absolutely amazing and healthy pitas. The chickpea fritter is so great, and so are the rosemary fries.

    (5)

  • Alma C.

    Clover may call itself a lab (overt use of tech is apparent from its marketing, POS system, etc.), but it isn't antiseptic. Clover's food is fresh, organic when possible, often sourced locally (CSAs, farms) Basically, Clover's fast food with a conscience (great) and the food is yummy (greater!) to the point that omnivorous me conveniently forgives the no meat menu b/c hot damn, the goodies like rosemary fries, eggplant salad, and lavender lemonade are all very satisfying and very flavorful.

    (4)

  • Meesh K.

    First time here. The layout is amazing! I asked about some of the teas, and Emma was super sweet and patient enough to explain them to me! The hot teas and cold are different! The steep the teas on the spot too, SO COOL! Izeb? (pronounced Iza) was also very helpful and friendly, giving me a great vibe about the place. I tried to tip them, but they don't take any which just proves that they are indeed just awesome, nice people. The hibiscus tea is what I got, although I prefer the hot one, because it has lemongrass and more citrus. :) definitely coming back!

    (5)

  • Leslie H.

    I like this concept of using sustainable and local ingredients, but this was definitely the strangest falafel I've ever eaten. The falafel themselves were quite delicious, well seasoned and crispy when eaten fresh. But the hummus was tasteless and an odd yellow color while the additions of pickled red cabbage and carrot were a bit odd. The added Mediterranean salad of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and seasoning was tasty, but it should have played a more prominent role in the overall wrap. I DID NOT like the added pickles and onions which overpowered the rest of the wrap. I also ordered an apple lemonade, but I definitely received a lemonade that tasted strongly of ginger with no apple flavor. The french fries were okay, but did not have any of the rosemary flavor that was touted. They reminded me strongly of In-N-Out fries, which is not at all a bad thing. Service was quick but strangely expedited. There seem to be several food preparation stations. I was first called to pick up my drink, then the fries, and finally my falafel pita about 5 minutes later. It's not super fast, but at least you know they're making your food fresh. One thing I do appreciate is the fact that they don't overload you with a lot of packaging for your food; you have to ask them for a bag to load all your goodies into.

    (3)

  • Marissa O.

    Was underwhelmed by the breakfast selection. The blueberries (in season) were tasty with the oatmeal. The place seemed awfully empty... It was an odd vibe and set-up. We got what we needed: a quick small breakfast, tea, and coffee.

    (3)

  • Kevin O.

    I wanted to like clover, I really did. I gave it 4 tries and it never lived up to my expectation. Something always goes wrong. The first time I got an egg and eggplant sandwich and it came with so much stuff that I didn't know was on there. They make the menu vague so that the customers have to interact with the employees but that, along with the cashier just being a guy with an iPhone, makes for a lot of confused people awkwardly standing by the counter. The sandwich was mediocre at best. They also don't give cardboard cup holders for coffee to "save paper" but end up double cupping all the drinks because they are too hot. Another time I got the Rosemary fries and the fry cook clearly never used a deep frier. They were over cooked and starchy, and not nearly a big enough portion for the price. The only redeeming quality of clover is the excellent coffee, but the price ($3.50!) makes it not worth it. Clover has potential but needs time to get their act together.

    (2)

  • Wallace M.

    Its a great concept and has a lot of potential. And yes we all like the fries. But is just me or is anyone else tired of this limited menu?

    (2)

  • Julia F.

    Vanilla soda is killer.

    (4)

  • Alexandra M.

    The staff were super helpful about the choices and I love their moneybelts! I got the chickpea plate with a potato salad. Not a big fan of their standard salad--too much pickled food (radish, carrot and cabbage taking up nearly half tye box) and not enough chickpea! Well...it was enough but I was so good I could easily have eaten more. Tge potato salad was great--very creamy. I aslo got a paw paw soda. It tasted like apple-pear but needed to be mixed a bit more--I got a mouthfull of just syrup at one point.

    (4)

  • Ayelet R.

    I've been to a few of their locations and trucks, but I'm reviewing on this one since this is one I've had the most often, and it's also the most comfortable and spacious location. Though the concept of Clover is a vegetarian alternative to fast food, I consider it perfect comfort food. I usually order the chickpea fritter, which is basically a falafel sandwich. Still, even with the misnomer, it's good - much better than a lot of falafel I've had in the Boston area. I also love all the veggies it comes with, especially the cabbage, which always tastes fresh. The one complaint I have for this and all their sandwiches is their subpar pitas. While their new housemade pitas are a step up from the whole wheat pitas they used to have (I believe pita is the one bread where people should put their health crazes aside for one minute and realize that it's not really a pita unless it's white), they are still very thin and are bound to break by the time you reach the end of your sandwich - so make sure to take a fork and extra napkins. I've also tried their BBQ seitan which was great (the seitan in particular was done perfectly), although I think I still prefer the Chickpea Fritter. Though their menu is small (and they take off items once they run out of them), they do usually have a seasonal item and drink. Last week I tried their seasonal Butternut Squash Fritters, which were mouth wateringly delicious. I also love their seasonal drinks, which are refreshing but never too sweet. Additionally, the staff at the Harvard Square location are always very nice and willing to answer questions or give you a sample of something, even during peak hours. Although, if you're coming here for healthy food, this might not be your best bet. Though they do stress that they use local and seasonal ingredients, a lot of their items are fried. But like I said, it's comfort food - the point isn't exactly to be healthy. ETA: I also find is somewhat funny that while so many reviewers eagerly point out the whole chickpea fritter vs. falafel naming debacle, not one has brought up the fact that the "Egg and Eggplant" sandwich is just an Anglosized name for Sabich...

    (4)

  • Juliet J.

    First of all, I love clover's food and its philosophy. I've been in love ever since the first MIT truck. I sipped from the Harvard brick and mortar's first keg. Ive been to several special events there. I've gotten a crop share from them. I friggin love clover! That said, I'm pretty bummed and surprised that clover isn't more vegan-friendly. As an all-veggie spot, you'd think it would be a vegan oasis. Not so. I fell for clover while still a vegetarian, and since becoming a vegan it has really let me down. So to be clear, I'd give this place 4 or 5 stars for vegetarians and omnivores. This review is for folks out there of the vegan persuasion. Deets: Only one sandwich is vegan. And it's always the same one. Others can be made vegan by removing ingredients, but then those sandwiches are usually really unbalanced after the omissions. Also, forget breakfast. One weekend morning I ended up ravenously wandering around Harvard after a failed clover attempt (silly me, I assumed they'd be vegan-friendly and didn't pre-read the menu before heading over). The only thing I could've eaten there was fruit. Also, it gets pretty hairy even when just trying to order vegan normally. I got nervous when the person taking my order offered a side of Waldorf salad... I told her Waldorf usually has mayo, and she looked confused. I said I'd take one of the other sides instead to be safe, which, of course, ended up having mayo too. (If she weren't sure, I totally wouldn't have minded if she had said "I'm not sure if that's vegan, actually - let me check." She knew I was ordering vegan and didn't care enough to make sure that she wasn't giving me something non-vegan. Bummer.) When I asked the people who had plated my food about the offending mayo, the response was "is it an allergy?" If not, the woman was planning just to scoop out the mayo salad and put a new side in on top. Luckily her coworker realized what was going on and interrupted her, and made me a new plate. Thank goodness he was there... I wasn't looking forward to having to explain why I didn't want to eat the meal I had ordered vegan out of a pool of mayo runoff. Also, no "yikes!" or apology, etc., when I pointed out the error -- just making me feel like a crazy diva for requesting something vegan, when that's what I had ordered in the first place. And putting the onus of being an ingredient watchdog on me, not the restaurant (what about folks who DO have a serious allergy? The blatant, blasé carelessness is troubling). Come on clover! Show the vegans some love! We want to be on your team!

    (2)

  • Lina J.

    I got the breakfast sandwich, is good and fresh nothing spectacular and just $3. the deco is really cool and they have a lot of options. I wish they would have a larger option for coffees some times a espresso or capuchino is necessary.

    (4)

  • Nicole V.

    Thinking of Clover before I go to bed will almost certainly result in dreams of the chickpea fritter sandwich. I'm not even a little bit sad about this. As the Australian friend and I were leaving Harvard Square we realized that we'd be a little tight on time seeing as how we would need dinner before heading to a show that night. I had mentioned before that I wanted to try Clover so in we went.... ...And then around we turned about 100 times before getting our food. You can DEFINITELY tell who has been there before and who is a newbie. Here is my experience built step-by-step guide to enjoying Clover: 1) Walk in and face to the electronic white boards on your right (NOT the food prep to your left). Everything is real time and pretty cool/impressive/slightly confusing. This was the result of my first 18 turnarounds. 2) Find the lone girl wearing a change belt. That's how you place your order and pay. An odd concept to me, but it works for them. 3) Order a beer, a water, rosemary fries, and the chick pea sandwich. Seriously. Don't deviate (alright, I will probably order other things at some point but I doubt anything will be better than that combo). 4) Go sit down. 4.5) Realize there's crayons and white paper to draw with/on. Turn around about 5 more times to get involved with these. 5) Get your name called separately for every single item you order in no certain order. This prompted the next 76 turnarounds. I was so relieved once we had everything on the table that I wanted to cry. 6) Get napkins, spicy chili sauce, etc (result of the last turnaround) . 7) Enjoy. Drink, eat and be merry. Rosemary fries should be eaten with a sprig of rosemary on every bite. Just trust me on this. 8) Throw out your trash and head on out. By this time you'll know exactly where the trash is because you'll have spun around 100 times. Or I guess the point of these directions was to make you NOT spin around 100 times so I'll just tell you that they're really easy to find.... I'm hoping to repeat and be one of those people who actually knows what they're doing sometime soon.

    (4)

  • Erin K.

    My chickpea fritter sandwich was okay. My rosemary fries were thin and soft. (I prefer mine a tad thicker and crispier.) The coffee was pretty smooth. As a place to pick up something quick for lunch, it works. Getting my food was interesting. Within 20 seconds of ordering, my name was shouted. I spun around. The guy making my coffee was like, "Sorry. Your coffee's not quite ready. Sometimes people are sitting far away. I'm making you a coffee from Panama..." Etc. Someone else shouts my name 8 feet away. I wait for a polite break in coffee guy's explanation of my coffee. "Where do you get your coffee?" he asks. My name is bellowed again 8 feet away. "Excuse me" I say, and go over to where my name was being called. The guy hands me a sandwich in a wrapper. Now, I'd ordered a sandwich, fries, and coffee, and I don't have three hands. So I asked if they had trays. This resulted in verbal chaos, as several people started telling me that the best they had was a drink tray, while another girl tried to tell me that my fries would be a couple minutes, and coffee guy shouted my name as if I hadn't just moved a few feet down the counter. It was not the best service counter experience ever. If you go to their website (i.e. blog) to see what kind of food they serve before you come, you will be disappointed. The first thing I saw was an entry called "Dirty Filters" and a picture of a dirty water filter. Appetizing. The "Food" link show not a menu, as one might expect, but rather a note that "Rolando should be writing this one." FYI, they have 5 sandwiches (all $5), a few hot drinks (all $2), a few cold drinks (all $?), fries were $3. They also have a couple soups/salads, but I didn't look closely at that part of the menu.

    (3)

  • Heather G.

    While I don't love the confusion that ensues when I enter this restaurant and see a big empty space with a lone-girl in a tool belt standing in the center, I do love how I feel like I'm walking into a food truck, all trippy-shrunken-Alice-style. What you should know: 1. The electronic white board/sandwich board in the middle of the otherwise-empty entrance updates real-time with approximate wait-times for various items 2. As per #1 above, all items come out as they're done, in seemingly random order 3. If you sit upstairs and have ordered a lot of items, listen out for your name being called and prepare to run up and down the stairs a few times to retrieve your items. 4. There are no forks, napkins, or ketchup to be found ANYWHERE! Do these need to be specifically requested? Are we going super-green to the point of serious inconvenience in order to cut down on paper-waste or are these items just hiding? Regardless, consider bringing your own napkins, or wear an outfit you don't love to wipe mayo/hummus/fry grease on. 5. Despite #4 above, they do offer crayons and white roll-paper to color on while waiting/eating. 6. The staff is so friendly and sweet, and really seems to enjoy working there. 7. If you've been drinking, get dizzy, or have poor vision, avoid the upstairs tables. The plexi-glass half-walls that keep you from falling off the top level are a bit disorienting (much like that ridiculous and ill-planned spiral staircase at the Apple store that I can't seem to walk up properly without tripping or getting dizzy)...or maybe it's just me. What you already know: 1. Clover Food is amazing. Same food as the trucks, but now with convenient indoor seating.

    (4)

  • Lisa I.

    Great fresh food and a simple menu which makes it very quick and easy. I love the vibe of this place - very low key and unassuming. My only complaint is the service. I went during lunch hours with four people and it took forever for us to get our Egg & Egg sandwiches. By the time the fourth person got their food, the first person's sandwich was getting really soggy. Nevertheless, a great food spot. I'd for sure go back.

    (3)

  • Audrey C.

    yum yum I got the seitan BBQ sandwich- perfect. Not very many items on their menu, but they are so affordable and tasty. My sandwich was $5 from what I remember. However, decor is not cool with me... it's a little too casual and I guess the concept is cool of seeing them prepare all your food, but it's a little too messy and distracting watching all those people doing food prep. If you don't care, it's fine though. But to me it's a lunch place, not a dinner place. They do lunch and dinner though.

    (4)

  • Jeffrey B.

    Good cheap vegetarian fare in large portions. I liked the whoopie pies especially. Interesting flavors and good cream consistency.

    (4)

  • Al A.

    Great location. Good prices. Okay food. Friendly staff. Weird setup. Seating can get competitive.

    (3)

  • Emily C.

    I love that this place is vegetarian only. And, the food is actually very good - but I dread going there because the customer experience is horrible. I have been to this place at least 5 times and every time I have experienced a problem with my order. Two examples: the funky iTouch POS/fulfillment system isn't working and I have to ask 3 times before I get the drink I ordered or they didn't know how to switch over their ordering system from breakfast to lunch so everyone had to wait 20 minutes. And another thing, put the menus up high - like on the wall (gasp!). On the ground people can't actually read the menu while in line because 20 people are standing in front of it. While waiting people are not able to decide what they are ordering before they get to the cashier. As a result the line gets longer and it takes more time to order. Oh, and they should lose the plants - if you aren't able to care for them well and keep the bugs away, they don't belong in a food establishment. The plants make it look like they are trying to hard to be cool and all food movement-y. Well, the plants and the limited edition t-shirts the staff wear... This place is perpetually in Beta - they should add "Beta" to their signage like websites do and my expectations might be managed better.

    (3)

  • Beans B.

    Wow! So glad I took a friend's advice and tried this place out! It is totally going to be my new study spot. The chickpea fritter sandwich was fantastic, better than any falafel I've had outside of Europe. Seriously tasty. I'm looking forward to working my way through their menu!

    (4)

  • Ian G.

    I appreciate having good vegetarian options nearby, and this is a great one. All the sandwiches I've had here were tasty, and on Fridays they make delicious whoopie pies.

    (4)

  • Alex H.

    This place is awesome and cheap. It is also extremely casual. They will just yell out your name whenever anything has finished cooking, so be prepared to serve yourself. They do have booze for the 21+, in case you're curious. I really love this place, as long as you know what you're getting yourself into.

    (4)

  • Sasha K.

    I love this place. Enough, obviously, to write a really pointlessly over-sized review (CAPSd for easy skimming). I am a meat eater, a real foodie, and a cafe-addict, and I just can't get enough of it. When I first entered Clover a few months ago, a couple immediately negative thoughts entered my head: this place looks sterile; their new-age ordering system is showy, confusing, and ineffective; their menu is too small to support repeated visits. But I wanted to try all their food out, so I came back a few times, and then a few more times, and now I come here daily. Clover is the absolute perfect place to stop by for a quick bite or hang out for a few hours. I repent every feeling that threw me off on day one. Sterile DECOR? Clover now feels to me not just warm (decorated, now, with rosemary and mint plants and the colorful art of its patrons,) but also comfortably open and clean. Often, working in a cafe or sitting in one space for a few hours, I can get antsy after a while. Not here at all. It always seems so bright and comfortable. Their ordering system -- where people working by the two fancy LCD A-frames type your order into an iPhone and quickly swipe your card or exchange your money -- is simply better. It clears up the food serving area, opens up the space, and is simply faster and more personal. Ordering over a counter now seems a strange and impersonal experience to me. Their FOOD menu is anything but small. Although they only have 5 or so sandwiches at a time, in addition to two soups, and often an afternoon snack (their fritters are delicious), this all rotates fairly regularly. Different soups every day. Different (and really tasty/interesting) cold drinks. Different salads daily with the plate you can order as a sandwich alternative. As I said, I come here daily (although I often just get coffee), and I never feel starved for options. And god is it good. I'll counteract the trend here and say that the chickpea fritter isn't my favorite. I've definitely had better falafel (though I don't think in Boston). But their breakfast sandwich? To die for. I absolutely crave their egg and eggplant sandwich. Their fries are great. Their soups are consistently delicious. And their apple and parsnip fritters are the best afternoon snack I can think of. And Clover pays attention to all of the little things, too. They have awesome drinks like star-anise lemonade and a cucumber-lime-hot-pepper agua fresca. And their pour-over coffees, (which rotate daily, menu-diversity sticklers) are really consistently delicious. It's their coffee I come for every day. Last, but certainly not least, the SERVICE. I feel bad even calling it service, because at this point, I honestly feel more comfortable calling many of the people who work here friends. Antoria, Becca, Julie, Chris, Joy and the others who work here have to be some of the sweetest, most friendly and helpful people I've ever encountered in a restaurant/cafe environment. And keep in mind this place is a bustling fast-food restaurant (of sorts). Honestly, when I or any of my close friends come here in the morning and Antoria is out for whatever reason, we get sad. And it takes a delicious breakfast sandwich or cup of Counter Culture coffee to get us out of the rut. And all complaints about SPEED OF SERVICE are definitely the results of truly irregular aberrations. I've been here (a little embarrassingly) somewhere around 100 times now (mostly just to get a coffee, but also for food), and everything is always extremely quick. As the nifty numbers to the right of menu items (avg preparation times in the last 10 or so minutes) show, this place is fast. Few things take over 2-3 minutes. And it's CHEAP, too. All that food on an egg-egg plate for $5? A solid cup of artisan-roasted coffee for $2? A big glass of Peak Organic beer for $3? It's all a steal. And Clover's relentless push for EXPERIMENTATION -- new menu items, universal compostability, LCD ordering screens (with the owner's own hand-made font), indoor ivy, fun crayon-drawings, rotating beers, animal pancakes for kids, etc. -- is just awesome. There's always something new and interesting going on. My one super-minor complaint has to do with the occasional unavailability of menu items. In addition to occasionally running out of, say, poached eggs or oranges, they switch from breakfast to lunch the absolute second their clocks hit 11. And I swear the clocks are 5 minutes fast. No exceptions. Oh well. And I'll agree with another reviewer who wishes that on weekends you could still get a breakfast sandwich if you're not in the mood for pancakes or grits. But whatever. Their pancakes are also delicious. And this is all I have to complain about, because after countless visits, Clover has done nothing but impress me. I'll definitely miss the place when I head out of town.

    (5)

  • Morris R.

    3-stars for trying to give a good, fast, veggie meal, and for the warmth of the atmosphere. But on food alone, it's just 2-stars. When they say fast food, they mean it: the food is slapped together, and it feels like someone made it in a big rush.

    (3)

  • Stephanie M.

    LOVE this place. We went Thursday and got the chickpea plate and lavender lemonade. The prices were reasonable and the food delicious. Very filling to be totally meat free. I also love that everything in the restaurant is completely compostable.

    (4)

  • Farah S.

    recommend soy BLT for light dinner

    (4)

  • Eliza W.

    $3 slightly spicy perfect gazpacho ... and beer! sit outside, hear jazz and meditate for a moment on how rad this place is.

    (4)

  • O. G.

    This place is definitely NOT fast food (as in, it takes forever for them to make your order and get your order straight). I came in today for a late lunch at 2PM (definitely not a busy time) and ordered my usual chickpea fritter with an order of fries. There was a long line because their credit card ipod swiper was malfunctioning. I placed my order. 15 minutes later, I was called up. They got my order wrong and I returned it. When I returned it, the folks behind the counter laughed at some sort of inside joke. 20 minutes later, I walked up to check on my order: they'd forgotten about it, so they asked me to reorder. 40 minutes later, I'm sitting down to eat my chickpea fritter with (now cold) fries. This place just isn't worth it. My experience today was an extreme, but their normal service isn't far from this. You can expect to wait longer than not for your food and you can expect inefficient people behind the counter with poor customer service skills. I don't think I'll be back.

    (2)

  • Jennifer Q.

    I love Clover! So much good food, all seasonal and fresh, and very inexpensive. They do amazing pour over coffee, and regularly have different varieties of beans, which you can also purchase there. My favorite menu item is the $3 breakfast sandwich - perfect soft-boiled egg, tomato, and cheese on a pita. Elegant and delicious! Egg and eggplant is the best for lunch and dinner. The employees are always friendly and helpful, and they give you samples if they see you there a lot! It can get really busy and crowded, but just be sure to check in your order if you haven't heard your name called - sometimes it can be hard to hear.

    (5)

  • Penelope T.

    I love this place! The food is amazing. Everything is fresh, delicious, healthy, and so cheap. The egg and eggplant pita sandwich rocks my socks off as do the many salads I have had there and all of their lemonades. Where else can you get mint lemonade, star anise lemonade, or lavender lemonade that tastes amazing, not too sweet,and it's only 2 dollars? They also make their own hot sauce, which is the best stuff I have ever had.

    (5)

  • Josephine P.

    This is the second time I have eaten from Clover. The first time was so-soish. We hit up the truck outside of Kendall square. My boyfriend raved about the rosemary fries and I just didn't get it. I also had a strange cucumber sandwich that sounded appealing, but when I got it, it was just flavorless with a hint of cucumber. I gave it another chance at their brick and mortar sight that recently opened and it was aweesome. I got their BBQ seitan sandwich and savored every bite. The Chickpea fritters are addictive and their flavored waters are interesting. I would have to say that Clover lab is one of the best choices when it comes to cheap eateries in Cambridge

    (5)

  • Zac C.

    Awesome, I had the egg and eggplant sandwich..... So good, everyone tried it and everyone raved... can't wait to go back. I wouldn't get the fries again.

    (5)

  • Susan S.

    I've been to Clover in Harvard Sq. about 3 times now. The first time was when it opened and I had the Chickpea fritter sandwich and a soup. Both of which I remember to be really great and hit the spot. And I've been longing to experience the tastiness since then. However I feel the quality of the food as of late to be mediocre since I've visited this past week during non-peak hours. The Chickpea fritter sandwich that I got was a pretty hefty size, but the whole sandwich was primarily cold. The balance of the pickled ingredients overwhelmed the fritters. I primarily felt like I got a pickled sandwich and I don't remember tasting anything else. And the bread itself was not warm. And I got an iced coffee which was bland in taste. Yesterday I stopped by to get some rosemary fries, but they were also disappointing since they weren't crispy enough and were more on the soggy oily side. And the rosemary flavor only came through when I got through half of the batch, which was very nice yet the soggy texture didn't really help it. I guess the flavorings weren't tossed evenly. And for drinks I got a hibiscus tea, but it was really not amazing enough that I would get it again. It just tasted plain and bitter. These last two times I've visited, spaces were not kept entirely clean where I was sitting on the 2nd floor. I mean if you chose a white space as an interior statement, the griminess is just magnified. I also don't understand how they cannot have wifi at all, while they tout themselves to be this techy place. Staff members seem friendly in general but throughout my experience dining here, I feel that I'm at their playhouse rather than feeling like a paying customer. I would remember hearing the music change constantly or come on at different volumes. It just becomes distracting. There also wasn't a large selection of drinks or other things I feel like they could offer. I remember the food truck at the South Station location had this fried green tomato special, I sure would like to eat that again. I don't know why they don't offer it in the restaurant. I also wish they offered more condiments, just besides ketchup. This place has a unique branding of food but my experience leaves something still left to be desired. The idea of experimentation is not reflected in the choices offered on the menu. I mean this place conveys freshness and being on the edge conscientiously, but it doesn't quite get there entirely. I feel like other sandwich/cafe places have such better food or unique ingredients and flavors for customers to indulge. Does everyone else just have the wool pulled over their eyes? I see a few of the same repeated observations in past reviews so I don't know what's being done to enhance the customers' experience. I really applaud the concept and branding, but I feel like the food and the diner experience could be so much more.This place might seem inexpensive but I find it difficult to pay for food that I can only enjoy on a mediocre level.

    (2)

  • Sarah G.

    Have to downgrade a star for the disorganized ordering system and service. Serious congestion by the door. Call me a square, but I find lines to be much more efficient.

    (3)

  • Steve T.

    Meh, okay. Lots of hype, seems like a worthwhile concept. Coffee was good. Pita wasn't so much, each of the ingredients existed mostly on their own, but agreeable. Fries were okay.

    (3)

  • Yue Z.

    I was not super impressed by the food here, and it really felt like a dining hall to me. It was clean, but overly sanitized and white. I felt like, well, that I was in a biotech lab, which didn't make me want to really eat anything there. The price was cheap, but the additional $1 for pita was such a scam. There's plenty of seating, but it was not very comfortable to sit on. Overall, I dont think i'll be back.

    (2)

  • Brian D.

    Holy crap, look at that bearded thirty-something year old dude break dancing! In other news, I've recently fallen in very strong like with Clover Food Lab. I've also fallen in sort-of like-like with the idea of going vegetarian for like 5 days out of the week. I have some logic behind this, but ask me on the 6th day when I'm allowed to eat meat and you can buy me a beer and I can talk your ear off in between wiping bbq sauce off my face. In other words, we'll probably not be at Clover but we can TALK all about Clover. I love Clover. It's clean, quirky and so very fresh and good. I love a quick lunch and they can get pretty gummed up at lunch o'clock but I sort of like watching the sandwich assembly line. I also really like that you pay by credit card with the order takers via iPhone and that there are no wasted receipts or order tickets. And then there's the freshness of the vegetables and all the smiling people devouring their lunch. Clover just sort of gets it right when you are in the mood for veggies and have your patience hat on at lunchtime. If you think you are on the verge of a food depraved/low blood sugar temper tantrum, save Clover for your next lunch date.

    (4)

  • Amy S.

    i don't even like vegetarian food, but i would come here again. the chickpea fritter is gooood. probably the only vegetarian food i would eat haha. Also, my friends shared the egg & eggplant and they said it's soooooo goooooood. basically all is good here. food carts all over so look for it.

    (4)

  • Sue U.

    We only tried beverages here but the place looks cool. I got the hibiscus tea and my husband got the brown sugar lemonade. The drinks were not too sugary. They have a small menu for breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Quick spot for a to-go lunch or breakfast.

    (3)

  • Bill L.

    came here at the recommendation of friend. did not know what to expect. very pleasant surprise. Not a vegan but really enjoyed the food. we had the chickpea fritter and enzo (eggplant) sandwiches. tremendous. wish they had a location on the west coast. side comments: fries were good. suggest that mix vegetable medley fries might make a great additon side comment: on the electronic menu, the first item listed was the spicy tomato sandwich. details provided that the sandwich was available for an addtional two weeks. can you imagine the disappointment when i ordered it and was advised that it was NOT available. Will be back nevertheless to try the

    (4)

  • Eryn M.

    I practically lived on Clover for a year during college when I started to feel like everything else was slowly killing me. I have admittedly only been to the restaurant once and instead only went to the foodtruck near MIT so I can't say much about the restaurant service, but the food is the same. My service was always great. The staff was friendly. The food admittedly takes a while as far as food trucks go, about 15 minutes. They don't advertise themselves though as necessarily "fast food" so that never bothered me. My favorite was the fall butternut squash sandwich and the chickpea fritter that they have all year.

    (5)

  • Soo C.

    I pass by clover several times a day, so when I saw it operating back again from the food crisis, I went right in. I ordered my fave - egg&eggplant sandwich - and it tasted just as savory, awesome! I'm a slow eater, and the sauce wet the bread dripping near the end, but I just missed the sandwich too much to care. This morning, I even ordered breakfast for the first time: popover sandwich and coffee! First of all, getting to work drinking a drip coffee is a luxury; my life feels like it just got an upgrade. I'm always rushing in the morning because I take the bus to work, but clover crew made the fresh coffee in a just few min. Popover was great. It's towards the pricey end for clover -$5- but well worth it. It tasted fresh, savory, and the bread was crunchy. You can hold the whole thing in one hand as you frantically make the move towards the bus!

    (5)

  • Beth C.

    I used to like this place but not so much anymore. I went regularly when I had classes in the Square, mostly for lack of any better alternatives. The service has always been kind of weird. Last time I ventured in I asked for a chickpea fritter sandwich, with no bread. I just wanted the contents of the sandwich, on a plate. For some reason this was completely impossible for them to do, and they were surprisingly inflexible about it. I followed up with an email to the restaurant's web site, no response. The other thing that bothers me about it, more over time, is the lack of any indication that there is cleaning going on there. The tables don't seem to ever get wiped.

    (1)

  • Elizabeth G.

    I tried the breakfast sandwich this week and oh boy does it beat a McDonald's or Starbucks b'fast sandwich. Perhaps that goes without saying, but OH MAN. This sandwich has four ingredients: a soft-boiled egg, a slice of strongish-tasting cheese, some halved bright-red cherry tomatoes, and half of a small whole-wheat pita. When I first got the sandwich in my hands, I was thinking it could use some sauce. But then the hot, fresh egg started to melt the cheese. And THEN I took a bite, and the egg yolk burst open and suddenly the sandwich was overflowing with eggy, cheesy deliciousness. Picture this all in slow motion, with me giving a smile and a satisfied nod at the end. I love this restaurant's approach of using simple, fresh ingredients and toning down the add-ons to give those ingredients a chance to shine. 1) Available from 7am to 11am daily. 2) Costs $3. 3) If you order this sandwich, you WILL need a napkin. In conclusion, DAYUM. You need to try this.

    (4)

  • Melody T.

    I've followed this amazing vegetarian spot from its inception as a singular MIT food truck to its current rendition as a hippie chic eatery and cafe in H square. I love the concept- a true test kitchen that not only caters to vegetarians, but also manages to score points with die hard carnivores. The fact that it was started by grad students also tugs at my secret geeky heart. Here are some of my favorites: - Pancakes!! (I don't eat pancakes. except these.) - BBQ seitan - egg & eggplant - pourovers, cold brews - any variety fritter they may fry around mid afternoon The staff are super friendly, helpful, and efficient. I've since moved away from the Boston area, but I would eat here everyday if I could.

    (4)

  • Alyssa F.

    There was a time not so long ago when I'd wince at the thought of vegetable protein. Tofu, seitan and tempeh each violated my mouth and mind with sogginess, curdiness, bland, blah nothingness. My preference is generally for firm and savory hunks of muscle tissue so a vegetarian cafe seems like an unlikely place for me to find gastric happiness but Clover has captured my heart and tummy with their fun and unique veggie creations. If you read their website you'll see a lot of thought is put into everything on the menu. Ingredients are carefully chosen, prepared and tested and you'll taste it in everything you try. You can even feel good about the french fries, which according to the nutritionals, contain considerably less fat than fast food fries. The chickpea fritter sandwich is my (predictable) favorite but I'll happily chow down on the BBQ seitan, BLT or any of the seasonal vegetable plates with a side of fries and beer.

    (5)

  • Ashley W.

    I love this place and their various food truck locations too. You'll be hooked !!

    (5)

  • b l.

    if you're from out of town, and a vegetarian, or even if you're not, this is a must go. Partly for the experience/ambiance but mainly for the food. We got the chicken fritter (it was described as their version of the falafel sandwich) and the sandwich was plenty flavorful. price was average for what you would pay for, for a sandwich but the taste was something that can only be understood if you ate it for yourself.

    (4)

  • Chris H.

    For fast food, this place is very innovative and has higher quality and many healthier options. The menu changes a lot based on what's in season, but the soups are always good. The fries are very good ad are large enough to share. When you walk in, you are greeted by staff with iPads that explain the menu and take your order and credit card or cash. You pick the order up at the counter as it is prepared - so if you ordered a few things, you will pick them up separately. The restaurant is very clean, they have lots of plants growing inside, and everything is inexpensive.

    (4)

  • Stephen Y.

    Chickpea. Fritter. DONE. (Also, really friendly staff.)

    (4)

  • Annice C.

    I recently moved from Brooklyn to this area and became seriously upset over the lack of amazing, cheap food (...or even just amazing). And when it comes down to it, Cambridge can probably never do what my beloved Brooklyn does with food quality and value. HOW_EV_ER, this place! This place makes me very happy. I often (read: daily) stop for a coffee before work and regularly stop after work for a sandwich and beer. I've also ventured from my regular purchases, and I've yet to try anything on the menu that disappointed me. In short, I love their food, love their service, and appreciate their philosophy. Keep up the great work, Clover!

    (5)

  • Hillary D.

    I stopped outside to read the makeshift menu, and at the bottom I found what I wanted. Cheesy Grits with Farm Fresh Egg. I'm in! I opened the door and walked inside and just stopped to take it all in. It was so cool as a "restaurant" that I didn't have the normal anchor points to navigate by. Where was the starting point? Where do I order? And where do I pick up my food? I spied a woman with a money pouch on her hip standing in front of two menu cards. This must be where I start? I walked over and asked. "Yes, just pick what you want and give me your order." I gave her my Cheesy Grits order. Now, do I pay her or somewhere else? "Yes, you pay me and pick up your order over there when they call out your name." I finally got the hang of it and chose a window seat to wait. In only a couple of minutes I heard my name called. A paper coffee cup was placed before me. I cradled it in my hands and went back to my seat by the window. It looked very promising so I took a picture before diving in. You have no idea how good a warm poached egg is when you pierce the yolk and let it run into warm cheesy grits. It was ambrosia with each and every bite. I would have never guessed that I would relive the memory of my first dish of southern grits, in Boston, and find it even better than the original memory. Good grits had been elevated to something special. Very special. And I was thrilled. P.S.---I heard from others from the neighboring table that the corn fritters were to die for, as were the pancakes, served with real Maple Syrup. You could smell them when you walked in so I knew they had to be good. I'm making another road trip south for southern food very soon, south by Cambridge.

    (5)

  • Yalgin O.

    $3 beer and amazing food, No meat here. But don't be fooled by the menu, pretty much everything is a hit! Everyone's favorite is chickpea fritters, grab one and a side of rosemary fries and whatever tap beer they have ( I had Peak Organic IPA) and enjoy..

    (4)

  • Michelle C.

    Awesome on all accounts-food, drink, service, ambiance, price and, importantly, toddler-embracing. Such greatness that we went twice within 24 hours. 1st visit: sat night when the clover house band was playing upstairs. Asked for recommendations and took the sweet guys advice- chickpea sandwich, BBQ setan sandwich, zucchini fritters and a pbhb sandwich for little miss may (on, honey, banana) plus yummy beer and lavender lemonade. We ate in the cool ac upstairs by the hip, talented and kind band members who welcomed May's dance interpretation of their beats. 2nd visit the next morning with a bunch of friends and another baby. Again super friendly service (where is your tip jar? I looked because you all deserved it!) and delicious food and drinks. Standout was the breakfast turnover with fried leeks, cheese and tomato. So good we bought 2 for the road. Yum!

    (5)

  • Stella P.

    One of the best/ kind of healthy fast food places in the square! Love the chickpea fritter and their juices! $7/person. Good choice for college students.

    (4)

  • Jill F.

    Oh Clover...what would I do without your 5 dollar lunches? I would be so hungry and lost in Cambridge. Plus, this Harvard Square storefront location is completely ideal for commuters. I can run in and run out with a delicious lunch in under 15 minutes! Yes, Nick H., this is definitely healthy food from the future. In my MIT days, I used to be addicted to the Chickpea Fritter but I've grown up to the Egg & Eggplant. Charred eggplant, hard boiled egg all stuffed into a soft pita with some addictive sauce...it is yummmyyyy! Also, the bbq seitan is pretty dreamy as welll The coolest part is that they even do a Sunday brunch menu now and last week when I was there they were frying up some delicious pancakes with cheesy grits and eggs! I grabbed a big cup of grits, soft-boiled egg and topped it all off with some tempeh bacon. It was quite the breakfast on the go! They even serve beer here and they CONSTANTLY tweet about their specials of the day. God, I need to stop following you @cloverhsq because I just come in far too often! Oh shoot, did you just tweet about apple cider fritters and woopie pies?! Gah...need to go now!

    (5)

  • Lyndon D.

    Excellent food, service and great prices. Recommended for veggies and meat eaters alike.

    (5)

  • Amy T.

    Love the food and most of the staff are friendly. I work in Harvard Square where i frequented Clover for healthy reasonably priced food. The majority of times I went there, after ordering, i became annoyed with the long wait for a simple sandwich however ended up enjoying the food once it arrived. My last time there, as I waited for my breakfast sandwich, with only a few people in line, I listened to the employee apologize to each customer for their long wait. Finally when my name was called my egg was not cooked so I refused to take the sandwich and asked for my money back. What should have been a 5-10 minute stop had already been 20 minutes. The manager called me over asking what was wrong. When I explained that i needed to return to work and could not continue to wait, he said "next time return to the restaurant when you do not need to go to work!". My response was that I need to work every day for years to come! it was obvious that most of the customers there were also frustrated having to wait a ridiculous amount of time for their food. The food production system is flawed. Some employees working while others are standing around. Also essential ingredients run out then you have to wait until they prepare and replenished the food trays. I will not return for a long time, especially with the out of touch, insensitive, management.

    (2)

  • Megan C.

    As a vegan, finding food in Cambridge isn't hard. But finding delicious vegan food is tough, although Clover Food Lab has certainly lived up to every expectation.Their food is amazing. I've been there twice. The first time I ordered the BBQ Seitan, which is, I believe, the best sandwich I have ever tasted. Ever. Not even an exaggeration. The second time was this afternoon, where the helpful & friendly staff member recommended I try the chickpea plate. So. Freakin. Good. I actually had tears in my eyes when I tried it-not gonna lie. I also ordered their Hibiscus tea, which was yummy! My only possible complaint? I think that since they're a vegetarian restaurant they should have something maybe on their website letting you know if it's vegan-friendly or not, since a lot of vegans seem to frequent the place.

    (5)

  • Arden W.

    FOOD: I had the most satisfying chickpea fritter (aka falafel) - it came in a pita, of course, with fresh cabbage and carrots tossed in the most amazing, light tzatziki-like (I'm guessing) sauce...I really wish I could steal the recipe. The falafel ball itself was perfect--not too dry and the right size! I washed it down with whatever Belgium beer they were advertising...I forget the name. SERVICE: I had the most pleasant conversation with a really cool girl who took my order. I was a bit confused by the "lab" set up since it was my first time. There was no line so I was looking around dumbfounded for a minute until someone said next and I made my way to her. I paid with my card through the little swiper that connects to an iPhone/iPad which I think is so neat! My only negative is that when my food was ready, I asked for a box because I knew I wasn't going to finish it on account of it being my second lunch (oops). The guy sorta gave my attitude about it when I explained that I didn't want it wrapped up to go (my friends and I were planning on eating at the picnic tables outside the restaurant) but I wanted something to put it for later. He finally just handed it over but I don't know why he was making such a fuss when I was simply asking for a box that was right in front of him. Maybe he had a long day or maybe they are very strict about giving away their boxes but I simply wanted to save some of the deliciousness for later! Other than that, fun & fresh feel with great food! Still doesn't beat the one I had in Paris but wouldn't be fair to compare...

    (4)

  • Samantha L.

    It's a little odd how they do the whole ordering thing here... slightly overwhelming for a first time diner, but the food is fresh and the atmosphere is hipper than thou!

    (3)

  • Stephanie H.

    Vegan and veggie options. Modified their veggie BLT to be vegan and was very happy! Tasty and good for a quick eat.

    (5)

  • Spencer M.

    It's slightly embarrassing, rather, mortifying, how often I make the trip from Davis to Harvard just to eat/chill at Clover. Let's just say that if I were perchance ever to become emperor of the universe (not making any assumptions COME ON NOW), Clover would be my kingdom dining hall and the food trucks would be a way for me to disseminate wonderful food to the hordes of epsilons in the world. I think this demonstrates 1) how poor of a world monarch I would be and 2) how amazing Clover is. I am proud to say I've completed their Sandwich cycle (btw all for $5, WUT?!), and can confidently say that every single one of them is delicious. I'm partial to the BBQ Seitan (which tastes like BBQ chicken sandwich but more delicate and flavorful) and the Egg/Eggplant (said eggplant is nothing short of glorious). Also, all the sides/soups I have had there have been excellent. P.S. If the pumpkin fritters ever come around again, treat them like the McRib and order five of them. THEY ARE THE PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION OF HEAVEN.

    (5)

  • Alyssa T.

    Clover is great, I love the concept and while the execution isn't always perfect they always seem to acknowledge where they can improve and own up to the areas of their business where they fall short. Yes, it can be intimidating to walk in for the first time and be confronted with an ordering system different from the vast majority of your other Harvard Square lunch options. Yes, they run out of things fairly often and maybe you won't be able to get what you wanted when you get there (this is why you should make a point to follow them on Twitter, they're pretty good about noting when something is gone for the day). But, this being said.. Clover is really tasty. They just debuted a new seasonal Butternut Squash sandwich this week and after seeing a coworker devour one earlier in the week I finally went to check it out myself today. All I can say is, I'll be getting one of these at least once a week until they get rid of it. Holy crap. So delicious. Along with a totally unnecessary, but totally delicious, side of Rosemary Fries this made for an awesome Friday lunch. Clover is cheap, Clover is delicious, and Clover is 5 minutes from my office. Enough said.

    (4)

  • Clare J.

    Several chickpea fritters later.... they are consistently fresh and delicious. Friendly service at the door and always a short wait time, 10 mins max. A sweet, new girl accidentally messed up my order and when I explained to the checkout girl that I didn't want to hurt her feelings but would love a new one, i was given it a few mins later, exactly as ordered. Will be back this week, post gym! UPDATE: a manager saw my disappointed review of their (reputedly great) rosemary fries, and said there were some mix-ups with the type of potatoes they ordered. Apparently they now use potatoes from Prince Edward Island which make the rosemary fries truly delish. I'll give them a try and report back.

    (4)

  • skott d.

    I like this place. it's kind of chaotic but it's fun. not as many great vegan options as I'd like for breakfast, but their muffins are always solid or better. affordable and great ingredients.

    (4)

  • Edwin C.

    If I didn't love the flesh of animals, this would be one of my go to spots! For me it's definitely the chick pea fritter and the rosemary fries. I could probably eat like 3 of the fritters, but I have to compose myself in the eyes of the public. It's a healthy option, considering the way I usually eat and surprisingly satisfying. Love the falafel inside the colorful warm pita and the fresh cut fries (similar to in-n-out). Come here if you think you're one burger away from a heart attack.

    (4)

  • Vee X.

    Clover is absolutely fantastic! As a vegan, you don't get much better than this for the convenience and the prices. Staff is always super friendly, if not a little quirky, and I ADORE that you can draw pictures with the provided crayons and paper. Always so much fun with friends (probably too much sometimes!) My favorites are definitely the veganized BBQ seitan (with tahini - TRUST ME), and the chick pea fritter. The dinner plates are also great! Fries are incredible, and I love the ketchup and spicy chili sauce they offer! The space is amazing, clean and open with white walls and plants everywhere -- you'd never know you were one block away from bustling Harvard Square. Long story short: if you're in the area and want a slam dunk dinner for $5 or less, CLOVER is where it's at!

    (5)

  • Jason B.

    Very conceptual. I don't mind a little concept now and again, but I don't like it when concepts interfere with reality. They have a very modular concept going and are a little inflexible with their menu options. Stiff attempts to be chummy with your customers won't really get you very far with me. It kinda makes you guys seem like you're some kind of cult or something. (They're not allowed to accept tips?) You can cut out the act anytime you'd like. If by calling them "chickpea fritters" instead of "falafel" isn't ethnic cleansing, I don't know what is. Yes, it's inexpensive, but you don't really get a lot of food for your money. What else? French fries w/ rosemary are pretty good.

    (2)

  • Danie R.

    I love their BLT. I know it's just whatever smokey tempeh that I can get at whole foods, and I can make it myself, but food always tastes better when someone does it for you! Except when they have given you gross greens in there, twice :(

    (3)

  • Teng L.

    From the name and presentation of this place, I expected them to be more... experimental with their food. I could be wrong since I've only been here once, but from their name I though they would have different combinations of recipes from different continents, or recipes I never would have even seen or expected before, or maybe they would even change up their menu whenever the food scientists came up with a new delicious concoction. Turns out it's just a Mediterranean place, albeit a good one, even though it's only vegetarian. All the dishes are well seasoned, delicious, and filling. Best of all it's really inexpensive. Still though, it seems to me this place is just well presented and packaged Mediterranean food, kind of like lipstick on a delicious pig.

    (4)

  • Tara S.

    It's time for me to review since I have a million or so check-ins here and since I'm already trying to figure out when I can leave the library and stop by for a butternut squash sandwich (please let Clover still have them today!). Simply, I love this place. It's bright, it's friendly, it's fresh, it's fast, it's cheap. Like me. Wait... not those last two. I probably order the BBQ seitan sandwich most often. I love that one... tangy and sweet and filled with caramelized onions. Yum. I used to order the egg and eggplant a lot and have them poke out the yolks. I guess that was a little annoying of me, because one day I was told the boss said not to do that anymore. Hmm. I guess it slows things down a little, but really... who needs that cholesterol? Certainly not me, because if I want cholesterol, I want it in some tasty gross splurge food... not in egg yolks (yuck)... and not regularly. So I stopped ordering that one. I'd poke out the yolks myself, but then I'd have to dismantle the whole sandwich, and that would just be sad. But for five dollars a sandwich, there will be some limitations... I get it... I'll live (though if anyone reads this and wants to adjust the egg-poking rules, please let me know!) Soups are great, and I am happy to have them for a healthy snack or light meal while walking around the square. I missed trying the African peanut soup, but I've heard that one is great. I like the pear and parsnips... nice texture. I had been to the food truck by MIT a few times before the brick and mortar version opened up about a year ago, and ever since then I've been a happy customer. I love that the Clover folks are consistently updating and improving their operations and menu. I check out the website on occasion to see what's going on there. I've yet to try brunch there, but I really really really want to. I just tend to be a little slow on weekend mornings, and I think the weekend brunches end at 12. It would be cool if eventually they'd extend brunch a little longer... I would love to stop by with friends for a 1 PM brunch sometime. I'm sure I'll get my lazy butt there early one day though. If you haven't been by, definitely give Clover a try, it's hard to beat the value you as far as freshness and taste go. They have beer, too! Now if they would just add some wine... I might just move in.

    (5)

  • Samantha G.

    I love the chickpea fritter, but I can't get over an interaction I saw behind the counter. The woman who took my order was so friendly and sweet and then a few minutes later I saw her being put down by what seemed to be a manager behind the counter. Please treat your employees with the respect they deserve!

    (2)

  • Alice S.

    The chickpea fritters (aka falafel) here are amazing! I will always go to Greek Corner for gyros, but the falafel at Clover Food Lab is definitely superior - perfectly crispy on the outside and moist and flavorful on the inside. I also tried the egg and eggplant sandwich, which was good, but would be great if the pita bread was less dry. This restaurant is perfect for Cambridge - minimalist and modern, with a high-tech ordering system using iPhones. I loved hanging out there. What to order: -chickpea fritters

    (4)

  • Azalea K.

    when they have cheesy grits on the weekend, i pretty much jump for joy. in addition to the good food (love their eggplant, rosemary fries), the place is a friendly to people who need to get work done. You can hang out with friends or with your laptop without feeling rushed out the door.

    (4)

  • Carly Z.

    Everyone raves about Clover's food trucks. I had only had their rosemary fries one time at a truck before discovering the restaurant. I stopped in for a quick dinner one weeknight and was less than impressed. I ordered a chickpea fritter and fries. The chickpea fritter was ready within about 2 minutes, while I waited close to 10 for some very greasy fries. For about 8 of those minutes, I was completely ignored by the staff who were just milling about since it wasn't very busy. One staff member was also drinking from an open cup right on the line and didn't wash her hands after, which I'm sure is a health code violation of some sort. The food. The chickpea fritter was so stuffed with unnecessary toppings (not listed on the menu) that the fritters were completely overshadowed. The fritters were also kind of mushy. They had a slight crust on the outside, but they don't even come close to the quality of a falafel sandwich I've had elsewhere. The fries were fresh but greasy and had minimal rosemary flavor. All of this would have been forgiveable had I not stopped into the bathroom on the way out. Holy crap (literally). I swear it looked like someone exploded in that bathroom and it hadn't been cleaned since last week. Horrendous. And that was my first and last time at Clover Food Lab.

    (2)

  • Dave F.

    If I were rating Clover just on the food, I'd probably give it 4 or even 5 stars. I don't love everything they make, but the things I get regularly (chickpea fritter and rosemary fries) are always delicious. But there are a couple of problems here that knock it down a peg or two. Those problems are inconsistency and flies. Actually, the flies are fairly consistent. I don't know if it's all the plants, or because they always have the door open when I go, or what, but there are always a couple of flies buzzing around the tables. The inconsistency is the real problem, though. Here you have a brick-and-mortar restaurant with a fairly large kitchen and a decent-sized staff, and it still has all of the prep delays, supply shortages and credit card system breakdowns you should expect from the food trucks. Recently I went in when they were supposed to have whoopie pies, and they didn't have any because the person who makes them just didn't show up. There's a lot to love here. I really like the food here, I like the people, I like the philosophy and I like the decor. Just... get it together, Clover! You're a grown-up restaurant now, with tables and everything! Please start acting like one.

    (3)

  • Aimee P.

