The staff is generally really polite and friendly. The kitchen staff are always laughing, singing, and talking while they work, which isn't a complaint. It's not disruptive and it's nice to see people enjoy their job. The food: a large selection of sandwiches, both cold and hot, and a daily soup. I wish they had more variety in their soups, but the quality is above average if a little pricey. I'll always choose Cosà over nearby ABP. Desserts: ABP has a wider selection nearby, so if you just want some sweets. I must say they probably beat CosÃ. But there's cookies, muffins, and fruits if you're on your lunch break and you want to treat yourself a bit.
(4)
Alan G.
I've come here a few times for lunch. Around Thanksgiving one year (not sure if it's a regular thing), they have these super yummy thanksgiving flatbread sandwiches, which consist of turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Their veggie and hummus sandwich is also delightfully flavorful (and I'm not even a vegetarian). The space is large and clean, but can get pretty crowded during the busy hours. The way it works here is you get in line to order and pay, then you get a number and find a table, and they bring the food to you.
(4)
Annabelle L.
Got the korean bbq pulled pork bowl for lunch yesterday and it was AWESOME. It is not something I would have ordered on my own, but with my best friend's endorsement (and I trust her taste buds 100%), I tried it out. The pulled pork was so tender, juicy, and sooo flavorful. I could taste gochujang, but couldn't figure out any other flavors that made it so savory and delicious. The mix with spinach, cilantro cabbage slaw and brown rice made it very fresh yet filling. Service was fast, place was crowded, but the food was good so I'll be back!
(4)
Amy B.
If you've ever been to a Cosi, then you know what you'll be getting here, food-wise. This location gets super-crowded at lunchtime on weekdays, so don't count on getting a seat. Because of the crowds and the rate of turnover, even if you do grab a table, it will likely be crumbed with the remains of someone else's lunch. This Cosi is not crowded in the morning, but the speed of service can be really hit-or-miss. Sometimes the food is ready immediately, other times I've had to wait several minutes for someone to hand me a bagel (unsliced, untoasted). This Cosi is certainly not the chain's crown jewel, and it's not usually my lunch choice, but it will do in a pinch.
(3)
Shanru C.
The Portobello bowl wasn't as good as it as sounded. The mozerella was hard, and portions of the rice were still cold. The flatbread was delicious, though. Also, I ordered a Guava Chia Shot, but I got a Nutella one instead. Ugh. Very crowded during lunch, so service could potentially be slow then. Sandwiches kind of expensive for their taste.
(3)
Layla L.
What.? Sooooo good here, plus OMG the bread. Eat all the bread. Also, the tandoori chicken is ahhh-mazing and the staff is always super friendly. LOVE!
(5)
Helena Q.
Their clam chowder is very tasty, but the turkey chili was kind of boring. I'll go on Fridays in the future to get the clam chowder, otherwise this is a bit of a miss.
(3)
Lyndsey C.
Our experience was very nice. Been to many Cosi's and this one is just as good as the rest... nothing out of the ordinary.. fresh food, made by pleasant people. Pleasant staff... quick and easy.
(4)
Stephanie G.
Maybe I went at an off time on a Saturday night, but I had a weird experience. They were out of soy milk so I couldn't get a coffee drink. I was offered skim or regular milk, but obviously I wouldn't want that if I had ordered soy milk in my drink. I was given a cup of tea instead, but I had to awkwardly ask for a refund since I had paid $4 for a fancier drink. The manager was happy to do it, but I don't think I should have had to ask. I haven't tried the food here, but a quick glance of their menu seems to indicate that they are not that veggie/vegan friendly.
(2)
Soumya B.
Delicious sandwiches. Their chicken parm melt is fabulous! Love their in house flatbread too!
(5)
Caitlin C.
Cosi! Hey! Are you ready?! I'm about to fix all your $h¡t! Get ready! It's gonna be awesome! Okay! So we're gonna stick to stuff that's mostly within your power. It's probably not your fault, Cosi Kendall, that your corporate overlords source their meat from suppliers who evidently raise rubber chickens and turkeys sustained entirely on yellow salt paste. It's also probably not your fault that your masters compel you to continue doling out bags of unnaturally tiny carrots about four months past the time they ceased resembling actual produce. Real meat and vegetables aren't within your bailiwick, Cosi Kendall, so we'll let those sleeping dogs lie. However! A few things you might want to consider: First! I appreciate that all the self-important Kendall Square software engineers need their comeuppance, and I applaud your efforts to give it to them by cutting your salad lettuce into such unwieldy, un-bite-sized pieces that anyone who eats them invariably ends up looking like a jackass. I applaud that, really! There's a catch, though: Most of the software engineers don't really eat your salads. They stick to the beefier items, like beef (haha, "beef," good one guys!) and cheesy meat flatbreads. So if you could think about giving the rest of us, you know, actual salad instead of giant half-leaves of strangely off-color romaine, that'd be rad! Second! I know your lunch rush food delivery system is actually just a really long-running logic problem designed to entice the Kendall tech crowd into working for you (take that, Google interview process!), but you missed a crucial step once again: Most of the people you're trying to lure into redesigning your janky rush line aren't even coming in for their food! Their unpaid interns pick it up for them! Believe me, Cosi Kendall, those interns aren't thinking about your lunchtime workflow or your nutritive process tree. It's okay to revert to human logic and stop pretending you "just forgot" to bag all the twenty-minutes-old to go orders on the back half of the counter, guys. You'll get 'em next time! Finally! Your bug reporting must be a little out of whack, because that bug I reported a few months ago--you know, the one in your polymorphic ordering system--is still alive and kicking. It's super fun waiting to see if my order of "Signature salad and lentil soup" correctly predicts a "Turkey sandwich and clam chowder" result, but the rest of Cambridge isn't as enamored with this game as you and I. Suggestion: Snag one of those engineers while s/he's waiting for a flatbread that'll never come, and get her/him to bang out a fix and close that ticket. It's not all bad news, Cosi Kendall--the bread today was ace!
(2)
Cindy H.
Small portions, but the service was OK. I went about once a week out of convenience. Like others have pointed, the place is packed, but it's got a nice atmosphere. OK back to the food - the chicken is usually overdone and not cut up nicely, but the bread makes up for that.
(3)
Angela D.
A good place that makes decent sandwiches for a quick lunch. Their sandwiches are made with flatbread, which is made in-house. Between my boyfriend and I we had the tuna melt and the chicken pesto melt, both of which were very good. For Cambridge, the prices were decently reasonable as we left with a $15 bill. Cosi's proximity to MIT makes it pretty convenient.
(3)
Brooke R.
Ducked in here for an early dinner. I got the adobo chicken bowl which came with warm flat bread. The bread was fantastic! At first, I wasn't thrilled with my bowl, but it kept getting yummier with every bite. I'm not sure what kind of voodoo magic they cast on me, but it worked!
(4)
Stella P.
Really enjoyed the food and the amazing prices but I did not like how they started closing soon before people were cruelly done with their food and even putting chairs on tables. But I would go again because I really like the food.
(4)
Andrea E.
The only reason they are getting two stars instead of one is because the service was patient and friendly. I ordered the Chipotle Lime Chicken Salad. One of the staff asked me if they could substitute romaine lettuce as they were out of mixed greens. I said sure, since I like romaine. The lettuce in the salad was not just wilted, but YELLOW. Please see the photo I took in the photos section for evidence. The chicken, beans, and corn were okay but the lettuce which composed 85% of the bowl was yellow and not edible. I would have rejected the salad, but I got it "to-go" and it was served in a brown bag so I didn't look at it until I went home.
(2)
Nicole W.
Ordered an adobe chicken salad. Got a pile of greens and rifled through it only to find 3 small strips of what maybe could be called chicken. The bread that came with it looked great but tasted like nothing. I feel ripped off.
(2)
Kerri Y.
Despite the crowd, despite the hard to read menu and the extended wait for food, I really like this place. (This location is better than the times I've had Cosi in the airport) The salads are very fresh, the bread on the side is amazing and everything moves along rather quickly (waiting in line and ordering). They package the to-go things well enough that it is easy to find a seat outside on the curb and not feel like your lunch is going to blow away or wish that you had remembered napkins or utensils. I agree that it is a bit pricey, but the quality makes up for it. If a place is crowded like this place tends to be, it can't be all that bad!
(4)
Kanchan S.
I visit Cambridge often these days due to work and a colleague introduced me to Cosi. It get's crowded during lunch hours and i know why. After all who doesn't like fresh baked bread in their sandwich. I tried tandoori chicken and it was damn good. And i liked the concept of giving baby carrots with sandwich as an included side.
(4)
John T.
Free wifi or you can use the MIT guest (I think it's faster) porn sites are blocked boo :( study here w the rest of the MIT students or pretend ur one, it's like panera in many ways. Chicken pesto sandwich and tomato soup a must. S'mores for two a def treat most ppl don't know about it. I think ppl squat in here waiting for the buses in front to pick them up. If ur one of them might as well load up on the free bread samples..... Carbs yeah!!! Be large and in charge
(5)
Angela A.
Cosi is reliably decent, and reliably crowded. Go at 11:59am, and you'll get your sammich or salad or whatever without a problem. Go at 12:01pm, and you'll be squeezed in the crowd, shoulder to shoulder, feebly waving your number to the rushing waiters. The bread is sometimes reason enough for a trip - I don't know how Cosi does it, but their bread is EXACTLY like this pizza bianca I used to get in Campo dei Fiori, Rome, way back in the day. Their rewards card is decent - 1/8 off your sandwiches? Something like that. And my favorite, reliably filling and tasty combo is the sandwich+salad thing.
(3)
Hrishikesh H.
ok
(3)
Branden A.
Wow, the "Korean Pork Bowl" was tremendous . . . far exceeded my expectations. This was my first time here and the food, atmosphere and service are great. The assistant manager "India" (I believe that's how she spelled her name) obviously does a effective job managing the location. I am a summer student at Harvard - so I live a little ways away- but this place will certainly be on my weekly lunch routines from now on. They made a fan out of me! I ihgihtly recomend the Korean Pork bowl. D-Lish!!!
(4)
Hank C.
We needed a snack while walking the waterfront, so we detoured here to Kendall Square. My sharp-eyed wife saw this (the sign placement is horrible, by the way) and we popped in to grab a sandwich. Not particularly handicapped-friendly entrance, but for those of us who don't mind stairs, up you go... and over to the spacious counter. The menu on the wall is a bit chaotic. Difficult to read if you haven't been here before or to similar remodeled Cosi's. Service was pleasant and swift. Around the back is more seating and the bathrooms... a bit dirty back here. The TBM was done well, and quickly, I liked the number system and it was a simple, delicious meal. The chips are forever too salty here, it's a good thing they keep them in small portions. And like Mabel C. noted, they definitely close earlier than the sign indicates.
(2)
F F.
Love the signature salad, this place is great at anytime other than lunch time Mon-Fri. Even with the rush they are surprisingly fast but forget about trying to get a seat in the front. There is some seating in the back but no windows, so I find it feels a little like a cave. Staff is always nice and deal with the lunch rush without an attitude. Only wish that during the busy lunch hours they do something about the exhaust system. The entire restaurant smells smoky and uncomfortable.
(4)
Chris M.
We're fighting. I'm a man with a simple pallet ... i like chicken, i like bread, I like salads... you can't win me over with things like tandoori, and you can't win me over by appearing to have a hip modern easy to customize menu. you don't... well you do. but I've still not been able to order something there with confidence. At one time in your life you offered some sesame chicken that I really loved.... chicken, flat bread, and lettuce. I want that back. Cosi bring back that chicken.
(2)
here t.
Im just going to say two things, and I am NOT making this up. 1) A whole entire grasshopper was in my salad. Yes, it was dead; recently, judging by the condition of the thing, halfway into the salad. I was given a gift card which I gave back and had to ASK for a refund. At least is wasn't half a grasshopper... 2) Why the hell should I give it TWO stars?! The place is OK and generally nice staff. So the F-Up on their part brings them down a couple. But you be the judge
(2)
Ian C.
