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Name: Life Alive
Address: 765 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139
Telephone: (617) 354-5433
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.27

Life Alive

765 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139

(617) 354-5433
Store is closed

Life Alive Menu

Soups

Special Soups
Salads

The Seeker

The Mystic Mountain

The Explorer

The Warrior

The Sufi Poet
Simple Snakes

The Crunchy Hippie

The Child

The Feisty Child

Ants On A Log
Fresh Fanyastic Food

The Alchemist

The Innocent

The Healer

The Goddess Our Signature Dish

The Emperor

The Rebel

The Swami

The Adventurer

The Green Goddess

The Lover

The Udon Miso Masterful

The Fool
Grilled Tortilla Wraps

The Hot & Healthy Bachelor

The Seductress

The Romantic

Kiddie Quesadilla
Sides

Garlic

Carrots

Celery

Cucumber

Peppitas

Raisins

Sunsprouts

Sesame Stix

Dried Pineapple

Dried Cranberries

Apple Slices

Extra Sauce

Flax Oil

Hijiki

Dark Leafy Greens

Broccoli

Beets

Sweet Corn

Dates

Banana

Avocado

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Sundried Tomato

Tamari Almonds

Raw Cashews

Hard Boiled Egg

Brown Rice

Tofu

Shitake Mushrooms

Daiya Vegan Cheese

Lemon Garlic Chickpea Hummus

Red Lentil Hummus

Winter Squash With Flax & Braggs

Quinoa

Healthy Meal suggestions for Life Alive

Soups

Special Soups [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

The Seeker [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Mystic Mountain [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Explorer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Warrior [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Sufi Poet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Simple Snakes

The Crunchy Hippie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Child [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Feisty Child [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ants On A Log [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Fresh Fanyastic Food

The Alchemist [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Innocent [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Healer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Goddess Our Signature Dish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Emperor [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Rebel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Swami [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Adventurer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Green Goddess [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Lover [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Udon Miso Masterful [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Fool [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Grilled Tortilla Wraps

The Hot & Healthy Bachelor [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Seductress [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Romantic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kiddie Quesadilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Garlic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carrots [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Celery [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cucumber [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Peppitas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Raisins [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sunsprouts [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sesame Stix [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dried Pineapple [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dried Cranberries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Apple Slices [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Extra Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flax Oil [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hijiki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dark Leafy Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beets [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet Corn [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dates [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Banana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Avocado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shredded Cheddar Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sundried Tomato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tamari Almonds [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Raw Cashews [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hard Boiled Egg [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brown Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tofu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shitake Mushrooms [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Daiya Vegan Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lemon Garlic Chickpea Hummus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Lentil Hummus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Winter Squash With Flax & Braggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Quinoa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Jarrod G.

Approximately 10 weeks ago I began studying for the Massachusetts Bar Exam. And as fate would have it, it also marked the first time I would venture into Life Alive. I can honestly say that my decision to brave the line and try their signature Swami bowl that day probably meant the difference between stumbling through BarBri's rigorous bar exam study schedule, and dominating it. Because for the past 10 weeks I have eaten the Swami bowl almost every single day. And for the past 10 weeks, while my friends & colleagues have fatigued and lost their focus, I haven't. Not only have I not lost my focus, but 10-12 hour study sessions / 6-7 days per week, while once seemingly impossible for me, are now easily achieved. Tomorrow is the first day of the bar exam, and thanks to Life Alive, I couldn't feel more prepared. Thank you.
(5)
Danielle W. L.

This place is a throwback to the earthy-crunchy 1960's era and the food looks like a crazy vegan dumpster diver hit the jackpot that day. Don't let that fool you because it will blow your socks off. I consider myself a meat-etarian, but even I will willingly skip the steak (for now) to indulge in these heavenly bowls of...heaven. Lines are terrible. Food is worth it. Nuff said.
(5)
Harmony L.

Wow this place is amazing! Came here with my friends who's friend recommended it. I had The Adventurer and I fell in love! The sauce they use was a bit strong for me, but I got used to it and got hooked! I got the Demi and it was the perfect amount; a nice, light dinner. My friend had The Island smoothie and loved it. The coconut flavor was very prominent. The ambience is lovely! I really liked the downstairs area; they had nice couches, comfy chairs, and it was just wonderful! Line can be pretty long, but it moves fast and the food comes out fast, as well!
(4)
O H.

I'm not a vegetarian but the dishes are satisfying enough to eat because they're full of so many types of ingredients. They don't feel like just a salad. Sometimes they go heavy on the sauce though and the prices feel high.
(4)
marissa o.

This is our favorite restaurant!!!! We love the salads and rice bowls. I just wish they had more gluten free options for our son. I even talked with the owner about adding gluten free wraps to their menu so we can offer my son a gluten free peanut butter and jelly sandwich. My son orders a bowl of brown rice with broccoli, cranberries and cheddar cheese and he is super happy. I love their salad with the hummus on top! Super yummy!
(5)
Matt V.

Have tried a handful of their offerings, (I plan on trying many, many more) I have to say they deserve 5-stars for that alone. HOWEVER, their bottle-neck at the register creates queues the go outside the door... Add another register please?
(4)
Monique S.

Traveled to Boston for a week long conference. Did my usual Yelp search for Vegan Restaurants and decided on Life Alive -based on menu, reviews and photos. Ordered the Jive Alive Juice, Lentil Soup and The Rebel Bowl. OMG! Everything was fresh, delicious and pleasantly presented. I placed my order over the phone, and just as previous reviewers stated - the line to place an order was out of the door at 6pm. Will definitely eat at Life Alive for the remainder of my stay in Boston!
(5)
Alison O.

For such a healthy, "live foods" cafe they could at least make a green juice correctly. I got the Life Alive juice, which promises apple, beets, carrots, celery, kale, and wheatgrass. I understand that this means the portion of kale will be small, but I expected some sort of kale leaves in my juice. Instead, they only used kale stems. He juice tastes and looks like apple-carrot-beet juice. It's very boring. I'm glad I don't live here because this is a pathetic excuse for a juice. Other than that, the food dishes look good. The wait for juice was pretty long (10 mins) after a long wait in line (6 mins). People here think they're pretty special with their healthy food, but when they cut corners is it really that healthy?
(2)
Amy A.

My new favorite place. Soooooo yummy. You literally feel life-force in their food. The workers are so blissed out, it is probably run by a cult. But i don't care. I'd eat there all the time if I lived/worked closer. Why don't they set up a food truck? Full disclosure: my spouse says my urgings to try the Lust Alive smoothie make him want to go out and eat a box of hostess hoho's. Only problem is they can be less than professional if things aren't going well, such as when the cash register isn't working. My suggestion to the young woman talking to and stroking the register, "How about I give you a twenty dollar bill and you just make my order and keep the change?" was met with a snarky, "How about No!" Even weirder was that her manager agreed with her, keeping the place open while a line formed with people blissfully ignorant of the fact they were going to get no wheatgrass-enhanced smoothie. Still I'll probably go back because the food is so f'ing good and apparently I have no pride.
(4)
David G.

What a wonderful place. Pure "Cambridge," but in a positive way. Wholesome vegetarian food, but interesting. I love the juices and warm bowls. Today had Jive Alive veggie juice and Swami demi bowl. Efficient friendly service and lively funky energy you expect in Cambridge.
(5)
E M.

Our meal was healthy. We hope. Food and drinks had no other merit and no taste whatsoever.
(1)
Joy Y.

Well color me surprised! Life Alive was amazing! Okay, I guess I wasn't that surprised given the high marks on Yelp and the lines that usually go out the door, but who knew vegetarian food could be this delicious and satisfying. Not this gal. As a card carrying member of the meat eaters society, I walked into this place expecting high prices and a strong desire to throw a burger on the grill as soon as I got home. In reality, I walked out full, satisfied and excited to come back. I got the Green Goddess bowl with tamari almonds on top. $1.50 for a handful of almonds made the cheap-wad in me seriously consider bringing almonds for my next visit, but other than that, it was totally worth it. Avocado, broccoli, greens, and tofu over brown rice are pretty much all my favorite healthy things, but with that Ginger Nama Shoyu Sauce over all of it? YUM! I've also had the Island Alive smoothie and it was so very, very good. Banana, mango, and pineapple apparently make for a very tasty concoction. I'm not ready to go full on vegetarian yet, but Life Alive might just be a good enough reason to consider it.
(5)
Wilma O.

I'm a die-hard omnivore but I still enjoy this place for its unique and healthy food selection and cool atmosphere. A great place to show non-locals or just chill over some feel-good smoothies with a friend. My favorite is the peanuty Elvis Alive, though the fruit-filled Spring Alive is refreshing too! On the down side, the food and drinks all taste characteristically hipster / vegan (maybe from the tons of kale) and I find their meals a bit heavy and hard to digest (though they are tasty). However, while it's ultimately not my sort of spot, I feel there is strong value in places like this that promote health with good flavor.
(4)
Denise A.

First let me say that if you are allergic to anything other than shellfish, you should avoid this place. But before I get into the negative, some good things first. I am a proud omnivore. The rarer the meat the better. But living in Cambridge one racks up quite a few friends with dietary restrictions. So a place like Life Alive is a life saver. I've never had vegan food taste so...savory. I enjoy the Swami and the Adventurer quite a lot. I think I've had the green goddess and enjoyed that one too. I'm also a huge sucker for the Lust Alive smoothie. Here's a secret...I get food here even without my vegan friends. The downside...sad to say there are quite a few. For one, it's always packed. A good sign right? But overall the service is overwhelmed and ends up being quite slow. Doesn't help that you've got your usual Cambridge a-holes who believe getting a smoothie is the rights to a table for you and your laptop for eight hours. You can order by phone and pick up your food-something I highly recommend doing. It's not even the wait it's the space and they also tend to prioritize phone orders. BUT, good luck getting them on the phone. I tried once ten times in a row with no success (yes, it was a craving). Another negative is the decor. The orientalism is garish and...let's just say it's one of the reasons I get my food to go. But the worst, and the main reason why this place doesn't get five stars, is the cleanliness. This is a place where people with dietary restrictions go. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, they got you covered. But their utter disregard for other allergies is appalling. For one, anyone with a nut allergy should be warned to keep to a five mile radius of this place. But even for other allergies it's a minefield. My friend is allergic to banana, although it takes a bit of banana in something for it to affect him. I order one of the two non-banana containing smoothies to share (the Coco Loco) and within a few minutes the poor guy is in the throes of an allergic reaction. I specified at the counter that it was an allergy and they assured me that it was ok because you can add or subtract whatever from your smoothie. Which...doesn't really mean much but overall it's a big concern for everyone here. The people who want to eat halal or vegan are then faced with the fact that their food has probably not been prepared conscientiously enough. I feel bad for the ciliacs too who are likely to encounter gluten here as well.
(3)
Malika F.

Finally went after years of recommendations. I love healthy/vegan food, so I was really looking forward to trying Life Alive. I had the Green Goddess and was completely overwhelmed by the taste of raw garlic. The dish itself was really good, but it was so smothered in the sauce that all I could taste was garlic. I also had the Ginger Crush juice, and was completely overwhelmed this time by the taste of raw ginger. Don't get me wrong, I love both garlic and ginger, but this was just aggressive. I was left with an uncomfortable burning sensation in the back of my mouth for over an hour afterwards. My friends seemed much happier with their choices, and agreed that both my meal and juice were the worst picks of the group, so perhaps I just didn't choose well. Would definitely give the place a second chance.
(3)
Angela P.

Of all the recommendations I received for the Boston area, I ultimately decided to have lunch at a totally different place than anyone recommended -- Life Alive. Why? Well, for a few reasons. First, the reviews were great. Second, they were all organic. And third, the food sounded incredibly natural and wonderful. This proved to be a very good decision. Life Alive is a vegetarian cafe with an emphasis on "feeding the vitality of the world." They strive to provide healthy fantastic food for people on the go, while honoring and protecting the environment. Their website had a hippy vibe, which was the same vibe I got from the cafe. This is a good thing. When I arrived around 11:30 a.m. on a Wednesday, there was already a pretty long line. I took a look at the menu and was overwhelmed with the choices. The concept was quite simple -- fresh smoothies, juices, salads, and bowls. By the time I got up to the front, I was still torn and relied on their advice to help me choose. Then I sat down at bar-like table in front of the windows to watch the passers-by. The cafe itself has an island feel with its bright colors and plants scattered throughout. Its huge windows allow the sunlight to shine in and brighten the cafe. I loved the vibe. I ordered a Life Alive juice, which is apple, beet, carrot, celery, kale, and wheatgrass. Delish! For my entree, I ordered The Green Goddess and I absolutely loved it. It is a bowl filled with broccoli, greens, tofu, and sprouted legumes over brown rice. It had a flaxy nama sauce on top with fresh avocado. The sauce was light and absolutely perfect. I also loved the hard red and green sprouted lentils. There is nothing I'd change about this dish. This is the type of place I feel like I could eat at every day. The food is fresh, organic, and healthy. And the prices are pretty typical at $5 for the juice and $9.25 for the bowl. I will definitely be back next time I'm in Cambridge.
(5)
Laura B.

Life Alive is where I bring anyone I want to impress. Boy I have a crush on? The Flaxy-Nama sauce will win him over. Parents in town? One of the amazing, hearty smoothies will have them forgetting any subpar grades I show them. Friends making fun of vegetarianism? The minute they try a warm Green Goddess bowl, they'll want to be pure kale-ivores. The atmosphere is extremely cozy. Downstairs, you can enjoy a romantic, darker setting, while upstairs, you feel like you're in a fast-paced, intellectual oasis. I feel 10 times smarter and 20 times healthier just upon walking in. Warning: Only bring people here if you want them to fall in love with you (and vegetables).
(5)
Meghan R.

I eat here too much. It's just so tasty and my body feels superb afterwards. Also it's very cozy and welcoming and the folks that work there wear great hats. I wish I could eat the Green Goddess every single day.
(5)
Nora X.

Good vegetarian options in a super crunchy place. Pros: tasty sauces on the bowls. I like the emperor, the empress. Good smoothies (island, the coconut one, the green smoothie). Cons: incredibly long lines (get around this by ordering ahead and going to the register to pick up and pay) and overpriced. Really i cant get past the price enough to come here very frequently.
(3)
Mary T.

I am not a vegetarian but I like this place because I feel really healthy after eating here... and gassy. I have tried The Seeker salad, The Hot and Healthy Bachelor wrap, and the Love Alive smoothie. They were all simple and delicious. I liked the salad the most. There was a long line when I went but it was not too bad. It took us around 5-10 minutes to get to the front of the line to order. The Hot and Healthy Bachelor wrap was a little plain and bland for me, but I added a bunch of the spicy sauce that they have near the counter where you get water, and it was delicious. I am obsessed with that sauce. I wish I can put it on anything I eat. They have seating upstairs and downstairs. They look totally different. I decided to dine downstairs. It feels very cozy and hippie vibe. I will definitely go back when I am in the area.
(4)
Fancypants X.

Akin to Cafe Gratitude that slowly left SF. Their smoothies are the perfect breakfast to get me through a workout, especially because I always add whey powder. The Elvis Alive (PB, banana, chocolate) is damn tasty, but also damn heavy in the stomach. Spring Alive (blueberries!) and Eros Alive (strawberry, banana, dates) are my two favorites. Bf's Island Alive was very coconutty. Ask for a stamp card -- buy 12, get one free. I don't usually like dirty hippies, but their Dirty Hippie is awesome. Granola & dried fruit in almond milk. Savory: The Lover is off the hook (beets, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms with a ginger shoyu dressing.) I get it over quinoa instead of brown rice. Add avocado. Really friendly staff. Line out the door from 11-2pm.
(5)
Spencer T.

There are many vegan/vegetarian, organic places you can find here and there. This one, is a gem. Certainly the diamond of diamonds in the Cambridge/Boston rough. The energy of the place is always positive, there is typically a line out the door for others eating up all the goodness they serve, and there has yet been a meal I haven't been disappointed with (5 visits this month). I juice at home, so I always venture to the smoothies (carrot cake is amazing) and the Goddess, and Fool are both great plates. Even the smaller option (demi) is plenty for 1 person...or go with the bowl and share with a loved one! Don't forget to go downstairs to enjoy the low light, coolness of the summer with plenty of Buddha, OM and good feeling furniture. A great place to hang out and catch up with friends 1 on 1, or bring in a big group and use the corner spaces. Try this place out, and enjoy eating something that's good FOR you.
(5)
Court S.

Being an original Cantabrigian, I've passed by this place several times and decided to stop in. AHHH...It has touches of San Francisco all throughout this joint. I tried the Romantic wrap and it was just ok. It has garlic, broccoli, avocado(my fave), and melted cheese and I added brown rice. yelp.com/biz_photos/lifeâ€¦ Overall it was tasty but I felt like it lacked something. Maybe it was missing a sauce or a spread. Certain parts were kind of bland. But overall it was tasty. I'll be back to try their other items which sound delicious.
(3)
Emma P.

Satisfyingly delicious-- highly recommend The Mystic Mountain salad and The Romantic grilled wrap. Very colorful and hippie atmosphere!
(4)
Jack j.

This is currently my favorite restaurant in Boston. Life Alive is such a healing presence in my life. The food is absolutely delicious, fresh & healthy, the dishes are designed with care & craft, the staff are friendly, helpful and happy & the environment is warm and nurturing & queer-friendly without that streak of hipster aloofness or anti-male sentiment that can sometimes permeate such establishments. Life Alive is not about identity politics or any agenda other than health & inclusiveness & a spiritual, nutritious and simple, yet delightfully gourmet approach to food. Prices are entirely reasonable. And my god the Loco Coco smoothie is more addictive than crack (better for you, tho...). Eery time I come here I fall in love all over again. Thank you, Life Alive for being an oasis of positivity, health, diversity, beauty (my wife & I each have crushes on half the staff) and sheer yummyness. This place is one of the highlights of Boston life for me. Long may they prosper.
(5)
Nicole B.

This is one of my favorite places - it's so unabashedly earthy crunchy. Though most of the dishes taste similar, they are all so delicious and nutritious! The smoothies and juices are divine. Try the Elvis, you won't regret it! Oh, and the Life Alive location in Lowell is better. It's quieter.
(5)
Josh Y.

Food is good, and if you are into pure fads foods with no scientific evidence support, you will love this place. If you want to order to go, best do it over the phone. Their to-go takes forever. Also, it is very noisy there, and sometimes it is hard to hear the cashier.
(3)
Emily T.

This place is amazing and the combinations of food are always delicious. Never fails to satisfy and always feels healthy. Try the juices, you won't be sorry.
(5)
Red A.

I got introduced to Life Alive about four years ago and have been a huge fan ever since! Although I have visited enough times to try out all of the dishes, I have been ordering the Green Goddess ever since I first had it. I'm a sucker for garlic and avocado! It can be hard to find good vegetarian-friendly places in the area. My choice is often narrowed down to one or two dishes at most places. (I also have a few other dietary preferences/restrictions). I have found almost everything at Life Alive to be a great option! It is vegetarian paradise. Their food is very fresh and they are creative with their ingredients and names (The Feisty Child... how cute is that!) You can also substitute ingredients. (I sometimes add carrots to mine.) Their smoothies, although a little overpriced in my opinion, are also great! I have tried the Lust Alive and the Island Alive. The Island Alive is a little too sweet for my taste (I am not big on sugary drinks). The Lust Alive has little too much cinnamon but it's an excellent ginger drink. Speaking on ginger drinks, their Ginger Crush is also awesome! Overall, I give this place 5/5 since they have good, fresh, vegetarian food, which is hard to find! It also has a great vibe and works as a lunch/snack/dinner/first date/100th date/family gathering/casual meet up/you name it! The only complaints I have are that they don't take reservations and that they have too few locations. If they opened up new branches, that might decrease the wait on weekend nights!
(5)
Christina T.

After my friend, Kari, introduced me to this place... I find myself craving it ALL the time and wish there was a Harvard Square location. SUPER delicious, and literally customizable in any which way you want. Grab a takeout menu when you step in the door because reading the menu on the wall by the time you get to the front of the line is not enough time! I always get the full size and then take half home to eat for another meal the next day. Add sesame stix to your meal :) So tasty!
(5)
Christopher C.

I'm definitely not a vegan or vegetarian. In fact, I am almost always up for a good cheeseburger but somehow Life Alive still manages to hit the spot every time I go. I have no idea what I order when I go there because I honestly don't understand what half the ingredients are in any of their menu items. Don't worry about it. Just order something and as long as you don't hate vegetables, you'll be in a treat. Great place to leave filling full but not gross. There's usually a line and the food takes awhile to come out so it's definitely not a place for a quick meal. In fact, the last time I went for the lunch the line was literally out the door! Go hungry, leave healthy.
(4)
Cerina H.

I'm a meat lover but this is so delicious that I forget it's actually healthy food! The demi size is usually too small for me and makes me really hungry a couple hours later, so I end up getting a bowl, which becomes kinda pricey. The smoothie is very thick and yummy. I would only recommend this if you can tolerate eating only vegetables and legumes.
(4)
Damien S.

If I could juice the atmosphere, it may taste like hemp and chia seeds but by golly, will it rejuvenate and invigorate! From the window to the walls, Life Alive emanates good juju and well-being. Even the menu reads like group hug on a commune, with "luscious," "power" and "cleansing" dispersed as if describing a raspberry-puree colonic. Speaking of (not really, but kinda)... my initial experience came in the form of an Eros Alive, the hearty, healthy, slightly sweet blend of almond milk, strawberries, bananas and - those which thicken naturally - dates, boyeeeee. Simple? Sure. Scrumptious? Aw yeah. I'm on the fence with a $6 price tag, but not entirely so. Ever since those dreaded Date Farm Fires of the 1980s, inflation has hit the smoothie market hard. I will say the thought of returning for one of their vegan bowls or wraps or commune group hugs or high grade hydro or... Dang, this Kool-Aid is yummy.
(4)
Casey J.

Delicious. Healthy. Vegetarian. Consistently wonderful bowls and salads. Great ambiance, very relaxed atmosphere, cool decorations, and quick service. Love it here every time.
(5)
E F.

Food so good it's worth the looking-cool-in-cambridge markup and the wait. Even the non-veggie visitors I've brought here have liked everything they've tried. The lines end up a little funky with no great place to wait for your food if you're getting take out on a sunny day to eat on the grassy hill next door but it's worth a little confusion and a half dozen people asking you if you're in line.
(5)
Kate B.

Great place. Owner has true vision and commitment to it. I love the plants.
(5)
Hannah R.

Life Alive makes me feel good AND bad about myself. Good because the food is so, so healthy. Bad because I'm sure I could make many of the things I order here on my own. Whatever. Americans love instant gratification, and I am an upstanding American citizen. Yum yum yum yum yum. I know the bowls and wraps and what have you are good (I see you Green Goddess!), but I'm stuck on the Udon Miso Masterful. It has so many happy foods in it! And along with that, you can have a shake with chia seeds in it. Chia seeds, you hippie luxury you. The housemade hot sauce is so good, I've considered pocketing it. But it's in this big ungainly bottle..it wouldn't work out. Since this place only employs counter order, the line can seem a bit overwhelming. So avoid when you're on the point of getting hangry. And definitely don't be thrown off by the flower shop vibe they've got going on--I missed this place the first couple times because I did not need any more ivies or ferns, thank you. Eat downstairs. It is a chill zone, and you are chill.
(4)
Martin A.

Food portions were good! I enjoyed how the veggies were cut small with amazing flavors! Good price and healthy to boot! I'll be back! My favorite so far... "The Rebel".
(5)
Miguel A.

Awesome place. They have great coffee, smoothies, juices, salads and bowls. We had their coffee and their goddess bowls. One of the best vegan places I've been!
(5)
Cameron P.

I am trying ridiculously hard to given this place 3 stars. When I first started coming here I would have given it 5, but I know better now. I will say first of all that the food is legitimately good, and if you are judging it solely on that it deserves at least a 4. It is the only, if not one of the few at most, legit veg/vegan restaurants in the Boston area. What I meant by this is that there is no attempt to use meat replacements. Tofu and legumes. That's it. The entree designs are pretty basic and all very similar but they back this up with smoothies and a juice bar. Most of the stuff is vegan and I am pretty sure if it's not that it can by made that way. What I am REALLY starting to get sick of is the attitudes of the staff here. I have had multiple close friends who have worked here but anyone who I don't know has never exactly related me warmly or made me feel welcome. I feel like I am squatting in an exclusive club which is ironic for the general name and mantra of this place. I have learned not to ask questions. When they ask you if you are sitting up or downstairs just pick one. This may mean you go downstairs and find no open tables and then have to go upstairs again and also find no open tables. Then they'll mix up where your order goes and they'll blame you for that. If you start to walk away after scanning your phone for LevelUp they won't politely tell you it hasn't processed. They'll snarkly remark that you shouldn't "run away" and then glare at you. The place is definitely overpriced in my opinion. If you order anything more than a basic entree you're probably gonna be spending close to $20 per person and for a place that is considered casual dining that's a little much. With so many people behind the counter you can still end up waiting 15 minutes before getting your food. There is a lot of hype around this place and maybe the locations in Salem and Lowell are better, but I am all but through here. The food and it unique theme hold it at 3 for me but I am pretty fed up. I'll be back but much less than I used to be.
(3)
Sam C.

I can't speak to the food. I have come to this restaurant 3 separate times, each looking on line to make sure they are open. (Its midday saturdays so most would assume that it is always going to be open). We got there each time and the restaurant was closed for another hippie fest. I get it that Cambridge is trying to be hipster, but this is just over the line. I have heard soooo many great things about the food, but I am sick of trying over and over again to go back without success...
(1)
David Z.

Aside from the sarcastic cashier, this place was fantastic. Loved the wide variety in the menu, both in terms of ingredients and portion size (many dishes are available three different ways). Also awesome were the many seating options, including quiet nooks downstairs. I shared a smoothie, soup and salad with my girlfriend, and all three were delicious. If I lived in Boston, this is a place I'd return to regularly.
(5)
Noshii R.

Slow and long line...never got to the food.
(1)
Kat B.

After living near Central Square for a number of years I finally visited Life Alive. I had wanted to try their food in the past but saw the long lines and decided I didn't want to wait. Boy do I regret that, Life Alive is great and my husband and I are now regulars! The secret to skipping their lines which can go out the door is to order ahead of time over the phone. They will prepare your order under 20 minutes and you can then walk right up to the register and one of their cashiers will acknowledge you very quickly. You might get the stink-eye from a couple people waiting in line who don't know about this policy and think you are cutting the line, but I'd take some icy glares over a 30 minute wait any day! My favorite item to order is an Adventurer filling bowl with additional squash (kabocha) and light sauce. Their smoothies and juices are also very good and I'm happy to report that their juicer is now up and running again! I would suggest trying their Ginger Crush juice and Island Alive smoothie. They also have customer appreciation cards which they will stamp. Once you reach a dozen smoothies/juices or a dozen meals, you get one for free. The only menu item I did not really enjoy from here was their Udon Miso Masterful (didn't really taste the miso at all) but everything else I've tried was both healthy and delicious. The people that work there are also very friendly. I've only had one slightly unpleasant experience where the cashier spaced out, forgot to give me my takeout order for 5-10 minutes, and proceeded to take many other orders and talk to her co-workers before she realized we were still waiting. Thanks Life Alive for making food that is really good for your body without sacrificing flavor or texture! I definitely am not a vegetarian but when I enjoy a meal from this restaurant I don't even miss meat!
(4)
Jen K.

love this place! I would eat here more often if it was only slightly cheaper, but with the food, add-ons and a smoothie/juice, it has moved into the 'occasional treat myself to a pricey lunch' category. That being said, it's great food and I've tried so many times to recreate these bowls at home and they're never the same! That sauce..they do something to those sauces I tell you!
(4)
Dan B.

Very cool place, nice atmosphere, great smoothies. The food portions are on the small side, but great nonetheless.
(4)
Sara Y.

This is the cutest organic vegetarian/vegan cafe I've seen! I'm from New York and was visiting Cambridge and was brought to this place for lunch. As I am a healthy eater, this place was just my cup of tea. The have salads, juices, smoothies, and bowls. The bowls are the best. They basically have boiled/steamed veggies topped over brown rice or quinoa, and drizzle it with a dressing. It is so delicious and fresh! They mix in toppings like kale, mushrooms, carrots, tofu, and nuts. What I like most about these bowls is that it really feels like a home made meal with fresh, natural, and healthy ingredients rather than processed foods with lots of oil like you would typically find in a restaurant. I got the lovers bowl and really liked it. Other popular ones are the goddess and adventure bowl. For a good green juice, get the Jive Alive! Also, it can get pretty crowded on the weekends so Just a heads up!
(5)
Madeline F.

One of my most frequented vegetarian spots, especially if my parents or boyfriend's parents are in town. I also like to hit up Life Alive after a jog or morning at the gym. The food doesn't take too long to come out (i'll have my quinoa medium-rare please lollll), and it's always fresh and filling. I've never tried their wraps, but I've had several of their bowls and they have all been great. I like to add a few additional toppings to the smaller sized bowl and order a juice, and it's just the right amount of food. My boyfriend is not a vegetarian but will opt for Life Alive over most places. I always feel energized after eating here-- one of food's best effects!
(4)
Abby R.

Once you get past the overly touchy-feely naturey granola-ness that is the decor and the menu (lemon vitality dressing? really?) and the staff... and the clientele- you can get to the food! I'm not a vegetarian, I like my meat but I thought I'd try something different and something that might be both healthy and satisfying. So I went. I've been around 5 times now and I've eaten in the restaurant every time so I can't speak to what ordering out is like, but for eating in it can be hard to find a table at peak times. It is nice that they'll bring your food down to you so you don't have to hover near the prep bar trying to pick out which mound of grains and plants is yours. Staff is friendly as well, although you better know what you want by the time you reach the cash register. I mostly go for the salads. I've tried most of them and they're all good. I don't find the descriptions of the food to be very helpful, especially the dressings because ginger-nama means next to nothing to me. But I've never regretted one. Portions are pretty generous, I always leave feeling pleasantly full but only once with leftovers. The -ahem- Dancin' Passion sauce (on a squeezebottle upstairs or downstairs) is spicy and delicious and I end up putting it on everything. I tried a juice here that tasted like pond water. In their defense it did advertise to have algae in it, but I was unprepared for its violence.
(4)
C. P.

Bustling crunchy ambiance with friendly, cool staff. The downstairs area is really nice, especially when they have live music! Only downside is how packed the place gets sometimes, though honestly waiting in line kind of adds to the experience. Great food that's really really filling. Only ever had the bowls, it feels like the most authentic Life Alive experience. The sauce is what make 'em, and they're super accommodating if you ask for extra. Also the Coconut Alive is smoothie perfection. Wish the smoothies were less expensive, but given the ingredients that go into them, it makes sense.
(4)
Kathy C.

I usually order the combo bowls- really fresh and delicious. Also huge for one person- have a look around or ask before ordering to get the size that's right for you. The staff is very friendly and helpful. You'll feel great after eating this meal.
(5)
whit e.

This place had a line of twenty people when we arrived for lunch, but they worked the line in seven minutes. The cook was a bit heavy handed in their use of ginger, even for my wife who adores ginger and uses it a lot in all manner of dishes. The menu features a great variety of healthy vegetarian options, which we truly appreciate since such a place is still somewhat of a needle in a haystack. The cellar seating area includes many cubbies in which to share a meal with mystical and/or psychedelic wall art in the style of Alex Grey. The cellar has purple ceilings and colorful furniture and has an egalitarian air where several large tables are shared amongst diners. The service was quick if a bit rushed. There is a Hubway station right across the street. which I used to arrive here from Harvard Square.
(4)
Steph P.

LOVE. Absolutely love this place. I moved to Central about a year ago from Brighton, and like many other reviewers, I skipped past this place for months because of the loooooong lines. I am kicking myself for not trying it sooner (I finally caved a couple months ago) because now I go about once a week (I haaaate cooking) for the adventurer Demi bowl. It's just so magical. If you go before the dinner rush, you'll beat the crazy line - the line that's the only reason I give this review only 4 stars instead of 5. I usually call ahead to order, but I definitely feel bad because it seems like I'm skipping the line by running up to pay. Wish they had a separate pickup counter for that reason!
(4)
Sim S.