    I came in here for the first time recently, with a pair of 3-year-olds girls. The order-taker (wish I had gotten her name!) went out of her way to find something the girls would like, brought us our food, let the kids taste-test the lemonade. Brought them crayons. She was just awesome. On top of that, the food was cheap, fast, tasty, and vegetarian. I think it's cool how everything down to the plastic cups can be composted. I will definitely be stopping in here for on-the-run food when I'm in Harvard Square.

    (5)

  • Jason L.

    Maybe I'm not 'hip' enough to appreciate this place, (or vegetarian), but had a thoroughly underwhelming experience with the food. I asked the super nice 'cashier' in front of the huge TV for his recommendations of the best thing to get, to which he responded the chickpea fritters. The chickpea fritters were wildly inconsistent. 3 of them were over-fried, burnt, with no filling. The other two seemed more normal with a soft interior. All the sides were edible. Rice was the standout, I guess. Nice space, with interesting decor. We were the only one in there without white Macbooks. Honestly, once you get past the cool tech-y ordering system, and the hordes of hipsters, the food wasn't memorable to me. Props for trying to save the environment though. Food (2/5) Service (4/5) Decor (3/5)

    (2)

  • Evan O.

    Clover: the reason Yelp should allow 6-star reviews. Rosemary-infused French fries. Need I say more?

    (5)

  • Joshua M.

    Five stars for the Chickpea Fritter...OBVIOUSLY this is a culinary revolution in the history of chickpea-based dishes. GET THIS if you love chickpeas/falafels/etc. The atmosphere/layout is a little off-putting/confusing. Are we in an Apple Commercial or has Hal 9000 just taken over? What's goin' on here people!

    (4)

  • Christina C.

    Get the Apple Lemonade NOW! It's your dream of an apple cider plus lemonade - cool, refershing, and full of fresh-squeezed goodness!

    (5)

  • Laura S.

    I was incredibly pleased with my experience at Clover Food Lab in Harvard Square. I enjoyed everything about my experience - from the interesting concept, the staff who take your order while standing, getting to watch your food being made, to the food itself, which was delicious. I am vegan and it is apparently difficult to find good, cheap vegan food in the Boston area. Clover succeed at this - I had the BBQ Seitan sandwich, which was delicious, and was delighted to hear that any menu option can be made vegan. I also had the french fries with rosemary, which were very, very tasty. I will definitely come back here. Who knows? If I have this good an experience multiple times, this rating might even become 5 stars.

    (4)

  • Josh R.

    This place is fast, consistent, and friendly. The food is great, and I view the small menu as a plus. Last time I went, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they serve beer. It's still pretty inexpensive, though prices seen to have gone up considerably over the last year. Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of the interior. Maybe it's the lighting, or perhaps it's the benches and long tables, but the inside doesn't give a very cozy vibe. Still, a solid place.

    (3)

  • Andrew M.

    It's great that humans invented lemonade, but we can't just rest on our laurels. Someone needs to keep experimenting and trying to improve on an already great thing. That's why I'm grateful that there are people like the folks at Clover who keep experimenting to see what things taste good when combined with lemonade. Does basil taste good in lemonade? Little weird. Does star anise? I think so. Who knows what they'll try next?

    (5)

  • Rachel E.

    Went here with a friend last week. I was excited by all the positive Yelp reviews but found the place to be a little grimy and the food was just OK -- nothing special. We each had a chickpea plate and shared an order of rosemary fries. Chickpea plate was 4 or 5 tiny falafel balls, a big scoop of hummus, a little lentil salad, some pickled veggies, and a cucumber salad. The salads were like what comes in tubs at Trader Joe's -- tasty enough but not fresh and definitely not inventive (I mean really, "Food Lab"? Hummus and falafel is not groundbreaking culinary innovation, Clover.) Fries just came out of the fryer but were soggy and didn't taste at all like rosemary. It's too bad they have veggie options but everything is deep fried, so it's not even healthy vegetarian food. So that's the food. The place itself looked pretty banged up considering it's relatively new to the area -- it could use a deep clean -- and the condiment bar with utensils and ketchup was a mess. Last feedback about the place: Why are they using disposable EVERYTHING? I know it's compostable but why create unnecessary trash in the first place? I'd like a "for here" option where you can use plates and silverware instead of throw-away containers. All in all, it's a tasty enough option if you're just looking for a quick veggie dinner, but I don't get the rave reviews. There has to be better vegetarian food in Harvard Square...

    (2)

  • Anthony C.

    I ate there while on a case with the rock-star Billy Murphy. The food was delicious and purportedly vegan. Or at least vegetarian. Now a salmonella shutdown which is unfortunate. I ahv enot seen anyone post who got sik, though.

    (3)

  • Lizzie B.

    They are good but on two occasions I got sick after eating their food.

    (1)

  • Leslie S.

    Amazing food. Amazing service. This place is the real deal. I'm in love with the place,the staff, the food. Yay!!!

    (5)

  • Connie S.

    Fresh, organic, vegetarian "fast food" done the high-tech way ('live' updated menus and no ordering counters, just friendly folks with credit card swipers). This has become my go-to spot in Harvard Square when I'm craving food that's satisfying, inexpensive, and relatively healthy. Pita Sandwiches (all on whole grain pitas): Many menu items rotate out depending on seasonality, but you can usually count on the Egg & Eggplant and the BBQ Seitan to be there, and those are my favorites. The Butternut Squash and Turnip are just okay-- I thought both of them could have used a lot more of their respective namesake ingredients when I ordered them. Sides: A side of Rosemary French Fries is always delish as well-- freshly fried and lightly salted. The Lentil Soup is great-- clear broth, lots of veggies. African Peanut Soup is a little creamier, and it wasn't quite my jam, but would be good if you were in the mood for something that tastes a bit Thai-flavored. Clover is pretty good about offering small samples of soups and juices here if you can't decide. Breakfast: I usually can't make it over here for breakfast, but their fresh baked Popovers are amazingly light and delicious. Everyone who works here is super friendly, attentive, and helpful. All the packaging and containers are compostable, too, if that gives you an idea of how serious this place is about being green. Depending on what you order and when you come (it gets very packed during lunch hours), it may not be as fast of a food trip as you might be hoping for, but the high quality ingredients and menu variety are worth it.

    (4)

  • Christina R.

    There's a lot of things about Clover that I think hold them back from greatness, and while I'm sure they think it's in the interest of being new, or novel, or reinventing what we think of fast food, perhaps they should take a moment and consider what fast food has done right, and what they can learn from them instead of standing defiantly like indignant teenagers in the face of a proven efficient system. 1) Ordering: the menu boards are cool, I'll give you that. However the awkward workers with their money belts and iphones who are not forthright enough to ask me if I want to order leaves both of us wondering if the other is busy. It turns ordering my meal into an ordeal on the level of awkwardly trying to start a conversation with a stranger at a party. If we both accept our roles of order taker and order giver confidently this gets less awkward. Also is there a line? Am I next? Why do we all have to stand awkwardly in the doorway of the restaurant for this process. 2) Picking up my order: So... are you guys gonna call me by name? That's cool. Except I feel like you're yelling all the time in this echoey modern looking space that I can't actually hear you. Oh hey my fries are done.... but my sandwhich wont be for another 4 minutes? What? Oh and was I supposed to get my whoopie pie when i ordered it or is someone going to hand me that when they call my name? How am I supposed to carry all of this to my table again? 3) The food: My goodness if you knew me well you'd know sandwich construction is KEY. what is this soggy mess at the bottom of my pita? or Hey my pita seems to be repturing from the bottom up, leaking food everywhere. If you wanted a cabinet built youd go to a person who did nothing but built cabinets and did it well. Do the same for sandwiches. Sanwhiches should not fall apart or out the bottom while you eat them. They should not be constructed in such a way that the bread gets soggy. They should be able to fit in someone's mouth. This has been a harsh review, and I feel like I should end on Clover's merits: -WHOOPIE PIES are absolutely the best whoopie pies ever. No cloyingly sweet filling. No weird sticky whoopie pie buns. Very well balanced recipe that is so far unmatched in quality and deliciousness. -Popovers. I just love popovers. -Local food sourcing. I dare say I support local over organic but I *think* clover strives to do both. -Big table - sometimes I like sitting at the big table, especially if i have a big group. Sometimes I loathe the inability to sit and have a personal conversation with my dinner mate because we're sitting at a massive table.

    (3)

  • Jane H.

    In the search for cheap eats, this place takes the cake! (However, no cake served here, just so you know!) This is actually a 4.5 star review, but since this place allowed my fiance and I to share a meal for less than $20 bucks, I am giving them an upgrade! This place apparently used to be a highly trafficked food truck, and the menu shows. They have a limited menu, but everything on it sounds amazing. I love places that know what they are good at and keep at it -- better than places that diversify so much you no longer no what they are good for. They have their menu on a digitized board and communicate a lot through their phones (but also by shouting). Everyone was getting the chickpea fritters, so when I realized they had forgotten my sandwich, I asked if I could switch, and they were quite obliging. BTW - GET THE CHICKPEA FRITTER! Also got the rosemary fries, which were good, but I wouldn't get it twice. Their lemonades are not very sweet, but sweet enough to satisfy, and their ginger lemonade had such ginger flavor! I wish they had the mint lemonade that day... Fiance got the BBQ seitan sandwich, and that was so delicious! The BBQ sauce was amazing. Their coffee is also very good. Fiance needs coffee daily, and is slightly grumpy when his coffee doesn't taste good, so I was glad that he was delighted by Clover Food Lab's coffee. It was smooth enough that he chose not to put any sugar in at all. They have an upstairs seating area which is nice and quiet, and everything is quite minimalistic. For people who like businesses that go green, they seperate compostable items from non-compostable items and use "plastic" cups made from corn. Bathroom is very clean. Service is very friendly despite being minimalistic. There are up to two people at a time taking orders, yet they are quite attentive nonetheless. Finally -- beware, this is a hipster magnet. You WILL bump into a hipster there, and if you are the type to turn up your nose at them, just don't bother coming.

    (5)

  • Andree S.

    great coffee and popovers.

    (4)

  • Julia H.

    I work in the Square, and Clover is an economical-friendly place to get yummy/healthy food fast! Win! My favorite is the baked apple in the morning for breakfast... you can't go wrong! The staff here are friendly and knowlegeable. I didn't give it five stars mostly because I feel like there aren't always as many meat options. If you're a vegetarian or vegan, sing to the heavens! If not, there's always one or two carnivore-friendly options on the menu, but not as many as I'd appreciate. That said, I think they strive to have more veggie options, so I don't blame them too much. :)

    (4)

  • Murphy L.

    Food is delicious but a bit overpriced for the small portion. I am a petite woman but was still hungry after having one sandwich. Had to order sides. Ingredients are fresh and nice casual atmosphere. Staff seemed friendly.

    (3)

  • Remen O.

    Summary: A vegetarian fast food establishment that rubs this meat-lover in all the right ways. The Good: Let's start from the top. The space being utilized is a bit industrial with concrete flooring, visible piping, and an exposed kitchen space. I really like the look, but it's probably enforced by budget considerations rather than a conscious aesthetic choice. I loved the barbecue seitan sandwich they made for me, and the fries were nothing to sneeze at (these were rosemary seasoned, but they really couldn't compare the rosemary truffle glory at the Cellar). The highest praise I can give this meal is that I totally forgot it was meatless. The Bad: The restaurant concept is highly experimental, and this spirit is extended to the ordering/payment format. The night I visited, there was a man using an iPhone to take orders and accepting payments, all the while disbursing change using his coin belt. The system didn't strike me as more efficient than, say, ordering at fixed register, but it wasn't particularly slow either. The Ugly: The seating in this place, while abundant, is comprised of hard benches and not-so-comfy chairs. It's probably best to grab your noms and find eat it somewhere else. Your back will thank you.

    (4)

  • D D.

    Vegans and Vegetarians will rejoice! I'm a meat eater and based on reviews, I gave the BBQ sandwich a go. Very impressed and it wasn't a guilty pleasure. However, the raspberry beer I gave a go WAS a GUILTY PLEASURE! Very tasty. First experience was great and I'd like to try out their rosemary fries and some of the other recommendations my next go round. I like the layout of the place. I went there solo, as a pit stop after checking out a few shops and it was nice to feel like I could sit down and enjoy a meal at a large centered table full of other solo eaters and not look silly. Only request would be that they hang their menu so shorter people can see. When you go in, you're looking at signs stationed on the floor and if anyone taller is standing in front of you, it's tough to peruse what you'd like. Just to clarify, I'd give it 4 stars if I was comparing it to other vegetarian eats as I've tried many vegetarian/vegan venues with my herbivore friends and this was definitely on the higher end, especially given the price. But for my palette, it's a 3 (3.5 if they had it).

    (3)

  • Abby B.

    Let's see. What do I love about Clover? The staff/management. Their philosophy (local food, vegetarian, ethical, etc.). Their innovative approach to fast food. Their events. The sense of community they foster. The 3pm specials. Their customer service is THE best. So much so that when I've had a less than positive experience at another food joint, I've found myself saying "this would never happen at Clover, or at least they would resolve it". Favorite foods: by far the breakfast sandwich ranks #1 in my book. The BLT is always good. Chickpea fritter sandwich/plate. Soups. Fries. COFFEE. I love this place.

    (5)

  • Parabelle K.

    Came here from out of town. Ordered the hummus plate and BBQ sandwich. Both were awesome. Great portions for the price. The hummus plate had a delicious vinegar pickled taste, and the BBQ sandwich was creamy and flavorful, drooling with sauce. We're both vegetarians, so this place was a relief to find. The hummus plate is worth going back for again and again. I'll miss this place when I go back to Virginia.

    (5)

  • Sam M.

    A friend recommended I try this place a while back. I was going to go with some friends, but we couldn't find it! (It's on a side street, and it turns out there is a big sign on the sidewalk that says CLOVER) Anyway, Clover is really taking advantage of technology and how it can make a business more efficient, but it is a bit different to what most places do. I'll give a tutorial. You walk in and on the right there are these big electronic signs which have the menu, the prices, and how long the wait is for each food item. You order a chickpea fritter (falafel is so pleb!) from the person in between the two signs and this person puts the order into an iPhone. You pay this person too. Then you wait a few minutes and they shout your name. Then you eat. I had the chickpea fritter, the flavor changes with every bite as a result of all the very fresh veg. It's friggin delicious. My friend had the BBQ seitan which was quite good (I finished it for her, lucky me!) The only confusion was I ordered a hibiscus iced tea. It turns out that "hibiscus" and "iced tea" are separate animals so I accidentally ended up with two drinks, neither of which were my speed (I like my tea loaded with sugar). The brown sugar lemon aid is the way to go.

    (4)

  • Ricky B.

    Honestly, I really liked it here. The meal was really good, though I would really only recommend it for lunch, not dinner. I had the chickpea fritter with some homemade strawberry soda. The pita was filled to the brim with fresh ingredients and had the perfect amount of sauce. Not sure what the sauce was but it went well with everything. I would also recommend both the strawberry soda and the strawberry agua fresca, which they kindly gave me a free sample of. The restaurant itself is great - open air with an organic feel. The waitresses took your order on iPhones and the menus were displayed on digital screens along with the approximate wait time for each item (all are very short). Didn't seem to have much waste, which is good, I guess. Overall, very fresh, very quick, and very satisfying lunch spot.

    (4)

  • Hayden H.

    I love this place. I would come here all the time if I lived closer. It's my favorite place to eat in Cambridge and I'm not even vegetarian, let alone vegan.

    (5)

  • Katie H.

    The chickpea fritters here are amazing. Some of their seasonal items are hit or miss. Their parsnip cheddar sandwich was great, but the Enzo was much too greasy. The rosemary fries are delicious. They also seem very passionate about using quality, local ingredients in their food.

    (4)

  • Melanie C.

    Tasty, fresh, cheap, quick. Loved the basil lemonade and kimchi style salads with chickpeas.

    (4)

  • Aboud Y.

    I really want to love this place...I just can't (yet). Nothing I tried was exceptional (the chickpea fritters came closest). Oh and the bread they use with their sandwiches are pretty sweet too. Sorry, I know alot of work goes into making their sandwiches healthy, local, affordable, etc. but does anyone else think the BBQ Seitan sandwich tastes like a McRib from Mickey Ds?

    (3)

  • Jason J.

    I've been holding off writing a review about Clover until after I visited a few times. Pros: -The food is pretty good, but for the price it is great. -$3 beer! -Friendly employees Cons: -$3 beer is only 12 oz -Their ordering system consists of an employee standing in front of two upright LCD screens showing the menu while taking orders on an iPod Touch or iPhone and sending them off to various food stations in the open kitchen which have their own iPods to queue orders. The order taking employee can take cash or a card right there. My first time here this was a nice change of pace, but after coming a few more times its a very slow system and the lack of organization makes for chaos when it is busy.

    (4)

  • Jenny M.

    Thank goodness you've arrived, Clover! I can come knocking on your door and get a quick, nutritious lunch (chickpea fritter, THANK YOU!) for five dollars and get out right away and race to class. Or, I could sit at the gigantic, beautiful wood plank table and read the paper or talk to my friend for an hour. With the bright lighting and busy atmosphere, this is a great informal hangout spot, in addition to being very tasty. The food may be vegetarian, but it is anything but penitential. Other highlights include the rosemary french fries and the hot ginger honey tea. Mmmmm. I just moved here and I already come here at least once a week.

    (4)

  • Samuel B.

    The oatmeal with fruit in the am is very good and a great way to start the day.

    (4)

  • Min L.

    Yes, the rosemary fries are amazing; yes, the chickpea fritters* are as delicious and scrumptious as they say; and yes, you can come here any time of day a quick/delicious meal! Go try it! *I will never again crave falafel from East Side Pockets in Providence because now I have Clover.

    (5)

  • Erin C.

    I was glad that I didn't have to make the trek to MIT to give Clover a try. The food was everything I had imagined: yummy, creative, quickly prepared, and cheap. The employees seem genuinely happy to work there and yes, they do take your order with iPhones. (The cooks also receive the orders on iPhones mounted above their stations.) The space is roomy with a cool industrial vibe (until that wall of plants fill in). It's definitely worth trying at least once, especially for the rosemary fries and chickpea fritters. However, I wouldn't wake up in the middle of the night with an insane craving for anything on the menu.

    (3)

  • Cathy S.

    Get the african peanut soup! Life savior for Boston's harsh winter!!!

    (4)

  • Ike S.

    Just had my first popover. Fucking brilliant. I've been waiting my whole life for something like this: eggy, crispy, savory, soft, muffin-shaped, brioche sandwich. It's a little small, so you may want to order more than one, even if you get the badass popover breakfast sandwich. It's like the best BLT you've ever had, even though it's vegetarian. They stop selling them at 11. So, I've been waiting my whole life for this. Why only four stars? Why not the full 5? Because it looks like an IKEA in here. Also, no tray for all my food. Had to carry it upstairs, and spilled hot tea all over my soft, gentle hands. The oatmeal was just okay. Whatever, it's oatmeal.

    (4)

  • Molly L.

    Wow. Not only did the fabulous employees of Clover brighten my rainy Monday with the most impressive breakfast sandwich this side of the neighborhood CAFO, they requested I sample most everything else in the shop! Apparently this only happens during your first Clover breakfast. For me, it will guarantee many more.

    (5)

  • Vanessa T.

    The Enzo and Rosemary fries are amazing. Well worth the wait if you have the time. Hummus is good too, order an extra piece of Pita bread with it!

    (4)

  • Kate M.

    The breakfast is still great, but the lunch platters are pretty small and not spectacular. There are better options in the square.

    (3)

  • Jen P.

    Service: fantastic. Food: insane. Get the chickpea fritter and blue bottle coffee. Your life will be complete. Perfect for my group of 7. Will definitely return whenever I'm in Boston.

    (5)

  • Dominique D.

    First time here. I was pretty uncertain about the food. I hear that their menu changes seasonally, it's all healthy and fresh ingredients so the names can be a bit intimidating. I think you definitely need to be bold to try their food because it's really different. But I was so pleasantly surprised that their food was all so tasty! I got the chickpea fritter platter and I was nervous at first but everything was so good. My friend got the Japanese sweet potato sandwich and that was also really surprisingly good. Super delicious and satisfying food which J feel like not a lot of healthy food restaurants achieve. The best part was that it was cheap! The place does have a hipster feel to it, but not intimidating. It has a really laid back feel inside, plenty of seating and welcoming. Five stars!

    (5)

  • Shadia A.

    The qaulity of service and food here has definitely dwindled down at location. Being such a big fan a clover, I have to say that I no longer enjoy coming to this location. 1. The sandwiches have become sloppy. No longer is care put into the assembly of the sandwiches. When I first started to come here the sandwiches were amazing because each bit included different flavors and fresh ingredients, now though I find myself have to shuffle my sandwich just so that I am not getting all my carrots in one bite, and all my cucumbers in another etc. I was also extremely disappointed today when I received my popover breakfast sandwich which looked like someone had squeezed a really tight grip on it, squishing the sandwich together so that I was only able to get 2-3 bites. Also the fries, nowadays they just slap on a hold the rosemary plant onto your fries order. Can somebody please distribute the leaves?!!?! 2. Service is lacking! In a place like clover that advertises for being fast food, I am a bit confused as to why I am waiting 25 minutes for a breakfast sandwich!!! This location is in the midst of Harvard Square, where everyone is just trying to get a quick bite, there is no reason why I should be waiting this long! I was also extremely appalled when I came into the store last week to find that they only had a handful of menu item, 5-7, with only two sandwiches being available. Finally the morning service needs some serious tuning up! If there is more than three customers waiting then maybe two people can help with sandwich prep. I watched 1 person man the coffee, 1 person prep for lunch, and another watch the juicer, all while 1 person was given the job to create 15 breakfasts. Productivity would include just one person taking care of drinks and allowing the other to shift their focus.

    (2)

  • Sandy P.

    The food here is sooooo good and so cheap for what you get. Came across it while walking around and exploring the neighborhood (I'm frome out of town). But I'm so glad I stopped! Amazingness is all I can say... and their staff is super friendly and helpful.

    (5)

  • Lauretta L.

    After only eating Clover's pockets of heaven, aka Chickpea Fritters, at the trucks, I decided to visit an actual restaurant. I love the open kitchen and eating space of this location and have to give props to their customer service. The staff has always been fun and engaging and the manager is very open to comments. The first time I brought my friend here, the Chickpea Fritter was poorly made and did not live up to the other Fritters I had eaten (clumpy ingredients, cold pita and soggy bottom). I sent a comment via the Clover website with my thoughts since I want Clover to continue to impress others like they have me, and the manager promptly emailed me back. It's clear that Clover truly cares about their food addicts :). The second time I went back, the Chickpea Fritter was perfectly made. I only dock a star because the bathrooms weren't stocked with paper towels and were a bit dirty.

    (4)

  • Karen L.

    I've reviewed the food truck, but had to add a review to the pile for this location. I'm sad that the food truck is cheaper, but then I usually hit the park street truck. If I'm passing through Harvard Square, I stop here. Clover made me love them because of the chickpea fritter. Then I tried the Panelle, and my love deepened. A new sandwich appeared on the menu and now I am positively fawning over it -- the Sharan. Dude, this sandwich is all the spicy, with fried cauliflower and cabbage and red peppers and I don't know what else, totally dairy free and it made me so happy I could cry. They were training someone the other day when I was there, so it was a bit slower than I am used to (and I think the food truck is so fast, I'm spoiled). Still, this sandwich needs a sixth star.

    (5)

  • Adelaide A.

    The place is really loud, and they wouldn't let me get their pimiento cheese sandwich without bread. Why is it so hard to just give me a scoop of something? So, I got a hibiscus tea, a pimiento cheese sandwich, and an egg and eggplant platter to split with a friend. The eggplant was delicious, but the tea was pre-sweetened (ugh) and the pimiento cheese sandwich was mostly sugary celery (wtf?) and the tiniest bit of actual pimiento cheese. This place is probably fine if you don't have any sort of special diet like me (gluten/grain free, sugar free).

    (2)

  • Viktar K.

    Very good vegetarian food for the price. Pretty cool atmosphere. Great location.

    (4)

  • Patricia R.

    I love Clover. In fact I drive into Cambridge just to go to the Holyoke location. I also frequent the food truck near the Rose Kennedy Greenway and South Station. Today My husband and I had the heirloom Beet and Cabbage sandwich. I had it at the recommendation of Robert who took my order. It was about the best of the sandwiches I have had. We also had the chick pea platter and the Brussel sprout salad. I usually get the chick pea sandwich but today it seemed even better as a platter with bean salad, fantastic tahini dressing,and humus plus cabbage and carrots and great pickles. We ate at the little tables outside and as they were out of forks I told Robert ,our cashier and he came out to our table and delivered them personally. He remembered that I had ordered the beet sandwich and asked how I enjoyed it. Great service. Clover I love your product. I love the concepts you are developing. Can't wait to see what the soon to be introduced mushroom sandwich is like. Thank you for such quality ,fair pricing and innovation in food service.

    (5)

  • Yelper B.

    this is my favorite spot in the boston / Cambridge area - great because of its simplicity of menu and ordering process - informal atmosphere and complimentary carbonated water - love to try all the new sandwiches - delicious!

    (5)

  • Nicole W.

    I love this place for an afternoon coffee and snack. It's also a great spot to get work done. There are plenty of tables and lots of natural light! Unlike coffee shops in the area, it never feels crowded and they actually have great coffee! Today they featured a couple of coffees from barrington and one from intelligentsia. Coffee is ground to order and brewed pour over style. Everyday there is a 3pm side special. Since this is a "food lab", they are always experimenting with different unique and fresh combinations. I recommend the staples, though- can't go wrong with the chickpea fritter sandwich and rosemary frites!

    (4)

  • Sarah M.

    It was a food truck, then they opened a restaurant. I love that they have beer and lots of tasty sandwiches. the drinks are all always really good, and I'm not usually a non-alcoholic drink orderer. I'm into the new pimento cheese sandwich they have and I also like the chickpea fritter plate/platter. upsides: tasty drinks, a/c and outdoor seating, pickled veggies, fun attitude, composting! downsides: not really into plates and bowls, and sometimes it's hard to eat without putting your food down. they finally created queues so that you're not just sort of leaping towards the order takers, but I still don't understand why they don't put them behind a counter? sweet electronic menu boards that they never update! why not, guys?

    (4)

  • Kelsey B.

    Oh Clover, I love you. Fast, cheap, delicious, vegan/vegetarian. Oh, and great local beers. I was originally introduced to clover through the food truck near Park street, but I love the HSQ location (mostly due to being able to have a delicious beer with my amazing food). The staff at Clover is always so friendly and helpful in making decisions, and expelling to me which options are vegan (or can be made vegan). Everything taste so fresh and I love that they use organic/local ingredients whenever possible. Another great thing about clover is the constant changing menu, there is always a new side dish option or a new sandwich to try. Currently, my new favorite is the venezulean plantain. Savory, sweet, spicy, amazing all rolled into a warm pita. Clover, keep it up, you never disappoint.

    (5)

  • Mike M.

    My new favorite food spot in the Harvard area. Can't believe it took me this long to find it. I loved the service, very friendly and accommodating for first time customers. Got the chickpea fritter platter and everything was perfect. The fact that they serve beer and individual drip iced coffee is a plus. You can tell that they take pride in their food without any frills. The pricing (about $20 for a sandwich, a platter with pita bread and two iced coffees) seems fair. You have to try it. Only complaint is no plate with the sandwich. There tends to be a good amount of juice/dressing that leaks out of the pita toward the end, making for a messy situation.

    (5)

  • Luke H.

    One of my go to spots in Harvard Square, cheap, healthy, and might I say, tasty. My go to on the menu is the the chickpea plate for $7, but the sandwich for $6 is also good. They call them chickpea fritters which are really it's like a mini chickpea falafel. The breakfast sandwich is definitely unique, soft-boiled egg with tomato salt and pepper in a mini pita for $3. When I'm not hungry I love stopping in here for their coffee. They have a rotating selection of pour over coffee available as well as bags for sale. Intelligencia, Barisimo, Verve, Stumptown, George Howel are a few of the roasters that have come through clover. After talking to one of their employees (all of which are super friendly) I guess managers gather the employees for coffee tastings where the employees taste different coffee's from different roasters and choose which coffee they like the best. They also have FRESH squeezed orange juice, if you have a spare $6 for the 16oz or $3 for the 6oz (might be wrong with the sizes) they will juice you up some. In conclusion; if you haven't tried it yet, GO, you might like vegetarian food.

    (4)

  • Fancypants X.

    2.5 stars I should probably give them a second chance before I dub them "texture destroyers," but first impressions stick. My chickpea fritter plate (aka falafels! Just say it, Clover! They're falafels!) is $7, plus $1 if you want pita. Falafel: 3-stars. Not the most flavorful. Hummus: like paste! WTF?! Shredded carrots: slimey! A little acidic. Purple cabbage: overkill. Side of potato salad w/ capers: mushy. Clover, you might be cheap, but you're not that good. (At least I'm cheap AND good!)

    (2)

  • Sarah M.

    As a sandwich addict, I've wanted to try this place for a while, so I'm glad I finally made it in yesterday. The somewhat unconventional menu threw me off at first-- I knew that this was a veggie/vegan friendly place, but I for some reason I thought I'd see more tomatoes, onions, and leafy greens in the menu. (My guess is that a lack thereof is due to it being, like, the middle of winter right now, which I accept.) Anyhow, I settled on a chickpea fritter sammie, and it was actually a lot tastier than I expected. Though I've noticed some Yelp-hate on the hummus, I really enjoyed it, and the fritters themselves were little nuggets of heaven. The cabbage and carrots were good but a wee bit soggy, making the last bites of the sandwich an art in dissection. I was glad I grabbed a big stack of napkins. Only three stars because: real talk, I wish Clover had more options for omnivores. When I want a sandwich, sometimes I'm in the mood for something with chickpeas, but more often I want something with cheese, and maybe some meat. I deduct another star purely based on the intel of friends and friends of friends who have worked for this company and not had the best experience. Unrelated to the food, I know, but it makes those fritters taste a little less delicious to me.

    (3)

  • Lauren J.

    Firstly I will say that the popover breakfast sandwich was good, but it was not 30 minutes waiting good. The oolong tea was good. The good food and the fact that they offered a refund at one point are the only reasons this place is not a one star. We had a small group of people and three of us had issues with our order-- we simply wouldn't have gotten any food at all if we hadn't spoken up. They have some setup with smartphones communicating the orders, but it's not working out. Not to mention it's really hard to hear them call your name at a table not 30ft away. One person's order of a breakfast sandwich, really a pretty simple sandwich, was skipped over and he was waiting just as long as we were for the popovers. People behind all three of us waiting got their orders before us of the same items. They didn't have enough seitan ready two popovers so they said we could have one now and wait 4 minutes for the other or get a refund. We said we wanted the popover and it was almost immediately given away to someone else behind us by another worker. What on earth? A serious lack of communication was going on. It wasn't even really busy. Besides the guy taking orders, everyone else looked seriously unhappy. Despite the good popovers, I will never again eat at this restaurant.

    (2)

  • Lucy Q.

    Clover seems to be more invested in its image than its actual food. I've tried multiple things on the menu, hoping that something will live up to the hype. Sadly, it has not. Every time I go to try something new, it turns out bland, disappointing, and just not worth the money.

    (2)

  • Matt T.

    Mmmm.... vegetably goodness. They're pretty quick and no-nonsense; a little conspiracy-against-the-laity in their operations. Don't know what's on the (v. yummy) chickpea fritter (falafel?) platter? Don't worry, it changes all the time. Just plunge in! Bonus for having complimentary carbonic acid on tap. The other two water taps are labeled with temperatures (42F and 64F). Are they really that precise? I'm bringing a thermometer next time. Extra bonus: if you sit upstairs, the cross-members in the windows make it look like the sidewalk passersby are headless. At least at my height. How do they stroll by so casually when there's such delicious food? Oh, right, no head == no mouth. Too bad for them. It's operated by college (age) people, so spotty service doesn't surprise me even though I didn't experience it. But I was in on a calm summer evening. And it's loud. There's not a porous surface in the place. Except my jeans onto which leaked the vegetable juice from my compostable takeaway container as I carried it to the trash. I'm thinking about going back tonight. Now that I've mastered carrying the container right side up.

    (5)

  • Alex Y.

    Fast, efficient, and good food. I like the egg and eggplant sandwich, and the weird combination actually tastes really great! At this Clover, I like the two stories. The first story has an open feel, while the upper story has a tight and cozy feel. This is a good place for a quick meal, but also for taking refuge and working through the workday in a nice environment. What stands out about this place is, despite being a fast food joint, the service is above par. Food typically comes out quite quickly. The one time my food came out late, the server brought me a free lemonade as an apology.

    (4)

  • Allison C.

    Reasonably priced; low-key, relaxing storefront; yummy food; helpful, patient service. Thank you, Clover Food Lab HSQ. Recently, I came here on a rainy night with a friend, and we came in sopping wet. No prob. Staff was helpful. One guy kindly talked us through the menu, and we ended up ordering sandwiches and sides. The seasonal Brussel Sprout sandwich sounds much more simple and boring than it actually is, which is textured, tasty, and terrific! Seitan is made in house, and the sandwich does not skimp on the BBQ sauce. Rosemary fries, definitely a generous, delicious serving, and those tostones (also known as patacones) are just a special but surely fresh, crisp, and good with the creamy dipping sauce. Without the sauce, a little bland. Needed a little bit more salt.

    (4)

  • Alan P.

    Coffee is thin despite being drip. Tried to get some work done, pretty good atmosphere for working, except that they don't have wifi and encourage you to steal Harvard's. Would have been much happier with a danker brew. Learn how to do drip, you're makin me feel like a snob!

    (3)

  • Jameel A.

    Best place ! Friendly environment !amazing food. And the space has a positive vibe :) my favourite spot in the area!

    (5)

  • Sam S.

    Clover was originally my favorite food truck in Boston, and I'm so glad that there are now brick and mortar locations like this one. The food is undeniably delicious (the egg and eggplant sandwich is my fave), but the best part is the company's focus on providing fresh, healthy food at a very affordable price. If you peruse the company's website you can learn an immense amount about the ingredients and philosophy of Clover, and that is what vaults them into 5 star status for me. Essentially, Clover is striving to be a fast food restaurant that prioritizes quality food. For instance, they explicitly state that there are no freezers in the entire company, nothing you eat was ever frozen. Instead everything is made from scratch with recently delivered ingredients. That also helps to explain why the menu is small and frequently they'll run out of menu items late in the day. Yes, arriving to discover that there are no Chickpea Fritters can be frustrating, but at least you know it's for good reasons. Also I love that the kitchen and food prep area is completely open; you can see your food being prepared. Finally, the set-up and style of this location takes a bit getting used to, but I enjoy the creativity. The employees stand in front of the counter and take your order on a handheld device, very similar to what you find at food trucks. I was slightly confused who to order from at first, but I like how you still got the "food truck" vibe. Same applies to how you are served your food: no trays like you may find at other quick service or fast food location, but that wonderful "food truck" vibe is there.

    (5)

  • Layla L.

    If you're looking a cafe to get some work done. Look elsewhere. Clover's staff is so incredibly clumsy and loud, they constantly drop stuff on the ground, like seriously, hire some people who know how to hold onto stuff. And they're so slow with taking orders. I had a delivery lady before me just trying to grab a bite, she left because the waitress just couldn't figure out how to use the machine and always had to ask everyone their orders twice or even three times. But the food is good. That's about it. And it's incredibly filthy. So many flies and fruit flies flying around. How can anyone seriously work here....

    (2)

  • Michael Z.

    breakfast sandwich was pretty dull: pita, tomato slice, swiss cheese, egg. probably insufficient to independently stand as a breakfast. somewhat expensive for its complexity and weight. it was painful to watch the kitchen staff fumble with the ingredients. pretty sure my sandwich came to me colder than it should have.

    (2)

  • Xiao Z.

    I've only been to the Clover Food Trucks, and to be honest, I was quite impressed with the overall vibe and quality of food served at Harvard Square. This busy establishment is two stories, with outdoor seating, very high ceilings and white wall paper interiors, giving this place a much brighter and roomier vibe. The actual way to order food is unique in that you are greeted by servers when you walk in with ipads and they will submit your orders directly to the kitchen staff without forcing people to form a line. As for the food, I tried the zucchini tofu sandwich, the chick pea platter, fresh hot coffee and Allagash white. I thought the zucchini was well prepared, the tofu firm, not overly fried, and I really like the bread, which was like an risen pita bread. The chick pea platter was a little bit on the smaller side, but for $7, and trying out the chick peas, the grilled eggplant, hummus and falafel. The coffee was great and the Allagash was amazing as always. While I may not be the biggest super vegetarian place, I think this is definitely one place I'd bring my friends to try out on a Harvard tour. Food: 4 stars Price: 3-4 stars Ambiance: 3-4 stars (lotta chairs, but very uncomfortable) Service: 3-4 stars, I like the individual waiters, but it confused the hell out of me initialy

    (4)

  • Chriss G.

    Woke up after move in with no idea where to grab a solid breakfast. After reading the reviews, I decided to grab a cup of coffee from a very popular local chain and head this way for the chickpea sandwich the reviews rave about; I can skip the eggs today, I figured. Upon arrival, I was promptly greeted by an extremely friendly and personable cashier. Noticing it was my first time, he explained the gist of what Clover is all about: vegan friendly, gluten-free friendly, local. He noticed my cup of iced coffee and offered a replacement from their own reserve, asking I toss out the loser of a taste test. It wasn't a close test. After scarfing down a delicious Popover Sandwich and sucking down an iced coffee, I can say with confidence that I'll be back for that Chickpea Sandwich later this week!

    (4)

  • Lizzie B.

    This is definitely the crown jewel of the Clover empire. I noticed I've reviewed every Clover except for the Burlington location - so I will keep this short... There is outdoor seating in the spring/summer. Because the Republic of Cambridge is a cruel overlord, Clover hasn't secured an outside liquor license .. so NO beer for you on the patio. If you aren't so devastated by lack of libations, outdoor seating is really nice. Clover is located on a quieter street in Harvard Square, tucked away from much of the commotion. Ample seating indoors- upstairs and down. Downstairs is a bit too loud for me - with all the order shouting- but upstairs is a bit more tame. Food times posted on the electronic board, and are generally followed. My delicious salty/sweet Asian inspired Zucchini sandwich came out within the one minute promised. Unlike some of the other Clovers where the rosemary fries suffer from some quality control, Clover Harvard always delivers a large portion of perfectly seasoned awesomeness. Homemade sodas are tart and delicious and always taste as promised. My watermelon soda last night tasted like I stuck a straw into a carbonated watermelon. All the sandwiches are very good. Try to break away from always ordering the Chickpea Fritter. The heirloom tomato, Brussels sprout, pimento cheese, and other special offerings can bring much mouth happiness.

    (5)

  • Jennifer W.

    Vegetarian establishment that prides itself on locally-sourced food. Let's start with the "room for improvement" items so we can end on a positive. The portions here are pretty small for the price, and my friend and I didn't find our selections very filling at all. Also, the options are pretty limited, since I believe they are seasonal. That being said, the food was very tasty. I had the chickpea fritter platter, which was basically tiny falafel with hummus, bean salad, pickled vegetables, and tahini sauce; my friend the eggplant and egg platter, which contained one hardboiled egg and several slices of lightly-fried eggplant. The service was very friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere quite pleasant - wide open, brightly-lite spaces that didn't get too loud even with a number of diners. I admire them for sourcing their food locally and catering to vegetarians, and understand that the sourcing will affect the prices, but I probably won't return unless I want a very light meal.

    (2)

  • Kelly L.

    My boyfriend and I decided to visit Boston on a steamy, humid day and decided to try Clover based on its reviews. I honestly wasn't too excited; I was a vegetarian for 20 years and have eaten lots of subpar meatless restaurant food. Luckily yesterday was an exception. The menu features sandwiches, platters, seasonal sides, and a wide variety of interesting drink options. The ordering process was a bit strange; you have to find the worker with the apple device. Once you've ordered, they give you a time estimate. I loved the various water options; you can even get sparkly water for free. The food came quickly and was delicious. We ordered the chickpea platter, chilled green pea soup, and carrot pistachio salad. The platter had 5 tiny falafel balls with hummus, wild rice pilaf, and some pickled veg. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly filling. It was the perfect meal for a hot day and I would definitely come back.

    (4)

  • Tracey L.

    Clover is an interesting place. They clearly fit the "hipster" label people are throwing around, but for good reason - they are socially conscious. Everything is locally sourced and compostable, and I am a huge fan of that. The experiment sandwiches can be super hit-or-miss, but the heirloom tomato sandwich is SO good. It's seasonal, so def rush here in the summer for it. They take a fairly long time to make food and drinks, so if you're in a hurry, this is not the place to go.

    (4)

  • Christine J.

    really yummy and healthy. the plates are fab, pitas too. I enjoyed everything on my platter. from hummus to falafel, to ferro salad to cabbage salad. may have been a little too much cabbage/carrots tho. but i'd rather that than too much fat/grease, right?! the lemonades and hibiscus ice teas were sooo yummy, not too sweet which is SO hard to find. perfect amount of sweetness in drinks and salt in food. I loved it. only thing is my friend's rosemary fries weren't hot. which was strange bc we waited 10 min for it. hmmmm.. also when she asked for a box to put her leftovers in, they just gave her a sheet of paper to wrap it up....? otherwise a great spot.

    (4)

  • Sarah M.

    Went here for lunch around 2:30 on a Monday. It was not really crowded and we only had to wait about 5 minutes for our food. I got the chickpea platter and we shared the Rosemary fries. The platter was VERY good and filling. Everything was great. The sauce could have used some garlic IMO but that's just personal preference and it was still okay with all the other flavors. The fries were fresh, and delicious. The set up is okay.. Plenty of seating indoors but we sat outside because it was pretty loud even though they weren't too busy. I thought it was a little weird how they have the orders being taken up front and that took a minute for us to realize, but it's not a big deal. Menu was clear and easy to read and everything was very clean including the bathrooms. I would definitely go to them for lunch again!

    (4)

  • Dan M.

    Fun and unique place near Harvard University. We went here for breakfast after touring the campus earlier that morning. They have some interesting "fresh" twists on favorites, like the egg sandwich was served in a pita with tomato and all sounded farm fresh and interesting. But I was in the mood for oatmeal and with the pear topping, it was so tasty and filling and warming. The popover was quite good too. I really liked the free water choices (H2O, CO2+H20) and taps to fill yourself. They have freshly brewed/ground coffee as well. The staff here are very friendly and will help you figure out the menu and the specials. I like that they are creative and offer farm fresh items. And they are very earth friendly with recycling and local sourcing. I wish we had a Clover near where I live.

    (4)

  • Agustin K.

    Hipster vibe to the extreme. I like the idea, i.e. Health and nature friendly concept. But on the execution part, I think the staffs have taken it to the extreme. They're not too welcoming of us non-hippie people. The falafel sandwich is very fresh and quite generous in size. The pickled slaw added a different twist and the falafel is certainly fresh. The sriracha is also nearly. For $6.50 it's very fairly priced. The rosemary fries is also on point. Love munching on the fried rosemary. No trays. You're supposed to rip a piece of rolled paper and use it for placemat. We learned that from one of the regulars who had a really good service from the staffs. I wish they could be a little bit more welcoming to us too.

    (3)

  • Eric R.

    When I lived & worked in Boston area, I ate at clover 10 times a week. The food had great flavor, surprisingly good texture (I'm a meat eater), and you feel good after eating there Jasper and the crew are quick to greet newcomers and offer suggestions... But my favorite times were when he'd say .... "Be sure to come tomorrow... We are testing a new xyz" Oh ya... The popover breakfast sandwiches rule. There are days that a wake up in DC (home now) genuinely upset that I can't grab one of these pieces of magic on my way to work.

    (5)

  • Junwen X.

    Pretty fantastic place here!

    (4)

  • Victoria O.

    Conveniently located right next to Harvard's campus. We went for a late lunch on a summer day, so was a little quiet. I would say it is a bit of a bizarre place, but something I think fits the college crowd. Has a ton of seating and a loft area with seating where it looked like some students were studying. Menu is comprised of a section of sandwiches on toasted pitas and platters, which seem to change seasonally. Ordered the CHICKPEA FRITTER sandwich. The pita was perfectly toasted, lined with hummus, stuffed with carrots, pickled cabbage, pickles, and topped with a tahini dressing. WIll be honest...it was very tasty, but was overstuffed with cabbage and carrots. Would have been perfect if there was just a tad more chickpea fritter. Also ordered the STRAWBERRIES & CREAM. Strawberries are sourced locally and come topped with old fashioned cream and a side of sugar for dipping. Was ok, but would recommend going around the corner to JP Licks if you are looking for something sweet. Worth spending your calories on something else. Had a very cool tap which served club soda and two temperatures of water. Side Note: It was very loud inside and was hard to hear when your order was being called.

    (3)

  • E F.

    Fun & casual. Lots of veggie and vegan options. You get what you pay for, mostly, but with high staff turn-over, you may have to deal with inexperienced staff fairly regularly. The good news is they hire friendly folks. Best: Breakfast sandwich, side salads, fresh squeezed OJ Miss: yogurt (AM), and occasional cold bread on sammies

    (4)

  • Elizabeth J.

    After going here again I am downgrading the rating to 1 star for the following reasons: (1) Hygiene: At least 2 people behind the counter were touching their gloved hands to their faces/body without changing gloves. This was nasty to behold. (2) Portions: They seem to be shrinking. (3) Noise: They blast bad music at intolerable levels. I cannot hear the person across from me. It would be much more pleasant if they did not blast music at all or played ***SUBDUED*** classical/jazz music.

    (1)

  • Krina S.

    A great lunch spot. Pretty good sandwich sizes for only $6. The chickpea fritter sandwich was basically a delish falafel with lots of veggies. The hummus made it a tad soggy after awhile though. They have weird sodas. The chick was super nice and let me try a sample of the kumquat soda, but then when I actually got it they diluted if with seltzer and it didn't taste as good. Still not bad for about $2.50 though. They really need to get some trays though, it's really hard to carry a sandwich (that's barely in a piece of wax paper, and a soda and fries, and make it upstairs to a table.

    (4)

  • Cynthia E.

    My mom and sister came to visit me and we headed over to clover for lunch. I am still getting used to having vegan options around me! I am like a kid in a candy store. The staff was very friendly and informative. I got the BBQ seitan sandwich, my sister got the chickpea fritter platter and my mother got the oyster mushroom sandwich. We all shared an order of rosemary fries with vegan mayo. It was all delish! I can't wait to try out more. It was reasonably priced as well, much cheaper than I was expecting.

    (5)

  • Miranda P.

    After hearing a bunch of hype from acquaintances, I recently went to Clover with my boyfriend and was disappointed. I mostly disliked how rigid the menu was. I wanted the breakfast sandwich with a hard boiled egg instead of a soft one (I hate any sort of runny egg), and apparently it's impossible. It's a little puzzling, because I assume they make the egg fresh, so... why not just boil it a minute or so longer? The cashier insisted hard boiled eggs simply aren't an option, so I just let it go. None of the other items appealed to me, so (after the cashier insisted that the breakfast sandwich is awesome, runny egg and all) my boyfriend and I both ordered the breakfast sandwich. I thought it was gross, but that's not surprising. However, my boyfriend loves all sorts of eggs and also said the sandwich was mediocre, so there's that. I do give 2 stars for the cute decor and the cheap prices. They should learn to be a bit more flexible with the options, though. It really wouldn't kill anyone to cook the egg for another minute.

    (2)

  • Denise A.

    Clover has been an lunch (and quick dinner) staple for me ever since I moved to Cambridge. This place convinced me that vegetarian (even vegan) food is tasty and hearty enough for a full meal. Yeah, I have vegetarian friends who have been telling me this for a while, but you have to eat it to believe it. They've got some classics always on the menu. The chickpea fritter (ie. falafel) platter/sandwich is one of my favorites as was the egg and eggplant sandwich. The only thing was that after a while you do get a bit tired of their basic offerings. Thats where the rotating sandwiches, salads, and soups come in! Among others, I've had the Sharan, the Japanese sweet potato sandwich, tomato and cheese sandwich, and probably my all time favorite...the brussels sprouts sandwich. If you've read some of my other reviews, you'll know that I'm nuts for the 'sprouts and this sandwich certainly does them justice. Heed this warning, however: no matter what sandwich you get, you run the risk of sauce spilling out. Be careful! They have rotating beers, lemonades, teas. Most recently I've had their anise flavored lemonade but they have everything from blackberry, rosemary, beet, ginger, etc. through out the year. They always have fizzy (CO2_ water on tap (they make my day with this) as well as RT (labeled 64F) and cold (42F) water-in case you were wondering what those numbers and letters were. Their rosemary fries are probably my favorite fries in the neighborhood. Maybe a bit oily but always crispy and flavorful. Sometimes I wish B'good and Clover joined up for this reason. Bright, clean space. Great mission. Everything they serve you with is compostable and gets thrown out in the same trashcan (yes!). They've got some plants growing around which is my favorite part of the decor. And you can draw with paper and crayons they provide. Your artwork may be featured on their walls. You can also sign up for farm shares at different points of the year!

    (4)

  • Judith M.

    My sister, visiting from Tulsa gamely tried the bbq seitan sandwich and opined: "don't think I'm a jerk, but IMHO, this place is terminally hip. It reminds me of Grandma's Boy." I agree. Close- but not quite is what I'm saying. Love the free seltzer and the killer octopus of water traps out emits from. Likewise, I dig the ethics of recycling & sustainability built into everything. Also, the cashier was very nice and helpful & cue w that money apron. Here's where we start losing stars: Thank you for the after 3 pm special idea. I love that. However, those onion rings were a tad burnt, and wanted salt. Which I could not find. Yes, I ate them anyway. The coconut lentil soup I ordered appeared as miso. Way over salty miso. The order taker was story nice about getting it switched, but turned out they were out of that and the delicious carrot. Leaving me with African peanut soup. I make a very tasty version and was fine with that. The soup was not fine. I how to hand of both full cups to a denizen panhandler. They may not want it. Kudos to the order taker who gave me my money back with apologies and no tude. I have hope for the dream though, so I'll be back.