Cosi is really just Meh. Granted, it has a great location right next to the eastern half of MIT's campus. But the food is nothing to write home about. I've tried most of the sandwiches, and they're all just mediocre. The personal pizzas (thin crust!) are decent, but they feel premade and really commercial. The staff is friendly, but the atmosphere feels so cheesy. They try to be fancy with the "artwork" on the walls, but it really misses the mark. I'll avoid Cosi when I can, unless I'm forced to eat it if their food gets catered.
(2)
Georgina C.
I went to Cosi, I took a bite of their Cosi Cobb sans bacon and scallions with sherry shallot dressing and closed my eyes in foodie bliss. I returned promptly the next day, no matter that it took me 20 minutes to get there. I quickly became obsessed. I love restaurants that make it easy to order, will deliver it almost as quickly as a fast-food place but to your table as one would at a much slower-paced restaurant. Another element I crave is menu options that are both tasty and healthy. Not only do they offer various selections that are heart healthy and low-cal but the food is delicious! With your salad comes an oven baked grainy wheat flat-bread that is amazing and makes you feel a bit better than bread sticks or doughy rolls. If you want to be naughty, they have a s'mores set-up which allows you to roast marshmallows right at your table. Other Pluses: Free wireless, welcoming ambiance, inexpensive soy lattes, plenty of seating with limited comfy chairs (you'll usually find me perched in one of the seats in the area in the back which is usually empty because most people never venture back there). Though if you take a glance at Yelp several Bostonians have complained about the service, every time I have been there my order was correct and I was treated well. See you there!
(4)
Jon L.
Despite being sandwiched amongst the MIT campus, Microsoft NERD, and a ton of bio-tech companies, Kendall Square doesn't have that many good lunchtime food options. Cosi is a testament to that mediocrity. It's a couple dollars more expensive than the cheapest options in the area (the food trucks on Ames or even the food court behind the COOP), but the portions are small and not very filling (a chicken sandwich here has 1/2 the amount of chicken as what you'd get down the street at Au Bon Pain - the rest is just melted cheese filler). It's a good thing they have those flatbread pieces to munch on by the register. Best deal? Go with a friend and split a flatbread pizza.
(2)
Andrew G.
Poor food for the price. Steak Gorgonzola melt is pretty much just a loaf of bread. I'm not sure it even had any Gorgonzola in it.
(2)
Bethany S.
I love this place. The grilled chicken TBM sandwiches are the best! Something about the bread they use has magic in it... This particular location has adequate seating and nice decor.
(4)
Varun A.
Great sandwiches (on their freshly baked bread) and soups. I go there for lunch atleast once or twice a week.Their chicken pesto melt is one of my favorites and would highly recommend it. Have also tried the tandoori chicken sandwich and the bacon turkey cheddar melt , both equally good.
(5)
Kathy C.
Ordered a Shanghai Chicken salad, which was a bunch of greens, a bit of grated carrots, chicken pieces and dry noodles. For $8.30. Really, really not worth it. Bread was the best part. Don't bother.
(2)
Jane Z.
Nothing special, good for a basic sandwich
(2)
Brian D.
Let's call Cosi what it is - an upscale Subway... OK maybe an upscale Quizno's. But, hey, that's OK with me! Let's be real - not every lunch needs to be fancy. What Cosi lacks in style, it makes up in substance. The bread's (ahem... signature flatbread that is) pretty wonderful for a sandwich shop. The Chicken TBM (tomato, basil, and mozzarella) with vinaigrette is a winner every time. For you rabbit lovers, the signature salad is also highly recommended with its grapes, pears, pistachios, cranberries, and gorgonzola! I haven't tried the pizzas, but they seem to get mixed reviews here. Yes, it's pricey - lunch will probably run you $10. But it won't make you feel completely gross or force you into a food coma like most lunch menus.
(3)
Corey F.
It's cleanish, the food is usually pretty good, the people are friendly enough, if sometimes inattentive. They get special orders (stuff as simple as "no cheese") wrong about 80% of the time, and the soda fountain always produces a cup with all foam and no liquid. But the location is good, and you can sometimes get lucky and score an outlet for your laptop.
(3)
Mimi W.
A little on the pricey side for sandwiches, but very good food. Their pizza is very hearty and delicious. Their sandwiches are yummy, and they have a signature salad there that is to die for. It gets very crowded during regular lunch hours but they are still pretty efficient.
(4)
Jessie C.
Not too bad - a little expensive. Had the signature salad with chicken, there was a good amount of toppings which was nice to see - everything seemed pretty fresh as well. I like the speed at which they move also - not a lot of standing around. The bread is a nice touch. Next time maybe I'll try a sandwich.
(4)
Raluca Ada P.
Considering it is quick food and affordable, I like it. The salads are great, their flat bread is very tasty. (Check out the free fresh bread leftovers they put near the cashier!) The new grain bowls are a great idea as well.
(5)
John L.
I'm going to give an extra star. When you consider that the service is decent, and the place is not nearly as frenetic in the morning as it was when it first opened, they seem to have gotten their act together. It's still a little wacky at lunch, but for breakfast, it's a decent option. On top of this, they also tell you the healthy options, which is much nicer than ABP, where you find out later (or in their computer thingy) that the bread is filled with oodles of empty calories.
(3)
Shaina P.
Complete 180. Agh, the appeal of Cosi has flipped a big one on me. There is still the enjoyable nibble of fresh cooked cosi-bread (salt=good), but that's. about. it. The prices are overboard especially when they get your order wrong repeatably. The line goes out the door from noon through 1 on a daily basis, which you might think is a good sign, but this might be part of the reason why your order comes without chicken when you asked for chicken. The chicken's not that great anyway. Definitely not fresh. It's got that odd slimy-moist texture to it and it's always perfectly cubed. I used to love you. Now, I just take advantage of you as I creep up behind the hordes of suckers and snatch as much bread from the sample bowl as possible.
(2)
Sonia T.
I should give it 1 star, but since it didn't actually give me food poisoning, i'll go with two ?? But i don't understand how this place is in business. I had catered lunch from here today. The salad must have been cut days ago as the cucumber pieces were yellowing and disintegrating, and the lettuce had red discoloration, and some of the greens had turned to sloppy mush... the chicken in the sandwiches is more like "pressed chicken product", like you'd expect to find in the middle of a chicken nugget, and when you bite into the flatbread you have to do a double-take to make sure you didn't actually bite into the paper wrapping around the sandwich. so shady they make the rest of the options in kendall square look great.
(2)
Toni L.
I might change my review if I ever come back here, but my first brush with Cosi was a 2 star-er, mainly because of the weird aftertaste in my sandwich. Food: I got the tandoori chicken which sounded great on the menu but had sauce in it that tasted like paint thinner. I'm not sure what kind of spices they put in their sauce, but they were way too powerful and completely masked the taste of the otherwise normal chicken and bread. Do not get this item!!! Service: The strange cash register guy nearly gave me guff because I could not understand what he was saying. Enunciate please! Atmosphere: Kind of cute inside. It's very ... cosi. hahaha Synopsis: I'll stick with Corner Bakery, but if you choose to go, do NOT get the tandoori chicken sandwich.
(2)
Christopher F.
Terrible place. I ordered a steak salad from this place. The steak was not tender--very tough texture and not juicy at all. The amount of salad dressing given for the salad was very small in amount and the flatbread was not fresh. The roof of my mouth was cut by the hard texture of the bread. Try to avoid. Not recommended
(2)
Jeremy K.
Place is very nicely decorated and comfortable. Has free wireless and is a nice place to hangout. Their food is alright, nothing outstanding but they do have some original stuff, including their trademark smores that come in a kit that is brought over to your table: it's a lot of fun, especially with friends. Aside from that they just need to improve their management. Every time I go there, the managers and employees are on their cell phones and people end up waiting 10-20 minutes for a sandwich and a drink... something that should be taking 5 minutes, tops. They also have trouble remembering frequent customers.. I've been there many times and every time I come back they don't recognize me and still ask the same questions over and over. I work in retail and see many faces per day and I still manage to pick people appart and custom-greet them.
(4)
Jane E.
I'm an MIT student. As such, I like the convenient location, delicious food (and ever evolving menu of specials), and fast service. What more is there to ask for? Just had the new sweet curry sandwich with curry chicken, cranberries, and pistachios. My other favorites are any of the melts, though really, they are all delightful (and for the most part, healthy).
(4)
D L.
I've tried almost everything on their menu, as we often order Cosi for lunch at work. Their pizza is pretty good (the BBQ chicken one is awesome), but they use the weirdest cheese. It melts sort of weird. For sandwiches...the melts always have a _ton_ of cheese in them. Which can be a good thing or a bad thing. The buffalo bleu sandwich is also pretty good, however I wish the buffalo chicken were warm instead of served cold. The tandoori chicken sandwich is also like this...and it's weird. For a vegetarian option, try out the roasted veggie sandwich...it's quite good! Their soups are decent, too, and come with the super salty flatbread. Super busy during lunch, but they have a good ordering system and works well if you're taking your order to go.
(3)
Steven P.
I have eaten lunch here many times and the food is pretty good. The service leaves something to be desired, though. I have been with friends who say that Cosi has gotten their order wrong more than once, but I have had no such thing happen. The pizzas are pretty good, though that is a direct result of the flatbread they make them on being awesome. The sandwiches are alright. The tomato basil soup is really good though! Well, as good as tomato soup can be. It's really thick and mmm, good for dipping bread in! It's a bit better than Au Bon Pain, the equivalent "trying to be fancy" restaurant in the area.
(4)
Leo L.
I'm a sucker for flatbread. Give me a bowl of it (the warm samples at Cosi) or a plate of it with dipping sauces (The Helmand), or a three foot long bag of it (Russo's Market) and I will tolerate many sins. I'll tolerate long lines, slightly overpriced items, chips that are way too salty, a slightly weary, "this place is high end" snobby attitude (even though it's just a chain sandwich place and its heyday, if it ever had one, hasn't been for ten years), and folks at the register that ask for the third time, "for here or to go?" even as they're not really paying attention. All for a Tandoori flatbread sandwich, which by the way, I can't get anywhere else, and is pretty darn tasty when heated up. Haven't tried anything else and probably won't. Probably wouldn't recommend it... unless you're a sucker for flatbread.
(3)
Adrienne T.
STAY AWAY FROM THIS COSI, go to the one on Milk Street in downtown Boston, instead- you'll have a much better food experience. HOW do you mess up a Cosi sandwich??? This location figured out how to do it. I knew I was in trouble when the cashier freaked out because I wanted to "make my own" sandwich. She kept trying to get me to get one off of the board that she knew how to ring, but I insisted. Bad move on my part. My sandwich, which was quite simple by most standards- turkey and swiss, extra mayo, and field greens, came back dry as a chip, and just tasted awful. Everyone sitting in the dining area, which I must say, was very nice and trendy, had a laptop. I felt out of place with no computer. Oh, well, it is MIT, what did I expect? A decently done sandwich, maybe???!
(1)
Dale N.
I've been working in the area for about 3 months and now that my time there is ending, I find Cosi. What bad luck! Can I jut say how amazing the flatbread is? I'm a self-proclaimed bread snob and it still amazed me. Hot and fresh, just the right amount of tangy, crisp outside but still chewy in the middle... Heaven! I had a plain cheese pizza on this amazing flatbread and it was awesome. Calories be damned, I'll be getting that again. The line was very long, being it was lunch time, but it did more fairly fast. The order-taking process was painless and if you're eating there, you got a little card to put on your table. In just a few minutes someone is bringing you that hot, delicious pizza. The dinning area can be crowded, so my advice is to scope out a table before ordering. The prices are a bit high, but the food is quality. I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Alicia B.
If you've never been here, it's so easy to find from the T stop. So, if you don't know the area, this is a good option for when you need some grub or afternoon pick-me-up. It's also a good spot to meet-up for a mid-afternoon chat and latte, which I indulged in both, happily. The chat was great. The latte didn't compare to others I've had. It's your standard latte - average at best. I like the vibe at Cosi, though it can be quite busy, even at what appears to be a non-peak 2 p.m. hour on a Friday afternoon. I didn't eat here, so I can't speak to their food, but the place is what you'd expect it to be - clean, decent service, clean bathrooms and ample seating. Sadly, the wifi, it seems, is spotty, at best.
(3)
Erica E.