Love the food here ! it's healthy and delicious.
(5)
Mike M.

After passing this place all the time, and seeing it always crowded, I finally decided to give it a try. Our group of 3 was very happy with our delicious meals. Between the three of us we tried a salad, wrap and a rice bowl and everyone was satisfied. I appreciate that the prices aren't higher, given the quality of the ingredients. I think I misordered my juice (the Jive Alive), as I found it unpalatable given the strong flavors of lemon and ginger (which are the main ingredients so I should have known). Overall, if you want a reasonable ($10ish) meal that will make feel great and tastes great, too, this is the place. I can't wait to go back and try something new.
(5)
Melanie S.

It's a good hippy time in here. I will not lie.
(5)
Pua Z.

I'm not really a fan of that place, but I could say that it is a good place to stay, to have a lunch with someone, the price is a little bit high because it is a healthy restaurant, everything supposted to be healthy! hehehe~ but btw, it is a good place and good plates! =D
(4)
Alvin C.

I'm the furthest you can get from a vegetarian, but at my gf's urging, I decided to check it out! We ordered the Explorer and the Emperor. I got to try both - they were delicious! Never knew vegetarian food could be this great.
(5)
Avril B.

OMG! Just out of this world! Seriously, if it was "normal" to go back for seconds after finishing my meal, I would! YUM!!!
(5)
Robin Y.

The food was better than I expected- I'll start with that. I'm an extremely healthy eater- my favorite place is Whole Foods, I eat quinoa at least once a day, I eschew nearly everything that isn't natural, and I was a vegetarian for over ten years. However, their website had me worried that this place was just TOO healthy for me- and I've literally never said that before; it seemed like a yoga-mats-and-lotus-posters, inspirational-quotes-as-bumper-stickers kind of place. My fiancÃ© and I came here with a friend for her birthday because it's one of her absolute favorite places, and her enthusiasm was convincing enough for me to give it a try. What I didn't like: The line, even on a Saturday night for a place that I would have assumed attracted more of a lunch crowd, was so long- it took half an hour of standing in line for us to just get our order in, which seemed crazy. Then we had to wait almost as long to get our food. We were lucky to be able to sit down- there really aren't many tables, and we saw a few groups duke it out over the larger tables. I'm not a big fan of basements- the whole no-windows thing just kills the ambiance for me- so I wasn't eager to hang out after we finished eating. I'm also not big on hippie decor, which this place is decked out in. But like I said, I was pleasantly surprised by the food. I got the Goddess dish ($8.55)- apparently their signature- and while I was worried that the ginger sauce would be overwhelming because I'm not always a huge fan of ginger, it was actually tangy, creamy, and delicious. I was also worried about the abundance of leafy greens in the dish because while I am a committed lover of vegetables, I can't find it in myself to stomach kale. However, the crunchiness of the beets and carrots, the good amount of brown rice and quinoa, and the great sauce were really a good combination and left me full but not bloated (always my goal in a meal). Oh, and I also tried the chai smoothie ($5.89 for a mason jar size)- amazing in its subtlety; I plan on making this at home sometime very soon. (Maybe when it's not 13 degrees outside, so like, in July.) My picky, meat-and-potatoes fiancÃ© wasn't won over- this place was just too granola for him, which our friend and I knew it would be from the get-go. So if you don't know how to pronounce "quinoa" and have ever summarized vegetarian food as "like eating a plate of grass," this is not the place for you, and nothing will change that. But if you are a generally healthy, vegetarian/vegan-leaning person, I can't promise that this will be your new favorite place, but it is worth a try- the food definitely surpassed my expectations.
(3)
Carrie P.

I've tried a lot of things on the menu and have finally settled on ordering the Miso Masterful udon soup bowl every time I go. I have found that many of the other bowls are just OK and ditto for the salads. The Miso Masterful is truly delicious, but I've got to go with 3 stars because of the horrendous line situation and general slowness of service combined with the mediocre quality of the other dishes. Truthfully, I usually skip this place now because I don't really feel like waiting 45 minutes for my food.
(3)
sara k.

So, I've ditched the Cambridge location, I have been back, with better experience, but it's still kind of an awful spot - always crowded with rude staff and the place smells like wet gym socks. BUT... Salem! The Salem location is superb! Sure, the line gets long at lunch, but the food is spectacular. If you're looking to go at the height of lunch hour, take-out is the way to go, skip to the front of the line, pay and get out. The staff is always friendly and willing to give you suggestions. The Dandy Soy "Latte" is fantastic!
(5)
Jenn H.

I mean, I'm just adding to the noise now but this place is tony-the-tiger grrrreattt. The teas are really good, and I love this fruity ginger tea they have. The food? Phenomonal. Goddess, green goddess, and swami are some of my faves. But I can't wait to try everything. Creative recipes and perfect execution. And so much to choose from and customize! The upstairs can get a little crowded because the line is usually long, but they take your orders super fast, so it moves quickly. If you dine in, they deliver the food right to your table! The eating area downstairs is super comfy and spacious. Love to come here after a long day at work and just unwind.
(5)
Heather L.

We simply love this place. We've been hooked since we first tried it a few years ago. If you love delicious, vegetable centric eating - EAT HERE - just beware....it's addictive. I love when a restaurant can up level what I like to make at home. The food is delicious - we only wish there were a location closer to where we live in Metro West of Boston. PS - we miss the journey jar!
(5)
Syd M.

THIS PLACE IS AWESOME !!! my new favorite healthy food spot in town. worth the wait if there is a line . all natural all organic . hippie spot but you dont have to be a hippie to go there.
(5)
Lorenz S.

A great change to the usual places in the area, and the place to go with your vegetarian and vegan friends -- the styling is a little bit to much for me (I am definitely allergic against the Papyrus typeface), but the quality and variety of the food are great.
(4)
Miles C.

I returned from Mardi Gras in New Orleans last year feeling emotionally broken and physically depleted. I literally found Life Alive by googling "healthiest food in boston." I went the first time to nourish my broken soul, and it quickly became a staple in my Boston dinner rotation. The food is surprisingly filling and tasty. My personal favorite is the Adventurer bowl with a coconut alive smoothie. The hummus is great too. I almost always get it to go, in part because the place gets packed and the line is always huge (you can skip it if you order ahead). It definitely attracts a more...organic...crowd, in case you plan to eat there. This place is great.
(4)
Anthony L.

What a treat, seriously. I found by writing (and reading) various reviews, it's always best to use the band-aid approach. What, you don't know what that is? Give some negatives first, and then head into the positives. I would have to say the only negative is the price of a wrap (mine was around $9.50 or so). However, on the other hand, the food is great (and fresh) and prepared very well. Okay, onto the review! I have always walked by Life Alive wondering what it was exactly (to my defense, whenever I have my headphones on I don't pay attention too well). Anyways, I was always confused if it was some sort of earth/crunchy Yoga studio or actual restaurant. Whatever. Walking in, the walls are eccentric (but it flows) and the counter (and behind) is stacked with organic and fresh vegetables. There are usually a good number of staff members working (which I appreciate, as the line can get rather long). Also, there's a super cute downstairs, check it out (and bring some cards and/or your computer -- 2 hours of free WiFi). I ordered The Romantic, which, according to the website contains: Hass Avocado (when available), shredded cheddar cheese, broccoli, garlic, nutritional yeast and Bragg's Liquid Aminos all embraced in a soft whole wheat tortilla. Delicious wrap it was, but a little too packed with broccoli. I wish there were some more avocado or something. But, it's not to say I didn't enjoy it, as I did. It was delicious. After walking out of the restaurant I realized my breath terminally smelt like garlic (which, hey, I had a great meal, no worries). If you're looking for a nice health fast (ish) meal, give Life Alive a try. The people at the counter are super friendly so don't feel bashful asking recommendations.
(5)
Juju J.

Maybe I'm spoiled by NYC, but only found this place so-so. Did enjoy all the different veggie options but found the food to be good but smaller portions than expected, especially of the "premium" options. The people who work there are very nice. Kinda a long line at lunch, but I believe you can call ahead and pick up.
(4)
Sofia R.

As a vegetarian, walking into an exclusively vegg restaurant is comparable to what a child feels when walking into a toy shop with an unlimited budget. I discovered life alive at the beginning of my freshman year of college, and since then it has become my happy place. Everything is delicious.
(5)
Newto V.

This is my favorite restaurant in Cambridge. I've been to all 3 locations & they are all fantastic. The line is often out the door... It's that good. So, I came at 9pm on a Friday & there was no line, which was great.
(5)
Jenna W.

Heaven like:) went twice in two days ! Just can't have enough their signature Salad-The adventurer and the green goddess .The crunchiness of the brown rice accompanies with the smoothness of the avocado is definitely something to remember.
(5)
Christina K.

I had hoped to get some pasta in downtown but my GPS failed me and I ended up in Central Square. One of my friends had talked a lot about Life Alive, so I swung by. I was totally overwhelmed by the menu since pretty much everything looked the same - the dressing was what distinguished each dish. A lot of them had an Asian flair, and being Asian, well....I was like, I dunno about that. I ended up getting a rice bowl with a miso dressing (I think it was the Adventurer) and I opted for a half portion since I was till determined to get a cannoli from Mike's later. I received my bowl, which was a blend of kale, beets, carrots, sprouted legumes, brown rice, tofu etc etc and oh my, it was actually REALLY delicious. The half portion was just enough to fill me up without stuffing me. After a weekend of eating really poorly in West Palm Beach, I was actually really relieved to have a super tasty, filling, and healthy meal. This definitely was total hippie food, but I enjoyed every bite and would definitely be back. I think even the processed food/meat eating junkie would enjoy this. It was hearty, flavorful (almost a bit too much - the dressing was a little heavy) and nourishing.
(5)
Samarth A.

As an ex-Austinite I absolutely loved the vibe of this place. Pick up an interesting book on the shelf or just enjoy people watching, along with the healthy vegetarian food. I tried the Adventurer bowl which had way too many delicious ingredients than I am used to eating ;) I guess that explained the ultra-long queue. Definitely a must go-to place in this area.
(4)
Kathryn L.

Life Alive is so good. I asked if they happened to have Kombucha, and was delighted to hear that they did. On tap! Thank you for providing uber-healthy food, a warm atmosphere, and delicious spins on vegan fare. Love it!
(5)
Joy R.

Delicious food (I've tried a few different smoothies and The Adventurer bowl YUM) friendly staff (that are freakishly fast) the atmosphere is eye catching and colorful..there's no place like it!!
(5)
Pam H.

I got the Chai Alive smoothie paired with The Udon Miso Masterful. The smoothie was rich and tasted somewhat healthy. I always tend to feel gross after drinking 1/4th of a smoothie, but it wasn't the case with Life Alive. The Udon was an interesting take on udon... but I can't say I'm a fan of it. It definitely was barebones udon with really fresh and healthy ingredients, but to me, it wasn't really udon. Udon always has deep (marinated kind of deep) flavours, and I just felt like I was dunking the noodles and udon into a watery sauce vs. a soup-base. I think I might have just picked a wrong dish, the others have promise.
(3)
Sarah M.

I went here with a friend earlier this spring. She raved about it, and while I'm not even close to being vegan/vegetarian and often find such menus a little limiting to my palate, I gave it a chance. The space itself is pretty cool-- a labyrinth two floors of funky furniture and brightly colored walls. But the menu doesn't do it for me. I'm allergic to avocado and I'm not a big fan of nutritional yeast, and each of those things seem to play starring roles in many if not most of the menu items. I ended up getting some sort of a veggie-egg-cheese burrito, which was extremely filling, but not really that tasty or satisfying. My number one complaint is that the menu doesn't have enough variety. Give people who don't like nutritional yeast/ginger/avocado a more equal chance!
(2)
Vivian C.

I'm no vegetarian, but I do enjoy my veggies, so when it was suggested that we try for a relatively healthy lunch option in the Central Square area, I was up for it. The cashier stations are at the far end of the counter, and the items on the menu had cute names. For my selections, I decided to go with The Adventurer - Our Sesame Ginger Nama Sauce combined with a colorful mix of corn, beets, broccoli, dark greens, shredded cheddar, tofu & tamari almonds over quinoa & short grain brown rice - Demi portion for $5.85 (vs the larger bowl for $9.25), and the Elvis Alive shake - Peanut Butter, Cocoa, Banana, Ice Cream*, and Rice Milk - 16 oz. $5.99. For my entree, I was asked, Tofu or Legume? Oh, there's a choice? Can I do half and half? Yes. No extra charge. That was nice, but my take-out box ended up arriving quite tofuless, which was kind of sad, but not a dealbreaker. If you order your meal to go, hang around the counter and listen up for your name. If you got it for eating-in, they'll give you a little number tag to place on your table and will bring the food to you - seating is available inside by the cashier stations, outside on the side walk, and they have a basement! Check it out; it is rather nice down there. But don't forget to grab your utensils at the counter on your way to your table. Self-serve water is available, and they have collection units for trash, recycling, and compostables... problem being only that I don't know what goes where. Descriptive signs would have been most useful to this Life Alive newbie. The Adventurer was pretty good, quite dense, very filling, though a little too wet with red tinged juices pooling at the bottom, while the Elvis Alive was a little light on flavor and general creamy smoothness, which I guess I could take to mean that it was relatively healthy if I want to put a positive spin on it... but when I order a drink (which I don't always do), I'm up for a treat, and this didn't quite fit the definition. Service was friendly. Bathrooms are available beyond the cashiers. They take LevelUp. *** 9/2013 *** This time I remembered to LevelUp and received $1 credit for my demi Adventurer $5.85 - yes, I do seem to gravitate to the same list of ingredients. I ate it all and was pretty satisfied. Two hours of free wifi is available with a code posted at the register. *** 3/2015 *** A take out order of a demi The Swami $5.95 (Our Sweet Curry Miso Sauce initiating a flavorful mix of tamari almonds, raisins, shredded carrots, broccoli, kale, & sweet onions over brown rice with a sprinkle of nutritional flakes.) scored me a box stuffed full of a delicious concoction. My mom sampled it and found the sauce quite good.
(3)
Man M.

What's not to love about this place? I am a professed steak guy but I dig this place. Cool and highly recommended.
(5)
Umber N.

Love, love, love this place. I wish they were on my block. I never thought I would willingly go for vegetarian food over meat, but this place makes really delicious food. I'm happy to wait in line for 20-30 minutes for this food. My favorites are their Green Goddess and the Adventurer. They also have some yummy smoothies and drinks. It has a very good energy/vibe so it is relaxing to be there. Although, sometimes it can be hard to find a place to sit. And they really go above and beyond. I had managed to leave my phone behind and they kept it safe (and made sure I was who I said I was before giving it to me).
(5)
Andrew F.

Anyone who says this place isn't excellent must be reviewing something other than the food, plain and simple. The food is exceptional. I love sandwiches - I'd eat three sandwiches a day if it was societally acceptable (and healthy enough). That being said, I think I could not only get away with eating three a day if they were from Life Alive, but I would probably get healthier. I would, of course, be broke after doing it, but that forces me to be a little less of a three-sandwich-a-day oddball. Really though, excellent food which makes you feel good about eating. I've never left this place anything but fully satiated and feeling good about the choice to eat here. If you're uncomfortable with it being a bit different than other places in style and substance, then by all means, continue eating at the McDonald's down the road - it'll always be just what you expect it to be. If you're even remotely open-minded, like excellent food, and friendly service, it's a great choice.
(5)
Daniel M.

When I visited Portland, OR this is what it felt like. Hippie indeed but after a couple sips of the kool-aid you get it. The staff manages to be friendly, helpful, and often quite funny while they sling their veg*n fare. I recommend the Green Goddess which is filled with things I don't understand which are good for me along with avocado, broccoli, greens, and extra deliciousness. I get the tofu and sprouted legumes for extra hippie-dippie-ness and am satisfied every time. I haven't sampled many of the smoothies outside the Lust Alive and Elvis Alive. I would recommend both with a slight preference for the Elvis, peanut butter banana wins nearly every time.
(4)
Deborah H.

I can't believe it took me so long to go here. It might be one of my new favorites. The line for dinner on a Monday was crazy long. But at least it gave me enough time to completely and totally stress over the menu and what to order. After much angst, I decided on the Lover and the Goddess bowls. Upstairs was packed but there were quite a few empty seats downstairs. I kid you not, our food arrived in FIVE MINUTES. OK, maybe seven. It was quick. So don't let the line scare you off too much... The food was really tasty, especially when doused with the delicious hot sauce (which wasn't particularly hot). The textures were perfectly complementary but to be totally honest, both dishes tasted pretty much the same. One had tofu, and the other had mushrooms (allegedly, but I don't think I had any). Perfectly filling and healthy-tasting, of course. I'll be back to try something else.... Probably the red lentil hummus which sounds simply scrumptious.
(4)
Charlotte M.

I started going to Life Alive when I lived in Lowell 4 years ago. This is good food for what it is, but I feel like a lot of the dishes are not that much different from each other, many contain the same ingredients in different combinations, not much diversity. There's usually brown rice, quinoa, carrots, kale, or broccoli in some sort of miso sauce. Their smoothies and juices are pretty good, I like the atmosphere at both the Central Sq. and Lowell locations, I have not been to the Salem location yet. Service is usually really great or chaotic, I've had better service at the Central Sq. location than in Lowell.
(3)
Jade B.

This is bar far the best food I think I've ever had in my life. I've been here about 10 times in the past year and I've never been disappointed. Awesome menu! Awesome environment! :) delicious food and smoothies.
(5)
Janka L.

pros *"healthy" food that is pretty healthy and tastay *sit-down or take-out *friendly staff *prices cons -long lines. they move fast, but they are still there -awkward seating behind the lines (but they have downstairs and outdoors as well, so nbd) -most warm dishes are the same, just have a different sauce drizzled over
(4)
Melanie K.

At first, I have to admit that I was overwhelmed by the pure quantity of organic choices on the menu- but in truth, you can't go wrong here. I ended up ordering the Adventurer and the Swami. I was blown away; both were amazing and chock-full of goodness like whole pieces of kale. The staff were courteous and the atmosphere was relatively peaceful. This place puts salad restaurants to shame any day; I will be back My full review of my trip to Life Alive: organicrestaurants.com/bâ€¦
(5)
Lanna Lee M.

I ducked in Life Alive to get a snack and ended out staying for dinner! This restaurant has changed my life. I started out with a smoothie (Elvis Alive) and a side of Cucumbers. then the person next to me was eating something that looked SOOOO delicious (The Rebel) with beets and other stuffs, so I got that too. And another Elvis Alive. And it too was delicious! How did it change my life? After eating my dinner, I realized that I really liked this healthy food stuff and maybe I could figure out how to make myself some. The other night I roasted some beets and cooked some wild rice (mixed with brown rice) and sauteed tofu and green-red peppers - not as good as Life Alive, but getting there. I wish we had one of these in Portland, Maine. I am going to Massachusetts again this weekend and I hope to eat at another Life Alive in either Lowell or Salem. Thanks, Life Alive!
(5)
Kara D.

The staff is amazing, they always play good music and the food is delicious. I can't believe there aren't more places like this in Boston. Good quality, fresh food for a great price. Juices and smoothies galore! This is my favorite place to eat in Boston.
(5)
Christine S.

Really enjoyed my first trip to Life Alive. Was surprised how packed this place gets with a line literally out the door even in the rain. It was a little chaotic and confusing for a newbie but I had plenty of time in line to figure Out how it all worked. Even through all that hipster chaos, I was really impressed by the level of service at the register. The ladies taking orders were really knowledgeable, patient, and gladly accepted substitutions and made great suggestions. I settled on the Love Alive smoothie with whey instead of dates, and a Demi version of the Goddess with quinoa subbed for brown rice, and squash instead of beets. The smoothie was light and tasty. Not necessarily what I'm used to in my own kitchen which is a little creamier and rich, but it was a better fit to go with the meal since it was more refreshing than filling. The Goddess bowl was incredible. I was so pleasantly surprised with this dish, Even though I received with brown rice instead of the Quinoa I had ordered. The Nama shoyu sauce was so creamy and delicious. I used to think I hated Kale, but it turns out I just never had Kale prepared like this. I'm not even a carrot person, but when drenched in that delicious sauce, I could eat a hundred carrots. The best touch were the two little scoops of butternut squash on the side of the bowl which had a delicious balance of savory and sweet. I couldn't quite place what gave the squash that delicious flavor but I think there must be a little maple syrup blended in. The only thing that really disappointed me was when the meal was over, when I instantly regretted ordering a "Demi". But to be honest, I was surprisingly full after the meal and only my taste buds were wanting. I'm so happy to finally have a healthy food option in the Boston area. Life Alive is a great choice and I'm confident I will be their newest Regular...especially since they accept LevelUp for payment!
(4)
Breeze B.

Holy flaxy nama sauce! Lord have mercy! Visiting from Chicago- just had the Green Goddess bowl & it changed my life. SO delicious. If you like healthy & delectable fare as well as smoothies, look no further!
(5)
Angela N.

I loved this place, loyal customer. I have recommended it to all my friends. I have never spoke a bad word about this place until now. I usually stop before work and grab a smoothie and walk to work in Kendall square. They have never taken more than 5mins to make a smoothie, still a little long to blend ingredients together, but always worth the wait. I legit sat there for 13 minutes waiting my smoothie. Therefore making me late for work and causing a pleasant walk to be a mad dash from central to kendall. I always make it before the lunch rush, so the place was not busy at all. I just watched my order sit on the screen as the time ticked... 5 minutes... 8 minutes.. and so on. I think it's great to get along well with co workers, but the two people behind the smoothie/Juice station just stood there and continued to talk & not make the smoothies that were on their monitor. I think this place has a great environment and the employees are all very friendly, but there is no excuse for the amount of time I had to wait for my drink. Don't worry, I didn't purposely order my smoothie to go for a reason, please continue your conversation. I have no where to be. Just plain rude!
(2)
Coco K.

So, I am the most carnivorous girl around. I usually can't go a day without eating meat. However, lately, I've been feeling quite excessive and I was craving a good healthy reboot of my system. My good friend and fellow Yelp Intern, Jill F. turned me onto this place and I have to admit it's one of my favorites! And that's a bold statement coming from such a meat eater like me. Every bowl I've gotten so far is fabulous! "The Rebel, Green Goddess," etc... you honestly can't go wrong. Pair that with one of their great "super juices" and you'll feel your body give you a big hug of relief that it's finally receiving something other than pig parts and chicken wings. I love coming here and doing work while I leisurely eat my big steaming bowl of delicious veggie delight. Honestly, I try to come here once a week and do a sort of Meatless Monday type of thing, even though it sometimes doesn't fall on a Monday. I'll even order another bowl to go for the next day. The service is fantastic and they let you customize your dish every which way. They are very attentive and I've never had to wait too long (although the line does get quite monstrous around lunchtime and 7pm) Can't wait to enliven my body with some veggie heaven after this glutenous turkey Holiday!
(5)
Deb S.

Excellent vegetarian/ vegan fare in a rather bustling environment in a convenient Central Square location. When you enter Life Alive , you can see the open kitchen on your right. Wood floors and high ceilings are visually appealing (although they make for poor acoustics.)The menu is extensive but pretty much similar ingredients, arranged in different forms: soups, stir fries, over brown rice etc. Everything was tasty and fresh but beware---the portions are not huge. My meal was almost $10.00 and had a rather skimpy portion of (excellent) Udon noodles in it. The seating is cramped, and if I really wanted to split hairs, the place could be a bit cleaner. BUT to be fair it was a hugely hectic Saturday afternoon. I would go back again!
(4)
Azalea K.

Want to feel healthy? want to feel regular? Life alive can help. I love everything and anything with kale, which life alive has plenty of. I am a huge fan of the garlicy green goddess but honestly, every dish I've had here has been delicious and satisfying. Deciding on portions is tough here, but the servings are usually enough to make me feel full. The seating upstairs and downstairs is usually sufficient, although I've once or twice had to squat in the kid chairs downstairs bc there were no tables open. Overall, a great place for a healthy, complete meal.
(5)
Ned K.

This place is Ron Swanson's nightmare.
(3)
Alisa O.

fairly affordable and great fresh produce. The decor and music is kind of cheesy and maybe a little over trendy, but the food is worth it I think. From a true vegetarian, the food is solid.
(4)
Jill F.

"The Rebel"..."The Lover"..."The Handsome Bachelor"...All fabulously original names, all equally fabulous meals at my favorite lunch place, Life Alive! Yes, initially I thought everything was really expensive. But am I a health food junkie? Kale Lover? Garlic Gobbler? Yes..sign me up! Just like meat eaters who pay a pretty penny for a perfect steak, I will pay just as much for some wholesome brown rice, quinoa and kale in a big ol' bowl with unique organic sauces. Lets just start with the sauces. Gingered Nama Shoyu, Curried Miso, Garlicly, Spicy, Sweet and Soy-licious. Don't forget to hop over to their condiment area and snatch their famous "Dancing Passion" hot sauce that will send your taste-buds over the top with spicy sensations! The best part about their food system is that you can add anything your little heart desires to the bowls, wraps or demi's. I recommend getting a Green Goddess Bowl with Toasted Almonds on top! So, so, soooo good! Add some beets, carrots, corn, cheese, egg, avocado....the list is endless. Don't miss out on their fresh squeezed juices either. This is basically the ONLY place in Boston that serves up delicious juices and I go running for wheatgrass! Right now I'm fighting a little cold so I went with the "Superhero Alive" juice. An immune system re-charging combo of carrot, apple, ginger, spirulina, cayenne, garlic, apple cider vinegar, honey and pure water. I can feel my cold getting a punch in the face as I sit here right now! Be gone! Let me tell you four little secrets after being a regular here: 1) The lines get long, call ahead or get here before 12 lunch rush. 2) They sell Kombucha in the bottle. 3) They have Beer and Wine too. 4) The wifi is free! With a password and a 2 hour time limit. So tell me, where else in the greater Boston area can you grab a beer, healthy dinner and get some work done on your computer? No where! Addicted for life. Can I just move in next door?
(5)
Ryan M.

Excessively expensive for vegan food, regardless of it being organic. The food is tasty and healthy. I REALLY liked their homemade ginger kombucha. I was a bit annoyed that they serve many different teas, beer, kombucha but no coffee. Instead, they have a coffee substitute made out of dandelions. Which is tasty, but why not coffee? It's a plant. It's natural. It's not like they have an aversion to caffeine, they serve tea. It's not due to the addictive nature of coffee, they have beer. I don't mind the dandelion stuff for people who don't want coffee or want a coffee-like beverage without the caffeine. It just seemed weird to me to not have coffee. My vegan girlfriend got "The Fool" which was delicious. My miso udon bowl was a bit bland by comparison. If I want a healthy vegan meal, I'm much more likely to go to the Buddhist Tea Room down the street. You get more for your money and it's much more peaceful there. Less crowded. Less pretentious. But if you like kombucha, I highly recommend Life Alive's. It's really good stuff.
(3)
David A.

This is by far my favorite place for sustenance in the entire Boston/Cambridge area. With healthy food and a cozy atmosphere, I sometimes go here at the end of a stressful day to unwind, regenerate, and renovate my faith in humanity. They are extremely popular so the line is quite long during lunch and dinner rushes. It's totally worth it though, and I have met some incredible people by striking up conversations with those around me while I wait. Namaste.
(5)
Laura S.

By a strange twist of events, I ended up here for my birthday, having no idea what I was getting myself into. Walking in to this place made me think several things: 1. The Earth Mother might be swallowing me 2. It is nicer on the inside than it looks like it will be on the outside The decor is very hippy/yuppie, as are the clientele and staff. You wait in line to order food but they do bring it to you if you eat at the restaurant. The food is overpriced for what it is but still delicious and made from fresh, local (organic?) ingredients, so I would eat their food again. I would probably get it to go.
(3)
Elizabeth C.

This is literally my favorite place to be. Period. I am fully aware that all the food here I can and do make at home-- but there's just something about it... Something about the harem-like seating downstairs, the friendly dreadlock folks steaming all that kale, the big smoothies in ball jars... I just want to be there and eat that food. I find myself taking friends there if we want to go out for a quick-ish dinner but don't want to feel like hell afterward. I first discovered L.A. at its Lowell location a few years ago and i've been hooked ever since! You're a fool if you're not going there, even just to breathe the delicious air.
(5)
Aaron W.

I like the granola organic atmosphere, tasty juices, and very friendly staff. What kills me is the wait time (huge lines) and long prep time for food. Expect a 20-30 minute juice trip:(
(4)
Elizabeth G.

Delicious! I always feel great after eating here. The line is insane however...definitely a place to avoid during normal eating hours.
(4)
Bobby D.

The fact that anyone would rate this place lower than 5 stars is unreal. This is by far the best healthy food joint that I have ever visited. It's the thing that I miss the most after moving from Boston to Los Angeles. I can't say enough about the staff. They have a really cool crew working there that are very friendly and know a lot about what they are serving. They are always ready to give a great recommendation. My favorites are the Hot and Healthy Bachelor. It's a great breakfast sandwich. I love the Alchemist and Rebel bowls. Also, the Warrior Salad is amazing. Just make sure you add some avocado to it. Lastly, the smoothies and juices are exceptional as well! I would highly recommend the Loco Cocoa smoothie and the Life Alive juice. Get ready to be addicted and want to try everything on the menu!
(5)
Christopher C.

It's dirty. Downstairs feels like a kindergarten classroom with germs everywhere! They never wipe down the tables, the service is atrociously slow. I waited 25 minutes for a wrap and my smoothie never even made it to my belly. Also,the food is super salty. For a supposedly health conscious establishment, it's not doing the public any better than McDonalds. The staff are neo-hippies/hipsters who need to cut their hair and take a shower and stop smoking weed. Life Alive? No, PIss Crap Salt Bowls. Also their takeaway portions are half the size yet same price as their in dining. Yuck Alive.
(1)
Sara S.

This the kind of earthy, crunchy, hippie place that Cambridge is all about. I loved the Lover, and was thrilled by the half-size option. The Simply Alive juice (water, honey, lemon, and spirulina) was the most delicate, delightful lemonade I've ever had. I think I will be trying to replicate it at home. This place has counter service, where you order at the counter and a server brings it to you at a table you've found yourself. This makes dining here easier for a party of two than for bigger groups. You might end up sharing a table with strangers, and lingering at the table might not be an option. Life Alive is the perfect spot for your vegan or vegetarian friends, as well as for progressive omnivores.
(5)
Debbie P.

I recently visited Boston on a business trip, and I ate most of my meals at Life Alive, which was less than a one-mile walk from my hotel. I chose this place because I am vegan, and everything there is vegan/vegetarian. The food there was delicious - especially the Green Goddess bowl - not to mention, healthy. I could eat that particular dish every day and never get tired of it - in fact, I ate it every day I was in Boston. The atmosphere is straight out of the 60's - loved it! For the down side,It took me more than 30 minutes to get through the line the first day I was there, which was late on a Sunday afternoon. While in line, I noticed that there was peeling, chipping paint on the ceilings right above where the food is being prepared, and I could see cobwebs hanging from the ceiling as well. They should definitely fix that! There is also the hair issue that others have mentioned - seriously, no one wants hair in their food! Also, as a business traveler, I have to turn in my receipts in order to be reimbursed for my meals. They will give you a receipt, but you have to specifically ask for it (something I'm not good at remembering to do) - even when you're using a credit card. Another problem was that the people who are taking the orders of the people who've stood in line for 30 minutes or more are also taking orders on the phone - while you're standing there waiting...and waiting...and then waiting some more. Since there were two lines going, and I stood and watched 4 other people get served ahead of me in the other line, I finally had to get a little bit rude and say to the other lady taking orders, "Excuse me, but I've been standing here waiting for her to get off the phone for a very long time now, and I wondered if you would go ahead and take my order?" I hated doing that, but they really need to have a better system so that sort of thing doesn't happen. Bottom line - if you're vegan or vegetarian, you'll most likely love the food (meat-eaters, maybe not so much). If you're a child of the 60's, you'll probably love the atmosphere. If you're a germophobe, you probably will freak out about the cleanliness issues and decide to leave before you ever make it up to the register (and you'll have a while to make that decision). If you're in a hurry - stop at Whole Foods down the street for their salad bar instead.
(4)
Ehsan S.