    (3)

  • Ashley I.

    I've been here for 4 years and never went to clover. I recently went in, and have been obsessed with it! I've been there almost 4 times in the last 2 weeks! The fritter sandwich is amazing, just add srircha for some tang! Fries are also pretty good.

    (5)

  • Molly M.

    I really wanted to like Clover! I'm a big fan of quality, local ingredients and healthy, creative meals. Clover has those qualities, plus its in a cool space and is very affordable. I got the egg and eggplant plate for dinner, and was impressed with the variety of tastes that come with the meal. However, the taste of the food could be improved. The hardboiled egg was cold and overcooked, in my opinion; the eggplant slices were oily; and the hummus was sour and kind of grainy. Additionally, the space seemed a bit disorganized and messy. I do love the philosophy of the place though, so I think I'll give it another try sometime. My friend's sandwich looked delicious.

    (3)

  • Steven R.

    I haven't been inside the restaurant, but I was with a large group that ordered delivery. The food was so good! They have some really unique options and all of it tasted great. Delivered quickly and hot as well.

    (5)

  • Esther J.

    Walked in, someone helped me to order, recommending the favorite falafel, and tried their free carbon water. It was very good. I was stuffed. Look forward to trying other things in future. Harvard Sq can be challenging to find parking, but it was easy that day. Bright, not crowded inside. Good energy.

    (4)

  • Olivia J.

    I am an ardent meat lover. When I am forced to come here because of my vegetarian friends, I always get the egg & eggplant sandwich and I actually like it! All the others I found rather intolerable. I love their rosemary fries! Also, if you don't mind spending $ on getting a drink, try their tea. They time it so that the tea bag is seeped in water for an appropriate amount of time and the resulting product is great tasting!

    (4)

  • Daisy R.

    Greeted with a cheerful, energetic hello which was just what I needed after a very long day, hoofing it around Boston. Simple vegetarian menu, two choices of locally brewed beers and nice, bright, clean, friendly atmosphere. Could use a bit more Harvard Square hipster funk but it works. The food is fresh, healthy and yummy. The icing on the cake was finding a spot next to an outlet so I could charge my phone.

    (4)

  • Lola T.

    A great place with great values. Stick with the chickpea fritter (even though it's one expensive falafel) Rosemary fries aren't great , lemonade is good. Minus two stars for terrible service and sub par employees

    (3)

  • Mister M.

    Quality of the food is 4 stars, but quantities are small and orders get overlooked or messed up often. Nobody understands where the line to order begins, and the people who take your order do not seem interested in moving at a reasonable pace. I usually wait 5 minutes before even ordering, and a cup of tea is $3.75! YIKES.

    (2)

  • Kelsey G.

    The food here is cheap, fast and delicious. The coffee is a bit expensive (but not by Harvard Square standards) but definitely the best cup in the Square. I typically go for the chickpea fritter sandwich which is a delicious and filling meal- but I also recommend the rosemary fries and the brussel sprout sandwich. For breakfast, I also sometimes get the oatmeal with the pears, and that is a great buy for just $3- healthy and on the go.. also all their silverware and servery is compostable, which is fantastic.

    (5)

  • Vidyadhar N.

    I LOVE IT SOOOO MUCH. I'm not a vegitarian but when I decided to stop by here I tried their chickpea fritter and it felt like a firework in my mouth. Omg I would definetly recommend this to everyone

    (5)

  • Erin H.

    I very rarely go out of my way to try veggie/ vegan places, but my friend had heard this place was pretty good. Apparently, it's a very hipster place (seems the definition of a hipster is a bit different in LA). Perhaps I didn't have as good of an experience since I started to feel sick by this time of my trip. I the chickpea pita sandwich, which is basically a falafel hummus sandwich. It tasted ok, not really much different from other falafel places. The portion was decent, and considering that there's no meat in these dishes, it probably would be a filling meal. I also got the lemonade which was pretty tart and tasty. I think most of the items are a bit messy to eat. It's going to get all over the place. That being the case, you should get something to cover your table. There are rolls of white butcher paper all over the place, but they're not clearly marked. I happened to notice them, but no one else seemed to see them and was making messes all around. As I mentioned, I wasn't feeling well, so I didn't finish my sandwich. I asked if I could get a box to go. They do not have boxes for you (I thought they were joking at first, not joking). They just gave me a bag and more butcher paper. Overall, it was an ok experience. Not sure if I'd go back.

    (3)

  • Nathan L.

    Clover is a unique Harvard Square staple for a reason. I'm a huge fan, especially of the breakfast if you can beat the morning rush. The food is quality, often locally sourced, and relatively inexpensive: a combination that is pretty hard to find. I highly recommend the popover breakfast sandwich (unreal), and I've developed an addiction to the rosemary fries. The coffee selection is stellar, and they frequently carry George Howell coffee--a huge plus. The atmosphere during the rush can get wild, but the staff is pretty adept at managing the chaos.

    (4)

  • Lisa R.

    First time I have been to the Harvard Square location. I like Clover for its mission. They serve local, sustainable food for very affordable prices. Food is healthy, but still interesting and delicious. I came here on a pretty busy weekend for lunch. I got the chickpea fritter platter and a side of rosemary french fries. The fritters were fried to a burnt crisp and the french fries came out about 20 minutes after my platter was finished that by the time I got my fries I had finished my meal already. Fries could definitely use salt, but I could not find salt anywhere in the dining area and didn't want to bother to go through waiting customers to ask for more salt. Overall though I still like the concept behind Clover and while some things aren't executed perfectly, I would still return to support a local business with a good cause and mission.

    (3)

  • Greg S.

    Maybe 4.5 stars? I got a popover breakfast sandwich, which was excellent. First attempt at coffee was almost room temperature though. They refunded the coffee and gave me a new (and hot) cup. Making fast food from all fresh ingredients is hard and they seem to be doing a good job at it.

    (4)

  • Amy O.

    awesome in every way. hope they expand to LA, but until they do, Clover is a MUST visit in Cambridge.

    (5)

  • Lorenso E.

    I'm far from vegetarian, but I can see why the vegetarians go wild over this chickpea fritter. Strawberry soda was also good. Shoutout to Emma for being so helpful.

    (4)

  • Jennifer Y.

    I'm not a vegan but I am hooked with the concept, their seasonal recipes and their unique pita sandwiches. It's a local delicacy where you can't find anywhere else besides greater Boston.

    (5)

  • Cassandra Z.

    Amazing customer service and even better food!! Love the chickpea fritter and the hibiscus tea is the perfect refreshing summer sip. Thanks to their superb staff, creative menu, quick service and minimalist design - Clover is one of my favorite eateries.

    (5)

  • Susan J.

    Best fries I ever had, and the falafel sandwiches are so delicious. However the noise can be pretty irritating. Background music, yes, but the high-volume blasting? not conducive to a nice lunch. Left me wishing there was a nice park within a block where I could take my food and eat quietly.

    (4)

  • Steven G.

    I've had the opportunity to try a fair amount of Clover's sandwiches, sides, and drinks. There are very few places where you can find this combination of reasonably priced, healthful, and ecologically responsible food options. Not to mention the vast majority of food items are incredibly delicious. Even those items that miss the mark a little bit manage to be inventive and push people outside their preliminary comfort zones. The Chickpea Fritter sandwich is glorious, and is probably the safest option for anybody who is new to vegetarian/vegan cuisine, or is just not generally open to adventurous foods. The Egg & Eggplant Sandwich is also very good, though I found the eggplant itself a little on the salty side (though it could have just been the batch I got). The Pushpir is a very neat take on Indian cuisine, with a fresh and spicy flavor profile. The pour-over coffee is excellent (now serving intelligencia coffee), as are the varieties of Lemonades (i've tried the Cinnamon and the Ginger). The rotating menu items keep the options interesting, despite the day-to-day few items. It's a great place to study for the day, especially if you are a Harvard student; the University Wi-Fi is strong in the building, probably from a nearby affiliate in the building. Great job Clover, keep being inventive, environmentally friendly, and keep those costs down :)

    (5)

  • Ida A.

    The most perfectly cooked eggplant I've ever had was in this egg and eggplant sandwich. The eggplant is sweet and salty and the PERFECT texture- crispy on the outside, like custard in the inside. 4 starts instead of five because their hummus is missing lemon juice and it's a tad too thick. And the bread could be better but isn't bad. But I would eat here any day.

    (4)

  • Wen-fai F.

    I'll admit it, I used to be a Clover non-believer. I used to think that this was just a place for picky eaters and elitists who want overpriced organic food and fancy sodas. There's already enough elitism in Cambridge, and I wasn't excited about yet another business that was promoting that culture. Slowly but surely though, Clover has won over my heart. The chickpea fritter is fantastic as everybody says, but I think the brussel sprout sandwich is really what sold me. Filled with tender brussels, cabbage, shredded carrots, and peanuts, it really is a one of a kind pita sandwich. Recently when I was there, sipping my fancy Vanilla soda (also delicious), I thought, "if this is what the new fast food revolution is, then I'm very excited to be a part of it." It's quick, it's much healthier than any other fast food joint in Harvard Square (or Cambridge, for that matter), and it's affordable on a student budget. It serves up delicious food, and just so happens to be vegetarian. I also like how they market themselves as a "lab" - constantly trying new dishes out on the customer to see what sticks. I've had the pleasure of meeting the owner who is super down-to-earth and has an infectious love for the craft of making healthy fast food. Very happy this place exists in Boston, and would always recommend it to locals as well as people from out of town.

    (5)

  • Heidi L.

    Pros: - the folks who work there are super nice - the space is awesome - the lemonades are tasty - get the apple fritters when they're around! Cons: - the time from ordering to getting your food is really un-fast. Makes it super hard to swing by to get lunch to go, or even to have a working lunch - the rosemary fries are too salty and not really crispy (vs. Garden at the Cellar). similarly, other fried things (except the fritters) have ridiculously heavy batters - the chickpea fritter sandwich, while tasty on the first bite (&my favorite sandwich there), quickly becomes less exciting as you keep going (possibly due to the high proportion of pickled cabbage and carrot)

    (3)

  • Joy W.

    Was looking for a quick but adventurous lunch experience in the Harvard square area, and Yelp pointed me to Clover Food labs. Apparently it started as a food truck and has expanded into brick and mortar. FOOD Per everyone's recommendation, I ordered the egg and eggplant sandwich. Who would have thought that eggs and eggplants go so well together? At first I thought they were trying to be punny and play off the word "egg" but that pairing is genius! (Mostly when the eggplant is fried) Seriously, there was a party in my mouth and another in my stomach. My only complaint is that it was a really messy sandwich - I needed about 4 napkins and wish I had grabbed a knife and fork. ATMOSPHERE It is a really modern space with white walls, hardwood floors and clean cut wooden tables. They have a few tables for 2, a few tables for 4, and a long communal table. I didn't get a chance to visit upstairs but it looked nice from below. SERVICE When you first walk in, there's a person at the door who takes your order in a portable tablet. They send it to the kitchen electronically and you can pay with cash or card there. You can wait for your food since its pretty fast then go sit down. They are a really friendly group of people. Overall, had a great experience and would recommend it for a quick casual lunch. [62 of 100]

    (4)

  • Irene P.

    Overrated, IMO. Boyfriend and I dropped by here for some rosemary fries and a Mediterranean platter of some sort. The platter was just alright and not very generously portioned, and the fries were, mm, flaccid. We couldn't really taste the rosemary. Admittedly, our experience was colored by the privileged polo-shirts-and-khakis-adorned extended white family sitting next to us on the big outdoor table. They waxed prolific about the accomplishments of the son/grandson -- not least of which were his trophies in rowing. Then, after they finished eating, they left ALL of their trash -- five persons' worth -- on the table for the lowly peasants to pick up for them. Ugh.

    (2)

  • Leah B.

    I still love clover, but I miss the Japanese sweet potato sandwich. It was absolutely my favourite, and the plantain sandwich just can't compete. The beans and plantains are just too heavy together. Also fair warning, I found the pushpir sandwich to be very spicy, so make sure to have water near by. In regards to service, I've now been to multiple locations and I'm impressed with the level of service at all of them.

    (5)

  • S C.

    I love clover for it's unique and healthy foods and it's cool atmosphere. The food tastes great and it's a fantastic option for local fast-casual. The only drawbacks are that they can be a bit slow at getting you your food and it sometimes it can be hard to find seating in this popular but small place. But overall always a good experience!

    (4)

  • Alex M.

    Look, people hate on hipsters. And I get it. They can be pretentious. There is also a method to their mayhem. Sometimes the crazy things they do are actually the best way to live a life in a city. Or just to live a life. They also often enjoy well crafted things. That's why you don't find them sucking down Dunkin Donuts coffee. Because it sucks. You know what basically never sucks? A pour over. I have never had a bad pour over. I don't know if it's possible. So this place rules. The coffee was easily the best I've had in Boston. And there was free wifi thanks to Harvard. Thanks Harvard! Now is it a cozy cafe? No. And that's fine. Rarely are pour over cafes cozy. Still, get your damn coffee here. And sit for a few minutes. And enjoy something. The hipsters (and the French) have it right.

    (5)

  • Ike S.

    Just had my first popover. Fucking brilliant. I've been waiting my whole life for something like this: eggy, crispy, savory, soft, muffin-shaped, brioche sandwich. It's a little small, so you may want to order more than one, even if you get the badass popover breakfast sandwich. It's like the best BLT you've ever had, even though it's vegetarian. They stop selling them at 11. So, I've been waiting my whole life for this. Why only four stars? Why not the full 5? Because it looks like an IKEA in here. Also, no tray for all my food. Had to carry it upstairs, and spilled hot tea all over my soft, gentle hands. The oatmeal was just okay. Whatever, it's oatmeal.

    (4)

  • Molly L.

    Wow. Not only did the fabulous employees of Clover brighten my rainy Monday with the most impressive breakfast sandwich this side of the neighborhood CAFO, they requested I sample most everything else in the shop! Apparently this only happens during your first Clover breakfast. For me, it will guarantee many more.

    (5)

  • Vanessa T.

    The Enzo and Rosemary fries are amazing. Well worth the wait if you have the time. Hummus is good too, order an extra piece of Pita bread with it!

    (4)

  • Kate M.

    The breakfast is still great, but the lunch platters are pretty small and not spectacular. There are better options in the square.

    (3)

  • Jen P.

    Service: fantastic. Food: insane. Get the chickpea fritter and blue bottle coffee. Your life will be complete. Perfect for my group of 7. Will definitely return whenever I'm in Boston.

    (5)

  • Dominique D.

    First time here. I was pretty uncertain about the food. I hear that their menu changes seasonally, it's all healthy and fresh ingredients so the names can be a bit intimidating. I think you definitely need to be bold to try their food because it's really different. But I was so pleasantly surprised that their food was all so tasty! I got the chickpea fritter platter and I was nervous at first but everything was so good. My friend got the Japanese sweet potato sandwich and that was also really surprisingly good. Super delicious and satisfying food which J feel like not a lot of healthy food restaurants achieve. The best part was that it was cheap! The place does have a hipster feel to it, but not intimidating. It has a really laid back feel inside, plenty of seating and welcoming. Five stars!

    (5)

  • Shadia A.

    The qaulity of service and food here has definitely dwindled down at location. Being such a big fan a clover, I have to say that I no longer enjoy coming to this location. 1. The sandwiches have become sloppy. No longer is care put into the assembly of the sandwiches. When I first started to come here the sandwiches were amazing because each bit included different flavors and fresh ingredients, now though I find myself have to shuffle my sandwich just so that I am not getting all my carrots in one bite, and all my cucumbers in another etc. I was also extremely disappointed today when I received my popover breakfast sandwich which looked like someone had squeezed a really tight grip on it, squishing the sandwich together so that I was only able to get 2-3 bites. Also the fries, nowadays they just slap on a hold the rosemary plant onto your fries order. Can somebody please distribute the leaves?!!?! 2. Service is lacking! In a place like clover that advertises for being fast food, I am a bit confused as to why I am waiting 25 minutes for a breakfast sandwich!!! This location is in the midst of Harvard Square, where everyone is just trying to get a quick bite, there is no reason why I should be waiting this long! I was also extremely appalled when I came into the store last week to find that they only had a handful of menu item, 5-7, with only two sandwiches being available. Finally the morning service needs some serious tuning up! If there is more than three customers waiting then maybe two people can help with sandwich prep. I watched 1 person man the coffee, 1 person prep for lunch, and another watch the juicer, all while 1 person was given the job to create 15 breakfasts. Productivity would include just one person taking care of drinks and allowing the other to shift their focus.

    (2)

  • Sandy P.

    The food here is sooooo good and so cheap for what you get. Came across it while walking around and exploring the neighborhood (I'm frome out of town). But I'm so glad I stopped! Amazingness is all I can say... and their staff is super friendly and helpful.

    (5)

  • Lauretta L.

    After only eating Clover's pockets of heaven, aka Chickpea Fritters, at the trucks, I decided to visit an actual restaurant. I love the open kitchen and eating space of this location and have to give props to their customer service. The staff has always been fun and engaging and the manager is very open to comments. The first time I brought my friend here, the Chickpea Fritter was poorly made and did not live up to the other Fritters I had eaten (clumpy ingredients, cold pita and soggy bottom). I sent a comment via the Clover website with my thoughts since I want Clover to continue to impress others like they have me, and the manager promptly emailed me back. It's clear that Clover truly cares about their food addicts :). The second time I went back, the Chickpea Fritter was perfectly made. I only dock a star because the bathrooms weren't stocked with paper towels and were a bit dirty.

    (4)

  • Karen L.

    I've reviewed the food truck, but had to add a review to the pile for this location. I'm sad that the food truck is cheaper, but then I usually hit the park street truck. If I'm passing through Harvard Square, I stop here. Clover made me love them because of the chickpea fritter. Then I tried the Panelle, and my love deepened. A new sandwich appeared on the menu and now I am positively fawning over it -- the Sharan. Dude, this sandwich is all the spicy, with fried cauliflower and cabbage and red peppers and I don't know what else, totally dairy free and it made me so happy I could cry. They were training someone the other day when I was there, so it was a bit slower than I am used to (and I think the food truck is so fast, I'm spoiled). Still, this sandwich needs a sixth star.

    (5)

  • Adelaide A.

    The place is really loud, and they wouldn't let me get their pimiento cheese sandwich without bread. Why is it so hard to just give me a scoop of something? So, I got a hibiscus tea, a pimiento cheese sandwich, and an egg and eggplant platter to split with a friend. The eggplant was delicious, but the tea was pre-sweetened (ugh) and the pimiento cheese sandwich was mostly sugary celery (wtf?) and the tiniest bit of actual pimiento cheese. This place is probably fine if you don't have any sort of special diet like me (gluten/grain free, sugar free).

    (2)

  • Viktar K.

    Very good vegetarian food for the price. Pretty cool atmosphere. Great location.

    (4)

  • Patricia R.

    I love Clover. In fact I drive into Cambridge just to go to the Holyoke location. I also frequent the food truck near the Rose Kennedy Greenway and South Station. Today My husband and I had the heirloom Beet and Cabbage sandwich. I had it at the recommendation of Robert who took my order. It was about the best of the sandwiches I have had. We also had the chick pea platter and the Brussel sprout salad. I usually get the chick pea sandwich but today it seemed even better as a platter with bean salad, fantastic tahini dressing,and humus plus cabbage and carrots and great pickles. We ate at the little tables outside and as they were out of forks I told Robert ,our cashier and he came out to our table and delivered them personally. He remembered that I had ordered the beet sandwich and asked how I enjoyed it. Great service. Clover I love your product. I love the concepts you are developing. Can't wait to see what the soon to be introduced mushroom sandwich is like. Thank you for such quality ,fair pricing and innovation in food service.

    (5)

  • Yelper B.

    this is my favorite spot in the boston / Cambridge area - great because of its simplicity of menu and ordering process - informal atmosphere and complimentary carbonated water - love to try all the new sandwiches - delicious!

    (5)

  • Nicole W.

    I love this place for an afternoon coffee and snack. It's also a great spot to get work done. There are plenty of tables and lots of natural light! Unlike coffee shops in the area, it never feels crowded and they actually have great coffee! Today they featured a couple of coffees from barrington and one from intelligentsia. Coffee is ground to order and brewed pour over style. Everyday there is a 3pm side special. Since this is a "food lab", they are always experimenting with different unique and fresh combinations. I recommend the staples, though- can't go wrong with the chickpea fritter sandwich and rosemary frites!

    (4)

  • Sarah M.

    It was a food truck, then they opened a restaurant. I love that they have beer and lots of tasty sandwiches. the drinks are all always really good, and I'm not usually a non-alcoholic drink orderer. I'm into the new pimento cheese sandwich they have and I also like the chickpea fritter plate/platter. upsides: tasty drinks, a/c and outdoor seating, pickled veggies, fun attitude, composting! downsides: not really into plates and bowls, and sometimes it's hard to eat without putting your food down. they finally created queues so that you're not just sort of leaping towards the order takers, but I still don't understand why they don't put them behind a counter? sweet electronic menu boards that they never update! why not, guys?

    (4)

  • Kelsey B.

    Oh Clover, I love you. Fast, cheap, delicious, vegan/vegetarian. Oh, and great local beers. I was originally introduced to clover through the food truck near Park street, but I love the HSQ location (mostly due to being able to have a delicious beer with my amazing food). The staff at Clover is always so friendly and helpful in making decisions, and expelling to me which options are vegan (or can be made vegan). Everything taste so fresh and I love that they use organic/local ingredients whenever possible. Another great thing about clover is the constant changing menu, there is always a new side dish option or a new sandwich to try. Currently, my new favorite is the venezulean plantain. Savory, sweet, spicy, amazing all rolled into a warm pita. Clover, keep it up, you never disappoint.

    (5)

  • Mike M.

    My new favorite food spot in the Harvard area. Can't believe it took me this long to find it. I loved the service, very friendly and accommodating for first time customers. Got the chickpea fritter platter and everything was perfect. The fact that they serve beer and individual drip iced coffee is a plus. You can tell that they take pride in their food without any frills. The pricing (about $20 for a sandwich, a platter with pita bread and two iced coffees) seems fair. You have to try it. Only complaint is no plate with the sandwich. There tends to be a good amount of juice/dressing that leaks out of the pita toward the end, making for a messy situation.

    (5)

  • Luke H.

    One of my go to spots in Harvard Square, cheap, healthy, and might I say, tasty. My go to on the menu is the the chickpea plate for $7, but the sandwich for $6 is also good. They call them chickpea fritters which are really it's like a mini chickpea falafel. The breakfast sandwich is definitely unique, soft-boiled egg with tomato salt and pepper in a mini pita for $3. When I'm not hungry I love stopping in here for their coffee. They have a rotating selection of pour over coffee available as well as bags for sale. Intelligencia, Barisimo, Verve, Stumptown, George Howel are a few of the roasters that have come through clover. After talking to one of their employees (all of which are super friendly) I guess managers gather the employees for coffee tastings where the employees taste different coffee's from different roasters and choose which coffee they like the best. They also have FRESH squeezed orange juice, if you have a spare $6 for the 16oz or $3 for the 6oz (might be wrong with the sizes) they will juice you up some. In conclusion; if you haven't tried it yet, GO, you might like vegetarian food.

    (4)

  • Fancypants X.

    2.5 stars I should probably give them a second chance before I dub them "texture destroyers," but first impressions stick. My chickpea fritter plate (aka falafels! Just say it, Clover! They're falafels!) is $7, plus $1 if you want pita. Falafel: 3-stars. Not the most flavorful. Hummus: like paste! WTF?! Shredded carrots: slimey! A little acidic. Purple cabbage: overkill. Side of potato salad w/ capers: mushy. Clover, you might be cheap, but you're not that good. (At least I'm cheap AND good!)

    (2)

  • Sarah M.

    As a sandwich addict, I've wanted to try this place for a while, so I'm glad I finally made it in yesterday. The somewhat unconventional menu threw me off at first-- I knew that this was a veggie/vegan friendly place, but I for some reason I thought I'd see more tomatoes, onions, and leafy greens in the menu. (My guess is that a lack thereof is due to it being, like, the middle of winter right now, which I accept.) Anyhow, I settled on a chickpea fritter sammie, and it was actually a lot tastier than I expected. Though I've noticed some Yelp-hate on the hummus, I really enjoyed it, and the fritters themselves were little nuggets of heaven. The cabbage and carrots were good but a wee bit soggy, making the last bites of the sandwich an art in dissection. I was glad I grabbed a big stack of napkins. Only three stars because: real talk, I wish Clover had more options for omnivores. When I want a sandwich, sometimes I'm in the mood for something with chickpeas, but more often I want something with cheese, and maybe some meat. I deduct another star purely based on the intel of friends and friends of friends who have worked for this company and not had the best experience. Unrelated to the food, I know, but it makes those fritters taste a little less delicious to me.

    (3)

  • Lauren J.

    Firstly I will say that the popover breakfast sandwich was good, but it was not 30 minutes waiting good. The oolong tea was good. The good food and the fact that they offered a refund at one point are the only reasons this place is not a one star. We had a small group of people and three of us had issues with our order-- we simply wouldn't have gotten any food at all if we hadn't spoken up. They have some setup with smartphones communicating the orders, but it's not working out. Not to mention it's really hard to hear them call your name at a table not 30ft away. One person's order of a breakfast sandwich, really a pretty simple sandwich, was skipped over and he was waiting just as long as we were for the popovers. People behind all three of us waiting got their orders before us of the same items. They didn't have enough seitan ready two popovers so they said we could have one now and wait 4 minutes for the other or get a refund. We said we wanted the popover and it was almost immediately given away to someone else behind us by another worker. What on earth? A serious lack of communication was going on. It wasn't even really busy. Besides the guy taking orders, everyone else looked seriously unhappy. Despite the good popovers, I will never again eat at this restaurant.

    (2)

  • Lucy Q.

    Clover seems to be more invested in its image than its actual food. I've tried multiple things on the menu, hoping that something will live up to the hype. Sadly, it has not. Every time I go to try something new, it turns out bland, disappointing, and just not worth the money.

    (2)

  • Matt T.

    Mmmm.... vegetably goodness. They're pretty quick and no-nonsense; a little conspiracy-against-the-laity in their operations. Don't know what's on the (v. yummy) chickpea fritter (falafel?) platter? Don't worry, it changes all the time. Just plunge in! Bonus for having complimentary carbonic acid on tap. The other two water taps are labeled with temperatures (42F and 64F). Are they really that precise? I'm bringing a thermometer next time. Extra bonus: if you sit upstairs, the cross-members in the windows make it look like the sidewalk passersby are headless. At least at my height. How do they stroll by so casually when there's such delicious food? Oh, right, no head == no mouth. Too bad for them. It's operated by college (age) people, so spotty service doesn't surprise me even though I didn't experience it. But I was in on a calm summer evening. And it's loud. There's not a porous surface in the place. Except my jeans onto which leaked the vegetable juice from my compostable takeaway container as I carried it to the trash. I'm thinking about going back tonight. Now that I've mastered carrying the container right side up.

    (5)

  • Alex Y.

    Fast, efficient, and good food. I like the egg and eggplant sandwich, and the weird combination actually tastes really great! At this Clover, I like the two stories. The first story has an open feel, while the upper story has a tight and cozy feel. This is a good place for a quick meal, but also for taking refuge and working through the workday in a nice environment. What stands out about this place is, despite being a fast food joint, the service is above par. Food typically comes out quite quickly. The one time my food came out late, the server brought me a free lemonade as an apology.

    (4)

  • Allison C.

    Reasonably priced; low-key, relaxing storefront; yummy food; helpful, patient service. Thank you, Clover Food Lab HSQ. Recently, I came here on a rainy night with a friend, and we came in sopping wet. No prob. Staff was helpful. One guy kindly talked us through the menu, and we ended up ordering sandwiches and sides. The seasonal Brussel Sprout sandwich sounds much more simple and boring than it actually is, which is textured, tasty, and terrific! Seitan is made in house, and the sandwich does not skimp on the BBQ sauce. Rosemary fries, definitely a generous, delicious serving, and those tostones (also known as patacones) are just a special but surely fresh, crisp, and good with the creamy dipping sauce. Without the sauce, a little bland. Needed a little bit more salt.

    (4)

  • Alan P.

    Coffee is thin despite being drip. Tried to get some work done, pretty good atmosphere for working, except that they don't have wifi and encourage you to steal Harvard's. Would have been much happier with a danker brew. Learn how to do drip, you're makin me feel like a snob!

    (3)

  • Jameel A.

    Best place ! Friendly environment !amazing food. And the space has a positive vibe :) my favourite spot in the area!

    (5)

  • Sam S.

    Clover was originally my favorite food truck in Boston, and I'm so glad that there are now brick and mortar locations like this one. The food is undeniably delicious (the egg and eggplant sandwich is my fave), but the best part is the company's focus on providing fresh, healthy food at a very affordable price. If you peruse the company's website you can learn an immense amount about the ingredients and philosophy of Clover, and that is what vaults them into 5 star status for me. Essentially, Clover is striving to be a fast food restaurant that prioritizes quality food. For instance, they explicitly state that there are no freezers in the entire company, nothing you eat was ever frozen. Instead everything is made from scratch with recently delivered ingredients. That also helps to explain why the menu is small and frequently they'll run out of menu items late in the day. Yes, arriving to discover that there are no Chickpea Fritters can be frustrating, but at least you know it's for good reasons. Also I love that the kitchen and food prep area is completely open; you can see your food being prepared. Finally, the set-up and style of this location takes a bit getting used to, but I enjoy the creativity. The employees stand in front of the counter and take your order on a handheld device, very similar to what you find at food trucks. I was slightly confused who to order from at first, but I like how you still got the "food truck" vibe. Same applies to how you are served your food: no trays like you may find at other quick service or fast food location, but that wonderful "food truck" vibe is there.

    (5)

  • Layla L.

    If you're looking a cafe to get some work done. Look elsewhere. Clover's staff is so incredibly clumsy and loud, they constantly drop stuff on the ground, like seriously, hire some people who know how to hold onto stuff. And they're so slow with taking orders. I had a delivery lady before me just trying to grab a bite, she left because the waitress just couldn't figure out how to use the machine and always had to ask everyone their orders twice or even three times. But the food is good. That's about it. And it's incredibly filthy. So many flies and fruit flies flying around. How can anyone seriously work here....

    (2)

  • Meesh K.

    First time here. The layout is amazing! I asked about some of the teas, and Emma was super sweet and patient enough to explain them to me! The hot teas and cold are different! The steep the teas on the spot too, SO COOL! Izeb? (pronounced Iza) was also very helpful and friendly, giving me a great vibe about the place. I tried to tip them, but they don't take any which just proves that they are indeed just awesome, nice people. The hibiscus tea is what I got, although I prefer the hot one, because it has lemongrass and more citrus. :) definitely coming back!

    (5)

  • Leslie H.

    I like this concept of using sustainable and local ingredients, but this was definitely the strangest falafel I've ever eaten. The falafel themselves were quite delicious, well seasoned and crispy when eaten fresh. But the hummus was tasteless and an odd yellow color while the additions of pickled red cabbage and carrot were a bit odd. The added Mediterranean salad of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and seasoning was tasty, but it should have played a more prominent role in the overall wrap. I DID NOT like the added pickles and onions which overpowered the rest of the wrap. I also ordered an apple lemonade, but I definitely received a lemonade that tasted strongly of ginger with no apple flavor. The french fries were okay, but did not have any of the rosemary flavor that was touted. They reminded me strongly of In-N-Out fries, which is not at all a bad thing. Service was quick but strangely expedited. There seem to be several food preparation stations. I was first called to pick up my drink, then the fries, and finally my falafel pita about 5 minutes later. It's not super fast, but at least you know they're making your food fresh. One thing I do appreciate is the fact that they don't overload you with a lot of packaging for your food; you have to ask them for a bag to load all your goodies into.

    (3)

  • Marissa O.

    Was underwhelmed by the breakfast selection. The blueberries (in season) were tasty with the oatmeal. The place seemed awfully empty... It was an odd vibe and set-up. We got what we needed: a quick small breakfast, tea, and coffee.

    (3)

  • Kevin O.

    I wanted to like clover, I really did. I gave it 4 tries and it never lived up to my expectation. Something always goes wrong. The first time I got an egg and eggplant sandwich and it came with so much stuff that I didn't know was on there. They make the menu vague so that the customers have to interact with the employees but that, along with the cashier just being a guy with an iPhone, makes for a lot of confused people awkwardly standing by the counter. The sandwich was mediocre at best. They also don't give cardboard cup holders for coffee to "save paper" but end up double cupping all the drinks because they are too hot. Another time I got the Rosemary fries and the fry cook clearly never used a deep frier. They were over cooked and starchy, and not nearly a big enough portion for the price. The only redeeming quality of clover is the excellent coffee, but the price ($3.50!) makes it not worth it. Clover has potential but needs time to get their act together.

    (2)

  • N C.

    I really like the concept: they seek to make satisfying fast food that's also fresh and nutritious. They certainly deliver on that. Their various offerings are quite tasty, and they're always working behind the scenes to innovate and improve. However, the portions are on the small side, so I need two helpings to get full, which makes for a pretty expensive lunch. My biggest complaint is with the breakfast. I came here to meet several friends on a Saturday morning. After reading and re-reading the breakfast menu a few times, I was surprised to find nothing vegan. I figured I must be missing something, because what kind of vegetarian establishment doesn't offer a vegan option? So I asked a worker, and he feebly suggested that I get a muffin (which wasn't actually vegan...). It was disappointing that this veggie spot lacked vegan options, and it was even more disappointing that the staff seemed oblivious to this oversight.

    (3)

  • Missy S.

    I've been wanting to try this spot for sometime now. I used to see their food truck around and the line was always there to challenge my patience. This week, I went for lunch with a friend. We tried the chickpea fritter platter and the bbq seitan platter. The chickpea fritters were mini falafels. They were super crunchy, which made them awesome and were served with hummus, pickled cabbage, onions, carrots, and pickles and the bbq seitan (which if you're like me and have never tried seitan, kind of tastes like meat made out of bread) was served in a homemade sweet, tangy bbq sauce with an incredible potato salad which is fresh, and tastes like it may be made with some tihini, and was alone, amazing. The pita is a fantastic addition, served warm and super fresh tasting. Wish the menu had a bit more variety, as I'm not a huge falafel or fried food fiend but definitely worth stopping by.

    (4)

  • Paige C.

    Welcome with samples Fried spuds fresh rosemary love cheesy pimento I went here only once while in Boston, and I was so disappointed... because I knew that it would probably be my last visit for a long long while. I walked in during a not so busy time and was greeted quite pleasantly. They have beer on tap. They have George Howell coffee. They have daily specials. Enormous vegetarian sandwiches for less than 8 bucks. But I had to get fries, of course. Before I ordered, they offered a couple samples of the fillings. I got some amazing pimento cheese cucumber pita deliciousness. Yes. The fries are COVERED in rosemary. Ketchup seemed like an abomination. I'm so sad just thinking about how far away I am...

    (5)

  • Justina D.

    I really like this place: vegetarian food (plates and popovers) , tasty and not pricey. I really like the chickpea popover. They have a nice lemonade also. The place has several locations but this is the best, with two floors and a communal table. Habitués seem to be Harvard students, thirty-something people, usually in groups, and young families (kid friendly).

    (5)

  • Inês L.

    Went back during lunch because I was in a pinch. The good news is that I had a better experience. I got a chickpea fritter sandwich and the rosemary fries. This time the fries were dry, warm and loaded with crispy fried rosemary. It was a generous portion so I really recommend getting it with someone. I also got the chickpea fritter sandwich which was very tasty. I think the sandwich could have used a few more fritters since they're pretty small. I'm not going to lie, at first I thought they were burnt turds but, to my surprise, they're crispy on the outside and fluffy and soft on the inside. But they're tiny and hidden in between all of that hummus and pickled vegetables. I'd get a salad just of those vegetables actually, couldn't believe how much they stuffed in there. My only suggestion is that what they are making is really falafel. Chickpea fritters are actually something else (generally flatter, made of besan and ground chickpeas). I guess I'm only bringing this up because I didn't get what I was expecting. It was still good, but just not what I would consider a fritter, it's more smaller bite size falafel. Overall, better. And, in general, I love their mission and what they're doing. They compost, they use fresh seasonal ingredients, they are always growing. The staff is always friendly, service is fast. I love the overall set up and I love that they do farm shares.

    (4)

  • Gina P.

    Not a vegetarian, but very impressed by the flavors! Best hummus I've had recently! Ordered the chickpea fritter, hibiscus iced tea, and fries with rosemary. The fritter is definitely worth ordering again!

    (5)

  • Jeff C.

    Great breakfast and very friendly! They're very focused on serving up a great product and even solicit feedback on what you're eating and drinking.

    (5)

  • Derek H.

    Amazing customer service! Carbonation on the keg of beer was off, but they comped it. Best customer service I think I've found in Boston, anywhere. Pour-over coffee, BBQ Seitan sandwich, couscous salad, and fries also all great.

    (5)

  • Natalie J.

    I came here for a weekend breakfast with friends. I ordered oatmeal with Asian pears and a pour over coffee. Both were okay, but nothing memorable. More memorable was the very friendly guy who took our order, Jeremiah. Great customer service!

    (3)

  • Audrea Rachelle G.

    Great area, good selection, cool interior. Killer whoopie pie!

    (4)

  • Paul T.

    Best iced coffee in Cambridge (and I've tried several this summer), great if you like fresh, flavorful and strong / robust.

    (5)

  • Noah G.

    Confused about the hype. Seitan sandwich was just okay (one leaf of lettuce and a few tomatoes and seitan slices in a lukewarm pita) but the rosemary fries were good. I would not return unless desperate.

    (3)

  • Jason L.

    I really, really, like Clover, but I kind of think it deserves three stars. The food is universally and unfailingly good. Of course get the chickpea fritter sandwich, loaded to bear with hummus, pickled onions, red cabbage, and all kinds of good flavors. The rosemary fries are fresh, hot, herb-y, delicious. BBQ seitan is tasty and tangy, clearly prepared with love and attention. Get all that, eat it, leave with a smile. (Also, beer. They have local beer, the good ones). But everything at the Clover restaurant locations is difficult. First, I too often have to stand in a stupid, tedious line. I saw the owner of Clover saying that he wants to open 1000 Clover stores, and it would be great if we could live in a world where such a thing was a reality (I have some doubts about this concept working in, say, Texas or South Carolina, but it would totally fly in Chicago). But they will never get to more than a handful of stores if they don't fix this ordering issue. It takes a while to order your food, and you kind of awkwardly stand next to a person with an iphone to do so. No counter between you, so the interaction isn't entirely unpleasant, but it is just unusual. I see people being awkward about it, and I'm awkward about it And for the love of god, why can't I get a plate or something? I order a sandwich, fries, a beer, and a bubble water. That requires at least two trips to the counter while the folks frantically making the food are screaming my name in a tone that I thought only my mother could generate. I would really like a plate or a tray or something to facilitate this process. Pro tip: since there are no cups or anything for ketchup or hot sauce, use the coffee cup lids to contain your condiments. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful, with a really cool raw wood communal table in the middle, and a striking brick floor with white walls and a trellis in the back with ivy growing up it. Very cool. Very good music selection too. I heard a song from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot followed by the best song from the Heartless Bastards worst album. Good stuff. By all means, go to Clover. Get your fritter on. Be patient though, take a deep breath, and once you are at your table, all your care will melt away in that pickled red onion bliss.

    (4)

  • Tiffany J.

    Quite possibly one of my favorite casual restaurants in Boston. This place is vegetarian, but (wisely) not advertised as such. Best known for their chickpea fritters, but the brussels sprout pita sandwich and egg & eggplant pita sandwich (my favorite) are seriously underhyped. Rosemary fries are a good choice. So is the ginger soda (made with real ginger, not fake syrup!). I also love their free sparkling water dispenser.

    (5)

  • Nick H.

    I could save money for years, obtain a degree in agriculture, get approved for a loan, buy a plot of fertile land for a farm, purchase farm equipment, cultivate the land, plant and nourish coffee plants, hire seasonal labor, harvest the coffee beans, roast the beans, grind the beans and brew my own cup of coffee in the same amount of time Clover takes to dribble out 12oz of coffee. Their system has the equivalent flow rate of a dehydrated tapering piss. I don't know about you but everyone I know has buckets of spare time on their way to work in the morning. Clover's only cashier (the chatty asspipe with an iPhone) spends 5 minutes hamming it up with every wispy personality that walks through the door. I love to wait around and listen to awful people speak to each other in the morning. Coffee is good and the chickpea stuff is tasty. The food would get 3.5 stars if I could rate it separately.

    (2)

  • George Y.

    Found this spot off the beaten path as my friend (who's local) and I (who is not) were just exploring parts of Harvard. What a pleasant discovery. Really friendly service and quick ordering/processing system. 2 drinks and some of their rosemary fries and we were set. The most refreshing part of Clover is that there is plenty of breathing room and it's well lit. So well lit it's almost glowing. Starbucks and their horde of macbook wielding student body would be shocked to see such space go wasted. And as a bonus to my friend, they are very vegetarian friendly. She will be back and whenever I'm in the city, so will I. My only gripe is Clover should nail down or secure the seat backs for the booths along the back wall. I couldn't lean back without displacing the whole seat back.

    (4)

  • Avery M.

    I found the atmosphere of the order area intimidating (they have a "system"), and walked out the first time I was there rather than facing down the hip looking young folks who were going to swipe my credit card on their iPhone. In fact, there is nothing to worry about here. The service is friendly, and the food is to die for. Some of my most memorable meals in Boston have been at this place -- specifically, the brussels sprout wrap! The homemade drinks are also delicious and a step above the competition. I'll be conquering my fears and coming here again in the future.

    (5)

  • Zarzuela K.

    Yummy! The Japanese sweet potato sandwich was great and the 'falafel' (chickpea parties) were good... Went to the Brookline village location for lunch. Couldn't find it on yelp so writing here. Very happy- we were about to go to Cutty's but I wasn't happy with the amount of Pig products on their menu.

    (5)

  • Slater T.

    One of the most amazing places in Harvard Square. First was invited to Clover by a great friend of mine a few months back, and I've been going back ever since. I've never been disappointed by a meal here. I totally understand that the experimental food might be a little too "out there" for a lot of people, but as someone who generally doesn't like eggplant or mushrooms, the Enzo sandwich is still amazing. The fries, the coffee, the lemonade, and all of the seasonal fare make Clover an amazing spot for a meal. The ambience is also just right, and the fact that you can buy bitcoin in the store now is a big plus.

    (5)

  • Kacey R.

    I love this place! I go to clover at least once a week during the school year to get the chickpea fritter platter. Very delicious, doesn't make me feel like I've eaten a big greasy mess, and cheap! Plus, Clover rotates their salads so you're never getting the same thing twice. I would (and have) recommended this place to many friends! If you just want a snack, their rosemary fries are delicious and fresh-made. Not too oily, either! One thing I wish they had was gluten-free bread...I spoke to a staff member at one point and she said they were in the process of getting their oven approved but - still no bread! There are definitely still GF options, though, so don't worry.

    (4)

  • Matt R.

    Everything at this place could be really good, but the service is upsetting. I think it's a choice made by the owner/management, but seriously ordering here is incredibly stressful. I stood for 5 minutes wondering who to ask about ordering food. The man in front of me making pour-over coffee was right in front of me and did not acknowledge my presence. After a while, I walked to another area of the restaurant looking for a register. Honestly, there was no way for me to know who to order from. I finally asked one of the kitchen people and the pointed at a woman walking around with a phone. All of them treated me like "how could I not know how things work in their restaurant?" I ordered a coffee, and they took my name. i sat down at a chair in the window. At some point the guy behind the counter is yelling words in a sing-song voice. Like a really overly-affected, trying too hard, sing-song voice. I have no idea what he's saying. After a while I realize a coffee has been sitting on the counter for a few minutes. i go up and ask if it's mine. he says "what's your name?" I tell him and he says it's mine. He never made a second attempt to let me know in a clear voice that my coffee was ready. He didn't hand it to me. I picked it up and there was spilled coffee all over the outside of the cup. The coffee was good. Otherwise I was just stressed and felt stupid the whole time. I'm from Brooklyn. I'm used to hipster stores that try and create a "new model" for running a business. But BAD SERVICE is a major no-no. If you're changing things up -- have a sign to explain how things work. Have employees that acknowledge that customers are waiting and tell them they will be right with them. Don't be condescending, and don't let food sit our for a long time if no one responded to your call.

    (2)

  • Ab N.

    I have a new favorite place to eat in Boston! Clover has some fantastically fresh food that they somehow make incredibly affordable. $7 for a falafel platter with the works (falafel, pickle slices, tahini, carrots, coleslaw, and sweet potato salad)? Yes please. Looking forward to trying some of the other stuff on the menu. The atmosphere leans towards hipster, but it's really casual. Big fan of the self serve water and seltzer bar thing. You get your food fast too, which is good, because you'll be hungry :)

    (5)

  • Cindy W.

    Got a breakfast sandwich here which was alright but I loved the sleek interior decoration. Would be a great place for a college student to do homework and the food is inexpensive as well.

    (4)

  • Carrie P.

    Delicious and cheap. They have their issues with the line/iPhone order management system sometimes, but that can be overlooked by their yummy food. I've had the chickpea pita and a few of their daily specials as well as several salads and soups. All of it is good and I can't wait to come back for breakfast! Also - free sparkling water on tap!!! So nice!

    (5)

  • Irene C.

    PROS - chickpea fritter sandwich is most delicious yet healthy thing ever (400 calories woot woot) - cheesy grits with egg is the best grits I've had north of the Mason-Dixon line: filling, cheesy, and well seasoned with salt and pepper - rosemary fries are not too fried, still crisp from the fryer, and the rosemary adds a fresh taste CONS - every other sandwich I've tried (barbeque seitan, breakfast sandwich) has been disappointing - oatmeal in the morning is flavored with some sort of cinnamon sugar, which I wish were optional Stick to what Clover does best: chickpea fritter sandwiches. Note that I don't even like chickpeas, hummus, cabbage, pickles, or pretty much anything in there, but I keep coming back!

    (4)

  • Clarisse S.

    There are a lot of 4 star reviews for this place. I sort of get why: the ambiance is cool and edgy (if you're into exposed brick and open concept spaces), it is one of the few all-vegetarian places in Harvard Square, the staff are decently friendly and the prices are reasonable. But the food is really disappointing. I had the chickpea fritter plate and a side of rosemary fries. My fritter plate came with 3 small and cold pieces of falafel, a side of water-logged carrot salad and extremely watery, loose hummus. The fries were limp and somewhat soggy. I must give kudos to their ketchup; it was the only tasty thing on my plate. Seriously? This is just bad cooking. I also found the waitstaff to be somewhat under trained. One of the staff member's iPhone, which they use to take orders, ran out of battery during our order process. She looked at us and said, "Now my phone is dead. Go over to [another staff member] for help." Kind of rude, right? We went to the other staff member, who was friendly but didn't really know anything about food. Which is fine, but please don't make it up if you don't know. For instance, I asked her if the seitan was gluten free. She thought it could be, but when I told her that wheat is NOT gluten free, she changed her mind. Then she told me to avoid the potato salad because it is made with mayo. But mayo should be gluten free, I told her. Oh, she replies. Ok, I have wasted enough breath. But basically, if you're looking for a good food experience, I'm happy to recommend some other establishments in the area.

    (2)

  • Jamie B.

    So I went back to Clover and got the Egg & Eggplant sandwich, rosemary fries (giving it one last chance), and a coffee - George Howell Borboya. Coffee was great - George Howell is local and a fantastic roaster. Even though they used basic Melitta pourovers, it tasted better than drip coffee. Egg and eggplant sandwich was incredibly salty, and the bread had an odd flavor - like the plastic bag it might have been stored in? Not sure. I love the concept and the veggies but the saltiness was just too overpowering. Fries - hmm. They were crispier this time, but by no means incredible. Not a bad addition to the sandwich, though. I was scratching my head at why they didn't have condiment containers.... I want to love Clover, I really do. I love their overall concept, the fresh ingredients, their place as a local chain, and the way they study reviews and social media to tweak recipes (I was offered a free meal because of my previous, scathing review about the fries, which apparently matched up with other reviewers' recent experience). But I can't help but say it still doesn't live up to the hype. Maybe I'll try again in a couple of months with a different menu item. I hope it'll be better then.

    (3)

  • Christina H.

    Yummy in my tummy. It was my first time in Cambridge and I looked to Yelp for advice on a vegetarian lunch joint and y'all directed me to Clover. It was great! You walk in the door and are greeted by really friendly "dining liaison" who walks you through the menu, offers advice, places the order and charges you in one fell swoop -- standing right there by the door! The food is casual, but gorgeous -- I had a chickpea fritter (falafel) sandwich and some fries with a lavender lemonade. The sandwich had all sorts of lovely veggies in all of the colors of the rainbow -- red cabbage, pickled onions (I think that's what it was), carrots...And the flavors were beautiful. The restaurant itself has a modern, cool vibe...maybe bordering on cold. But it really is a great place to have yummy, balanced, affordable and quick lunch. My crew had a $26 bill for 3 meals and 2 drinks -- not bad at all. Vegetarians will not be disappointed...unless you're a pizza and pasta vegetarian. Then you'll be greatly disappointed. Kisses and kudos to you Clover...

    (4)

  • Celia Z.

    Honestly, there isn't much that gets better than Clovers, in terms of a college students tastes and just as important, budget. A new concept of an all glass exterior and a ever-changing menu made of natural organic ingredients, Clovers definitely has a hip, contemporary vibe. Often on my way from class after a long day or amidst an excuse not to go eat in the dining halls, I'll stop here for a sandwich or snack. The french fries with rosemary are some of the best I have ever had. The fresh potatoes don't get fried until you order, so that you can visibly see it being taken out of the oil and sprinkled with salt and seasoning. The BBQ seitan sandwich really elevates the imitation meat, which often has a bad vibe. The breakfast parfait with fruit is refreshing and fresh, while the egg and eggplant tastes healthy and fattening at the same time, an oxymoronic term that translates in my language to delicious. Friday afternoon whoopie pies are $2, and come straight out of the oven; filled with a gooey, light cream cheese filling, they win my award for the best whoopie pies in the world, though my sample size in terms of variety is not very large. The one thing I still have to try is the breakfast egg-white sandwich. On move-out day last year, I was going to stop there for breakfast, only to falter to my sense of timing as I had to race to the airport without the food. As I left, I promised Clover we would meet again.