I keep going back to Cosi because I really like that they you can make s'mores right at your table. Other than that I'm not really sure why I bother. The service is terrible. No matter what time of day, whether it's busy or the place is empty. They forget your orders, bring out the wrong the thing and are kind of rude. They also seem surprised too when I ask for something I ordered and it wasn't brought to me...even if I'm the only person who has ordered anything in the last ten minutes! Like I said, you can make smores at your table, that's pretty great.
(2)
Jenny S.
Not a bad place for quick dinner. Soup and bread is pretty nice
(4)
Al K.
Good food - AMAZING people work here - always great service from friendly people
(5)
Shannon S.
I've been to Cosi way more than I'd like to. That's probably because the options in Kendall are pathetic, and a girl's gotta eat. I've tried a pesto flatbreast sandwich -- The chicken was chewy and flavorless, the flatbread was dry and meh -- and the line was awful. I went back and tried a flatbread pizza, better, but nothing to write home about. The cheese was just melted on top and the veggies were just placed there. It sort of had a cheesy bread taste. I took a crack at their Mojito Lemonade and had to pour water in it to get it down. It tasted like pure cane sugar water with pieces of mint floating in it. You're probably better off eating at Rebecca's cafe.
(2)
Al R.
I love and hate this place. The food is good and the service is faster than a sit down. But, expect to spend 10 minutes waiting because there is always a crowd during lunch and they make your order when you place it. I go here a lot because it is close to my office and every other quick place around here is crap. The only reason why I don't give this place 4 stars is because it is expensive. Ten bucks ($10) for a sandwich and drink.
(3)
A S.
This used be a great place, but it's a shame that they are turning into a low class fast food shop. Avoid here on Sunday afternoons as they get extra rude for some reason. And what used to be a crispy crust pizza becomes soggy thanks to excessive tomato sauce.
(1)
Jennifer M.
Have you looked at the nutrition facts on their Web site? Please do -- even if you aren't a health nut and you don't diet -- it will still shock you. I thought I was eating healthy -- some tasty soup or a grilled chicken sandwich. WRONG. Plus, I used to go religiously every Monday for the Winter Garden Veggie soup, and then they discountinued it. I went three Mondays in a row and they said "Oh, we're out." And then they finally told me they had discountinued it (without removing it from the menu). On the plus side: They have a much better set-up than Au Bon Pain -- but try not to go between 12:00 and 12:30, it gets crazy.
(3)
Chelsey A.
My advice for this place is to beat the lunch rush. I tend to go right at noon or after 1:30 so I have a table to myself. I love the free wireless and their Bacon, Turkey, Cheddar melt with carrots.
(4)
Omar F.
The service is bad. The food is good, and much better than anything else around the area. ABP? no please. Overall, I'd say go here if you want a good sandwich, salad, or flatbread, but don't really expect someone nice to smile at you when you order or to say thank you.
(3)
Chris B.
We'll start at a minimum 1 star rating: +1 star for the amazing flatbread stuff that they use and that you can get for free at the register. +1 star for the cute girl that works the lunch shift all the time and has a crush on my friend. +1 star for the great sandwich choices and tasty, unique flavors. -1 star for being INSANELY crowded at lunchtime. It's like the floor of the NYSE when waiting for your number to be called after noon. There you have it, 3 stars it is.
(3)
Joe R.
Kendall Sq is definitely in need of new options, but Cosi doesn't really scratch the itch. I realize they're new, but I've never seen so much irregularity in how a sandwich is made. I'll often get ingredients that aren't part of the recipe, mixed cold & hot meats (when they should all be hot), and occasionally a completely botched order. 5 stars for the bread, though.
(2)
Laurie C.
I'm hooked on the free bread samples.. I don't usually buy lunch while at work, but I'll buy coffee on a regular basis and theirs is great. Kendall Square has 2 AuBonPains, 2 Starbucks, a Rebeccas Cafe and a Dunkin Donuts, but I keep returning to Cosi for coffee because it's a rich dark roast and the bread is addictive. The staff is great and it's a nice place to just chill. (There's a nice and quiet little back room.) The menu change often some of it's very good, some of it is just eh. Do try the coffee and snack bars and hang around for the bread to come out of the oven.
(4)
Heidi X.
They make good flatbread melts! The outdoor seating at this outlet is a big plus.
(4)
Lena C.
I actually like Cosi. The waits can be a little long, but the food is actually pretty amazing. Can be a little pricey, and I've only tried the sandwiches and salads, but it's worth a stop in for lunch.
(4)
Steph K.
The vegetarian options here are pretty slim-pickins. The flatbread they use gets soggy quickly which makes for a disappointing delivery if ordering catering.
(2)
Jessica M.
I'm upping my stars here because I went back and it was a lot better. Sucks that they aren't consistent but my tuna melt was melted this time and was rather quick even though it was crowded and busy. I'm going to agree with a lot of previous posters here. I went here today after a rather decent experience at the downtown one last fall. I wanted something other than ABP and thought "hey - why not?" Plenty of reasons, actually. Starting with the fact that my tuna melt was cold. So was my friend's chicken melt. Cold. And the flavors were plain and bland. The service was curt and efficient. I went at 11:15, knowing that the lunch rush can easily make you wait forever for your flatbread, and still had to wait 15 minutes. I know they can't possibly use the excuse that they were melting my "tuna melt" (see above if you are wondering why). And for a whooping $7 for a sandwich and mini pack of baby carrots, I felt ripped off. I should have just gone to ABP....or maybe waited at Emma's for their fantastic tuna melts.
(3)
Ellen C.
Meh. I've been here before. I tend to like the beverages pretty well, and the sandwiches aren't bad, but I've had better. I'd favor any locale cafe over a chain. I also feel weird when people ask me whether I want chips or apple slices. Apple slices in bags just seem a bit strange at a restaurant. Why not just give out a real apple? I think you're better off going here to meet someone for a coffee or smoothie, rather than a full meal.
(2)
Hugh R.
Just what Kendall Square needs...ANOTHER overpriced sandwich/salad shop. [And now we have Sebastians too. Yipee!] I've just eaten a COSI breakfast sandwich and honestly, not impressed. Bland and chewy. I could have pulled it from a warmer at a convenience store and not known the difference. However, their sandwiches ARE pretty decent, but I don't really know how I feel about spending $9 for a "decent" sandwich, six crumbled potato chips and a soda. An acceptable alternative to Au Bon Pain on those days I forget to pack a lunch and feel as though I have money to burn, but certainly little more.
(3)
Brian M.
I've been here a few times lately and things have improved a lot so fair's fair, time to bump up the rating. The Cosi Club, Grilled Chicken TBM Melt are very good and it's great that they offer carrots as a side instead of chips. Also, you can tell a lot about a place about how they handle problems. Lunchtime today there was a mix-up and I was waiting nearly 15 mins for my sandwich. Irritating, but straight off they offered me a cookie / brownie and the manager then offered to pay for my lunch next time. I accepted the cookie and declined the lunch (I'm not one of those miserable gits who complains just to get free stuff) but I appreciated the offer. This branch is also way way better than the one on Federal Street
(4)
Sana A.
It's hard to get a feel for this place. I tend to come here quite a bit, since it's on my way home from work. At first, I thought it was kinda a more upscale Panera (with the same type of price but a better atmosphere), but actually the food is quite better. The Kendal Square location is asthetically quite welcoming, actually. You walk in past the menu's right into someone at a counter ready to take your menu. If there is a line, they usually have freebie bread out to warm your tummy up for the real food. The seating areas is supplied with a great deal of couchy like comfy chairs, some actually couches as well as booths, for the less couch friendly. It's a greaet place to grab lunch and snuggle up with a book, or get coffee. It's basic fare, sandwhichs, melts, soup, salads and pizza. They do get somewhat creative with the items in it (ie. Tandoori Chicken Sandwhich).The serivce tends to be a bit iffy, though. Sometimes they are dead on. Everyone is smiling, welcoming and polite. Sometimes, they get your order wrong, the manager gets upset (vocally) and they are rude. All in all, I stop to pick up a bite here once in a while. It's not my favourite sandwhich in town, but it beats fastfood. Oh, and there is free wireless!
(2)
Jenny L.
OK, after eating here now about a dozen times and understanding what's good here, I want to bump up my review by one star. Go with the lunch pizzas and salads for a good meal, it's much harder to find a great sandwich here but turkey and brie, tuna melt, and the meatball sandwich are at the top of my list. I've also been getting their smoothies which are great! You can't eat here everyday but there's enough variety to keep you interested if you're coming here once a week.
(4)
Beth M.
Yet another Kendall Square lunch time clusterfu*k. But, one where ordering and receiving your food is quick and you get to much on yummy, warm, fresh baked bread while you wait? There are 1000s of people at this Cosi during lunch time. Okay, maybe not. But it seems like it, with all the area companies and MIT so close by. The breads, salads and sandwiches are actually pretty good, and some of the choices are unexpectedly creative. I like the Bombay Salad with masala-scented chicken. I even think the chicken is real! maybe. Good luck finding a seat!
(3)
Kristine M.
TBM Melt. Do it!!! Now!
(4)
shary m.
Cosi is a great sandwich chain. The fresh bread is yummy. Yes, this one in particular is crowded, and yes it's doesn't have mind blowing atmosphere, but it has free wifi and constant freshness in the bread department. All in all a great choice for lunch, and great place to fly solo with your computer.
(4)
Dana L.
So I used to frequent Cosi when I lived in DC, and I must say that the experience hasn't quite translated. I used to go during lunch time and stand in a massive line to get my sandwich or salad. Maybe I was less picky back then, but the line always seemed be moving. And frequently there were interesting occurrences, like the time when they broke down the bathroom door to arrest some guy who passed out while shooting heroin. But that's another story... The food is just a bit too expensive for what you get (about $6-7 for a fairly small sandwich). The sandwiches are unexceptional, and border somewhere between fair and not quite adequate. Also, the service isn't quite friendly enough. There is also something slightly off about the people at the cash register. They aren't constantly taking orders, but seem to pause to collect themselves between customers. It can be kind of annoying when you stand there and are ignored by the person at the counter for a minute or two. It seems like they have plenty of staff, so it isn't quite clear what is happening. Maybe they will eventually figure it out. The free bread is good, but it seems infrequently replenished when compared with other Cosis. This might have to do with the fairly low volume during off-peak hours.
(2)
Kristina M.
I generally try to avoid chain stores, but I do come here occasionally (partly for lack of better options at Kendall Sq). I actually really like their Hummus&Veggie Sandwich (love their bread!), and combined with the chips that come with is (you could get carrots instead, but you wouldn't want to eat too healthy, would you?), I always feel completely satisfied after eating here, so as far as I'm concerned the prices are actually ok. (While other places might charge slightly less for a sandwich, I often still feel hungry after eating there, so I prefer to pay the extra buck and feel satisfied.) The place is relatively comfortable (compared to, say, Au Bon Pain), and they have free wireless, but I hardly ever eat in there and usually get take-out, anyway. On the negative side, the people working at the cash register can be somewhat strange and hard to understand and are at times excruciatingly slow, which is (needless to say) VERY annoying. I usually have pretty late lunches, so I have never encountered the long queues that other reviewers have complained about, but I would definitely not go during peak lunch hour, as I can see how this might lead to absolute disaster.
(3)
Kristen F.
I ordered a pizza and it was completely cold (the cheese wasn't melted either) so I asked them to reheat it. Still was gross after. The interior is fairly warm and inviting, so one star is all it gets.
(1)
Thomas E.
I went back, grudgingly, when a friend of mine **insisted** we go here for their avacado + chips combo. Perhaps it was that there was absolutely no one else waiting at 3pm, so it only took 15 minutes for the staff to bring out a platter of greasy chips and a small cup of dip. Oh, and his **toasted** chicken sandwich? Still cold; chicken still cubed. RUN FOR THE HILLS, FOLKS. Swallow your pride and just go to ABP nextdoor.
(1)
T I.
A good place to work and study. The food is good and tasty. You can sit here for hours and write your papers. Kind of loud for reading something difficult. The salads are really good. It's walking distance to MIT. Wireless Internet. comfortable chairs. the breads are tasty.
(4)
Carrie M.