It has very nice vibe, beautiful decoration, cool people hanging out and most important of all fresh smoothies
(5)
Pack M.

The staff is super nice. The food was good and healthy. I had a tofu salad, smoothie and then also some juice (Jive Alive). I'd give it more stars, but the food just wasn't that flavorful and maybe that's my own fault based on my order. The only bad thing... Jive Alive tastes like ass, however it stood as proof that it was definitely good for you.
(3)
Kate P.

This place is definitely a bit pricey- but you are getting really fresh quality food. I've had 2 different salads or theirs and a smoothy, all of which have been delicious. My body feels really happy and healthy after I eat here- which is not very true of the vast majority of places to eat out!
(4)
Hailey B.

Damn this food is good. It is always my first meal after international business travel (during which I eat very poorly). Hands down, my favorite is the Green Goddess Wrap, but a friend of mine swears by The Adventurer bowl. Regardless, you can't go wrong. They also carry Lisa Lovely vegan and gf cookies!
(5)
S K.

lots of delicious goodness at a reasonable cost (sans the smoothies). i recommend getting their sauces on the side because it can be a little salty. lots of really good gluten free cookies too!
(5)
Mel B.

This place is amazing. You know a vegan/vegetarian spot is good when even meat-loving guy friends request it. Everything was so fresh and had so much flavor and I loved the amount of options. I had "The Lover"- lots of veggies over brown rice in that amaaaazing ginger sauce. I seriously wish I could eat here every.single.day . So jealous of the people that live right near it!
(5)
Brandon R.

I love meat. And I'm fairly disdainful of vegans and Veganism (I didn't start that war, but I'll keep fighting it). But I have to say I like the food here. I had the Swami, and tasted the Alchemist. Silly names, but tasty dishes, and super healthy. The place is kind of intimidating, in a clique-y way. It's almost like a culture I have little to no stake in. Everyone's wearing a mix of turtlenecks and hemp, and everything in the store is designed to project the image of a holistic, healthful lifestyle; yoga, books on vegan diets and focusing your chi, Hindu and Buddhist knick-knacks, etc. It's like the church of new-age hippie living. But the food is good, so that's what counts. Mostly. I will say that the service is sorely lacking. There's one waitress bringing dishes to people, and she seemed completely spaced out. There were four of us, and my girlfriend's dish was forgotten. Twice. It took me camping out in front of the prep bar to make sure she got her food after everyone had already eaten, before we had to leave to make it to a show. Bottom line: It's good food, well priced, and very healthy. The decor is nice, if you're "into that sort of thing." The service could use help, and I suspect it wasn't a one-time issue. I'll definitely be back, but I think I'll be more comfortable with carry-out.
(3)
Jason B.

The bestest (& onliest?) most awesomest restaurant serving that finest vegetarian cuisine outta both seats of Middlesex county? SRSLY? Good stuff. TAKE THAT, sportsfans & evildoers. Life's alive.
(5)
Anon L.

Fantastic food, and I am a meat eater. I didn't know what to expect or if I'd just get some fancy salad, but their dishes are well prepared and extremely flavorful. I get full on the demi-sized dishes alone. So happy this place is just blocks from me!
(4)
Jinyoung C.

Line is pretty long but other than that I love this place. I love meat and I will eat here.
(5)
Abby T.

This place actually surprised me with how tasty it was. I wish there was more seating! I had the cauliflower po-boy and it was delightfully heavy and filling. Definitely needed a food-coma nap after!
(3)
Quianna S.

I love this place. Honestly, Carrot cake alive with a boost of flax! I drink one of those bad boys and it helps me control my eating for the day! strange it seems right? If I drink that smoothie for breakfast/lunch and also have an actual lunch with it, i can never finish my meal. The service is ok but who cares? What matters is the delicious gold that you will be consuming when you get there!!! The lines are crazy, but so what! It's soooo worth it, the lines are long for a reason!
(5)
George M.

3rd time in a row that I've turned away bc of a line out the door (all random week nights). The food is great, but without some operational efficiencies, I just can't get it.
(3)
Bryan R.

A true gem in the Boston area, ordering and getting your food can be slow but the result is always worth the wait. Not a true vegan establishment but they have a variety of raw, vegan, vegetarian and even dishes with eggs that are very good. The biggest difference I think that I can state between this place and other places like it is that I don't think I can duplicate most of the dishes, wraps and drinks that they make here. I got a wrap with Quinoa, beets, carrots, cucumbers, it was not something that I would ever think to get but was amazing. I think the fact that the quinoa was warm really put it over the top. I also had a breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, kale and other ingredients that I weren't sure what they were and it was easily the best breakfast sandwich that I have ever had. The smoothie type juices were good, I also got a ginger drink that was just too strong but still very good. Unfortunately we don't live close to this location or I would go probably once a week or more if I could. I think the one draw back that I can see is that the service was slow(er) and it took a little while to get our food. Most of this is because they get very busy but part of it also is because they have a very laid back atmosphere. I would say if you are going here you should be open to taking to go, if you are pinched for time you should call ahead as a pick up order. Definitely a little pricey if you want to do a sampler type order like we did, $50 for lunch for 3 people but I can't say that its not worth it.
(5)
Kristine A.

So I finally went to check this place out. They were hustling & bustling around dinner time so was trying to get a lay of the land. So by looking at the menu I noticed alot of similarities in their dishes. It really seemed like the dressings were really the only big difference along w/ maybe one has this vegetable but not that one or something along those lines. Having the option to substitute things is a big plus in my book. i think it would be helpful to have better descriptions of what things are though & how it works. They have this whole downstairs area which is very neat in it's decor. The only thing is lots of big tables & alot of people sitting by themselves. i guess people can find it awkward to sit w/ another person unless you wait for something to open up. It'll be good to check out the other items since they have a good selection of smoothies too.
(4)
Ben C.

One of the best restaurants I've ever been to. I am by far not vegetarian, but I do like a good amount of vegetarian food. This place absolutely kills it; get the adventurer!
(5)
Sherry J.

Love love love this place! A vegan utopia and urban oasis for sure. Fresh juice, smoothies, and all the fresh, organic veggies you can fit in your tummy! I come here as often as my bank account will allow and everything I have had has been amazing, flavorful and filling. At first the place can be overwhelming.... It's often crowded and fast paced which can make you feel pressured to decide on something quickly as to not hold up the flow of progress but I haven't had anything less than wonderful yet so ordering the first thing that catches my fancy has worked out well thus far! You can also call in your order for pick up and go straight to the front of the line to pay for it if you are on a time crunch. I usually order my items for here and if I can't find a sunny space upstairs, or cozy corner downstairs take it across the street and eat it on the city hall lawn than return my dishes to the self bus station by the bathrooms on my way else where. But don't fret if you require a togo container, all of their packaging is compostable making it a completely conscious clearing experience that leaves your, body, mind and soul nourished. If more Americans ate like this daily we wouldn't be battling nation wide obesity.
(5)
Samuel F.

Fresh veggies, great tea, fresh juice, hippie books, a selection of good beer, sangria! Vegetarian venues are usually not my favorite, but this place is top notch. Especially with the ease of substitutions: I tend to add avocado to things and replace tofu with egg. This place is just what it looks like, and it's about an ideal version of what it is.
(5)
Eric S.

Vegetarian haven! Amazingly good wrap with quinoa in it, and a delicious smoothy. -1 star for crazy high prices ($17 for a wrap and smoothy!?) but I'll go back, fo sho
(4)
Marzipan and Cheffy-Pants G.

Marzipan: I freaking love Life Alive, from their delicious, warm + nutritious food to their bouncy, adorable + happy staff. If I could afford to eat there every meal of the day, I probably would... My favorites are: the Green Goddess with tamari almonds + squash and the Elvis Alive. Pro tip: go in at atypical hours, as the place can get kind of swamped and you want to be able to find yourself a cozy seat. CP: Green Goddess and The rebel are my fav's. Really reasonably priced for the portions and food quality. Great place to go when you're having a really bad day, you'll feel a lot better when you leave.
(5)
cassidy j.

After waiting for almost 3 years for the Cambridge location to open I'm so psyched to finally be able to write this review! I LOVE LIFE ALIVE!! I'm not a vegetarian, but any place that makes a reasonably priced super healthy meal I can enjoy just as much as a bunch of tasty bad for me deep fried stuff is #1 on my list. I have been going to their location in Lowell whenever I can get there for years, but since my visits were so infrequent I always stuck with my favorites: the emperor and the rebel, but now that they're so close I've been trying some of their other meals and they're all incredibly delicious. Do yourself a favor and eat something your tastebuds AND the rest of your body are going to love equally, you'll find it at Life Alive.
(5)
Leeta W.

My favorite three words for the last three weeks have been "demi swami please" As a former vegan, I was absolutely giddy to find sprinkalable (yes I made that up) nutritional yeast flakes for said swami. And really, how often do the pipes in a restaurant bathroom have clothes on, with posters that say deep philosophical stuff. My point is....I fell in love with this please..and like every new relationship, I told everyone who would listen about it. But alas, I should've have known that it's perfection could not last forever and I am sad to report that the honeymoon phase is over? "What happened?" you might be asking yourself...lack of home-training happened. So there I was...full of yummy swami goodness, enjoying a meal with a friend. And then it happened...bearded dude in red t-shirt --who acted if he worked there--and his loud obnoxious friend PLOPPED down next to me on a shared couch/bench thingy, slammed a water jug loudly on the shared table and began to loudly talk to his friend with a complete lack of awareness of other people sitting less than 2 feet away. Bearded red shirt tee dude then proceeded to take off his shoes AND socks. He then started wiggling his toes and touching them. My friend appropriately said" sorry, I can't sit here while he is doing that," As we leave I commented, "dude really? You are gonna sit here at a shared table and pick your toe jam?" to which he responded, "it's not toe jam, I have a sore." Wrong answer. I truly hope that this was not an employee. Please please don't let him be an employee. But he walked around and asked everyone if they wanted water and acted like he owned the place so perhaps I made an assumption...maybe he was just a nice bearded red tee dude who just didn't know any better? Luckily, I LOVE the food. I just hope that i can get the image of wiggling toes out of my head to eat there again soon! lol The shakes are okay...so far I have managed to make similar or better shakes at home so now I stick to the food.
(4)
Kevin O.

Life Alive is now my favorite restaurant in Cambridge, if not all of greater Boston. Vegan and vegetarian food options that are not only very healthy, but delicious as well. In general, it's not the typical fast food vegetarian offerings. My favorite menu items are the Goddess, the Lover, the Fool and the Rebel.....so most of the menu. As far as beverages, I tend to go with the smoothies, though I've also had a few juices as well. It's nice to find a juice bar that uses fresh and (mainly) organic fruits/veggies rather than fruit/veggie packaged juices, with added sugar and preservatives. One of the first things you will notice when entering Life Alive is the stack of fresh vegetables for juicing. That is a good sign from the start. For smoothies, it is my understanding that all but one are vegan, which sounded too good to be true, but is. My favorite is the Elvis Alive (and not for the name). Others have complained about the price, but I think this is what you should expect for fresh, natural food. You definitely will notice a difference in quality and taste when eating here. Sure, you could save a few dollars going to a "faster" food place, but you'll also sacrifice in taste. Plus, by supporting a business like Life Alive it helps increase the possibility that future restaurants will follow in a similar fashion, which is good for all of us. I would add that the staff all seem cheerful and committed to their work. I definitely appreciate the atmosphere, especially the recently opened downstairs seating. If you work in Cambridge you should definitely stop by at least once. If you are veg/an, Life Alive should be in your restaurant roster....
(5)
Morgan T.

Perhaps the dark days of being a vegetarian in this area are finally over. With Life Alive's arrival in Central, there's finally some easily accessible healthy vegetarian food. I've been to original Life Alive in Lowell and it's great, so I was super excited to see this one opening up a few blocks away from my apartment. The food is very good, with the menu consisting of a lot of vegetables, grains, tofu. They can do the menu as salads, wraps, and bowls. I had The Adventurer last night, which was great. For vegans, they offer dairy substitutes. Smoothies, fresh squeeze juices, and teas are also offered. The interior is warm and inviting, and they have lots of books and magazines you can read (and even borrow I think). There are a bunch of tables and some window seating. It will be a great place to visit during our cold winters. Life Alive really adds to Central. At a time when there are so many vacant store fronts, it's awesome to have a new vegetarian/vegan restaurant open up here. The food is healthy and tasty.
(5)
Jane C.

Food: This is NOT true hippie food. I realize it is veggie and organic and yes, some of it even contains nutritional yeast. This all makes me suspicious from the get go, but Rule#1: hippie food is first and foremost characterized by a complete and utter lack of flavor (even though the maker is usually obsessive about food, they never know how to freakin' cook for some reason). Anyhow - The sauces are tasty and delicious and disqualify the meals here from being defined as hippie food (please refer to criteria under Rule#1). I have been sticking to the warm food since it's effing cold out, but the salads sound really good, and I tried the ginger crush drink which was delicious and refreshing. The food is very fresh, they claim it is all organic, it feels super healthy to eat it, and most importantly, it is delicious - finally places are figuring out that healthy veggie food can actually be delicious - *Sidebar* vegetables are not meant to be boiled and the world should be liberated from such cooking practices. I used to make hot dogs in protest on St Patricks day when the rest of the western world gobbled up boiled potato, boiled cabbage, boiled turnip etc for some ungodly reason I cannot divine *End Sidebar* Atmosphere: First off, the kiddie area is totally cute, Second, I've only ever seen these in Oregon - why don't more local places have them? It's nice for parents to go out and meet other people with young-'uns - it's good for the community (another thing I like about the place - they are actually considering such things that just make life more pleasant). I won't deny there is clearly a hippie vibe - but it's up to date and modern cafe-ish, not like that dumpy coffeehouse that used to be in Davis Square and mercifully went out of business and is now a crepe shop instead. It's pleasant and bright upstairs - and the downstairs is made cozy by cushioned seating along the wall - not easy to make a basement space appealing, but they managed to do a nice job with it. Price/wait: The times I've been there, I had my food within 5 minutes max, and $5-6 demi is plenty for me, but $10 gets you a bigass bowl of food such that you won't need dinner that night. Not sure exactly what the price complaints are all about, how much cheaper does it get - even the famously cheap mcDonalds you pay $5-6. When I went I didn't have to wait for a table either.
(5)
Luisa O.

Delicious. Lots of YUPPIE- Hippies w their annoying kids sometimes.
(4)
Aniya Z.

I am NOT a vegetarian, nor am I obsessed with "organic"/"unprocessed" etc etc. but this place rocks. I was skeptical - to say the least - the first time I went there but man, I am converted. All their ingredients are super-fresh, the dishes are extremely flavorful and it's about as healthy as you can get when it comes to eating out. The Lover and the Udon bowl are my absolute favorites; oh and they have alcohol (i.e. beer and some decent wine) - need I say more?
(5)
Amber L.

Thank you SO much for opening a location in the Cambridge/Somerville area!! I lived in Lowell for awhile and looooved going to Life Alive for my lunch break and after moving missed it greatly. But now it's here! The people are SUPER nice and the interior is beautiful! I also like how much room they have and how bright and sunny it is. I always get the Swami and the Ginger/Carrot/Apple juice but think it's time to branch out as I have heard nothing but good things about everythign else.
(5)
Kaitlin A.

Been to Life Alive numerous times, tried a different dish each time, and enjoyed all of them. Great vegetarian option in Central Square - delicious and satisfying. Green Goddess - my favorite so far, excellent mix of avocado, broccoli, greens, tofu with a Ginger Nama Shoyu Sauce over brown rice. yum. The Explorer - I got this in a wrap and really enjoyed it. Loved the red lentil hummus, fresh veggies, and slightly spicy and sweet honey wasabi vinaigrette. The Fool - loved the big udon noodles & mushrooms, flavor was good but the sauce was not my favorite. I was also very impressed with the smoothies. A lot of them contain ice cream (though it's a coconut base and vegan), which I'm sure are delicious. But I wanted just fruit, and went with the Love Alive - blueberries, strawberries, bananas, dates, and almond milk. Very decadent and creamy, and the dates added an additional sweetness. Plus the almond milk is homemade and organic! Great snack or dessert. Vegetarians and vegans in the Cambridge area - Life Alive is not to be missed. Id also recommend it to meat eaters - you will be surprised at how filling & tasty these meals are.
(4)
Aisha L.

I am back in Boston Visiting. (After my move to Philly last month) and I came here again. I am surprised that I gave it 4 stars previously cause as I am enjoying my usual rebel I realize this really is as good as it gets. I love the food and genuine niceness of the staff is great!
(5)
Katie D.

This place ROCKS! I work at FoMu, and we supply Life Alive with their vegan ice cream, and we share a lot of the same customers so I finally decided to check it out. I went last night with my boyfriend, and I was so happy with what I ordered. I got "The Adventurer" and some awesome smoothie. The whole place is fantastic, it can be a sit down and lengthy visit or a quick on the run meal. It's so delicious. I wish there was a Life Alive everywhere. If you're looking for something refreshing, healthy, not-food-coma-food, then go here!!
(5)
Liz D.

Everyone keeps saying that this place is great and I finally made it here. I got the romantic wrap and the ginger crush, I also tasted some of the rebel and the island alive, all were fantastic! The only thing working against the place was the crowd (although that's also a sign of good things) which unfortunately made service a little slow. Luckily I wasn't in a rush. Anyway, go there if you want delicious, healthy vegan and vegetarian food!
(4)
Jocelyn C.

Now my San Francisco friend from home and I have a pretty high threshold for tolerating ambiances that could be considered disconcertingly hippie in the crunchy granola, peace, love, and belly rubs kind of fashion. However upon entering Life Alive I felt...confused. The line of patrons nearly reached the door and I felt disoriented, like I was standing in a San Francisco-Amsterdam love child on shrooms, when logically I knew I was in the middle of Central Square. But when a place is that committed to their aesthetic though, there really isn't anything but to surrender and go along for the ride, even if it did mean trying to suppress the judgment of a storefront sign and menu written entirely in Papyrus font (who uses Papyrus?!) These disclaimers about the ambiance are mostly in jest though as the food more than made up for our amusement. I had ordered "The Goddess" bowl with an additional side of squash, garlic, and avocado, which consisted of a mix of carrots, beets, broccoli, dark greens, and tofu over short-grain brown rice with their Ginger Nama Shoyu Sauce drizzled over it. My friend had gotten "The Miso Masterful" with additional garlic - udon noodles in a dark barley miso broth with toasted sesame, broccoli, carrots, seaweed, and shitake mushrooms. Both of these entrees were superb - all of the produce was crisp and delicious and both the Ginger Nama Shoyu Sauce and the miso broth were incredibly flavorful. The additional money spent for the squash, avocado, and garlic add-ins was also well worth it as both provided a creamier contrast to the crunch of the rest of the meal. And while my rice could have been served warmer, the udon noodles were pleasantly well cooked and a great choice for the grey February day. The only less enjoyable portion of the meal was both of our juice selections proved mildly disappointing. My friend's "Simply Alive" juice (lemon, spirulina, honey, and water) was definitely an acquired taste, which reportedly got better however it reminded me too strongly of traditional Chinese medicines to fully enjoy. Similarly, my "Thrive Alive" juice (a combination of carrot, apple, and ginger) was fairly overpowering on the ginger and while searching for ways to adjust the taste I was once again completely perplexed as I stared at the jar of powdered nutritional yeast and a squeeze bottle filled with a mysterious orange liquid that was only labeled as "Dancing Passion (Vegan)". Overall despite my quips regarding their atmosphere, Life Alive is a definite new favorite lunchtime spot. While sitting in the cozy, mismatched furniture of their downstairs area, it was near impossible for my grumpy carnivorous self to not be grudgingly charmed by how the waiter nearly sang out the ridiculous meal names and by the quality of their food. So when both warm entrees proved to be utterly satisfying for two self-professed diehard carnivores, I'm sold.
(5)
Alexia K.

I love life alive. It's actually a good semi-quick restaurant that I don't feel guily after eating. I've been here about a dozen times over the past two years, and it seems like the lines to order have been increasingly longer, especially during peak hours after work, so I've actually ordered take-out a few times as well. Both wraps and bowls are great, depending on what you're in the mood for, and soups are delish too (chipotle sweet potato? YUM).
(4)
Shanfan H.

A correction for the basic info: They do have two tables outside! I'm in love with their warm food section- everything I've ordered taste great. And their Dandy coffee (a sort of coffee replacement) taste good! It feels the best if you have stayed over night and feel totally exhausted - This is the remedy!
(5)
Mary G.

The Boston area is seriously lacking in places like this, seriously-seriously. What is even better is that this is close to both places I do yoga (my bedroom, and Prana Power Yoga). Needless to say I was pretty floored when the Boyf (an occasional porkivore) suggested we go here after I took him to yoga, instead of the pasta place. The food is straightforward and is better not so much by what they do to it, but they restraint their selves from doing to it. Most of the dishes are simple offerings of steamed vegetables and whole grains, finished off with a tasty sauce or dressing. The smoothies are filling, the juices are legit and unavailable elsewhere. No, it isn't silly-cheap, but it isn't really expensive either for what you get. Organic vegetables with efforts to obtain locally are going to be a little more expensive, and this place seriously lacks any local (or regional) competition. They could stand to add a little more cooked grains with the dishes, without overwhelming the vegetable content but whaddayagonna do about it? If you are worried about price, the Boyf and I have gone there and split a large plate of food and each got our own drink, which came out to about 10 a very satisfied person.
(4)
Symphony D.

Perfect in every way.
(5)
Sarah C.

Life Alive is on the route I take to walk to work. I was very excited when they started the interior renovation and posted up the menu! I waited for months and now that they are open I have stopped in three days in a row to order dinner to go! As we all know likes/dislikes/experiences are SO subjective. For example, Life Alive would be at the bottom of my boyfriends list of go-to restaurants or take-out food. \ Why? Because there aren't any TV's with the game on and there's no beer! They don't serve chicken wings, burgers, sliders, pizza, or steaks. He would go crazy and would write the experience off as a loving sacrifice he made to make me happy. Why do I love it? Because it incorporates everything I love about healthy living, under one conveniently located roof! They prepare very similar meals that I like to make for myself at home (yes my boyfriend and I eat very differently but we're okay with that :) ) The quality of the ingredients are superb! The service is already A+ at their new location (Which says a lot this early in the game for any establishment) What do I order? The Swami!! (With extra broccoli, extra greens and a side of squash!) Brown rice, carrots, pearl onions, broccoli, greens, tamari almonds, nutritional yeast, raisins, and a curry miso sauce!? These dishes are fun to make at home but can be costly to buy ALL the ingredients and time consuming if you work a lot. Plus, the reading material is great! Fun, interesting and insightful books are available to read while you eat and relax or wait for your food... you can even take one home if you get deeply into it.. just have a to leave a refundable deposit. Can't wait to try the smoothies!
(5)
Valerie S.

I wish I could visit this place again because I think it needs two visits to really give it justice. It seems a little out of place. The place has a very Haight-Ashbury vibe to it and almost seems like it is trying a bit too hard. The food was very good. I think the attraction is the fact that it is healthy, natural food which is often hard to find. (However, it is very easy to prepare in your own kitchen.) If ever in Cambridge again, I would definitely eat here. It was a bit overpriced, but good food overall.
(3)
Brita F.

As far as fast, actually healthy food goes, this place is bar none. I'm a big fan of their dish The Rebel, and usually only get a demi-size as it fills me quite nicely. Super tasty, reasonably priced - I hates chains (they aren't one), but I would love to see this place on every corner!
(5)
Adam W.

I was skeptical of this place because I loathe anything that has even a whiff of hippy crunch (or B.O) and I'm definitely not a vegetarian. I still think their 'look' and all their branding is this very corny like early 90's earthchild theme but I forgive them because the food was very good. I've tried the The Emperor as a melt and The Seeker as a salad (again, the names of these dishes make me cringe), and both were incredibly fresh, crunchy, bright, and satisfying. I didn't miss the meat and all their sauces are quite tasty, especially this homemade uncooked hot sauce they have on the side. The lemon hummus in the salad was particularly excellent. I've also tried a smoothie that was a bit on the thick side but had great flavor and was not too sweet. Everyone who works there is nice and cheery and always smiling, which is usually nice. Although this one emo looking guy was just talking the whole time to a cute female employee and trying to impress her with his knowledge of....what? arcane polaroid technology, I'm not sure. He needs to pay attention. I'll definitely come here now and again when I'm feeling guilty about being the glutton I usually am. The biggest minus is the price for the portion size...as others have said, the portions are a bit on the small side and it's a bit of a rip off. But I guess that's the price you pay for the quality of the ingredients.
(4)
Hannah M.

OMG! When I 1st heard about Life Alive, I couldn't really get what could be so good about vegetables. I mean, I'm not a vegaphobe, but I don't tend to get super excited by them either. But then my BF dragged me to Life Alive and I was astounded! Everything was fresh, crisp, tasty, and perfectly seasoned. I keep thinking I'll branch out and try something new, but I've gotten stuck in a Goddess, Fool, and Lover rut and it's too tasty in there to climb out! Also, the Ginger Crush? YUM! Part of my initial hesitance came from my dislike of beets. But Life Alive makes beets not only edible, but tasty too! And the sauces.... oh where to begin?! I tried to replicate them at home with minimal success. Yeah, I guess that's my only complaint - Life Alive, sell your sauces or better yet, give out recipes. I'd still come back, but I'd be eating healthier at home too.
(5)
Melissa W.

Love this place! Its so refreshing to find a vegetarian restaurant that has some flavor to it. I ordered the "Hot Bachelor" wrap... delicious broccoli, cheddar cheese, hard boiled egg and tofu... really fresh, good quality ingredients and well cooked. Also tried the "Elvis Alive" smoothie drink that had peanut butter, cocoa and ice cream made from coconut milk... it could be a dessert! The staff was very friendly and helpful, and gave me a gift card because I wanted a chai latte and their steamed milk machine had broke. The decor was very warm and welcoming, and they had a great selection of books for people to read (Bukowski, Deepak Chopra, Tao te Ching, etc), and even borrow for a $5 deposit. I will be coming back frequently for their takeout!
(5)
Kylie S.

This is the perfect place to hit after the Y when you are wanting something healthy to eat. I had the Goddess demi bowl. It was not quite filling enough so next time I would order the larger size and maybe order extra rice. But it was very tasty. I also wish the smoothies cost less. It's a great space and the people are friendly. They even have an area for kids to play downstairs. I'll definitely come back. --I went again and ordered "The Emperor", the full bowl. It was filling and really delicious. That settles it, my new favorite place. It's food you could make at home, but would you? And the sauces are really tasty. After eating here I decided to learn how to make some sauces. Because, after eating here I realized that most of the food I eat is too heavy and not as good as this.
(5)
Lilee N.

Pros: if you're not too hungry they have different portion sizes to accommodate your hunger level; food is prepared fresh and all natural ingredients so you walk out feeling healthy and happy that you didn't just gorge on fatty-ness. salads and pasta dishes are delicious! Cons: the waitstaff can be a little rude. we ordered a smoothie and it was more than watered down so we asked politely if something could be done and the waitress said that without paying extra, nothing could be done. this response would have been alright had she not been so rude and condescending about it. she definitely ruined our "first time visiting" excitement. we ended up taking the drink back to the counter and the people behind the counter fixed it (for free).
(3)
J C.

This place is a terrific addition to Central Square with delicious vegan bowls and wraps and awesome fresh juices. The quality of the food is high, everything is fresh and most ingredients are organic and local. The waitstaff is helpful and generally "blissed out," because clearly they aren't just making the food - they eat it too. Two areas for improvement: the order lines are long and meander through the entire restaurant, this feels chaotic; also the prices are pretty high, it would be great to have some lower priced items available too so that those of us on a budget could go more often.
(4)
Aaron M.

I love this place, I tend to eat vegan when I go and it is easy with such delicious food. I haven't had anything here I haven't liked and it is always worth the long, sometimes very very long wait. I will suggest getting a demi because the food is so filling. Also, look out if you want to take something off of one of their meals, they will suggest a replacement and then charge you for an add on. Still despite the crowds, noise, pretentious hipsters, the staff is friendly and the food is great.
(5)
TinyYogini P.

I love this place! I think the food prices are reasonable (not the smoothies) and the portions are just right. I don't want to feel like a stuffed pig after dinner. Take your time reading the descriptions. The flavor combinations are varied and delicious, and they will make substitutions if you ask. I'm an omnivore, but this is by far my favorite veggie/vegan place. Eating here puts me in a good mood. :D
(5)
William F.

Some of the best and healthiest food in Cambridge. Would recommend the Lover Bowl and the Rebel Bowl for a meal and just about any one of the smoothies. Order ahead as the line is absolutely brutal.
(5)
Lillybeth B.

I have not tried the food here, but have had the juice. I have been juicing for quite some time and was happy to see a place that prepared fresh juices. I ordered the Jive alive juice waited about 7 minutes for it and took it to go. I paid almost 6 dollars for it and had high hopes for this juice. I was expecting it to taste similar to the green juice I make at home and was disappointed when I took a swig and tasted 8 oz of pure ginger. It was the most disgusting thing I have ever had. The girl who made it put WAYYYYYYYY too much ginger in there. It was not worth the 6 dollars. I forced myself to drink it, but could not do it. I had to throw it away. The place was very crowded and it is expensive. Save the time and money and make it yourself.
(2)
Abbe N.

So far I've only been to this place once but I fell in love! I had The Rebel and a juice (I can't remember which one) and before I left I was able to pick up some Liz Lovely cookies. The juices were a good size and are kind of hit or miss. I think you really need to know what you like in a juice so if you don't like one, try another one; don't let the first one discourage you. The Rebel was fantastic and my friend loved her meal, as well. I was a little confused about a few things when ordering but asked the staff and they politely helped me out. My favorite part of the restaurant is downstairs where they have everything very cool and cozy. While I was there they even had someone singing and playing guitar. One thing I didn't care too much for was, as cool as the side seating was, I didn't like eating off of such a short table and had to pick up my plate while eating and I also didn't like being so close to other people. The place was packed when I went so that was really the only place left to sit, not great for just two people but perfect for large groups.
(4)
Stephen Y.

Vegetarian food done right. Everything tastes healthy and tastes delicious. How much more can you really ask for?
(5)
J D.

If possible I would go here everyday. The prices are quite reasonable, unless you are comparing to McDonald's. The food, smoothies and juices are killer. It's really awesome when you can go into a place order anything off the menu and know its healthy. You can tell the staff are trying so hard to help this place do well. Everyone who works there knows their stuff and make an effort to provide top notch service. My personal favorite is the Jive Alive juice + bee pollen and spirulina. And no laughed the first time I ordered it calling spirulina, spiritualina.
(5)
Steve S.

It's a pretty blood fantastic place to eat well and still feel healthy :)
(5)
Essa K.

This place is absolutely wonderful. Please, please, please open another location in Coolidge Corner!! Flash steamed fresh vegetables over quiona with a delicious sauce on top for less than $10. Yes please, and thank you. Also the wines are winners. And a juice bar! Why aren't there more restaurants like this in the Boston area? I bet they would thrive. I've even considered opening up one myself, but it's too much work. Oh yeah, the smoothies also rock.
(5)
Audrey C.