    (5)

  • Kyle W.

    I NEVER order food without meat. Had I known Clover was a non-meat food place I would have passed. WOW was that chick-pea-fritter so dang good. I recommend it to anyone even non-vegetarians. I went back breakfast was not as great as I thought it would be. In all, a good spot for lunch.

    (4)

  • Dave M.

    3.5 stars the place was uniquely designed. it was well maintained. the staff was friendly and the service was quick even though it was packed during lunch. we got the egg and eggplant platter ($7), the chick pea platter ($7), BBQ seitan sandwich ($6), and rosemary fries ($3). i didn't know it was vegetarian when i went so i was a little disappointed at first but the food was good although the eggplants in the platter were salty and the fries were a little soggy and thin. i expected fatter fries, not mcdonald's fries but i guess it keeps them lower on calories this way. other than that everything tasted okay to me. overall, i think it's good to try but the food isn't really for me.

    (3)

  • J H.

    I love the food, love the vibe, but the service at the Harvard Sq location was abominable last week! Their speaker was blown out and the music was blasting static, I asked them to fix it or to turn down the noise at least and the manager gave me serious attitude about how their policy is not to touch the volume. It was like a Seinfeld episode where I was explaining to the manager that the policy makes sense under normal conditions but if the speaker is broken then it's...well... crazy to keep blasting static. The broken speaker was in the eating area, not the ordering area, and the manager got all sass and no service with me. I wrote a letter of complaint to Clover management and received... silence. So, loud static when you try to eat, dead silence when you try to communicate? Thumbs down Clover. I expected better from you.

    (2)

  • Katy M.

    The fries live up to their reputation, and other than one time when my sandwich was soggy on a bad day, the chickpea fritter sandwich is always delicious.

    (4)

  • Kate C.

    I go to clover on a regular basis for their breakfast sandwiches. Service has been slow and the sandwich subpar before, but today was by far the worst. I ordered the popover breakfast sandwich and proceeded to wait 15+ minutes. When I finally did get my sandwich, it was cold, in a tiny popover, and had some strange slivers of meat on it. And no egg. A breakfast sandwich with no egg. Needless to say, this was the straw that broke the camel's back, I will not be returning. Bunch of hippies.

    (1)

  • David C.

    Clover's menu might not be very big, but that's probably for the best. I have a hard enough time deciding between the chickpea fritter and egg and eggplant sandwiches every time I go. The chickpea fritter sandwich is probably my favorite of the two, but if I'm in the mood to be healthy (which is rare if I'm eating out), I'll get the egg and eggplant, and I'll choose the plate over the sandwich. The food at Clover is quite modestly priced, with hearty sandwiches and plates running you no more than $7, but some of the drinks can run as much as $3 for a small cup. I don't know about you, but for my money, I'd rather buy another half a sandwich. The staff at the Harvard Square flagship is incredibly friendly, and they seem to have a pretty good system worked out for getting food out to their hungry customers quickly. I went when they weren't very busy, however, and I could barely hear them call my name when my food was ready. I can only imagine how hard it would be to hear your order over a crowd. Perhaps they need a speaker system? I'll take a Clover bakery first though.

    (4)

  • Jiyea C.

    Finally got around to trying to chickpea fritter sandwich Don't really like red cabbage but in this combo, I wasn't toooo tempted to pick it all out. Yes, I sometimes do this in salads, even though I am probably too old to be picky about my veggies and have no allergies. The flavor was good and I thoroughly enjoyed my rather large lunch. I probably shouldn't have tried so hard to finish it haha. This might be a terrible comparison but for some reason, the chickpea fritter sandwich and the falafel wrap at Amsterdam Falafelshop seem comparable in my head. While Clover's location is far more convenient for me, I prefer the Davis Square eatery more than this one.

    (4)

  • Laura S.

    I was so excited to eat here, but they managed to ruin the experience with terrible customer service. I arrived with 2 friends - we checked out the menu, made our decisions, and got in line. My friend ordered and then stood off to the side to wait for his coffee. I stood there, waiting to order. The girl who had taken his order made a couple coffees, walked around, did some stuff. I figured she would get back to me eventually. But after she wandered off out of sight, I finally asked the other employee if I could order. "Oh, yeah!" and she called the other girl back. No acknowledgement that I'd been waiting there over 5 minutes without being served, no apology. I ordered a popover, which sounded delicious. My friend had just ordered one five minutes before. "Nope no popovers!" I was told, in a disconcertingly cheery voice. Not "oh I'm sorry, we are out of popovers. I ordered something else and was told that was also out. Thanks for updating your menu? (And after hanging out for a while it turned out that there were more popovers being made, I would have happily waited for one if they had told me that was an option!) Some food came out really quick, other food took forever. We sat upstairs but just above the counter, listening for my friend's order to be called. When it wasn't done after 20 minutes she checked in with them - "oh you never picked it up so we threw it away." Having stood at the counter for 10 minutes waiting, then listened attentively for another 10 minutes because we were starving, this struck us as seriously unlikely. But whatever, she eventually got her food. The food was eh. I mean, I got a soft boiled egg with a piece of tomato in a pita. It was nothing revolutionary. The prices were reasonable. I liked the grits. But if this kind of service is what I have to tolerate to get mediocre food? No, thanks. I'll hit up an obnoxious chain before I head back here. UPDATE: I was contacted by the company about this review. They apologized and were not defensive and were clear that this is not the level of customer service they expect of their employees. It sounds like they really took the review seriously and have spoken with employees about it. I've heard from a few more people how much they like Clover, so I'm planning to give them another try next time I'm back in Boston.

    (3)

  • Lauren E.

    I love the food here, and I do love the ideas. Somehow it starts to feel a bit too pretentious after you look around, but I put up with it for the food. From the "we're so trendy that we do it this way" ordering from the guy with the credit card machine in front of the electronic sandwich board daily menu to the CSA sign-ups on the wall, it's all just a little too much for me. The chickpea platter (aka falafel w/hummus, beans, etc) is my favorite. You have to order your own pita on the side for an extra dollar if you want to scoop up your hummus with something other than a fork. The hibiscus tea is amazing, too. Once you get over the snob factor you can really start to appreciate the place. And hey, at least they're snobs for a good cause, right?

    (4)

  • Mary E.

    We were very disappointed with our experience with cover today. There was a rude guy making the French fries that sounded so good on the menu. After waiting for 10 minutes looking on at my fries sitting on the counter getting cold, he handed it over to me. I tried it, it was cold and soggy. I told him to replace it with the fresh fries that has just came out. He served people who came after me and said that I have to wait for the next round of fries or I can get my money back. Which I did and left. It was a waste of time. The service was really bad.

    (1)

  • Sarah H.

    I really really want to love this place. It's vegetarian, it's local and the concept is awesome. I had lunch there today, and the food was just okay, and the service was also sub-par. I had the chickpea fritter sandwich, which was decent. The chickpea fritters were delicious and crunchy and the pita was warm and toasty. The issue came in with what I assume was supposed to be hummus but really had no flavor whatsoever. So that took up half of the sandwich. I guess next time I'll ask to leave that off. The guy who rang up my order wasn't particularly friendly and was very snippy when I asked how the system worked. It's not like you order from a counter, so it's not the most straight-forward process so it would have been nice to not have been treated like I was an idiot. I might go back, if I'm starving and this is the only vegetarian option available. I do like that they have free sparkling water on tap. That is definitely a perk!

    (3)

  • Rachel O.

    Great coffee. Great breakfast sandwich. Great oatmeal. Great humans. Great atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Kimmy U.

    I walk by this place every time I visit my brother at Harvard, which is probably once a week or every 2 weeks. And every time, I want to go in and get something! I love their huge glass windows where you can see everything being made and cut and cooked and served. When you walk in, there's someone waiting for you, welcoming you and helping you with the menu. You order and pay at the door, and your food is made in the open kitchen If you want pita, make sure you order it. Otherwise, your hummus will be quite lonely :[ My favorite is the rosemary fries. They can be soggy sometimes, but they're seasoned so well, I just look past that and keep on enjoying My only issue is the lack of hats/hairnets... I don't really like watching my food being made with guys with long hair. Sorry :[

    (3)

  • Mary-amy T.

    Overrated. In theory, this place is awesome. Variety of drinks, local, original food, friendly staff... And yet, every time I go here, I leave disappointed. The flavors are ok, but not wow, and often the sum tastes less than the parts. The ordering and getting your food feels stressful (there have been so many time when my order has just gotten lost or picked up by someone else. I feel like I have to watch it like a hawk to get it). The noise is a bit too loud. I only go here when a friend really really wants to. But I wouldn't go here on my own, or recommend it to anyone as a must. It may tickle your tastebuds, but it doesn't mind.

    (2)

  • Evan B.

    I went back for more. The format of healthy veg friendly fast food at lowish prices makes for a easy decision when on the run This time I tried the BBQ seitan sandwich, along with the eggplant pita again. The seitan was not my thing it was covered in BBQ sauce and tasted like meat, I am a veg who does not like meat so take it as that. The Eggplant and egg pita was still great moist and loaded with flafor. A big score was finding the scug (red spcie) by the forks and knives, this stuff will really kick up the spice and flavor a few notches. Big plus for having that on hand. Also grab some paper it makes a great plate, place mat and place to draw.

    (4)

  • Manfred S.

    The place is filthy. No one wipes the tables and seats. Bathrooms were a mess. Where are these guys from the health department? --- Thankfully they are not a compounding pharmacy. Or are they? Seemed cheap on the first look, but it is expensive considering what you are getting. Got the chickpea fritter sandwich. It was a wanna-be-falafel, which failed. Tastest bearable, but not very exiting. The bread pocket fell apart. There must be better middle eastern places around. Rosemary fries were inconsistent. Some were almost raw and others were burnt. Overall, just greasy. Sweat potato was okay, but nothing for the gourmet list.

    (2)

  • Ashley B.

    Fast food that tastes like heaven and dreams. Granted, I was starving, which makes all food taste better. But I had the chickpea fritter wrap, which was messy, but delicious, and full of veggie goodness - and as another poster noted, is not at all crunchy or grainy. The rosemary french fries were a whole 'nother thing. I was pretty sure I had died and gone to heaven. The fries are the perfect mixture of crisp and creamy. And then the fried rosemary bits... I want to go back. Right now. Add in gorgeous, light -filled, semi-industrial decor, the fact that everything is made fresh in front of you, and the nifty counterless ordering system from the future (which weirded me out a little at first)? Five stars. Probably the best fast food I have ever had.

    (5)

  • Kerry G.

    I'll start by saying, I am not a vegetarian. I really love meat and I don't seem to miss it when I order anything here. The chickpea fritter plate is my all time favorite! I remember the first time I went to this amazing place, I met this fantastic barista/pleasant employee. She walked me through the cold salads, the specialty brews, the different ciders, and made me feel a lot less overwhelmed. I think it's just my personality because their menu is small but the flavors are BIG! Love this place, a great spot in Harvard Square! The employees are super friendly, someone's doing something right here!

    (5)

  • Bruce W.

    Just ordered and tried to eat the eggplant and eggs sandwich from a food truck in Kendall Sq. Server actually asked me "for here or to go?" And he meant it. I guess "to go" gives you some sturdier wrapping. I got the "here" and sat down on a bench to eat it. By the time I sat the sandwich was already dripping, on me. As careful as I was, it continued to trip - on the ground and on me. Come on, Clover. One, don't serve such runny food, which shows poor preparation. Two, wrap things in foil, so your customers don't have to look sloppy the rest of the day. And Clover, how about having a working phone number, so people can contact you.

    (2)

  • Kristine R.

    Rosemary fries - YUM! I love Clover! If I find myself in Harvard Square in need of a meal, I come here. I've had the rosemary fries which are my favorite, the delightful chickpea sandwich which is a falafel really and packed with veggies and the crudite special which include turnips, celery and radish with a sauce can't remember now though it was tasty. I do appreciate that kitchen is open and you can see them preparing your food unlike some fast food joints where everything is prepared behind the scenes and then put on a mechanism meant to keep it warm. Prices aren't bad, I can usually be full on $8 and that's with my own bottled water!

    (4)

  • Kavya S.

    I love Clover. Yes, I'm vegetarian, and yes, I love organic ingredients, but those aren't the only reasons. Every single meal is great here, but I especially enjoy breakfast. I find myself craving the $3 breakfast sandwiches and trying to find excuses to make plans with people to go to Clover for breakfast. If you pair the breakfast sandwich with a $3 coffee or tea, you have a great, satisfying $6 breakfast, which is hard to find in the Square. Beyond the food, I find the restaurant so aspirational. The white on the walls and the red booths somehow allow me to tap into my creative side--it's cheesy, but somehow I've come up with most of my greatest ideas at Clover. The seasonal decorations such as their annual Christmas tree make me curious about what I will find the next time I visit the restaurant. The payment and ordering system feel trendy and tech-savvy. Also, they always remember my name, even when I haven't been back for months! The staff members are fantastic. Definitely recommend Clover for any occasion--a brainstorming meeting, a work session, a catch-up chat... no matter what mood you are in when you enter, you will always leave Clover feeling inspired.

    (5)

  • Lauren S.

    Clover is something special. First of all, it markets itself as vegetarian fast food, but it delivers a much more inventive menu than your standard fast food fare. I've never been interested in veg*n fast food joints that simply provide a processed soy version of Burger King. I ask much more of my eateries, especially when it comes to their menus. Second of all, the service is brilliant. The ordering process is unique without being weird and confusing (a server stands in the middle of the floor, right in front of the doors, and simply taps your order into an iPod). When your order is ready, the hilarious kitchen crew calls your name; they're pretty theatrical. It gave the whole restaurant an air of playfulness and positivity. Oh yes, and my BBQ seitan sandwich was rockin'. I can't wait to go back if I'm ever (hopefully) in Boston again.

    (4)

  • Wallace M.

    Its a great concept and has a lot of potential. And yes we all like the fries. But is just me or is anyone else tired of this limited menu?

    (2)

  • Julia F.

    Vanilla soda is killer.

    (4)

  • Alexandra M.

    The staff were super helpful about the choices and I love their moneybelts! I got the chickpea plate with a potato salad. Not a big fan of their standard salad--too much pickled food (radish, carrot and cabbage taking up nearly half tye box) and not enough chickpea! Well...it was enough but I was so good I could easily have eaten more. Tge potato salad was great--very creamy. I aslo got a paw paw soda. It tasted like apple-pear but needed to be mixed a bit more--I got a mouthfull of just syrup at one point.

    (4)

  • Ayelet R.

    I've been to a few of their locations and trucks, but I'm reviewing on this one since this is one I've had the most often, and it's also the most comfortable and spacious location. Though the concept of Clover is a vegetarian alternative to fast food, I consider it perfect comfort food. I usually order the chickpea fritter, which is basically a falafel sandwich. Still, even with the misnomer, it's good - much better than a lot of falafel I've had in the Boston area. I also love all the veggies it comes with, especially the cabbage, which always tastes fresh. The one complaint I have for this and all their sandwiches is their subpar pitas. While their new housemade pitas are a step up from the whole wheat pitas they used to have (I believe pita is the one bread where people should put their health crazes aside for one minute and realize that it's not really a pita unless it's white), they are still very thin and are bound to break by the time you reach the end of your sandwich - so make sure to take a fork and extra napkins. I've also tried their BBQ seitan which was great (the seitan in particular was done perfectly), although I think I still prefer the Chickpea Fritter. Though their menu is small (and they take off items once they run out of them), they do usually have a seasonal item and drink. Last week I tried their seasonal Butternut Squash Fritters, which were mouth wateringly delicious. I also love their seasonal drinks, which are refreshing but never too sweet. Additionally, the staff at the Harvard Square location are always very nice and willing to answer questions or give you a sample of something, even during peak hours. Although, if you're coming here for healthy food, this might not be your best bet. Though they do stress that they use local and seasonal ingredients, a lot of their items are fried. But like I said, it's comfort food - the point isn't exactly to be healthy. ETA: I also find is somewhat funny that while so many reviewers eagerly point out the whole chickpea fritter vs. falafel naming debacle, not one has brought up the fact that the "Egg and Eggplant" sandwich is just an Anglosized name for Sabich...

    (4)

  • Lucy B.

    I've been to Clover several times and have consistently found everything about it to be mediocre, including menu options, food quality, and decor. Ambiance: I know bland and basic is their thing, but it's just boring and unattractive to me! Food: I've had their falafel and a few different kinds of sandwiches and they were also bland and uninteresting. I'm honestly not sure how Clover has expanded rapidly. Maybe because they spend so little on everything else??

    (2)

  • Eliza M.

    This was the perfect food to get out of the cold. It was cheap, delicious and WAY better than the surrounding options (cosi, etc.) I had the chickpea fritter sandwich and a ginger soda, which were both amazing. Totally recommend.

    (5)

  • Pratik P.

    Let me admit right up front: this is the first time I've ever been to a vegetarian restaurant on my own accord. I accidentally stumbled upon this place in search of breakfast food early before my class at Harvard and was incredibly impressed! Their breakfast menu doesn't contain a whole lot, but from what we both ordered, it's worth the quick and inexpensive bite. I ended up getting a popover sandwich the first time around, along with some freshly brewed Guatemalan pour over, and both were made excellently. It was so good that I went up again to place another orders! No shame. :)

    (4)

  • Juliet J.

    First of all, I love clover's food and its philosophy. I've been in love ever since the first MIT truck. I sipped from the Harvard brick and mortar's first keg. Ive been to several special events there. I've gotten a crop share from them. I friggin love clover! That said, I'm pretty bummed and surprised that clover isn't more vegan-friendly. As an all-veggie spot, you'd think it would be a vegan oasis. Not so. I fell for clover while still a vegetarian, and since becoming a vegan it has really let me down. So to be clear, I'd give this place 4 or 5 stars for vegetarians and omnivores. This review is for folks out there of the vegan persuasion. Deets: Only one sandwich is vegan. And it's always the same one. Others can be made vegan by removing ingredients, but then those sandwiches are usually really unbalanced after the omissions. Also, forget breakfast. One weekend morning I ended up ravenously wandering around Harvard after a failed clover attempt (silly me, I assumed they'd be vegan-friendly and didn't pre-read the menu before heading over). The only thing I could've eaten there was fruit. Also, it gets pretty hairy even when just trying to order vegan normally. I got nervous when the person taking my order offered a side of Waldorf salad... I told her Waldorf usually has mayo, and she looked confused. I said I'd take one of the other sides instead to be safe, which, of course, ended up having mayo too. (If she weren't sure, I totally wouldn't have minded if she had said "I'm not sure if that's vegan, actually - let me check." She knew I was ordering vegan and didn't care enough to make sure that she wasn't giving me something non-vegan. Bummer.) When I asked the people who had plated my food about the offending mayo, the response was "is it an allergy?" If not, the woman was planning just to scoop out the mayo salad and put a new side in on top. Luckily her coworker realized what was going on and interrupted her, and made me a new plate. Thank goodness he was there... I wasn't looking forward to having to explain why I didn't want to eat the meal I had ordered vegan out of a pool of mayo runoff. Also, no "yikes!" or apology, etc., when I pointed out the error -- just making me feel like a crazy diva for requesting something vegan, when that's what I had ordered in the first place. And putting the onus of being an ingredient watchdog on me, not the restaurant (what about folks who DO have a serious allergy? The blatant, blasé carelessness is troubling). Come on clover! Show the vegans some love! We want to be on your team!

    (2)

  • Lina J.

    I got the breakfast sandwich, is good and fresh nothing spectacular and just $3. the deco is really cool and they have a lot of options. I wish they would have a larger option for coffees some times a espresso or capuchino is necessary.

    (4)

  • Curtis A.

    Wish there was a Clover close to where I live. Fresh, tasty, earth-friendly, inexpensive. We've spent a week in the Boston/Cambridge area and this is the healthiest and lowest price lunch so far. Did I say it is delicious too?

    (5)

  • Kat B.

    I'm on a student mealplan, which means I primarily go to Clover to study, not for a normal meal, so this review will reflect that bias, of course. So: Things that are great about Clover: 1. The food is delicious, unusual, healthy, and well-made. The breakfast popover sandwich is especially great. 2. The staff are friendly and helpful. 3. The food prices are reasonable--as cheap or cheaper than almost anywhere in Harvard Square. 4. There's always seating, and there are usually outlets. 5. It's open til midnight. 6. The rotating menu means I can come here to study multiple times a week and not get bored. 7. The food is local and usually organic, and everything is compostable (also vegetarian!), so it's a business I feel good about supporting. Things that are okay about Clover: 1. Some of the sodas (ginger, for instance) are great. The others are pretty neutral-tasting. 2. The sandwich menu is great but could use some variety. 3. The coffee is perfectly fine for $3 in the Square but nothing special; I wouldn't come here just for that. Things that Clover could do to change: 1. The music is too loud; about half of the songs drive me nuts; and it repeats frequently enough that you will notice the same songs playing over again within just a few hours. 2. The beer is twice as expensive as the same beer brands, with greater variety, at other fast food restaurants in Harvard Square, like Flat Patties. 3. Some of the seating is pretty annoyingly arranged. One of the benches in the second floor back corner is impossible to align parallel to the table it sits at, and the backs of the booths aren't very stable for leaning on. I will be praying for Clover to make its music selection more tolerable, its beer cheaper, and its seating more comfortable. That said, I'll be a regular as long as I'm at Harvard.

    (4)

  • Mollie P.

    Tried out clover today. I went late in the morning and they were out of popovers. Ordered a breakfast sandwich and a cup of barismo coffee. Ordering was quick, customer service sufficient but not exceptional. They seem to have a pretty sleek system going. I appreciated being able to see the food being prepared. The breakfast sandwich was simple and delicious. The coffee was excellent. There was plenty of seating, I really enjoyed working there. It was clean and bright, and never felt loud or crowded, even through the lunch rush.

    (4)

  • Diane Y.

    Clover is great as a whole, but I'll focus on their breakfast menu because I think that's where they stand out the most. I highly recommend trying a... - Popover: golden, flaky exterior with a delightfully moist and eggy interior. - Popover sandwich: My all-time favorite breakfast sandwich. Take one of Clover's amazing popovers, cut it open, and add some mayo, sliced tomatoes, cheddar, roasted tempeh, and fried leeks for a smokey, savory, sandwich with an amazing balance of textures and flavors. - Muffin: Dense, moist, and flavorful-- not to mention much healthier and more reasonably sized than your typical muffin. - Breakfast sandwich: sometimes simplicity is best. This sandwich features cheddar cheese, tomato, and a soft boiled egg. Not as much of a star as the popover sandwich, but still great.

    (4)

  • Sylvia G.

    Clover is delicious, when you can get them to actually make your order correctly. For as long as I can remember, I have loathed cucumbers with every fiber of my being. They are flavor abominations of nature and inherently evil. Every time I go to Clover, there is some problem with this. Once, the woman taking my order was annoyed that I asked for no cucumber and very rudely replied "what are you, allergic?" Today, they just added them in anyway and were annoyed when I said that I did not want cucumbers in my sandwich. If I were asking to add some exotic spice, then maybe the level of frustration that I encounter would be justified. But I'm not. I just hate your damned cucumbers, Clover!!!! Avoid this place if you are already in a bad mood and don't want to struggle to get exactly what you want, or if you hate cucumbers. If you can actually get them to make it right, though, it's delicious (especially fore those of us vegetable inclined folks).

    (3)

  • Rachel R.

    First, take your classic, chewy white-flour pita and turn it whole wheat. Deduct the grainy, crunchy factor from the falafel inside and rename the new, soft, seasoned, creation "chickpea fritter." Add all the usual suspects (hummus, tahini, pickles, israeli salad, and pickled, julienned vegetables)... but know the ingredients: the hummus is organic and homemade, the pickles are local, the pickling vinegar for the carrots, purple cabbage and red onion is organic, and the tahini is much more mild than anything you'd find in a Middle Eastern joint. Now you've got the most popular item on Clover's menu. Healthier, locally-sourced, brimming with veggies, and complete with house-made components, Clover's chickpea fritter sandwich is a basically the tree-hugging, anarchist, hippie child of a classic pita & falafel... and I can dig that, man. Overall, I'd say the food worth 3 stars, especially after being pretty unimpressed by the fennel and butternut seasonal sandwiches. The whole wheat pita didn't mesh well with the already starchy, somewhat bland fillings. It certainly doesn't add anything on it's own, other than the novelty trademark stamp of all Clover sammiches. However, the concept, prices, and good vibes keep me convinced that the fine people at Clover are worthy of four stars.

    (4)

  • Ann G.

    Admittedly, I am not a fan of falafel or things pita or Middle Eastern food in general, and these seem to be the staples here. I do like the idea of a snack that isn't outrageously priced, but this food is unsatisfying to say the least. I don't find it "experimental" in any way (as "food lab" might imply it might be). The ambiance is nice, with plenty of light and tables and an open and airy feeling, but that's the biggest draw. After unhappily trying the egg sandwich on my first visit (a hardboiled egg on a pita -- I don't get it) I returned for an afternoon snack of the famed chickpea fritter (i.e. falafel). It tastes fine, but no big deal. Also especially irritated (and hence the comfort of giving this place only 2 stars) that my iced tea was warm-ish. After requesting more ice I was told that they were "running out of ice" and was given 3 more cubes. Did I suddenly land in Europe? ICED tea needs ICE. Don't sell it if you don't have the key ingredient, or discount it or refund my money. If I wanted warm drinks I'd fly to London or Rome.

    (2)

  • Gabe R.

    Awesome vegetarian food! Love the BBQ seitan, Rosemary fries, and falafel platter that's called by some other name.

    (5)

  • Nancy H.

    Came to this place when I was visiting a friend at Harvard. My friend highly recommended this place, so I decided to give it a try. ::Food:: The Chickpea Fritter was really good! Although personally, I could use less seasoning, it was still delicious and healthy tasting. I also had the Rosemary fries and it was the bomb. Not so healthy apparently lol, but it is totally worth it!! ::Place:: I loved how clean and unique this place was. It was bright and energetic, and their customer service was great.

    (4)

  • Jon C.

    Writing this review because I've been eating at Clover for a long time, and today they went above and beyond to help me out. TLDR: Good food, great cheap beer, great customer service. The food: I mostly go to clover for the breakfast. Bfast Sandwich, muffin, coffee. Erry Day. People at the counter know me and know what I get and that's the kind of service that keeps me comin' back. By far the best sammich IMHO is the bbq seitan. I am not a vegetarian and was at first revolted by the stuff, but clover has made me a seitan worshiper ~666~ Sometimes the 3pm specials are worth the extra meal visit. Fried pickles are off the chain danglin' The beer: Bomb @$$ local beer at rock bottom prices? I'm in. Prob not the best place to bring a date under those florescent lights (Check out my pores, bb...) But great place to pre-game with some brews, bro's, and rosemary fries. The Bottom Line: My best gal left her bike helmet and wallet at the H. Sq. location one night, and we returned the next day to find the place unexpectedly closed. After a couple more days of no luck and some information sleuthing, I discovered they were in the midst of a rather serious situation. I figured we were SOL until they had it resolved, but I decided to send an email to a founder Ayr (i know people who know people nbd...) and even during this tumultuous time, I received a response within 20 min. Next day rolls around and someone bikes over just to meet me there even tho they are closed and lets me in and apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks me for my patience as well as being transparent about their temporary closure. Dat's dat service. Also they are sustainably minded with all compostable waste. And once their was a bird flying around in the Harvard location and that was fun to watch, but it made me sad he couldn't figure out how to get out, but at least he had some good food to eat while he was stuck. Made me think about life, you know? SO yea, 4 stars. Keep it up dudes. OH BUT SRYSLY GET A PHONE. CHEEZUS CRISP it was annoying to not have a number to call when I couldn't get in when wallet was locked up like a bird in a florescent lit glass cage. Sheesh.

    (4)

  • Rebecca Y.

    3.5 stars. I love the concept, but don't love the food as much. The chickpea fritter sandwich was a soggy and not well-conceived falafel sandwich. Plantains were ok. Coffee was great, however. The employees here have such passion about what they do (meat-free food that's better for the environment and our health) which is contagious. I think the concept and enthusiasm of the staff was fantastic, but vegetarian food can really taste a whole lot better. I think in a couple years this place could be really great.

    (3)

  • Marko C.

    I heart Clover Food Lab! WOW! Five Stars! I had an opportunity to visit the Clover Food Lab. Wow - this place is absolutely outstanding! Get this - the food is all naturally sourced and the restaurants don't typically use refridgerators because all of the food is made fresh daily! They use locally grown and produced items. The food is tasty and healthy, and very reasonable! Breakfast Sandwich: This was a whole grain pita bread filled with fresh tomatoes (still on the vine), cheese, salt and a farm fresh egg cooked sous vide (placing the egg in a warm bath to slowly cook, but not overcook) style. The egg whites were cooked to perfection and the yokes were smooth buttery. I found out that the eggs are delivered straight to the company, so you are eating eggs that are layed within a 24 hour window! THAT is fresh! And the best part - you get this breakfast sandwich for $3!!! Grade: A! Matt's Coffee: Clover Food sources some of its coffee from very local organic coffee roasters. I was fortunate to have tasted their "Matt's Coffee" which is roasted in MA. the roaster (Matt, of course) roasts his coffee with wood that he picks himself (of course sustainable). The coffee was like 10x better than any Starbucks or Peetes' coffee that I've ever had. The best part is that I ended up buying 7 pounds of the coffee to bring back to CA and share with friends!. DELICIOUS and the best cup of java that I've had in about 10 years! Seriously! Grade: A+ For Lunch, I had the eggplant sandwich. WOW! It was locally grown eggplant deep fried a bit to get it soft and tender, placed insode a whole wheat pita bread, accompanied with a greek yogurt and cucumber combination, tomatores, and a whole lotta goodness. YUM! This is perhaps the best thing on the menu for me! For $5, I got a whole meal and ate very healthy & yummy food. Grade: A+ Lavendar Lemonaide: Clover Food also makes their own drinks. I tried the lavendar lemonaide, which was made by steeping lavendar and mixing it with freshly squeezed lemonaide. WOW - a tasty treat that is refreshing and soothing to the tongue! Grade: A! Fresh Yogurt & Homemade Granola with a Rhubarb reduction: Okay you should first know that I *hate* rhubarb. But, I tried Clover Food Lab's fresh yogurt and homemade granola with the rhubarb reduction. It was delicious fresh yogurt with super fresh and crunchy granola topped with a red-brown rhubarb reduction. The dish was well prepared, as it had the combination of sweet, a bit bitter from the rhubarb, and crunchy from the granola. After remembering that all the items were fresh and picked/made within 24 hours of me eating it, I enjoyed it more! Grade: A-. Clover Food Labs has excellent service & employees. Clover Food Labs has very reasonable prices. Clover Food Labs sources it food locally and organically. Clover Food Labs is concerned with providing good tasting food (that happens to be healthy) Clover Food Labs creates dishes using only fresh ingredients. Clover Food Labs is managed by a very super talented team! Food Grade: A+ Service Grade: A+ Worth The Money Grade: A+ Overall Impression Grade: A+

    (5)

  • Keri M.

    I went to Clover's Harvard Square location, thinking I would get to have one of their delicious egg and eggplant sandwiches that I used to enjoy from their financial district food truck. I was extremely disappointed with the sandwich from this location. Maybe they were having an off day, but the sandwich was sub-par to what I am used to from the food truck. Everything was ice cold, the pita was dry and the eggplant, which usually melts in your mouth, was chewy and watery. Perhaps the quality has gone downhill since so many new locations have popped up over the years. I'm not sure, but I was really disappointed and would probably not return to this location.

    (2)

  • Atari A.

    I'm not sure what other people are talking about when it comes to service lacking here. Maybe it's because I came in on a slow Friday night? The girl up front who looks like Maebe from Arrested Development was super helpful and gave me advice as to what's good for a drink and a snack. I got a Barismo coffee and French fries with rosemary. Maybe it's because I'm not an aficionado but I do love watching someone make my coffee from scratch, as well as knowing they are making my fries as an individual batch makes me feel fancy as fuck. Worth waiting a little less than ten minutes. $3 each?! Great deal. Especially for the great quality of the food and drink. I'll come back here again when I have the chance. I like walking into a food place where it seems everyone who works there is friends with each other. The only thing to dislike are the weird pretentious customers who come in pretending they're not struggling to find their identity in their mid twenties.

    (5)

  • Michael F.

    Update: The owners emailed me, and apologized for my order. They encouraged me to try the place again, so I'm giving them an extra point. I will give them another shot, but I won't be ordering the cold oatmeal again.

    (3)

  • Joe T.

    Wonderful, creative, restaurant of the future! The BBQ seitan sandwich rocked. The French fries had FRESH ROSEMARY on them!?!? The interior layout looks like a pretty, futuristic, warehouse, with leaves growing inside it. The method of ordering involves a friendly, surprising woman chatting with you about what you want while you wait in line and look at the modern, electronic menu.

    (5)

  • Maria R.

    Solid lunch option for vegetarians around Harvard. I like their falafel especially, and the free seltzer water.

    (4)

  • Annie J.

    The owner of Clover Food Lab contacted me, so I wanted to update my review. Here's some of his e-mail: "...Everything at Clover is the result of extensive testing with customers (from the chickpea fritter sandwich, which is probably on v29 right now, to the Fennel sandwich, which is just on v2, to the ordering system, which is still evolving!). We're trying to build a different kind of fast food, one that's tasty and accessible to everyone, and we need a ton of help in the adventure. So we really appreciate you writing to tell us about your experience. Sounds like we screwed up on order-taking with you. Whoever was taking your order should have been able to guide you through the menu and let you know what we're up to. Around 60 percent of the menu changes throughout the year, mostly tied to what's in season in New England. The seasonal sandwich changes every 2-3 weeks, drinks change every day, soups and salads change every day, beer changes every month, coffee changes every 2 weeks. Every week we develop 4-5 new recipes and work them through the menu." I really appreciate that Clover is trying to serve up tasty, seasonal food that everyone likes. I'll try them again.

    (4)

  • Meredith M.

    Fast, cheap food that's healthier than most takeout options. I would definitely come back and try it again, given all the rave reviews. I had the BBQ seitan platter and wasn't blown away by it; the seitan was a bit rubbery, BBQ was a little bit bland and sweet. Still, I look forward to trying the chickpea fritters or brussel sprout sandwich.

    (3)

  • Julia S.

    I can't tell you how disappointed I am that this is not a national chain. Well, at least one food truck in LA (hint hint). I love the "egg sandwich" and "egg and eggplant sandwich". Good for the tummy, good for the soul. Dig the biodegradable/compostable "packaging'. My sandie tends to explode in the paper. Not stoked about that. Egg goo. Maybe they should've done soy paper instead, so I eat the explosion. Mmmmm

    (4)

  • Robert H.

    Great vegetarian food, you can find Clover trucks around Boston or head to their flagship at Harvard square. The chickpea fritter is a classic, typical of Clover food: well crafted vegetarian comfort food. This is what fast food should be.

    (5)

  • Eunice E.

    I hadn't tried Clover until rather recently, and that was because I was intimidated. It looks so mod and hip... I was discussing this dilemma with a colleague a few weeks back, and she (very) aptly said, "I didn't feel cool enough to come here without a posse backin' me up." So, one serendipitous day, one of my friends asked if I wanted to join her and her boyfriend for lunch here, and I jumped on it--here was my chance to eat at Clover--WITH A POSSE. And I'm so glad I did! The chickpea fritter sandwich is just as good as people say it is. The pickled vegetables add such a nice flavour and texture contrast, and it's all uber fresh. Add a bit of their (really hot) hot sauce, and you're golden. Wow. And it's ridiculously filling. The first time I went, I tried their 'hibiscus'... not exactly my cup of tea (!), but it was worth a try. It was a pretty colour, if nothing else. I enjoyed my meal so much that in a span of one week, I had been back two more times (different posse in tow each time). I vowed to try the rosemary fries, and I did each time. Tasty, but can come out a bit soggy (happened once), which takes away from the experience... but when they're crisply cooked (happened the other time), they're divine. The seating arrangements are kind of goofy, with a long communal table downstairs (with booths and tables for two off to the side), and a small area upstairs, but really, I'm not there to look at the decor (minimal, if any... there's just a warehouse-y feel), I'm there to eat lots of chickpea fritters. They do have picnic tables outside, which are great when the weather's nice! Overall, awesome vegetarian food (you won't miss meat at all when you eat here), awesome prices, and awesome portions. Obviously, I'll be back.

    (4)

  • Marty W.

    I've been to this location at least twenty times. Twice they've missed part of my order. Another time they made it but had lost me in the system. If I could just order from my app and bypass the inconsistent ordertakers, Clover would get 4 stars.

    (2)

  • Christina K.

    We came here Sunday and were 35 minutes too early for lunch, which starts at noon. I bought a hibiscus tea and the granola with milk to hold us over. My friend had the iced coffee, which was made to order. The tea was delicious - tangy, not too sweet, and refreshing. I wasn't a huge fan of the granola - it was a bit salty. BUT, one of the staff members heard me asking about the baked apple, which I didn't end up ordering, and gave me a sample. It was DELICIOUS!!! I totally should have ordered that instead of the granola! For lunch, we got the bbq seitan, egg and eggplant sandwich and the rosemary fries. Our favorite was the bbq seitan, which was chewy and satisfying, with sweet, ripe tomatoes. I was okay on the fries - there wasn't a lot of rosemary, but I joked that we could just pull some off the planters on the beautiful wood table, and they weren't crispy. Almost seemed like they needed a second fry. Ya know, one to cook, two to crisp. Loved the clean, airy, open decor, and the sorta whole nonchalant, write the menu on the board and butcher paper you help yourself to for placemats and artwork. The food is so affordable. Good value for your money and lots of options for the vegetarians!

    (4)

  • Dawn G.

    I feel like everything about this place is perfect -- the open, airy dining room, the friendly welcome you get, and the BEST breakfast sandwich. The egg is perfectly soft boiled, the cheddar is cold and yummy, the tomato is fresh as hell. The coffee is always great. I stop by at least once a week for my fix.

    (5)

  • Monica A.

    I like the layout, if I were a student I'd probably study there all day... But their tea is overpriced and weak.

    (2)

  • Jerry G.

    Went here w/ the gf and we somehow missed the fact that Clover has a vegetarian focused menu. Even though I steer clear of most vegetarian venues I was quite pleased with the Chickpea Fritter sandwich and rosemary fries we ordered. The BBQ Seitan sandwich tasted like a McRib in pita bread, while okay, didn't live up to the other food items. The handmade sodas, lemonade and whoopie pie finished our dinner on a great note. While I would likely comeback to try their other sandwiches and salads, I would absolutely recommend Clover for any of my vegetarian friends.

    (3)

  • Siobhan G.

    Not the biggest fan of the rosemary fries but the chickpea platter is consistently delicious. I love the rotating salad options, too. The staff is friendly, and very knowledgeable about ingredients, which I really appreciate. I love working here during the day. Clover might also be a great evening study spot if you don't mind fluorescent lighting.

    (4)

  • John L.

    Great food, but the staff and layout could use improvement. Price- not bad. Pretty cheap stuff. Quality- popover sandwich with fried leeks and tomato is fantastic- really good. Quantity- decent sized portion. Atmosphere- very green. There is a huge table in the middle which is okay. The layout if ordering is a bit weird. When you get in, you stand around and a hostess comes to you to take your order. I think it'd be better if there was a centralized order and payment center. Staff- nice, but unattentive. My friends had orders that were missed, never got hot sauce, stood in front of the baristas and never got acknowledgement. Overall, great food, but the staff and layout could be better.

    (3)

  • Nitya D.

    Let's be real, this place is pretty cool. The interior design is kinda funky and someone takes your order and puts it into their cell phone and then it gets magically transferred to the "kitchen" staff. It's nice having a healthy, vegetarian fast food establishment, but the vegan options are definitely lacking. I'm sure they will get better at that. At least, I hope. I like the chickpea fritters (vegan) and the summertime cucumber gazpacho (not vegan).

    (4)

  • P C.

    Note #1: My gf and I are carnivores. Note #2: A romantic dinner for us has more than once consisted of going to Costco and tearing apart a rotisserie chicken at the food court area. Clover Food Lab is a veggie and gluten-free friendly place in Harvard Square. This place caught our eye on a trip to Boston last summer as we were in search of a place to have dinner. It wasn't difficult to stand out being the only brightly lit place on the tree lined block. Once we got inside we were greeted by a super friendly hostess/order taker. It was only after having a lengthy and pleasant conversation with her that we finally took a good look at the menu to realize (cue the horror music) the entire menu was vegetarian! By then it was too late to back away and run for the hills. Admitting defeat, we ordered the Egg and Eggplant Sandwich, the BBQ Seitan Sandwich and the French Fries with Rosemary. When our order came up, I have to admit we were both pretty surprised. Everything actually tasted really good. It helped that the sandwiches were smothered in sauce, most notably the seitan that was just dipping with red barbecue sauce. The fries were delicious with the hint of rosemary flavor. When I left I ordered myself a fresh Whoopie Pie for the road only to realize it was way too messy to be eating while walking and much to sweet to not share. The place really does look like a lab with its bright white fluorescent lighting. The tables and seats are communal like a grade school cafeteria and they look like slabs of tree trunks cut vertically. There were rows and rows of rosemary plants sitting on the tables so needless to say the place just smelled piney all around. Against the wall is a roll of paper that I assumed was for placemats. There was also a bin of crayons tacked to the wall and upon closer inspection of the wall's artwork realized that people were drawing on the paper and pinning them up. In fact a group of hipsters were doing just that while we were eating. We actually had a pretty enjoyable experience here but we both agreed "Vegetarian? Never again!"

    (4)

  • Christina G.

    This is one of my favorite food trucks in Boston. I love their unique menu and the fact that you can enjoy a fast food meal that's relatively healthy and practically gourmet! Clover won me over with its much talked about Chickpea Fritter sandwich that's bursting with color, flavor and freshness. Love the rosemary fries as well. Check it out!

    (4)

  • Guillermo M.

    This place has one of the best french fries I have tried ever. The flavor of the oil combined with the rosemary was an excellent idea. All the other plates we tried were really good: the hibiscus water, the hummus, the falafel. I will come back to try more stuff. The concept, that combines organic, veggie and high technology is cool.

    (4)

  • Albert W.

    Scene 1 -- Harvard square hippie food joint. Brightly lit open kitchen behind the counter is bustling with morning activity. A few working professionals are getting coffee on the first floor. Students are on the second floor studying and on their laptops. Electronic sandwich boards are set up to display the ever-changing menu and the latest update on their blog. CASHIER is next to the till pouring coffee into individual brewing strainers. CUSTOMER is waiting on his coffee. (Enter OUR HERO from stage left through the front entrance). OUR HERO: Hi, I'd like a breakfast sandwich and a Peak organic beer, please. CASHIER: Ok, a breakfast sandwich and... a beer? Not a coffee? OUR HERO: Yeah. CASHIER: Okaaayyyyy then. CUSTOMER: That guy just ordered a beer? OUR HERO: Yeah, what's wrong with a beer at 9 AM? CASHIER: Most people order coffee. CUSTOMER: I remember when I was a college student and would drink at 9 AM. OUR HERO: Don't judge. I'm on vacation. OUR HERO waits around for 10 minutes, checking out the customer drawings on the walls. He receives his breakfast sandwich inside a whole wheat pita from CASHIER and sits down to enjoy it, biting into its gooey liquid center. OUR HERO: Mmm... liquid egg yolk... and beer. PROS: - Modestly priced. - All organic menu. - Chipper staff (albeit slightly judgmental). - Huge portions of granola and yogurt on the morning menu. CONS: - They only have one beer on tap. Drink selection could be described as "limited". - The menu is a bit too simple and there's not a whole lot on there that really makes you say "ooohhh" in terms of the ingredients.

    (3)

  • George C.

    I wish the place like this was around my neighbourhood,fresh vegetables,customized choices,cool tea and coffee and many other distinct features you would not find in a typical Mediterranean place. They should optimize the ordering process in my view,little clumsy for a fast serving place but would not take any star out since the overall impression is excellent. And I am from the NYC area,meaning it is not easy to impress me

    (5)

  • Andrew M.

    Love the feel of this place. Feels so organic, almost like I'm in some sort of plant nursery. The rosemary fries weren't very distinctive. The honey lemonade was interesting, reminded me of the flavor of ai-yu jello.

    (2)

  • Alex H.

    This place is awesome and cheap. It is also extremely casual. They will just yell out your name whenever anything has finished cooking, so be prepared to serve yourself. They do have booze for the 21+, in case you're curious. I really love this place, as long as you know what you're getting yourself into.

    (4)

  • Sasha K.

    I love this place. Enough, obviously, to write a really pointlessly over-sized review (CAPSd for easy skimming). I am a meat eater, a real foodie, and a cafe-addict, and I just can't get enough of it. When I first entered Clover a few months ago, a couple immediately negative thoughts entered my head: this place looks sterile; their new-age ordering system is showy, confusing, and ineffective; their menu is too small to support repeated visits. But I wanted to try all their food out, so I came back a few times, and then a few more times, and now I come here daily. Clover is the absolute perfect place to stop by for a quick bite or hang out for a few hours. I repent every feeling that threw me off on day one. Sterile DECOR? Clover now feels to me not just warm (decorated, now, with rosemary and mint plants and the colorful art of its patrons,) but also comfortably open and clean. Often, working in a cafe or sitting in one space for a few hours, I can get antsy after a while. Not here at all. It always seems so bright and comfortable. Their ordering system -- where people working by the two fancy LCD A-frames type your order into an iPhone and quickly swipe your card or exchange your money -- is simply better. It clears up the food serving area, opens up the space, and is simply faster and more personal. Ordering over a counter now seems a strange and impersonal experience to me. Their FOOD menu is anything but small. Although they only have 5 or so sandwiches at a time, in addition to two soups, and often an afternoon snack (their fritters are delicious), this all rotates fairly regularly. Different soups every day. Different (and really tasty/interesting) cold drinks. Different salads daily with the plate you can order as a sandwich alternative. As I said, I come here daily (although I often just get coffee), and I never feel starved for options. And god is it good. I'll counteract the trend here and say that the chickpea fritter isn't my favorite. I've definitely had better falafel (though I don't think in Boston). But their breakfast sandwich? To die for. I absolutely crave their egg and eggplant sandwich. Their fries are great. Their soups are consistently delicious. And their apple and parsnip fritters are the best afternoon snack I can think of. And Clover pays attention to all of the little things, too. They have awesome drinks like star-anise lemonade and a cucumber-lime-hot-pepper agua fresca. And their pour-over coffees, (which rotate daily, menu-diversity sticklers) are really consistently delicious. It's their coffee I come for every day. Last, but certainly not least, the SERVICE. I feel bad even calling it service, because at this point, I honestly feel more comfortable calling many of the people who work here friends. Antoria, Becca, Julie, Chris, Joy and the others who work here have to be some of the sweetest, most friendly and helpful people I've ever encountered in a restaurant/cafe environment. And keep in mind this place is a bustling fast-food restaurant (of sorts). Honestly, when I or any of my close friends come here in the morning and Antoria is out for whatever reason, we get sad. And it takes a delicious breakfast sandwich or cup of Counter Culture coffee to get us out of the rut. And all complaints about SPEED OF SERVICE are definitely the results of truly irregular aberrations. I've been here (a little embarrassingly) somewhere around 100 times now (mostly just to get a coffee, but also for food), and everything is always extremely quick. As the nifty numbers to the right of menu items (avg preparation times in the last 10 or so minutes) show, this place is fast. Few things take over 2-3 minutes. And it's CHEAP, too. All that food on an egg-egg plate for $5? A solid cup of artisan-roasted coffee for $2? A big glass of Peak Organic beer for $3? It's all a steal. And Clover's relentless push for EXPERIMENTATION -- new menu items, universal compostability, LCD ordering screens (with the owner's own hand-made font), indoor ivy, fun crayon-drawings, rotating beers, animal pancakes for kids, etc. -- is just awesome. There's always something new and interesting going on. My one super-minor complaint has to do with the occasional unavailability of menu items. In addition to occasionally running out of, say, poached eggs or oranges, they switch from breakfast to lunch the absolute second their clocks hit 11. And I swear the clocks are 5 minutes fast. No exceptions. Oh well. And I'll agree with another reviewer who wishes that on weekends you could still get a breakfast sandwich if you're not in the mood for pancakes or grits. But whatever. Their pancakes are also delicious. And this is all I have to complain about, because after countless visits, Clover has done nothing but impress me. I'll definitely miss the place when I head out of town.

    (5)

  • Morris R.

    3-stars for trying to give a good, fast, veggie meal, and for the warmth of the atmosphere. But on food alone, it's just 2-stars. When they say fast food, they mean it: the food is slapped together, and it feels like someone made it in a big rush.

    (3)

  • Stephanie M.

    LOVE this place. We went Thursday and got the chickpea plate and lavender lemonade. The prices were reasonable and the food delicious. Very filling to be totally meat free. I also love that everything in the restaurant is completely compostable.

    (4)

  • Farah S.

    recommend soy BLT for light dinner

    (4)

  • Eliza W.

    $3 slightly spicy perfect gazpacho ... and beer! sit outside, hear jazz and meditate for a moment on how rad this place is.

    (4)

  • O. G.