Dear Cosi, In a way I wanted to like you. I generally prefer the mom & pop places, but I thought I'd give you a chance. I'm sorry to say I almost wish I hadn't. While your chairs may be comfy, the food did nothing for me, at least not on this visit. I just stopped in for a snack, and your free wireless drew me in. I ordered a caramel apple cider (which took three employees to ring up) and a brownie bar. The caramel apple cider smelled of chemicals (definitely wasn't all natural), and made me nauseous (no lie). I do like the fact that you bring the food to the table when its ready. It's nice to not have to worry about leaving your laptop and bags at the table to grab your food and weave through the tables. So that's definitely a plus. Maybe I'll give you a second chance if I find myself in the area in need of wireless and more food than just a snack. Maybe a nice sandwich will change my outlook, as some of them do sound good. I would like to thank you for giving the vegetarians more than one option, it is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Carrie E.
(2)
Colin N.
Cosi is the best lunch option in Kendall Square. I used to go to Cosi in Brooklyn before the whole atkins craze and the stock market crash nearly killed the place. They seem to be expanding again. Cosi is the place we go when we can't think of anywhere else to go. That's a pretty good place to be as a restaurant. It's not amazing, but it's the default. Go Cosi!
(4)
Lynn P.
I love cosi~! Their sandwiches and salads are excellent. I sometimes stop by here just to buy their drinks. They bake their flat breads fresh often during each day. I like everything that they make~! so tasty~!
(5)
Tristan B.
This joint just opened up in the location that once was the Wrap (a place I really don't miss too much), and like most opening days, it was absolutely mobbed. I slipped in as people were reading off the menu and had seen what I thought I wanted; a Wasabi Ginger Roast beef sandwich. I walked up to the counter with some tepid feelings on how I was to order, but I managed to get my sandwich with chips for about 6 bucks. Holy crap, that's CHEAP for this area! Service was super quick. They had a ton of people working, so we'll have to play "wait and see" on how the service turns out. The sandwich? Pretty good! The bread was a little dry and overly chewy, but it's a pretty good combination of food and I'm digging it. Chips are standard relabled fair, I think I'll go for the carrot sticks next time. Inside was typical generic yuppie eatery. I'd rather eat at my desk. Neat things: They offer carrot sticks or chips with your lunch, so you can be healthy still. Cosi adds a MUCH NEEDED new food venue in the Kendall Square area, and it's an appealing option for those of us who are trapped on the Main street strip. Update: Went there a second time, took FOREVER for a pressed turkey and cheese. It was pretty decent for the price, but I think I was ready to just about take off it took so long.
(3)
_ _.
Scale of 1-10 (multiple visits): 7 Food 9 Service 10 Atmosphere 6 Value
(4)
Julianne M.
Yes, its overpriced. But I like the flatbread/brie cheese/turkey sandwich and it keeps me coming back. It gets pretty crowded and sometimes it can take 10 mins or so to get your food, so watch the clock if you need to be back in the office quickly. Its a nice addition to the lame selection of lunch choices for those of us working in the Kendall area.
(3)
Jin Y.
granted i came here only to get their break bar and coffee (was in a hurry), i must say that it was pretty good. lots of choices here but it seems from the reviews of others that it's a total hit or miss. im glad all mine were hits!
(4)
J M.
Cosi has good food, a nice atmosphere, and a lot of options. I especially like the chicken parm melt and the pesto melt (melts are kind of like a panini). The only downside is that it isn't very cheap for a sandwich place.
(5)
Liz G.
Yes, it's true that the options in Kendall are limited, but Cosi tops my list of places to grab a quick bite. I usually come in here on a Saturday or Sunday, and the manager that works there has always been very fast and very helpful. The service he provided went above and beyond,, despite the fact that there was a huge line at lunch hour. By the way, their white chocolate chip cookies are really delish. and the cheesecake is TO DIE FOR. It's definitely one of my fave desserts eva. What's up with the complaints? Cosi is all the that and a bag of chips. And those chips are pretty yummy. ;)
(5)
Tommy S.
Convenient from the T and Marriott Hotel. Not bad for soup-from-a-bag Panera-style food
(3)
Liz D.
I would give it 2 1/2 stars because I LOVE that they have Make Your Own S'Mores. Other than that, the food and drinks are just okay, they aren't bad but they are really great either. The service on the other hand is horrible. They always seem to forget some part of my order (usually the drinks). One time they forgot to give me a cup so that I could get my own soda and when I went back to the counter to ask for the cup they seemed annoyed with me. If it wasn't for the S'Mores, I would probably never bother to go there.
(2)
Chirag P.
Hmm looking at the other reviews, I can see why you may not like this place when they mess up your order. However, I remember they did that once and fixed it right away. Yeah, if you are working in the area, cannot afford a 1 hour lunch break, and find it pricey to pay $9 for lunch, I would not come here the wait is a little long. But if you are willing to wait, go for it, their tomato basil soup is awesome.
(3)
Mabel C.
When I attempted to come here for dinner, the hours specified that this place closes on Sundays at 7 pm, but the employees locked the door and wouldn't let in any more customers at 6:20 pm that day. That was not cool because I was in a mood for a quick bite and I don't know many places to eat in the MIT area. Foodwise this place is ok - their sandwiches seem to be on par with the sandwiches at Cosi's in Philadelphia where I went to college.
(3)
Mags L.
koh-see or koh-zee? maybe it's kaw-see or kaw-sigh. hummus and veggie sandwich. good fillings (cukes, tomahtoes, red onions, basil), flatbread interesting. sum of all parts - not bad. carroteenies? i think they give you about 5 very miniature carrots. not exactly a good deal. chips might have been a better choice. if they're going to put a franchise place here why don't they do something like fresh city? i would be happy w/a long john silver's here too. i never get what i want.
(3)
Diane I.
there isn't much options over at kendall - so anytime someone wants to go to lunch i always insist on cosi. their humus and fresh veggies is amazing. its kind of ridiculous how much i love it. and who doesn't get a positive association with a place when you randomly find a bag of cosi potato chips that you had stuck in your desk drawer 2 weeks ago (it happened last week to me - it was better than finding a $20 in my jeans pocket). i think its way better than abp (everything kind of tastes the same there - the mediterranean dressing dominates) or rebecca's.
(3)
Peter P.
I came here to see if anyone had reviewed this place yet, I am glad they have. I completely agree with Mary's review. Those emplyees need some serious hygiene training. I saw a sandwich preparer playing with her hair (like digging into her scalp) then go back to assembling a sandwich. I don't think the customer ordered extra dandruff. Also, when will these places learn that you shouldn't contact food after handling money? It's not that hard to change gloves or assign a dedicated cashier. The "lady" who served me acted like an angry trucker that I accidentally woke up to bother for moderately-attentive service. The place Blows. Over-priced, bland food. Weird interior; dark, "funky" industrial... it just doesn't work. I think that location is cursed or the same person has been in charge of hiring for the employees of the last three failed restaurants there. I hate to say it, but Au Bon Pain might be a better deal.
(1)
Mack T.
Damn if they don't have the worst coffee I've had in a long time. It's like three-day-old-gas-station-coffee bad. It tastes like battery acid, and not in a good way. Or, to put it another way: ABP's coffee blows Cosi's out of the water. And ABP coffee is fucking terrible.
(1)
Vanessa K.
I love the tuna melt here. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Hot tuna with melted cheddar cheese slathered on top, in the middle of their fabulous flatbread. Yum-O. My friends and I shared the smores platter once but it was definitely not worth the money. Although the mini fuel pot was cute and nice to play with, we could've bought the graham crackers, marshmallows, and Hershey's chocolate from the market for a fraction of the price (~$8 feeds two). I'll usually stop by this Cosi if I'm hungry and near Kendall station.
(4)
R F.
EDiT: that first sandwich i got, chicken tbm - i got it again (i was desperate for something quick and couldn't think of anything else i wanted in this lame area) - it's actually not very good... bLehkk EDiT: Other than the first sandwich i got, some are cold and i didn't know they were, umm, supposed to be? I don't like this place anymore. hmmph I'm feeling like an outkast when I thought I had just found my new favorite place to get a sandwich for lunch at work (only when I don't bring in my own food for lunch I go out) It's definitely above average, but that's basically because of the way they present themselves. Nevertheless, the place is welcoming, comfortable, has free wireless, and it isn't too overpriced... kind of, sort of. There is a huge wait. I figured it wouldn't be too bad taking my lunch at 2, but it really took like 15 minutes to 20 minutes just to get 1 sandwich. Kind of ridiculous, but it was OK, cuz the food is good. Watch out, there is Mom friendly pop radio playing, not super loud, but it's still kinda bad. I mean, it's nothing special, but neither are 90% of the restaurants and shops around this area. I liked the Chicken TBM or whatever it was called Tomatoe Basil and Mozzarella - it was hot and delicious and cheesy and had good flavor and didn't upset my stomach. It was only like 6 or 7 bux and the bread is great. The tiny bag of chips isn't anything special, and their drink selection isn't any big deal either. I liked it and would come back here if I needed to.
(3)
E C.
I'm going to have to give Cosi a 4 because I crave the hummus veggie flatbread sandwich from time to time and because it's good food for cheap. The seating at the MIT location is great- I always pick the comfy coral chairs by the window. Also, apparently you can get a smores fondue for two at just $6.
(4)
Adam C.
Stopped in here for lunch during the rush last week, and I'm glad I didn't want to eat in the restaurant. It was PACKED! While I was waiting for my salad (to-go), I must've been run into by a dozen folks. Can't be helped, I suppose, since the options in Kendall Square are pretty slim, but definitely left me feeling overwhelmed. The salad was great, and I'll echo the sentiments on the bread: I went with the whole-grain, and it was way tastier than a bag of crisps or french fries, not to mention more healthy. I'll be back to try their sandwiches, but I'll be waiting until the lunch crunch is over.
(4)
Al G.
A very good weekday lunch spot. Lots of options for everyone, fast friendly service, and its not burgers and fries. I am completely in love with the chicken pesto melt sandwich. The pizzas are pretty good. Lots of salad options. In a medium sized group of co-workers, it would be hard for anyone not to find something they like. Very busy from noon to 1pm. Free wifi is nice too.
(4)
B R.
Great (square) bagels and coffee. Nice place to sit for a bit. Not gourmet but hey, it's a coffee/ sandwich shop!
(4)
Laura L.
I work right across the street from this Cosi and will run over when I need a salad or craving their whole wheat breads. Unfortunately everyone else and their moms ar thinking the same thing so it is always packed! The tables are always taken and the service is pretty slow. I once waited a legit 20 minutes for a tuna chedder. Even though I do love the sandwich I don't think it was worth it. I would say go but not during lunch time!
(3)
Greg S.
Why is it so hard to get quality and cheap food in the Kendall area for lunch? I'm not really going to complain much about the food it was actually pretty good, but an iced tea and a sandwich ran me $10 and for someone on a budget that is just a little too much for lunch. Anyway, I thought I'd try it today in the hopes of finding a new place for lunch whenever I leave mine at home, I got the Chicken Pesto Melt and it tasted rather well but it didn't feel to cozy (sorry for bad pun) in my stomach after about an hour. Which coincidentally was almost as long as it took me to get my sandwich after waiting in line and for my number to be called and I showed up at 12:45 hoping it would be after the rush. It was ok food and all but I'm not sure I'll be back anytime soon, I'd rather walk to KHOP for a chicken parm, it's friendlier on my wallet.
(2)
ack c.
i am desperately addicted to the signature salad... I even have a little card thing that i have them ring up so i can get a free salad after every 10, hmmm.... seriously, the salad bowl looks huge and everday i get one i think, i'll just eat part and then i realize suddenly, i've reached the bottom of the giant bowl.
(5)
Tiffany C.
Definitely on the pricier side for a sandwich, but what do you expect from another "trendy/modern" cafe? The menu on the wall is a bit disorienting. They place the menu on these panels which they then proceed to arrange on the wall in an "artsy" manner, interspersed with pictures of their food, It just made for a very bothersome menu-reading experience for me. Not only that, but they repeat panels, which makes it all the more confusing. I must have read the beverages menu three times before I found the sandwiches menu two pictures away.... Anyway, it's about $7-9 for a sandwich including tax. The sandwiches are aout 9", so a pretty decent size, and there's around a dozen types, all made with their flatbread as opposed to normal sandwich bread. If nothing else, just eat the free flatbread samples at the counter. The only other foods they serve are a handful of soups, coffee beverages, salads, fruit bowls, yogurt and custard cups, and a brownie/cake assortment resembling Starbucks' selection.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Eric M.