As a current vegetarian and former vegan, I want to love this place Yes, they serve healthy vegetarian food- and the sauces that they put on the food are addictive. They have very interesting combinations on their menu with their rice bowls, wraps, noodle bowls and a whole bunch of smoothies to choose from too. However, it's over-hyped. Considering that it is very simple food that I could almost re-create by myself at home, I can't justify the prices. Wraps/bowls are tiny and are almost $10. I would probably need to eat 1.5 to 2 of them to actually get full. It's pretty sad how stingy they are with their tofu and avocado. The tofu are tiny little cubes that are about 1/8 the size of dice and are literally like sprinkles in the food. The avocado is cut very thinly, and a few meager pieces at best. Also, the smoothie I got (Spring Alive--mangoes, blueberries, strawberries) was almost $7 though, and not very good.. I couldn't really taste any of the fruit in the smoothie. I saw a smoothie for almost $10 as well- are you serious? But the food does taste good- they have some sort of magical addictive sauce on it that I cannot figure out how to make at home, and I guess it is ok-priced since you don't necessarily have to tip them. It is always so crowded though on weekends, any time of day. UPDATE: -1 star for service. Tried to call in for a take out order, and FOUR times got put on hold within an hour (between 3 to 4 pm, not even a rush hour for them!)- twice was on hold for over 5 minutes, then both times the line got cut (not sure if I was hung up on??). Then 1 time I gave up first since I needed to head into the T. Last time I called, was to complain and officially give up on ordering. It feels like they know they are so popular they almost seem to be trying to deter you from ordering! Ok fine- I used to come here quite a bit because it was convenient for me, but now, I'm determined I will avoid this place in the future. It's sad because I do like the food... but I can't deal with the impossibility of actually placing an order over the phone. And in person, the place is always so packed and crowded, at all hours. It really deters me from coming back now.
(2)
Erica K.

Best vegetarian spot in Boston!!! Alright, first thing you need to know is that the food is insanely delicious! Life Alive has some creative dishes with ingredients that are all to common, but for some reason you never thought to pair. Guaranteed you'll be at the grocery store by the weekend trying to reinvent your meal, lol. They also have a lot of choices! Their shakes are incredible too... All of the food here is fresh, organic, and local when possible. Of course this means that you're paying a bit more than you would for processed, shipped, and possibly genetically modified food, but hey... if you're thinking about eating at Life Alive, you've already put quality over quantity. You probably shop at Whole Foods and/or Trader Joe's too, lol. Psychic you say? No... I just know my people, lol. Anyway, great place to stop in and eat. You're omnivorous friends will also love it. Really delicious food and a true life saver in the summer when you don't want to eat heavy but you also want more than croutons and dressing in your salad.
(5)
Aaron S.

Lots of variety for healthy vegans and vegetarians. And, it's a bright, homey, cheery space with lots of room on two floors. While everything I've had has been delicious, I certainly would NOT call this diet food. The food is not greasy, but they definitely don't skimp on the oil. The Rebel Bowl is my favorite, The wireless (2 hours free) was not easy to use - they had to reset the code, I had to unblock "cookies", etc. etc.
(4)
Suz G.

Go to Life Alife for fresh, healthy food, but not for a relaxing or quiet meal experience. This place has more the vibe of a coffee shop, with people reading, working on computers, talking on the phone. Loud blenders only add to the mayhem. Ambience aside, the food is quite good and the place is a vegetarian/vegan paradise. We got a hummus appetizer, which arrived with a bowl of steamed carrot half-moons. It was pretty laughable but shortly thereafter a chef came over with fresh carrots and celery that he had cut up for us. (apparently they don't usually serve the hummus as an appetizer) My dinner was very fresh and good, though lacking a bit in the flavor category -- I kept piling on the hot sauce and soy sauce. All in all, I left feeling like I had done a very good thing for my body.....but we went straight to Toscanini's and took care of that right away. ;)
(4)
Chris M.

I feel the need to go re-evaluate all my previous five-star reviews. God damn. I definitely can't afford to eat here as much as I want to. It's not cheap. There are more expensive places to eat around here, but it's very worth it. Making a final decision on your order was the most frustrating part of my experience. Everything seems to be in some way infused with gingery goodness, as well as kale and other great ingredients. I got the swami in a wrap (because I like organization) as well as a phenomenal smoothie, also infused with gingery goodness (vibrance) and puehr tea. Everyone there is really helpful and enthusiastic. They have (limited) free wifi, live music when I went, and the interior decor is just... great. I noticed but didn't take advantage of the several bookcases. Filled with seemingly great books. I loved the overwhelming display of all their veggies and stuff behind the counter. Eye candy I guess. That thing someone said about them + others breaking out into hives freaked me out. I'd like to know what food it was, I guess i'll just be careful.
(5)
ali g.

If you're even reading this review, you're wasting time. Get yourself to Life Alive right now. It is to die for delicious and you can feel good about what you're putting into your body. Best. Lunch. I. Ever. Ate.
(5)
Lauren D.

Been to this place at least 10+ times now, and it never fails to disappoint. Delicious, organic, goodness-filled dinner for under $10? Seems too good to be true. I have never ordered something I didn't like here, although my current obsession is the Swami bowl. Seriously, how do they make it that good? And ginger kombucha on tap? Yes, please. My advice - go with the warm items, I find them slightly more comforting than the salads. Downstairs is nice and cozy, and they have often have live music on Thursday nights. Get there just before the show starts to grab a nice corner seat in the back.
(5)
Dennis L.

Life Alive is an amazing vegetarian place. Pretty much all the items on the menu are delicious. Highly recommend to try the juice bar. Yes, the line can get pretty long at times, but it is worth the wait. And don't forget to check out the basement!
(5)
Matthias T.

Ugh, shame on me for taking so long to review my favorite new restaurant in Cambridge or Somerville. I go here about 2x a week now, and I'm always thrilled by whatever I get. I think these are just some of the best dishes in the area. Excellent ingredients, creative preparation, beautiful presentation, super-fast service, nourishing, healthy, tasty food. I cook healthy for myself a lot, but I've never come close to the awesomeness that is Life Alive. Bosh to those who say this place is overpriced. These are top notch ingredients, smartly prepared. It is, yes, a couple dollars more than you might pay elsewhere, but in this case, I do believe you get what you pay for. Actually, in the case of Life Alive, I think you're probably getting more than what you pay for. Everyone who works here always seems happy, relaxed, energetic, and on-task. Eating here will recharge your spirit just as much as your body!
(5)
Cheryl H.

If I could afford to eat here everyday, I would. This place is amazing - I can't believe it took me this long to check it out! I had the Warrior salad (spring mix, carrots, pumpkin seeds, garlicky red lentil hummus, itty bitty tofu cubes and miso dressing). I added avocado to make it even more awesome, but it would have been good without it too. All the ingredients were super fresh. My friend got the Adventurer bowl which had quinoa, brown rice, kale, beets, broccoli, almonds, and cheese and it was phenomenal. I would have never thought to order that since I firmly believe that beets taste like dirt and are not meant to be eaten, but the flavors really complemented one another. I would order it, despite the beets. However, there are so many things that I want to try here that I don't know when I'll get around to it. I really like that they offer half sizes too for $5-6. The full-size portions are around $9-10, which is a little steep, but not outrageous considering most lunch places in the area and everything was so fresh and good that I think it's definitely worth it. Still, I can't afford to eat there all time time:(
(5)
Bacon M.

Best. Udon. EVER. And the Goddess actually made me emit an "aaaah" as I rubbed my belly. Friendly staff, too, and it's a really light, comfortable space, with free recommended books for you to read while you nosh. (You can borrow them, too. Just plunk down a $5 deposit.) Basically, put it this way: I yelp as "Bacon McSasquatch", and this is a vegetarian place. And I'm STILL telling you to go there. Enough said?
(5)
Carina G.

This place is awesome! All of their food is fresh and delicious. I was in Boston visiting for a few days and I HAD to come here twice because it was that good. The staff is warm and friendly and their food is reasonably priced. I had the Green Goddess and the Adventurer, both were delicious! I also tried their lentil soup and Coconut and Strawberry shakes: YUM!
(4)
Paula J.

I am completely and most whole-heartedly obsessed with this cafe!! what a great addition to already vibrant Central Sq!!! My favorites are the Emperor (+ avocado) and the Love Alive smoothie (to die for)! The waitstaff are always very smiley and friendly. and I've had a few great conversations with other people I don't know so far. I feel like the atmosphere and the great food opens people up a bit (inside & out). ps: make sure to get an extra shot of LOVE while you're at it!! ;)
(5)
Lindsay L.

Try the Love Alive! If you haven't been feeling your best lately, it'll reinvigorate you. I dine out a lot, and it usually leads to bad food choices. This is exactly the type of place I need if I want to eat healthy but don't feel like cooking. Overall I am a fan of the vibe in this place. It's positive energy all around.
(5)
Marcos R.

I really like their smoothies, specially those with ginger, but this store does look like a zoo. I've only had their black bean soup and it was bland. In terms of drinks, these are very expensive, as well as everything else on their menu. It also takes forever to get your order.
(3)
David R.

Sooooo good!! Finally a delicious and healthy restaurant in Cambridge. I can't recommend this place enough. I got 'The Rebel' at the suggestion of the girl behind that counter, and it was awesome - ginger soy type dressing on various fresh and stir-fried veggies. Totally killer.
(5)
Stacey H.

You don't have be a vegan to love this place. Their juice bar is solid, with varying combination and smoothies that include coconut ice cream instead of dairy ice cream. For other lactose intolerable people out - this is a wonderful addition to Central square. I've had the Goddess bowl here twice and the Life Alive juice - both were fantastic! The decor is bright and sunny with plants and a collection of books to read. I love that! The staff is very interested in making sure you love your food and getting feedback on what they could do better. I get the sense that they truly want to serve the community by what they are offering. Some people complain about the cost, but they are ascribing to the idea that all food should be cheap (like McD's cheap). There's a mentality in this country that we should pay the minimum cost for what we put into our bodies - but then we pay for it later in healthcare costs while we continue to spend larger amounts of money on electronics and fancy phones. I don't mind paying a few dollars more for a wrap here because I know my health is a good investment and I like supporting a local business rather than a corporate chain.
(4)
Hilary W.

Went here with a friend the other night - both first times. We each got an Explorer bowl and split a demi Swami. The salad was pretty good. Fresh ingredients but I'm an extremely health-concious eater, so I wasn't blown away by it. I would get it again, but probably subsitute the lentil hummus for something less garlicy. My mouth was on fire! The Swami was excellent. Great flavors and the almonds on top were awesome. Atmosphere was really cool. Upstairs is pleasantly noisy and bright, while downstairs is more peaceful with corners to tuck yourself (and a date) into. I would definitely go back. I'd love to try their fresh juices and smoothies (very expensive though). My wallet would be in trouble if I still lived in Cambridge!
(4)
Tara M.

I have to admit, before I moved to the midwest I was known to indulge in some occasional snarkiness. Since then it's become much rarer. Such is the magic of being surrounded by some of the nicest people on earth. Which is a good thing because pre-midwest, I would certainly have snickered at Life Alive. Actually, I admit that I did snark a bit as I walked by on my way to 1939 Coffee House. Alas, karma hit me in the tooth; that place was full, so in search of something hot to drink I retraced my steps back to Life Alive. I had a "Ginger Crush" - a very tasty house-made fizzy ginger drink with the perfect proportions of lemon and honey. One friend had an "Elvis Alive", the other had a "Thrive Alive", two different kinds of smoothies. The atmosphere is bright, cheerful, and open. There is a wall of books up for grabs in which one can read about all manner of healthy living. There is a buddha statue by the door. There is inspirational poetry hand-written in the bathroom. There is a board posted with their mission statement: to feed all beings, support all beings, something like that. The people are sincere and helpful, if not a little harried-looking. If I lived in the Boston area, I'd probably come here often. It's good for the soul to be around this kind of earnestness.
(4)
Ken C.

Went here for lunch today, and I really enjoyed! And I'm not even a dirty hippie. I had the Rebel bowl - very tasty! I'll be back.
(4)
Mimi B.

This was the second in a long list of Vegan restaurants I want to visit. I am new to the Vegan life, so I am anxious to find new places and new food. Life Alive in Central Square was AWESOME! I loved the location and the windows are amazing with their rounded curves. Nice set up, order and pay then sit down. Find you and you eat. The had peaked at the menu in advance so I knew I was going to order The Innocent bowl. For my carnivorous mate I ordered him grilled tortilla wrap called the Romantic. Both were so delicious. Fresh ingredients, very rich flavor and the meat eater thought the wrap was great. I did not think the service was slow. The place was busy and they brought our tea then the food followed very soon after. I agree with another review that perhaps when you are looking for a quick meal and not a nutritious, organic one, things are not "fast food" enough. But be patient, a few minutes is well worth it. (and I mean a few) The cashier was very helpful in offering advice to people who didn't know what to order. We finished our lunch and then went up to try the cookies that were recommended here in Yelp. Yes they were delicious. Liz Lovely cookies, Vegan and wheatfree--we got coconut and oatmeal. The coconut was by far the better cookie, but then we love coconut so no contest. I cannot wait to go back and try more things on the menu. Even my carnivore mate said he would order my almond, nutty dish! (just might get that guy to come to the other side yet! LOL)
(5)
Ashley W.

I crave the food from Life Alive, the flavors are pure and simple and sooooo good! I feel so good after fueling up here :)
(5)
Amy D.

Love this place, come here whenever I can.
(5)
Liz K.

Holy god. I'm not vegan, but I couldn't recommend this place more. Sure, their menu is printed in Papyrus and their smoothies cost as much as the rest of your lunch (which wasn't too cheap in the first place) but you really get what you pay for. You can watch the cooks throwing together your meal from fresh, organic ingredients right in front of you. Some of the menu items are a miss, in my opinion--didn't like anything with the red lentil hummus or the ginger Nama shoyu sauce--but the Adventurer and the Mystic Mountain are super crave-able... The downstairs seating area is also very comfortable, and you can overhear some funny hippie conversations while you're there. I eat a lot and I don't always eat well, so I was thrilled to find delicious healthy food close to where I work. I ate there for lunch almost every day for a month and lost 10 pounds. I'm not even kidding. Thank you, Life Alive.
(5)
Dilbert D.

I wish I could eat here every day. All natural, vegetarian, fresh, and tasty. Of all of the great food places I've been fortunate enough to try, this is the one that I really want to take back home with me. The fresh squeezed juices and the food combinations were so incredibly fresh and delicious, it was just a bonus that it also happened to be very healthy. The "life alive" and "jive alive" juices were excellent. The "spring alive" and "island alive" smoothies were delicious. The "warrior" and "green goddess" were excellent too. I wish there were more places like life alive that manage to prepare great tasting, yet very healthy fare. This is a place that really inspires to eat healthy, and they show you that it is possible to eat interesting and flavorful foods, comprised only of fresh fruit and vegetables and some naturally made seasoning sauces. Unforgettable
(5)
A G.

Great place. Food is delicious yet healthy and this place feels like a good alternative to the usual greasy, fried restaurant food. Will definitely go there again. Only issue is it gets pretty crowded especially on weekends.
(4)
Benjamin H.

Food is good, but left me on hold for over 10 minutes. I finally gave up. If you're too busy to answer a phone call - well, then don't answer it. But please please please don't waste my time.
(1)
Josephine P.

Although food here is quite expensive... I do dig the fact that it's part of the slow food movement. I wish there were more places like this. I also really enjoyed the fact that I enjoyed my food even though it was for the most part steamed. Steaming food has a bad rep. It usually results in brightly colored, but bland food. I don't deny it's the healthiest way to prepare your food (outside of eating it straight up raw), but it does make people shy away from eating healthy food if it's just not that delectable. That was not the case here. If you're hungry I recommend getting the Udon noodles, my boyfriend got a rice dish and he just wans't that satiated. I also loved that squeeze bottle of orange liquid by the salt and pepper. I think it was called goddess sauce. I hope this place continues to do so well.
(4)
Alexandre P.

Awesome smoothies and salads!
(5)
Sonia S.

I have a lot of dietary restrictions, and Life Alive is one of the few restaurants I can go to with confidence. They are very patient and understanding while you're ordering -- happy to modify anything or talk to you about their meals. The food is all fantastic. Everything that I or my dining partner has ordered has been great. Quality ingredients, inventive sauces, very friendly staff, and a really great environment of warm hippie hospitality with books, plants, and the Papyrus typeface everywhere. Plus, everything is actually healthy and good for you! I've been maybe six times now, and my only real complaint is that sometimes, when they're busy, the quality of the food noticeably suffers. It's of course understandable, but when I'm really craving the ginger shoyu sauce, it's disappointing to get what seems like their hastily made replacement when the prepared sauce ran out. That may have just been the one time, but it still made me a little cautious. And of course, their prices are high. It is an organic food joint in Cambridge, though, and I think in that light, it costs exactly what you'd expect. Reservations aside, I'm really happy this place now exists, and I'm sure they'll be working out the kinks in their production system as they settle in.
(4)
S.a. S.

This place has a great if slightly hard to navigate menu. Ingredients wise, everything looks fairly similar but they know how to mix it up so you're really eating flavorful food -- as a vegetarian I don't think a lot of these veg haven places do that so well. Try the demi size of salads if you're not starving. Any juice with apple & kale is perfect.
(4)
L E.

I've tried a few different bowls and salads, with both gluten free sauces, and haven't been disappointed. Sometimes I splurge for a juice or smoothie. And about twice a week I decide that it's completely justified to stop here on my way home for takeout because everything is good for me! The rest of the days I crave the healthy veggie deliciousness all day, and sometimes my very carnivorous BF calls and asks if I want to meet up there for dinner (of course!!). Everybody wins!
(5)
Karen B.

Delicious and healthy but expensive. I'd go back again anyway. The Goddess bowl was THAT good. Also very friendly and helpful staff.
(5)
Susan E.

Addicted to the food here. Everything is always fresh and full of flavor. It gets really busy, but the wait is worth it. Really sweet people working here too. The best.
(5)
Michelle B.

A friend introduced me to this restaurant while we were waiting to perform at BostonImprov, just up the street. What an amazing pre-show dinner! I have never had so much sustained energy and felt so good after a meal. I had The Healer with avocado (demi), the miso soup with kale and tofu, and the Superhero juice. An explosion of taste and flavor, crisp and fresh. It was worth the expensive price tag, though I don't think I'd be able to come back as often as I'd like because of that. Still, you get what you pay for, and that was one of the most nutritious meals I've had in a long time. Staff is friendly, prompt, and they all clearly enjoy their jobs, so it makes for a well rounded experience. The best part? I'm not even Vegan, and I felt totally satisfied. Highly, highly recommend.
(5)
Jess M.

Humna, humna! I heart this place. Whole, organic, unique, mouth-watering goodness is served here with relative speed and in an awesome atmosphere. It is always packed, even on a Wednesday at 2pm, but I don't care. The wait is worth it. I think by this point I've tried all the bowls, and I can honestly say everything here is worth the price. The last one I needed to try was the Swami Alive bowl, and I almost cried at the fact that I've been eating at this place for over a year and have never had the Swami bowl. It is *delightful*! I recently have gotten into their ridiculous smoothies. Even though they break bank, they're worth the price, too. Have you ever had dandy blend? It's an amaaazing alternative to coffee (made from dandelion root) and the shuv it in one of their best smoothies, the "Loco Choco Alive". Try it, you won't be disappointed! All in all, worth the price, and I recommend sitting downstairs when there aren't kiddos there.
(5)
Kate I.

Alright, kids, here's a story: once upon a blustery autumn night, two girls were exhausted after an arduous shopping pilgrimage to Central Square. Famished and in need of replenishment, they staggered into a beacon of warmth and vegetation. Potted plants drooping with verdant tendrils held dominion in the windows. The girls pondered: A tropical oasis in an ubran jungle? Or just another organic rip off? Ok, basically, my friend and I stopped at Life Alive to check it out. It was busy, but the line moved relatively fast; I was still struggling to make up my mind when I reached the counter. I got the Seeker salad, except I substituted red lentil hummus for garlic-lemon. It was very filling, with a great medley of sweet and earthy, crunch and chew. I didn't feel that the ginger dressing added too much, and I might be more inclined to substitute a different dressing next time. My friend got the Adventurer, and after I took a taste (and another, then another, then...) I totally wished I had gotten it too. It was hearty, warm, and brimming with savory freshness; like swallowing a hug for your stomach. I was a fan of the tasty snap from the Tamari almonds. The beets added a splash of color and a subtle sweetness. We didn't try the smoothies or drinks (we were too full!) but next time, for sure. The atmosphere was cheery and comforting, inspirational quotes sprinkled about. A very holistic approach to dinner. Definitely a good place to bring a book, sit, realign your chakras, get in the zen zone...or basically eat some really wholesome stuff. The food was a bit pricey, but for food that left me happy and guilt-free, I felt it was worth it.
(5)
Vivian D.

A little similar to fried rice. The idea of mixing salad and rice together is interesting.
(3)
Abby B.

Life Alive is fantastic. Even more so now that they accept LevelUp! I like this place so much that my proximity to it is a decisive factor when I consider moving apartments. Wow.
(5)
Kelsey R.

Healthy and delicious, why can there be a spot like this in Boston...ummm hint, hint guys!
(5)
Erica C.

Excellent food and a relaxed atmosphere! I went for lunch yesterday and was very pleased with the Explorer salad. I got a Demi plate which was almost enough to make me full, but a full plate would have been way too much. I was a bit disappointed they didn't have fresh squeezed orange juice, especially considering they are in season at the moment. The apple and ginger juice that I got instead was great though so no o.j. Is not enough to reduce number of stars. I'm looking forward to going back and trying more food and juice!
(5)
Jennifer K.

When I moved to Boston, every other person told me I should go to Life Alive, that I'd love it. I finally made it there for lunch and I was not disappointed! Delicious comfort food, perfect portions and in a relaxed atmosphere. I'll definitely be back again.
(5)
Eliza W.

delicious. Reminds me of Cafe Gratitude back in SF.
(5)
Steph L.

I went here today and LOVED it. I ordered "The Goddess" (smoked tofu, brown rice, carrots, beets, broccoli, greens) and added avocado. It was amazing! The sauce (Ginger Nama Shoyu) was to die for, and I might even recommend getting extra. To drink I got the "Jive Alive" with wheat grass, which, unfortunately, I did not like. In fact, it was almost inedible. My friend got the same drink, and could not drink more than a couple of sips. But, "The Goddess" was so tasty, that it made up for it. Highly recommend!
(5)
John K.

You'll remember this meal for hours - and so will your date. I've been here twice, ordered two different things (I think the "Lover" and the "Emperor") and each time there is an surreal amount of uncooked garlic in the food. I taste it for hours after the meal. You may try to brush your teeth. But the taste won't go away. So, by any measurement, that qualifies as a stunning amount of garlic. That being said, the food is good... probably a tiny bit overpriced for what it is, but it tastes fresh and healthy. The wraps are hot and the right size. The staff are extremely helpful and upbeat; this place is a welcome addition to the neighborhood and beginning to get popular.
(3)
Sharon S.

Healthy guilt-free food that's delicious. Good value, no table service. Fresh juices are the perfect compliment to their veggie-packed options.
(4)
Cupcake S.

Amazing concept, excellent food! Hats off to the person(s) who came up with this idea for a restaurant. The food is just wonderful. I leave feeling satisfied and happy. Even when its busy, I've been impressed with how the staff handles the line. I love eating downstairs in what I call the "chill room". Some food zaps my energy and some food gives me energy. Life Alive's fare is definitely in the latter category.
(5)
Sarav C.

After waiting for a while, I walked into "Life Alive" today to check out options for lunch. I was greeted by a warm and smiling employee at the Juice counter. It is rare that people really smile and give you a warm welcome you walk into any restaurants these days. Quickly I checked out the menu, it was filled with wraps (Hot and Cold), Salads, Smoothies and much more. The atmosphere was great, they have a lower section, which I didnt get to check out as I was heading back to work. I ordered a hot wrap and it tasted delicious. I will go back again to explore. I give a 4 * for my first experience.
(4)
Meghan F.

I'm not a huge fan of vegetable juices or smoothies, but I do love me some great vegetarian food! I went to Life Alive last night for the first time (with a friend who has been like 3 times in a week- she loves her juice), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I got an Emperor demi-plate, as I had already had dessert. With brown rice, tofu, greens, carrots, miso sauce, and sundried tomatoes, it was a very satisfying small dinner, and not a bad price at all (5.50) for a fresh, quick meal. The people were friendly, the atmosphere is laid back- I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Bill O.

This place is fantastic!
(5)
Lisa Mai K.

My brother lives just down the street from Life Alive so we stopped by for dinner when I was in town for a weekend visit. As a vegetarian I certainly appreciate restaurants that emphasize non-animal protein on their menus, and Life Alive does it well. I'm childlike picky about what food I'll eat, but the Innocent was heaven in the mouth. A fantastically flavorful sauce on top of great ingredients; I get so giddy when I see quinoa on my plate! It's a pleasure in itself ordering "a bowl of the Innocent" for dinner! My brother ordered "whatever's popular" and I believe it was the Green Goddess, which he thoroughly enjoyed. I'm sure he's happy to know that in lieu of a video store, he'd have a place for good eats down the street. Some people have mentioned the decor, and I understand where they're coming from, but in my opinion it's somewhat fitting for the restaurant and their image. I'll cut them some slack... There's room for improvement but I'd say Life Alive is off to a running start. I will definitely return on my next trip to Cambridge.
(4)
Heather G.

I returned here after one of the owners so kindly wrote me an apology-email regarding some snafus I had with the food the first time. Since that email, I have been back many many times to get a better-read on the place. The verdict? Still not bad, but the staff is INCREDIBLY absent-minded. I've never been in and had my order executed completely correctly. On one occasion, I came in to order the carrot apple ginger juice. I ordered, paid, and then sat to wait for my juice. There was no other patron in the store, yet the juice bar employee spent 10 minutes cleaning her work station and ignoring me. I sat there, watching the juice lady make concoctions and restock the bar, all the while wondering why she wasnt making my drink. Though she kept glancing at me sitting there in front of her, she never asked me what i was waiting for. When i went up to ask about my drink, she insisted i didn't order it, even after i showed her the receipt. The man behind the counter said he'd deleted it from the computer because he'd assumed it was a mistake (you just rang me up for the purchase, how did you think it was a mistake order?) and apologized breezily for the mixup and the wait (now on 20 minutes). I was hurriedly made my juice, which came out very heavy on the ginger and undrinkable. At that point, i'd wasted too much time (and $5.99 on the juice) to even ask for it to be remade so I just walked out and tossed it in the trash. On another occasion, I ordered an Emperor with no beets, kale instead of spring greens, a side of avocado, and a smoothie over the phone. I got there, was charged for everything except my smoothie because he had forgotten I ordered it (I discovered this after I waited in the juice bar area for my smoothie to be called, though it never came up). When I opened my salad, the avocado was missing, though I was charged for it. I had to walk back to the store to get the order corrected, and after showing the girl behind the counter my receipt as proof that I was charged for it, she responded "oops, I guess I Just forgot to put it on". Because there were two time-consuming errors in my order this particular time, I would advise any future patrons to just check your orders (and your bill) before leaving the store to save some time. One mix-up seems like a fluke, but three (and one each time I order anything there) seems like an attention-to-detail situation. And for the food I've had? Udon Miso Masterful -dark barly miso broth with sesame and flax oil, braggs, sesame seeds, broccoli, dark greens, carrots, mushrooms, udon noodles in soup for $9.15. The whole thing tasted like shiitake and not much else, so if you're an avid fungi lover, this is a nice, hot, mushroomy dish for a cold night. Green Goddess bowl ($9.25) had sauce, garlic, avocado, broccoli, greens, tofu over brown rice. I got this as takeout and they pack it into a REALLY small container when you're ordering these things to-go. I saw the eat-in plates and they come out way larger-looking. I assume ounce-wise, the serving is the same, but probably just looks smaller stuffed in a to-go box, so be advised that your eyes may play tricks on you here as mine did! The small box's contents filled me up for a nice, semi-light dinner. It had a sharp, raw-garlic taste to it, but was creamy and delicious, with chewy, nutty brown rice hiding underneath for some heartiness. Emperor - If you order this, get the dressing on the side. Though I asked for dressing on the side, my salad came already-dressed and was just too soupy. I had to order and pay for a side-order of kale to mix into the salad to dilute the dressing's concentration in the salad. Though this was a mistake on the part of the salad-builder, i thought that asking them to toss it out and make a new salad would be too wasteful, so instead i asked if they could throw in some extra kale to help out the dressing ratio. I was charged for it, but it did make a bulkier salad so the extra few dollars' charge was a decent value. Overall, I have a problem with my order or my bill each and every time I come here, so despite providing delicious, healthy, filling salads and entrees, I try not to visit too often. It's just too expensive to have to deal with the stress of double- and triple-checking my order and my bill to be sure everything is right. I wish this wasn't the case, because most everything I've had has been very yummy, but it's just too frustrating for me.
(3)
Eric G.

After a gym workout nothing hits the spot like a rebel bowl and hive alive! Fresh great tasting food that makes you forget about meat.
(5)
Allison E.

Love going here. The Swami is delish. Demi-Swami is a great deal. Love the beautifully designed plants in the front windows. Very happy with Life Alive. I used to make occasional trek's to the one in Lowell. The juices are expensive, but hey, don't get them if you feel that way. Yum.
(5)
Chelsea B.

Blech. I am not a veggie or vegan hater, far from it, and I love Central Square like nobody's business, but I had a simply undrinkable smoothy at this place (I threw it in the garbage after about five tries through the straw... blech). This smoothie, cannot remember the silly name they gave it, was supposed to have berries. I think it was also made with almond milk??? It was gray, and tasted like slushy water. And it was $6.
(1)
Gray S.

It took me a little while to check out Life Alive because I'm still in mourning over the death of hollywood express the shell of which Life Alive has crawled into. They have done a nice job converting a none too attractive video rental space into a pretty slick looking restaurant, It feels bight, warm and welcoming. I was surprised by how busy it was but didn't have to wait for a table I get the "innocent bowl" and had a bite of "the goddess" bowl my friend ordered. I thought "the innocent" was a bit dry and bland and "the goddess" was unexciting but tasty, very much like something I would prepare myself. She got a berry "smoothie" ( I think it was more of a vegan milkshake) it was made with coconut "ice cream" which was over powering and too sweet. I got a beet, carrot and apple juice which is hard to go wrong with in my mind. Everything was a little more expensive than I thought was fair. I'm not a very big eater so the portion size was filling for me but I think most would find them on the skimpy side. The staff was friendly and prompt in an unremarkable way. If you're in central square and looking for a quick healthy bite to eat but don't mind the prices it's worth a try.
(3)
Johnny K.

I eat here a LOT. It's very close to my home, so I guess I'm lucky. it's a little expensive for what you get, and it takes a LONG time to get your food. But it's always pretty yummy. I have to admit that I can't eat it every day, because it starts to all taste the same to me. But it's healthy, no doubt about that. And has a nice vibe. The juices are delicious and pricey.
(4)
Juliet K.

I probably won't be going to Life Alive again since my wallet was stolen out of my purse there yesterday while I ate lunch with my toddler (and fraudulent charges were and on my credit card). If you do eat here WATCH FOR PICKPOCKETS. I mean, it is Central Square.
(1)
AB H.

I loved this place! We had great smoothies (one with ginger was particularly unusual and delicious) and two veggie entrees over brown rice. I also bought some raw chocolate bars - which had a soft consistency, great flavor! It was crowded, and therefore not super relaxing, but I will definitely go back again. It's so fun to eat so well outside my own kitchen!
(4)
Margaret C.

Beautiful, real food which felt healing to my body. I had 'The Lover' entree as a bowl with rice and the Life Alive! signiture juice. I seriously felt healthier after having ingested my delicious dish of real food. My only complaint was that the tunes were way too loud (at least to my ears). The food was so serene, but the music they were playing did not really follow suit. That could just be my preference talking.
(4)
Alison P.

I eat here when I want to feel virtuous. This is a real-deal, hippie, vegetarian joint where your fix of kale, tofu and brown rice will actually taste good. This is not as easy and achievement as it should be and I commend Life Alive for making vegetarian food almost exciting. I get the bowls, the regular size is good for a meal, the demi if you are not starving. My favorites are the Swami (the staff always has a good swap for my dreaded pearl onions) and the Lover. I came here sick one day and sprang for the PB&J wrap and even that was totally delicious. The Dandy Blend non-coffee was a revelation to me. I finally hunted some down my own at Cambridge Naturals and it helped me quit coffee! Only downside: Whatever bowl you get, your breath will reek of garlic for hours. Save Life Alive for after the third date. Otherwise, awesome!
(5)
Bati K.