    This place is definitely NOT fast food (as in, it takes forever for them to make your order and get your order straight). I came in today for a late lunch at 2PM (definitely not a busy time) and ordered my usual chickpea fritter with an order of fries. There was a long line because their credit card ipod swiper was malfunctioning. I placed my order. 15 minutes later, I was called up. They got my order wrong and I returned it. When I returned it, the folks behind the counter laughed at some sort of inside joke. 20 minutes later, I walked up to check on my order: they'd forgotten about it, so they asked me to reorder. 40 minutes later, I'm sitting down to eat my chickpea fritter with (now cold) fries. This place just isn't worth it. My experience today was an extreme, but their normal service isn't far from this. You can expect to wait longer than not for your food and you can expect inefficient people behind the counter with poor customer service skills. I don't think I'll be back.

    (2)

  • Jennifer Q.

    I love Clover! So much good food, all seasonal and fresh, and very inexpensive. They do amazing pour over coffee, and regularly have different varieties of beans, which you can also purchase there. My favorite menu item is the $3 breakfast sandwich - perfect soft-boiled egg, tomato, and cheese on a pita. Elegant and delicious! Egg and eggplant is the best for lunch and dinner. The employees are always friendly and helpful, and they give you samples if they see you there a lot! It can get really busy and crowded, but just be sure to check in your order if you haven't heard your name called - sometimes it can be hard to hear.

    (5)

  • Penelope T.

    I love this place! The food is amazing. Everything is fresh, delicious, healthy, and so cheap. The egg and eggplant pita sandwich rocks my socks off as do the many salads I have had there and all of their lemonades. Where else can you get mint lemonade, star anise lemonade, or lavender lemonade that tastes amazing, not too sweet,and it's only 2 dollars? They also make their own hot sauce, which is the best stuff I have ever had.

    (5)

  • Brent H.

    I love this place!!! Super yummy, cheap and healthy vegetarian food done with style and a friendly attitude!

    (5)

  • peter b.

    was intrigued! went. enjoyed it. the chickpea plate was a solid choice with some nice sides. apple fritters were excessively frittery, not enough apple, and the red pepper flakes were interesting. jack d'or on tap, nice! day of the dead rosemary? overall, I'd have given it four stars if it weren't for the half-dead rosemary plants sitting in pots at the community table.

    (3)

  • Francesca R.

    The interior is a bit chilly (literally and figuratively) but otherwise lunch from CFL is the consummate lunch experience. It's fast, it's tasty, and it's cheap. I made the mistake of ordering a sandwich and fries the first time I went and nearly had to be rolled out of there. The portions are huge! I love that it's all vegetarian, of the creative, tasty and satisfying kind.

    (4)

  • Kendall H.

    breakfast is OFF THE CHARTS! its not even fair how good they make their soft boiled egg in the breakfast sandwich, BBQ seitan and egg+eggplant for lunch is also solid. Good ingredients, simple prep, fast good friendly service all at a good price.

    (5)

  • Xtine B.

    My impression of the area very much reminded me of the area around Berkeley's campus. There was even a Body Shop across the street from the subway entrance! (For the back story to that send me a private message.) The only thing missing was my tie dye-wearin', dreadlock-sportin', freak-flag-flyin' brethren. After walking for 30+ minutes (in circles I might add), I finally found the place. When I researched it I thought it was a food truck so when I landed in a brick and mortar establishment I had to quickly realign my expectations. If you're expecting a typical fast food joint you'll be disappointed. There's nothing typical about this place, thank merciful heavens. The name really fits the place. They actually have prep stations that remind me of chemistry class in high school. :) The menu is a bit overwhelming for the newcomers but with the help of their super friendly staff, I decided to order more food than I could consume in a whole day. So, on to the food....... Chickpea Fritter Sandwich: Excellent, plenty of spice and interesting accompaniments that enliven what could have been a rather boring main ingredient. Not crisp and dense like falafal, these fritters are soft and creamy inside, nicely crisp outside. The bread is outstanding! Toasted, thin, almost pita like but softer with better flavor. The whole thing was fleshed out with pickled red cabbage, red onion, pickles and grated carrot. The sauce is simply perfect, reminds me of a yogurt sauce. BBQ Seitan Sandwich: I had to order this because I'm told it's made in house and I know, first hand, just how hard this is to accomplish. Served on the same amazing bread as my 1st sandwich and dressed with some simple but fresh tomato and lettuce, the seitan was excellent. A bit chewier than mine but great taste and a really good, not over-the-top or over powering BBQ sauce. Rosemary Fries: Yup, they're as good as everyone says but grab one of the homeless and hungry off the street and bring them with because they give you enough to share for sure! I had the hibiscus tea and was overjoyed with it. Just sweet enough to cut the bitter edge. It was oh so fresh and obviously made in house. The funny part about the meal is that I grabbed a little cup of chile sauce to ramp up the flavor (usually absent in most vegetarian eateries)...... I threw it away, never needing to use it. Best place I've eaten at during the whole trip! Bravo!

    (5)

  • Rachel P.

    This is a great vegetarian option if you're in Harvard Square. I got the chickpea fritter sandwich and the rosemary fries. The fries were tasty though didn't have much rosemary. The sandwich was really good, with lots of different flavors (the hummus was especially good). I later shared some whoopie pies - earl grey and avocado. They were fresh made and quite flavorful. Everyone working there was friendly, and I liked how you could watch them cook. I also liked their emphasis on using compostable products, and the fact that you could draw pictures with crayons and put them on the wall.

    (4)

  • Hain L.

    a cool venue with healthy & quick food options. the breakfast sandwich was good (but then softboiled/poached egg on anything is delicious). Yogurt cup with granola was ok but i did not like the apple compote on top at all.

    (4)

  • Thomas L.

    Clover is so exasperatingly hip, but you just have to let the minimalist vibe and clanky atmosphere wash over (or under) you because the food is pretty good. I've been a couple of times, and enjoyed the soy BLT and the chickpea fritter sandwiches, both served on their signature pita bread. Ordering here is really chaotic: there's a sort-of line by the front door, with sort-of waitrons who take your order on iPods (and take your money and give change with those retro metal coin dispensers that train conductors used to wear on their belts). On my second visit the system was down, so orders were taken with old-fashioned pencils and pads (not iPads!), which made for a longer wait for my food.

    (3)

  • Kristin N.

    It's like if an Apple store sold food. The chickpea fritter sandwich is really good...slightly messy but very filling. Whatever you get, order the rosemary fries.

    (4)

  • Christopher K.

    I love clover and even though I always bring my lunch I somehow end up here at least once a week. The chickpea fitter will be discussed here a lot im sure, but my favorite is the Soy BLT. I dont eat mayo, but this has some herbed mayo that tastes like a piece of heaven. Even better, it has less than 350 calories. Everyone loves the fries, but I am not in love with rosemary so I dont really get it. The soups are what I am constantly the most impressed by. Last week I had a cauliflower puree in some milk base with pine nuts, parsley, and a little bit of curry powder. Amazing. Lots of extra points for dedication to sustainability. If they ever got gluten free bread I would be happy to pay extra for it.

    (5)

  • Kelley E.

    I like this place. The food is good, and the price is right. It has a cool modern vibe, with a very minimalist design and orders placed through smartphones. The sandwiches are on the small side, but they're cheap. I really enjoyed the chickpea fritter (falafel) and fake BLT. BBQ seitan and rosemary fries were ok, nothing special. (I didn't order all of this. I tried bites of friends' sandwiches.) Their drinks are fun and interesting. Strawberry lemonade and rhubarb water were both tasty and refreshing, though next time I will see if I can ask them to put less ice and more actual beverage... The setup of the place is totally confusing though. I've heard great things about the Clover food trucks that hang out around MIT and Boston Common. Maybe they should have stuck to those. The girl I ordered from (after eventually locating her near the digital menus) sounded like she was reading from a script when I asked her questions, with an odd fake unsmiling enthusiasm. When the order comes up, they call your name for each piece of the order separately, so you have to keep running up. And they call your name increasingly urgently if you don't go up quickly... The tables were a little gross, too; I don't think anyone wipes them down during the day. Also, something odd my friend pointed out: with their whole sustainable, good-for-the-environment vibe, why all the disposable dishware and such? Why not have some plates and silverware that can be reused for non-takeout orders?

    (4)

  • E K.

    I love everything here. Rosemary fries are delicious, and so are the chickpea fritters. I had a hibiscus tea as well, and everything was good and reasonably priced. The reason why it's not getting a full 5 is because I did have to wait some time for the food, and with people calling out names and all, it was a little messy and confusing. I'll definitely be back though!

    (4)

  • Mariano A.

    After discovering that they have this location in Harvard Square I don't think I'll be frequenting SOWA market for their food truck as often.The chick-pea fritter (their version of a falafel) is BOMB . I've noticed that you get more or less of the toppings (pickled cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, hummus, etc.) depending on who is working, so depending on my appetite I will sometimes order one and other times order two. Great vegetarian restaurant. Their falafel/chick-pea fritter is as good as it gets in Boston, comparing it to Falafel King (downtown BOS) and Ramis (Coolidge) which I really like, I find myself craving Clover's version more often than the other two. Fries are pretty good if you like the natural taste, remind me of IN-N-OUT fries (for all you westcoast yelpers reading this). I saw a guy eating the sweet potato sandwhich / pita today and it looked really good, he said it was worth passing up on the Chickpea fritter to try this one, so I'm gonna have to try it next time. Their soy bacon is decent, I liked it, but my girlfriend wasn't a big fan. Their drinks are also great, try the home made hibiscus or lemonade drinks. Great coffee too, and whoopie pies on Fridays after 5 make it a nice treat. Great food, very friendly people that work there too.

    (5)

  • Stephanie M.

    Best value in Harvard Sq. Lunch is always solid, with that perfect balance of being filling without weighting you (or your brain!) down for the rest of the afternoon. Staff is always pleasant, and they do a great job of keeping customers informed via their website and twitter. Extra points for being so responsive and welcoming to customer feedback, both positive and negative. Keep the veggie goodness coming!

    (4)

  • Jad A.

    I wouldnt check out a veggie joint for the life of me. I have to credit the casual decor that drew me in while biking around Harvard area. The simple menu is handwritten in a whiteboard and they don't use cash registers. The dude stands there with a coin holster and calculates your order using his iphone. I tried the rosemary fries along with some obscure veggie sandwich in pita bread. Both were scrumpious and would go again and try the chickpea fritter which I found out is really hummus.

    (4)

  • Bram E.

    The mushroom sandwich (it's cold! who knew?) and the bbq seitan sandwich and the rosemary fries are preposterously amazing. (Have you ever been to Ananda Fuara in San Francisco, the place that serves meat-free "neatloaf" which SFers insist must have drugs in it or something, because how on earth could "neatloaf" taste good? Well, the bbq sauce on the bbq seitan sandwich is to the neatloaf what an lsd flashback is to lsd.) (I think. I actually have no idea what those last two things are like.)

    (5)

  • Shang S.

    I'm intrigued, truly. First off, remember that this place is vegetarian, want meat, do not enter! Other than that, I'm the kind of person that loves everything new and efficient but also personal. I love the funky big tree-trunk thing they have for a table on the ground floor. I like their ever-changing menu. I like the super-friendly staff they have who introduced me to the place's concept. I LOVE that they take my order on an iPhone. and wait times estimates... makes me feel like I'm in a Swiss train station. I had the chickpea fritter sandwich as that is one of their most oft-recommended foods.

    (4)

  • David L.

    Brattleboro, Vermont meets Cambridge, Mass. I appreciate the sustainable ethic here, from fully compostable serving materials to the simple, if noisy interior. The food was right for the price, and inventive. A pita pocket with jimcama and sweet potatoes for five bucks and a basket of fries for three, plus bubbly, carbonated local tap water, free. A deal. Vegans, I think you'll be happy here. Oh, and I'm writing about the Clover off of Harvard Square.

    (3)

  • Ben T.

    I'll be brief; I love this place. And now that they are serving beer, and not just any beer but Pretty Things, I'll be spending more time here. World's best fries? On certain days they have them. I'm thinking this place is going to be nuts in the summertime, what with that big Paris-sized sidewalk they have. Best addition to Harvard Square in awhile.

    (4)

  • Janak S.

    Very healthy earthy crunchy kind of place. I ordered off the kids menu and got the tomato cheddar sandwich, it was quite tasty. The cheddar has a very rich full flavor. We also had the chickpea sandwich which was basically a falafel sandwich, it was okay, nothing to write home about. They don't serve regular soda, so I had to go down the street to get a coke. If you walk down the street to get a coke, you should also get a bag of chips. I had some cape cod chips and they went with the sandwich really well!

    (3)

  • Rebeccah M.

    Great, affordable, healthy, and filling food! Haven't been to the actual trucks yet, but this place gets my vote for a fast and easy vegan option. Read about my whole experience at hungrilyeverafter.com/20…

    (4)

  • Jenna H.

    Clover is a spartanly clean and white (very lab like, appropriate name) little sandwich place in Harvard Square. The food is very reasonably priced, and quite good if not great. I tried the sweet potato sandwich, which the girl I ordered from promised was very spicy, and it was very good, but I didn't find it spicy at all. The rosemary fries however were delicious, hot and salty with fresh sprigs of rosemary tossed in. Overall a good place to get a bite.

    (3)

  • Steve L.

    Not a vegetarian, but this place could help me take the trip if I ever decided to go that route. Falafel...perfect balance of crisp, warm, and coarse-cracked chickpea flour. Great tzatziki sauce too. Fries? Pomme frites! The humble potato has arrived. Enough said. Service? Read their credo when you go in. They're serious about this stuff. They even bounce up to you with an Ipod touch to take your order the moment you walk into the place, and you can pay, find a seat (oh yeah, good luck with that, at noon) and chill while your fresh food fast is prepared.

    (4)

  • George C.

    As far as I'm concerned, the efforts of the Clover staff are that of saints themselves. The creators are geniuses! One day I was here, and ordered a fritter and an alagash white. Went to the bathroom, came out, and my sandwich was nowhere to be found! Waited an extra 5-8 minutes...get this. They forgot my fritter so the girl who took my order refilled my beer for free! Now THATS what I call service! Compliments to the chef! I love Clover with my entire being. Everything I've ever ordered has consistently been delish. It's healthy and affordable! Clover Food Lab, and trucks. God bless you.

    (5)

  • Jesal P.

    Since I last took a look at Clover Food Lab, there's been some expansion: they've opened up a brick-and-mortar location in Harvard Square! Having eaten at their truck, I'm already an enthusiast. But how did the restaurant rate? Walking in, it was a bit chaotic. The line to order begins on the right side just as you step through the doorway. This is actually a bit confusing because the register, kitchen and wait for food all happen on the left side. But after taking a second to assess the system, my dining companion and I figured it out and had our order taken by a hostess armed with an iPhone (to place orders and calculate price) and a coin dispensing hip holster. As we waited for our food, I had time to finally soak in the interior - an industrial-chic space with two floors of wooden, communal tables and white walls, which bounce the light around the airy, open-plan interior. With the kitchen exposed, I could see my food being made and even talk to the cook preparing my meal. After about 10 minutes, I was handed my wild rice soup and my egg and eggplant sandwich. I loved the soup since it was exactly what you are looking for on a cold, busy day. Its base was a well-balanced, flavorful broth. No cream. This means that I not only felt like it was healthy, but it actually was healthy and not food-coma inducing. The rice made it satisfying but not over the top filling. Even though the soup was light, it was still satisfying and there was no way I could have eaten the whole soup and still have finished my sandwich. Which, by the way, was good but not over the top crazy good. It definitely needed some hot sauce, so it's great that they have a whole bowl full of hot sauce right by the cutlery. With condiment added, I really enjoyed my sandwich. It looked great and was given some extra punch and crunch by what appeared to be a cucumber relish. My foodie friend said she was a fan of the chickpea fritter sandwich. So overall, food was good and filling even for a meat-eater. And anything that dispels the idea that vegetarians only eat salad and tofu is a good thing. I'll definitely be going back soon to try their seasonal sandwiches.

    (4)

  • Laura B.

    Clover Harvard Square rocks. It's efficient, inexpensive, and tasty. Best of all it's food in good conscience. All the ingredients are fresh, local (when possible), and organic (when possible). Clover keeps it simple. For that reason alone, it's a must try.

    (5)

  • Lynn D.

    For healthy, tasty food, Cover Food Lab is pretty good. I ordered the chick pea pita sandwich and, overall, was satisfied with my lunch. The place is pretty no-frills. When you go in, there is an employee who will take your order on his/her I-Touch. There's not much from which to choose. There are about four or five sandwiches, some soups, and a few miscellaneous items written on a white board that is sitting on the floor (by the way, I would recommend that Clover raise the board, or place it somewhere else where it's more visible. It was a bit annoying to have to keep looking down near the floor and then up at the person taking the order.) The atmosphere is like a cafeteria, but slightly nicer. If it's a cold day, I would recommend sitting upstairs since it's quite a bit warmer up there.

    (4)

  • Bridget C.

    I went here for lunch on Monday and got the chickpea fritter sandwich and rosemary fries with lavender lemonade. Its was all amazing. The chickpeas fritters were crunchy on the outside and smooth on the inside all of the veggies added a great texture contrast. I think its my new fav sandwich. The rosemary fries were crispy and salty and delish! Today I went again and got the turnip sandwich which was roasted turnips with a delicious apple spread and sharp cheddar cheese. Really really good! I also got the squash soup. Best squash soup I have ever had! Even my own squash soup isn't this good! I hate to admit it I am working a double today and I think I might go here for dinner too! LOL! I want to try EVERYTHING! Its most definitely my favorite spot in the square now!

    (5)

  • Emily H.

    Came here a few weeks ago with friends. I generally eat vegetarian, so I was hoping to love this place. It was okay, but didn't live up to expectations. The chickpea fritter was okay, but not great. Likewise, the Rosemary Fries could have been better. The standout of my meal? Hot ginger lemonade. It was delicious, especially since it was a cold night. I will probably give this place another try, solely because I want to support vegetarian restaurants, but based on my one visit it was not worth it. Plus, everyone talks about how the price is so great --- that's true if all you get is a sandwich, but if you add on fries + drink, it comes out to a pretty average lunch price... but tastes more like fast-food quality than sit-down restaurant. One other complaint -- the food options did not seem much healthier than the typical fast food joint. Clover Food Lab is missing out on a great opportunity to revolutionize the fast-food world by offering healthy, not just vegetarian, choices.

    (3)

  • Jingwei Z.

    Awesome in general. Tables could be cleaned more frequently! A very creative business idea.

    (4)

  • Juan C.

    I liked it better the first time I tried it. Definitely go for the Chick Pea Fritter sandwich. Overall a decent place for a quick, relatively healthy bite. Prices are decent and I have no problem with the iPhone ordering system. I guess it depend son the time of the day because I can see how it could get confusing at the entrance.

    (3)

  • J P.

    Clover is one of my very favorite places for coffee and food in Harvard Square. I love the open feel of the space, the positive attitude of the staff, the philosophy and innovative way they express it, the fresh food, and the fact that so much of it is made in front of your eyes. The BBQ seitan sandwich is my favorite but I have yet to order anything I was not pleased with. The prices are responsible, the sides and salads are always changing and delicious. I started going once and a while in the morning for coffee (the muffins are amazing too) and now I stop by and pick up lunch a couple of times a week. Clover is a great addition to Harvard Square and is quickly becoming my favorite spot!

    (5)

  • Amanda M.

    Decided to check this place out today for lunch based on the review in the Boston Globe. Yes, it is all a little confusing and operationally quite odd. Instead of going to the counter you go to the guys standing off to the side with iphones (in a big area that could fit more seating, no less). Then if you want to pay with credit card they have to step four steps behind to the machine mounted on the wall. Then you stand and wait for all the parts of your order to be yelled out separately...drink from the drink person...sandwich from the sandwich person...fries from the fries person...So these factors were leading me to dock off some stars, but the minute I actually tried the food they won me over (and won back all five stars)!!! YUM. I got the BBQ Seitan Sandwich, rosemary fries and Ice Hibiscus Tea. The sandwich was so tasty, moist, and makes you feel good about eating something veggie. The portion is very filling for just $5! So nice to have a new non-burrito, non-Indian buffet option for lunch in Harvard Square. Am really looking forward to more lunches at this place!!

    (5)

  • Eric S.

    I'm not sure about any place that needs this much explanation. You walk in the door and want to order the food you chose from the menu outside, but where do you turn? The people behind the counter kindly directed me to a very pleasant, friendly, and helpful woman with an iPhone standing between two menu signs. Maybe I'm out of touch, but an "Order Here" sign would really have helped. Anyway, the nice woman with the iPhone took a few minutes to explain the menu, take my order, and e-mail me a receipt. I'm a little uncomfortable giving my e-mail out when I order a sandwich. It seemed like they'd hired a person to do a computer's job, typing and scanning and explaining. Anyway, the chickpea fritter is delicious! Pickly, minty, crispy, soft, hot, and cold all in one. I love the decor, which feels clean, casual, modern, and open. Apart from the initial confusion, I feel totally comfortable here. It's hard to beat the price, too, especially on Harvard Square. The chickpea fritter was totally filling for $5.35, tax included!

    (4)

  • Nicole E.

    Im from Chicago and recently visited some friends in Boston who couldnt wait to take me to Clover. While I was reluctant at the lack of meat my meal would entail, I soon forgot all about my carnivorous ways. I walked in and was immediately greeted with a smile. After some food selection deliberation i decided to go with the Chickpea Fritter, Rosemary Fries and Barrington Coffee. Our food promptly arrived and now, even a couple weeks later, I crave this meal everyday. The fritter was fantastic and the fries to die for. And the coffee was the best tasting Ive had (and I drink A LOT of coffee!) While eating we met a very sweet girl with a big personality, Megan an employee, who popped by to say hi and ask how everything was. Not only could we not stop gushing about the food but we reallyappreciated her friendly approach and thought it was great that she even took the time to stop by and chat.....everyone who worked there seemed to have a great attitude made guests feel welcome and want to come back. PLEASE open a Clover in Chicago SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    (5)

  • Brian G.

    Excellent, quick, cheap. Chick pea fritter sandwich + mushroom 'pate' sandwich, fries w/ rosemary, and great coffee - all awesome! Had breakfast as well, and the egg sandwich - sharp cheddar, tomato, soft boiled egg - was great. Coffee from Barrington was also really good. This will become a regular stop for us.

    (5)

  • Luke M.

    A few friends and I went to Clover the other day for lunch. Although none of us are vegetarians, I think we all generally enjoyed what we ordered. Some items were definitely better than others, though. The Good - The BBQ Seitan -- The crowd favorite. - Egg and Eggplant -- An unusual combination (the eggs are hardboiled), but nice flavor. - Falafel -- Not the best falafel I've ever had, but good by the standards of Harvard Square. As some reviewers have noted, the sandwich is topped with various pickled vegetables. I wasn't bothered by it, but if you don't like pickles be forewarned. The Meh - Mushroom and Walnut Sandwich -- A little bland, but fine overall. The Bad - Soy BLT -- The main issue was that the soy bacon didn't really add anything in the way of flavor or texture. The problem was compounded by the small amount of soy bacon (two thin strips) and the heavy use of mayo, which drowned out what flavor the soy bacon did provide. It didn't taste terrible, but definitely a disappointment. - Rosemary Fries -- Points for distinctiveness; I can't think of any other fast food restaurants in the area that serve these sorts of fries. But on the day we went, the fries were greasy (not in a good way) and soggy. Overall, a good-not-great addition to Harvard Square.

    (3)

  • David G.

    BEWARE if you have a serious food allergy or are gluten free. I have celiac disease and although clover food lab seemed to be sensitive to gluten free modifications it came with a saracstic attitude: "do you want us to change our gloves" "should we get an epipen ready?" No one should ever feel stigmatized because of a special dietary need, and the staff should be trained to handle this without snarky comments.

    (2)

  • Philip H.

    Value value value healthy fun tasty! I found out about Clover from a friend's Facebook posting (yay social networking) and went there for lunch and dinner the next day. I went again the next day for breakfast and then again the following week for dinner. Wow 4 times in a week. The first time I went, I got the Beet Soup (really good), the Spice Cider Soda (sophisticated taste, wasn't that great), Rosemary Fries (a must-have every visit, but a little bit more soggy than I'd want... I'd like to see a little more crisp to them), and the Egg-and-Egg sandwich. The staff are very friendly and fun. It's an open kitchen concept, so you can see all the staff making your food, frying your fries. I didn't try them, but they have a cool assortment of organic coffees. The cheap prices, 3.5 star food, and unique atmosphere. It's a great start and I believe that they will continue to utilize customer feedback to improve and refine their selections! I'm cheering for this place and other independent places like this.

    (4)

  • Mike R.

    Clover fall just short of four stars. It makes a great chickpea fritter, their management is dedicated to quality food and ingredients and is constantly innovating, and their abundance of vegetarian and vegan options is impressive. They're also reasonably fast. If you're looking for quick, high quality and low priced vegetarian or vegan food in Harvard Sq. they are a great choice.

    (3)

  • Susie Q.

    Get the BBQ seitan sandwich. Seriously. It's so good. I tried the chickpea fritter too, and didn't like that one as much, just cause I'm not a fan of onions. I really want to try a bunch of other things on the menu, but haven't gotten around to it because I really want that BBQ seitan every time. I love it very much and I really think that I'm going to marry it. Gosh, I hope it says yes.

    (4)

  • B.Kiddo K.

    Well, I scouted out this place after rave reviews of vegetarian and vegan offerings and figured it would be a nice funky organic spot. Its pretty much a step above fast food. ie. the fries have rosemary. They had one vegetarian option( I believe, at least one they were not "out of" at 8pm on a Friday). At first glance there seems like there are other vegetarian offers but they are fried, etc. I told them to put no mayo on my food and they did even though I told the girl I was vegan. I also asked for aside of tahini and they did not give it to me with my food, they had forgotten. The place is semi clean, you need to pull out paper to put on the ikea-esque tables. People like that, but not so much me. They don't really offer anything to drink either, very few selections and the vanilla soda is just club soda with vanilla added. They were out of most of the menu as well which is very annoying, esp when they can't get t he order right with what they do have. Highly overrated. But, the bathroom is super clean!

    (2)

  • Formerly Picky Eater J.

    Quick service, great food at an affordable price. I suggest the Chickpea fritter plate - you get the same stuff as the sandwich, but in a tray to pick at (and maybe more of it?). Just make sure you ask for the pita on the side, I'm not sure if it's provided automatically with the plate.

    (5)

  • Emeen Z.

    They have Stumptown coffee!

    (4)

  • Are E.

    Food has been tasty each time I've eaten here. Certain things run out so prep with a Plan B. Inventive, affordable, tasty, fast, vegetarian/vegan = excellent. Only four stars simply because the ambiance is not conducive to sitting and relaxing (ultra-hipster decor = not comfortable).

    (4)

  • Elle K.

    I love Clover. Quick, delicious food - made perfectly and with such an interesting blend of ingredients. I always leave feeling extremely satisfied and also healthy. Wonderful sandwiches and plates!

    (5)

  • Jason A.

    Simply awesome. Best deal for great food in Boston Metro. I'm not a vegetarian and you don't have to be to enjoy the food they concoct.

    (5)

  • Josephine P.

    This is the second time I have eaten from Clover. The first time was so-soish. We hit up the truck outside of Kendall square. My boyfriend raved about the rosemary fries and I just didn't get it. I also had a strange cucumber sandwich that sounded appealing, but when I got it, it was just flavorless with a hint of cucumber. I gave it another chance at their brick and mortar sight that recently opened and it was aweesome. I got their BBQ seitan sandwich and savored every bite. The Chickpea fritters are addictive and their flavored waters are interesting. I would have to say that Clover lab is one of the best choices when it comes to cheap eateries in Cambridge

    (5)

  • Susan S.

    I've been to Clover in Harvard Sq. about 3 times now. The first time was when it opened and I had the Chickpea fritter sandwich and a soup. Both of which I remember to be really great and hit the spot. And I've been longing to experience the tastiness since then. However I feel the quality of the food as of late to be mediocre since I've visited this past week during non-peak hours. The Chickpea fritter sandwich that I got was a pretty hefty size, but the whole sandwich was primarily cold. The balance of the pickled ingredients overwhelmed the fritters. I primarily felt like I got a pickled sandwich and I don't remember tasting anything else. And the bread itself was not warm. And I got an iced coffee which was bland in taste. Yesterday I stopped by to get some rosemary fries, but they were also disappointing since they weren't crispy enough and were more on the soggy oily side. And the rosemary flavor only came through when I got through half of the batch, which was very nice yet the soggy texture didn't really help it. I guess the flavorings weren't tossed evenly. And for drinks I got a hibiscus tea, but it was really not amazing enough that I would get it again. It just tasted plain and bitter. These last two times I've visited, spaces were not kept entirely clean where I was sitting on the 2nd floor. I mean if you chose a white space as an interior statement, the griminess is just magnified. I also don't understand how they cannot have wifi at all, while they tout themselves to be this techy place. Staff members seem friendly in general but throughout my experience dining here, I feel that I'm at their playhouse rather than feeling like a paying customer. I would remember hearing the music change constantly or come on at different volumes. It just becomes distracting. There also wasn't a large selection of drinks or other things I feel like they could offer. I remember the food truck at the South Station location had this fried green tomato special, I sure would like to eat that again. I don't know why they don't offer it in the restaurant. I also wish they offered more condiments, just besides ketchup. This place has a unique branding of food but my experience leaves something still left to be desired. The idea of experimentation is not reflected in the choices offered on the menu. I mean this place conveys freshness and being on the edge conscientiously, but it doesn't quite get there entirely. I feel like other sandwich/cafe places have such better food or unique ingredients and flavors for customers to indulge. Does everyone else just have the wool pulled over their eyes? I see a few of the same repeated observations in past reviews so I don't know what's being done to enhance the customers' experience. I really applaud the concept and branding, but I feel like the food and the diner experience could be so much more.This place might seem inexpensive but I find it difficult to pay for food that I can only enjoy on a mediocre level.

    (2)

  • Sarah G.

    Have to downgrade a star for the disorganized ordering system and service. Serious congestion by the door. Call me a square, but I find lines to be much more efficient.

    (3)

  • John H.

    this place is original on all fronts from the menu, to the way sales are made (what other fast food joint do you have a cool active display showing sandwich wait times?) , and to the design of the space itself. for the price there is no comparison. i'm an omnivore so the 'vegetarian' label has no significance for me. i eat here because i like the food and it's affordable. is it the best food in the world? no, by those standards, i would give it 3 stars with a 5 star meal going for 10x the price on the rural outskirts of catalonia. is it the best food, service, experience in its class? hands down. my only quibble with the sandwiches is that i wonder if there is too much fatty/mayonaissy taste going on in the sauces (very subtle thing to explain) to compensate for the fact that it's all vegetable based. without the heavy sauces the choice, palate, and seasoning of the vegetables is so brilliantly put together - they don't need to be masked and could stand alone more.

    (5)

  • Kylie S.

    This is a top notch little coffeeshop. It's on the other side of the building that holds Au Bon Pain and the Cambridge Trust. They are new, and still working out the kinks but their coffee is kick-ass, they have great egg sandwiches and popovers, and the vegan BLT sandwich for lunch is delicious. That is all that I have tried so far. It is odd that they have both vegan food and nonvegan but seems like a smart idea. They have a lot of space and aesthetically it is pretty boring (lots of cement, modern, minimalist) but this makes it kind of ideal as a place to stay a long time and work on your laptop without distractions. My only complaint is that they are often not ready to serve lunch at 11 am, which is the time they officially switch from breakfast to lunch and the time that I am usually there wanting lunch.

    (4)

  • Enday G.

    Lovely space at Harvard Square. Good customer service and yummy sandwiches!

    (5)

  • Matt F.

    I tried the brothy mushroom soup today and it was delicious. My dogs would like it if Clover carried (or made) some form of doggie biscuit. As it is, I hook them up outside to get myself something, and then come out of the shop with nothing for them. They give me the sad face, even though they already had doggie ice cream from JP Licks.

    (4)

  • Nho H.

    Chickpea Frita is what I usually get and its great for the price. Would I come here everyday? Nah. Do I crave this?? No, not really. The rosemary fries aren't too special either... just ooook. But maybe Clover can be the one who starts the food truck movement in Boston. That would be cool.

    (3)

  • Michelle C.

    I had to update this review because I visited Clover for a second time. Firstly, I still love the bread and the pickled veggies, and especially the free sparkling water. However, the chickpea fritters this time were VERY dry. I still thought it was a tasty meal overall and a good price, but they need to work on consistently turning out the same quality product.

    (3)

  • Zac C.

    Awesome, I had the egg and eggplant sandwich..... So good, everyone tried it and everyone raved... can't wait to go back. I wouldn't get the fries again.

    (5)

  • Pearl T.

    Have you ever noticed how you can't spell Clover without LOVE? Yeah that's how I feel about it. Vegetarian fast food that's cheap and delicious. Their signature chick pea fritter is packed with pickled veggies, hummus, and falafels. It's a flavor overload - the good kind, of course! We noshed on the rosemary fries, which could be a little rosier and a little merrier, but delicious nonetheless! The Venezuelan plaintain pita is full of sweet, melodious plantain. The flavors just melt together in harmony. I swear I heard a full orchestra playing somewhere as I ate it. It can't just be all in my head. It just can't. I think I've found my new (c) Lover.

    (5)

  • Michelle S.

    Clover makes the NorCal-er in me rejoice. The place is an experimental, minimalistic, and modern fast casual restaurant with plenty of seating (both downstairs and upstairs) and plenty of windows to let in natural light. You get rung up at the counter on mobile devices/iPads, so don't be alarmed that you don't see any registers! The menu changes frequently but always features some great flavor combinations. The food is fresh, never frozen, and oftentimes organic. This is a place I can trust to get high-quality food for a great price point. There are some staples on the menu - people rave about the rosemary fries and the whoopie pies. I thought the chickpea fritter sandwich was pretty good, but not spectacular - there is a nice tang from the red cabbage. The breakfast parfait with fruit compote is delicious! The yogurt is fresh and a little runny which made me skeptical at first, but the overall mix of the yogurt and generous helping of granola and sliced peaches made for a satisfying and not-too-sweet parfait. I'm not always a fan of vegetarian restaurants, but this is one of my go-to places in Harvard Square for a quick bite.

    (4)

  • John H.

    Update! I think Clover's food has been improving steadily in the last year. The new/seasonal sandwiches have generally been very good. The brussel sprout sandwich was especially delicious. I think the only seasonal one that didn't do it for me was a parsnip sandwich. And the last time I went in, the sides were appetizing, not afterthoughts. Hopefully the trend continues.

    (4)

  • Shuyi Y.

    awesome hot Whoopie Pie, but the sandwich is soso

    (4)

  • jun k.

    Love it. It's like a taste of the West coast. The interior is sparkling and quirky. The food is delicious. The people are nice. I had the egg+eggplant wrap which was amazing and REALLY fillng. Tried the chickpea fritter (fancy name for a falafel?) The dinner plates are pretty much deconstructed sandwiches with carb sides instead of the pita. you can get normal or fizzy water. Anyways, looking forward to coming again!

    (5)

  • E Z.

    My friend and I went during lunch hours on a weekday and it was extremely hectic. We were first timers to Clover and weren't sure how the ordering process worked. The workers were helpful explaining the menu, but it was hard having a conversation with them when the employees behind the counter were shouting customers' names every 5 seconds. The basil lemonade is great, rosemary fries were a bit bland, but I definitely recommend the chick pea entree. We also ordered a barbecue seitan and it was so disappointing- the texture was similar to spam ... Or cat food Fancy Feast.

    (3)

  • Sara B.

    Walked in to a super Friendly face, who gave me the whole ordering schpiel and informed me they were opening a second location in my neighborhood, inman!! Anyways, the tempeh blt was the best I've ever had and the sweet potato salad was delish. Even with a beer, total was $6!! The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars was because there were fruit flies everywhere and getting into my food. But all in all, great experience and just as good as their trucks! So glad they have a brick location!!

    (4)

  • Kalman G.

    Love the fast-food nature of this place. Eating generally within 5 minutes of getting there. Consistently good fresh healthy ingredients. No meat, but more filling than you might expect. Don't know why they don't call the "chickpea sandwich" simply "falafel," but its pretty great! Coffee is pour-over so will take maybe the full 5 minutes: great-tasting coffee though.

    (5)

  • Sanel S.

    Their tagline of "This is a prototype, we'll screw up something" is misleading. They will screw up everything. 1. Takes for f'n ever to get your order here. 2. The lemonade I ordered was not any good, though they swore up and down it would be amazing. It was simply a watered down minute maid. I threw it away. 3. Falafel sandwich did not taste any good at all. It was completely dry. I ate half and threw it away also. 4. Sandwich is way overpriced which only added insult to injury. The same "chickpea" fritter, I don't know why they don't just call it Falafel since that's what it is, costs $3 less at Amsterdam Falafel in Davis square and is 10 times better. The person I went with swears that the food truck version of their food is actually far superior than their restaurant. I can't speak to that since I don't work downtown and don't have an opportunity to give it a try.

    (2)

  • Ethan A.

    Head in with a friend for a quick bite before a show. Order a drink, fries, and a whoopie pie they had made that day. There's a whole bunch of them on the counter, and they look great. Sit down, a minute or two later our name is yelled out, and I go up for the drink. Sit back down, and we wait. And we wait. And we wait some more. After about 12 minutes, we see someone else grabbing fries, and figure maybe we missed our call, despite sitting right next to the kitchen. Ask if they called us. Employee responds, "Oh, I called that like forever ago. Do you want them?" Do we want what we ordered? Yes, please. So we get our fries and ask about the whoopie pie. Employee responds, "Oh those were self-service. We sold out." Funny that. Apparently purchasing food here is only a suggestion that you might get it at some point, if at all.

    (2)

  • Jamie W.

    I have been to clover twice now. Good for vegetarians with a variety of options. Lots of light and seating. Great prices given it is so close to Harvard square. Both times I opted for the chick pea plater. Portion size is reasonable but probably small by American standards. I would return here.

    (4)

  • Robyn G.

    I've eaten at this location and the East Cambridge location. I really like the BBQ seitan sandwhich. I like their prices. But I have a few bones to pick with them. First; waiting 10 minutes for you to brew one cup of coffee to make iced coffee is ridiculous. I get it; your trying to take great care in your food processes, but when you want a cup of coffee, you dont want to wait around for it. Second; It surprises me and disappoints me that while you're surrounded by other veg/veg friendly restraunts, that offer breakfast options to vegans, you don't. Get on that. It's not that difficult to add a tofu wrap or tempeh breakfast sandwhich to your menu. They had one muffin there that I could have, but it was overpriced, dry and hard. yuck. And lastly, I applaud the environmentally conscious efforts, but handing me a drippy sandwhich in an oversized napkin when I ask for it "to go" is obnoxious. Do I need to bring my own tin foil or bag? The last thing I have to say is, the staff have always been extremely courteous, quick to greet, smiling and happy. That's terrific, if more fast food/sandwhich shops in the area were like that, they'd probably double their business. The fact that I keep coming back, even when dissatisfied with their menu, says something about the atmosphere of the place and it's people.

    (3)

  • Adam B.

    Perhaps I'm spoiled living in a foodie mecca like Portland, Maine, but Clover Food Lab leaves a lot to be desired. This brick and mortar location is plagued by a terrible order/pickup design that causes large bottlenecks and your order to walk off with someone else (hopefully not like your date last night). Employees were generally awesome, although also demonstrate frustration with the user design too (understandably). The menu is presented in a confusing fashion. It looks like you get a whole little meal for a certain price point (like a breakfast sandwich, baked apple, and something else for $3), but in reality each item listed under ($3 or $4) is that price per item. As for the food. Well, I'm vegan and options are very limited at breakfast and better at lunch. And that's true in general too. More options are lunch. Granola and soymilk is all they have for breakfast. A couple options including a BBQ seitan or VLT for lunch. These taste good, although I'd love there to be some more veggies in there. The interior is stark white with blue accents, and awful fluorescent lighting. They tried planting a living wall in the back, but its dying and sad. Go for lunch, get some rosemary fries and say you tried it. Or go to the clover lab food truck by MIT or South Station instead. There the bad interior design does not interfere with the food.

    (2)

  • R B.

    Fun place, welcomingly sterile interior (it IS a lab after all). Funny ordering system, bonus if you get the sassy/funny wait person. So sad I missed the fries. Oh well, ate very healthily. Magnet for the smugly virtuous.

    (4)

  • Charlotte M.

    Pretty good. I've been here a couple of times. Fries could be better, they don't have wifi at all, never mind free wifi, sad. In the past there's been some mix ups with drinks and food. I think they have a unique ordering system, and having to get your food, (drinks, sandwich, fries) from 3 different people, there's bound to be confusion.

    (3)

  • Justina T.

    I've always seen the Clover food truck around the Boston Common, but I never bothered to try their food until I came across the restaurant. I ordered the BLT and rosemary fries. The fries were so tasty (but I'm probably biased because rosemary is da bomb, IMO). I waited maybe fifteen minutes for the cooks to make my BLT (I wasn't in a rush, so I didn't really mind the wait). When they finally called my name so I could pick up my sandwich, I was almost done with all my fries. As I went up to grab my sandwich, the guy who took my order said he'd give me a refund or a free beverage since I waited so long. I thought that was extremely nice and declined the offer (I don't like taking things for free sometimes). The BLT was okay... the dressing made the pita soggy and it was falling apart after a bit of time. The second time I came here, I ordered the rosemary fries again, but instead of the BLT, I got the BBQ seitan. I didn't really know what to expect of the sandwich... but I was thoroughly unimpressed. There wasn't enough BBQ sauce on the seitan, so I mostly tasted the seitan by itself which was bland. The texture was rubbery and unappealing. Just like the BLT, the sandwich became difficult to eat near the end since the soggy pita was falling apart (all the sauce slid to the bottom... BBQ sauce doesn't adhere to seitan very well). I will probably just stick to the rosemary fries if I come back here.

    (3)

  • Jennifer P.

    I like this place, but I don't love it or crave it. I usually get the chickpea fritter sandwich, which is filling, but the quality changes each time I go to Clover. Sometimes they are awesome - piping hot fritters contrasted with some cool, fresh slaw. Other times they are mediocre at best - cold fritters with some cold slaw. The rosemary fries are good, but I kind of find them to be overrated. Also, service is touch and go. A few times I spent waiting over 15 minutes for my sandwich, only to find out that the counter had given away my sandwich to somebody else just 10 minutes before. I continue to come back to Clover because it's easy, fast, and convenient, but it's not my favorite restaurant in town by far.

    (3)

  • Yuan C.

    Not a fan of its taste... Simple and fast, though.

    (3)

  • Samantha Z.

    Clover always exceeds expectations. It is a whole new take on fast food, and it is delicious. I always get the chickpea fritter sandwich. And it is always delicious. The fries are amazingly delicious. If you're looking for a healthy, inexpensive, unassuming place to eat delectable vegetarian food, this is the place. You must try the apple fritters-- I assume they are seasonal as it is currently apple season.

    (5)

  • Andrea B.

    With the fresh and deliciously satisfying vegetarian options available to me at Clover Food Lab, who needs meat? Those were my thoughts after devouring two meals in one day here. My egg and eggplant sandwich was stuffed to the brim with hardboiled egg, eggplant, a variety of other veggies, and hummus. My chickpea fritter sandwich was equally stuffed with tasty ingredients - crispy chickpea fritters, hummus, cucumbers, pickles, onions, shredded carrots, cabbage... Between the two, the egg and eggplant edges out the chickpea as the winner, but I highly recommend both of them. And talk about an awesome use of technology! Right as you come in the door, a friendly and helpful hostess takes your order on a smartphone and shoots it off to the kitchen, where more iPhones are set up to receive your order. And voila! Five minutes and five dollars later, you're in made-to-order Clover Food Lab heaven. My one gripe with this place is its cleanliness. There's plenty of seating, but when most of the tables are in need of a wipe down, your options for where to sit are limited (unless you want to clean a table yourself). But that sure won't stop me from coming back again soon.

    (4)

  • Jacqui S.

    Organic and supporting local commerce is the concept behind this place which makes the food more enjoyable. My husband and I stopped by here to grab a bite to eat and I just fell in love. The food I ordered with the exception of the potato salad was delicious. I ended up getting a blueberry soda with egg & eggplant fritter sandwich. The soda was smooth and sweet. It complimented my sandwich's savoriness well. This place is vegetarian and I didn't realize that until after I ordered, but with the use of egg and eggplant in my sandwich I felt like I was eating something hardy and meaty. The fries though... they were okay, not great. If I lived in the area I would eat here at least once a week.

    (4)

  • Nicole B.

    I wanna love this place because I love me some vegetarian food (and even vegan, if it's nothing really weird), but the food is just average. The herb fries are really good though. I also find it sort of disappointing that they have a small and unchanging menu (at least at this location, the few times I've been in the last couple months). The live music they have occasionally is nice.

    (3)

  • Paul C.

    Do you like hipster veggie food. Because this place offers both. Tasty treats for low wages.

    (3)

  • Julie L.

    Super friendly staff greet you to take orders as soon as you walk in. They have a simple and delicious menu. I usually get the chickpea fritter (falafels) platter. It comes with a healthy serving of falafels, hummus, red cabbage/onion salad and cucumber and tomato salad. You can also get a pita for an additional $1. Their teas are good but I usually opt for the free sparking water (make sure you ask for the water as part of your order). Lots of seating on both levels and the benches outside are perfect for the summer. It's also kid friendly - they provide paper table settings and crayons/markers for artistic expression. :)

    (4)

  • Ian A.

    Pita pocket bbq Seitan sandwich is flavorful and fresh. I also had the apple cider, which was just the right temperature and sweetness. I hope they open one of these in Berkeley!

    (4)

  • Catie R.

    Really cool place, my friend told me that it was on the Food Network so I decided to check it out. I was confused at first when I walked in since I didn't see a register and I was trying to figure out where the line began. If you see someone near the front by the food signs that looks like they're texting, that's who you order from! They enter your order in on the phone and take your name down and you wait for it to be called. The menu is small but its very unique. I had the egg and eggplant sandwich and it was deeeeeeeeeeelicous! Anyone who likes eggplant knows that it can be kind of bland tasting sometimes but theirs was cooked in a way that it a had a great smokey flavor! All of their trash is compostable and they wrap it up in paper so you can take it to go or sit and eat. If I lived in Cambridge I would eat lunch here everyday!

    (5)

  • Lioudmila Z.

    Great food but the employees are often annoying and ineffective--the women who takes the orders chats and then forgets what I ordered or just doesn't put the order in. I love almost everything I order, but I wish they'd act more professionally.

    (2)

  • Andrew J.

    Clover has such good coffee... so its kind of a real shame they don't have an espresso machine. The single cup pour over drip is great, but I'm just not a 12oz guy. Anyway, yeah, this place is wonderful. I'm from New York and a lot of the cafes in Boston don't measure up. But Clover is top notch. Local beers, seasonal everything, and good prices for the products.

    (4)

  • t j.

    I went there once and ordered a drink and some BBQ tofu. The drink came in 5 min. After waiting another 25 min I finally ask why the tofu is not done. I was told they burned it. OK. So could they cook some more?? The cook in an angry tone said "We don't have anymore and we are DONT serve burned food! What do you want me do take it out of the trash!" Not sure what my next move was at this point. Clever cook, confuse the customer.

    (1)

  • Te R.

    i know people are gonna hate for this review as clover is a well-loved institution on harvard square. they use organic local blah blah ingredients and they are green green blah blah. you know what i mean. i had the breakfast sandwich, hummus, and a sandwich here. and they were just ok. the portions are small (proportional to the price). the thing i like here is the ambiance. tall ceiling and spacious. but at some point in the day the place is filled up with strollers and kids and those guys over there with their apple computers. (wifi is not provided. but if you're a harvard student, you can just use harvard wifi. i'm not a harvard student unfortunately). there are things to be loved about this place but i'm not really a huge fan. i couldn't care less about green organic local ingredient stuff.

    (3)

  • Sarah G.

    $13 for dinner for two people of fresh made-to-order grub?? And we had to force ourselves to finish those portions! You walk in here and you instantly just feel cooler. I mean where else can are you greeted by someone standing at a giant fold out menu where they basically put in your order on a iphone type thing?? And then you can see the entire "lab" or kitchen where they make everything and it all just looks so modern. If that isn't enough, they have a wall here that has ivy growing all along it which is really cool to look at, in addition to all of the cool angles and decor they have going on here too. Plus they have picnic tables outside, and any place with full on picnic tables is automatically awesome. Food you ask? Well it is all vegetarian here, so if that isn't your thing, you won't like it here, but they do have beer on tap! Plus the clover brewed coffee too. We got their eggplant plate which was two types of eggplant, hummus, this cucumber salad, and it was pretty good. Definitely fresh and I like the baked eggplant better than the softer eggplant option. We found ourselves wishing we had pita or something to go with it though. We also got a chickpea fritter that was packed to the max with goodness and a side of a roasted cauliflower salad which has pine nuts in it which always makes me happy ha And when you eat here, you are helping the environment too since everything is compostable! Yup my water cup was made of out corn. And for prices this cheap, this type of vegetarian food is a steal.

    (4)

  • Vahan A.

    One of rarest unique food places. Super slow service (at least the day we were there) but the food was worth waiting. Super unique experience!

    (5)

  • August L.

    Always good food. I like the chickpea fritters the best. Sometimes the sandwiches are too floppy and messy, but it's worth it. Added bonus: delicious rosemary fries. Even better: outstanding coffee! You can even just come in for a cup to go -- definitely worth it. Yum!

    (4)

  • Liliya M.

    Free seltzer water with your order, fresh whoopie pies on Fridays, and they are the first business I've seen that uses tech so seamlessly and beautifully. What's not to love?

    (4)

  • Lillian C.

    This place is a vegetarian, quick dining kind of restaurant. Selection is limited to a few plates. The chickpea plate was pretty good but not particularly memorable or amazing. The hot apple cider was certainly a nice surprise and very quaint/ fitting with the cold weather. We had to go to Bon Chon nearby to get our meat fix but the portions are enough to fill an average person.

    (3)

  • Ryan D.