The staff is generally really polite and friendly. The kitchen staff are always laughing, singing, and talking while they work, which isn't a complaint. It's not disruptive and it's nice to see people enjoy their job. The food: a large selection of sandwiches, both cold and hot, and a daily soup. I wish they had more variety in their soups, but the quality is above average if a little pricey. I'll always choose Cosà over nearby ABP. Desserts: ABP has a wider selection nearby, so if you just want some sweets. I must say they probably beat CosÃ. But there's cookies, muffins, and fruits if you're on your lunch break and you want to treat yourself a bit.
(4)Alan G.
I've come here a few times for lunch. Around Thanksgiving one year (not sure if it's a regular thing), they have these super yummy thanksgiving flatbread sandwiches, which consist of turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Their veggie and hummus sandwich is also delightfully flavorful (and I'm not even a vegetarian). The space is large and clean, but can get pretty crowded during the busy hours. The way it works here is you get in line to order and pay, then you get a number and find a table, and they bring the food to you.
(4)Annabelle L.
Got the korean bbq pulled pork bowl for lunch yesterday and it was AWESOME. It is not something I would have ordered on my own, but with my best friend's endorsement (and I trust her taste buds 100%), I tried it out. The pulled pork was so tender, juicy, and sooo flavorful. I could taste gochujang, but couldn't figure out any other flavors that made it so savory and delicious. The mix with spinach, cilantro cabbage slaw and brown rice made it very fresh yet filling. Service was fast, place was crowded, but the food was good so I'll be back!
(4)Amy B.
If you've ever been to a Cosi, then you know what you'll be getting here, food-wise. This location gets super-crowded at lunchtime on weekdays, so don't count on getting a seat. Because of the crowds and the rate of turnover, even if you do grab a table, it will likely be crumbed with the remains of someone else's lunch. This Cosi is not crowded in the morning, but the speed of service can be really hit-or-miss. Sometimes the food is ready immediately, other times I've had to wait several minutes for someone to hand me a bagel (unsliced, untoasted). This Cosi is certainly not the chain's crown jewel, and it's not usually my lunch choice, but it will do in a pinch.
(3)Shanru C.
The Portobello bowl wasn't as good as it as sounded. The mozerella was hard, and portions of the rice were still cold. The flatbread was delicious, though. Also, I ordered a Guava Chia Shot, but I got a Nutella one instead. Ugh. Very crowded during lunch, so service could potentially be slow then. Sandwiches kind of expensive for their taste.
(3)Layla L.
What.? Sooooo good here, plus OMG the bread. Eat all the bread. Also, the tandoori chicken is ahhh-mazing and the staff is always super friendly. LOVE!
(5)Helena Q.
Their clam chowder is very tasty, but the turkey chili was kind of boring. I'll go on Fridays in the future to get the clam chowder, otherwise this is a bit of a miss.
(3)Lyndsey C.
Our experience was very nice. Been to many Cosi's and this one is just as good as the rest... nothing out of the ordinary.. fresh food, made by pleasant people. Pleasant staff... quick and easy.
(4)Stephanie G.
Maybe I went at an off time on a Saturday night, but I had a weird experience. They were out of soy milk so I couldn't get a coffee drink. I was offered skim or regular milk, but obviously I wouldn't want that if I had ordered soy milk in my drink. I was given a cup of tea instead, but I had to awkwardly ask for a refund since I had paid $4 for a fancier drink. The manager was happy to do it, but I don't think I should have had to ask. I haven't tried the food here, but a quick glance of their menu seems to indicate that they are not that veggie/vegan friendly.
(2)Soumya B.
Delicious sandwiches. Their chicken parm melt is fabulous! Love their in house flatbread too!
(5)Caitlin C.
Cosi! Hey! Are you ready?! I'm about to fix all your $h¡t! Get ready! It's gonna be awesome! Okay! So we're gonna stick to stuff that's mostly within your power. It's probably not your fault, Cosi Kendall, that your corporate overlords source their meat from suppliers who evidently raise rubber chickens and turkeys sustained entirely on yellow salt paste. It's also probably not your fault that your masters compel you to continue doling out bags of unnaturally tiny carrots about four months past the time they ceased resembling actual produce. Real meat and vegetables aren't within your bailiwick, Cosi Kendall, so we'll let those sleeping dogs lie. However! A few things you might want to consider: First! I appreciate that all the self-important Kendall Square software engineers need their comeuppance, and I applaud your efforts to give it to them by cutting your salad lettuce into such unwieldy, un-bite-sized pieces that anyone who eats them invariably ends up looking like a jackass. I applaud that, really! There's a catch, though: Most of the software engineers don't really eat your salads. They stick to the beefier items, like beef (haha, "beef," good one guys!) and cheesy meat flatbreads. So if you could think about giving the rest of us, you know, actual salad instead of giant half-leaves of strangely off-color romaine, that'd be rad! Second! I know your lunch rush food delivery system is actually just a really long-running logic problem designed to entice the Kendall tech crowd into working for you (take that, Google interview process!), but you missed a crucial step once again: Most of the people you're trying to lure into redesigning your janky rush line aren't even coming in for their food! Their unpaid interns pick it up for them! Believe me, Cosi Kendall, those interns aren't thinking about your lunchtime workflow or your nutritive process tree. It's okay to revert to human logic and stop pretending you "just forgot" to bag all the twenty-minutes-old to go orders on the back half of the counter, guys. You'll get 'em next time! Finally! Your bug reporting must be a little out of whack, because that bug I reported a few months ago--you know, the one in your polymorphic ordering system--is still alive and kicking. It's super fun waiting to see if my order of "Signature salad and lentil soup" correctly predicts a "Turkey sandwich and clam chowder" result, but the rest of Cambridge isn't as enamored with this game as you and I. Suggestion: Snag one of those engineers while s/he's waiting for a flatbread that'll never come, and get her/him to bang out a fix and close that ticket. It's not all bad news, Cosi Kendall--the bread today was ace!
(2)Cindy H.
Small portions, but the service was OK. I went about once a week out of convenience. Like others have pointed, the place is packed, but it's got a nice atmosphere. OK back to the food - the chicken is usually overdone and not cut up nicely, but the bread makes up for that.
(3)Angela D.
A good place that makes decent sandwiches for a quick lunch. Their sandwiches are made with flatbread, which is made in-house. Between my boyfriend and I we had the tuna melt and the chicken pesto melt, both of which were very good. For Cambridge, the prices were decently reasonable as we left with a $15 bill. Cosi's proximity to MIT makes it pretty convenient.
(3)Brooke R.
Ducked in here for an early dinner. I got the adobo chicken bowl which came with warm flat bread. The bread was fantastic! At first, I wasn't thrilled with my bowl, but it kept getting yummier with every bite. I'm not sure what kind of voodoo magic they cast on me, but it worked!
(4)Stella P.
Really enjoyed the food and the amazing prices but I did not like how they started closing soon before people were cruelly done with their food and even putting chairs on tables. But I would go again because I really like the food.
(4)Andrea E.
The only reason they are getting two stars instead of one is because the service was patient and friendly. I ordered the Chipotle Lime Chicken Salad. One of the staff asked me if they could substitute romaine lettuce as they were out of mixed greens. I said sure, since I like romaine. The lettuce in the salad was not just wilted, but YELLOW. Please see the photo I took in the photos section for evidence. The chicken, beans, and corn were okay but the lettuce which composed 85% of the bowl was yellow and not edible. I would have rejected the salad, but I got it "to-go" and it was served in a brown bag so I didn't look at it until I went home.
(2)Nicole W.
Ordered an adobe chicken salad. Got a pile of greens and rifled through it only to find 3 small strips of what maybe could be called chicken. The bread that came with it looked great but tasted like nothing. I feel ripped off.
(2)Kerri Y.
Despite the crowd, despite the hard to read menu and the extended wait for food, I really like this place. (This location is better than the times I've had Cosi in the airport) The salads are very fresh, the bread on the side is amazing and everything moves along rather quickly (waiting in line and ordering). They package the to-go things well enough that it is easy to find a seat outside on the curb and not feel like your lunch is going to blow away or wish that you had remembered napkins or utensils. I agree that it is a bit pricey, but the quality makes up for it. If a place is crowded like this place tends to be, it can't be all that bad!
(4)Kanchan S.
I visit Cambridge often these days due to work and a colleague introduced me to Cosi. It get's crowded during lunch hours and i know why. After all who doesn't like fresh baked bread in their sandwich. I tried tandoori chicken and it was damn good. And i liked the concept of giving baby carrots with sandwich as an included side.
(4)John T.
Free wifi or you can use the MIT guest (I think it's faster) porn sites are blocked boo :( study here w the rest of the MIT students or pretend ur one, it's like panera in many ways. Chicken pesto sandwich and tomato soup a must. S'mores for two a def treat most ppl don't know about it. I think ppl squat in here waiting for the buses in front to pick them up. If ur one of them might as well load up on the free bread samples..... Carbs yeah!!! Be large and in charge
(5)Angela A.
Cosi is reliably decent, and reliably crowded. Go at 11:59am, and you'll get your sammich or salad or whatever without a problem. Go at 12:01pm, and you'll be squeezed in the crowd, shoulder to shoulder, feebly waving your number to the rushing waiters. The bread is sometimes reason enough for a trip - I don't know how Cosi does it, but their bread is EXACTLY like this pizza bianca I used to get in Campo dei Fiori, Rome, way back in the day. Their rewards card is decent - 1/8 off your sandwiches? Something like that. And my favorite, reliably filling and tasty combo is the sandwich+salad thing.
(3)Hrishikesh H.
ok
(3)Branden A.
Wow, the "Korean Pork Bowl" was tremendous . . . far exceeded my expectations. This was my first time here and the food, atmosphere and service are great. The assistant manager "India" (I believe that's how she spelled her name) obviously does a effective job managing the location. I am a summer student at Harvard - so I live a little ways away- but this place will certainly be on my weekly lunch routines from now on. They made a fan out of me! I ihgihtly recomend the Korean Pork bowl. D-Lish!!!
(4)Hank C.
We needed a snack while walking the waterfront, so we detoured here to Kendall Square. My sharp-eyed wife saw this (the sign placement is horrible, by the way) and we popped in to grab a sandwich. Not particularly handicapped-friendly entrance, but for those of us who don't mind stairs, up you go... and over to the spacious counter. The menu on the wall is a bit chaotic. Difficult to read if you haven't been here before or to similar remodeled Cosi's. Service was pleasant and swift. Around the back is more seating and the bathrooms... a bit dirty back here. The TBM was done well, and quickly, I liked the number system and it was a simple, delicious meal. The chips are forever too salty here, it's a good thing they keep them in small portions. And like Mabel C. noted, they definitely close earlier than the sign indicates.
(2)F F.
Love the signature salad, this place is great at anytime other than lunch time Mon-Fri. Even with the rush they are surprisingly fast but forget about trying to get a seat in the front. There is some seating in the back but no windows, so I find it feels a little like a cave. Staff is always nice and deal with the lunch rush without an attitude. Only wish that during the busy lunch hours they do something about the exhaust system. The entire restaurant smells smoky and uncomfortable.
(4)Chris M.
We're fighting. I'm a man with a simple pallet ... i like chicken, i like bread, I like salads... you can't win me over with things like tandoori, and you can't win me over by appearing to have a hip modern easy to customize menu. you don't... well you do. but I've still not been able to order something there with confidence. At one time in your life you offered some sesame chicken that I really loved.... chicken, flat bread, and lettuce. I want that back. Cosi bring back that chicken.
(2)here t.
Im just going to say two things, and I am NOT making this up. 1) A whole entire grasshopper was in my salad. Yes, it was dead; recently, judging by the condition of the thing, halfway into the salad. I was given a gift card which I gave back and had to ASK for a refund. At least is wasn't half a grasshopper... 2) Why the hell should I give it TWO stars?! The place is OK and generally nice staff. So the F-Up on their part brings them down a couple. But you be the judge
(2)Ian C.