This place is absolutely delicious. There is nothing you can order here (without knowing there's something you hate in there) that you won't like. And they easily allow you to change dishes i.e. exclude some
(5)
Candi S.

This place is delicious! It's so refreshing to find an establishment offering organic and pesticide free products. The alchemist is delicious! & with all of the options you have to customize and add items, everything is so satisfying! I do have to admit that the udon soup was really really too strong smelling and tasting for us. The cost of the food really isn't a big deal. It costs money to get organic, pesticide free food. You can always save the $4 and get some noodle soup at super 88 that is full of salt and chemicals. My only complaint is the the checkout setup. Can you please please organize this part better so it doesn't take over 25 minutes of additional time to pay for and pickup your to-go orders. Even after we place the phone order over 20 minutes prior and we can see our food all bagged up, we then still have to wait behind in decisive customers with lots of questions, who are trying to order food. A lot of times we have to skip getting take out here because I can't convince the office it is worth all the time to wait. I'd suggest you provide separate lines for ordering and paying/picking up food. It would run so much smoother; and it would be easier to convince the office to eat better.
(4)
Eric J.

The kind of food you'd make at home if you had 10 minutes to eat... only 10x the cost, 2x the wait, and 1/2 as good. The decorations were somewhat garish and felt quite pandering.
(1)
Kelsey S.

I love Life Alive. My favorite dish is The Romantic. All the smoothies are great. I was surprised at how much I liked the one with lemonade and ginger.
(5)
Joe R.

Love this place, the food is outrageously good, and you feel like your taking care of yourself with all the fresh and healthy veggies. I challenge any carnivores to eat here and honestly say they don't enjoy the food.
(5)
Joseph C.

Put off by the place's name--which is, indeed, as Castoriadis would say, an abuse of language? Bugged by the 'wisdom board'? Go anyway. This is to say, for folks who might not easily to bring themselves to embrace a menu describing the avocado as 'empowering,' that the food does not correspond to these other elements. The ingredients are high quality and fresh, and the dishes are beautifully designed. The 1,000 permutation menu makes it seem as though the dishes are more or less random combinations of greens, legumes, and sprouts. But nothing could be further from the truth; all the dishes I've tried feature a really lovely blend of flavors and textures. I especially love the Coco Loco smoothie (a relatively calorie heavy option), and the option of not eating too many soy products.
(4)
Miguel C.

I like meat. But this place's bowls of vegetarian goodness are pretty damn delicious. I've been here something like three times now. The food comes in three sizes: a bowl, a wrap, and a demi (think half-bowl). I eat a lot, and the bowls didn't look like much when I first ordered. But they are surprisingly filling. I don't know whether it's their sauces (which they name) or just good preparation, but it tastes good. They also serve smoothies, snacks and some other things. Space-wise, it's a cafe-like atmosphere on the first floor with a basement that looks almost like a lounge. People come in and read or chat with each other. I'm glad to know that if I had to swear off meat for some reason, I wouldn't starve because there's great food to eat here.
(4)
Michael R.

I'm not a vegan, vegetarian, or health freak. I like Life Alive because the food is amazing. What better compliment can an organic cafe get?
(5)
Missy S.

i'm not a vegetarian, but i do appreciate tasty and/or healthy food... this was DELISH and seemingly VERY healthy. i had the adventurer and tasted the soup, enjoyed every bite! can't wait to go back, probably tomorrow. yum yum yum!
(5)
Veronica A.

Best vegetarian location in Boston - hands down! Only small problem is HOW POPULAR they are and HOW LONG the line is and HOW SMALL they are... they need to expand like crazy BUT WOW are they good stuff! Get the Island Alive smoothie and thank me later :D
(5)
L. S.

My favorite place in Cambridge. Delicious, tasty, fun, conscious. Food is great! Juice bar is excellent. Staff is friendly! The bookshelf is great- you can lounge on couches downstairs and read, and they also have free wi-fi. The place is covered in colorful paint and images and isnpiring quotes. They do everything they can to source only organic veggies and educate people on sustainability and the whole food movement. Feels warm and spirited, has a relaxed west coast vibe and attracts the greatest crowd.
(5)
Laura s.

I discovered Life Alive after a friend and I did a dance class at the dance Complex and felt like I had fallen upon a little slice of heaven! How lucky we are to have this boisterous healthy haven. My salad was sublime! I will definitely be back. Can't wait.
(4)
Lisa H.

GET THE REBEL. Add almonds. Holy moly. I am not a vegetarian or a vegan, but my yogi friends told me I would be quite impressed. They were right. Nowhere quite like it in the Boston area as far as I know. The gluten free beers are hella good too!
(5)
John C.

against my will.. well, not really, i went to life alive for brunch. i had just finished a 90 minute session at soniyoga with my gf and friend and they both wanted to eat at life alive. so off we went, it's not that i hate their food, i just hate their prices. so we go. the split a bowl of the goddess, i ordered myself a wrap. i wasn't impressed by my wrap. it had an egg, sliced beets, carrots, kale and a bit of broccoli (the seductress)... it was 9.25.... yeap 9.25. i could order TWO vegetarian burritos at annas for that price. don't get me wrong, i love all those ingredients, but there wasn't nearly enough to make it worth 9.25, i don't care how much flax you put in there. we also each other a smoothie, i had the almond joy alive... it was ok, not 5.99 good. i made a smoothie in the morning as a pre yoga meal and it was 10 times better and only cost me about 50 cents. i'm glad i ate the food, it was healthy, i feel good when i eat healthy and it def. goes well after yoga. but it's the price that gets me. it's not that i'm cheap, i love going out to eat and i blow money like there is no tomorrow. i just like to get what i'm paying for and i feel that at life alive a lot i'm paying for is the hippy dippy goodness. a lot of the foods are the same, take carrots away from one dish and add avocados and bam, new name! if you make plenty of money and don't really care about how much food you're getting for your money bam, you should eat at life alive because the food is damn good FOR YOU. otherwise go to whole foods, buy some fresh produce and make this at home with leftovers to feed you for another 2-3 days!
(2)
Alison B.

We are so excited to have a place like this open in Cambridge! The vibe and menu are similar to Laughing Planet in Portland. We've been there several times and have found the service warm and welcoming, and the food delicious. We've tried a soup of the day, salad, wrap, smoothie, juice, and a few bowls including udon and some of the rice dishes. All good, and made the way you want. They have an amazing variety of vegetables, nuts, grains and sauces and anything can be vegan or have egg or cheese added. The prices are reasonable for fresh, quality ingredients.
(5)
Alexandria O.

This place is kindof like my new obsession in life. I order takeout so frequently that I'm borderline embarrassed by how much food I haul away on a daily basis, but it is that amazing. (Hint: for takeout, I have found that the demis and full size dishes are basically the same size in the takeout container, so ordering a demi of whatever dish you want usually gets the most bang for your buck) Since I have been obsessing over the food so much recently, I have actually successfully converted my (notsomuch vegetarian friendly eater) boyfriend to this place. Every time he eats there he exclaims "i really cant believe how good this is!" I haven't tried all of their dishes yet, but I especially love the Alchemist and the Adventurer. Also, as if the whole store and concept could not be more awesome or have more integrity in their product, their website says they are building greenhouses in the future to grow all of their own product. HOW COOL IS THAT!
(5)
M. A.

One of the best values in Central Square. I've never had anything I didn't like and never left feeling food-remorse. Favorites are the Lover, with garlic, cashews, and flax added, and the Green Goddess with tamari almonds added. I love the Superhero Alive juice - honey, cayenne, apple cider vinegar, etc - not a cheap drink at around $7, but whenever I start feeling run-down I let myself get one. I've tried many a time to recreate their bowls at home, but never quite get there. Their homemade hot sauce is amazing. I want to love their smoothies too, but I have a kick-ass blender at home and like what I make better. Friendly staff, an amazing rewards program, and pretty much my top choice any time I'm looking to eat out, or take out.
(5)
Andy M.

Where do Central Square hippy-vegans go to feel superior to everyone else? Life Alive. The ingredients and food is fresh, the self-serve water dispenser is usually full, and the satisfied clientele loves this place. Whether you're vegan-for-life or vegan-for-one-meal, its worth a visit. Warning though: Expect super slow lines and service. Plus, it seems like the person working the register is always a trainee. Weird.
(4)
Katie J.

I last came here on a bitterly cold day in December. I came in the door and was immediately proud of myself for choosing this restaurant because it was warm and a bit humid inside, like a greenhouse. I had the Sufi Poet, which has cranberries, hummus, apples, and cashews, among other things. It was fantastic, and I felt twice as healthy when I left as I did when I arrived. I can't wait to go back and try something new, as I'm sure it will be just as good. The servers are helpful and friendly, and it looks nice on the inside, with colorful trippy paintings on the walls and books to read, if you'd like. It also has free wifi for an hour or two.
(5)
Melissa C.

I am glad this place exists, even if you have to deal with what feels like the epicenter of Cambridge limousine liberalism when you dine there. I had a demi portion of the Green Goddess and really enjoyed it. The kale was super fresh, the rice nicely seasoned, and the garlic sauce on top mind-blowingly strong (in a good way, though makeouts for the night were put on hold). It was about 6 dollars, which might seem expensive on the surface but is reasonable compared to the other raw/vegan places out there. I also had a smoothie (the Vitality one) which was tasty (pieces of candied ginger in it!) but way overpriced (16 oz. for 6 dollars...sheesh). It was as much as my dinner! My only other complaint was that it was crowded and the staff didn't let you know where to go and what to do. (It's not exactly table service, you order at the counter and then go sit and they bring you your food). But I liked the casual quasi-head shop decor and comfy seats. I will be back, because I can't say no to kale.
(4)
Ryan D.

First time dining at Life Alive.... will most definitely be back! I had a dish called The Lover which is a tasty mix of beets and carrots and shitake mushrooms and broccoli and brown rice in a wonderful ginger sauce. My wife had The Emperor which was brown rice and tofu and cheese and carrots and sprouts in a sesame miso sauce. So Good!!! The servings are generous but I cleaned my plate ...and helped my wife with the rest of hers. It's not just healthy food....it is really really tasty healthy food. Go check them out...you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Jessica M.

Went to Life Alive for the first time last night and truly enjoyed the experience. Not only was the food quite delicious, but the people were very friendly and accommodating as well. There are so many options for salads (any salad can also be made into a wrap). They also serve beer and wine. I had an amazing glass of malbec for only 5 dollars a glass! The atmosphere is fun and the interior of the restaurant is painted in brighty, vibrant colors. They also have a self-sustained mini rainforest set up in the restaurant. It was a great night with great friends, great food, and great service. The only drawback is that there are no reservations and dinner is a busy time. However, we got lucky and a table opened up shortly after our arrival. I would definitely go here again and again.
(4)
P'raka ..

A veg joint that serves up tasty, healthy food and drinks. I'm not veg but I still love this place. Fresh, NOT deep fried and flavorful! I now randomly crave Ginger Crush drink... it makes me *almost* want to get a juicer ... but for now I will continue to purchase from Life Alive :)
(5)
Donna L.

The meals here are as good as they are healthy. I like the Alchemist bowl the best with Ginger Crush. Worth the trip!
(5)
Jerry R.

Great Veggie Restaurant. Healthy well prepared dishes. The people that work there here our extremly helpful. I love this place eat well live old.
(5)
Katie M.

If you like vegetarian or vegan food, you cannot get a better place than this outside your own kitchen. They have delicious dishes of veggies, tofu (you can substitute sprouted legumes), brown rice or quinoa and the various combinations are mixed together, warm, with one of their delicious sauces drizzled over it. They also have suggestions for each dish as to add-ons to accompany it. It's served either in a Filling Bowl, a Demi Bowl or a Wrap - all delicious, depending on how hungry you are. My favorite is the Green Goddess with avocado and sprouted legumes with their famous Ginger Nama Shoyu sauce. It's So.Freaking.Good. And super healthy and delicious, when you leave you will feel the difference in your body. You can also get fresh green juices at their juice bar. It's kind of pricey for what you COULD make at home but it has a wonderful sense of community, the staff is amazing and it's a great spot to sit for a while and read a book or people watch with a bit of wine (served in a mason jar, so rustic!) and enjoy your meal. Be mindful it does get very busy and when I'm done I usually try to wrap it up since there is probably someone who might be waiting for a seat. So tasty and delicious and wonderful!
(5)
Patricia R.

This place is fine for what it offers but I feel that it is outrageously expensive. I guess that is the running price of hippy healthy happy food these days. If you feel like kale and tofu quinoa and kombucha and weird shakes this is your place!
(3)
Calen R.

Some of my coworkers recommended this place to me, which surprised me because none of them are really into healthful food. I got a quinoa dish and one of their carrot vegetable juices. Everything was incredibly delicious and flavorful! The juice was lukewarm (they make everything on the spot rather than refrigerating pre-made juices), so I would have liked a couple ice cubes or something, but it was still very tasty. I'll definitely be going back!
(5)
Kristin S.

I really like this place. Fantastic, fresh and healthy food! Reasonable prices for the quality (if you get a demi bowl it's enough food and very cheap). The only reason I didn't go with 5 stars is the noise level and lack of adequate seating. You definitely feel pretty cramped. It's not the place to go to have a private conversation as you're almost on top of the people at the table next to you. But I will go back often just for the amazing and healthy food!
(4)
Max C.

Excellent meal. Felt so great after eating. healthy. Light. would definitely come back.
(4)
Carol C.

The smoothies are pretty much over-priced. The food is amazing and I feel okay about the prices. I love that the menu allows for subbing ingredients.
(4)
Trelawney G.

i like it a lot, but i can't really take my young kids there. they just don't have enough options that are toddler-friendly. but that said, they are kid-friendly in culture, and the kids like it there - they just don't eat much! but i like the food, and even meat eaters in my group like the food.
(4)
Emeric V.

Oh. My. God. I have to admit that the first time I came here, I was skeptical on how good vegan cuisine could be. I wouldn't classify myself as vegetarian, but I am functionally a vegetarian since my GF is one and it's just easier to not cook meat at home most of the time. She brought me here one time last spring when I was visiting, and I've been hooked ever since. The food here is ridiculously good. I don't know what they put in the sauce for some of their dishes (the healthy bachelor and the romantic lover? are my two favorites), but it's seriously like vegan crack. I cannot get enough of it. I want the recipe. Now. I was JUST here two days before Christmas and had the healthy bachelor in a wrap with egg and cheese and I almost cried. Seriously, it was so beautiful. The only downside was that it wasn't a larger portion size. The clientele is extremely kind and the eating area downstairs is unique. I always feel relaxed there and I always feel completely energized and renewed once I've eaten there. I feel like if I went there once a week (or every day if I had the cash money), that I would heal all of the damage I've done to my body from years of unhealthy eating. Well, not unhealthy, but just not consistently good. Check out the cookies they sell there - especially the triple chocolate mint ones. The last time I was there in the summer, I bought them all out to give to my brother and some other friends and we are all addicted to them now. Check this place out if you haven't already (judging by the number of reviews, I'm sure most everybody has at this point). If I wasn't so attached to cheese and eggs, I'd become vegan because of this place.
(5)
Anastasia B.

The food here is great for most people (even though it routinely makes me sick unless it's vegetable juice). It's over priced for sure, but what they lack in their ability to properly price itms they make up for in adding "love" in all their food. They tend to short change all their drinks so you never get a full cup of anything. They tell u it's bc their cups are bigger than the 12 or 16 oz amount they advertise, but that's horse poop. If you charge me that much for a drink you best fill it up, ya heard?
(2)
Daphna R.

Wow, I love you guys. I ALWAYS feel great after eating my gluten free meal here. So healthy, so tasty, so economical. I recommend the Emperor to you non-vegans.
(5)
Amy M.

Love it love it love it!! Everything about this place is fabulous from its location to its friendly staff to its super comfy downstairs seating area. The vibe is funky and relaxed and the food is fresh fresh fresh. So far I've had a demi plate of The Rebel (quinoa, brown rice, loads of veggies, yummy sauce!) and the Explorer salad (with fresh lemon hummus!) and everything has just been divine. The teas are also excellent and the service is stellar. I am so happy to have a healthy eating option in Central Square, and a place that really is happy to cater to your whims (oh swap out the tofu for eggs and the carrots for sesame sticks? No problem!)
(5)
Lindsey R.

This place makes me smile and their food makes me feel healthy. I really love the ambiance, with the artwork, comfy chairs, books to read, and relaxing music. I love the Lowell location, but this location is totally awesome, too! The prices on the food are alright but the juices/smoothies are a little pricey. I like the Adventurer with avocado, and usually stick to drinking water.
(4)
Miriam F.

My daughter's love this place so I finally went for dinner. I had the "hot and healthy bachelor" and a glass of wine. We went downstairs and the place was crowded and finally saw a small table with leftover dirty dishes from a prior customer. {I was not going to clean someone else's dish for me to sit down} Call to one of the wait staff to please clean the table, she just picks up the dish and left the glasses. As I pick up the glass with a napkin, my napkin was stuck with the stickiness of the table. I did not want to fuss because, I am here with my daughter and want to make the best of it. As I looked around the place, it look like it hasn't been clean in a month. Had to stop looking otherwise I won't eat. The food finally arrive and it was OK. {eggs, broccoli and cheese in a wrap} My daughter wrap was tastier {I don't remember the name} If there is a next time-, I will order to go. Oh! My daughter was interview for this place before they open. They made them take an exam standing up in the dirty room under construction. They had to write on top of a box and my daughter never heard from them again. Not even a Thank you for applying.
(2)
Ketan D.

One of the most innovative vegetarian restaurants that I've been to in Boston! They have excellent food and some really innovative smoothies that taste really good!
(4)
Emil T.

you want to go healthy and veggie w/o compromising on taste, quality and a satisfying fullness? this is the place to go.
(5)
Lizzy B.

I feel like I must have been eating really crappy food before this place existed. Been getting take-out from there a couple of times a week since they opened and everything is always extremely fresh, tasty, healthy, quite satisfying. And I think anything on the menu can be made vegan. I recently thought to myself 'Wouldn't it be nice if they had a frequent buyer card?'...and guess what...THEY DO! Will definitely be making use of that! I love this place!!
(5)
Rhea B.

My first trip to Live Alive. Wow, what great food. Fresh, great flavor. Friendly staff. I am not a vegetarian but my friend, who is, took me. I will definitely go back! Interesting atmosphere, too.
(4)
Anneka W.

I have eaten here a couple of times and each time have loved the idea of the place but been disappointed by the overall experience. The upside to this place was the dishes were tasty and filled with wholesome, nutritional ingredients like kale, garlic and carrots, and mixed with delicious sauces. A couple my boyfriend and I have loved for flavor were the romantic wrap and the explorer. Downside was mainly the quantity (very small portions) and price 8-9 for a wrap filled with very, very little. The last time we went in for dinner both of our wraps were missing key ingredients such as avocado and sun dried tomatoes. The romantic wrap that we got was missing avocado and was left with only garlic, and a tiny portion of greens. Overall the sandwich was little more than a flavorful flour tortilla. Very disappointing. Upon taking them back in to see if we could get the missing ingredients the manager was rude and declared that they sell the dishes as is, with or without ingredients thy claimed they came with. Huh?? If I'm paying for a Sandwich with avocado and not much else there best be avocado in it unless you tell me prior to ordering. Like many other reviewers I so wanted to make this a staple go to place but will definitely be taking my $ elsewhere after this experience.
(2)
Gina M.

Love it! Went last night and had the Adventurer with an add-on of squash. Just delicious. My husband and I are avid home cooks who have been eating less and less meat over the years. The menu at Life Alive is inspiring and may steer us towards many creative meals with the bounty of our garden later this year. The staff were friendly and efficient and the space is also very nice (featuring my favorite Wegner chairs in the upstairs cafe). We will be back many times, I'm sure.
(4)
Max C.

Even though I'm a dyed in the wool carnivore, I still enjoy tasty fresh vegetables, cooked in the right combinations with interesting sauces. I loved this place. The staff are patient and helpful, willing to explain unusual words on the menu like "nama." I recommend the "Innocent" demi-plate. The atmosphere is casual, the portions are generous, and the prices are quite reasonable. Also, for people with mobility disabilities, the accessible entrance is around back, and the new owners have added an automatic door opener.
(5)
Jasmine K.

I walked by, hungry, and had the lentil hummus salad with raw-ginger sauce. The hummus was amazing!! It was smooth and had the sweetness like mashed potatoes. Everything they put in the salad, from veggies, crackers, dressing... was great. And the cafe is beautiful. Where else can you find plants literally growing inside a cafe!
(5)
Sage R.

Life Alive is one of a kind, in all of the Boston area, to me. It's a spiritual oasis in the city. That is really how i think of it. I sit in there, and i see people skidding into the place at urban speed, out of breath, cell phone ringing, text messages incoming, brain on speed, ... then they manage to breath one slow breath and realize that they are human. This happens to me ... i walk in, and order something, sit down and pick up one of the many inspiring books they have all around, and look at some beautiful people in there, who shine with a glowing energy or inner strength and calm ... and breathe ... becoming human again ... then one of the staff people brings me a plate of quinoa and kale in some delicious sauce mixture, and it nourishes my body and soul. Seriously, this place is very beautiful, with amazing attention to detail, from the counter made by an awesome carpenter artist, to the window garden of beautiful plants and stones. It's how i wish my whole life and the whole city felt. It's a sensibility and an aesthetic, and an approach to life, not just an eatery to fuel up your body so you can go-go-go and push more papers or crush more concrete depending on the color of your collar. I love this place because the people who created it have a vision and a philosophy that is counter to our poisonous modernity machine, and reminds me that i am not just a minion of capitalism, but in fact a luminous being with amazing capabilities and deserving of a life beyond production and consumption as an economic unit. Still, i wish the smoothies were $4 not $7 each ... and i wish i could have the part that remains in the blender too, after all I paid $7 for that smoothie. Quality costs money, i know. I pay it. We're not totally in a love-based economy yet. Life Alive must also pay the rent. I love this place. As good as it gets ... so far ... in this world ... in terms of commercial establishments.
(5)
Bill S.

Fantastic food. Just what I like to eat these days. Healthy and generous portions cooked properly. I'd love for them to open a place near my home in Brookline Village and I'd be a near-daily patron. Keep it up.
(4)
cc c.

Been back... a few times (blush) ... have never had a problem getting a seat, even when they're really busy. I think most people get the food to go.
(5)
Jessie H.

I wish I could give this place a million stars. I am so happy they opened that I have been dumping my money there almost daily, and going out of my way to stop by. Everything I've had is great. Great flavors, healthy, organic dining, friendly counter service. They have 3 options for most dishes: wrap, bowl, demi. One of the first times I was there for lunch I ordered the demi portion (small plate of food) and I was still hungry. Since then I've gone for the bowl portion which is ample. Demi is good for stick thin people, or those trying to eat small portions, also good as a large snack. The dressings and sauces are outrageously good!! This place is not cheap, but definitely worth it for a thoroughly enjoyable meal!
(5)
heather l.

I beyond love this place. Sure, it takes longer than you think it will the first time you order here. But it's so worth it! The staff is ridiculously nice, and not in that creepy Stepford Wife way. Just really warm and friendly. The romantic wrap, and the healer rice bowl are my new boyfriends. I would eat here every day if I could afford it.
(5)
Matt S.

Their menu looks lovely, but once you try the Adventurer Bowl, you'll never get around to ordering anything else ever again. A delicious combination of quinoa, brown rice, beets, broccoli, walnuts, cheddar, tofu and sesame oil.
(5)
Paul A.

They just opened their 2nd location and it rocks! Great decor, help staff and of course their menu. Soon to serve organic beer and wine. They also have a kids playroom and a downstairs for total relaxation.
(5)
The Happy Lobster R.

This place is incredible! The Rebel bowl (although you only need a demi at lunch) is flavorful, delicious and about as healthy as it gets. The Chai Alive smoothie is amazing as well. I always feel great after I eat here.
(5)
Krystal T.

Not a vegetarian. I tried this place for the first time this past weekend. The staff was very helpful and very friendly. The food seems reasonably priced and it was very good. I also had a chai latte made with almond mild, not so good. I'm looking forward to experimenting a little more at this place.
(3)
Nicole C.

One of my favorite restaurants. Absolutely delicious. Crave it everyday!
(5)
skott d.

i love it. kind of a hippie type vegetarian place, but i say that in a non-derisive sort of way. which is weird for me. the food is fresh, healthy and tastes amazing. the service is friendly and quick even when there's a huge fucking line. and that happens often. it's reasonably priced and their juice bar is solid. i've not experimented a ton but the items i've had have all been really good. i go fairly often, once a week or so, i'd say. the perfect summer food - get it to go and sit in central square and watch the world go by!
(4)
Denva J.

I am absolutely obsessed with Life Alive. I specifically purchase the Explorer bowl and have the Adventurer on occasion. What I love about Life Alive is that the food is fresh, nutritious, and delicious. My friend and I who are almost regulars at the joint laugh that this is our "virtuous" treat. If we go out and have lunch or dinner, this is where we go. She can have a glass of wine or beer and I can have a wheat grass shot. I am thrilled that I can have the opportunity to eat there.
(5)
Tracy R.

This is my absolute favorite restaurant. You go in and are instantly happy with the smell of fresh ginger and the smiles of all of the staff. They are knowledgeable about food, and I mean really knowledgeable, and accommodate your diet. It ALL tastes amazing and you leave happy and satisfied. Love love love love. Please open more :-)
(5)
Laurie G.

i know of no other place in boston where you can get clean, fresh, healthy and delicious food. i have eaten here several times, gladly making the trek over the river from roxbury, and i will go back again and again. You pay for what you get, so if you scoff a bit at the prices, quit whining. If you value your body and spirit, it's well worth it. The atmosphere matches the food and the service is friendly, too. I'm hoping they open one in JP as rumored. I'll be the first in line.
(5)
Eve C.

Super tasty vegan food. What more could a girl with as many food issues as I have want? Oh, it's a great price too? The BEST! Can't wait to go back. =)
(5)
Aine C.

Okay, let me just start with this place has the coolest kids section, I wanted to rewind the clock 15 years just so I wouldn't look like an anus playing in there. The decor is really nice, I'm not sure what kind of lighting people are expecting but the downstairs was perfect for a casual get together for me. I really enjoyed all the decor, it didn't seem pretentious to me, just fun! Now I guess I should mention the food, huh? SO good. Everything is so fresh, I tried a bit of every dish ordered at our table and it was all Delish with a capital D. A really fun relaxed place to bring some friends, I will definitely be back! The only topic of complaint at my table was, what is up with the cups? They are too narrow to drink out of without my nose hitting the rim...anyways, they still get five stars for me!! Prices are reasonable for the portion sizes, everything was great :)
(5)
Proud OF M.

Food is pretty good.. A BIG HOWEVER, Ive been several times and 3 times they have forgot to put an expensive extra add on(s). This particular time I asked for cashews ($1.50), and garlic ($.50) on an already $10 wrap and it came with neither. $17.57 for a small soup and wrap ($15.57 with no add ons) is inexcusable. Another time I asked for quinoa instead of brown rice ($4 add on). They forgot that too. Funny b/c they encourage you to add these things. Another time, it was just the wrong wrap. Wraps have varied greatly in size and sloppy preparation depending on who was working.The staff and owner should pay a little more attention to these details. The only reason this place is surviving is because of OUTRAGEOUS prices and there are so few healthy places like it in the area...You might eat healthy, but you're not going to walk out of this place not feeling great about the money you spent.
(1)
Andres M.

I was really looking forward to eating here. I was not impressed by their Udon dish. It wasn't something to rave about. On the other hand, their coconut smoothie was delicious. I would go back but just to get a smoothie but nothing else. The lines were a bit too long and there were not enough seats when I was there. They are supposed to be adding more seats in the basement in the future.
(3)
Susie Q.

I really loved the Lowell location, so I was pretty excited about this place being here. I've eaten here several times and enjoyed it, however: I came here yesterday with a friend. I'm vegan, my friend isn't. The server switched our sandwiches when she brought them out, and I didn't even notice until we both had taken several bites. I went up to the register and complained. They did make us new sandwiches, but they gave me attitude about it and acted like it was my fault for not making sure I that I had the right thing. I'm sorry, but when someone hands me a plate and tells me that it's what I ordered, my first instinct isn't to look into it and make sure. Generally servers are supposed to remember what specific items are when they are handing them to a customer.
(3)
Sarah M.

I'm not a vegetarian but I love healthy and delicious food. I've been there twice and both times the service has been friendly and I ate every morsel on my plate. My only problem with them is that they don't currently have another restaurant near where I work, in Fort Point. They need to get on that. ;-)
(5)
Joy H.

I went there for the first time today with another vegan friend. I was a little apprehensive since I've just started going vegan and was a little afraid I wouldn't like the food here. I really didn't want to eat something at a restaurant that I could easily make at home. And the names of the dishes ("The Goddess, The Innocent, The Alchemist, etc.) really threw me off. My friend got The Goddess (their signature dish), and since I don't like ordering the same thing as other people, I decided to try The Adventurer, switching the cheddar for hijiki. I absolutely *loved* it! The sesame ginger Nama sauce was soooo good with everything, and I loved the crunch of the almonds. We both just got the demi portions, which was the perfect size for us. The menu says, "We urge you to notice how you feel after eating!" Well, I can definitely say I feel great. I don't feel super full, but I feel *fed* if you know what I mean. I can't wait to come back here again and maybe try some of the other meals (although I may just stick with The Adventurer since I liked it so much) and maybe some of the juices or smoothies!
(4)
David X.

This is a GREAT addition to the neighborhood. Central Square seems to becoming what Harvard Square used to be before all the corporate retailers moved in. File this under "Simple", in the positive sense - simple ingredients, simple recipe. But the ingredients are healthy and fresh. The food can be a bit bland, but delicious. It feels nice to be able to stuff myself at dinner with enjoyable food and not feel even slightly guilty. My only gripe with the place is how they've arranged the downstairs dining area (it's a self-serve restaurant). I guess they are trying to be hip by having either giant tables, some park benches (no accompanying tables), a super tiny table, and tons of open space. It is just SO COMPLETELY IMPRACTICAL, particularly considering their popularity. They could double the number of seats down there, easy, and make dining more comfortable. Other than that, I'm happy they are here. And hope similar cool establishments open in the area soon.
(4)
Alicia D.

Life Alive, I love you... I am willing to overlook your hippytrippyness and long lines to enjoy vegetarian food that is healthy and hearty and delicious. Your warm meals make me exceedingly happy. My favorite is the Emperor (of course, it's the one that has cheese in it), but everything else I've tried has been pretty delicious. I appreciate that you serve vegetarian food that isn't filled with faux meat substitutes. If you were to open another branch a little down Mass Ave in Harvard Square, I'd probably eat lunch there every single day. Yum.
(5)
Samuel K.

On my way to grab a burger at McDonalds, I passed by Life Alive and decided to give it a try. The result? It was a pleasant surprise! - my dish (The Adventurer) was extremely delicious, and I left the place feeling healthy. I'm now excited about my next visit and can't wait to try all the other warm dishes.
(5)
Mike Y.

Fun food and atmosphere. I got the Suri Poet salad which was super fresh. Their homemade lentil hummus was incredible. Also got the Life Alive juice and that was freshly made and a good size (12 oz.). My wife got the PB&J wrap with homemade granola and that was so good it should be illegal. We'll definitely be going back at some point in the summer to try one of the smoothies.
(4)
Eli H.

First, everything is DELISH (for the most part - I had a smoothie that I didn't care for though: loco coco I believe). The reason this isn't getting a 4 or 5 stars is because their portions are tiny. Granted, I can eat some food - but $15 for a wrap and a smoothie...I'd hope they could fill me up. Instead, I walked down the street to a qdoba and filled up after.
(3)
Alyssa B.