    If you're cravin' iced coffee and feelin' a lil' fancier than Dunkin' Donuts, head o'er here apostrophe. They do individual pour-over iced coffee here- smooth and refreshing. One of the best iced coffees I've had. The egg+eggplant plate blew me away, just wish there was more eggplant on the plate. Friendly staff and nice digs too. Check out the fire extinguisher for an academic-themed easter egg.

    (4)

  • M G.

    Everything I've tried here (and I've been here about a dozen times) has tasted delicious, and not left me feeling like I've been weighted down with unhealthy food. The seitan sandwich is a standout, as is the hot pepper sauce (which I believe they make themselves). I've never been disappointed with any fruit/water/tea/coffee I've had-- the fruit waters are addictive and refreshing.

    (5)

  • Carrianne C.

    I really love this place- I wish it was closer because it's cheap, and you don't feel guilty after eating here. The chickpea fritter is great, as is the egg & eggplant. Rosemary fries are to dieeeee for, I really love them. I also like that they have a variety of teas and sodas that aren't your standard coke/pepsi products. I'm super thankful that they have their trucks in many more locations now, because you can't ever go wrong with Clover

    (5)

  • Janka L.

    pros *good food, especially the saucy parts *short wait time *eating alone mess-hall style doesn't feel like eating alone *decent decor cons *ordering with employee that is not behind a counter was a first. and confusing. *difficult to put sandwich down. this makes breathing/talking/multitasking an arduous task *falafel-like tastes, not falafel-like prices *password protected wifi

    (4)

  • Josephine L.

    Whoopie pie: 4 stars (not quite sweet enough) Service: 3.5 stars Minimalist, industrial/eco-friendly decor: 5 stars (chairs look like cardboard--coolness) Chickpea plate: 3 stars for chickpeas (over-fried), 4.5 stars for hummus (tad too salty), collective 3.5 stars for the various salads Rosemary fries: Still 4 stars (good but not mind-blowing, and something so simple I could make it at home) Ability to stay chatting with a friend so late that you close the place down: 5 stars Endless flies landing on food and needing to be swatted away: 1 star

    (3)

  • Miel L.

    I tried their egg and eggplant sandwich and it was edible, at best. The eggplant was so salty, I had to take out the eggplant to eat the sandwich. The staff doesn't know how to smile or greet their customers.

    (2)

  • Mirabelle T.

    I've tried a lot of vegetarian sandwiches around Harvard Square, and Clover is pretty good, but not the best in my opinion. I personally like Chickpea fritter sandwich better than egg and eggplant, which kinda surprised me since I love eggplants. I like their sandwiches, but they both seem a little bit too salty for me. I'd recommend Clover if you're in the mood for a nice sandwich.

    (4)

  • Jamie B.

    Clover Food Lab is a refreshing change a midst the regular pizza, burgers, and sandwiches in Harvard Square. After hearing so much about it, I decided to stop in and I was not disappointing. The friendly employee suggested I try the popular chickpea fritter sandwich (basically a falafel) and rosemary fries. The falafel was packed with flavor and food - very delicious and filling. The fries were great too. The rosemary added an interesting flavor. The restaurant is open and airy. You can see the food being made right in front of you so you know it's fresh. I highly recommend this place.

    (5)

  • Amy B.

    I was excited to try Clover after all the good things I've heard about it. But, as you can tell by my two star rating, I was really disappointed. First, although the electronic sandwich boards and iPhone payment system were cool, they were very confusing. I was that idiot standing in the doorway gawking and needed to be prompted through the transaction step-by-step. I felt stupid. That didn't make me happy. I ordered a chickpea fritter sandwich and a city water (love the free water option!). Unfortunately, I really did not care for the sandwich. The components were actually quite good: The warm, crunchy-yet-soft fritters, the tasty tangy sauce, the pickled veggies, and the thick pita. But the proportions and composition were all wrong. My sandwich was mostly pickled veggies with the fritters almost all on the very top, so they got eaten first and I was left with a wad of vinegary crisps and bread. Even if the ingredients had been layered evenly, there was way too much of the pickled veggies relative to the chickpea fritters. The fritters have a subtle taste that gets overrun by the strong vinegar of the veggies. I'd try Clover again, but I wouldn't get this sandwich again.

    (2)

  • Jade R.

    UM. WHAT is everyone crazy about? Maybe I just don't get it... There's NOTHING to choose from. Like, 2 things on the menu. So, I had the chickpea fritter .. yes, it was good. But it's a falafel... Aside from the food (or lack there of) the actual storefront is beautiful. It feels like such a restorative, beautiful place.... until someone SHOUTS names out for you to pick up the food.

    (2)

  • Brian S.

    I'm a self-proclaimed carnivore, but their chickpea fritters are simply amazing. They rotate new types and flavors of lemonade, all of which are fantastic. Everyone is friendly, and the place has a great atmosphere. The place is pretty cheap too; I'll often swing by after a late class for $3 fries and a $4 beer. The Rosemary fries are the best fries in Harvard Square!

    (5)

  • Kelly A.

    Oh Clover, why did it take me so long to 1) try the food off your adorable little truck and 2) realize that you had an actual restaurant? This was a huge mistake. All the delicious foodstuffs I've been missing out on! All the fun iced beverages! All the lovely Clover-techs! We found the restaurant completely by accident last weekend while we were actually looking for the truck. Imagine our surprise when we drove right past it! We almost didn't believe our eyes! Was this real!? A storefront!? We parked (quite easily, mind you, since it was early on a Sunday morning), walked in, and ordered what they called the Super Duper Breakfast. The mister and I, along with our toddler, polished off the whole plate, but we were satisfied and happy when we were done - tons of food. It had huge pancakes, several pieces of smoky tempeh 'bacon', and some scrumptious little corn fritters, and it came with coffee and freshly-squeezed orange juice. Everything was awesome. I got an iced tea, which was also awesome. And for that entire breakfast, we only paid $14. We returned this morning for round two, but they didn't have any brunch offerings despite that today was a holiday. So we opted for a couple of breakfast sandwiches, plus a popover and a baked apple for our little one. Once again, everything was great. I adore this place. Everything about it. The minimalist decor, the food, the vision, the people. Everything. And because it's an all-vegetarian establishment, we will go out of our way to visit it, since we like to support that kind of thing. It's kind of depressing that I'd been missing out on Clover for so long, but I'm totally ready to make up for lost time now.

    (5)

  • Evette M.

    To clarify, the food was totally fine (egg and eggplant sandwich). However, they lost my order and it took asking three different people before I reached a manager who said, oh, we lost your order, we can make it now. Also, the gross part was that a person seated upstairs spilled two completely full water glasses and it started to pour down the wall and dripped onto my head. When I tried to alert someone to send up a mop or something to help them, he completely dismissed my comment and left the patron pulling giant wads of napkin to try to soak up the water and left the trail of water dripping down the wall and forming a mini-puddle on the first floor. So unsanitary and gross!

    (1)

  • Narath S.

    Just went there for my 1st time. Wasn't too busy on a Tuesday night at 7:30. the person greeting me and taking my order was very informative about what I should get for my 1st time. He recommended the chickpea fritter sandwich. I also got the ginger tea. The sandwich tasted really good, but I did have one issue with it. If I was making the sandwich in the pita, I would have layered the ingredients so that I get a little bit of each ingredient per bite. The way it was prepared for me was a layer of pickled vegies, then the fried chickpeas, and then a layer of hummus. So I got a mouthful of pickled vegies on my 1st bite. The ginger tea was spectacular. I've never been able to make ginger tea that strong before. I seated myself and cleaned up after myself. Not sure if they have anyone wipe down the tables or not. I didnt see anyone.

    (4)

  • Chris Z.

    This place definitely used to be better. The chickpea fritter sandwich is the best thing on the menu and the fries used to be good, but this time they were dried out and tastes like they had been sitting out for a while. Disappointed! On the plus side, the cinnamon soda is delish.

    (3)

  • Bill K.

    I really enjoy the food. It's fresh and testy. Egg and eggplant and chickpea fritter are the mainstays. The cold soups are solid and a very good value. The downer is the service at the restaurant in Burlington. There is a posse greeting at the front door to take your order which I guess is intended to be welcoming but, when crowded at lunchtime, borders between chaotic and downright unnerving. Once you've ordered, the food - prepared at different stations - comes directly to you from the preparer. If you've ordered a few sandwiches and soup each shows up when it's ready, leaving you to tend a growing number of white bags and cups as they arrive. i'm pretty flexible but this is no way to run takeout. I have to leave items individually on the counter while I get utensils and napkins. In one case, I got my soup and the sandwiches took 10 mins, so the soup was gone before lunch arrived. Finally, the staff changes often enough that at any given time at least 50% are clueless. And, with the manager, leading the front door posse, he has little control over the back-end of the house. I know this sounds pretty negative but, really, the food is worth the visit. Oh! one more tip: Stick to the sandwiches and not the platters. When your sandwich is 70% salad, small side salads aren't worth the additional buck.

    (3)

  • Betsy A.

    Yes, I'm most definitively a fan. Who would have thought I would be craving vegetarian food... @_@ I definitely didn't! I love everything in this location, starting by it's friendly staff to the layout, to the food of course. Yes, the options are limited; however they're going with quality over quantity here folks. I would rather have a few solid choices than a bunch of diluted crap. They keep it simple, they keep it fresh and most definitely healthy. Go here at least once, just to check it out. You won't regret it.

    (4)

  • Paige L.

    Clover is an awesome place to get a quick and easy meal. The first time I went, they recommended the chick pea fritter. Apparently they recommend it to all new people, I wonder why- it's just falafel. It is good though. I love the BLT mainly because I have never had bacon before. Whether or not the BLT tastes like a BLT will always be a mystery, but I like it. The one thing that throws me off is that EVERYTHING is in a pita. Can they make anything non-pita? It would be nice. But it's easy to make and carry, so not too much to complain about. I love the fact that they only keep fries for so long, so if they are making fries and have excess in the order, sometimes they will give them to the person closest to the fry-o-lator. The fries are delicious- totally recommended! Prices are definitely good. The employees are friendly, the service is pretty quick. The yelling names out is a bit frustrating because if you don't walk up right away to get your meal, they yell it again. So don't go get napkins between ordering and getting your food, otherwise it'll sound like your mom yelling at you to get back in the house, again, and again.

    (4)

  • Michelle T.

    3 friends, 3 drinks and 1 batch of Rosemary fries. Maybe I just wasn't feeling it or maybe I didn't eat any of the "mains", but I was not incredibly impressed. I'll have to admit that the rosemary is a great touch to the fries, but as my dining companion put it, "I can make these at home!!" The fries are really thin cut fries and had a homemade feel to it with the irregular lengths and dark edges, but nonetheless, nothing memorable. The mint lemonade I got was refreshing. If you like your drinks not terribly sweet, Clover has it perfect. The mint made the drink especially...herbal and there were even ground up mint leaves on the bottom of the cup. For $2, I'd probably get it again. The cucumber drink for $3 was kind of a big miss though. Unless you like the healthy feeling of drinking salads, I would recommend another beverage.

    (3)

  • Marcia E.

    For starters, I'm not a vegetarian let alone vegan! Went with my son who lives in Allston and attends BU. Weirdly combines a hippie, whole earth vibe with more Apple technology than it needs! Plus the food is great! I looked it up on Yelp before going and so I did have the "chickpea fritters" and an order of rosemary fries. Great! The hummus is very tasty! Caution one order of the rosemary fries will serve two if not three! We got two orders for the three of us and it was hard to finish them. Draw back for me was the seating. I know it's supposed to be organic and earthy, but for an eat-in restaurant they need more comfortable seating. I know I'm old and have a bad back, but I'm sure there are others who would appreciate more ergonomic options. Also, it is loud. Too many hard surfaces, the echo makes it hard to have a conversation. Visit one of their food trucks and find a comfy bench and talk to your companion. The food will be just as good!

    (4)

  • Monique S.

    Just got some rosemary fries from here and they were hard as a rock. Did the recipe change? Those used to be so delicious!!! Now they are like potato sticks. So sad. But not to worry. Clover to the rescue. I told them about it and they replaced them at no charge. The new batch was delicious and chewable. The wait is usually 5-10 minutes. The barbecue seitan pita is a hit. It really hits the spot if you crave barbecue but don't want the meat. Also the agua fresca is delciosa.

    (4)

  • Jeremiah S.

    I tried ordering a BLT with onion, they said no, its not because they don't have onions, i asked if they had onions before i ordered, they do. I ordered it with onions they say they cant add onions, i say i can pay the extra they said no, they couldn't "monetize the onion" which is bull, they wouldn't even put on the side. Last time i go there, used to go twice a week. talk about being penny wish, pound foolish.

    (1)

  • Steve T.

    Meh, okay. Lots of hype, seems like a worthwhile concept. Coffee was good. Pita wasn't so much, each of the ingredients existed mostly on their own, but agreeable. Fries were okay.

    (3)

  • Panda B.

    I'm really bummed that I don't live in Boston to have Clover all the time. If only there was a Food Lab in California! Thank you Yelpers for helping me find this Boston gem to enjoy while I was there! In my time in Boston, Clover was the one place where I returned several times for breakfast and lunch. Now, I'm sure this doesn't seem like a big deal, but I get bored with food, fast, and make it a point to try as many new eateries, restaurants, delis, and local-hot spots as I can when visiting somewhere new. Clover somehow has a way of luring you in with not only tasty, healthy eats, but hospitality, sweet service, eco-practices, and great prices. In all of my visits, I shared the chickpea platter, pumpkin fritters , chickpea sandwich, soy blt, cider, coffee, breakfast sandwich, rosemary fries, oatmeal with pear compote, and hibiscus tea and soda. Wow. That's a lot of food now that I'm listing it out, but every bite was delicious and I left oh-so-happy, every time. The pumpkin fritters were the tastiest order of the bunch, a 3pm special. They were cinnamony and sweet, warm, soft, and the perfect treat to share. The chickpea sandwich was a close second, and while it offered the same ingredients as the platter by the same name (pickled cabbage, chickpea fritters, hummus, cucumber salad), in the sandwich it was MUCH tastier when having every ingredient all in one single bite. However, the platter was still amazing, too! I really did love the apple cider as well. All of the portions were generous and wholesome, so there's no need to order a ton of food to have a full and happy belly at the end of your visit. But I guarantee you'll leave wanting to try another item--which is how I managed to try so many items in a few visits! I'm not sure how Clover measures up when offering other seasonal offerings, but in all my visits in October, I was a happy camper and kept thinking about returning because of how good _______ was (fill in the blank). It was also great to know that their food trays and cups are all compostable and surprisingly, they don't accept tips! Instead, they ask that you give them productive feedback, so I hope that this review is a testament to what a great job these folks are doing. I also must give major praise to Antoria (?), the cashier at Clover HSQ who is silly and a lot of fun. She makes coming to Clover a delight and puts a smile on your face! If I had one complaint, it'd be that there wasn't ketchup available (that I could see) for the fries. As healthy as I try to be, I am a ketchup-on-the-fries girl. It may have been there, but I didn't see it, though I should have asked. If I had a suggestion or two, it would be that 1) Clover created a cookbook! While I can't enjoy Clover on a daily basis, I'd love their recipes to enjoy when I'm not in Boston. And 2) on a negative note, I agree with another customer who commented on Clover's site that they need to be more specific about their food truck locations. Clover's lead staff also appears to be swamped or lacking in ability to respond to pretty important customer comments on their site. When It comes to food allergies, that's kinda not cool... Anyway, this is reasonably priced, delicious vegetarian and vegan food, by people who care about how we all eat and the earth we share. What's not to love? Even if you're not vegetarian or vegan, try Clover. It may surprise you! And if you're scared of something new, do yourself a favor and order some apple or pumpkin fritters because they are fantastic.

    (4)

  • N T.

    Very limited vegan and gluten free options. There is pretty much one: chickpea fritter plate. However, this is a tasty option, and one of the only things around Harvard Square for a gluten free vegan, so I'll give Clover 4 stars even though I'm not sure it really merits it from the gluten free vegan perspective. I do recommend Clover over Boloco, which is the other gluten free vegan Harvard Square option. I recommend Wagamama slightly over Clover though, as they have slightly more options (barely). Clover Food Lab is misleading in that their spontaneous looking handwritten menu leads you to believe that the menu options actually change. They do not. The side dishes vary daily, but the entrees are constant. Egg and eggplant, chickpea fritter, etc. (There are only a few options). Some sides I've seen: Wild rice salad, potato salad, fried pickles. The chickpea fritter can be a little greasy, but tastes fantastic and fresh. It is 10,000 times better than the falafel over at Boloco, which is not awful, but cannot compare at all to the Clover chickpea fritter. A few of these make a great snack if you don't mind that they're fried. Clover also has excellent tea. I enjoy the peppermint nettle, and they have a few other herbal and regular loose leaf tea options as well. I wish Clover would expand their options a bit. Perhaps offer hummus with the chickpea fritters? Maybe some hearty soups or stews served with quinoa or brown rice? (the soups are always sold out and tend to be cold cucumber or some other non filling variety) Maybe some fresh juices? (Wagamama has great fresh juice for those looking near Harvard Square) Recently Clover had a big salmonella scare, but this was only at their food trucks and they totally cleaned and redid everything - the whole saga is detailed (with some level of indignation on their part) on their website. They got approved to reopen and considering the amount of cleaning they had to do, their food is probably now safer than most other restaurants. (and it sounds like some bad bread made offsite was the real cause anyways) Note: If you are very sensitive to gluten, I would stay away. The food prep people are out in the open and you can see that they pick up the fritters with their gloved hands which just touched the pita bread. If they would just use a utensil instead to pick up the fritters or poured them out of the bin, they could reduce contamination, but they don't do this.

    (4)

  • Joshua D.

    I've been here a few times. The food is fine and affordable. BUTTTT the service is maddening. They are beyond slow. Painfully slow. Almost zombie like. The mistakes are constant. They accidentally used salt instead of sugar in their lemonade. After telling me what happened they offered me another drink which I accepted. The replacement drink was also made with salt instead of sugar. I mean...I'm not saying your job is all that easy...but...come on now. It's not rocket science. Considering the service is already SLOWWWW and they brew everything on the spot which takes some time as well, I say go somewhere else. Unless you really love salty beverages. Than this might be the place for you.

    (1)

  • Jenny C.

    I love meat. I need my daily protein with a side of chicken to function. However, the food at Clover might convince me to stop eating meat.....maybe once or twice a week. Probably once a week. After perusing the shelves at the Harvard Coop, my friend and I wanted to go to Boloco to grab some dinner. However, on the way there, we were distracted by the bright and shiny lights of Clover. And thus we changed our plans and decided to get a chickpea fritter pita and BBQ seitan pita with a side of rosemary fries. The hibiscus tea is a wonderful and refreshing addition to the meal. All very solid choices. Filling and inexpensive. However, I will probably come back for the Whoopie Pies. They were amazing. They were so amazing, in fact, that whenever I see not freshly-made whoopie pies, I burst into tears because I know that that they will never match up to the greatness that is the Clover Whoopie Pie. I dream about them, crave them, and will probably marry them if I could. So go on down to Clover to get some yummy chickpea falafel fritters! Hopefully they'll have the Whoopie Pies; please let me know if you would like to join my Clover Food Lab Whoopie Pie Admiration-from-Afar Club.

    (4)

  • Gail G.

    Love, love, love this place! The service is quick, but the staff is always happy to answer my questions about the food, even when I'm holding up the line. And oh, the food...Clover has turned this picky eater who hates most vegetables into someone who can't wait for lunchtime so she can head over to Clover and get some brussel sprouts or turnips folded into the most delicious sandwiches ever. And the rosemary fries...I dream of them. Often.

    (5)

  • Brad M.

    Recently went here for lunch. I originally had thought I'd get a free lunch in my department, but it turned out there was a couple hours of talk and discussion tied to this free option so I decided to go grab lunch elsewhere. I had seen the Clover Food Lab while walking around the other day, and thought I'd give it a try. First off, it's not a lab. I asked the employee if their menu changed often and he said that sometimes they have a new item or a new seasonal salad, but that pretty much everything is static. Doesn't sound too exploratory to me, but that's fine, I'm not a huge fan of change anyway. I wanted a simple sandwich, and I saw a lot of people eating something out of a pita, so asked about that. It was their chickpea fritter, which the employee told me was by far their most popular item. That was later made clear, as the orders called out were almost all for chickpea fritters. The chickpea fritter was very good. Some fried (I guess) chickpea balls in a pita with some shredded vegetables in a good dressing/sauce. Very tasty and moist (but not soggy). This is all I had, and will likely try out their other items in the future. I noticed that they had Allagash White on tap for only $3 as well. I didn't feel like beer at the moment, but it's nice to know that I can get a good beer for cheap along with my lunch in the future. Their seating was nice and modern, with a nice upstairs area where you could sit in addition to the main floor and outside.

    (4)

  • lizzie b.

    I had high hopes for this place, but I was sorely disappointed. The space itself is cool and the concept too. I don't like the white walls, but whatever. The front is disorganized chaos, but I liked the ordering system -- however, seriously guys -- the prices should include tax if you're trying to be neat and clean. $12.72 isn't exactly giving you good change, despite the menu being $2, $5, $3.... I had the butternut squash sandwich. It was vile. VILE! Just gross! No taste, not the right consistency, too salty, and the kale was not well done. The white bean spread was flavorless - they could have gone with a stronger smoked paprika instead or sweetened the squash so it's more chunky and maple-y. Maybe added crunch! Seems like their chefs have no talent for recipe design. The bread wasn't even fresh tasting. They should have rolled it into a warm wrap with FLAVOR. Come on people. Vegetarian food does not mean flavorless! Spice it up. I also tried the hibiscus iced tea, which was okay. I am into alternative beverages, but I would actually go for a Starbucks passion-fruit tea over this one. Overall, gross. I would maybe go back and try their breakfast popovers because I love those ~~ quite disappointed!

    (1)

  • Matt S.

    The main reason I just came to this Yelp page is to check their hours, since I plan on eating there when I get out of work at 11 tonight. Might as well write a review... I'm not even vegan and I love this place. Take a special friend here. The BBQ Seitan and Rosemary Fries are the perfect way to say "I love you. And food. Maybe food a little more, but that's just because you just lost your temper trying to find a parking spot in Harvard Square. Whatever, I'm over it. So did you watch the Walking Dead last night?"

    (5)

  • Steph P.

    I was so excited for the brick and mortar Clover to open and was not disappointed on my visit! Same friendly service and delicious food, now new and improved with a place to sit. There are tables and this really long picnic bench like wooden slab with stools. Very cool decor, nice and clean. The menu is pretty much the same, but it seemed even more diverse, which is probably because they have a little more space than in the truck. We had: Chickpea Fritter- always a fave! Turnip Sandwich- a delicious slice of turnip with a honey? sauce and romaine oh my! Borscht Rosemary Fries Vanilla Soda- With vanilla beans and everything! Mulled Soda- Think cider flavors in a clear soda. The sodas are made with their syrups and carbonated water. Simple and My only gripe is that the drinks came out way later than the rest of the food. I don't mind things coming separately, but since they brew each tea individually the drink station gets backed up. I love Clover, its food and its concept and will for sure visit here a lot!

    (5)

  • Lila R.

    The food is awesome here. You can't go wrong (with the food, that is). The experience, however, is an entirely different story. Ordering: the people who take the orders are aggressive and rude, especially if it's your first time going. They sort of rush you along, which actually just makes the process go very slowly, which turns into a huge line. Getting food: TAKES FOREVER. I have been to this place more than 50 times. When they are busy, you could wait 20 minutes. When they are not busy, you could wait the same amount of time. It makes ZERO sense. Also, there is no wi-fi. What? However, the food is great. If the above doesn't bother you, go for it. I wouldn't go if I didn't have such a craving. However, it says a lot that I need to leave AS SOON as I get my food. And afterwards have a huge sigh of relief.

    (3)

  • Cyn C.

    Fast food? Vegetarian? What? A vegetarian friend wanted to treat me for my birthday. I picked this place b/c I don't mind eating vegetarian (I love eggplant) and I love trying new places. We shared the eggplant and egg sandwich, chickpea fritter, rosemary fries, and some winter spiced organic sodas. Each bite was flavorful and filling, though I didn't enjoy the soda as much as I had hoped. I coulda used more fries (so... you might want to get an order for yourself instead of sharing if you love you some french fries). WARNING: if you are not within walking distance, do not live near the T, or have to drive? Be ready to pay for parking or drive around for a bit looking for an available spot on the street. Lunch was about $20 (for the two of us). Parking in the garage was also $20. That becomes a really expensive fast food lunch, even if it doesn't taste like fast food.

    (5)

  • Shane W.

    Eggplant was way too salty. French fries were greasy good. Price was good. Seitan was good with the BBQ sauce. Service was friendly but the staff couldn't read the orders on the tiny iPod screens- messed up our order and name. iPads? Overall good vibe for a quick affordable healthy meal around Harvard square when your vegetarian/hipster friends are in town.

    (3)

  • Joe C.

    Clover, you have a niche, healthy and delicious offering. Why then, do you constantly disappoint me by mutilating it as you hand it to me? Cracked eggs, leaky sandwiches, upside down hand-offs (this one really irks me), arguing with the customer saying "you know, when you squeeze an egg it pops.. you must have been the one to pop it because we never break the yolk" (by the way, I watch you stab the yolk with a kneif each time). I've had about a dozen bad experiences like this in the 1-2 or so years I've been going there. Show a little customer service and a little humility, Clover. Stop arguing with the customer. There's just no need for that, ever. Good food and great service is about care and paying attention to the little things. Show me that, and you'll have 4 stars. You've got a lot going for you but you need to pull it together.

    (2)

  • Dave G.

    Yummy. Yummy, yummy yummy. And yummy.

    (5)

  • Dorothy W.

    According to their blog, they will be serving whoopie pies on Fridays. Whoopie, indeedie. Now let's hope they get more organized.

    (3)

  • Amanda B.

    I've reviewed the truck on the Common, but I figured I'd cover the sit-down version, too. The main difference here is the staff, I think. While everyone was generally pleasant, I was there at a non-peak time and I had to wait FOREVER for my food. They were slow and chatting with customers and during my 15-20 minute wait, I could see that's what was slowing them down. Nonetheless, here are my feelings on my favorite menu items: Love love love the chickpea fritter "sandwich." The flavors are so layered and it's a great combo of textures as well. From the shredded carrot and pickled cabbage to the fritters and hummus. So. Good. I order it without onions because onions are the devil's ingredient. So good, in fact, that I have not been able to bring myself to order anything else!! I get the craving for the chickpea fritter and that's it. End of story. One of these days, I'll get around to trying something else. The other thing I live for here is the agua fresca. It's delicious regardless of the flavor. Really just fruit-infused water. The tiniest touch of sweet, but mostly mellow deliciousness. I also recently tried the spearmint lemonade and was impressed and hooked immediately. Not too tart, not really sweet, the slightest hint of mint. It was perfect. They also have the square app, so they can accept credit cards. Handy if you're low on cash. Clover recently started profiling their offerings and their nutritional info on their blog. This was a great discovery. I love knowing this as I keep track of my intake.

    (4)

  • Andrew C.

    Good quick healthy is a rare combo these days. Love this place. Coffee is expensive but also amazing.

    (5)

  • Alma C.

    Clover may call itself a lab (overt use of tech is apparent from its marketing, POS system, etc.), but it isn't antiseptic. Clover's food is fresh, organic when possible, often sourced locally (CSAs, farms) Basically, Clover's fast food with a conscience (great) and the food is yummy (greater!) to the point that omnivorous me conveniently forgives the no meat menu b/c hot damn, the goodies like rosemary fries, eggplant salad, and lavender lemonade are all very satisfying and very flavorful.

    (4)

  • Dessa R.

    Usually the emergence of a new vegetarian food spot evokes a disappointed sigh from me. Isn't some tofu option at a normal restaurant enough for you people?! Do you seriously need a whole restaurant? That space could have been used for a steakhouse or something. Coming from a committed meat-eater, if the entrees on the menu didn't have a beating heart at some point, I probably don't want to go there... except when I find myself preparing for a lunch engagement with a vegan friend, scouring Yelp for cheap food options, and coming upon this "Clover Food Lab" at the top of the highest rated list again and again. So we gave it a shot, but I didn't have high hopes. I had the chickpea fritter sandwich. It was very falafel-esque, but far better than any falafel I've had in this whole city! All of the ingredients were evenly spread. The soft pita was packed with moist chickpea fritter goodness and other colorful veggie ingredients that I pretended wasn't there. It was, in a word, fantastic. The rosemary fries were also quite worthwhile, sprinkled with crispy herbs, made on site with fresh potatoes-- and tasted like it. To drink, I had the lavender lemonade, which was refreshingly different. I also tried a sample of the iced hibiscus, which was slightly less sweet, but also very nice. The entire experience was extremely satisfying... and a bit unconventional. When you enter, order right on the floor with the nice folks in the red and yellow t-shirts-- they have iPod like devices to take your order and are extremely patient and knowledgeable. The space is modern and clean, but pretty noisy. They really encourage customer feedback, as evidenced by the humble mission statement scrawled on the wall in black paint, and the open forum for contact on their website. A delicious, progressive, and healthy lunch for less then $10? Even with the absence of meat, it's hard not to love this place.

    (4)

  • Daniel R.

    I walk by this place everyday and after six months I finally went in. I was a little disappointed that they dont serve meat, but I understand why they do not. I talked to a really friendly women with a really werd hat on, I think it was a penguin hat. She was very pretty and that complimented her personallity. I asked her about the Cauliflower sandwich and she stated it was very good, and she was definitlety correct. This was one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. A sandwich without meat tasting this good??? Say what ! it was like I was chewing on a cloud in heaven. It was sooo delicious. If anyone from Clover reads this, thank you for the delicious sandwich, I look forward to the same kind servie and of course the same sandwich as today. Thanks -Danny

    (5)

  • Aaron K.

    Started my order asking about the bread option for the platter. Ordered the platter with bread and guess what when the food arrived, no bread. That apart food is all cold. Maybe good for pure vegans or similar. Not going back.

    (3)

  • Michelle M.

    Absolutely amazing and healthy pitas. The chickpea fritter is so great, and so are the rosemary fries.

    (5)

  • Brian D.

    Holy crap, look at that bearded thirty-something year old dude break dancing! In other news, I've recently fallen in very strong like with Clover Food Lab. I've also fallen in sort-of like-like with the idea of going vegetarian for like 5 days out of the week. I have some logic behind this, but ask me on the 6th day when I'm allowed to eat meat and you can buy me a beer and I can talk your ear off in between wiping bbq sauce off my face. In other words, we'll probably not be at Clover but we can TALK all about Clover. I love Clover. It's clean, quirky and so very fresh and good. I love a quick lunch and they can get pretty gummed up at lunch o'clock but I sort of like watching the sandwich assembly line. I also really like that you pay by credit card with the order takers via iPhone and that there are no wasted receipts or order tickets. And then there's the freshness of the vegetables and all the smiling people devouring their lunch. Clover just sort of gets it right when you are in the mood for veggies and have your patience hat on at lunchtime. If you think you are on the verge of a food depraved/low blood sugar temper tantrum, save Clover for your next lunch date.

    (4)

  • Amy S.

    i don't even like vegetarian food, but i would come here again. the chickpea fritter is gooood. probably the only vegetarian food i would eat haha. Also, my friends shared the egg & eggplant and they said it's soooooo goooooood. basically all is good here. food carts all over so look for it.

    (4)

  • Sue U.

    We only tried beverages here but the place looks cool. I got the hibiscus tea and my husband got the brown sugar lemonade. The drinks were not too sugary. They have a small menu for breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Quick spot for a to-go lunch or breakfast.

    (3)

  • Bill L.

    came here at the recommendation of friend. did not know what to expect. very pleasant surprise. Not a vegan but really enjoyed the food. we had the chickpea fritter and enzo (eggplant) sandwiches. tremendous. wish they had a location on the west coast. side comments: fries were good. suggest that mix vegetable medley fries might make a great additon side comment: on the electronic menu, the first item listed was the spicy tomato sandwich. details provided that the sandwich was available for an addtional two weeks. can you imagine the disappointment when i ordered it and was advised that it was NOT available. Will be back nevertheless to try the

    (4)

  • Eryn M.

    I practically lived on Clover for a year during college when I started to feel like everything else was slowly killing me. I have admittedly only been to the restaurant once and instead only went to the foodtruck near MIT so I can't say much about the restaurant service, but the food is the same. My service was always great. The staff was friendly. The food admittedly takes a while as far as food trucks go, about 15 minutes. They don't advertise themselves though as necessarily "fast food" so that never bothered me. My favorite was the fall butternut squash sandwich and the chickpea fritter that they have all year.

    (5)

  • Soo C.

    I pass by clover several times a day, so when I saw it operating back again from the food crisis, I went right in. I ordered my fave - egg&eggplant sandwich - and it tasted just as savory, awesome! I'm a slow eater, and the sauce wet the bread dripping near the end, but I just missed the sandwich too much to care. This morning, I even ordered breakfast for the first time: popover sandwich and coffee! First of all, getting to work drinking a drip coffee is a luxury; my life feels like it just got an upgrade. I'm always rushing in the morning because I take the bus to work, but clover crew made the fresh coffee in a just few min. Popover was great. It's towards the pricey end for clover -$5- but well worth it. It tasted fresh, savory, and the bread was crunchy. You can hold the whole thing in one hand as you frantically make the move towards the bus!

    (5)

  • Beth C.

    I used to like this place but not so much anymore. I went regularly when I had classes in the Square, mostly for lack of any better alternatives. The service has always been kind of weird. Last time I ventured in I asked for a chickpea fritter sandwich, with no bread. I just wanted the contents of the sandwich, on a plate. For some reason this was completely impossible for them to do, and they were surprisingly inflexible about it. I followed up with an email to the restaurant's web site, no response. The other thing that bothers me about it, more over time, is the lack of any indication that there is cleaning going on there. The tables don't seem to ever get wiped.

    (1)

  • Elizabeth G.

    I tried the breakfast sandwich this week and oh boy does it beat a McDonald's or Starbucks b'fast sandwich. Perhaps that goes without saying, but OH MAN. This sandwich has four ingredients: a soft-boiled egg, a slice of strongish-tasting cheese, some halved bright-red cherry tomatoes, and half of a small whole-wheat pita. When I first got the sandwich in my hands, I was thinking it could use some sauce. But then the hot, fresh egg started to melt the cheese. And THEN I took a bite, and the egg yolk burst open and suddenly the sandwich was overflowing with eggy, cheesy deliciousness. Picture this all in slow motion, with me giving a smile and a satisfied nod at the end. I love this restaurant's approach of using simple, fresh ingredients and toning down the add-ons to give those ingredients a chance to shine. 1) Available from 7am to 11am daily. 2) Costs $3. 3) If you order this sandwich, you WILL need a napkin. In conclusion, DAYUM. You need to try this.

    (4)

  • Melody T.

    I've followed this amazing vegetarian spot from its inception as a singular MIT food truck to its current rendition as a hippie chic eatery and cafe in H square. I love the concept- a true test kitchen that not only caters to vegetarians, but also manages to score points with die hard carnivores. The fact that it was started by grad students also tugs at my secret geeky heart. Here are some of my favorites: - Pancakes!! (I don't eat pancakes. except these.) - BBQ seitan - egg & eggplant - pourovers, cold brews - any variety fritter they may fry around mid afternoon The staff are super friendly, helpful, and efficient. I've since moved away from the Boston area, but I would eat here everyday if I could.

    (4)

  • Alyssa F.

    There was a time not so long ago when I'd wince at the thought of vegetable protein. Tofu, seitan and tempeh each violated my mouth and mind with sogginess, curdiness, bland, blah nothingness. My preference is generally for firm and savory hunks of muscle tissue so a vegetarian cafe seems like an unlikely place for me to find gastric happiness but Clover has captured my heart and tummy with their fun and unique veggie creations. If you read their website you'll see a lot of thought is put into everything on the menu. Ingredients are carefully chosen, prepared and tested and you'll taste it in everything you try. You can even feel good about the french fries, which according to the nutritionals, contain considerably less fat than fast food fries. The chickpea fritter sandwich is my (predictable) favorite but I'll happily chow down on the BBQ seitan, BLT or any of the seasonal vegetable plates with a side of fries and beer.

    (5)

  • Ashley W.

    I love this place and their various food truck locations too. You'll be hooked !!

    (5)

  • b l.

    if you're from out of town, and a vegetarian, or even if you're not, this is a must go. Partly for the experience/ambiance but mainly for the food. We got the chicken fritter (it was described as their version of the falafel sandwich) and the sandwich was plenty flavorful. price was average for what you would pay for, for a sandwich but the taste was something that can only be understood if you ate it for yourself.

    (4)

  • Chris H.

    For fast food, this place is very innovative and has higher quality and many healthier options. The menu changes a lot based on what's in season, but the soups are always good. The fries are very good ad are large enough to share. When you walk in, you are greeted by staff with iPads that explain the menu and take your order and credit card or cash. You pick the order up at the counter as it is prepared - so if you ordered a few things, you will pick them up separately. The restaurant is very clean, they have lots of plants growing inside, and everything is inexpensive.

    (4)

  • Stephen Y.

    Chickpea. Fritter. DONE. (Also, really friendly staff.)

    (4)

  • Annice C.

    I recently moved from Brooklyn to this area and became seriously upset over the lack of amazing, cheap food (...or even just amazing). And when it comes down to it, Cambridge can probably never do what my beloved Brooklyn does with food quality and value. HOW_EV_ER, this place! This place makes me very happy. I often (read: daily) stop for a coffee before work and regularly stop after work for a sandwich and beer. I've also ventured from my regular purchases, and I've yet to try anything on the menu that disappointed me. In short, I love their food, love their service, and appreciate their philosophy. Keep up the great work, Clover!

    (5)

  • Hillary D.

    I stopped outside to read the makeshift menu, and at the bottom I found what I wanted. Cheesy Grits with Farm Fresh Egg. I'm in! I opened the door and walked inside and just stopped to take it all in. It was so cool as a "restaurant" that I didn't have the normal anchor points to navigate by. Where was the starting point? Where do I order? And where do I pick up my food? I spied a woman with a money pouch on her hip standing in front of two menu cards. This must be where I start? I walked over and asked. "Yes, just pick what you want and give me your order." I gave her my Cheesy Grits order. Now, do I pay her or somewhere else? "Yes, you pay me and pick up your order over there when they call out your name." I finally got the hang of it and chose a window seat to wait. In only a couple of minutes I heard my name called. A paper coffee cup was placed before me. I cradled it in my hands and went back to my seat by the window. It looked very promising so I took a picture before diving in. You have no idea how good a warm poached egg is when you pierce the yolk and let it run into warm cheesy grits. It was ambrosia with each and every bite. I would have never guessed that I would relive the memory of my first dish of southern grits, in Boston, and find it even better than the original memory. Good grits had been elevated to something special. Very special. And I was thrilled. P.S.---I heard from others from the neighboring table that the corn fritters were to die for, as were the pancakes, served with real Maple Syrup. You could smell them when you walked in so I knew they had to be good. I'm making another road trip south for southern food very soon, south by Cambridge.

    (5)

  • Yalgin O.

    $3 beer and amazing food, No meat here. But don't be fooled by the menu, pretty much everything is a hit! Everyone's favorite is chickpea fritters, grab one and a side of rosemary fries and whatever tap beer they have ( I had Peak Organic IPA) and enjoy..

    (4)

  • Michelle C.

    Awesome on all accounts-food, drink, service, ambiance, price and, importantly, toddler-embracing. Such greatness that we went twice within 24 hours. 1st visit: sat night when the clover house band was playing upstairs. Asked for recommendations and took the sweet guys advice- chickpea sandwich, BBQ setan sandwich, zucchini fritters and a pbhb sandwich for little miss may (on, honey, banana) plus yummy beer and lavender lemonade. We ate in the cool ac upstairs by the hip, talented and kind band members who welcomed May's dance interpretation of their beats. 2nd visit the next morning with a bunch of friends and another baby. Again super friendly service (where is your tip jar? I looked because you all deserved it!) and delicious food and drinks. Standout was the breakfast turnover with fried leeks, cheese and tomato. So good we bought 2 for the road. Yum!

    (5)

  • Stella P.

    One of the best/ kind of healthy fast food places in the square! Love the chickpea fritter and their juices! $7/person. Good choice for college students.

    (4)

  • Jill F.

    Oh Clover...what would I do without your 5 dollar lunches? I would be so hungry and lost in Cambridge. Plus, this Harvard Square storefront location is completely ideal for commuters. I can run in and run out with a delicious lunch in under 15 minutes! Yes, Nick H., this is definitely healthy food from the future. In my MIT days, I used to be addicted to the Chickpea Fritter but I've grown up to the Egg & Eggplant. Charred eggplant, hard boiled egg all stuffed into a soft pita with some addictive sauce...it is yummmyyyy! Also, the bbq seitan is pretty dreamy as welll The coolest part is that they even do a Sunday brunch menu now and last week when I was there they were frying up some delicious pancakes with cheesy grits and eggs! I grabbed a big cup of grits, soft-boiled egg and topped it all off with some tempeh bacon. It was quite the breakfast on the go! They even serve beer here and they CONSTANTLY tweet about their specials of the day. God, I need to stop following you @cloverhsq because I just come in far too often! Oh shoot, did you just tweet about apple cider fritters and woopie pies?! Gah...need to go now!

    (5)

  • Lyndon D.

    Excellent food, service and great prices. Recommended for veggies and meat eaters alike.

    (5)

  • Amy T.

    Love the food and most of the staff are friendly. I work in Harvard Square where i frequented Clover for healthy reasonably priced food. The majority of times I went there, after ordering, i became annoyed with the long wait for a simple sandwich however ended up enjoying the food once it arrived. My last time there, as I waited for my breakfast sandwich, with only a few people in line, I listened to the employee apologize to each customer for their long wait. Finally when my name was called my egg was not cooked so I refused to take the sandwich and asked for my money back. What should have been a 5-10 minute stop had already been 20 minutes. The manager called me over asking what was wrong. When I explained that i needed to return to work and could not continue to wait, he said "next time return to the restaurant when you do not need to go to work!". My response was that I need to work every day for years to come! it was obvious that most of the customers there were also frustrated having to wait a ridiculous amount of time for their food. The food production system is flawed. Some employees working while others are standing around. Also essential ingredients run out then you have to wait until they prepare and replenished the food trays. I will not return for a long time, especially with the out of touch, insensitive, management.

    (2)

  • Megan C.

    As a vegan, finding food in Cambridge isn't hard. But finding delicious vegan food is tough, although Clover Food Lab has certainly lived up to every expectation.Their food is amazing. I've been there twice. The first time I ordered the BBQ Seitan, which is, I believe, the best sandwich I have ever tasted. Ever. Not even an exaggeration. The second time was this afternoon, where the helpful & friendly staff member recommended I try the chickpea plate. So. Freakin. Good. I actually had tears in my eyes when I tried it-not gonna lie. I also ordered their Hibiscus tea, which was yummy! My only possible complaint? I think that since they're a vegetarian restaurant they should have something maybe on their website letting you know if it's vegan-friendly or not, since a lot of vegans seem to frequent the place.

    (5)

  • Arden W.

    FOOD: I had the most satisfying chickpea fritter (aka falafel) - it came in a pita, of course, with fresh cabbage and carrots tossed in the most amazing, light tzatziki-like (I'm guessing) sauce...I really wish I could steal the recipe. The falafel ball itself was perfect--not too dry and the right size! I washed it down with whatever Belgium beer they were advertising...I forget the name. SERVICE: I had the most pleasant conversation with a really cool girl who took my order. I was a bit confused by the "lab" set up since it was my first time. There was no line so I was looking around dumbfounded for a minute until someone said next and I made my way to her. I paid with my card through the little swiper that connects to an iPhone/iPad which I think is so neat! My only negative is that when my food was ready, I asked for a box because I knew I wasn't going to finish it on account of it being my second lunch (oops). The guy sorta gave my attitude about it when I explained that I didn't want it wrapped up to go (my friends and I were planning on eating at the picnic tables outside the restaurant) but I wanted something to put it for later. He finally just handed it over but I don't know why he was making such a fuss when I was simply asking for a box that was right in front of him. Maybe he had a long day or maybe they are very strict about giving away their boxes but I simply wanted to save some of the deliciousness for later! Other than that, fun & fresh feel with great food! Still doesn't beat the one I had in Paris but wouldn't be fair to compare...

    (4)

  • Samantha L.

    It's a little odd how they do the whole ordering thing here... slightly overwhelming for a first time diner, but the food is fresh and the atmosphere is hipper than thou!

    (3)

  • Stephanie H.

    Vegan and veggie options. Modified their veggie BLT to be vegan and was very happy! Tasty and good for a quick eat.

    (5)

  • Spencer M.

    It's slightly embarrassing, rather, mortifying, how often I make the trip from Davis to Harvard just to eat/chill at Clover. Let's just say that if I were perchance ever to become emperor of the universe (not making any assumptions COME ON NOW), Clover would be my kingdom dining hall and the food trucks would be a way for me to disseminate wonderful food to the hordes of epsilons in the world. I think this demonstrates 1) how poor of a world monarch I would be and 2) how amazing Clover is. I am proud to say I've completed their Sandwich cycle (btw all for $5, WUT?!), and can confidently say that every single one of them is delicious. I'm partial to the BBQ Seitan (which tastes like BBQ chicken sandwich but more delicate and flavorful) and the Egg/Eggplant (said eggplant is nothing short of glorious). Also, all the sides/soups I have had there have been excellent. P.S. If the pumpkin fritters ever come around again, treat them like the McRib and order five of them. THEY ARE THE PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION OF HEAVEN.

    (5)

  • Alyssa T.

    Clover is great, I love the concept and while the execution isn't always perfect they always seem to acknowledge where they can improve and own up to the areas of their business where they fall short. Yes, it can be intimidating to walk in for the first time and be confronted with an ordering system different from the vast majority of your other Harvard Square lunch options. Yes, they run out of things fairly often and maybe you won't be able to get what you wanted when you get there (this is why you should make a point to follow them on Twitter, they're pretty good about noting when something is gone for the day). But, this being said.. Clover is really tasty. They just debuted a new seasonal Butternut Squash sandwich this week and after seeing a coworker devour one earlier in the week I finally went to check it out myself today. All I can say is, I'll be getting one of these at least once a week until they get rid of it. Holy crap. So delicious. Along with a totally unnecessary, but totally delicious, side of Rosemary Fries this made for an awesome Friday lunch. Clover is cheap, Clover is delicious, and Clover is 5 minutes from my office. Enough said.

    (4)

  • Clare J.

    Several chickpea fritters later.... they are consistently fresh and delicious. Friendly service at the door and always a short wait time, 10 mins max. A sweet, new girl accidentally messed up my order and when I explained to the checkout girl that I didn't want to hurt her feelings but would love a new one, i was given it a few mins later, exactly as ordered. Will be back this week, post gym! UPDATE: a manager saw my disappointed review of their (reputedly great) rosemary fries, and said there were some mix-ups with the type of potatoes they ordered. Apparently they now use potatoes from Prince Edward Island which make the rosemary fries truly delish. I'll give them a try and report back.

    (4)

  • skott d.

    I like this place. it's kind of chaotic but it's fun. not as many great vegan options as I'd like for breakfast, but their muffins are always solid or better. affordable and great ingredients.

    (4)

  • Alice S.

    The chickpea fritters (aka falafel) here are amazing! I will always go to Greek Corner for gyros, but the falafel at Clover Food Lab is definitely superior - perfectly crispy on the outside and moist and flavorful on the inside. I also tried the egg and eggplant sandwich, which was good, but would be great if the pita bread was less dry. This restaurant is perfect for Cambridge - minimalist and modern, with a high-tech ordering system using iPhones. I loved hanging out there. What to order: -chickpea fritters

    (4)

  • Azalea K.

    when they have cheesy grits on the weekend, i pretty much jump for joy. in addition to the good food (love their eggplant, rosemary fries), the place is a friendly to people who need to get work done. You can hang out with friends or with your laptop without feeling rushed out the door.

    (4)

  • Tara S.

    It's time for me to review since I have a million or so check-ins here and since I'm already trying to figure out when I can leave the library and stop by for a butternut squash sandwich (please let Clover still have them today!). Simply, I love this place. It's bright, it's friendly, it's fresh, it's fast, it's cheap. Like me. Wait... not those last two. I probably order the BBQ seitan sandwich most often. I love that one... tangy and sweet and filled with caramelized onions. Yum. I used to order the egg and eggplant a lot and have them poke out the yolks. I guess that was a little annoying of me, because one day I was told the boss said not to do that anymore. Hmm. I guess it slows things down a little, but really... who needs that cholesterol? Certainly not me, because if I want cholesterol, I want it in some tasty gross splurge food... not in egg yolks (yuck)... and not regularly. So I stopped ordering that one. I'd poke out the yolks myself, but then I'd have to dismantle the whole sandwich, and that would just be sad. But for five dollars a sandwich, there will be some limitations... I get it... I'll live (though if anyone reads this and wants to adjust the egg-poking rules, please let me know!) Soups are great, and I am happy to have them for a healthy snack or light meal while walking around the square. I missed trying the African peanut soup, but I've heard that one is great. I like the pear and parsnips... nice texture. I had been to the food truck by MIT a few times before the brick and mortar version opened up about a year ago, and ever since then I've been a happy customer. I love that the Clover folks are consistently updating and improving their operations and menu. I check out the website on occasion to see what's going on there. I've yet to try brunch there, but I really really really want to. I just tend to be a little slow on weekend mornings, and I think the weekend brunches end at 12. It would be cool if eventually they'd extend brunch a little longer... I would love to stop by with friends for a 1 PM brunch sometime. I'm sure I'll get my lazy butt there early one day though. If you haven't been by, definitely give Clover a try, it's hard to beat the value you as far as freshness and taste go. They have beer, too! Now if they would just add some wine... I might just move in.

    (5)

  • Samantha G.

    I love the chickpea fritter, but I can't get over an interaction I saw behind the counter. The woman who took my order was so friendly and sweet and then a few minutes later I saw her being put down by what seemed to be a manager behind the counter. Please treat your employees with the respect they deserve!

    (2)

  • Rich M.