Cosi is really just Meh. Granted, it has a great location right next to the eastern half of MIT's campus. But the food is nothing to write home about. I've tried most of the sandwiches, and they're all just mediocre. The personal pizzas (thin crust!) are decent, but they feel premade and really commercial. The staff is friendly, but the atmosphere feels so cheesy. They try to be fancy with the "artwork" on the walls, but it really misses the mark. I'll avoid Cosi when I can, unless I'm forced to eat it if their food gets catered.
(2)Georgina C.
I went to Cosi, I took a bite of their Cosi Cobb sans bacon and scallions with sherry shallot dressing and closed my eyes in foodie bliss. I returned promptly the next day, no matter that it took me 20 minutes to get there. I quickly became obsessed. I love restaurants that make it easy to order, will deliver it almost as quickly as a fast-food place but to your table as one would at a much slower-paced restaurant. Another element I crave is menu options that are both tasty and healthy. Not only do they offer various selections that are heart healthy and low-cal but the food is delicious! With your salad comes an oven baked grainy wheat flat-bread that is amazing and makes you feel a bit better than bread sticks or doughy rolls. If you want to be naughty, they have a s'mores set-up which allows you to roast marshmallows right at your table. Other Pluses: Free wireless, welcoming ambiance, inexpensive soy lattes, plenty of seating with limited comfy chairs (you'll usually find me perched in one of the seats in the area in the back which is usually empty because most people never venture back there). Though if you take a glance at Yelp several Bostonians have complained about the service, every time I have been there my order was correct and I was treated well. See you there!
(4)Jon L.
Despite being sandwiched amongst the MIT campus, Microsoft NERD, and a ton of bio-tech companies, Kendall Square doesn't have that many good lunchtime food options. Cosi is a testament to that mediocrity. It's a couple dollars more expensive than the cheapest options in the area (the food trucks on Ames or even the food court behind the COOP), but the portions are small and not very filling (a chicken sandwich here has 1/2 the amount of chicken as what you'd get down the street at Au Bon Pain - the rest is just melted cheese filler). It's a good thing they have those flatbread pieces to munch on by the register. Best deal? Go with a friend and split a flatbread pizza.
(2)Andrew G.
Poor food for the price. Steak Gorgonzola melt is pretty much just a loaf of bread. I'm not sure it even had any Gorgonzola in it.
(2)Bethany S.
I love this place. The grilled chicken TBM sandwiches are the best! Something about the bread they use has magic in it... This particular location has adequate seating and nice decor.
(4)Varun A.
Great sandwiches (on their freshly baked bread) and soups. I go there for lunch atleast once or twice a week.Their chicken pesto melt is one of my favorites and would highly recommend it. Have also tried the tandoori chicken sandwich and the bacon turkey cheddar melt , both equally good.
(5)Kathy C.
Ordered a Shanghai Chicken salad, which was a bunch of greens, a bit of grated carrots, chicken pieces and dry noodles. For $8.30. Really, really not worth it. Bread was the best part. Don't bother.
(2)Jane Z.
Nothing special, good for a basic sandwich
(2)Brian D.
Let's call Cosi what it is - an upscale Subway... OK maybe an upscale Quizno's. But, hey, that's OK with me! Let's be real - not every lunch needs to be fancy. What Cosi lacks in style, it makes up in substance. The bread's (ahem... signature flatbread that is) pretty wonderful for a sandwich shop. The Chicken TBM (tomato, basil, and mozzarella) with vinaigrette is a winner every time. For you rabbit lovers, the signature salad is also highly recommended with its grapes, pears, pistachios, cranberries, and gorgonzola! I haven't tried the pizzas, but they seem to get mixed reviews here. Yes, it's pricey - lunch will probably run you $10. But it won't make you feel completely gross or force you into a food coma like most lunch menus.
(3)Corey F.
It's cleanish, the food is usually pretty good, the people are friendly enough, if sometimes inattentive. They get special orders (stuff as simple as "no cheese") wrong about 80% of the time, and the soda fountain always produces a cup with all foam and no liquid. But the location is good, and you can sometimes get lucky and score an outlet for your laptop.
(3)Mimi W.
A little on the pricey side for sandwiches, but very good food. Their pizza is very hearty and delicious. Their sandwiches are yummy, and they have a signature salad there that is to die for. It gets very crowded during regular lunch hours but they are still pretty efficient.
(4)Jessie C.
Not too bad - a little expensive. Had the signature salad with chicken, there was a good amount of toppings which was nice to see - everything seemed pretty fresh as well. I like the speed at which they move also - not a lot of standing around. The bread is a nice touch. Next time maybe I'll try a sandwich.
(4)Raluca Ada P.
Considering it is quick food and affordable, I like it. The salads are great, their flat bread is very tasty. (Check out the free fresh bread leftovers they put near the cashier!) The new grain bowls are a great idea as well.
(5)John L.
I'm going to give an extra star. When you consider that the service is decent, and the place is not nearly as frenetic in the morning as it was when it first opened, they seem to have gotten their act together. It's still a little wacky at lunch, but for breakfast, it's a decent option. On top of this, they also tell you the healthy options, which is much nicer than ABP, where you find out later (or in their computer thingy) that the bread is filled with oodles of empty calories.
(3)Shaina P.
Complete 180. Agh, the appeal of Cosi has flipped a big one on me. There is still the enjoyable nibble of fresh cooked cosi-bread (salt=good), but that's. about. it. The prices are overboard especially when they get your order wrong repeatably. The line goes out the door from noon through 1 on a daily basis, which you might think is a good sign, but this might be part of the reason why your order comes without chicken when you asked for chicken. The chicken's not that great anyway. Definitely not fresh. It's got that odd slimy-moist texture to it and it's always perfectly cubed. I used to love you. Now, I just take advantage of you as I creep up behind the hordes of suckers and snatch as much bread from the sample bowl as possible.
(2)Sonia T.
I should give it 1 star, but since it didn't actually give me food poisoning, i'll go with two ?? But i don't understand how this place is in business. I had catered lunch from here today. The salad must have been cut days ago as the cucumber pieces were yellowing and disintegrating, and the lettuce had red discoloration, and some of the greens had turned to sloppy mush... the chicken in the sandwiches is more like "pressed chicken product", like you'd expect to find in the middle of a chicken nugget, and when you bite into the flatbread you have to do a double-take to make sure you didn't actually bite into the paper wrapping around the sandwich. so shady they make the rest of the options in kendall square look great.
(2)Toni L.
I might change my review if I ever come back here, but my first brush with Cosi was a 2 star-er, mainly because of the weird aftertaste in my sandwich. Food: I got the tandoori chicken which sounded great on the menu but had sauce in it that tasted like paint thinner. I'm not sure what kind of spices they put in their sauce, but they were way too powerful and completely masked the taste of the otherwise normal chicken and bread. Do not get this item!!! Service: The strange cash register guy nearly gave me guff because I could not understand what he was saying. Enunciate please! Atmosphere: Kind of cute inside. It's very ... cosi. hahaha Synopsis: I'll stick with Corner Bakery, but if you choose to go, do NOT get the tandoori chicken sandwich.
(2)Christopher F.
Terrible place. I ordered a steak salad from this place. The steak was not tender--very tough texture and not juicy at all. The amount of salad dressing given for the salad was very small in amount and the flatbread was not fresh. The roof of my mouth was cut by the hard texture of the bread. Try to avoid. Not recommended
(2)Jeremy K.
Place is very nicely decorated and comfortable. Has free wireless and is a nice place to hangout. Their food is alright, nothing outstanding but they do have some original stuff, including their trademark smores that come in a kit that is brought over to your table: it's a lot of fun, especially with friends. Aside from that they just need to improve their management. Every time I go there, the managers and employees are on their cell phones and people end up waiting 10-20 minutes for a sandwich and a drink... something that should be taking 5 minutes, tops. They also have trouble remembering frequent customers.. I've been there many times and every time I come back they don't recognize me and still ask the same questions over and over. I work in retail and see many faces per day and I still manage to pick people appart and custom-greet them.
(4)Jane E.
I'm an MIT student. As such, I like the convenient location, delicious food (and ever evolving menu of specials), and fast service. What more is there to ask for? Just had the new sweet curry sandwich with curry chicken, cranberries, and pistachios. My other favorites are any of the melts, though really, they are all delightful (and for the most part, healthy).
(4)D L.
I've tried almost everything on their menu, as we often order Cosi for lunch at work. Their pizza is pretty good (the BBQ chicken one is awesome), but they use the weirdest cheese. It melts sort of weird. For sandwiches...the melts always have a _ton_ of cheese in them. Which can be a good thing or a bad thing. The buffalo bleu sandwich is also pretty good, however I wish the buffalo chicken were warm instead of served cold. The tandoori chicken sandwich is also like this...and it's weird. For a vegetarian option, try out the roasted veggie sandwich...it's quite good! Their soups are decent, too, and come with the super salty flatbread. Super busy during lunch, but they have a good ordering system and works well if you're taking your order to go.
(3)Steven P.
I have eaten lunch here many times and the food is pretty good. The service leaves something to be desired, though. I have been with friends who say that Cosi has gotten their order wrong more than once, but I have had no such thing happen. The pizzas are pretty good, though that is a direct result of the flatbread they make them on being awesome. The sandwiches are alright. The tomato basil soup is really good though! Well, as good as tomato soup can be. It's really thick and mmm, good for dipping bread in! It's a bit better than Au Bon Pain, the equivalent "trying to be fancy" restaurant in the area.
(4)Leo L.
I'm a sucker for flatbread. Give me a bowl of it (the warm samples at Cosi) or a plate of it with dipping sauces (The Helmand), or a three foot long bag of it (Russo's Market) and I will tolerate many sins. I'll tolerate long lines, slightly overpriced items, chips that are way too salty, a slightly weary, "this place is high end" snobby attitude (even though it's just a chain sandwich place and its heyday, if it ever had one, hasn't been for ten years), and folks at the register that ask for the third time, "for here or to go?" even as they're not really paying attention. All for a Tandoori flatbread sandwich, which by the way, I can't get anywhere else, and is pretty darn tasty when heated up. Haven't tried anything else and probably won't. Probably wouldn't recommend it... unless you're a sucker for flatbread.
(3)Adrienne T.
STAY AWAY FROM THIS COSI, go to the one on Milk Street in downtown Boston, instead- you'll have a much better food experience. HOW do you mess up a Cosi sandwich??? This location figured out how to do it. I knew I was in trouble when the cashier freaked out because I wanted to "make my own" sandwich. She kept trying to get me to get one off of the board that she knew how to ring, but I insisted. Bad move on my part. My sandwich, which was quite simple by most standards- turkey and swiss, extra mayo, and field greens, came back dry as a chip, and just tasted awful. Everyone sitting in the dining area, which I must say, was very nice and trendy, had a laptop. I felt out of place with no computer. Oh, well, it is MIT, what did I expect? A decently done sandwich, maybe???!
(1)Dale N.
I've been working in the area for about 3 months and now that my time there is ending, I find Cosi. What bad luck! Can I jut say how amazing the flatbread is? I'm a self-proclaimed bread snob and it still amazed me. Hot and fresh, just the right amount of tangy, crisp outside but still chewy in the middle... Heaven! I had a plain cheese pizza on this amazing flatbread and it was awesome. Calories be damned, I'll be getting that again. The line was very long, being it was lunch time, but it did more fairly fast. The order-taking process was painless and if you're eating there, you got a little card to put on your table. In just a few minutes someone is bringing you that hot, delicious pizza. The dinning area can be crowded, so my advice is to scope out a table before ordering. The prices are a bit high, but the food is quality. I can't wait to go back!
(4)Alicia B.
If you've never been here, it's so easy to find from the T stop. So, if you don't know the area, this is a good option for when you need some grub or afternoon pick-me-up. It's also a good spot to meet-up for a mid-afternoon chat and latte, which I indulged in both, happily. The chat was great. The latte didn't compare to others I've had. It's your standard latte - average at best. I like the vibe at Cosi, though it can be quite busy, even at what appears to be a non-peak 2 p.m. hour on a Friday afternoon. I didn't eat here, so I can't speak to their food, but the place is what you'd expect it to be - clean, decent service, clean bathrooms and ample seating. Sadly, the wifi, it seems, is spotty, at best.
(3)Erica E.