Alright, this is my heaven. If you have food allergies or are on a special diet/cleanse, this is where you want to go!! At first, it's a little overwhelming because their menu is crazy and you can add or take out anything you want and they have so many options. I have food allergies, and the woman at the register was amazing. She knew exactly what I could and couldn't have in my dish (I didn't know what some of the things they had were exactly, like the sauces) and within a minute, we had figured out how to tweak the meal I wanted originally so I could eat everything in it. It was SO GOOD, I can't wait to go back and try their smoothies and juices. It's a little more expensive than most places, but that's what you get for awesome healthy food. Their decor is super fun and they have a sweet window garden near the stairs that lead to a huge seating area with couches and tables!
(5)
Elissa S.

I first discovered this place in Lowell. The vibe is great and the food is even better. I have never had a bad experience here. I feel great after every meal and I enjoy each bite. I'm so grateful they opened a second location closer to my home. The service is fast and everyone is so nice! My only gripe is that I wish it would be a little lighter on my wallet. I love taking new people because everyone always loves it... even the meat eaters!
(5)
Maxim L.

I'm not vegan or vegetarian so I can opt for cheaper places, but I go here every once in a while if I had an especially bad diet that week. For the price of admission you also get in some great people watching time. Talk with an employee about the food, it's fun to hear how philosophical they get. You almost feel like you're going to live much longer after leaving the place. I really wish they'd stop putting cucumber in the water or at least give me a non-cucumber option :)
(3)
Kat O.

SO GOOD. I would eat here every day if I could afford it. I'm a little disappointed in the lack of organic/healthy/veggie-based restaurants in the Boston area that don't revolve around pizza and "healthier" versions of junk food. Thankfully, there is Life Alive. Healthy as healthy gets. Nothin' but veggies and tofu and organic cheese on top of huge piles of steamed greens or brown rice. They have wraps too but I have only gotten the bowls. When I was in school I would set up shop writing a paper or reading a book or studying and eat my big ol' bowl o' food for like, hours. I should say that even though the prices are high and that does make me a bit sad, the portions are huge. A bowl could easily be two meals (it rarely is, though...). Everyone working there is so nice and happy (probably because they are extremely healthy and in great physical condition) and the SMOOTHIES. So good. Yummy. They should open one in Somerville. Because I live there. And that would make me happy. And that's what's really important here.
(5)
Sandy K.

This place is amazing. The food is delicious and healing. My standard meal is a green goddess wrap with a hard boiled egg, and a carrot cake smoothie if I need a little something extra. Although, my fella doesn't much appreciate the garlic taste I leave with, it's still fantastically delicious. Somehow, I can eat way too much and leave feeling energized. YUM.
(5)
Susan A.

I am not a vegetarian/vegan, but both my kids are and we love, love, love Life Alive. I always order the Green Goddess, which is heavenly. I love the intensity of the flavors and the fresh ingredients.We have also had the Swami, Sufi and Warrior as well. All great. I also love the carrot cake smoothie and the life alive smoothie. I like sitting upstairs at the counter with the view out the window and the books to choose from. I didn't like sitting downstairs (done it twice) because it was a bit too claustrophobic for me. I am a regular at ordering for take out and picking up. There always seems to be a line but if you call in your order, you can go straight to the cashier to pick up your food. No need to wait in the long line (long at generally accepted mealtimes).
(5)
A M.

Still too expensive and not filling
(1)
Claire G.

Healthy and delicious! Great atmosphere. Love it.
(5)
Sasha A.

I love Life Alive! The food is so delicious, due to this the place does get busy pretty frequently. I'd say go in off-hours to beat meal rushes.
(4)
yam m.

I finally got over my dread of the cutesy, new-Agey name of this place and stepped inside, only to discover that it truly is an oasis, just like it claims to be. I am now so in love with Life Alive that I am organizing all of my social activities around it, no exaggeration. From the moment you open the door (either the one in front or the delightfully automatically-opening wheelchair-accessible one in back), you are treated to a calming vibe that slows your pulse and your breath. It is the most yogic restaurant I can name in the Boston area. I could feel my desire for caffeine draining out of me, and my need to fill up with other unhealthy combinations of C, H and O left me just as quickly. They sell something called the "dandy blend" that is a coffee substitute that I haven't tried yet, but I could sense a curiosity stirring. This is the sort of place that harkens back to my days in college co-ops and women's circles. The sort of place that Left Coast-centric types might assume only exists in the Bay Area. What a joy to prove them wrong. Others have discussed the food already, so I won't go into great detail, except to say that each of the 'warm meals' seems so uniquely delightful that I've set it my goal to try them all. Plus a full juice bar and non-dairy smoothies? What's not to like? The erstwhile Hollywood Express space has some wacky nooks and crannies on the basement floor (sadly NOT w/c-accessible, my only beef with the place) which the cafe has made inviting by filling with pillows and benches. They've included a lovely playspace for the kids down here, which makes it a haven for parents of a certain age. And one final bonus: while health and well-being are clearly high on the list of priorities, the folks at Life Alive are not above selling chocolate, too, so if you can't really break away from those old habits quite yet, you don't have to feel like you're being judged (unlike certain other Cambridge cafes that I have reviewed previously). One more comment: this place actually snuck nutritional yeast into my "I-turn-my-nose-up-at-weird-food" bf without his complaining. THAT takes some serious skill.
(5)
Shelly K.

This place is great. I dragged my boyfriend (who is not vegetarian or vegan) here, and even he was impressed. He ordered the swami, which was one of the best meals I have ever had. It was delicious, not heavy at all but filling, and if I could choose only one meal to eat for the rest of my life, that would probably be it. The flavors and textures were perfectly balanced. It's not a traditional sit down restaurant, you order upstairs and there is plenty of cozy seating downstairs. Everyone who works there was ridiculously nice. If I lived closer and made more money I would probably eat there every night!
(5)
Tarun N.

I went here for the first time and I was very impressed. Some of the best vegetarian food I've had in quite a while. The food is reasonably priced and comes with a large amount of vegetables, which is great. They also offer smoothies which I highly recommend. Although they are $6, they are absolutely worth it. Definitely a place to check out.
(5)
Ali L.

The food here is absolutely amazing, even if you're not a vegetarian. My favorites are the Mystic Mountain salad (they're not exaggerating in the least when saying their garlic lemon hummus is the best around), the Adventurer, the Island Alive smoothie, and the Carrot Cake Alive smoothie, which I'm pretty sure I could eat every day for the rest of my life. The friendly staff is always knowledgeable about the food and ingredients, and you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Also, try the gluten-free cookies by the register - they're amazing!
(5)
Tara M.

Simply amazing! Boston doesn't have enough healthy restaurants like this. The service was great and very fast. The food was phenomenal! I can't wait to go back asap! As in this week!
(5)
Smeggie P.

Vegetarians rejoice!! I order the Alchemist(quinoa, greens, nama shoyu sauce) with a side of squash - its absolutely delicious and nourishing. Loves ~ *helpful, kind, informative staff *cucumber water *cozy, alcove seating downstairs *vegetarian, vegan and gluten free friendly menu
(5)
Dan F.

Life Alive has an awesome environment and extremely friendly staff... oh, and the food is great too! Check it out if you're in the area.
(5)
Satori B.

It's over-priced and they give you no food. I think their target audience is wealthy and skinny consumers in hopes that the fat, poor ppl stay out of their beautiful buddha sanctuary. Okay, that may be harsh, and I'm obviously bitterly writing this review while bitterly eating my measly take-out lunch, but there's my 2-cents. take it or leave it.
(1)
Christine M.

The one star is for the gf liz lovely cookies and the fresh juice that I ordered. Food was pricey....nine bucks for a broccoli and cheese grilled wrap...my dining companion said it was alright but he was still hungry afterwards...my food, the adventurer was the name of the dish, was alright. Nothing special, but it was fresh and tasted decent. Then my stomach started feeling a little weird. Then a woman sitting near us complained about her food which had the same sauce mine did. Then I ovrheard an employee at the counter tell a customer that they were temporarily taking that sauce off the menu....I decided not to take my leftovers home because my stomach wasn't feeling so hot. Since leaving the restaurant, I cannot stop belching! Gross huh? I've felt way better after eating meatless tacos from taco bell. No joke. Life alive, you have made me feel like an unhealthy sloth witha stomach ache. I hope I don't puke, because like jerry on seinfeld, I've had a very long non-vomit streak....
(1)
jason H.

Love this place, went to the one in Lowell and have been waiting years for them to open one closer to home. Food is delicious and fairly priced, and I guess it is even healthy too!
(5)
ki s.

Listen, people. "Hippy food" is certainly not for everyone. But for those of us who like it (and there are enough of us in the Greater Boston Area to keep tons of local businesses running), Life Alive is a clean, efficient, creative and delicious approach to it. It's not trying to compete with sit-down French-cuisine style restaurants. Local, organic, healthy food is expensive. Buying it and eating it is a choice. Some people think it's worth it. Those are the people who Life Alive caters to, and they are doing a wonderful job!
(5)
crystal a.

The food here is pretty tasty the first few times. After a while, everything kind of tastes the same. Not much variety between the different dishes. I do like how they are aiming for healthy dishes. The one thing I would say on that front is that the dishes can be a bit greasy, so perhaps a concern for those who worry about cholesterol. I would give it more stars but the room, which gets great lighting with big windows, is way too warm. I mean, there's warm, and then there's I'm sweating and feeling a bit sick cause it's too warm in here type of warm.
(3)
Z Y.

This place is great! I have to admit, when one of my friends recommended this place to me, I was pretty skeptical. But to my surprise, the food was delicious and flavorful, and I felt really good after eating it. The price for the dishes was pretty decent as well. I ordered the Green Goddess, and it tasted like good food, instead of some kind of weird compensating flavorless frankenstien vegan/vegetarian dish that I was worried I might get. The vegetables were cooked just right, and the sauces added a spicy and tasty, garlicky touch. The atmosphere is really cute- super Cantabrigian hippyish and what not. You can see all the fresh vegetables that they use in the open fridge area, and the people that work there were super friendly to me. It's healthy food done right!
(4)
teto m.

For a long time I've been looking for a place just like LifeAlive in the Boston area. New York is full of them, Angelica Kitchen, Caravan of Dreams, Spring Street Natural, and a long list of others. But Boston/Cambridge was sorely lacking in the mid/low-price range of the organic/"natural" food category, and LifeAlive hits the spot. Healthy, tasty food at a great price, and in a friendly and warm environment. It's become my favorite destination for both lunch and (informal) dinner. Don't miss it!
(5)
Temmy W.

Yuppie paradise. Delicious vegetarian food, hippie staff, froofy atmosphere. Not too expensive for Cambridge.
(4)
Lindsay M.

I am in love. We need more restaurants like this WORLDWIDE. Amazing food, amazing service, amazing atmosphere. So here's the sitch. I'm a "pescetarian" meaning I eat seafood but no red meat or poultry. When I stepped inside, I was a little nervous to see there wasn't any seafood because I usually don't eat vegan often. Alas! There is a wrap called The Romantic...with cheese. Winning. So I got it along with an Island Alive smoothie. Superb!! I'm going back here soon to try all the other items :) just make sure to go before the line starts!! Earlier the better.
(5)
Stacy S.

I am a Life Alive devotee. I dine there at least twice a week. Why? They offer demi portions. The food is delicious and affordable. They use steam heat. The sauces are lovely. The music is good. They have beer and wine and Ginger Crush and Almond Joy. The people watching is fantastic. You see not only the beautiful people, but the Cantabrigian element at ease in their natural habitat, but make no mistake about it: Life Alive works because the owners bring a bit of Lowell scrappiness and know-how to the People's Republic. The staff is ever-cheerful and pleasant in a way that's sincere and well-balanced, never awkward or uncomfortable (like one of the waiters at Veggie Galaxy when he asked me where I lived). There is often a long line to the door, but service is brisk. Like the Paramount, Life Alive offers first come, first served seating and it works. A table will open up when you need it. Just don't be one of those people who grabs a table before you wait in line to place your food order. You'll upset the balance of Life Alive and that wouldn't be very zen of you, now would it?
(5)
George N.

This is the best addiction I've ever had. I go most mornings for wheatgrass, juice and a wrap. The staff is friendly, attentive and easy-going. The food is spectacular. I am so happy they are in Central.
(5)
Neal K.

Food is really delicious. Tried it out for the first time yesterday. Never written a yelp review before, but thought this place deserved attention. Can't find another place like this in this area. Hearty, filling, not heavy, very satiating to the taste buds. They say they try and source as much organic. I don't identify as a vegetarian, but I appreciate this kind of food. While I have had phases of going to Veggie Planet or Clover for some vegetarian quick meals, those places don't really come close to the pleasure of this food.
(5)
Mckenzie Y.

veggie dishes, fast line, freshness, feel good after u-eat-ness. really, what's not to like? so the scene is excessssivelyyyy hipster/granola/grunge/earth-tastic and is soooort of in-love-with-itself-for-this - and maybe kind of a cliche. But, while the vibe is certainly.. eclectic... and mayyybeee ur used to a more orthodox eating setting (and maybe u dont' have some eye-catching haircut and actually wear a suit to work)... this should not stop you. I love places like this that just put an emphasis on healthy eating, and letting the flavors of the produce stand on its own. there's a great assortment of salads, BIG BOWLS, and yummy heartwarming rice bowls, smoothies... etc. the sauces are delish, and i'm HUGE on quinoa...beets... and avocado... basically all the time. but if ure not - there's brown rice, soups, etc etc. i'm not a huge wrap fan - but if u like wraps - u have the option of turning the dishes on the menu into a wrap! the only thing is that its sort of... cafeteria style. so u wait in line.. order, grab a numbero, sit at a table and the busser will find u. just an FYI. the line might look long - but it moves fast. and someimtes, seating is a little tough to find. but whatevs. good food! love. order anything - legit.
(4)
Strong W.

I have to stop myself from wanting to eat here every day. I LOVE IT!
(5)
Elizabeth A.

The Life Alive mission is "to feed the vitality of the world, one meal at a time." And they're doing a great job of it with their wholesome, organic, mostly vegan fare. As a mindful eater who subsists, primarily, on juices, smoothies, and big healthy salads, I'm happy as can be that Life Alive has arrived in Cambridge. The salad options are great (I'm a big fan of "The Seeker"), the portions are generous (generous enough), and the dressings are among the best I've ever tasted. (NB: I don't usually eat restaurant salad dressings, but Life Alive's "Ginger Nama" and "Honey Wasabi" dressings are clean and flavorful - don't miss out on them.) I drink raw vegetable juice daily, but am not a big fan of juicer clean up, so it's great that I can now get a fresh-pressed green juice to order. I do, however, wish the juice portions were bigger. I also think the smoothie combos need some work, but that could be my preference for simpler combos. All in all, Life Alive is as good as veggie food gets in Boston-Cambridge. I love the cozy vibe (they've done wonders with the old Hollywood Video space) and I'm impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff.
(4)
Lewis L.

I had the swami bowl, and it was delicious and filling. The raisins and almonds was a really nice touch. Service was also nice and quick. The only bad part was the lack of parking, although it's understandable since parking sucks everywhere in Cambridge. If I'm lucky enough to find a parking space while in this area, I'd definitely come here again.
(4)
Dave L.

Finally some good and convenient vegetarian fair. My fiance thought it was a little greasy (hence the one lost star), but I was quite impressed (and it's less greasy than Veggie Planet). Big portions, filling, booze available, cool crowd, friendly staff. As a non-vegan, I went for the cheese associated dishes, and was quite impressed by the Adventurer. Definitely want to return to sample some of their other dishes. Cambridge needs more of these places!
(4)
Nicole G.

The side dish of brown rice was tasty and a HUGE portion! I thought the salad was pretty good. The service was great--the staff was very friendly and answered many questions. I will go back and eat here again.
(4)
sheree I.

I heart this place-- everything on the menu is fresh, healthy, organic and delicious. The staff is friendly and the decor is zen...one of my favorite places ever!!
(5)
Linda C.

So glad that Life Alive opened in Central Square. Just had The Goddess for lunch and it was delicious. Everything I've had there is great and healthy! Now if they would only open one in the South End life would be perfect...
(5)
Nature J.

Sooooo cool and the food is awesome. The only vegetarian meal (from a restaurant, that is) that was as filling as it was delicious. I'll be going back as soon as i can. Well worth the money and the staff is super-nice. I see on their website (which is also very cool) that the original is located in Lowell. I'll check that out next time I'm up there.
(5)
Kim R.

I'm a long time fan of the Life Alive in Lowell...traveling from Boston regularly to get my fix. So you can imagine how excited I was when they finally opened in Cambridge!! But, alas, my enthusiasm was short lived.. I went 3 times within the first 2 months of their opening and ,although the food remains tasty, I was really put off by the decreased portion size and the lack of seating/comfort... I can't for the life of me understand why they would offer free wi-fi when they have such limited seating. The place gets VERY crowded with people taking up space "working" on their laptops. I'm not sure what the plan is for downstairs (it wasn't open last time I was there), but they should have thought of waiting until that area was usable before offering free wi-fi. One last thought - I wish they'd sell sparking water in addition to their other beverage offerings... I try to stay away from sugary drinks, regardless of how "healthy" they might be.. And I really don't want to drink water from the community pitcher...
(3)
Tiffany C.

This really is as good as it gets in terms of freshness, health-conscious, & portion size/price. You won't feel gross after you eat it, and you see all their ingredients behind the counter. The ambiance of the restaurant is on point and so casual and relaxing to just sit and even have a smoothie/ do your work. The sauce is AMAZING. IF ANYONE HAS TRIED TO REPLICATE IT AT HOME, PLEASE SEND ME A MESSAGE SO I CAN MAKE IT EVERYDAY and my pocket won't burn out just going to the restaurant to eat it. I don't have anything bad to say. I love knowing what goes into my body and where my food comes from and this place will make your colon happy.
(5)
Michael Z.

I had a goddess bowl and I thought it was pretty enjoyable dish. There's a good variety of flavors associated with all the complex list of ingredients. I was surprised by how much of the dish was grain though. There seemed to be an almost sad amount of kale. The add ons are a nice selection but at least the egg or avocado are not worth their price. Although the food was nice, I like if my salads contribute a few more vegetable servings, so I probably won't be returning.
(4)
Ash B.

As a life long vegetarian, believe me when I say that Life Alive makes the most delicious veggie bowls of all time. I can't get enough of the Adventurer and the Emperor bowls. Fresh, filling, incredibly flavourful and healthy. Everything is under $10 and the portions are huge! I usually get the demi portion, and it's a filling lunch. Nutritional yeast, bragg sauce, hot sauce and some yummy mystery sauce are all available at no extra cost. Added bonus, they have kambucha on tap! If you ask, they'll blend Kambucha flavours, and they're super tasty. The staff are friendly, hardworking and helpful in the constant hustle and bustle of the space. You can expect to wait in line to order for about 15 minutes, it's almost always right to the door, but it's worth it! The only thing that gets me about this location in Cambridge is the way the company deals with their to-go orders. Often times, when I'm waiting in line, individuals bypass the line, pay for their food and take the delivery to go. It seems petty, but it doesn't feel right. I could sit outside and call in, make an order, wait 15 minutes, skip the line and pay? My four star rating is only because the to-go situation seems to happen every time and I find it awkward.
(4)
InÃªs L.

This place drives me crazy. There's always a line out the door. It's overpriced. Look, the food is delicious but really, more people should open these kinds of restaurants. There's obviously a demand so that could be why they charge so much for everything, because they're the only ones out there like it? No competition? I usually get a bowl, which I replicate for much less at home. The dressings they use are really incredible and I like that they have different sauces and water in mason jars. So yes, the food is great but when you think about it: you're paying $10 for carrots, broccoli, kale, corn, rice, maybe almonds or tofu (which is in what's more of their bowls). You can make that at home for half the price. And yes, you're paying for the convenience of it, I get that but I'm just sort of annoyed. Sometimes just not worth the hassle of waiting on line and for your food....
(4)
Tracey L.

For a vegetarian place, this place is pretty good. That said, if you're looking for something that doesn't at all taste health-food-ish, this is not that place. Food and drinks here definitely taste like health food - great for people like me who enjoy health food. My mom and I got a green goddess demi, a seductress wrap, and a live alive juice to share. The green goddess was delicious - we could definitely tell that a lot of work went into making the sauce, and the meal was warm and extremely satisfying. The wrap was some boiled egg and boiled veggies in a warm tortilla - legit could've used some flavor, or at least some salt. I didn't want anymore after the first few bites. The juice was good but tasted like health food. I like health food though, so I enjoyed it.
(4)
Stephanie H.

I really like this place. It's got a fresh buzz to the air, albeit it's a bit crazy in there. I like the Green Goddess bowl. It's super tasty and healthy. I like that you can order brown rice and they offer a selection of gluten free sauces which I love because I'm allergic to wheat. The food is always delicious although I'm not sure what kinds of oils they use because I normally get a pretty big oil stain on the bottom of my takeout box. That said, I always feel better after eating their food so they're doing something right. Finding parking here can be a little crazy, but not impossible. Definitely a hippy vibe in here, but I like the healthy positivity.
(4)
Heather L.

Pretty solid food and it doesn't leave me feeling gross and fatty as many other food options would. I love the smoothies but can't justify really justify the high price tag. Come on now, $7 for a smoothie? If it were cheaper, I would probably eat here much more often. Overall, cute little area with nice downstairs seating. There's always a long line out the door during peak hours, but it moves pretty fast. If you call in to order, you can bypass the line and just go to the register on the left.
(4)
Doreen C.

Delicious and filling organic vegan food! The dishes are all pretty similar in my opinion, but this is not a bad thing as the food is great, full of flavor and interesting to eat! Smoothies are quite good as well. Line gets crazy long during lunch on the weekends, but I'd wait.
(5)
Michelle B.

Yum! Why can't we have a Live Alive in San Diego?! The green goddess bowl is everything I ever wanted that didn't know existed ha! The bowl comes with warm quinoa, topped with lots of broccoli, kale and other greens, carrots, beets, tofu and is topped by their amazing ginger sauce and fresh avocado slices. The amazing thing about the bowl is that half the portion is more than enough for you it's so full with nutrients that you get very full. I'm not a vegetarian but went here bc my friend is. This bowl is so amazing I could be converted. I also tried their ginger kombucha which they had on tab and it was amazing. I highly recommend checking Live Alive if you ever find yourself in Cambridge.
(5)
Thea T.

Perfect choice for an organic, vegetarian meal if you don't mind the wait. Hippie vibe and communal tables completed the experience. Food: 5 stars I ordered The Goddess. It was delicious but the sauce was too heavy. The Coconut Alive smoothie was delicious-I wanted to order two. Atmosphere: 4 stars Clean enough. Bathroom wasn't terribly dirty. The bohemian atmosphere was pretty cool, though. Service: 2 stars The line was out the door. But it was worth it.
(4)
Yasmeen C.

This is not a place u can easily explain in words. It's a true feeling of being grounded to Mother Nature experience. Green Goddess is definitely my favorite!!!!! I can't tell you how many times I have tried to prepare these menus at home, life alive just seems to add a hint of magic that nobody can reproduce!!! You guys are one of the main reasons I keep coming back to Cambridge!!!!!
(5)
Jan Marie D.

My favorite restaurant in all of Cambridge. I've been to the hippie west coast, and still nothing really compares. That velvety, garlicky, savory flavor complex is like nothing else I've ever tasted. Cannot replicate at home. My favorite used to be the Adventurer until I cut out dairy. It just isn't the same without the cheese. Now I'm Green Goddess all the way, add tamari almonds, you won't regret it. Garlicky avocado goodness.
(5)
Ashley C.

Came here for lunch on a Saturday and the line was ridiculously long -- and it constantly stayed long for the 1.5 hours I was there. And why wouldn't it be? Their food was amazing. Food: There are so many options on the menu that I didn't know what to get! I finally settled with the Adventurer because it was topped with almonds (and I love almonds)! They had three options - a wrap, bowl or demi (about half the size of a bowl). I ordered the demi and that was more than enough to fill me up. Everything just tasted so FRESHHH. I also ordered the Elvis Alive smoothie, which was a perfect mixture of peanut butter and banana. It was light and refreshing, but a womping $6. Service: Not really a service-oriented place. You order at the front, find a seat and then your food gets delivered to you. You also get your own water and put away your own dishes. Ambiance: Very chill and laid back, despite the crowd. Would definitely come back here again to try more items from their menu :) Demi + smoothie is all ya need!
(4)
Elizabeth J.

I used to come here a lot for the healthy and delicious food, but recently some issues have come up that I can no longer ignore: (1) on the windows shelves in this well fenestrated space they keep all these books and plants. One day I was eating near there and I noticed many tiny little bugs crawling on the books. I informed at least three of the staff members, yet when I passed by the next day and looked through the window, the books were still there. Could have been they replaced them with new books, but what they really should have done is threw them out of the eatery, scrubbed down the cleared area, and kept it that way. I have pseudo PTSD from this experience and cannot face eating here since then (2) on a similar theme, the employees do not seem well trained about food hygiene and cleanliness; many are sweaty and wipe their brow with the backside of their gloved hands; wipe on their clothes; without any clear glove changes. When handling so much salad type foodstuff, it's really essential to get this under control. (3) to go dishes: for some reason, whenever you order a platter to go, they back it in a tiny cardboard box that is by no means equivalent to what is received for dine in platters. They will insist that it is quantitatively identical but this is highly implausible, any I have seen many others frustrated by this issue. (4) that bathrooms and downstairs area really need to be cleaned. I have always found cleanliness of the bathroom to be a good surrogate measure and proxy of the commitment to cleanliness and hygiene of an institution, and the facts on the ground here recapitulates many of my aforementioned grievances. All of these issues are fixable, and I hope that I can one day dine here again, as there is truly tremendous potential.
(1)
First A.

GLOVES So I'm going down a few stars. - 2 stars: A few weeks back I went in there and a woman making the smoothies had her finger tips sticking OUT of her gloves. (I guess she figured long, nail polish chipped nails just shouldn't be bound by gloves). So she's making smoothies and grabbing the ingredients with her bare finger tips, while I'm standing in life with my jaw hanging open. "Am I really watching this?!" Yep. Then she leaves the smoothie station, disappears, and comes back with the same gloves, all fingers poking out. My conscious won't let me order my smoothie (or any food) without telling the manager. Completely gross. For the record, I've never seen an employee actually change their gloves at Life Alive. +3 stars: The manager handled my complaint was wonderful. Seriously, I was very impressed with her. I wish I got her name before leaving. Immediately, she went over and had the girl put on a pair of gloves, covering all fingers. So when I left, I glanced over at the girl who was now making smoothies with gloves on. All is right with the world.
(3)
Olivia J.

Definitely one of my favorite places to eat in Boston even though I'm not vegetarian or vegan. In fact, I can go days without eating vegetables. My go-to orders are: the Adventurer, demi sized with legume and tofu mixed, and Spring Alive smoothie (blueberries, banana, etc). Hits the spot. Not cheap though - total for this order is about $13.
(5)
Mechie L.

First of all...to be fair, this is really a 3.5 stars. The food is good here but no, not a good place for a date...or even sitting down with friends. The environment is TOO LOUD and there's no A/C, seatings are not great either. The decor is very hippie and so are the people (which, absolutely nothing wrong...just observation) Pro - Very healthy, fresh and delicious food Cons -Ridiculously expensive...I ordered 2 regular wraps and it cost me $23. TWENTY THREE DOLLARS for 2 wraps!! And they are not Chiptole size...they are small. - Drinks/Shake (10oz??) are $7 each. -You won't get much service here...there are a few really nice folks but most are just pure mean. You can tell they hate their job and don't even care to smile. - I've seen people putting food together without wearing gloves...and they were doing things all along...make me wonder how clean is their kitchen counter. -Seatings are horrible. This place is very cramp and often crowded. -No air conditioning so in summer this place feels like an oven. - EVERYTHING are over priced...even for Cambridge standard I learned to come here only for take out when I really want fast vegetarian food...and I call in early so when I arrive I just grab my food and go. Yes, checkout this place if you never had good vegetarian food...but it's really a grab and go place. -
(3)
Aparna R.

I'm a vegetarian and for the first couple weeks I was here, I struggled to find good food. I went here on a whim - didn't really expect this place to be incredible. I was so wrong. I almost always get the emperor bowl and a love alive smoothie, but the adventurer and Sufi poet are amazing too. Pretty much anything you get is guaranteed to be amazing. Keep it up guys!!
(5)
Shirley E.

Here's how I like to have the ultimate Life Alive experience. #1: Go for the juice and smoothies only. LA has an AMAZING mission of creating quality ORGANIC dishes at a fair (below what most restaurants would charge) price. I won't be one of those people who boo-hoo bcz the wrap is $9. It's an organic restaurant with a profit margin. Suck it up. Also, if you can pay $10 for a burger and fries, what's the diff? The only problem I see is these dishes aren't that great and can be made at home in 15 minutes. HOWEVER, the juices and smoothies? Those are the real deal and worth every penny! A nice helping/variety of veggies, more than you would get in an average hot meal (but equivalent to salads), or a tasty dessert-like smoothie that's loaded in fruit. Nothing comes close to a LA juice or smoothie. #2: The Fire Tonic will set your belly on fire literally (but it feels good in a way) This stuff is the bees knees! The only caveat is you should probably have a meal with it bcz drinking a 2oz shot of it on a, relatively, empty tummy with cause a bit of upset and nausea. HOWEVER (there's that word again *wink*), the benefits are worth it. Perhaps I'll have a smoothie that has ginger in it afterwards next time. Because, YES, there will be a next time. #3: Amazing staff and ambiance LA definitely has one of the friendliest and knowledgeable staffs I've ever encountered. #4: Do your body a favor Breaking down and digesting food takes a massive toll on our bodies. I'm happy we have something in the neighborhood that provides us the opportunity to give it (our body) a rest. Is it pricey? Depends on what you get and how you customize. Is it worth it? In the words of Stone Cold Steve Austin "Give me a HELL YEAH!"
(4)
Brooke C.

I finally got the chance to check this place out and I'm so glad I did! The menu is large and has lots of add ons and choices so making a decision was very difficult. I ended up getting the The Goddess with garlic and avocado, an iced matte, and a shot of fire tonic. The meal was out of this world - fresh, super flavorful, and satisfying. It was the best meal I've had in a while. The fire tonic, on the other hand, tasted really awful. I am a huge fan of fire ciders and love the intensity, but the flavor of theirs was strange and I couldn't finish it because it induced my gag reflex. (Sorry if that's TMI!) Their food is so excellent so it's a shame that the girl behind the register made me feel like I was a total asshole for asking questions before ordering. She was so visibly annoyed and upset by my two questions that it made me annoyed and upset and gave me a horrible first impression of the place. I understand it's a popular place, but having a friendly staff wouldn't hurt! The prior reviews on this place all mention the friendly people, though, so maybe it's just her. Anyways, I'll be back for the food - maybe to one of their other locations!
(4)
Carissa L.

This restaurant is busy but zen, hearty but healthy, and has everything I need. I had The Goddess, with avocado. Brown rice, carrots, kale, beets, legumes, and a delicious sauce led to perfectly cooked goodness. My ONLY tiny criticism was that there was a shot of garlic in there that made for a tough afternoon of gum and candy. My dining companion had the miso dish with udon noodles, greens, and veggies. We were both extremely satisfied with our meals. Plus, the downstairs area is great! 1) Purple all over the place, 2) buddhas and books, and 3) a child's play space. What more do you need? Omnivores and herbivores should come here and enjoy a unique, organic, delicious, healthy meal.
(5)
Erin W.

This place is my absolute favorite. Extremely healthy and absolutely delicious. My absolute favorites are: 1. The goddess with +/- egg, with tofu and legumes (if I feel like a light dish) 2. The swami +/- an egg (absolutely delicious; I get this when I'm in a more comfort food mood). I also HIGHLY recommend trying the free house spicy sauce if you are an under-taster (find this at where you get the forks, knives and seasoning)!
(5)
Nanci C.

Eww. Not interested! I had a hard time eating the hard food. Service is bad. The smoothies are average. Only good for someone that loves veggies and a healthy nut. I don't like to eat so much meat and I'm a very picky eater but this place don't work for me. Waited forever in line.
(1)
Susan A.