    There are few restaurants that I could eat at for every meal - but Clover is one of them. Whether its Egg on Egg (grilled egg plant with hardboiled egg), a simple peanut butter, banana and honey sandwich or Cheesy breakfast grits (with a soft-boiled egg) - Clover has the food that makes my stomach happy. It is simple, inexpensive and unpretentious.

    (5)

  • Lusi F.

    Did not realize this place was vegetarian :( I gave it a try, my friend and I had the chickpea fritters and some type of fake meat sandwich. The chickpea fritters were okay, I would eat it again as a sandwich if others wanted it the fake meat one was...I think I'll stay a meat eater. the layout was cool though as was the service

    (3)

  • Carly Z.

    Everyone raves about Clover's food trucks. I had only had their rosemary fries one time at a truck before discovering the restaurant. I stopped in for a quick dinner one weeknight and was less than impressed. I ordered a chickpea fritter and fries. The chickpea fritter was ready within about 2 minutes, while I waited close to 10 for some very greasy fries. For about 8 of those minutes, I was completely ignored by the staff who were just milling about since it wasn't very busy. One staff member was also drinking from an open cup right on the line and didn't wash her hands after, which I'm sure is a health code violation of some sort. The food. The chickpea fritter was so stuffed with unnecessary toppings (not listed on the menu) that the fritters were completely overshadowed. The fritters were also kind of mushy. They had a slight crust on the outside, but they don't even come close to the quality of a falafel sandwich I've had elsewhere. The fries were fresh but greasy and had minimal rosemary flavor. All of this would have been forgiveable had I not stopped into the bathroom on the way out. Holy crap (literally). I swear it looked like someone exploded in that bathroom and it hadn't been cleaned since last week. Horrendous. And that was my first and last time at Clover Food Lab.

    (2)

  • Dave F.

    If I were rating Clover just on the food, I'd probably give it 4 or even 5 stars. I don't love everything they make, but the things I get regularly (chickpea fritter and rosemary fries) are always delicious. But there are a couple of problems here that knock it down a peg or two. Those problems are inconsistency and flies. Actually, the flies are fairly consistent. I don't know if it's all the plants, or because they always have the door open when I go, or what, but there are always a couple of flies buzzing around the tables. The inconsistency is the real problem, though. Here you have a brick-and-mortar restaurant with a fairly large kitchen and a decent-sized staff, and it still has all of the prep delays, supply shortages and credit card system breakdowns you should expect from the food trucks. Recently I went in when they were supposed to have whoopie pies, and they didn't have any because the person who makes them just didn't show up. There's a lot to love here. I really like the food here, I like the people, I like the philosophy and I like the decor. Just... get it together, Clover! You're a grown-up restaurant now, with tables and everything! Please start acting like one.

    (3)

  • Aimee P.

    I came in here for the first time recently, with a pair of 3-year-olds girls. The order-taker (wish I had gotten her name!) went out of her way to find something the girls would like, brought us our food, let the kids taste-test the lemonade. Brought them crayons. She was just awesome. On top of that, the food was cheap, fast, tasty, and vegetarian. I think it's cool how everything down to the plastic cups can be composted. I will definitely be stopping in here for on-the-run food when I'm in Harvard Square.

    (5)

  • Jason L.

    Maybe I'm not 'hip' enough to appreciate this place, (or vegetarian), but had a thoroughly underwhelming experience with the food. I asked the super nice 'cashier' in front of the huge TV for his recommendations of the best thing to get, to which he responded the chickpea fritters. The chickpea fritters were wildly inconsistent. 3 of them were over-fried, burnt, with no filling. The other two seemed more normal with a soft interior. All the sides were edible. Rice was the standout, I guess. Nice space, with interesting decor. We were the only one in there without white Macbooks. Honestly, once you get past the cool tech-y ordering system, and the hordes of hipsters, the food wasn't memorable to me. Props for trying to save the environment though. Food (2/5) Service (4/5) Decor (3/5)

    (2)

  • Evan O.

    Clover: the reason Yelp should allow 6-star reviews. Rosemary-infused French fries. Need I say more?

    (5)

  • Joshua M.

    Five stars for the Chickpea Fritter...OBVIOUSLY this is a culinary revolution in the history of chickpea-based dishes. GET THIS if you love chickpeas/falafels/etc. The atmosphere/layout is a little off-putting/confusing. Are we in an Apple Commercial or has Hal 9000 just taken over? What's goin' on here people!

    (4)

  • Christina C.

    Get the Apple Lemonade NOW! It's your dream of an apple cider plus lemonade - cool, refershing, and full of fresh-squeezed goodness!

    (5)

  • Laura S.

    I was incredibly pleased with my experience at Clover Food Lab in Harvard Square. I enjoyed everything about my experience - from the interesting concept, the staff who take your order while standing, getting to watch your food being made, to the food itself, which was delicious. I am vegan and it is apparently difficult to find good, cheap vegan food in the Boston area. Clover succeed at this - I had the BBQ Seitan sandwich, which was delicious, and was delighted to hear that any menu option can be made vegan. I also had the french fries with rosemary, which were very, very tasty. I will definitely come back here. Who knows? If I have this good an experience multiple times, this rating might even become 5 stars.

    (4)

  • Josh R.

    This place is fast, consistent, and friendly. The food is great, and I view the small menu as a plus. Last time I went, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they serve beer. It's still pretty inexpensive, though prices seen to have gone up considerably over the last year. Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of the interior. Maybe it's the lighting, or perhaps it's the benches and long tables, but the inside doesn't give a very cozy vibe. Still, a solid place.

    (3)

  • Andrew M.

    It's great that humans invented lemonade, but we can't just rest on our laurels. Someone needs to keep experimenting and trying to improve on an already great thing. That's why I'm grateful that there are people like the folks at Clover who keep experimenting to see what things taste good when combined with lemonade. Does basil taste good in lemonade? Little weird. Does star anise? I think so. Who knows what they'll try next?

    (5)

  • Rachel E.

    Went here with a friend last week. I was excited by all the positive Yelp reviews but found the place to be a little grimy and the food was just OK -- nothing special. We each had a chickpea plate and shared an order of rosemary fries. Chickpea plate was 4 or 5 tiny falafel balls, a big scoop of hummus, a little lentil salad, some pickled veggies, and a cucumber salad. The salads were like what comes in tubs at Trader Joe's -- tasty enough but not fresh and definitely not inventive (I mean really, "Food Lab"? Hummus and falafel is not groundbreaking culinary innovation, Clover.) Fries just came out of the fryer but were soggy and didn't taste at all like rosemary. It's too bad they have veggie options but everything is deep fried, so it's not even healthy vegetarian food. So that's the food. The place itself looked pretty banged up considering it's relatively new to the area -- it could use a deep clean -- and the condiment bar with utensils and ketchup was a mess. Last feedback about the place: Why are they using disposable EVERYTHING? I know it's compostable but why create unnecessary trash in the first place? I'd like a "for here" option where you can use plates and silverware instead of throw-away containers. All in all, it's a tasty enough option if you're just looking for a quick veggie dinner, but I don't get the rave reviews. There has to be better vegetarian food in Harvard Square...

    (2)

  • Anthony C.

    I ate there while on a case with the rock-star Billy Murphy. The food was delicious and purportedly vegan. Or at least vegetarian. Now a salmonella shutdown which is unfortunate. I ahv enot seen anyone post who got sik, though.

    (3)

  • Lizzie B.

    They are good but on two occasions I got sick after eating their food.

    (1)

  • Leslie S.

    Amazing food. Amazing service. This place is the real deal. I'm in love with the place,the staff, the food. Yay!!!

    (5)

  • Connie S.

    Fresh, organic, vegetarian "fast food" done the high-tech way ('live' updated menus and no ordering counters, just friendly folks with credit card swipers). This has become my go-to spot in Harvard Square when I'm craving food that's satisfying, inexpensive, and relatively healthy. Pita Sandwiches (all on whole grain pitas): Many menu items rotate out depending on seasonality, but you can usually count on the Egg & Eggplant and the BBQ Seitan to be there, and those are my favorites. The Butternut Squash and Turnip are just okay-- I thought both of them could have used a lot more of their respective namesake ingredients when I ordered them. Sides: A side of Rosemary French Fries is always delish as well-- freshly fried and lightly salted. The Lentil Soup is great-- clear broth, lots of veggies. African Peanut Soup is a little creamier, and it wasn't quite my jam, but would be good if you were in the mood for something that tastes a bit Thai-flavored. Clover is pretty good about offering small samples of soups and juices here if you can't decide. Breakfast: I usually can't make it over here for breakfast, but their fresh baked Popovers are amazingly light and delicious. Everyone who works here is super friendly, attentive, and helpful. All the packaging and containers are compostable, too, if that gives you an idea of how serious this place is about being green. Depending on what you order and when you come (it gets very packed during lunch hours), it may not be as fast of a food trip as you might be hoping for, but the high quality ingredients and menu variety are worth it.

    (4)

  • Christina R.

    There's a lot of things about Clover that I think hold them back from greatness, and while I'm sure they think it's in the interest of being new, or novel, or reinventing what we think of fast food, perhaps they should take a moment and consider what fast food has done right, and what they can learn from them instead of standing defiantly like indignant teenagers in the face of a proven efficient system. 1) Ordering: the menu boards are cool, I'll give you that. However the awkward workers with their money belts and iphones who are not forthright enough to ask me if I want to order leaves both of us wondering if the other is busy. It turns ordering my meal into an ordeal on the level of awkwardly trying to start a conversation with a stranger at a party. If we both accept our roles of order taker and order giver confidently this gets less awkward. Also is there a line? Am I next? Why do we all have to stand awkwardly in the doorway of the restaurant for this process. 2) Picking up my order: So... are you guys gonna call me by name? That's cool. Except I feel like you're yelling all the time in this echoey modern looking space that I can't actually hear you. Oh hey my fries are done.... but my sandwhich wont be for another 4 minutes? What? Oh and was I supposed to get my whoopie pie when i ordered it or is someone going to hand me that when they call my name? How am I supposed to carry all of this to my table again? 3) The food: My goodness if you knew me well you'd know sandwich construction is KEY. what is this soggy mess at the bottom of my pita? or Hey my pita seems to be repturing from the bottom up, leaking food everywhere. If you wanted a cabinet built youd go to a person who did nothing but built cabinets and did it well. Do the same for sandwiches. Sanwhiches should not fall apart or out the bottom while you eat them. They should not be constructed in such a way that the bread gets soggy. They should be able to fit in someone's mouth. This has been a harsh review, and I feel like I should end on Clover's merits: -WHOOPIE PIES are absolutely the best whoopie pies ever. No cloyingly sweet filling. No weird sticky whoopie pie buns. Very well balanced recipe that is so far unmatched in quality and deliciousness. -Popovers. I just love popovers. -Local food sourcing. I dare say I support local over organic but I *think* clover strives to do both. -Big table - sometimes I like sitting at the big table, especially if i have a big group. Sometimes I loathe the inability to sit and have a personal conversation with my dinner mate because we're sitting at a massive table.

    (3)

  • Nita P.

    i come here at least 2x a week from central. solid food, good value for the prices, very yummy drinks, stellar customer service. yes, they fold your sandwich "to-go" in a large piece of heavyweight paper. i've walked 20 minutes with that type of wrapping in my purse with no leak, so no issues there from me. if you're expecting a box... get the platter. if you're a carnivore, or a vegan... yes, there are probably better options for you. but if you just want good food, and either like that it's vegetarian or feel that you don't need meat at every meal, then come here! it really is excellent.

    (5)

  • Cheryl L.

    Definitely a place to go and go again. Very inexpensive, easy and nutritious. Limited menu but that's okay, still a solid resource.

    (4)

  • Jane H.

    In the search for cheap eats, this place takes the cake! (However, no cake served here, just so you know!) This is actually a 4.5 star review, but since this place allowed my fiance and I to share a meal for less than $20 bucks, I am giving them an upgrade! This place apparently used to be a highly trafficked food truck, and the menu shows. They have a limited menu, but everything on it sounds amazing. I love places that know what they are good at and keep at it -- better than places that diversify so much you no longer no what they are good for. They have their menu on a digitized board and communicate a lot through their phones (but also by shouting). Everyone was getting the chickpea fritters, so when I realized they had forgotten my sandwich, I asked if I could switch, and they were quite obliging. BTW - GET THE CHICKPEA FRITTER! Also got the rosemary fries, which were good, but I wouldn't get it twice. Their lemonades are not very sweet, but sweet enough to satisfy, and their ginger lemonade had such ginger flavor! I wish they had the mint lemonade that day... Fiance got the BBQ seitan sandwich, and that was so delicious! The BBQ sauce was amazing. Their coffee is also very good. Fiance needs coffee daily, and is slightly grumpy when his coffee doesn't taste good, so I was glad that he was delighted by Clover Food Lab's coffee. It was smooth enough that he chose not to put any sugar in at all. They have an upstairs seating area which is nice and quiet, and everything is quite minimalistic. For people who like businesses that go green, they seperate compostable items from non-compostable items and use "plastic" cups made from corn. Bathroom is very clean. Service is very friendly despite being minimalistic. There are up to two people at a time taking orders, yet they are quite attentive nonetheless. Finally -- beware, this is a hipster magnet. You WILL bump into a hipster there, and if you are the type to turn up your nose at them, just don't bother coming.

    (5)

  • Andree S.

    great coffee and popovers.

    (4)

  • Julia H.

    I work in the Square, and Clover is an economical-friendly place to get yummy/healthy food fast! Win! My favorite is the baked apple in the morning for breakfast... you can't go wrong! The staff here are friendly and knowlegeable. I didn't give it five stars mostly because I feel like there aren't always as many meat options. If you're a vegetarian or vegan, sing to the heavens! If not, there's always one or two carnivore-friendly options on the menu, but not as many as I'd appreciate. That said, I think they strive to have more veggie options, so I don't blame them too much. :)

    (4)

  • Murphy L.

    Food is delicious but a bit overpriced for the small portion. I am a petite woman but was still hungry after having one sandwich. Had to order sides. Ingredients are fresh and nice casual atmosphere. Staff seemed friendly.

    (3)

  • Remen O.

    Summary: A vegetarian fast food establishment that rubs this meat-lover in all the right ways. The Good: Let's start from the top. The space being utilized is a bit industrial with concrete flooring, visible piping, and an exposed kitchen space. I really like the look, but it's probably enforced by budget considerations rather than a conscious aesthetic choice. I loved the barbecue seitan sandwich they made for me, and the fries were nothing to sneeze at (these were rosemary seasoned, but they really couldn't compare the rosemary truffle glory at the Cellar). The highest praise I can give this meal is that I totally forgot it was meatless. The Bad: The restaurant concept is highly experimental, and this spirit is extended to the ordering/payment format. The night I visited, there was a man using an iPhone to take orders and accepting payments, all the while disbursing change using his coin belt. The system didn't strike me as more efficient than, say, ordering at fixed register, but it wasn't particularly slow either. The Ugly: The seating in this place, while abundant, is comprised of hard benches and not-so-comfy chairs. It's probably best to grab your noms and find eat it somewhere else. Your back will thank you.

    (4)

  • D D.

    Vegans and Vegetarians will rejoice! I'm a meat eater and based on reviews, I gave the BBQ sandwich a go. Very impressed and it wasn't a guilty pleasure. However, the raspberry beer I gave a go WAS a GUILTY PLEASURE! Very tasty. First experience was great and I'd like to try out their rosemary fries and some of the other recommendations my next go round. I like the layout of the place. I went there solo, as a pit stop after checking out a few shops and it was nice to feel like I could sit down and enjoy a meal at a large centered table full of other solo eaters and not look silly. Only request would be that they hang their menu so shorter people can see. When you go in, you're looking at signs stationed on the floor and if anyone taller is standing in front of you, it's tough to peruse what you'd like. Just to clarify, I'd give it 4 stars if I was comparing it to other vegetarian eats as I've tried many vegetarian/vegan venues with my herbivore friends and this was definitely on the higher end, especially given the price. But for my palette, it's a 3 (3.5 if they had it).

    (3)

  • Abby B.

    Let's see. What do I love about Clover? The staff/management. Their philosophy (local food, vegetarian, ethical, etc.). Their innovative approach to fast food. Their events. The sense of community they foster. The 3pm specials. Their customer service is THE best. So much so that when I've had a less than positive experience at another food joint, I've found myself saying "this would never happen at Clover, or at least they would resolve it". Favorite foods: by far the breakfast sandwich ranks #1 in my book. The BLT is always good. Chickpea fritter sandwich/plate. Soups. Fries. COFFEE. I love this place.

    (5)

  • Parabelle K.

    Came here from out of town. Ordered the hummus plate and BBQ sandwich. Both were awesome. Great portions for the price. The hummus plate had a delicious vinegar pickled taste, and the BBQ sandwich was creamy and flavorful, drooling with sauce. We're both vegetarians, so this place was a relief to find. The hummus plate is worth going back for again and again. I'll miss this place when I go back to Virginia.

    (5)

  • Sam M.

    A friend recommended I try this place a while back. I was going to go with some friends, but we couldn't find it! (It's on a side street, and it turns out there is a big sign on the sidewalk that says CLOVER) Anyway, Clover is really taking advantage of technology and how it can make a business more efficient, but it is a bit different to what most places do. I'll give a tutorial. You walk in and on the right there are these big electronic signs which have the menu, the prices, and how long the wait is for each food item. You order a chickpea fritter (falafel is so pleb!) from the person in between the two signs and this person puts the order into an iPhone. You pay this person too. Then you wait a few minutes and they shout your name. Then you eat. I had the chickpea fritter, the flavor changes with every bite as a result of all the very fresh veg. It's friggin delicious. My friend had the BBQ seitan which was quite good (I finished it for her, lucky me!) The only confusion was I ordered a hibiscus iced tea. It turns out that "hibiscus" and "iced tea" are separate animals so I accidentally ended up with two drinks, neither of which were my speed (I like my tea loaded with sugar). The brown sugar lemon aid is the way to go.

    (4)

  • Ricky B.

    Honestly, I really liked it here. The meal was really good, though I would really only recommend it for lunch, not dinner. I had the chickpea fritter with some homemade strawberry soda. The pita was filled to the brim with fresh ingredients and had the perfect amount of sauce. Not sure what the sauce was but it went well with everything. I would also recommend both the strawberry soda and the strawberry agua fresca, which they kindly gave me a free sample of. The restaurant itself is great - open air with an organic feel. The waitresses took your order on iPhones and the menus were displayed on digital screens along with the approximate wait time for each item (all are very short). Didn't seem to have much waste, which is good, I guess. Overall, very fresh, very quick, and very satisfying lunch spot.

    (4)

  • Hayden H.

    I love this place. I would come here all the time if I lived closer. It's my favorite place to eat in Cambridge and I'm not even vegetarian, let alone vegan.

    (5)

  • Katie H.

    The chickpea fritters here are amazing. Some of their seasonal items are hit or miss. Their parsnip cheddar sandwich was great, but the Enzo was much too greasy. The rosemary fries are delicious. They also seem very passionate about using quality, local ingredients in their food.

    (4)

  • Melanie C.

    Tasty, fresh, cheap, quick. Loved the basil lemonade and kimchi style salads with chickpeas.

    (4)

  • Aboud Y.

    I really want to love this place...I just can't (yet). Nothing I tried was exceptional (the chickpea fritters came closest). Oh and the bread they use with their sandwiches are pretty sweet too. Sorry, I know alot of work goes into making their sandwiches healthy, local, affordable, etc. but does anyone else think the BBQ Seitan sandwich tastes like a McRib from Mickey Ds?

    (3)

  • Jason J.

    I've been holding off writing a review about Clover until after I visited a few times. Pros: -The food is pretty good, but for the price it is great. -$3 beer! -Friendly employees Cons: -$3 beer is only 12 oz -Their ordering system consists of an employee standing in front of two upright LCD screens showing the menu while taking orders on an iPod Touch or iPhone and sending them off to various food stations in the open kitchen which have their own iPods to queue orders. The order taking employee can take cash or a card right there. My first time here this was a nice change of pace, but after coming a few more times its a very slow system and the lack of organization makes for chaos when it is busy.

    (4)

  • Jenny M.

    Thank goodness you've arrived, Clover! I can come knocking on your door and get a quick, nutritious lunch (chickpea fritter, THANK YOU!) for five dollars and get out right away and race to class. Or, I could sit at the gigantic, beautiful wood plank table and read the paper or talk to my friend for an hour. With the bright lighting and busy atmosphere, this is a great informal hangout spot, in addition to being very tasty. The food may be vegetarian, but it is anything but penitential. Other highlights include the rosemary french fries and the hot ginger honey tea. Mmmmm. I just moved here and I already come here at least once a week.

    (4)

  • Samuel B.

    The oatmeal with fruit in the am is very good and a great way to start the day.

    (4)

  • Min L.

    Yes, the rosemary fries are amazing; yes, the chickpea fritters* are as delicious and scrumptious as they say; and yes, you can come here any time of day a quick/delicious meal! Go try it! *I will never again crave falafel from East Side Pockets in Providence because now I have Clover.

    (5)

  • Erin C.

    I was glad that I didn't have to make the trek to MIT to give Clover a try. The food was everything I had imagined: yummy, creative, quickly prepared, and cheap. The employees seem genuinely happy to work there and yes, they do take your order with iPhones. (The cooks also receive the orders on iPhones mounted above their stations.) The space is roomy with a cool industrial vibe (until that wall of plants fill in). It's definitely worth trying at least once, especially for the rosemary fries and chickpea fritters. However, I wouldn't wake up in the middle of the night with an insane craving for anything on the menu.

    (3)

  • Cathy S.

    Get the african peanut soup! Life savior for Boston's harsh winter!!!

    (4)

  • Edwin C.

    If I didn't love the flesh of animals, this would be one of my go to spots! For me it's definitely the chick pea fritter and the rosemary fries. I could probably eat like 3 of the fritters, but I have to compose myself in the eyes of the public. It's a healthy option, considering the way I usually eat and surprisingly satisfying. Love the falafel inside the colorful warm pita and the fresh cut fries (similar to in-n-out). Come here if you think you're one burger away from a heart attack.

    (4)

  • Vee X.

    Clover is absolutely fantastic! As a vegan, you don't get much better than this for the convenience and the prices. Staff is always super friendly, if not a little quirky, and I ADORE that you can draw pictures with the provided crayons and paper. Always so much fun with friends (probably too much sometimes!) My favorites are definitely the veganized BBQ seitan (with tahini - TRUST ME), and the chick pea fritter. The dinner plates are also great! Fries are incredible, and I love the ketchup and spicy chili sauce they offer! The space is amazing, clean and open with white walls and plants everywhere -- you'd never know you were one block away from bustling Harvard Square. Long story short: if you're in the area and want a slam dunk dinner for $5 or less, CLOVER is where it's at!

    (5)

  • Yue Z.

    I was not super impressed by the food here, and it really felt like a dining hall to me. It was clean, but overly sanitized and white. I felt like, well, that I was in a biotech lab, which didn't make me want to really eat anything there. The price was cheap, but the additional $1 for pita was such a scam. There's plenty of seating, but it was not very comfortable to sit on. Overall, I dont think i'll be back.

    (2)

  • Jason B.

    Very conceptual. I don't mind a little concept now and again, but I don't like it when concepts interfere with reality. They have a very modular concept going and are a little inflexible with their menu options. Stiff attempts to be chummy with your customers won't really get you very far with me. It kinda makes you guys seem like you're some kind of cult or something. (They're not allowed to accept tips?) You can cut out the act anytime you'd like. If by calling them "chickpea fritters" instead of "falafel" isn't ethnic cleansing, I don't know what is. Yes, it's inexpensive, but you don't really get a lot of food for your money. What else? French fries w/ rosemary are pretty good.

    (2)

  • Danie R.

    I love their BLT. I know it's just whatever smokey tempeh that I can get at whole foods, and I can make it myself, but food always tastes better when someone does it for you! Except when they have given you gross greens in there, twice :(

    (3)

  • Teng L.

    From the name and presentation of this place, I expected them to be more... experimental with their food. I could be wrong since I've only been here once, but from their name I though they would have different combinations of recipes from different continents, or recipes I never would have even seen or expected before, or maybe they would even change up their menu whenever the food scientists came up with a new delicious concoction. Turns out it's just a Mediterranean place, albeit a good one, even though it's only vegetarian. All the dishes are well seasoned, delicious, and filling. Best of all it's really inexpensive. Still though, it seems to me this place is just well presented and packaged Mediterranean food, kind of like lipstick on a delicious pig.

    (4)

  • Jessica W.

    As a vegetarian, I've eaten many variations of falafel sandwiches. But I'm not jaded yet, and I like Clover's version, the chickpea fritter sandwich, a lot. The pita's loaded with hummus, chickpea fritters and vinegary veggies. I haven't figured out how to eat it without making a mess, so I recommend having napkins nearby and if you're eating with others, they should be people you're okay with seeing you at your not-so-prettiest. I enjoyed the BBQ Seitan and pimento cheese sandwich as well, though the chickpea fritter's my favorite of the three. The rosemary fries, while good, didn't stand out all that much. The star anise lemonade was just very lightly sweetened, which let the star anise flavor really come through nicely. I preferred it over the vanilla soda, which I found a little bland. Next time, I've got my eye out for the agua frescas. The space is very open and bright white, and as an avid people-watcher, I like sitting in the upstairs area overlooking the front door. You can also help yourself to white paper and crayons for doodling.

    (4)

  • Kara B.

    Aah Clover. Yes, I'm a fan. Not the biggest fan since I do love meat. My only issue with this place is that it is selling a concept that seems kool and inspired but its not original. It ripped off all the falafel stands throughout town, the US and the middle east. Its convenient and at times cheap in comparison to its surroundings (SOWA market). I will go hear when I want a safe, bland tasting option.

    (3)

  • Andrew R.

    Wow, the beer here is an insanely good deal. A+++ for that. Fantastic job, Clover. And you know what? Your staff rocks. They're fun, energetic, and playful. And extremely helpful. I finally learned what the heck is in the breakfast sandwich (which seems like a great deal at $3) and what the plates are all about (which also seem like a great deal). They come with pita bread, right? Or was that just for that one girl for whatever reason? At any rate, it still seems like a great deal. But back to the beer...awesome price for local brews. My hat's off to you.

    (5)

  • Erin C.

    I like the philosophy of Clover and its food -- very eco-conscious, seasonal, and local. Also it's pretty healthy and a good cheap food option in Harvard Square. But, they don't always execute their food successfully; sometimes the fries are soggy or the sandwiches bland. (but my boyfriend just said "if I were vegetarian, I would come here all the time") In general, their breakfast oatmeal/granola options are always tasty and the infused drinks and iced teas (that they make in house) are interesting and refreshing. The people behind the counter are also very friendly and fun, so it's a great atmosphere. The main reason that I go to the Harvard square location is the great lighting, good study space, and excellent Harvard wifi signal. I don't mind loud, but if you need quiet then this place is probably not good for you (the minimalist interior design doesn't absorb any noise). The tables and benches are built nicely, not rickety, and big enough for laptops and books (a problem with many independent coffeeshops). Pretty good outlet coverage all around the walls.

    (4)

  • Alek C.

    I really want to like this place. it is the sequel to the slick foodtruck by MIT, serving up minimally-processed vegetarian fare for reasonable prices. I also commend them for going out on a limb and building a new kind of restaurant from scratch. Unfortunately, it doesn't work. I feel like I'm eating inside an Apple store. The place is swarming with employees, but food is slow to come, if it ever arrives. I was the only customer in the barren, whitewashed box - I ordered some of their rosemary fries. 30 minutes later, I was still waiting. Apparently, my order had been lost somewhere between the hostess placing it in her special Clover iPod Touch, and any of the 6 cooks receiving it. 5 minutes were spent by multiple employees fumbling with their iPods, trying to find my order, while others stood by waiting to get the digital order and begin frying my potatoes. what has happened to these people? have we lost our common sense for Apps that promise to be slick and efficient? why did no one call out "one ordah of fries!" and just serve it up? fast food this is not. To Clover, I suggest you downgrade to Restaurant 1.0, put down your gadgets and use your words.

    (2)

  • Jenny L.

    It's a neat vegan restaurant. Definitely get the egg sandwich and some fresh OJ! Service is really, really slow, but prices are decent (aka $7 will get you a sandwich and fries).

    (4)

  • Whitney W.

    Food is good. Wait is kind of long. Sometimes there is way too much sauce on my bbq seitan sandwhich, depending on who your sandwhich maker is.

    (3)

  • Mark O.

    Out son took us there for the breakfast sandwiches and coffee. The ordering experience is strangely a highlight: orders are taken as you arrive by a charismatic wait staff. Food was straightforward, good and cheap.

    (3)

  • Vanhnida B.

    I FREAKING LOVE THIS PLACE! I've yet to dislike anything Ive had. For a normal meat eater to say that, it think its huge! AND they have BEER! The hush puppies are my fav, I will eat at least two before i make it back to my table (about 12 steps). Its fast, easy and super affordable. This is my kind of fast food.

    (5)

  • R G.

    The food was great. I had the chickpea fritter sandwich and the rosemary fries. I didn't find the sandwich overly pickled as some have (every falafel I've had has involved pickled things). the bf also raved about the egg and eggplant. I liked the decor. it was clean and open and I liked seeing into the kitchen, except.... most of the employees behind the counter seemed pissed off to be there. I know most of us probably aren't constantly smiling when we work and they are working very hard, but when you're in a customer service environment where everyone can see you, it's nice to try to remain as pleasant as possible. this especially goes for the girl calling out the orders when they're ready (who is having direct contact with customers). she would angrily yell out the names and was visibly pissed if you didn't leap to grab it out of her hand within five seconds. look, I'm sorry you work at a restaurant that doesn't have plates so you have to stand there holding it, but that's how it is so learn to do it with a smile or move on. I don't particularly care for the whole iphone ordering thing. it seems contrived, a little silly, and creates some congestion right by the entrance. I can deal with it, though. the price is right, the food is tasty,

    (3)

  • Kate I.

    Clover Food Labs is my recent but fond discovery. I went last week, and didn't get a chance to write a review, but I want to give credit where it's due. The space is clean and futuristically minimalist, and I get a tickle of satisfaction when I eat at this environmentally friendly spot: There is little paper waste, unless you consider the roll of paper and crayons for dinner doodling wasteful. (I don't.) Menu highlights include aromatic hand cut fries, punched up with sprigs of rosemary, and the egg and eggplant sandwich. Eggplant's a culinary diva who usually commands a dish with voluptuous meatiness. Ah, my delicious, purple-enrobed vegetable temptress. In this sandwich, however, the eggplant harmonizes well with the egg and hummus. And it is a lovely melody: the sandwich had a lush, velvety texture, the cucumber salad adding a playful nip. I also sampled the BBQ seitan sandwich. I love BBQ sauce on anything, and the seitan may be too chewy for some, but I was satisfied. (Just to coddle my delusions of self-restraint, I want to make it clear that I didn't eat both sandwiches. BUT it wouldn't have been the worst thing...the nutrition stats are super reasonable!) So, I guess it's fair to say that I wanted ALL THE THINGS. Service is zippy and the food was reasonably priced and filling (always appreciated by a broke English major with no jobs/prospects of one.) Delicious, healthy inexpensive food, quick service, and crayons. Really, what more could you need?

    (5)

  • Carolina S.

    I. LOVE. THIS. PLACE. So much so that I almost don't want to review it for fear it shall become packed with people. A delicious breakfast sandwich on bread straight from the oven, perfectly seasoned tomatoes, lettuce, and a beautifully poached egg all from locally grown and organic ingredients? - $3. Sure you only get the paper wrapper to eat over for the sake of saving resources, and yes the poached egg squirted it's beautiful yellow yolk on the table . . . but it was so delicious. I'm never getting a breakfast sandwich from Bon Pan with pre-cooked frozen egg patties ever again. A steaming cup of fresh local apple cider, piping hot with a cinnamon stick in it? -$2. Friendly human employees cooking the food from scratch before your eyes and chatting you up while you wait in a lovely and secluded, modern-minimalist cafe hidden beside Harvard Real Estate services? - Priceless. While Clover doesn't tend to be very busy in the mornings, the lunch and dinner rush hour can make finding a place to sit difficult. I recommend finding a table and placing your coat (or dinning companion) there *before* you order.

    (5)

  • Nicole P.

    I made a pit stop here yesterday, and I was very pleasently surprised. I was a bit confused when I entered based on the set up, but the young man taking orders was very helpful. I got the sweet potato sandwhich which had a lot going on. The sweety potatoes were a little spicy, and it had a jicama slaw and cilantro dressing to balance out and give it a clean slightly herby flavor. I don't know if it'll be my go to, but it definitely filled me up and made me happy. I think next time I go I'll satiate my 'junk' food craving with their fries and fried pickles. Mmm... fried foods.... I really like the decor, open and inudstrial, but it was a little cold! I kept my hat on!

    (4)

  • Nik B.

    Clover Food Lab redefines fast food. Offering the all-American sandwich, fries and soda in an unprecedented manner. The word vegetarian may stray many away but I assure you, the hearty yet thrifty meal will make you resent the idea of ever having a Big Mac again. The interior is reminiscent of an Apple Store and is further complemented by the fact that the establishment runs on iPhones. A line forms as you enter and your order is taken by someone with one of the Apple devices. The sandwiches range from soy blt to BBQ seitan to chickpea fritter. I ordered the soy BLT sandwich ($5), an order of Rosemary French fries ($3) and a vanilla bean soda ($2). The sandwiches are served in healthy flat pita breads, and always properly decorated with sauce. My soy BLT had the perfect amount of mayo, lettuce and tomato, but could have used a bit more of the tasty soy bacon (which I assume is made in house). The fries were great, fried slightly brown and salted perfectly. The rosemary added a lot of flavor to them. The vanilla bean soda was an excellent complement to the meal, and I loved being able to drink a delicious soda free of high-fructose corn syrup. Several return trips to Clover Food Lab are in order!

    (5)

  • Jordan A.

    This place gets 4 stars with me because: 1. I am not a vegetarian, but every time I meet my boyfriend in Harvard Sq, I pick this place for lunch. 2. Usually my boyfriend is paying for those lunches, so I should be picking expensive places... but I'm not. I pick Clover.

    (4)

  • Rachel J.

    As a longtime vegetarian, I really wanted to like this place more than I did. The girl who took my order was super friendly and spunky, but I thought it was kind of silly when she whipped out her iphone to send my order to the kitchen, which is about 5 ft away. I'm all for technology, but aren't those people close enough to just talk to? My biggest problem, though, was with my sandwich. I had the BBQ seitan, and it just didn't deliver on taste. First of all, the sauce was a bit too salty, and the seitan was a lot spongier (more like tofu), and less chewy than I expected. The best part of seitan is the texture, in my opinion, and they missed the mark on that. The sandwich included leaf lettuce, which unfortunately stuck out and got eaten before everything else. It would have been so much better with something more like coleslaw or cabbage; something with a lot more crunch and maybe a little bit of creaminess to cut the tang of the BBQ. Maybe even jicama? It's not my job to figure this out, but I'd be glad to taste-test potential improvements :-) Criticisms aside, despite my 3-star review I will definitely be back to try more items, and who knows, maybe even up my rating.

    (3)

  • thermopylae x.

    upon first visit, girl by lcd menus didn't offer info on how joint works never gave a receipt or took the correct order, forcing me to get up and wait in line again, to reorder my beverage restaurant was infested with multiple families of flies, buzzing 'bout floor was greasy, as was the table, and when asked for a cloth to clean it, was given a filthy, warm, gray towel i barely wanted to handle food was pedestrian, bordering on sour and unfit for consumption i was hard-put to not retch in my mouth a little before running out the door this place could use a serious board of health visit

    (1)

  • Somers K.

    I like the idea of this place, but it failed to deliver. If you're into odd, vegetarian food, you might like this, but it just wasn't for me. Don't get me wrong, I prefer my sandwiches without meat, but I also like them to taste like something other than a giant pickle. Unfortunately, Clover didn't provide that. Right from the get-go, I was confused. The hand-written menu is bizarre and hard to figure out. Once you do get it, you order from a greeter who uses an ipod to take your order. Yes, this is the Apple store of food service (it looks that way too). I ordered the chick pea fritter sandwich, and my boyfriend got the BBQ seitan. We also both ordered rosemary fries (the only redeeming part of an overall lousy meal). My sandwich, as a mentioned before, tasted like a giant pickle. Everything in it other than the fritters and the hummus (aren't those kind of the same thing...) was pickled. I hate pickles. After the first bite of mostly fritter (which was fine), it was a big pickle. Yuck. I'm still burping pickle. Never again. My boyfriend ordered the seitan BBQ, which he didn't realize wasn't meat. I had to explain that he had just consumed insoluble, elastic wheat gluten after he told me that his sandwich tasted weird. It tasted weird because it was weird. The fries were fine, but you can get decent fries elsewhere. If you want a crunchy, fresh, veggy sandwich, go somewhere else. If you're down with seitan and soy bacon, I guess this place is for you. Clover would not do well in any other place but Cambridge.

    (1)

  • Heather W.

    A chickpea fritter and those little fried apple fritter ball things = the best cheap meal you can get in Cambridge. And I mean that. I've looked. The only real "negative" about Clover is that there other sandwiches don't come close to the chickpea. Well, another negative is that they don't have those little apple fried thingies all the time. And their lines get out of control because they've set it up like you're in an Apple store (you know, where the guys are checking you out with their oh-so-hip little portable scanner do-dads. (Though I do think they're working on their flow issues.) But seriously, you 100% MUST try this place. The food is cheap, delicious, and the pita bread thingie they make those chickpea fritters in is, I shit you not, made of dreams and fluffy pillows. It's amazing. When I see carb-phobic freaks eating the stuff out and leaving that poor delicious pita by the wayside a tiny tear forms in my eye and my mouth remains open - agape in disbelief and horror. GO! You will love it! I love Clover!

    (4)

  • Jessica C.

    Great! A good, quick vegetarian option. I had the chickpea fritter plate on one occasion -- delicious. On the other, I ordered the BBQ Seitan, which the server standing by the large white menu kindly described to me. It was rather tasty, and I almost forgot I was not eating meat. It's exciting that Clover Food Lab now has a mortar-and-brick location in Harvard Square, after hearing the food truck lauded endlessly by my friend, an MIT student.

    (4)

  • Mitsuo K.

    The sandwiches were very quick to come out and very delicious. However it got very messy very quickly. The hot sauce was quite spicy and I enjoyed that.

    (4)

  • Elle K.

    I can't remember what the hype about this place was exactly when it first opened - Local ingredients? Vegetarian? Eco-friendly? Something like that. What I do know is this dedicated meat-eater daydreams about two of their sandwiches. 5 BIG fat stars for the chickpea fritter and egg & eggplant sandwiches. 4 stars because I've also tried a soup and the rosemary fries in the past, and I can't for the life of me recall what they were like, which means they were probably somewhere between slightly subpar and average. Their hot cranberry drink is also a little baffling - pink-tinted, slightly tangy hot water with a wrinkly cranberry floating on top? Anyways, on to the sandwiches. - Chickpea fritter Sandwich: Loaded with all sorts of good things - hot hot chickpea fritters, hummus, pickles, shredded carrots, cucumber and tomato, lightly pickled red cabbage (surprisingly good). Drizzled with tahini. It barely fits in your mouth for a bite. Scratch that. It doesn't fit in the average-sized mouth at all. You kind of have to work your way from the edges in. - Egg Eggplant Sandwich: Hummus, fresh cucumber/tomato salad, eggplant (pan-fried?), sliced hard-boiled egg in pita thing. Eggplant is nice and hot. It's almost crispy on the outside despite not being deep-fried or breaded, and kind of explodes in your mouth when you take a bite - hard to explain. Really really good. Menu options are sparse, but honestly, even if there were more options, I don't know if I could tear myself away from these two things. If I somehow do, I plan on trying the cauliflower sandwich next. It sounds dreamy too.

    (4)

  • Ernie F.

    Rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up for unique concept and offerings. Ordered (* = recommended) BBQ seitan ($5, seitan is wheat gluten), Iced coffee ($2) Quick Comments: * INTERIOR: Seating is open, spacious, and bright. Bright LCD menus, open kitchen, and a garden upstairs. 2-story seating. * MENU: Vegetarian only. Lacks descriptions. Preparation times listed for each food/drink. * SERVICE: Cashier stands in lobby, answers Q's and takes order. People ask a lot of questions, so the lines can be held up at times. * FOOD: BBQ seitan was good, but benefited from adding chili sauce. * OTHER: Everything is compostable. Free carbonated water! Run-Down + Nice restaurant concept and interior decorations. + Interesting food menu items, food comes out quickly. +/- Great for vegetarians, bad for those who only eat meat. - Coffee pour-overs only 3/4's full, shortchanges people who like black coffee or use little cream. - BBQ seitan could use a little more flavor, but otherwise good. I would come back again because its a great place to grab a quick bite or drink, or to simply sit and surf the web. The concept of the restaurant reminds me of Berkeley :]

    (4)

  • Enay V.

    Had to knock a star off because the person who took my order pocketed my change right in front of me. I had to ask her for it back. kinda weird. Other than that, this place is awesome! best lunch I have had in a long time. AND the price is perfect as is the timing. great place, nice concept, definitely will be back!

    (4)

  • TheKoub G.

    The food was decent but the arrogance of the staff was a real bummer and I will spend my money elsewhere. Here is my conversation with the guy behind the counter: that made my food Me: Can I please have some hot sauce on that? Guy: We don't have any. Me: What about that hot sauce right there (pointing to the commercially made hot sauce in big bottle)? Guy: That is for a specific sandwich and I can't give that to you. Chef orders. Me: Sort of ridiculous, isn't it? I just want some hot sauce. Guy: The chef makes the sandwich how he wants - it would be like you reading Shakespeare in your own words. Me: This isn't exactly Shakespeare we're talking about, is it? Guy: It is what it is. It'd be one thing if he had some ultra special hot sauce - we're talking about Srirachi Rooster Hot Sauce - I find it laughable that they use some commercially made hot sauce that is available in any Asian restaurant in one of their recipes and then compare it to Shakespeare. Shakespeare would call you a plagiarist. Get a life.

    (2)

  • Austin R.

    Interesting concept, very cool space. The egg and eggplant was out of this world. Their hot sauce is killer and their special side, the corn fritters were amazing. My gf had the falafel and surprisingly I wasn't a big fan. A bit too vinegary in my opinion.

    (4)

  • Rachael L.

    Wow. I ate here last night and was blown away. The food is fast, yes, but it's definitely not fast food -- everything felt like it was just cooked with real ingredients, and I was almost overwhelmed by how great it smelled and how much I wanted to try everything on the menu (thank goodness they don't give you too many options or else it would be crazy!). The people working here last night were really friendly and the space feels fun and nicely thought out -- I love the exposed kitchen. If there were more Clover Food Labs in the world, maybe people would understand that vegetarian and vegan food isn't weird or gross -- it can be delicious and it's own great kind of cuisine.

    (5)

  • Kristen C.

    I work in Kendall Sq and there are plenty of offerings for food. But there is something special about the food trucks that inhabit the area. Clover is my favorite, although the others are on par. I am not a vegetarian but fell in love with the Egg & Eggplant sandwich. On first blush, you notice that it's not that big of a sandwich, but its heft more than makes up for its relatively smallish appearance. Take note: eat this when you are not trying to impress anyone. It is ridiculously, deliciously messy! Take a fork and copious napkin. They are two must-have accessories in order for you to devour this sublime sammy. Today it is 6 degrees outside and I fully plan on bundling up and trekking out for some Egg & Eggplant goodness. Oh! And a hot-mulled cider. And maybe some rosemary fries. And then I will tell my employer that I need to have a nap! Bon Appetite!

    (5)

  • Meagan F.

    Definitely tasty, well-seasoned vegetarian food. The new squash curry soup is really good. The Chickpea plate was just ok; I found the hummus to be really oily, not enough chickpea fritters, and I wasn't quite sure how all of the salads went together. The service is quick, but the white walls and open-air venue makes the place really loud around lunchtime. Very healthy and a better option than most fast-food places, but maybe I tried the wrong meal?

    (3)

  • Anthony R.

    Since starting to work downtown, the Dewey Square Clover truck location has quickly become a go-to lunch destination for me, so I was psyched to check out the brick-and-mortar version of Clover. Sure enough, it's quick, healthy, friendly, and delicious -- just like the trucks. Vegetarian without being aggressively so, packed full of flavor, and delightfully experimental without being bizarre. Unfortunately, taxes (which aren't levied at the truck? or are built in?) ruin the exactly-$5-for-a-sandwich thing, so prepare to receive change or bring plastic! Its roots as a mobile establishment are clear, however, meaning that if you're thinking of it as a truck in a store it's great, but if you're thinking of it as a stand-alone fast food place, you're highly liable to enter and leave confused. Yeah, it's super cool that they take your orders on iPod touches at the truck, but it's puzzling to be steered away from what looks like an ordering counter to an employee with a phone. Clover truck veterans will have no problem navigating it, but all the newbies I've brought in have been confused. Fully worth checking out, though, for a cheap and healthy breakfast, lunch, or snack in Harvard Square!

    (4)

  • Marion D.

    Being nowhere near MIT, I'd had Clover envy for months when I discovered the Harvard Square restaurant. It was instant love. While I'm not a strict vegetarian, I love really good vegetarian food, and Clover does a fantastic job -- fresh ingredients, really nice seasonings, creative flavor combinations, and lots of specials to keep you interested. Plus the prices are excellent, and the staff is always nice. I love their soups best -- most recently a spicy, creamy "African peanut," but also a super-loaded mushroom soup and other yummy options. Big fan of the BBQ seitan and the eggplant sandwiches; others have been good but not excellent, I think because the pita they use is dry-ish, so you need a nice, very moist filling for best effects. Best improvement they could make? A Davis Square location...

    (4)

  • Anne C.

    I went on a Friday night around 6:30, quite alone, as I killed time before meeting up with a friend. My checklist was long--inexpensive, nutritious, satisfying, fast, and unpretentious. Honestly? Clover was all of that. $5 got me a sweet potato sandwich that I will probably have dreams about. The place was busy, but not overwhelmingly so (I'd imagine it would be at lunch, though)--and I felt perfectly acceptable sitting at a table by myself alternating betwixt chewing and moaning in delight. The crowd was a mix of students, couples, a few families, and at least one other loner. The noise level was a buzz, not a clatter. I docked a half a star, only because I didn't find the space particularly clean--which stood out in such a stark white dining area (albeit, I was sitting upstairs, which is perhaps less frequently wiped down?). Still, worth it!

    (4)

  • Cory N.

    Chickpea Fritata great Pour over brewed coffee to order iOS POS iPod touches to order and on the line

    (5)

  • Brandon C.

    Men do strange things for falafel. History illuminates this inconspicuous truth. People continue to live in one of the most tumultuous and politically unforgiving areas of the Earth, the Middle East, and I ask myself "how can they cherish a land that brings so much suffering and deem it in various incantations to be holy?" It must be the falafel. I had a chickpea fritter sandwich on a whim at the Comm ave. food truck spot. Though updated, spun and at first seemingly other, this was just a rehash of all the most essential structures that create a great falafel sandwich. Street food, on the street, a concrete revelation that desired the slaughter of a tofu lamb, the anointing of a block of Comm ave. with greasy falafel drippings, and the throwing of shade on those golden-calf-worshippers at Chipotle. So I find out there's a "restaurant" in Harvard Square. I wanted to repeat my falafel revelation but on a grander scale. Bring me to your temple. But there is no temple, they call it a lab, and that's fair because the hospitality felt like an orchestrated social experiment conducted by an underfunded college psych department. The decor is dystopian, like what I imagine Mad Max's children's school cafeteria would look like. A haphazard line forms at the front to put in your order with an iPhone-weilding employee equipped with gun holster cash bank. They take your order, and you sit and wait for your name to be called. They call my name. I go up to find out that they're out of lemonade. I get a hibiscus tea -- sweet, floral, balanced with the tea's astringency. I almost sit down -- they call! I get my falafel sandwich, and they inform me my girlfriend's food is not ready yet but in a socially awkward, unconcerned, maybe even snarky way. They offer me a complimentary sample of fries, but I had ordered a side of fries which I was still waiting on. I go back, and they call again. Finally I've gathered my full order after 3 or 4 calls. And I proceed to enjoy very delicious food in a ransacked, post-apocalyptic cafeteria, waiting for the next round of calculated irritations to test my sympathetic nervous system response. What I wanted from a Clover Food Lab was a food temple that could truly glorify the quality, simple and thoughtful food they produce. I imagined a more worked out, filled out concept for a restaurant, and I respect their minimalist approach and how that has worked for them. But at some point, adherence to principle for the sake of the principle and not for the pragmatic use that principle brings, is when the system breaks. Why even have a lab when the trucks do absolutely everything the lab does and provides the same level of hospitality and ambiance as the sidewalk bench?

    (2)

  • Elizabeth D.

    The concept is definitely unique. I've only tried the hibiscus iced tea. Great flavor. If I were in Harvard Square hanging out for the day, I would definitely return. I just wouldn't make a special trip for it.

    (3)

  • Maria C.

    Friend plantains and fried pickles, need I say more? The lavender lemonade is also superb.

    (5)

  • Mardget P.

    You would not think that a chickpea fritter (why they don't call it falafel, I don't know) would be so alluring--but I can't seem to get enough of the ones from Clover Food Lab! The fritter sandwich is SO good. Every bite has equally distributed, generous amounts of the fritters themselves, pickles, pickled cabbage, carrots, maybe some other veggies that I can't recall--delectable hummus and tahini as well, all packed expertly into a fresh pita. The parsnip sandwich is equally good and equally well-arranged and equally generous. The people who work at CFL are super nice and patient with the confused customers who are not quite sure how to order, where to go, etc. (The one star off is for the aforementioned confusing system--seems like it could be pretty easily organized by just moving some furniture around near the entrance.)

    (4)

  • Holly M.