I keep going back to Cosi because I really like that they you can make s'mores right at your table. Other than that I'm not really sure why I bother. The service is terrible. No matter what time of day, whether it's busy or the place is empty. They forget your orders, bring out the wrong the thing and are kind of rude. They also seem surprised too when I ask for something I ordered and it wasn't brought to me...even if I'm the only person who has ordered anything in the last ten minutes! Like I said, you can make smores at your table, that's pretty great.
(2)Jenny S.
Not a bad place for quick dinner. Soup and bread is pretty nice
(4)Al K.
Good food - AMAZING people work here - always great service from friendly people
(5)Shannon S.
I've been to Cosi way more than I'd like to. That's probably because the options in Kendall are pathetic, and a girl's gotta eat. I've tried a pesto flatbreast sandwich -- The chicken was chewy and flavorless, the flatbread was dry and meh -- and the line was awful. I went back and tried a flatbread pizza, better, but nothing to write home about. The cheese was just melted on top and the veggies were just placed there. It sort of had a cheesy bread taste. I took a crack at their Mojito Lemonade and had to pour water in it to get it down. It tasted like pure cane sugar water with pieces of mint floating in it. You're probably better off eating at Rebecca's cafe.
(2)Al R.
I love and hate this place. The food is good and the service is faster than a sit down. But, expect to spend 10 minutes waiting because there is always a crowd during lunch and they make your order when you place it. I go here a lot because it is close to my office and every other quick place around here is crap. The only reason why I don't give this place 4 stars is because it is expensive. Ten bucks ($10) for a sandwich and drink.
(3)A S.
This used be a great place, but it's a shame that they are turning into a low class fast food shop. Avoid here on Sunday afternoons as they get extra rude for some reason. And what used to be a crispy crust pizza becomes soggy thanks to excessive tomato sauce.
(1)Jennifer M.
Have you looked at the nutrition facts on their Web site? Please do -- even if you aren't a health nut and you don't diet -- it will still shock you. I thought I was eating healthy -- some tasty soup or a grilled chicken sandwich. WRONG. Plus, I used to go religiously every Monday for the Winter Garden Veggie soup, and then they discountinued it. I went three Mondays in a row and they said "Oh, we're out." And then they finally told me they had discountinued it (without removing it from the menu). On the plus side: They have a much better set-up than Au Bon Pain -- but try not to go between 12:00 and 12:30, it gets crazy.
(3)Chelsey A.
My advice for this place is to beat the lunch rush. I tend to go right at noon or after 1:30 so I have a table to myself. I love the free wireless and their Bacon, Turkey, Cheddar melt with carrots.
(4)Omar F.
The service is bad. The food is good, and much better than anything else around the area. ABP? no please. Overall, I'd say go here if you want a good sandwich, salad, or flatbread, but don't really expect someone nice to smile at you when you order or to say thank you.
(3)Chris B.
We'll start at a minimum 1 star rating: +1 star for the amazing flatbread stuff that they use and that you can get for free at the register. +1 star for the cute girl that works the lunch shift all the time and has a crush on my friend. +1 star for the great sandwich choices and tasty, unique flavors. -1 star for being INSANELY crowded at lunchtime. It's like the floor of the NYSE when waiting for your number to be called after noon. There you have it, 3 stars it is.
(3)Joe R.
Kendall Sq is definitely in need of new options, but Cosi doesn't really scratch the itch. I realize they're new, but I've never seen so much irregularity in how a sandwich is made. I'll often get ingredients that aren't part of the recipe, mixed cold & hot meats (when they should all be hot), and occasionally a completely botched order. 5 stars for the bread, though.
(2)Laurie C.
I'm hooked on the free bread samples.. I don't usually buy lunch while at work, but I'll buy coffee on a regular basis and theirs is great. Kendall Square has 2 AuBonPains, 2 Starbucks, a Rebeccas Cafe and a Dunkin Donuts, but I keep returning to Cosi for coffee because it's a rich dark roast and the bread is addictive. The staff is great and it's a nice place to just chill. (There's a nice and quiet little back room.) The menu change often some of it's very good, some of it is just eh. Do try the coffee and snack bars and hang around for the bread to come out of the oven.
(4)Heidi X.
They make good flatbread melts! The outdoor seating at this outlet is a big plus.
(4)Lena C.
I actually like Cosi. The waits can be a little long, but the food is actually pretty amazing. Can be a little pricey, and I've only tried the sandwiches and salads, but it's worth a stop in for lunch.
(4)Steph K.
The vegetarian options here are pretty slim-pickins. The flatbread they use gets soggy quickly which makes for a disappointing delivery if ordering catering.
(2)Jessica M.
I'm upping my stars here because I went back and it was a lot better. Sucks that they aren't consistent but my tuna melt was melted this time and was rather quick even though it was crowded and busy. I'm going to agree with a lot of previous posters here. I went here today after a rather decent experience at the downtown one last fall. I wanted something other than ABP and thought "hey - why not?" Plenty of reasons, actually. Starting with the fact that my tuna melt was cold. So was my friend's chicken melt. Cold. And the flavors were plain and bland. The service was curt and efficient. I went at 11:15, knowing that the lunch rush can easily make you wait forever for your flatbread, and still had to wait 15 minutes. I know they can't possibly use the excuse that they were melting my "tuna melt" (see above if you are wondering why). And for a whooping $7 for a sandwich and mini pack of baby carrots, I felt ripped off. I should have just gone to ABP....or maybe waited at Emma's for their fantastic tuna melts.
(3)Ellen C.
Meh. I've been here before. I tend to like the beverages pretty well, and the sandwiches aren't bad, but I've had better. I'd favor any locale cafe over a chain. I also feel weird when people ask me whether I want chips or apple slices. Apple slices in bags just seem a bit strange at a restaurant. Why not just give out a real apple? I think you're better off going here to meet someone for a coffee or smoothie, rather than a full meal.
(2)Hugh R.
Just what Kendall Square needs...ANOTHER overpriced sandwich/salad shop. [And now we have Sebastians too. Yipee!] I've just eaten a COSI breakfast sandwich and honestly, not impressed. Bland and chewy. I could have pulled it from a warmer at a convenience store and not known the difference. However, their sandwiches ARE pretty decent, but I don't really know how I feel about spending $9 for a "decent" sandwich, six crumbled potato chips and a soda. An acceptable alternative to Au Bon Pain on those days I forget to pack a lunch and feel as though I have money to burn, but certainly little more.
(3)Brian M.
I've been here a few times lately and things have improved a lot so fair's fair, time to bump up the rating. The Cosi Club, Grilled Chicken TBM Melt are very good and it's great that they offer carrots as a side instead of chips. Also, you can tell a lot about a place about how they handle problems. Lunchtime today there was a mix-up and I was waiting nearly 15 mins for my sandwich. Irritating, but straight off they offered me a cookie / brownie and the manager then offered to pay for my lunch next time. I accepted the cookie and declined the lunch (I'm not one of those miserable gits who complains just to get free stuff) but I appreciated the offer. This branch is also way way better than the one on Federal Street
(4)Sana A.
It's hard to get a feel for this place. I tend to come here quite a bit, since it's on my way home from work. At first, I thought it was kinda a more upscale Panera (with the same type of price but a better atmosphere), but actually the food is quite better. The Kendal Square location is asthetically quite welcoming, actually. You walk in past the menu's right into someone at a counter ready to take your menu. If there is a line, they usually have freebie bread out to warm your tummy up for the real food. The seating areas is supplied with a great deal of couchy like comfy chairs, some actually couches as well as booths, for the less couch friendly. It's a greaet place to grab lunch and snuggle up with a book, or get coffee. It's basic fare, sandwhichs, melts, soup, salads and pizza. They do get somewhat creative with the items in it (ie. Tandoori Chicken Sandwhich).The serivce tends to be a bit iffy, though. Sometimes they are dead on. Everyone is smiling, welcoming and polite. Sometimes, they get your order wrong, the manager gets upset (vocally) and they are rude. All in all, I stop to pick up a bite here once in a while. It's not my favourite sandwhich in town, but it beats fastfood. Oh, and there is free wireless!
(2)Jenny L.
OK, after eating here now about a dozen times and understanding what's good here, I want to bump up my review by one star. Go with the lunch pizzas and salads for a good meal, it's much harder to find a great sandwich here but turkey and brie, tuna melt, and the meatball sandwich are at the top of my list. I've also been getting their smoothies which are great! You can't eat here everyday but there's enough variety to keep you interested if you're coming here once a week.
(4)Beth M.
Yet another Kendall Square lunch time clusterfu*k. But, one where ordering and receiving your food is quick and you get to much on yummy, warm, fresh baked bread while you wait? There are 1000s of people at this Cosi during lunch time. Okay, maybe not. But it seems like it, with all the area companies and MIT so close by. The breads, salads and sandwiches are actually pretty good, and some of the choices are unexpectedly creative. I like the Bombay Salad with masala-scented chicken. I even think the chicken is real! maybe. Good luck finding a seat!
(3)Kristine M.
TBM Melt. Do it!!! Now!
(4)shary m.
Cosi is a great sandwich chain. The fresh bread is yummy. Yes, this one in particular is crowded, and yes it's doesn't have mind blowing atmosphere, but it has free wifi and constant freshness in the bread department. All in all a great choice for lunch, and great place to fly solo with your computer.
(4)Dana L.
So I used to frequent Cosi when I lived in DC, and I must say that the experience hasn't quite translated. I used to go during lunch time and stand in a massive line to get my sandwich or salad. Maybe I was less picky back then, but the line always seemed be moving. And frequently there were interesting occurrences, like the time when they broke down the bathroom door to arrest some guy who passed out while shooting heroin. But that's another story... The food is just a bit too expensive for what you get (about $6-7 for a fairly small sandwich). The sandwiches are unexceptional, and border somewhere between fair and not quite adequate. Also, the service isn't quite friendly enough. There is also something slightly off about the people at the cash register. They aren't constantly taking orders, but seem to pause to collect themselves between customers. It can be kind of annoying when you stand there and are ignored by the person at the counter for a minute or two. It seems like they have plenty of staff, so it isn't quite clear what is happening. Maybe they will eventually figure it out. The free bread is good, but it seems infrequently replenished when compared with other Cosis. This might have to do with the fairly low volume during off-peak hours.
(2)Kristina M.
I generally try to avoid chain stores, but I do come here occasionally (partly for lack of better options at Kendall Sq). I actually really like their Hummus&Veggie Sandwich (love their bread!), and combined with the chips that come with is (you could get carrots instead, but you wouldn't want to eat too healthy, would you?), I always feel completely satisfied after eating here, so as far as I'm concerned the prices are actually ok. (While other places might charge slightly less for a sandwich, I often still feel hungry after eating there, so I prefer to pay the extra buck and feel satisfied.) The place is relatively comfortable (compared to, say, Au Bon Pain), and they have free wireless, but I hardly ever eat in there and usually get take-out, anyway. On the negative side, the people working at the cash register can be somewhat strange and hard to understand and are at times excruciatingly slow, which is (needless to say) VERY annoying. I usually have pretty late lunches, so I have never encountered the long queues that other reviewers have complained about, but I would definitely not go during peak lunch hour, as I can see how this might lead to absolute disaster.
(3)Kristen F.
I ordered a pizza and it was completely cold (the cheese wasn't melted either) so I asked them to reheat it. Still was gross after. The interior is fairly warm and inviting, so one star is all it gets.
(1)Thomas E.
I went back, grudgingly, when a friend of mine **insisted** we go here for their avacado + chips combo. Perhaps it was that there was absolutely no one else waiting at 3pm, so it only took 15 minutes for the staff to bring out a platter of greasy chips and a small cup of dip. Oh, and his **toasted** chicken sandwich? Still cold; chicken still cubed. RUN FOR THE HILLS, FOLKS. Swallow your pride and just go to ABP nextdoor.
(1)T I.
A good place to work and study. The food is good and tasty. You can sit here for hours and write your papers. Kind of loud for reading something difficult. The salads are really good. It's walking distance to MIT. Wireless Internet. comfortable chairs. the breads are tasty.
(4)Carrie M.