PROs: Healthy Fast Relaxed and hip interior, especially the bottom floor Most, if not all the ingredients are written on menu Very easy to make food to-go CONs: Overwhelming menu (so many options and lots of words) Cramped space on the main floor The coolest restaurant in Boston. The decor reminds me of a hippie's bedroom. Warm colors and yoga-inspired designs. But it's really the food that stands out. The food is healthy, filling and so flavorful. Sometimes, vegan/vegetarian options at restaurants can be bland or way too cheesy. This place adds flavor without the fat and oil.
(5)
Lauren S.

I'm very sad that it has come to writing you a poor review. You make some of my favorite food in the area, however the past 4 (edited, again since writing this) instances have left me pretty annoyed. You have not added avocado to my past three orders and I have paid for them. The cashier has even repeated it to me to make sure. Two recent ginger crushes were made lacking very basic ingredients; one tasted like lemon water and the last one had absolutely no maple syrup or lemon it. Straight ginger water. This whole thing is even more upsetting because I order to go, so I don't see this underneath the box flaps until I get home. Please get your shit together.
(1)
Kathy S.

I've been to LIfe Alive many times since it opened in Salem. I especially enjoy the grain-based meals like the Alchemist and The Healer. I've never been a very adventurous person when it comes to vegetables but I'm learning to be and it feels great! One drawback that I've encountered is that the restaurant was closed on several occasions when I got there even though I thought it would be open and was disappointed on at least three occasions that it wasn't open so had to go elsewhere for dinner.
(4)
Mel C.

PRO TIP: Call in your order and pick it up at the front of the register! No need to wait in line. Life alive is a great Vegetarian option in Central Square. They offer healthy, delicious, and filling bowls (my favorite is The Lover). I also come here for wheatgrass shots and the Elvis Alive smoothie (no ice cream, sub strawberries).
(5)
Nick L.

Always delicious HEALTHY food. Always friendly service. You can't ask for more. Thank you for making everyone who eats here happier and healthier!
(5)
Christopher B.

OK, so the claims about the health benefits of organic foods made on the walls are a bit overblown. And there's no reason to be against GMOs that reduce pesticide or fertilizer use, or improve nutrition. All of the foods served have been genetically modified the old-fashioned, slow, chaotic way - selective breeding. But there are definitely environmental benefits to organic growing techniques, and huge health benefits to eating vegetarian. So while I don't do either of those things all the time, I do get a warm fuzzy feeling eating at Life Alive. I like that you can actually see the piles of real, whole vegetables in the back being turned into wraps and dishes, that there is the smell of real spices in the air, and also that at least for today no animals were killed to make my lunch. Personally, I also like milling around in this subculture, where the people are scruffly or pierced or wear unusual makeup or dyed or wearing something funky and definitely not boring. It just feels tremendously welcoming and laid-back. The food is quite good. If I had kids, I would bring them here as often as possible, because they would actually want to eat their vegetables. There is definitely some skill involved in making a vegetarian meal tasty and satisfying; I tried getting veggie food at nearby Clover but they often didn't manage to do either of those. I'm also addicted to the Life Alive coconut smoothie, which despite being vegan is completely as satisfying as a milkshake and is a great summer drink. So, my recommendation is to skip Clover, and hit Life Alive for veggies done well in a new way, and Veggie Galaxy for veggies done well in the diner-food format formerly occupied exclusively by meat.
(5)
Eric P.

Best-tasting and most nutritious food in New England, hands down. Probably in the country. A godsend for the vegans in the area. It has plenty of smoothie/juice competitors in the area now, but I still think theirs are the best. My LevelUp tells me I have been here 427 times over the past two years, so I know this place pretty well. And I've never lived nearby - it's a 15-25min Red Line commitment to get there from Davis or now, from downtown. That's how good it is. Some people are turned off by the hippie vibe and decor; others by the consistently long lines. This is an extremely popular place, and they have been looking to expand for the past several years. But until they do, your best bet to get a short line is weekday and Saturday mornings between 8-10am. Any other time, be prepared to wait 20-30min to order. A bit frustrating when I want to take a date there. Almost every single one of the warm meals (which you can get as a bowl, wrap, or half-bowl) is exquisitely delicious and is made from mostly-organic ingredients. I challenge you to find a healthier meal in Boston that tastes as good. Every single one of my die-hard carnivore friends has grudgingly admitted that the food is delicious here. The salads are quite good too. I can't speak to the juice, but they do a tasty smoothie. For the ones that have the coconut ice cream, my preference is to exchange the ice cream for avocado to reduce the sugar. They are VERY accommodating with any substitutions you want. Free wi-fi for a few hours using the code at the register. An ever-changing selection of fascinating books along the window. Live music every now and then in the evenings downstairs. Cute bathrooms with a code that the register people will be happy to tell you. Amazing hot sauce and little mason jars for water on the side buffet things. If I knew anything about the restaurant business, it would be my ultimate dream to scale this concept up until there was one on every corner in America. The vegan/vegetarian revolution begins here.
(5)
Ethnic F.

The appeal of Life Alive's food is its simplicity and how it energizes you- this is not fancy, complex, or complicated food, but it is delicious if you appreciate a good-tasting healthy meal once in a while. The ambiance you will either love or hate, and the line is generally very long, so be prepared for a wait.
(4)
Robyn B.

Love this place. The bowls are all delicious, even though most of them taste pretty much the same (so don't worry too much about picking what to order). My favorite is the Green Goddess - they don't short you on the avocado. The smoothies are also amazing: get the Elvis Alive. Be prepared to wait in a VERY LONG LINE on Friday/Saturday/Sunday nights (especially when it's sunny and warm and people actually start wanting to eat healthy). Sometimes it takes forever for your food to be ready... Advice: call in your order and pick it up at the register. You get to cut the line.
(4)
Chelle C.

I have to say... pleasantly surprised by this place! I like to eat healthy and fresh, but some places just make that so boring!!! This place is pretty fun, the inside is beautiful. I love their smoothie options, their salads are pretty awesome as well as their wraps. I poked fun at my friend for having this place cater her wedding, but after eating it, guess who was the one trotting the order from Cambridge to the Cape? Yup, that would be me! If you are looking for healthy, flavorful food from a company with a conscious, these guys walk the walk! I think I am making a trip there this week! You should too! Enjoy!!!
(5)
Sophie P.

This place is unlike ANY restaurant/fast casual place I have ever been to in Boston. It's earthy/granola crunchy upstairs where you order your food, and basically a hippie/adult library playground downstairs. Try and snag a table downstairs because it fills up really quickly. The seating is very unique and interesting; if you come in two you may have to sit across another couple while setting your food on a small, long wooden table. What you should get: Demi Bowl + Smoothie. Specifically, the emperor bowl and island alive smoothie were amazing. The emperor bowl was very flavorful, and actually didn't have a lot of greens. But, it was a really filling bowl of all the right ingredients to make you feel satisfied. The rice was very moist and cooked perfectly, and the honey wasabi vinaigrette added a great taste to the whole bowl. The island alive smoothie was very thick and filling. It was not too sweet, which I really liked. I was really full from these two options together. It's close to $11 for both, and you get the best of both worlds!
(4)
Kelsey G.

Still my favorite place to eat and feel good after. Try the thrive alive juice! It's great. Bringing vegetarians here is an incredible experience.
(5)
Carla G.

My absolute favorite restaurant and juice bar. I visit this place at least 6 times per week. My favorite thing to eat is the Healer bowl minus the brown rice, add quinoa and avocado. My favorite drink is the Elvis smoothie. My children are also in love with this place.
(5)
Ashlee S.

So delicious! I have had my fare share of vegetarians restaurants and smoothies, Life Alive is by far one of my favorites on the East Coast. The food is so tasty and fresh. The prices are pretty reasonable compared to most vegetarian and vegan spots I've been to. On top of great food and prices, the staff was great! They explained the menu very well and helped me choose the best meal for me.
(5)
Ruta U.

OH YEAH! cannot believe I didn't eat here for this long. If there was an option to add more stars I'd totally do it. Hands down the best in flavor town. I mean we were trying to dissect what made the Swami so delicious and we gave up. I had the Fool and felt super smart that I chose it. Absolutely irresistible combination of legumes and tofu, I wouldn't have imagined them together but this one hits the target with delicious udon and the broth is so fresh and as the description says so darn comforting. I licked my plate clean. My husband had the swami and he could meditate after eating he was so satisfied. He is usually very iffy about veggie places but this one just ranked high high up there. Our kids loved this little play area, so thoughtful and they loved experimenting with the food , but stuck to their cheesy quesadilla goodness. The beer on tap rocked, I had the summer seasonal. The love alive smoothie was delicious, said the kids who slurped it down to the last drop. Just one request ....please change the summer hours for Sunday ? Yelp reports you are open from 11am to 7pm, so does your website/menu. I was there yesterday and you are certainly open until 10-11pm? Thanks! And more thanks for creating these masterpieces
(5)
Andrea B.

Life Alive, I would turn vegetarian for you. I really would. The line was out the door on a weekday during lunch time, but it took only about ten minutes or so before I was able to place my order. The menu offers quite the variety of delicious options. I ended up choosing one of their warm meals - The Goddess. And let me tell you, the dish that was served to me was fit for a goddess indeed. My plate was piled high with carrots, beet, broccoli, greens, tofu, and short-grain brown rice, along with their famous Ginger Nama Shoyu sauce. It was very filling, and I probably would have been perfectly ok if I had ordered the smaller demi-sized plate. I have been on an insane peanut butter kick lately, so I couldn't leave without ordering the Elvis Alive smoothie. It was light and refreshing, yet perfectly peanut buttery and accented with a hint of banana. Prices are a little high, but in my opinion, it was money well spent. Can't wait to come back and try more of their menu! But let's be real. I loved my meal and smoothie so much that I'll probably just keep ordering them over and over and over again!
(4)
Raina B.

God. Life Alive. People love it. So. Much. As a life-long vegetarian who avoids eggs, literally everyone asks if I've been to Life Alive and then raves about how good it is and it's so great and fresh and vegetarian food must be so good for you and that I'm probably so healthy etc etc etc. Please... relax! Life Alive is perfectly fine. I admire how they've won a lot of non-vegetarians over. But really?? The whole hippie vibe with dishes titled "the goddess" and "the rebel" is a little much and frankly way overdone in my opinion. The veggies are all "smothered" or "enlivened" or "nurtured" by a gingery sauce... really? When will people learn that vegetarian is not a cuisine?? That vegetarians aren't always hippies and into kale and nutritional yeast and sunsprouts (what are they?) ? I care a lot about food and being a healthy eater, but this place is just too much to handle. That being said... we can move on. DRINKS: Their smoothies / juices are way overpriced. If I wanted apple and carrot juice, I would literally buy apples and carrots for approx $2 and make it at home in 5 min - rather than pay $6-7! FOOD: it's decent. I've had the goddess, the rebel, the fool, and the lover. TIP: you can have both legumes and tofu in your bowls. The udon in the Fool was "comforting", but the sauce was a little too miso-y. In general, I like that they put a ton of vegetables in their bowls, but I find that the sauces tend to be too heavy for me. SERVICE: the people there are super nice, efficient. They are happy to talk about what things on the menu are or taste like and give suggestions. My favorite was when I was sitting downstairs, sharing a table with a group of fellow Indians, many of whom seemed to be visiting to attend a conference nearby. They were all also vegetarian and seemed to be confused by the decor / atmosphere / titles of food / what quinoa and kelp was. The Indian-American in the group (who clearly also didn't know what kelp was) said "People in California eat grass all the time because they think it'll make them live longer" - lol. Note: I have no problems with "hippies" overall - if anyone is offended by my use of the word. I have problems with vegetarian food always being typecast in this way!
(3)
Ashley I.

There's a lot of hype, but I wasn't too impressed with it. There was a long line, which is fine because it was lunch time. The lady working the register looked like she hated her life and wasn't particularly friendly. The food came moderately quickly though. I got the green goddess, which was okay, but not the amazing dish I was expecting from everyone's reviews. The seating area in the basement was cool, but a little too grungy for me with a weird smell. Probably won't come back unless my friends really want to.
(3)
Joanna C.

Was meeting a friend for dinner around 6 and wanted something healthy and affordable. We decided to check out Life Alive. After a 20 minute wait in line, we quickly ordered and then scoped out seats on the lower level. Great vibe! I loved the decor. It's something new and exciting. I ordered the Spring Alive smoothie and The Lover with tofu. The wait for our food wasn't too bad. However, they brought out our orders at separate times even though we had the same order number. And our orders were wrong. My Lover was missing the tofu and my friend's order was just the completely wrong thing. They eventually fixed it, but it took a while. After we got our actual food, it was wonderful. I loved the Spring Alive! What an amazing smoothie! Just loved everything about this. Really filling, but I could have kept drinking this forever! Will definitely be having more of these in the future. The Lover was also a solid choice. Despite the description, there wasn't much by way of mushrooms, but I enjoyed the flavors and hearty mix of food. Excited to have discovered Life Alive and cannot wait to have more of those delicious smoothies.
(4)
Christine P.

There is no place that draws a health nut like me in and keeps me craving and coming back for more quite like my favorite restaurant in Cambridge. I often order the green goddess and coco loco - the adventurer and the healthy bachelor are also great. You really cant go wrong here unless your not used to healthy foods or greens.
(5)
Bryan N.

I got talked into giving this place a try for a healthy meal and I must say I was impressed. The food is all organic and fresh. I must say that I'm not a big fan of vegan food, but Life Alive really knows how to make the flavors come out in their entrees. The Spring Alive smoothie was delicious. The line is always long, so be prepared to wait a few moments for your food.
(4)
Nessa N.

Life Alive Urban Oasis and Organic Cafe will make you turn vegetarian or vegan if you're not already. This place has a unique and hippy type of atmosphere, unlike any other restaurant I've been to in the Boston area. The first time I walked in, I automatically felt happy and full of life. You order food upstairs, then can either sit upstairs or downstairs where there are tables/benches against the wall. Downstairs, there is live music and the seating looks cool. I would advise to grab a table as soon as you order the food, it fills up quickly. An employee will bring your food right to you when it is ready, which is a plus. Life Alive offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan foods. They have fresh veggies and make their own deliciously healthy smoothies. On any given night, expect a long line... sometimes almost to the front door. That's how you know this isn't just some regular ol' healthy vegetarian place. My favorite dish from here has to be The Adventurer, all the ingredients are perfectly blended! Healthy food that is delicious for an affordable price... Life Alive.
(5)
Kurt M.

My straight-laced, meat and potatoes Midwestern parents indulged me and came here for dinner with me a few years ago. My mom was confused by what nutritional yeast was and to this day still doesn't know how to pronounce quinoa. But even they liked what they had. And you all know how my parents are--you met them, right? At that reception we all went to? Remember? Yeah! Even THEY liked Life Alive. Crazy, right? As a vegetarian, I've got no qualms with the place. I will order things with nutritional yeast and I can pronounce quinoa, too. Everything I've had here (both smoothies and food) have been delightful. The only negative (with Life Alive, not my parents) is that sometimes it's really busy and there's an excessively long line to order. But I guess that means they're doing something right.
(4)
Jesse T.

My husband and I went here yesterday because I had a $50 gift card that I had received as a present a couple of years ago. The place was very crowded and had a hippie/bohemian type vibe. The woman behind me kept bumping into me while we were waiting in line because she had no understanding of personal space. While waiting in line, I saw a guy who was eating something that looked good and asked him what it was. He said it was called "The Adventurer", and suggested I get it. So I ordered it. I ended up getting something else that I didn't order. (My husband also got his meal several minutes before I got mine.) So the woman who put the plate down on our table asked me what I ordered. I told her what I ordered and she brought something else. But it wasn't my original order. I only ate it because I was very hungry and it wasn't very good at all. I'm going to give this place one more try because of the gift card. I will be explicitly clear about what I want and hopefully I'll get it.
(2)
Michaela B.

Favorite place to eat in Cambridge. Bowls and smoothies are delicious. Usually a wait, but I've never had difficulty finding a table. Try the Alchemist bowl and Harvest Alive smoothie. Addictive.
(5)
a f.

This place has a huge selection of veggie bowls. I have had a few, and loved everything I have tried. It's inspired me to get more creative with what I make at home. I would love for them to open more locations!
(5)
Des B.

You know a place lives up to the hype when you have to stand in line for almost 20 minutes just to place your order! The places remains my favorite cafe in all of Boston/Cambridge. I have never been able to order right away because there is always a line but considering the amount of people ordering, the food comes out very quickly. Tip: if you know you're heading over, call ahead to place your order. You can skip the line and just pay at the register!
(4)
N P.

The food is absolutely excellent. It's very tasty, healthy and consistently prepared. There is nothing on the menu that I wouldn't recommend - it is all great! I eat there at least 3 times a week. Unfortunately, the act of eating there is stressful: the line is often out the door, the seating barely accommodates the crowd, and the noise level is cacophonous. Not exactly a "zen-like" experience. I usually eat and run.
(4)
scott g.

Hands down my favorite place to eat...period...not just in Boston/Cambridge. The food is priced well for such high quality ingredients that are served. I come here with my friends at least once a week. During peak hours the line is literally out the door, so be prepared to wait up to 45minutes to get your food. Going in hungry is not a great idea, as you will be waiting a while. Thursday nights can be particularly crowded as there is live music starting at 8pm til close. Some of my favorite dishes are: Swami, Adventurer, Green Goddess, Carrot Cake Smoothie, Coconut Alive Smoothie and Elivs Alive Smoothie. If you are going for your first time, I highly suggest The Adventurer. Feel free to ask for substitutions if there is any one ingredient you do not like or want added. They are more than willing to flex to make you happy. Life Alive is a must if you're passing through the Cambridge Central Square area. Parking is slim but they are usually pretty good about calling in orders for take out and you'll be on your way within 5 minutes (pick up right at the front of the line).
(5)
Megan C.

Yummy healthy food, what more can you ask for? I don't really like the drinks though.
(4)
Kadra M.

Oh Life Alive....it's one of those places where you try something and haven't tried anything else on the menu because of how delicious that something was. The Seductress is that thing! A healthy and delicious wrap. It leaves you comfortably full and satisfied.
(5)
Aigerim N.

Enjoyed their Life Alive and Chai Alive smoothies. Ambience is a bit noisy, but a fun place to visit with friends during summer days. Recommend for healthy vegan and vegetarian food and drink lovers!
(5)
Lauretta L.

In hopes of avoiding the lunch crowd, I came by around 1. Did I succeed? Nope, this place is just too popular. I went with the Green Goddess to go, which at almost $10 is quite pricey for the little paper box I received. Due to a Levelup promo, I got $5 off so it was reasonable. I wouldn't pay full price for it, unless the portion for eating in is larger. I want to drench everything I eat in the future with that sauce. It embodies the concept of umami and is essentially liquid crack. Granted, the broccoli and kale were perfectly blanched, sprouted veggies were fresh and crunchy, avocado was ripe and creamy, and brown rice was warm and chewy, but without the sauce, the salad would just be a nicely executed salad. Love the Buddha statue and plants adorning this place. Dislike the massive lines, but hey, all the more love for ya, Life Alive.
(4)
Monica B.

Great place for many reasons. The food is delicious, fresh, and vegan-friendly. The staff is friendly. The space is inviting. They even have a play area for kids, so that makes it family-friendly. I can't say a bad thing about this place, except that they need more room as the line is typically out the door (indicative of how great the experience is). Bravo for bringing healthier options to the area!
(5)
Alexandra R.

Hands down BEST vegan restaurant I have ever been to. The decor is like a daydream and the food is sublime. A must visit for any vegan/vegetarian/ health conscious eater traveling to Boston.
(5)
Chantal G.

Life Alive is a great option for those interested in vegetarian food. I never feel guilty/sick/ gross after eating their food. Even their more caloric options are way more healthy than any other restaurant in the area. The Emperor is a personal fav!
(4)
Chris H.

Excellent and delicious menu- but prices pretty damn steep. I'd eat here everyday if it weren't $17 for a box of food and a smoothie. Yowza!
(3)
Joss G.

The epitome of Cambridge, adequately triangulated with city hall and the post office. I'll get to the food later. Smiles are deserved, not gratuitous. The staff has a judgy art teacher aura. OK now the food, which is what you would come here for... Very good.
(4)
Justin O.

What can I say that hasn't been said? This place exudes healthy goodness. They have all their veggies in an open cooler with the classic chalk wall that's becoming really common in all places that want that local / Eco vibe. The smoothies are expensive but delicious and have so many options for customization it's kinda nuts. I have tried a few things here now and I kinda like them all. Island alive smoothie is still my favorite on the drink side. The only downside is the lunch rush here can get a bit hectic. Somehow I always get my food but they only take your name so if you are jane or john you are going to be bum rushing (not entirely sure that's a real colloquialism) the counter to find out if it's finally time to nom the crap out of that bowl of goodness. At least I can sip on my smoothie while I wait :) I'm already on my way back - I kinda got hungry again writing this
(4)
Gioia K.

I'm not vegan or vegetarian but I left this place in love. The miso soup was so gingery and delicious. My girlfriend got the green goddess Demi-bowl. That's another thing - the portions are HUGE. If you're not that hungry I recommend the Demi size. I got the life alive juice and it was SOOoOosoOsooO good. Wish I was in the area for longer so I could try more. Also super adorable atmosphere with comfy seating.
(5)
Virginia W.

Food is excellent. I don't mind the line. Salads and bowls are fresh, excellently seasoned, and amazingly filling. Their house-made hot sauce is also to die for.
(5)
Nivita T.

This place was so good! I wasn't sure what to expect when i got the Sufi Poet, but it was amazing! (Who knew a scoop of hummus in salad could be so yummy?) I was also concerned the demi wouldn't be enough food for me, but it turned out to be the perfect amount. What a deal! I was only in town for a few days, and this is definitely one of my favorites all of all the restaurants i got to try. We were lucky enough to come by when there was live music downstairs :) It was a little loud, and it seems like the line can get crazy, but its definitely worth it. Would love to come back if I could!
(5)
Kate M.

The food is great, but the wait can be pretty long, so I would recommend ordering ahead of time so you can pick up your order once you arrive. The bowls are very good, especially the swami (~10.75 if you add an egg) for the sauce. Also take advantage of the fact that you can customize the vegetables you get in the bowl! They are very accommodating of large groups as well.
(4)
Lizzie B.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Life Alive unless you dislike happiness, joy, and good food. I have no patience for people who are unwilling to try this place. I once cancelled an OKC date with someone I found very "promising" (aka hot) because he refused to come here with me. I love Life Alive so much, any time I am within walking distances ( 5 miles or less), I come here. I've made this trek in the snow, and in the blistering heat. Yesterday I ate at Life Alive twice, once for lunch and once for dinner, the second time dragging my boyfriend. Let me be clear, there is no "right time" to go to Life Alive. It's always a mad house. You will always be surrounded by hippies who look like they'd much rather be knitting hemp. However, do make sure to ask the people that appear to be in front of you, if they are in fact in line for the register. After years in existence, there still is some confusion on where to stand to pick up togo items and where to stand for the cashier. I generally stick to the "warm plates" but the wraps are delicious, albeit a tad smaller in portion than the bowl options. The sandwich plusses are the added cheese ratio and that the Bragg's Liquid Aminos really shine through. My favorite items on the menu are the Adventurer and the Swami. The Adventurer consists of a mix of corn, beets, broccoli, greens,tofu and tamari almonds tossed in Sesame Ginger dressing and laying on a bed of cheddar cheese smothered quinoa and brown rice. The Swami, tamari almonds, raisins, carrots, broccoli, greens and pearl onions on brown rice with sweet curry miso sauce, is also delicious! It has a very Indian restaurant flavor (lots of turmeric and cumin in the sauce). Add egg to the Swami if you want it to be a little more filling. Tips: There are TWO bathrooms, both need a code to enter. You can get the bathroom code from the cashier. Do try not to clog up the hallway, in front of the water table, hoping to jump in the bathroom after someone because you can't be be bothered to find out the password. The demi is almost the exact same size as the bowl, and it's almost 4 dollars cheaper. You can substitute the brown rice, udon noodles, or quinoa for each other, for no extra charge. They have beers on tap, but they aren't great, think Cisco brewery. They do not sell coffee due to some sort of zoning/licensing agreement that 1369 Coffee has with the city of Cambridge. They have free 2 hour wifi, code posted in front of the cash registers. The bowls are not stagnant, they can substitute ingredients, but there may be an additional charge. If dining in, you can sit anywhere.upstairs, downstairs or outside, and they will deliver the food to you.
(5)
Emily S.

I've been meaning to check this place out for a few years now but somehow never did so until last week. I had the Adventurer bowl, which was great! Even the dark, leafy greens, which can be pretty awful when cooked wrong, were delicious. There was plenty of seating downstairs, even when I went during peak lunch hours. I think a good chunk of people get their food to go. If you're dining in, they have little mason jars for you to help yourself to water. (There's also a section for kids with some toys and books downstairs, although this isn't applicable to me.) Will definitely be back to try out many of the other menu items!
(5)
Richard H.

This place has amazing food, but the pain you take to eat it is overwhelming. People tend to complain about a one time instance when giving 1 star reviews, but this place has severely messed up my meal every time ive been here (and I have been here more than 5 times) here is the experience: 1. you wait in line for 15 minutes. Why fifteen minutes? you will understand while waiting. there are 2 people taking orders at the counter , one who is on the phone the majority of the time (who are these people calling in) while the other is trying to explain the complexity of the menu and translating what the person wants. 2. when giving your order they in my experience mess up 50% of the time whether your order is "to go" or "to stay". the result of which results in you waiting at the wrong place to get your order (since most of the seating is in the basement). It is beyond frustrating since the food is so good! but there is a severe mismanagement of the restaurant's operational efficiency (and no seeming desire to change any aspect of it). If they only looked at all of there order flows they could get peoples orders taken much faster and process many more orders. The lesson for this place is if you see a line DO NOT GO they will 100% mess up your order they can't handle their own success. If there is no line go ahead but make sure to pay attention or else you will get no food.
(1)
Chloe C.

If you eat in they mark your table with a rock. Yes... a rock. No it doesn't beep. The smoothies are amaaaazing and they have delicious food hat will please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
(5)
Michaela K.

The food is delicious here - really amazing vegetarian. I like the adventurer bowl best. But be prepared for a long line!
(4)
Howard G.

The food here is pretty good for a veggie only place. The plates are flavorful and exotic, and the smoothies refreshing and delicious. I recommend sitting downstairs where it's cooler and where you can feel the comforting rumble of the red line under the cozy nooks. The only thing keeping me from giving this place 5 stars? That disgustingly overused Papyrus font. Yuck!
(4)
Viveka Z.

Delicious and inventive combinations of simple ingredients with skillful flavoring and use of seasonings. Portions are generous. Smoothies and juices add a refreshing touch to the meal. Only downside is that there often isn't enough seating and the line sometimes doesn't move fast enough.
(4)
William M.

The Adventurer and Elvis Alive. The perfect meal! I could probably eat it every day. The Adventurer has so much flavor, loaded with fantastic fresh ingredients (kale, corn, broccoli, quinoa, brown rice, almonds, sprouted beans, and more!). The Elvis Alive is packed with protein (peanut butter and cocao). MMMMM..
(5)
Sophia C.

I've been to a many a vegetarian/vegan place, and this is one of the best I've been to. It's my eat-at-home philosophy to eat as many vegetarian meals as possible so it's great to have a spot close by that can give me a break when I need it. The smoothies and the bowls are delicious. The only thing that I ordered that wasn't great was their udon dishes. The ambience is relaxing and laid-back, and the staff are friendly. Beware that during the lunch hour on a weekday, it's pretty crowded.
(4)
Ellie N.

I feel like anybody can really find a dish to enjoy from here. Some people may be reluctant to try beets, radish, questionable combinations of hummus and other foods Man has deviated from, but I can promise you, these people know what they're doing. I had a demi portion of the adventurer and it was absolutely delightful. I savored every bite and you could taste every single ingredient. The sauce / dressing wasn't overpowering at all and the meal itself was quite filling. I can't wait to come back! Oh, and the Coconut Alive with blueberries. Do your taste buds / soul a favor. Extra star for having books out for customers. Love.
(5)
Mabel F.

Food wise, this deserves 5 or 6 stars (yes 6 stars!). Portion size (Demi-) and vegan/veggie menu are absolutely perfect for the Cambridge community. The only reasons I cannot give Life Alive 5 stars are: 1) The line is long and a tad slow, but that only speaks to the positive reviews and commitment of the people who love this enclave. 2) There's no AC. I guess I can't expect AC at this place, but sometimes it is so hot! I love anything with tofu and quinoa, and the dishes here with them are fantastic (i've tried them all!).
(4)
Kim K.

Great food! Huge menu, extremely fresh, good quality ingredients, good prices, nice staff, tons of seating. Can't wait to return!
(4)
Sarah K.

I've been a huge fan of Life Alive since it opened across the street from my office. Don't mind the cliche but I tend to frequent Life Alive after a run or yoga class. High quality, fresh, organic & mostly vegan ingredients make you feel good about what you're eating. They make great smoothies with dairy alternatives, all their wraps & bowls I've tasted have been delicious. The people who work here are happy to be there. The lines can get long around lunch time, even on weekends but if you call ahead you can skip the line to pick up takeout.
(5)
Tiffany K.

Healthiest place in Massachusetts. Period. Nearly 100% organic, unprocessed, everything has quinoa / brown rice in it. Anything on the menu stating "Greens" = kale. I asked the host which two items had the most kale in it, she stated: 1. The Healer: Nutri-Lemon Flax sauce (citrus-y, very yum), with kelp, broccoli, dark greens, sunsprouts. Host recommended I add almonds, which were the perfect addition. 2. The Lover: Shiitake mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, dark greens with Ginger Nama Shoyu sauce over brown rice. Tip: Call ahead (even if you're outside the store!) to avoid waiting in that super long line. Cherish this place, hope to dine here more the rest of the year.
(5)
Rachel S.

Just wanted to quickly update my review-- I called Life Alive to place an order for pick up last Saturday night- it was about 8PM. They answered the phone right away, asked me to wait on hold for a moment, came back to the call quickly and took my order (a bowl and a juice). They said it would be ready in 10 minutes. About 10 minutes later I walked into the location and there was really no line, There were two women in front of me, that's all. When I got to the register my juice and my meal were ready to go! It was about $14 altogether. When I got home 5 minutes later, the food was still hot and there was a lot of it crammed into that little box. Very delicious; I hereby declare the Rebel to be my favorite bowl on their menu! Kudos, Life Alive. Thank you for feeding me and being so efficient! :)
(4)
Yelper S.

This place is adorable! They are pretty much always busy, but the atmosphere is nice to wait in. They have some books to read as well. The food is healthy and delicious, my personal favorite is "the goddess" with lentil hummus and garlic quinoa. Wow! The smoothies though leave me disappointed. They always come out chalky and unsweetened. The service is very rushed. But great location and good food keeps me coming back.
(4)
Olivia C.