    Service so good I have not yet finished the meal or left the restaurant. Clover is so damn tasty and affordable, and shamefully I have always taken it for granted and never reviewed. But today, after I ordered my carrot soup, they ushered me over to the counter, told me they were afraid the batch was too salty, and had me try it. When I agreed, they insisted on giving my money back, replaced my first order with tasty lentil soup, and gave me a little extra because they said "the first pour was a little watery". Whaaa? A+.

    (5)

  • Catherine S.

    I wasn't sure what to expect with Clover, especially since I'm not a vegetarian or vegan. But I really enjoyed their food. Love how it's all locally grown, and you can't help but be impressed with the veggies growing upstairs. The place itself has a great, clean, modern ambience, and there's a lot of space to sit down. I had a seasonal sweet potato sandwich that was awesome, and their coffee was good too. Hoping to go back and try the lavender lemonade, sounds so refreshing! This won't be you're kind of place if you want a burger or turkey sandwich, but if you like experimenting, you'll enjoy it here.

    (4)

  • Vincent M.

    Pretty poor. I ordered two things, and neither of them were as I expected. Who knew that 'lemonade' on the drink menu means anything but! Be sure to ask what the lemonade happens to be on that day because it may be some un-lemonade like concoction that makes you start to believe that lemons and sugar should never meet again. And when I said I DIDN'T want my sandwich slathered in tahini sauce, what I meant was I DIDN'T want my sandwich slathered in tahini sauce. But thanks for doing it anyway. When all was said and done - even if my food came as I ordered it/expected - it was overpriced and underwhelming. But alas, Clover has one thing going for it: it's trendy. And the best part about trends? The die.

    (1)

  • Roscoe R.

    I've been to Clover tons of times & REALLY wanna give it 3 or even 4 stars. I'm partial to all things MIT, & I value Clover for its potential, for what it COULD be with a little tweaking. WHAT'S GOOD: 1. CERTAIN FOODS. Chickpea Fritter Sandwich is A+. So are the Rosemary Fries, if the oil's fully drained. Those are the 2 things to get. Soy BLT Sandwich is VERY tasty but is mostly bread with very little filling -- won't fill you up & weighs far less than the Chickpea Fritter Sandwich (same price, both $5). BBQ Satan Sandwich is a little weird but ok. Personally I'd never get the Egg (Gross) & Eggplant (Grosser), but to each his own! WHAT NEEDS WORK: 1. TAKE-OUT ORDER PACKAGING. It amazes me that a fast-food place that's been around for this long STILL can't competently deal with take-out orders (I've gotten Clover to go lots of times & it's NEVER smooth/right). As a result, I'd recommend that you steer clear of Clover for take-out unless all you get is a sandwich (sandwiches are packaged fine). Here's the tale of my latest Clover take-out attempt (TL;DR devotees can skip the next paragraph): It's 3pm on a weekend. I order a Chickpea Fritter Sandwich and a Coconut Shiitake Mushroom Soup TO GO. I should know better, but hey, I'm an optimist! The souper friendly Soup Lady hands me a paper cup of soup & then shouts to the order-takers, "WE'RE OUT OF SHIITAKE MUSHROOM SOUP." I say, "Uh, it's to go." She says, "Oh, ok, lids are back there behind the stairs." [NOTE: If you've been to Harvard Square's Clover location, you know this ritual all too well. It's like some strange rite of passage. That is, if you want anything to go, you're always sent behind the stairs to forage for bits of self-service packaging -- and when you get to that behind-the-stairs wasteland, the ketchup will be empty, the plastic cups/lids or paper bags will be all gone -- you'll never find everything you need to self-package your to-go order.] So I go behind the stairs and find 2 types of lids: One for cold drink plastic cups (with the usual straw hole in the center), and one for hot drink paper cups (with a sipping hole by the lip). So I go back and say, "Umm, Soup Lady, there are no to-go lids for hot soup there -- I just need a NORMAL to-go lid for soup -- A LID WITH NO HOLES -- because it's, like, soup TO GO, you know?" She cheerfully says, "Oh, we know how to deal with that! Just go back behind the stairs & bring me a hot drink lid AND a cold drink lid!" So I comply. She takes the soup-filled paper cup & puts the holy hot drink lid on it. She then puts that entire assembly into a slightly larger plastic cold drink cup & places the cold drink lid on top of THAT. The cold drink lid didn't quite fit due to the size of the hot drink cup inside, but she forced it to mostly fit. "There!" she exclaims, confidently. "All set!" And so I put this Rube Goldberg hot soup container inside Clover's PAPER to-go bag, along with my sandwich, & turn to leave. Feeling a bit dubious, I carry the paper bag carefully & with both hands -- one on the bottom, one on top. Well, I get as far as JP Licks, about 1 block away ... and what happens next was like in slow motion. I feel the side of the bag give way. I know what's happening, so I step aside to avoid food-borne shrapnel ... and SPLATT! There, less than a foot away from a bewildered-looking homeless guy sitting beside the JP Licks entrance, in the middle of a beautiful, unseasonably warm afternoon in Harvard Square, goes my Coconut Shiitake Mushroom Soup, all over the brick sidewalk. Apparently my soup cleverly sneaked past all those ILL-FITTING LIDS WITH HOLES IN THEM, managed to surreptitiously soak right through the side of its PAPER BAG carrier, and proceeded to create a spectacular masterpiece of organic sidewalk art that would've done Sidwalk Sam proud! Less then a half-second later -- I kid you not -- a voice behind me says, "Hey! I work for Clover! I'm a chef there! Go back, tell them what happened, & they'll give you another soup!" So I go back, knowing they were out of this soup (I got the last serving, remember?), and ask for (and receive) a free fries. Yayy (is the sound of a hollow victory)!! 2. FRIES. The Rosemary Fries are super tasty. So what's the problem? They're often WAY too greasy -- as in greasy enough to soak through A PAPER BAG (ahem). Fries shouldn't glisten. Easy fix: drain the fries longer when they come out of the fryolator. 3. BEVERAGES. Clover's beverages all taste sugar-free to me. If you're a super-taster, forget it. Every Clover beverage I've had has been really bitter. 4. CALL-AHEAD ORDERS. DEF call in your take-out order ahead of time ... O SNAP, YOU CAN'T! Why not? CUZ CLOVER HAS NO PHONE! Seriously, guys -- really?! FAIL! 5. PITA-LESS CHICKPEA PLATE. As a million customers have already said, you NEED to include a piece of pita with this item. Hummus requires a bread vector. SUMMARY: Eat a yummy Chickpea Fritter Sandwich + Rosemary Fries on site!

    (2)

  • Betts C.

    I feel like I need to update this review. Having gone back to Clover, oh three times now, I'm a little too addicted to give it only three stars. I have tried the potato-leek soup, which I really liked, and wish I could order a little side of pita to accompany it to make a more filling meal. I love the sweet potato sandwich, and that's become my favorite thing. I think it's entirely filling and I love the cilantro-y sauce and jicama slaw. Jicama is a food that I really adore, and that has been sadly removed from my everyday life since I left Austin, TX years ago. So I'm glad to have it back. I have since tried their fries, which are good and slightly squishy without being greasy. They sort of remove the healthiness of my Clover experience, so they're just a little treat that I try to share with others. Their teas are excellent- I'm particularly fond of the ginger and the hibiscus. The atmosphere and quick service remain enjoyable. And the prices are still good for Harvard Square. They're also doing a great deal to try to make the ordering process less intimidating, which is nice. The giant menu outside allows you the moments of pondering you might need the first time around, and I usually make sure I know what I'd like before I walk in the door so as to avoid stopping traffic. But even if you do end up a little confused or haven't decided while still outside the door, no worries. The staff is understanding and enthusiastic. However, they will likely recommend the chickpea fritter sandwich. I'm going to recommend the sweet potato. But maybe that's just me.

    (4)

  • Callan C.

    Fast, affordable vegetarian. Clover is a great spot to grab a quick veggie-only meal. $5 will get you an entree item which is enough for a moderate meal. I got the chickpea fritters, which is a delicious pita stuffed with vegetables and fried chickpeas. Also had the baked potato, which was seasoned with some kind of sour cream or sour cream substitute, chives and some crispy alternatives to bacon. It was good but nothing over the top. The environment at this location is industrial and not really comfortable. Also found that the tables were pretty dirty and the service counter had run out of forks and napkins. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and assume it had been a busy day, plus the food, affordability and speed of preparation makes up for most of the negatives. I'll be back!

    (4)

  • Michelle L.

    I'm a fan of the sugar shack brunch thing they have going on in March. Honestly, I'd have gone just for the fresh maple syrup. I like that they offer combos-- I'd been expecting the usual a la carte, and trying to figure out how best to sample a bit of everything on the brunch menu without emptying my wallet. I had the pancakes and corn fritters. I had missed the corn fritters when they were a 3 pm special, so it was nice to have a chance to try them. The pancakes were also good, but the maple syrup is (rightly) the star of the show. I've also noticed the drink menu is getting more and more exciting. Fresh-squeezed orange juice, mysterious new flavors of soda and lemonade and tea... Evidently there's a maple syrup soda on the menu right now, which I may need to check out.

    (5)

  • Maho K.

    Ok so first I have to admit I'm not a full time vegetarian, so I haven't really had a lot of vegetarian food. I'm only vegetarian-ish at college/ on campus. In short I don't really know what I'm talking about when it comes to vegetarian foods. Oh, Interesting stat. I just learned, 93 % of their customers are not vegetarian. Anyways... I've only been here twice, but I already really like it. So far I've only had their Chick pea plate and the Chicken fritter. The chick pea plate comes with several chick pea "meat" balls served with some boiled purple cabbage coleslaw, and hummus with olive oil (?) drizzled on top. I like to eat my chick pea "meat" balls with a dollop of hummus and a stab of coleslaw (I usually hate coleslaw), simply scrumptious. It also comes with diced cucumbers served with a nice light dressing, and some mushrooms served with herbs on top, it is a little sour but still quite tasty. The fritter has the same contents (i think), but in the form of a soft shell taco. They serve some scrumptious beverages, delicately flavored with some unique ingredients. So far I've had their lavender lemonade and hibiscus ice tea, both of which were delightfully delicious. I have to say the food is good, but their beverages are a little better, even though I've only come here a couple of times. I like the set up of this eatery too; there is lots of seating available on the first and second floor. They also have crayons and paper for you to draw on while you wait for your order (which won't be long), and when you're done you can tape it to the wall with the tape provided, not just for children. I'm not sure, but I think that this may be an eco-friendly/ conscious business, I think a lot of the dinner ware are compostables or recyclables. Also, I like the concept of this place as well as their food/beverages and pricing, it works very well. It's a unique fast food-ish experience. Even though it isn't exactly a high end eatery, I think it does what they set out to do, if that makes any sense, and for that I give it 5 stars. I will most definitely be returning in the very near future! BUT you must avoid the crazy lunch crowd, they start serving lunch at 11:00, and I think the crowd gets there around 12:00ish or maybe it was 12:30, eh I can't remember, sorry. Oh, by the way, ordering can be confusing for first timers, go to the 2 people holding i pads standing by the signs. Also, if you don't really know what to order, the staff, from what I've seen, seem to be more than willing to help you out.

    (5)

  • Morgan T.

    Vegetarians rejoice! Fist Life alive and now CFL. It's like Cambridge has finally been dragged in the 21st century by these two places in terms of vegetarian food. CFL essentially counters Life Alive's focus on grains with awesome pita-wraps like BBQ Seitan and to-die-for rosemary fries. I don't always love seitan stuff, but my wrap was really good. We also had some tasty apple cider. They do coffees and other drinks as well. The interior design is a study in modern minimalism, accented by a huge communal wood table (there booths and small tables as well) and what will be a huge wall of ivy. The space is bright and open, and starkly white. There are lots of outlets for laptoppers. The service was very friendly and fast and the food was just amazing.

    (5)

  • Cory N.

    Read and heard all the Buzz about this place and about their food trucks around Boston. Little did I know one was in the building I work in! Went for the basics: Chickpea Fritters and the French Fries with rosemary. The place had a pretty cool ambiance, very futuristic feeling and clean but what could you expect with a "Food Lab" in their name. There are employees right by the door to help you with your experience through ordering and getting familiar with their menu, then you pay at the cashier and then pick up at another station. It's pretty sick how you can see the whole process happen in front of you. Back to the food: loved all the veggies they stuffed in the Chickpea pocket and the fries were perfectly seasoned. Will definitely have to try other items on the menu, maybe the Egg and Eggplant with the sweet potato fries.

    (4)

  • Marissa M.

    The atmosphere has a very distinct eco-trendy vibe. The decor is the picture of minimalist contemporary design; the hostess placed my order on an iPhone; and I received my receipt via email. However, I was truly struck by the food selection. I ordered a chickpea fritter sandwich ($5), rosemary fries ($3), and a basil limeade ($3?). Everything was delicious. The portion sizes were very generous. Ultimately, it was too much food for me. I was debating trying their brown sugar lemonade, but I convinced myself that this would be over-indulging and that I would just need to return another day. When I did return, they didn't have the brown sugar lemonade, and I got the strawberry lemonade instead. It was great! Distinct and fresh strawberry flavor, balanced by the tartness of the lemon. This place prides itself on being vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Usually, I am the poster child for carnivores, but this place gave me unique and delicious alternatives to my standby meat dishes. However, to be entirely honest, the basil limeade was my favorite part of the meal; it was just so refreshing and unexpected.

    (4)

  • Maki P.

    As someone who works in Harvard Square, I have always been jealous about my MIT-located-friends' stories about the famed Clover Truck. I am SO excited that Clover is expanding and I plan to make this a regular lunch spot. $5 for a quality, mostly healthy, colorful sandwich is a great deal. The chickpea fritter sandwich reminds me of falafels from my favorite stand in Paris, garnished with bright red cabbage and pickles. The egg and eggplant sandwich has deliciously charred eggplant that warms my heart in the middle of a work day. I'm really not a veggie person and I shun most vegetarian establishments, but this is a really satisfying lunch option. The rosemary fries were also tasty, but I'm not sure they're worth an extra $3 when you could get soup for the same price. I'm not sure how necessary it is for orders to be taken on iPhones, but whatever, I'm here for the sandwiches, not the cash register. And it does make for a friendly vibe with obliging staff milling around the entrance area and chatting you up about the food choices. The space is friendly, bright, and simple, and I'd totally hang out and do problem sets there if I were still in school.

    (4)

  • Ed L.

    I not familiar with the food truck, but stopped in the restaurant on a whim recently and really enjoyed the food. Clover has an odd techfeel throwback cafeteria vibe. I'll bet it gets jammed up at times, 'cause the place is good. Vegan food that carnivores will like.

    (4)

  • Damon I.

    The Food Lab! Sounds ominous, but rather it's completely agreeable in so many ways. This is not fast food, but good, inexpensive food fast in an alabaster austere space. The kitchen is completely open so you can watch your food as it's made after ordering from an affable, ipod equipped employee. The folks working seem to enjoy themselves as they ladle up wonderful seasonal soups, and construct both new and staple snacks. The menu is adaptive and completely vegetarian in it's offerings with few fast food cliches but popular mainstays, like the the chickpea fritter, and the egg+eggplant sandwiches. Follow Clover on Twitter to get updates on delectable specials like apple cider doughnuts in the fall, or refreshing watermelon tea in the summer. On the wall, Clover's mission is clearly written. They want to create something fresh and new, are guided by the thoughts of their customers, and want to continue improving what's already a great thing. Have at it Clover, I hope your mission leads to nothing less than a vegetarian fast food dynasty!

    (5)

  • Alan Y.

    Good for vegetarian

    (3)

  • Laura A.

    i love clover! it's the perfect place to grab a cheap, healthy lunch or dinner. i love the chickpea fritter and the rosemary fries are super delicious. sometimes they also have little treats, like desserts or a side or a soup or something. the coffee is delicious (barrington coffee). i also like that the people who work here seem to really be friendly and love their jobs. i ran the 5k they sponsored back in december and it was a good time (free beers!)

    (5)

  • Bacon S.

    Awesome spot. Definitely ahead of the curve as far as sustainable and healthy food production goes. Everything I tried was great and meat-free which is the big deal: food can taste good and fill you up without having a ton of animals in it. Prices are incredible and the tea selection is as well. Cool idea with the beer too.

    (5)

  • Kevin O.

    ****UPDATED 7/17/11 Since drafting an initial review, I've had a few additional opportunities to stop by Clover. On each occasion, the friendly staff have been quite helpful in directing me toward the vegan friendly options on the menu. The consistency with the quality of CFL is a most appreciated factor in why I return to dine there. I've enjoyed all of the menu options that I have tried: BLT (vegan version), BBQ seitan (vegan version), and the chickpea fritter. The rosemary fries are great as a side order. In terms of atmosphere, CFL is a great place to meet with a friend or group of friends over a light, easy meal. It's also an ideal spot for picking up lunch to go if one plans on eating outside in Harvard Square. I definitely recommend CFL to folks working/living in Harvard Square as an alternative to the chain burrito shops down the street.

    (4)

  • Jason M.

    I am a rugby-playing motorcycling adrenaline junkie. I love meat, and I try to eat a ton of protein each day. You would not expect someone like me to go to a vegetarian restaurant often. I come here at least three times a week. They are amazing, fast and cheap. For the n00bs, the order goes like this 1. Order something 2. Say for here or to go 3. Say your name, cause they will call it when the stuff is ready. 4. When they call your name, get the food Some vegans complain that this place is not vegan friendly. That's what the two platters are for, vegans. I enjoy the BBQ seitan. Grab extra napkins, cause the mixture of BBQ sauce and white stuff will spill all over you as you reach the end of this sammich. They have specials every day at 3. Cheesy grits are boring, the fritters are amazing. The mushroom sammich is also pretty darn good, if you like mushroom.

    (4)

  • Katie M.

    I like that Clover is here. Stationary. Accessible to a girl who doesn't work downtown or go to MIT. I dig the vibe, the ideology, the idealistic hopes. And it's super yummy! Hand-dusted rosemary garlic fries, healthy stuffed pitas, pour-over coffee... the apple fritter I shared with a friend was pretty much the highlight of our night. There are kinks to work out, however -- ordering is unnecessarily difficult and the process is so individualized that the food can take awhile depending on how many other people are before you. Their idealism could use a dose of practicality, but as they say on their huge white brick wall, it's not going to be perfect; they're going to make mistakes. And I do appreciate the sentiment. But I hope for the day when some definitive form of organization, as uncool and unhipster as that may be, takes hold!

    (4)

  • Shannon C.

    Checked this place out on a Friday afternoon, it was totally packed. There are people that take your order on an Iphone & the automated board behind them tells you what your wait time is - oh Cambridge. We got the chickpea fritter sandwich, the roasted sweet potato sandwich & some rosemary fries. The chickpea fritter and fries were to die for - seriously delish. The Potato sammie was just ok - really just because the potato was slightly underdone. The jicama slaw on the potato sandwich was excellent. Will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Darja M.

    I really really like this place. It's easy on the wallet and the food is great! The best part is the about everything on the menu is some sort of vegetable/healthy. The staff is friendly and the overall feel of the place is very "hip." I wouldn't come here for dinner, but for a quick bite it's great. In fact, it's so good that I find myself craving some Clover food while in China.

    (5)

  • Roxie D.

    This place looks great on paper, but I just can't get it up for Clover- you are deluged with attitude and hipster glares if you step through the door without the requisite skinny jeans and wayfarers. The lines are always crazy long and the staff moves at a glacial pace, even during the lunch rush. I'll pass!

    (3)

  • Rachel E.

    While I believe in Clover's mission of providing healthy, affordable and tasty food, I think it's missing a key component to its food: balancing flavors & textures. I've had the Chic-pea Fritter a few times now, and each time I'm overtaken by either too much pickled flavoring or not enough sauce to balance the patty. The butternut squash sandwich around Thanksgiving was to be promising -- but it was served cold which certainly didn't match with how those veggies are typically served and what I wanted. Last, I tried the Mushroom Walnut - and could only take a few bites before the very tart cranberry dressing overpowered the hardly-noticeable mushroom block inside. Again, the balance of temperatures & flavoring needs work. Though their sandwiches leave me disappointed there aint nuthin' wrong with them rosemary fries!

    (3)

  • P'raka ..

    Just wanted to update my review since I've recently started eating the food here in addition to getting the fantastic drinks. I've had the chickpea fritter sandwich and it is phenomenal - I would definitely recommend it. The rosemary fries are just ok - I wasn't blown away by them. I guess my only concern would be that the sandwich is really quite big and they just give it to you in the wrapper. Maybe I am just a slow/messy eater but I ended up going back to the truck and getting one of the trays they put the fries so I had a "plate" for my sandwich. Also providing some wet-naps would be a nice touch!

    (4)

  • Lindsey J.

    I am a big fan. I first had clover via their MIT truck. The beauty of what comes out of a tiny truck kitchen on wheels in inspiring. Now I come here more often because unlike the truck, this is a bus trip away after work. Here is what you do: order food with the people in front with the iphones, and wait at the long wooden table or meander upstairs. The servers in the open kitchen call you when any or all parts of your meal is ready. It is casual but high quality fast food. The chickpea fritter is bursting with color. I love when the sandwich cook is loose with the tahini. I always want more! A falafel styled sandwich with tahini and hummus? Yes, yes yes! This new brick and mortar store is really interesting, although maybe still a work in process. This is why I've given the place 4 stars. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm absolutely addicted to the rosemary fries and chickpea fritter sandwich. The individual brewed coffees are awesome. The homemade syrups that make sodas kind of like Italian sodas are always refreshing and new. But I'm excited for what else will come. That last star is reserved for all the new sandwiches, ideas, and fixtures that will pop up in this huge space. I like to think of Clover Food Lab on Holyoke St literally like a food truck inside a restaurant, so I'm eager to see how it will evolve and how it will keep trying new ideas into the cafe/fast environment.

    (4)

  • Alexandria V.

    When I first arrived in Boston, Clover was my first intended destination. I wanted to find their food lacking or in teeny-tiny portions (as everything so inexpensive), but no. We almost shed a tear for how simple, and freaking delicious everything was. Thank you, Clover: haven for poor vegetarians with somewhat discriminating tastebuds. Thank you.

    (5)

  • samantha h.

    oh deliciousness all around...and friendly service...and awesome space... i've been to this location three times now, and the trucks multiple times. sandwiches: the soy BLT is my favorite - simple, delicious and filling. they use the same light and tasty pita for all their sandwiches. the bbq seitan is super tasty and gooey with sauce. the chickpea fritter is like a falafel. i love the cabbage in the sandwich. the egg and eggplant is a great combo of grilled eggplant and hardboiled egg. the breakfast sandwich is simple, with a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg, tasty chedder and tomato. popovers are light, airy, eggy. looking forward to when jam arrives! tried the soda with mulled spices - very unique and refreshing. the coffee is strong and adventurous. super all around!

    (5)

  • Emma T.

    So refreshing to have an awesome, healthy food truck like this. I had the eggplant and egg sandwich. So tasty! Cant wait to track them down for breakfast!

    (4)

  • Sassy O.

    One word: Popovers! Okay, 4 words... popovers and fruit salad. Sunday brunch doesn't get cheaper, tastier or easier for veg-lovers. The fruit salad isn't just fruit; it has cucumbers and other vegetables chopped up with crunchy refreshing melon, apple and other fruit. Light and refreshing, perfect summer snack. Add a warm, just-baked popover on Sunday and a cup of tea and I'm happy. When I was in there, it wasn't in-your-face crowded like most of the coffee shops and restaurants in the area. You actually had breathing room. Customer service was quick, efficient and friendly. I liked the decor, off-the wall, funky, and contrary to another reviewer, this place was clean when I was there. Extremely so, which I check closely. If you're in the Harvard area, do stop in on Sunday morning for the popovers, the Sunday local secret.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth A.

    Let me begin this review by saying there is a whole lot to like about this airy, light-filled eco-eatery in the heart of Harvard Square. The concept - healthy fast food - for one, super low prices for another. What's not to dig about $5 vegan sandwiches and $3 craft brews? And the list goes on: an open kitchen, a friendly staff, locally sourced ingredients, a relationship-driven business model, and last but not least, an owner who walks his talk. He's a game changer, that's for sure. So why isn't this a 4-star review? Because, truthfully, I don't love the food. It all tastes kind of the same. It's obviously fresh, but there's something about the way it's prepared that obscures the freshness. I'd recommend it for breakfast - the coffee is individually brewed - or a quick, nourishing lunch. But if you want really tasty and healthy food, I'd head to Life Alive in Central Square for a 5-star salad.

    (3)

  • Nikki K.

    Just stumbled upon the truck in the Common. Loved the chickpea fritter and mint lemonade! Also, LOVE that they accept credit cards outside with an iPhone connector. Will definitely return. Quick and friendly service for a healthy lunch on the go!

    (5)

  • Nicole V.

    Thinking of Clover before I go to bed will almost certainly result in dreams of the chickpea fritter sandwich. I'm not even a little bit sad about this. As the Australian friend and I were leaving Harvard Square we realized that we'd be a little tight on time seeing as how we would need dinner before heading to a show that night. I had mentioned before that I wanted to try Clover so in we went.... ...And then around we turned about 100 times before getting our food. You can DEFINITELY tell who has been there before and who is a newbie. Here is my experience built step-by-step guide to enjoying Clover: 1) Walk in and face to the electronic white boards on your right (NOT the food prep to your left). Everything is real time and pretty cool/impressive/slightly confusing. This was the result of my first 18 turnarounds. 2) Find the lone girl wearing a change belt. That's how you place your order and pay. An odd concept to me, but it works for them. 3) Order a beer, a water, rosemary fries, and the chick pea sandwich. Seriously. Don't deviate (alright, I will probably order other things at some point but I doubt anything will be better than that combo). 4) Go sit down. 4.5) Realize there's crayons and white paper to draw with/on. Turn around about 5 more times to get involved with these. 5) Get your name called separately for every single item you order in no certain order. This prompted the next 76 turnarounds. I was so relieved once we had everything on the table that I wanted to cry. 6) Get napkins, spicy chili sauce, etc (result of the last turnaround) . 7) Enjoy. Drink, eat and be merry. Rosemary fries should be eaten with a sprig of rosemary on every bite. Just trust me on this. 8) Throw out your trash and head on out. By this time you'll know exactly where the trash is because you'll have spun around 100 times. Or I guess the point of these directions was to make you NOT spin around 100 times so I'll just tell you that they're really easy to find.... I'm hoping to repeat and be one of those people who actually knows what they're doing sometime soon.

    (4)

  • Erin K.

    My chickpea fritter sandwich was okay. My rosemary fries were thin and soft. (I prefer mine a tad thicker and crispier.) The coffee was pretty smooth. As a place to pick up something quick for lunch, it works. Getting my food was interesting. Within 20 seconds of ordering, my name was shouted. I spun around. The guy making my coffee was like, "Sorry. Your coffee's not quite ready. Sometimes people are sitting far away. I'm making you a coffee from Panama..." Etc. Someone else shouts my name 8 feet away. I wait for a polite break in coffee guy's explanation of my coffee. "Where do you get your coffee?" he asks. My name is bellowed again 8 feet away. "Excuse me" I say, and go over to where my name was being called. The guy hands me a sandwich in a wrapper. Now, I'd ordered a sandwich, fries, and coffee, and I don't have three hands. So I asked if they had trays. This resulted in verbal chaos, as several people started telling me that the best they had was a drink tray, while another girl tried to tell me that my fries would be a couple minutes, and coffee guy shouted my name as if I hadn't just moved a few feet down the counter. It was not the best service counter experience ever. If you go to their website (i.e. blog) to see what kind of food they serve before you come, you will be disappointed. The first thing I saw was an entry called "Dirty Filters" and a picture of a dirty water filter. Appetizing. The "Food" link show not a menu, as one might expect, but rather a note that "Rolando should be writing this one." FYI, they have 5 sandwiches (all $5), a few hot drinks (all $2), a few cold drinks (all $?), fries were $3. They also have a couple soups/salads, but I didn't look closely at that part of the menu.

    (3)

  • Heather G.

    While I don't love the confusion that ensues when I enter this restaurant and see a big empty space with a lone-girl in a tool belt standing in the center, I do love how I feel like I'm walking into a food truck, all trippy-shrunken-Alice-style. What you should know: 1. The electronic white board/sandwich board in the middle of the otherwise-empty entrance updates real-time with approximate wait-times for various items 2. As per #1 above, all items come out as they're done, in seemingly random order 3. If you sit upstairs and have ordered a lot of items, listen out for your name being called and prepare to run up and down the stairs a few times to retrieve your items. 4. There are no forks, napkins, or ketchup to be found ANYWHERE! Do these need to be specifically requested? Are we going super-green to the point of serious inconvenience in order to cut down on paper-waste or are these items just hiding? Regardless, consider bringing your own napkins, or wear an outfit you don't love to wipe mayo/hummus/fry grease on. 5. Despite #4 above, they do offer crayons and white roll-paper to color on while waiting/eating. 6. The staff is so friendly and sweet, and really seems to enjoy working there. 7. If you've been drinking, get dizzy, or have poor vision, avoid the upstairs tables. The plexi-glass half-walls that keep you from falling off the top level are a bit disorienting (much like that ridiculous and ill-planned spiral staircase at the Apple store that I can't seem to walk up properly without tripping or getting dizzy)...or maybe it's just me. What you already know: 1. Clover Food is amazing. Same food as the trucks, but now with convenient indoor seating.

    (4)

  • Lisa I.

    Great fresh food and a simple menu which makes it very quick and easy. I love the vibe of this place - very low key and unassuming. My only complaint is the service. I went during lunch hours with four people and it took forever for us to get our Egg & Egg sandwiches. By the time the fourth person got their food, the first person's sandwich was getting really soggy. Nevertheless, a great food spot. I'd for sure go back.

    (3)

  • Audrey C.

    yum yum I got the seitan BBQ sandwich- perfect. Not very many items on their menu, but they are so affordable and tasty. My sandwich was $5 from what I remember. However, decor is not cool with me... it's a little too casual and I guess the concept is cool of seeing them prepare all your food, but it's a little too messy and distracting watching all those people doing food prep. If you don't care, it's fine though. But to me it's a lunch place, not a dinner place. They do lunch and dinner though.

    (4)

  • Jeffrey B.

    Good cheap vegetarian fare in large portions. I liked the whoopie pies especially. Interesting flavors and good cream consistency.

    (4)

  • Al A.

    Great location. Good prices. Okay food. Friendly staff. Weird setup. Seating can get competitive.

    (3)

  • Steve D.

    Tasty, innovative, friendly, fast, good value. Check it out.

    (5)

  • Laura J.

    Good veggie food. I enjoyed my chickpea fritter sandwich, which was pretty good. I love their Friday night whoopie pie...delicious!! I also appreciate their reasonable prices and that all their goods are compostable. The decor is too sterile for my taste (and I'm used to MIT). The music was also a bit too loud. However, I'll be back.

    (4)

  • Emily C.

    I love that this place is vegetarian only. And, the food is actually very good - but I dread going there because the customer experience is horrible. I have been to this place at least 5 times and every time I have experienced a problem with my order. Two examples: the funky iTouch POS/fulfillment system isn't working and I have to ask 3 times before I get the drink I ordered or they didn't know how to switch over their ordering system from breakfast to lunch so everyone had to wait 20 minutes. And another thing, put the menus up high - like on the wall (gasp!). On the ground people can't actually read the menu while in line because 20 people are standing in front of it. While waiting people are not able to decide what they are ordering before they get to the cashier. As a result the line gets longer and it takes more time to order. Oh, and they should lose the plants - if you aren't able to care for them well and keep the bugs away, they don't belong in a food establishment. The plants make it look like they are trying to hard to be cool and all food movement-y. Well, the plants and the limited edition t-shirts the staff wear... This place is perpetually in Beta - they should add "Beta" to their signage like websites do and my expectations might be managed better.

    (3)

  • Beans B.

    Wow! So glad I took a friend's advice and tried this place out! It is totally going to be my new study spot. The chickpea fritter sandwich was fantastic, better than any falafel I've had outside of Europe. Seriously tasty. I'm looking forward to working my way through their menu!

    (4)

  • Ian G.

    I appreciate having good vegetarian options nearby, and this is a great one. All the sandwiches I've had here were tasty, and on Fridays they make delicious whoopie pies.

    (4)

  • Peter B.

    I didn't totally appreciate this place until I tried the chick pea plate. The menu changes daily and that's one of the best reasons to check this out and to try it more than once. Here are some other good points: Lots of light and space, low cost, awesome ingredients, environmentally friendly plates, cups and forks. Things to know: noisy, slightly chaotic, listen through loud music to hear your name being yelled when the food is ready.

    (4)

  • Jay A.

    Clover is one of my favorite spots in the Square. Vegetarian food that can easily be made vegan, if that's your cup of tea. Speaking about tea, they have beer, too! Now unto the good stuff, I've tried every sandwich on the menu and the chickpea fritter is the heart of Clover. I always ask for light on the hummus and no pickles, but more red cabbage. I can't get enough of it. The freshness of the veggies provide a nice balance with the fritter. Then, there's the rosemary fries!!! So good. I get super full off of one sandwich and don't recommend getting fries in addition, but if you're with a friend, please split them! For breakfast, I recommend the granola with fruit. The oatmeal is a bit too watery for me, which makes the fruit on top taste a bit odd. The muffins have been hit or miss. Sometimes they are moist and other times dry. I'm a risky girl, so I get it regardless. One thing that confuses me about Clover is their vibe. It's a blend of hipster, techie, that is somehow environmentally conscious, except when they leave the lights on all night.

    (4)

  • Allisoto P.

    Mmmmmm.....Fast food at its best. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. Some dishes I love: the oatmeal with fruit & the granola with yogurt (and fruit). Some that I like: Egg and egglplant sandwich and seitan bbq pocket. Don't be discouraged by the chaotic situation you must face when ordering your food. There is no counter or register, approach the person with an extra large iphone hovering around somewhere near the menu.

    (5)

  • Deanna D.

    Clover is an interesting spot. It's like a Mac commercial: orders placed using iPhones, iPhones & iTablets everywhere. And then it's the fact that the place is white---I mean seriously stark white... it's a bit much but what ever works for them. The menu is small and simple. The chickpea fritter sandwich was a hot, sloppy, tasty mess-- delicious and very filling. The place gets pretty busy, the prices are right and the food comes out pretty quickly. I will be back....maybe not rushing back but will definitely go back.

    (3)

  • Robert S.

    Having woken up at 5:30, driven a friend to Andover, and needing several hours to kill (and a life-saving caffeine fix), I randomly decided to come to Clover early one Saturday morning. Tucked on a side street of sorts (with ample parking, a first in my experience driving to Cambridge....), I walked into the modern, lab-like building, and was cheerfully greeted by a woman, who took my order on an iPhone. They only had 2 kinds of coffee (single origin), and pour-over was the only brewing method available. But I love it; the limited menu (but mostly local ingredients), the simplicity of the coffee process, the modern vibe - all with ample sitting space, and free wi-fi courtesy of Harvard! The only reason I didn't give Clover 5 stars is because, although the theory of the menu is awesome, the actual execution was just a bit bleh - my breakfast sandwich was a little less than inspired. Nonetheless, I will definitely be back if I'm in the area.

    (4)

  • Courtney G.

    Wow, this is my new go-to place to grab quick food anytime of day. The Egg and Eggplant sandwich is fabulous, plus lavendar lemonade and whoopie pie (only on fridays). Its so affordable and unbelievably delicious. They switch up certain items on the menu daily so you can always have something a little different. The coffee is the best cup of joe I've had in Cambridge, and I'm quite particular about my coffee. I also love how efficient they are as a business, that they have ALL compostable plates, cups, etc. and support other local businesses. Way to go Clover Food Lab.

    (4)

  • Jolene S.

    I can't believe it's been almost 4 years of patronizing this location--the egg and eggplant is just as good (if not better) as it was the first time, though a bit more pricy. I got it all over me last time (sorry, jeans + jacket) but it was good! A great, filling dinner spot--open late ('til midnight, saving me from going to Tasty Burger--after a week of burgers all over Boston...).

    (4)

  • Shengzhi L.

    Delicious local, vegetarian food. Extremely affordable. Staff that is excited about their product. Lots of seating. Free crayons and paper to make art with your friends. I've been to Clover over a dozen times in the last couple of years (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and it's never disappointed. The food is locally sourced, vegetarian, and totally delicious -- I am not a vegetarian, but I've always found their options tasty. The chickpea fritter is a classic, and I like the seitan a lot too. Parts of the menu also rotate so you can always come back and try something new. Entrees go for around $7 or $8. They also have creative drinks (I remember a delicious rhubarb tea, and there is always free sparkling water). Note that the meal options, being vegetarian (usually with some tofu mixed in), are very light. You can get some heavier things (like rosemary potato fries), but generally, come here for a light meal. The staff are extremely nice. Although it's a fast casual place (so no table service), the staff are always happy to answer questions. They are actually really excited to talk about their product (despite no tip), and the excitement may rub off on you. There is a lot of seating on two floors. In particular, the place is never very full on Friday nights, so I've gone with student groups there a number of times, and never had a problem finding seats. For the more artistically minded, there are free crayons and paper to draw on, and you can post your creations on the walls afterwards. It's really fun! My favorite vegetarian place in Harvard Square, and a reliable and delicious choice when I want a light meal. Five stars.

    (5)

  • Diana L.

    Pricing = good. Real good for harvard square. I would happily pay 6$ for one of these sandwiches and 5$ for a Pretty Things or Aeronaut beer is quite nice indeed. The fries were kind of mediocre, I wish I had gone with a different side, but they weren't bad. And 3$ is a reasonable price for them. They charged us on square attached to a little iPod and didn't ask for tip (which I appreciated because that tip line always makes me nervous). The beer was good, the service thoughtful, the space is very open and nice with cobblestone floors and huge white walls and ceilings. It's basically a kind of healthy vegetarian fast food option. Compostable everything = very cool. I went here on a date and it was pretty awesome. My boyfriend and I both liked it a lot. The brussel sprout sandwich was awesome as was his bbq seitan sandwich. I'll definitely be back when I want a healthy & affordable bite to eat in harvard square!

    (4)

  • Lee T.

    Come here even if you don't recycle, are not vegetarian, not vegan, are repulsed by granola eating hipsters. It's that good. Get the popover sandwich, oatmeal, and breakfast sandwich. In that order.

    (4)

  • Isabella C.

    Cool new place with a different kind of feel to it! It's almost like an IKEA cafeteria in an odd way, perhaps attributable to the general decor and atmosphere. There's a range of food and it's great as an alternative to a fast food store if you're just looking for a quick bite. They have an unconventional system where you order with one of the staff on a mobile device rather than going up to a cash register. I've tried the fries and the cranberry drink here -- both were great! I loved sitting at the bench tables. I remember in particular enjoying their music -- not quite top 40 but definitely a lot of easy listening. Definitely look forward to coming back and trying more of their food -- in particular, the popovers at breakfast!

    (4)

  • Yun-Ju H.

    This place is surprisingly awesome ! I ordered Cheap fritters sandwich. The size of sandwich is too big to finish for one girl in normal appetite. Whole ingredients of meals are natural, nutritious and high fiber. They use the herbs to flavor the foods and also composed the most "green" foods in it!

    (4)

  • Aaron K.

    Clover has seriously changed fast food for me forever. Fresh, delicious, inventive, you could use a whole bunch of great adjectives (there's another one) to describe Clover. They have the classics like their chickpea fritter sandwich (a modern take on the falafel sandwich with pickled veggies and many fresh toppings). Where Clover truly shines is their rotating specials which feature local fresh veggies. So Fresh and So Tasty. The new fried blue oyster mushroom special featuring kale, tomatoes and some delicious aioli makes me think of an oyster po'boy. The breading on the mushrooms is fantastic. I know people are afraid to go veggie sometimes but I really never miss meat when I'm here. Other rotating specials to look out for are the cucumber and pimento cheese, the heirloom tomato, their Indian sandwich (if you like spicy), and their regular off menu item the soy BLT. This location is particularly special because they even include estimates on how long each sandwich will take to make on the menu! Talk about information overload, in a good way!

    (5)

  • Michelle B.

    I used to like this place but their prices have gone up and as the quality of the food has gone down. Clover is marketed as a healthy, vegetarian fast food alternative but while their food may be vegetarian it is certainly not healthy. Almost all of their sandwiches center around fried vegetables which in my experience have been overly greasy. While the open kitchen set-up is modern it's a little uncomfortable watching the workers stress and yell to each other. They look frazzled and rushed. I used to go to the food truck by MIT before they expanded and the food was much better. I think this is a case of expanding too fast and the quality of both the food and employee management has just really plummeted.

    (1)

  • Millie S.

    I can't believe it's taken me so long to eat here - four years of living a 5 minute walk away, yet I just went for the first time. It might just be me, but the menu kind of surprised me as there seems to be a bit of a misperception with Clover - even though it's vegetarian/vegan, keep in mind its offerings aren't so much healthy food as they are veg fast food. That being said, my classic Chickpea Fritter was pretty flawless, and the Soy BLT also delicious. Will say for the latter though that the ratio of filling-to-bread was really off...the 'bacon' itself was great but there was just relatively so much pita compared to it that I couldn't really taste it other than the smokiness. Maybe another slice added in would help? Maybe a bread other than thick, fluffy pita could be used? I ended up taking off half the pita. Prices are surprisingly low, like $6 for a sandwich. I think I've otherwise only seen Bon Me with that pricing. Also, talk to the staff! They're all very friendly and are more than happy to help you choose something if you ask them what their favorites are, what they'd recommend, etc. Addendum: Despite being mostly vegetarian, I never went in before because it seemed so sterile and snooty from the outside ("oh yes i'm so hip and hipster i only eat organic raw free-range all-natural gluten-free sunkissed mountain-spring-water-fed"), and while I now know this was a very premature and misguided judgment, I've also actually met quite a few people who avoid/ed Clover because they're also put off by its image. My point is, if you're at all in that thought camp pleeeease come try this place out! It'll definitely overturn all of those conceptions.

    (5)

  • Xuejiao L.

    Good food and ppl. just when waiting for the call I cannot hear my name clearly, a little noisy.

    (4)

  • Kelly R.

    I've only been to Clover a few times. I think most people tend to go for lunch/dinner (and I have, too--I've tried the chickpea fritter and rosemary fries, both of which are good), but recently I've had the opportunity to try quite a bit of their breakfast menu. Of regular breakfast items, my favorite is the popover breakfast sandwich. Though it's vegetarian, I believe it has some sort of meat substitute, so it manages to be quite flavorful. Alone, I don't find this all too filling, though, so if lunch is a long way off, you might want to think about ordering something else to go with it. I have also tried the muffins, plain popovers, hot mulled cider, iced coffee, and oatmeal. Muffins are quite good--go well with either butter or jam, and the popovers are nice and airy. Hot mulled cider was underwhelming but not a bad choice for someone who wants a hot drink that isn't coffee. Iced coffee is nothing special. In terms of their oatmeal, I think the toppings are seasonal, and the one time I've had it, mine came topped with some sort of apple. It came in a cup, which I thought was strange as a for-here diner, but I can see how that would be super convenient for anyone on the go. The oatmeal was pretty good but could have come out significantly warmer; I also would've preferred berries, but I guess it's all seasonal. Another morning, I happened to catch an event they were hosting this morning with Barrington Roasters; somehow, this involved $2 homemade cider donuts, and let me just say--with no exaggeration--this cider donut was THE BEST CIDER DONUT I HAVE EVER HAD. Served hot, fresh, and perfectly soft and even moist on the inside. Overall, a great option for a quick meal whether you want to dine inside (cool, clean space and atmosphere with tons of light) or on the go. One thing I will say is that the wait isn't so bad, but the wait times on the screen are not very accurate.

    (4)

  • Andrew W.

    Cheap good food and open late. food 4/5. (Mostly Vegetarian) atmosphere 4/5. (Hipster feeling!) This is a cute local hipster place that is open late and offer cheap and fairily sized portions of food. The atmosphere here is cheap modern hipster which is the new vibe i guess! The food usually comes out in 5-10 mins. People their are friendly. Food 4/5. If your not sure ask for a sample for food and drinks!!!!! You can tell the food here comes in fresh and possess a high quality. Im not a fan of their soups due to their heathier vegetarian route but nonetheless i think its worth a try if you come here. The teas/drinks they make are usually from high quality tea leaves and fresh berries which give it a refreshing feeling. If you want it to be less/more sweetened etc just them them know and they will tailor it to you. The best here is the rosemary french fries as the fries still give that earthy potato taste while balancing out the sweet and savoriness of the rosemary. Its truly perfectly cooked and a wonderful unification. If you have 5 bucks to spend and your kinda hungry come here! Its prob the most healthier, cheapest and best tasting option!

    (4)

  • Jasmine C.

    This is definitely more "fast food" than healthy: not something for someone wanting to lose weight, but really just good, wholesome filling food that's really convenient. The brussel sprout sandwich is to die for, and I absolutely love it. The japanese sweet potato sandwich is good too (not as good as the brussel sprout) and next in the line of what to order would be the famous chickpea fritter. The mezze platter really depends on what the daily salads are, but it's usually way too much - you'd be better off with just one salad, because the hummus just drowns you and you need to order additional pita on the side to handle it! Also, ++ for free water, great service and a super convenient location/opening and closing times.

    (3)

  • Mrs J.

    Came here for a latte, ended up with the best fresh fruit salad (mango, pineapple, radish and mint). Delicious!! Was greeted by the most enthusiastic person that I thought he was the owner. Gave me a popover to try (very good and I'm sure it's great with sandwich fixins). Did have iced coffee and it tasted very fresh as well. Nice find in Cambridge!

    (4)

  • Angela K.

    Yas. I converted my friend who rarely eats @Clover by ordering Breakfast Popover Sandwich! The sandwich is crisp in the outer layer and soft inside. The texture of popover embracing salty, creamy combination of mayo, fried leeks, roasted tempeh and tomato was a perfect, hearty breakfast. It is filling for a girl but if you are looking for more, check out their yogurt+granola as a side or wash it down with aromatic, deep coffee!

    (4)

  • Damien S.

    Brussels Sprouts Sandwich, live inside my face. I signed the lease for you. You know what I really like? I really like Clover's food. Which I guess can be said for a plethora of plates, the flavors/textures/preparations and what have you sending you to the moon. We all have dishes that we love, but I'm not talking specifics (although, if I were, dat Brussels Sprouts Sandwich doe). I'm talking about their philosophy, their creativity, and the collective feeling I get when I eat here. Everything is wildly fresh, insanely inventive, and meticulously plotted before going to menu. It's like America's Test Kitchen goes rogue on the road, attains a granola-crunchy vegetarian conscience, and opens an institutional (there's much white, and many rounded corners), fast casual eatery. Rosemary on the hand-cut fries? Mandatory. Everything on the menu under $10? Cost conscious. Search for the globe for just the right kind of oven to bake their pitas? True story. And, of course, everything they hand you is compostable. Because Cambridge. Always a front-runner for a quick bite when I'm in Harvard Square, and never fails to hit the spot. Fizz up with their housemade sodas - so refreshing!

    (4)

  • Gillian C.

    I really really loved their sweet potato sandwich when they had it. I used to eat it all the time. I heard the brussels sprout sandwich was amazing, too, while they had it, but due to my hazelnut allergy I never tried it. The other sandwiches are kind of meh for me. There's usually some aspect of it that tastes off / out of balance for my palate. Their rosemary fries are alright. The rosemary is tasty, but the fries are sometimes too soggy for my tastes. I really love their Rhubarb agua fresca they offered this summer, though! So refreshing and delicious. Mostly, I like that this is one of the places I could grab a quick bite by myself. Lots of seating, and a pleasant, open space. Love that everything is compostable, and that they're open late and serve great coffee and beer.

    (4)

  • Dan C.

    I like Clover. The food and coffee are great, and I like the fact that they change the menu often, prices are good, cheap beer, nice space, etc. But they could definitely improve in many areas. First, the ordering system is unnecessarily slow, confusing, and chaotic. The LCD menu is a nice idea, but it often doesn't actually reflect what's available that day. And just having items like "3PM special" and "daily soup" defeats the point of having a digital menu, which should be easy to update, and not force people to ask what the soups are and so forth. On a related note, the sandwiches/platters should have a description or list of ingredients. During lunchtime, when the line is long, tons of waiting could be avoided if people could figure out what they wanted by looking at the menu instead of asking the employees what the hell the "Pushpir" sandwich is. Then after ordering, you wait until they shout your name for you to pick it up. This is a really bad system. You're either just standing around waiting for your food (which during busy times could take close to 10 min), or if you go sit somewhere else, you have to remain alert to wait for them to call you. Considering Clover tries to use technology in other aspects of business, you'd think they could implement a better system than this. Standing and waiting around is OK for a food truck, but when there's a restaurant space, they should use this to make things more convenient for their customers. Last, seeing as they brand themselves as responsible fast food and highlight their ingredient sourcing (which is great, btw), they really need to provide better nutritional information. The "nutritionals" section of their website never really had much, and it hasn't been updated in years. There's also no information at all in the restaurant itself. For daily special items, I can understand this, but for menu items that have been there for years... there's really no excuse. While Clover is no doubt tastier than typical fast food options (Chipotle, etc.), it's far behind in terms of nutrition transparency. Clover's food is fresh, tasty, vegetarian, and made with good ingredients... but that doesn't mean it's healthy. I suspect Clover's hesitation to provide nutrition info is because the food is not as healthy as many people probably think it is.

    (3)

  • Kevin J.

    Food: 5 Stars Service: 4 Stars Absolutely amazing. Heaven on earth for vegetarians in Harvard Square. They have a variety of innovative fast casual sandwiches or entrees that are all vegetarian and some are vegan too. They have some really cool handmade sodas and also side dishes like rosemary fries. Chickpea fritters is a very popular entree but I feel like any of the sandwiches they offer are delicious. The Miso eggplant is one of my favorites. And the prices are very reasonable!

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :7:00 am - 12:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Accepts Bitcoin : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Hipster
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : No
    Dogs Allowed : Yes
    Waiter Service : No
    Drive-Thru : No
    Caters : Yes
    Good for Working : Yes

Clover

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