Dear Cosi, In a way I wanted to like you. I generally prefer the mom & pop places, but I thought I'd give you a chance. I'm sorry to say I almost wish I hadn't. While your chairs may be comfy, the food did nothing for me, at least not on this visit. I just stopped in for a snack, and your free wireless drew me in. I ordered a caramel apple cider (which took three employees to ring up) and a brownie bar. The caramel apple cider smelled of chemicals (definitely wasn't all natural), and made me nauseous (no lie). I do like the fact that you bring the food to the table when its ready. It's nice to not have to worry about leaving your laptop and bags at the table to grab your food and weave through the tables. So that's definitely a plus. Maybe I'll give you a second chance if I find myself in the area in need of wireless and more food than just a snack. Maybe a nice sandwich will change my outlook, as some of them do sound good. I would like to thank you for giving the vegetarians more than one option, it is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Carrie E.
(2)Colin N.
Cosi is the best lunch option in Kendall Square. I used to go to Cosi in Brooklyn before the whole atkins craze and the stock market crash nearly killed the place. They seem to be expanding again. Cosi is the place we go when we can't think of anywhere else to go. That's a pretty good place to be as a restaurant. It's not amazing, but it's the default. Go Cosi!
(4)Lynn P.
I love cosi~! Their sandwiches and salads are excellent. I sometimes stop by here just to buy their drinks. They bake their flat breads fresh often during each day. I like everything that they make~! so tasty~!
(5)Tristan B.
This joint just opened up in the location that once was the Wrap (a place I really don't miss too much), and like most opening days, it was absolutely mobbed. I slipped in as people were reading off the menu and had seen what I thought I wanted; a Wasabi Ginger Roast beef sandwich. I walked up to the counter with some tepid feelings on how I was to order, but I managed to get my sandwich with chips for about 6 bucks. Holy crap, that's CHEAP for this area! Service was super quick. They had a ton of people working, so we'll have to play "wait and see" on how the service turns out. The sandwich? Pretty good! The bread was a little dry and overly chewy, but it's a pretty good combination of food and I'm digging it. Chips are standard relabled fair, I think I'll go for the carrot sticks next time. Inside was typical generic yuppie eatery. I'd rather eat at my desk. Neat things: They offer carrot sticks or chips with your lunch, so you can be healthy still. Cosi adds a MUCH NEEDED new food venue in the Kendall Square area, and it's an appealing option for those of us who are trapped on the Main street strip. Update: Went there a second time, took FOREVER for a pressed turkey and cheese. It was pretty decent for the price, but I think I was ready to just about take off it took so long.
(3)_ _.
Scale of 1-10 (multiple visits): 7 Food 9 Service 10 Atmosphere 6 Value
(4)Julianne M.
Yes, its overpriced. But I like the flatbread/brie cheese/turkey sandwich and it keeps me coming back. It gets pretty crowded and sometimes it can take 10 mins or so to get your food, so watch the clock if you need to be back in the office quickly. Its a nice addition to the lame selection of lunch choices for those of us working in the Kendall area.
(3)Jin Y.
granted i came here only to get their break bar and coffee (was in a hurry), i must say that it was pretty good. lots of choices here but it seems from the reviews of others that it's a total hit or miss. im glad all mine were hits!
(4)J M.
Cosi has good food, a nice atmosphere, and a lot of options. I especially like the chicken parm melt and the pesto melt (melts are kind of like a panini). The only downside is that it isn't very cheap for a sandwich place.
(5)Liz G.
Yes, it's true that the options in Kendall are limited, but Cosi tops my list of places to grab a quick bite. I usually come in here on a Saturday or Sunday, and the manager that works there has always been very fast and very helpful. The service he provided went above and beyond,, despite the fact that there was a huge line at lunch hour. By the way, their white chocolate chip cookies are really delish. and the cheesecake is TO DIE FOR. It's definitely one of my fave desserts eva. What's up with the complaints? Cosi is all the that and a bag of chips. And those chips are pretty yummy. ;)
(5)Tommy S.
Convenient from the T and Marriott Hotel. Not bad for soup-from-a-bag Panera-style food
(3)Liz D.
I would give it 2 1/2 stars because I LOVE that they have Make Your Own S'Mores. Other than that, the food and drinks are just okay, they aren't bad but they are really great either. The service on the other hand is horrible. They always seem to forget some part of my order (usually the drinks). One time they forgot to give me a cup so that I could get my own soda and when I went back to the counter to ask for the cup they seemed annoyed with me. If it wasn't for the S'Mores, I would probably never bother to go there.
(2)Chirag P.
Hmm looking at the other reviews, I can see why you may not like this place when they mess up your order. However, I remember they did that once and fixed it right away. Yeah, if you are working in the area, cannot afford a 1 hour lunch break, and find it pricey to pay $9 for lunch, I would not come here the wait is a little long. But if you are willing to wait, go for it, their tomato basil soup is awesome.
(3)Mabel C.
When I attempted to come here for dinner, the hours specified that this place closes on Sundays at 7 pm, but the employees locked the door and wouldn't let in any more customers at 6:20 pm that day. That was not cool because I was in a mood for a quick bite and I don't know many places to eat in the MIT area. Foodwise this place is ok - their sandwiches seem to be on par with the sandwiches at Cosi's in Philadelphia where I went to college.
(3)Mags L.
koh-see or koh-zee? maybe it's kaw-see or kaw-sigh. hummus and veggie sandwich. good fillings (cukes, tomahtoes, red onions, basil), flatbread interesting. sum of all parts - not bad. carroteenies? i think they give you about 5 very miniature carrots. not exactly a good deal. chips might have been a better choice. if they're going to put a franchise place here why don't they do something like fresh city? i would be happy w/a long john silver's here too. i never get what i want.
(3)Diane I.
there isn't much options over at kendall - so anytime someone wants to go to lunch i always insist on cosi. their humus and fresh veggies is amazing. its kind of ridiculous how much i love it. and who doesn't get a positive association with a place when you randomly find a bag of cosi potato chips that you had stuck in your desk drawer 2 weeks ago (it happened last week to me - it was better than finding a $20 in my jeans pocket). i think its way better than abp (everything kind of tastes the same there - the mediterranean dressing dominates) or rebecca's.
(3)Peter P.
I came here to see if anyone had reviewed this place yet, I am glad they have. I completely agree with Mary's review. Those emplyees need some serious hygiene training. I saw a sandwich preparer playing with her hair (like digging into her scalp) then go back to assembling a sandwich. I don't think the customer ordered extra dandruff. Also, when will these places learn that you shouldn't contact food after handling money? It's not that hard to change gloves or assign a dedicated cashier. The "lady" who served me acted like an angry trucker that I accidentally woke up to bother for moderately-attentive service. The place Blows. Over-priced, bland food. Weird interior; dark, "funky" industrial... it just doesn't work. I think that location is cursed or the same person has been in charge of hiring for the employees of the last three failed restaurants there. I hate to say it, but Au Bon Pain might be a better deal.
(1)Mack T.
Damn if they don't have the worst coffee I've had in a long time. It's like three-day-old-gas-station-coffee bad. It tastes like battery acid, and not in a good way. Or, to put it another way: ABP's coffee blows Cosi's out of the water. And ABP coffee is fucking terrible.
(1)Vanessa K.
I love the tuna melt here. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Hot tuna with melted cheddar cheese slathered on top, in the middle of their fabulous flatbread. Yum-O. My friends and I shared the smores platter once but it was definitely not worth the money. Although the mini fuel pot was cute and nice to play with, we could've bought the graham crackers, marshmallows, and Hershey's chocolate from the market for a fraction of the price (~$8 feeds two). I'll usually stop by this Cosi if I'm hungry and near Kendall station.
(4)R F.
EDiT: that first sandwich i got, chicken tbm - i got it again (i was desperate for something quick and couldn't think of anything else i wanted in this lame area) - it's actually not very good... bLehkk EDiT: Other than the first sandwich i got, some are cold and i didn't know they were, umm, supposed to be? I don't like this place anymore. hmmph I'm feeling like an outkast when I thought I had just found my new favorite place to get a sandwich for lunch at work (only when I don't bring in my own food for lunch I go out) It's definitely above average, but that's basically because of the way they present themselves. Nevertheless, the place is welcoming, comfortable, has free wireless, and it isn't too overpriced... kind of, sort of. There is a huge wait. I figured it wouldn't be too bad taking my lunch at 2, but it really took like 15 minutes to 20 minutes just to get 1 sandwich. Kind of ridiculous, but it was OK, cuz the food is good. Watch out, there is Mom friendly pop radio playing, not super loud, but it's still kinda bad. I mean, it's nothing special, but neither are 90% of the restaurants and shops around this area. I liked the Chicken TBM or whatever it was called Tomatoe Basil and Mozzarella - it was hot and delicious and cheesy and had good flavor and didn't upset my stomach. It was only like 6 or 7 bux and the bread is great. The tiny bag of chips isn't anything special, and their drink selection isn't any big deal either. I liked it and would come back here if I needed to.
(3)E C.
I'm going to have to give Cosi a 4 because I crave the hummus veggie flatbread sandwich from time to time and because it's good food for cheap. The seating at the MIT location is great- I always pick the comfy coral chairs by the window. Also, apparently you can get a smores fondue for two at just $6.
(4)Adam C.
Stopped in here for lunch during the rush last week, and I'm glad I didn't want to eat in the restaurant. It was PACKED! While I was waiting for my salad (to-go), I must've been run into by a dozen folks. Can't be helped, I suppose, since the options in Kendall Square are pretty slim, but definitely left me feeling overwhelmed. The salad was great, and I'll echo the sentiments on the bread: I went with the whole-grain, and it was way tastier than a bag of crisps or french fries, not to mention more healthy. I'll be back to try their sandwiches, but I'll be waiting until the lunch crunch is over.
(4)Al G.
A very good weekday lunch spot. Lots of options for everyone, fast friendly service, and its not burgers and fries. I am completely in love with the chicken pesto melt sandwich. The pizzas are pretty good. Lots of salad options. In a medium sized group of co-workers, it would be hard for anyone not to find something they like. Very busy from noon to 1pm. Free wifi is nice too.
(4)B R.
Great (square) bagels and coffee. Nice place to sit for a bit. Not gourmet but hey, it's a coffee/ sandwich shop!
(4)Laura L.
I work right across the street from this Cosi and will run over when I need a salad or craving their whole wheat breads. Unfortunately everyone else and their moms ar thinking the same thing so it is always packed! The tables are always taken and the service is pretty slow. I once waited a legit 20 minutes for a tuna chedder. Even though I do love the sandwich I don't think it was worth it. I would say go but not during lunch time!
(3)Greg S.
Why is it so hard to get quality and cheap food in the Kendall area for lunch? I'm not really going to complain much about the food it was actually pretty good, but an iced tea and a sandwich ran me $10 and for someone on a budget that is just a little too much for lunch. Anyway, I thought I'd try it today in the hopes of finding a new place for lunch whenever I leave mine at home, I got the Chicken Pesto Melt and it tasted rather well but it didn't feel to cozy (sorry for bad pun) in my stomach after about an hour. Which coincidentally was almost as long as it took me to get my sandwich after waiting in line and for my number to be called and I showed up at 12:45 hoping it would be after the rush. It was ok food and all but I'm not sure I'll be back anytime soon, I'd rather walk to KHOP for a chicken parm, it's friendlier on my wallet.
(2)ack c.
i am desperately addicted to the signature salad... I even have a little card thing that i have them ring up so i can get a free salad after every 10, hmmm.... seriously, the salad bowl looks huge and everday i get one i think, i'll just eat part and then i realize suddenly, i've reached the bottom of the giant bowl.
(5)Tiffany C.
Definitely on the pricier side for a sandwich, but what do you expect from another "trendy/modern" cafe? The menu on the wall is a bit disorienting. They place the menu on these panels which they then proceed to arrange on the wall in an "artsy" manner, interspersed with pictures of their food, It just made for a very bothersome menu-reading experience for me. Not only that, but they repeat panels, which makes it all the more confusing. I must have read the beverages menu three times before I found the sandwiches menu two pictures away.... Anyway, it's about $7-9 for a sandwich including tax. The sandwiches are aout 9", so a pretty decent size, and there's around a dozen types, all made with their flatbread as opposed to normal sandwich bread. If nothing else, just eat the free flatbread samples at the counter. The only other foods they serve are a handful of soups, coffee beverages, salads, fruit bowls, yogurt and custard cups, and a brownie/cake assortment resembling Starbucks' selection.
(2)