" Lust Alive" in a "Sensual Environment" Sex sells appetizing hippie grub!! Just look for the living greenhouse in the window. Great ambiance of whimsical, wild, and peaceful paint colors and murals, a library! and community board. There is a cozy downstairs where you can eat on couches with pillows and nestle in. There is small welcoming play area for kids. Lots of spiritual sayings and meaningful art. It says "You are beautiful" on the door and "Trust" above the shitter-nice touches. I was feeling sick and this food gave me an instant BOOST. FOOD as MEDICINE. If I go here feeling hungry-I leave SATISFIED. If I feel droopy-this food is a SMART and AWESOME, and slightly self-important FRIEND You are what your eat-so I'm the GREEN GODDESS-"summer and beyond-yumm!" Very satisfying and lovely experience-like having sex with a creative someone you love. Ginger Nama Shoyu sauce-not sure what that is-fancy word for soy sauce?, flax/trend oil, and garlic, only the best avocado, broccoli, dark greens, tofu, over short-grain brown rice. I have to say the fresh 'CADO (avail. limited time) really helps make this dish, and without it, the dish is a little lonely- But look, you can do add-ons like egg, and lemon juice! Cool! Yerba Matte lemon tea with honey, nice. No coffee here my friend-but plenty o' natural energizers. Life Alive is respecting the Alive Life of neighbor coffee shops. I had dried pineapple and candied ginger for dessert. One of the great plusses for me of eating at Live Alive is that it's so good, it slays my ever-present sweet tooth. I don't recommend the vegan packaged cookies-don't let the "cookie" label fool ya. I apologize, I wouldn't feed this to my non-existent vegan, gluten-free, nut allergic, lactose intolerant, fair-trade dog. The juice bar is cool/overwhelming but I find it's kind of a chore to digest a enormous cup of liquid herbs in one sitting I also hesitate to admit it, but I find some of the juices kind of boring. Maybe a juice shot would do? I would like to explore more juices and smoothies more because the benefit concepts are awesome. Future Olivia will get a juicer one day. I love the names for different drink potions-"Lust Alive," "Love Alive, "Jive Alive," etc. Repetitive names like "Life Alive" also has potential for great comedic fodder for a show like Portlandia, or more closey-Cambridgonia. REMEMBER to ask about the care and family upbringing of your kale and wheat grass before you responsibly consume!! Being a new age food snob never looked this good. But seriously, keep your yoga pants on people, healthy Can and Should be Fun. I can't wait to bring people here-my veg. friends, and meat-lusty boyfriend. One star off for probably good-hearted, yet "healthier than thou" staff, as well as some customers so caught up in "self-enlightenment" they forget to let other people pass them on the line to heaven. Become your own fun-loving nutritionist! Great place to Eat Right to new Heights! NAMA-STAY
(4)
M G.

I avoided this place for years, because, although I'm a vegetarian, the items on the menu look like something I could cook for myself, and it seemed too, well, hippie. I've been there four times now (over the course of about nine months): the food is pretty tasty and the hippie vibe is mostly inoffensive. Not a great place for a quiet meal, nevertheless this fits the bill when I'm looking for something guaranteed to be tasty and healthy when I'm too lazy to do it for myself.
(3)
Ladyjane S.

I have been back several times since my first review and have to say my experiences have definitely improved. Still not the best at making wraps, so I mostly stick with the bowls to go from now on. I met the love of my life here. His name is the Alchemist and he's dark and mysterious and incredibly delicious. One of the reasons I keep coming back here is because I simply can't make this stuff at home. It never comes out right, no matter what I do, so I have no choice but to throw down the $10 for the most delicious and wholesome dinner of my life. I'm not exaggerating. It's amazing. And you wouldn't expect it but those little bowls of food are damn filling. Do not ever come here if you are in a hurry or if you're parked at a meter that will soon expire (ugh, why do I torture myself so??). You will want to kill every person in line ahead of you as you wait impatiently as each person takes a good 10 minutes to order...whyyyyyy? I'm a single mom on a tight schedule - I don't have time for this. But I do. Because it keeps me sane and healthy and happy.
(4)
Sally K.

I've heard so many great things about this so I wanted to give it a go. I had the Udon Miso Soup and the Life Alive juice with flax seeds. Overall the experience was just ok. The meal had a funky taste that I couldn't quite come to terms with - so I'd rate that 2 - and the juice was quite good so that is a 4 in my book. I am not completely passing on the place as some of the other dishes might be good. But I'm not having the udon soup again.
(3)
Karen M.

My first visit this afternoon, and they were slammed! I soon found out why. All fresh vegetarian rice bowls, wraps, smoothies, salads, soups. The veges are on display towards front of restaurant behind counter. I had the Goddess demi, which was a perfect size lunch @$5.50, can't beat that. The full bowl is huge, great value. Nice creative combinations, not boring flavorless vegetarian fare. My ginger garlic dressing was flavorful and not over done or bland, just right. There was a bit of wait since they were busy and our food even though ordered together did not come out at same time, but their food runner was carrying everything up and down stairs, must be tiring considering how popular this place seems. I felt satisfied and comfortable and healthy for $5.50. Nice.
(5)
Bryan N.

There are so many great options here for food, smoothies or drinks. If you are not vegetarian, the food will taste much better than you are expecting. The Fool and the Adventurer are two of my favorites for food, and I don't think I've had a drink I didn't like. Most recently I had the Lust Alive smoothie and it was great. There is usually a long line, so expect a little bit of a wait. Sometimes the food comes out quickly, and other times it takes a little while. The seating downstairs is very comfortable. In addition to tables, they have small couches to sit on.
(4)
Elizabeth N.

Dear vegan/vegetarian/juicer/adventurer/dieter, Meet your best friend. This place has an epic number of smoothie/juice/milkshake concoctions that will make your head spin upon arrival. But you can also add some solid food to your repertoire without messing up your detox or cleanse, specifically of the quinoa and dark leafy vegetable variety. They have salads, soups, comfort foods, teas, beers and wines (avoid ordering these during detox), and wraps. There's nothing that tastes bad on the menu, and they even include a few cheese/egg filled vegetarian options or pbj snacks that will satisfy your non-vegan friend you have conned into joining you. The Jive Alive juice is the best in terms of ingredients, but they will literally help you make any combination or addition you desire. The Loco Coco and all of their milkshakes are made with ice cream from FOMU so it's also vegan. SO DELICIOUS!
(5)
Ermy S.

As a carnivore, it's so hard to find a harmonious place that I can eat with my vegetarian/vegan friends. But after discovering Life Alive, I may have to reconsider giving up meat...or at least I have a place to eat during Lent. The food here is amazing. I had The Seductress wrap, which I fully enjoyed. With a few squirts of raw honey, Be Alive was Be-arable to drink. Ice would have made it even better. I was being adventurous today. The ambiance is very relaxing. Upstairs, there is seating with natural light and beautiful greenery. Downstairs has a more lounging feel surrounded by colorful art decor. The music and the atmosphere is the perfect location for lunch, dinner, or even a date. Maybe someone will be so kind to take me there, very soon. This place is affordable and filling. Happy eating.
(5)
Diana L.

Just want to add my 2 cents to all the bajillion (and by bajillion I mean 223) glowing reviews for this little spot. There's plants growing in all the windows, the downstairs is cozy, well decorated and spacious. I got a Love Alive smoothie that encouraged me to start straining almond milk at home, and a Hot & Healthy Bachelor (melted cheddar, broccoli, dark greens, hard-boiled eggs) that was small and almost filled me up...almost...but smoothie + wrap = 15$...and I wasn't full... so...4 stars, not 5! You should totally check it out though!
(4)
Jan R.

This life alive is darn good. Not huge on the hippie green raw food thing and I mean that in a nice way no offence! I just personally have not been exposed to this too kind of food too often but when I went here the food was tasty . I was raised on fried food and grits ya'll but I did not feel like I was eating super duper healthy food. It was filing and satisfying. I would go back. The smoothie I had was just as good as the fattening version but I did not have a sugar hang over afterwards I actually felt energy.
(5)
Mina A.

The adventurer is my favourite. A half portion was plenty. Add red lentil humus- it's delicious. Be warned though, there's a lot of garlic in all the dishes I've had there in the past also the queue is frequently very long. A great easy meal with friends.
(4)
Brian D.

When I told most of my friends that I was going vegetarian you could literally hear their mouths drop. The part of the conversation where I said that 1. I would probably still eat some fish 2. I would very likely on occasion try somebody's delicious meaty offerings off the grill and 3. that this was an experiment, a trial period if you will, was largely ignored. This is what happens when somebody known for his pulled pork, turduckens and grilled lamb goes veg: shock and awe. That being said, I had an epiphany about a month ago. It was simple and in list form, was sort of entertaining. 1. I've been convincing myself that I've been eating well for a long time, but in reality I have been eating garbage 2. I really like vegetables and as a grown up, can afford to eat more of them and less of them out of cans and freezer bags 3. It is possible to develop a taste for soy, tofu, seitan, strange beans and kale over time (actually, happens pretty quickly) 4. The living conditions of livestock on mass production farms is absolutely horrific, the slaughtering of these animals is absolutely cruel and I want no part in supporting this industry 5. As a society we need to greatly reduce our reliance on meats and move to more sustainable foods, there is science behind this statement - please consult your Googles 6. It's sort of fun to be that person in the group who gets to pull the vegetarian card every once in a while But, I digress.....Hey there, Life Alive! What's cooking, good looking? Veggies and tofu? No kidding. What's that you are doing with that blender? Ooooooh, you naughty little thing. Look at those berries. Is it legal to serve that much ginger? Life Alive, is in a few words, hippie, vegetarian, food-conscious, uber- Cambridge, Mecca. I absolutely love their food. The menu has introduced me to so many things that I have never tried and frankly, things that I still can not pronounce. I never knew you could get so much nutritional content from such awesome, whole and fresh foods. I will not quote favorites from the menu, you can simply go and ogle the menu yourself sometime. In fact. I really think you should. Hippie-food-porn-drool-love.
(4)
Shannon D.

One of my favorite places. The food is extraordinary. Fresh, Clean organic food which has a range of offerings to please a vegetarian, vegan or 'meat-eater'. Have ate here too many times to count, and will continue coming back for more. Did I mention there hot sauce which is so incredible!!
(5)
Marceline V.

After seeing all of the great reviews I HAD to try this place. I had a demi Mystic Mountain salad minus the corn. The portion size was perfect for me and I was fully satisfied with the flavors. I will definitely be back to try something different. I got here after 5pm and it was pretty quiet with lots of places to sit. Downstairs is a little darker and a little more mellow which I appreciated after a long day at work.
(3)
Judith M.

Best food I've ever had in a restaurant that wasn't 35$ entree stuff. Gourmet hippie food. Loved it.
(5)
Devorah G.

I used to have a life alive addiction. I would go here almost every day- definitely every week. I hadn't been for a few months (after I cut myself off completely) but went in for lunch today. I had forgotten about the horrendous lines. I've waited for 10 minutes but more often I've waited for 20-30 minutes Call ahead if you can up to an hour before or after lunch or dinner- but really, they need a better system for taking orders. It seems inefficient and while it might be nice that everyone takes their time when its your turn to order, the line out the door doesn't make me thinking great business - it makes me think they need a new system! The food is super yummy. Yes, its food I could make very easily at home. But their sauces make it so much better. I appreciate the demi size, too. I've only tried a smoothy here once. It was yummy but out of my budget. I can splurge on the food but not on a juice. So while I have my complaints I keep coming back. So if you've never been, check it out!
(4)
Ariel M.

This is perhaps one of my favorite go-to spots. Can't tell you how many friends I have turned onto this place! Everything is great, the salads, bowls, juices, smoothies, beer, kombucha! I particularly like the adventurer, explorer and the swami. Not only is the food delicious, but there is absolutely no guilt involved either! Just wholesome, fresh, organic yummy ingredients!
(5)
Melody T.

Its all your fault. All your fault this short rib loving, pork belly noming, lobster clawing omnivore has changed allegiances. All your fault that I've replaced rice with quinoa, Parmesan with nutritional yeast, learned how to cook a beet, and want to buy a Vitamix beast. Vegetables? More please! It wasn't easy. When you first read the menu, nothing sounds particularly appetizing. Kale, avocado, and bee pollen in a smoothie? No thanks. A pile of veggies on rice masked in a hippie sauce? uhhh... sure? But when you stop snickering at the menu and take a bite, you realize that food like this must be the reason people are able to forgo entire food groups for longer than 24 hours, "Swami" is a beautiful word, and you should explore your inner "Goddess" more often. And that green sludge (Harvest Alive) in a mason jar? Not bad at all :) I have an identity crisis. Who am I? A yuppie- (sometimes) vegan- (wannabe) hippie.
(5)
Nick H.

Don't bother with Life Alive If you have some sort of waspy republican allergy to hippies/ vegans/vegetarians. This place is Cambridge meets organic bong rip. If you are on a mission to eat something tasty and healthy then put down your mcmuffin and hit this place up. I'm not vegetarian... but salad and me.... we go way back. "The Seeker" is quite possibly the most rockin' salad on earth. "Oh but it's vegetarian it can't possibly be that great".... ANNNGHH (wrong answer buzzer noise). Crazy fresh lettuces with names I don't know, freshly chopped apple/ginger/cashew/cucubmber./carrot, homemade lemon garlic hummus, and some wild ass creamy ginger dressing. This place is pricey, but certainly worth throwin' down a Hamilton once and awhile. Slip on your homemade hemp sandals and give it a shot.
(4)
Haley T.

If any dinner would start to balance out a night of cheap beer and cigarettes, this would be it. I know a lot of meat and potatoes type people who would look at the menu and not give it a chance, but trust me on this one. I'm not even a little bit of a hippie, either. Most of their (highly customizable) options are vegan, which is refreshing, but they still have vegetarian/egg-based dishes on the menu. It's fresh, tasty and filling. I keep going back to the rebel bowl or demi bowl and the "super hero alive" juice. Their bowls are my favorite, really- a bowl of grains, various vegetables, proteins and seasonings. Simple and perfect. It's not full service, but nice enough to sit down and eat. The prices are reasonable, and the staff is generally nice and friendly. Hey, you might walk out the door with a new-found love of wheatgrass shots.
(4)
Livia D.

Love this place. Healthiest food in Boston - delicious too. Try their coco loco smoothie!
(5)
Sara B.

Life Alive is my goto place for lunch when I haven't packed one. The Goddess and The Lover are my favorites! For you non-treehuggers, yes, all the hipsters and hippies can be overwhelming if that isn't your crowd but I have always found the partons and the staff to be super friendly even when I'm being cranky. The food is tasty even for omnivores and meat lovers and the portions are pretty substantial.
(4)
Mari M.

Life alive is wonderful I'm glad I maneuvered my way around Boston to get here! Elvis was chocolaty and flavorful. The cacao is pretty strong so it's perfect for chocoholics. It's not too sweet which could make it a perfect for a meal or dessert. The Revel was soooo good. The sauce tasted like mayonnaise. I'm sure it's not but it had a delicate flavor to it that went well. I also liked the combination of brown rice and quinoa. I guess it's a no brained combination but the texture of them together was perfect. I just didn't like the a little hard boiled carrot. That didn't go well with the whole dish but everything else was just right. Life Alive's definitely Eco friendly. They use mason jars for drinking cups, instead of going you take out plastic fork spoon and knife they have a sfork, they wont give you a receipt unless you ask and plastic bag for take out is 100% recycled. The restaurant's very clean peaceful and has a bit of hippy feel. I liked that they have earth conscious books you can read there too. I just wish I lived closer!
(5)
Rani P.

If you can sort through the words like ginger nama shoyu sauce, braggs and nutri-lemon flax- and the fact that you won't walk out of here without spending $15+ on your veggie oasis... you will love this place. This place gets 3 F's: filling, fresh and fantastic- for someone that orders their meat slightly rare, this place tempts me to pack up my steak knife- and only eat with a spork. After making what seems to be catastrophic mistakes when ordering- I've finally settled on a few favorites: The HOT and Healthy Bachelor- yum yum- and the Vibe Alive Smoothie (although the Carrot Cake Alive is my next to try). These meals are filling- but give you the energy to make it through the rest of the day. The prices hurt just a bit, but I've never questioned if it was worth it.... and because it took me until writing this review to actually look it up: Braggs is Bragg's Liquid Aminos, a salty high protein soy bean extract which isn't fermented like soy sauce. It can be used interchangeably with soy sauce, as a marinade or a salty flavoring for any food.
(4)
Jacob B.

I had a smoothie with coconut and chocolate and it was honestly one of the best smoothies I've ever had. I also tried a salad that my coworker ordered which had an assortment of veggies dressed with hummus (which doesn't really work as a dressing, no matter how much I may enjoy hummus). My problems with this place have more to do with the prices, which I think are a little extravagant, and the time it took to get our food, considering that none of it is cooked. For example the smoothie I ordered, which was admittedly very good, was only 16 ounces and cost six dollars. That's ridiculous. The salads and wraps seem to be more in the 8 to 9 dollar range. Adding drinks and such would bring your meal closer to 15 bucks. I know it's cambridge and I know this stuff is supposed to be higher quality (i.e. organic, fresh, etc) but I just don't think it's a good value.
(3)
P. J.

Every time I visit Life Alive, I say "Never again" but I keep coming back because the food is so very delicious. The problem is that the place is so disorganized! I have never had a visit go smoothly. They get the order right -- it just takes FOREVER, even if one calls ahead. Yesterday I called in an order for a wrap. When I got there, it wasn't ready yet, so I paid for it and the fellow at the register said to wait and I would be called when it was done. Fine. After waiting about 25 minutes and seeing people who came in after me get their food, I finally asked about the status of my order. The fellow at the register looked around a bit and said "Oh, here it is" -- the wrap had been just sitting behind the counter. No one called my name. If I hadn't inquired, one wonders how long it would have sat there. This is not an isolated incident-- something similar has happened every time I have gone here. Everyone is really polite and friendly, and the food is amazing, but someone (manager? owner?) needs to address the way orders are processed! If you look at other reviews with fewer than 4 or 5 stars, most are due to poor service and/or lack of cleanliness, not the quality for the food (Justin G.'s May 3, 2014 review is just one example).
(3)
Mike C.

Almost always a line forty feet long. Even with two cashiers they have a consultative selling approach that takes forever. And for some strange reason they seem to prioritize phone orders so you wait and wait, get to the top of the line, and get interrupted by some weanie phoning in an order. Or said weenie (not sure how to spell weanie, but I know when I see one) waltzes in straight to the top of the line for order pickup. Please.... Nowadays I'm a full blown vegan, low fat. To the best of my knowledge they add oils to all of their dressings so if I order The Explorer, one of my favorites, I feel like I'm compromising by eating here. Miso soup seems oily, is it? Three Bean Soup, awesome, awesome, awesome. Had roasted vegetable soup there last night, almost licked the bowl it was so good. Great smoothies. I like Vibrance made with ginger, strawberries and other stuff. They should offer to Super Size these. Speaking of Super Sizing, know what would be a nice addition to the menu? Potatoes! Despite all my grumbles, I love this place. Hopefully they'll get better and better as time goes on.
(4)
Vicky W.

Delicious food with fresh veggies. They're so nice about any dietary restrictions you might have. I got the swami with quinoa, it had the best cooked kale I've ever eaten. The food came fast, I had a great time with my friends and will definitely be back. The Superhero Alive Juice on the other hand.... That day I was feeling a bit sick and asked the staff for a juice recommendation. They told that the Superhero Alive was exactly what I needed, but that "you just have to drink it". They tried to warn me but I just didn't get what they were saying until I got the juice and tried it. It's a jar of apple cider vinegar and ginger. (If you're asian, the taste will remind you of crab sauce where you use black vinegar and chopped up ginger) So I felt like I was drinking crab sauce. Not fun and it was pretty painful to drink. Just don't get it. Don't torture yourself.
(4)
Lauren E.

I have really come to love this place. It's probably not the best place to bring a meat-loving friend, but if you're veg and love fresh greens and tasty ingredients, this is the place! Sitting downstairs gives you a cozier and quieter atmosphere. Their gluten free options are limited, but definitely available. The green goddess sauce can be swapped for GF without sacrificing taste. Smoothies can be intense if ordered with a full sized meal, so I'd opt for a demi plus smoothie or just skip the smoothie all together. Plus, GF dessert options at the counter.
(5)
jasmine w.

Thanks for having amazing food and smoothies, Life Alive. You made my trip to Cambridge delicious
(5)
Sohee C.

If I lived in Boston I would go to Life Alive all the time. I had an Adventurer, and I thought it was perfectly seasoned with the sauce with a great mixture of different vegetables, proteins and grains. Although I got a demi portion, it was very filling and I probably could have had leftovers.. but at the time, I couldn't bear to throw any away. My sister had something with the miso sauce (I think it was the Emperor?) and she absolutely loved it. Note that it's not for everyone, though--my dad had a wrap that he didn't like at all... unfortunately I don't remember which it was. Edit: I also wanted to add .. one fault that I found with Life Alive was its choice of typeface (Papyrus) .... I'm assuming that they didn't realize that alongside Comic Sans, Papyrus is a big no-no. I hope designers aren't scared away though--the food is a must-try!
(5)
Tamara W.

I'll be honest -- was completely skeptical of this place and did not want to go in here. We walked by and were hungry and on a rainy Friday night it seemed like no one was really in there so there would not be an over load of yuppies/hippies/hipsters/vegans. But the food--to our surprise--was DELICIOUS. We got the Green Goddess Salad and it was pretty unbelievable. We also had the Sangria which was bomb, too. Best server: STEPHEN. If the owners MARY KATE, BRENT OR HEIDI are reading this you need to give both Eileen and Stephen a big fat raise because they are awesome. Stephen gave great advice on what to order, and Eileen cleaned up our table downstairs and assisted us with all our questions. Overall, def. plan to go back and get the Green Goddess again but this time in a wrap, yum!!!
(5)
Lindsay M.

the food is good, but it all tastes pretty much the same. and wayyy overpriced.
(2)
Deanna D.

Life Alive is my new favorite health food fix crush. I'm not a vegetarian but I do love vegetarian food and Life Alive makes some simple yet delicious food. I love the artwork and comfortable ambiance. The couches downstairs are great for reading while you dine. The food is simple, clean, healthy, & tasty. The Adventurer (Tamari roasted almonds, smoked tofu, melted cheddar cheese, broccoli crowns, chopped beets, dark greens, over brown rice and quinoa) is awesome; the Rebel is good but not great. The wheatgrass shots are cool....definitely an acquired taste. The prices are reasonable and the taster plate size has filled me up quickly. The food comes out quickly and the staff is very friendly. Life Alive is a great addition to Central Sq. and I will keep coming back!
(4)
James C.

Best veggie place in town!
(5)
Noor G.

Just a great experience to eat here...healthy unique food that feels nummy to eat and is good for the soul! Wish there were more options like this in other towns!
(4)
Andrew R.

Had The Rebel. Love the name, love the list of stuff that's in it. Loved the look and feel of the place. But... It was good but it wasn't great. It was really pricey for what I got. $9.50 for that? And service was extremely slow. My friend got a Vibrance Alive smoothie, and that took 5 extra minutes to make, and the place was not packed at all. I tried it, and it had a nice ginger spice kick to it, but it was $6! Things here are way too expensive. For a delicious, nutritious lunch I'll just stick with Greater Boston Buddhist Cultural Center. More food, less money, even healthier, and tastes better.
(3)
Kate A.

I stop in here a couple times a month on my way home from work. The food is phenomenal--so fresh, healthy, and nourishing. The Rebel is my favorite--I love the quinoa as a base, and the dark greens, broccoli, and tofu make it such a filling and nutritious meal. The lentil soup is one of my favorite soups in the entire world. I don't know what makes it so exceptional, but I have had a LOT of lentil soups and have never had one as satisfying and delicious as Life Alive's.
(5)
Dee P.

What could one possibly complain about? (If one is not anti-hippie or -hipster...) Everything is delicious (except the bowls with cheese, to me, but a friend loves them). Organic, tasty, and great for you. I could eat here every single meal every day. Can't wait to actually eat in as the downstairs seems really cool, too. Go!
(5)
Nicole M.

Give me a bowl of the Ginger Nama Shoyu sauce with a spoon, and I'll be perfectly content. Another huge plus for fresh kombucha on tap (and SMOOTHIES with said fermented deliciousness.)
(5)
Erin B.

Dont get discourage over the long lines this place is worth the wait. As a newbie vegetarian im always trying new places and this place is absolutely top 5 in the boston area. The food was so fresh and different and a decent price. The food came quicker then even i expected for being as crowded as it was. They are very nice and have no problem answering questions. The decor of the place was unique and had a cool earthy look to it. Highly recommend it and I cant wait to go back.
(5)
Shannon C.

Life Alive! I love you! Know what would be awesome? If there was some kind of noticeable signage near the second register that Takeout orders are to come directly to that register. That way your loyal call-ahead fans won't have to feel like they are encroaching on their fellow LA fans who've been patiently waiting in line to order. I always feel so guilty! But that's why I called ahead in the first place...to avoid the line. Whatta ya think?
(5)
Gina B.

I just left my beloved Austin, Texas, land of hippies, hipsters, and other sorts of vegetarians. I wasn't sure how I'd survive without Casa de Luz, Counter Culture, or Mr. Natural, but then a friend recommended Life Alive. The minute I walked in, I knew I had found my Cambridge hippie haven. It has a peaceful atmosphere that makes you forget you're in the middle of bustling city. All the bowls seem to be variations of the same ingredients, but they are well executed. I had the Green Goddess, which was full of perfectly cooked kale and topped with a decent amount of avocado. My friend and I split the Crunchy Hippie, which they label as a snack but is really a lovely sweet meal. (It would be perfect for breakfast.) I will be coming back here, for sure!
(5)
Melody W.

OMG. I love the food here in Central Square! I feel like whenever I come to Life Alive, the cooking of the food is definitely encouraging the vegetarian side to take over my pescetarianism! I still haven't tried the rest of the dishes, but so far I love The Rebel, The Adventurer, & The Goddess. Definitely nom-able. They offer smaller ("demi") portions as well. I had the smoothies as well. So far I tried Lust Alive (the fresh ginger gives the drink a spicy zing!) and Love Alive with rice milk replacing the almond milk (very tasty and sweet). I would also recommend this place for people who are not vegans or vegetarians to try it out. I always hear comments on how most vegan/vegetarian food places usually lack flavors...and there is plenty of it here at Life Alive! Just be aware of the times (lunch hour or dinner hour, etc.) when there are long lines out the door, because it's just that good :P It is a " sit-in & order/take out at counter" type of a restaurant, and the servers will bring the food to you when you are waiting for your order to be called. I just wish there is some kind of special workshop or something on how the staff at Life Alive cooked these dishes! I want to learn how to make vegetarian dishes taste good like theirs!!
(5)
Christina A.

Love this place so much. From DC but stop in every time I'm in town. Not a vegetarian and I find the meals so delicious. I always get "the adventurer" bowl...top with their special hot sauce. Excellent service and friendly staff.
(5)
M T.

Love: the carrot cake smoothie and The Fool noodle dish. Don't love: waiting in line and scrambling to find a table.
(4)
Lyssandra G.

Food was tasty. I was feeling adventurous and went for 'The Adventurer' bowl. I was unsure on what to get and it was a pleasant surprise, the dressing was absolutely delicious and filled me up perfectly! Although, service sometimes outweighs product. The place was busy so I want to cut them some slack, but... two wrong bowls were sent to our table and when I finally received my correct dish it lacked the squash (which I paid for and was most excited for). I explained to the server the squash was not on my plate and he took it back. He came back a few moments later and said to me "I'm sorry but it looks like the squash was never rung up, I can give it to you but you'll have to come back in and pay the 50 cents". As an employee in food services, I found this to be the wrong move. I said forget it. Truly the employees were nice but seemed more interested in conversing and petting dogs outside than picking up the pace.
(3)
Dandan L.

I still can't believe I ate at this place. I'm a carnivore, period. I think I must have not been too hungry that day, so I agreed to grab a bite here with a girl friend. I was surprised by the taste of the salad, in a good way. I liked the idea of adding some Asian elements (Sesame Ginger Nama, soy sauce, tofu, etc.). They provided this rich and complex taste without making you feel heavy. Normally I'm very against eating salad, since it makes me feel like I'm chewing on the grass, but salad here actually tasted like real food for me. All the ingredients were so well put together. Every bite wasn't just pieces of lettuce blended with some other random veggies, but was an integrated entity. I'm considering visiting this place again, if I ever want to be healthy or eat with anyone who's vegetarian.
(4)
Catherine H.

This place is great. Everything is delicious AND healthy, so you leave feeling satisfied and refreshed. i definitely recommend adding the squash. i also had samples of several of the smoothies while waiting for my friends, and all of them were heavenly, on par with a good milkshake but better for you
(5)
Mike S.

Amazing! ... This place was waaaay better than I expected. We had the Goddess and the Carrot Cake Alive smoothie. The seat yourself thing can be a little annoying if everyone decides to linger after their meal. Give you self plenty of time to find a table.
(4)
Shaina P.

Well, I suppose my 5-star experience was due to being lunch time and dining outside on a gorgeous fall afternoon. My evening dining experience was a little bit dissatisfying, perhaps due to: dining in out of a to-go box versus a beautiful dish and general feeling of uncleanliness in the basement dining area. Still tasty though! And where else can you get a delicious, healthy dinner for less than $10??
(4)
Joyce T.

I wish they had a restaurant in JP. I would go there at least once a week and it wouldn't take me a million years to get there! That said, here we go - Pros: food is fresh friendly server/cashiers tastiness! (I am partial to the adventure) feel great when you are done eating because everything you just ate was healthy! comfy couch areas delightful juice Meh: Couples occasionally a bit too PDA on the couch smoothies are a bit pricey but it's ok, I have a Vitamix at home to use Please open a restaurant in JP. We have lots of hippies here and once in awhile, we even get too lazy to cook healthy food!
(5)
Lisa R.

I had such a wonderful experience and meal here, I wish I could eat here all the time. I went last Saturday for lunch with four friends, and we all enjoyed it very much. I appreciate the freshness of the produce ~ it was almost like being in California! I had "the Seeker Salad" and a "Hive Alive" juice, which were a great combination. A lot of times I get weird reactions from eating hummus, but the hummus in my salad was as good to my body as it was to my taste buds. It was really garlic-y, but so so good. One of my friends bought a chocolate bar here that had sea salt in it, and shared it with me. I wish I had bought some . . . I don't remember what it was called, but it was some of the best chocolate I've ever had. The people who work here are also very sweet and helpful. I can't wait to go back and try some other good stuff! Something I didn't realize was that there is a downstairs here. So there's more room to sit than I knew. I had tried going there once before, but was deterred by the big line. Next time I'll know not to worry about that. Also, the food is definitely worth waiting for!
(5)
Madeline N.

Sometimes I want to feel healthy. Obsessively healthy. So I come to Life Alive. Crunchy, hippy, whatever you call it the food is good. The people are nice. The wait can be (very) long but if you order ahead you can skip to the front of the line when you show up! Nice places to sit downstairs - chairs, couches, etc. My favorite is the Swami!
(5)
Shelly J.

I am not vegetarian, and this is my favorite, go-to take out. Try the adventurer and the green goddess. Healthy deliciousness!!
(5)
Cassandra B.

I stopped in for a quick dinner but since it was 20 minutes before closing, I ended up waiting in line for 20 minutes to order. Yikes! Life Alive has a great selection of salads (although they all rely on hummus, tofu, or lentils, so you'll have to make some substitutions if you're all raw). The ingredients are super fresh and the salads are colorful and tasty. The service was very friendly and they went out of their way to make my salad all raw (I'm on a temp raw diet).
(4)
Shendi X.

I'm generally skeptical of the overly granola, but the food here looked and smelled delicious. My smoothie was also well-blended, and, of course, served in a Ball jar. Must say: I was won over.
(4)
Sarah S.

Hands down my absolute favorite place to go in the Boston area. Everything is delicious. The best smoothies I've ever had. The Adventurer is heaven in a bowl. The hot sauce is amazing, and I always want to steal it before I leave! This place is a must go.
(5)
NN R.

Honestly, I feel good eating here and that's saying something because it's hard to find a vice that is healthy for you. Life Alive has made the improbable alive - which is to make veggies taste good. As long as you stay away from their soups, you can enjoy this place everyday if you'd like. Decor and layout is pretty neat. There is a cool cave-like dining place downstairs. The prices and portions are very good. A demi size is enough for me and that's only about $5. Their juices are fresh and tasty too! :D
(4)
Karina L.

When I first saw this place, I assumed that it was another vegan place trying to pass overly priced food that tastes like cardboard as edible. WRONG. First of all, I'm a huge meat-lover. If I don't have meat in my dish I complain about wanting meat in my dish. This has been the first place that I've REALLY and ACTUALLY enjoyed a vegetarian dish. * Get "The Emporer" if you like cheesy. Melted cheddar cheese...combined with sesame miso sauce. Sounds disgusting? It's not. It's absolutely phenomenal. That and the sundried tomatoes? I give in. * The Adventurer is my all time favorite. Roasted almonds and smoked tofu = amazing texture and flavor. Also there's cheese. I suggest taking out the beets and putting in avocados (yum). The beets were overpowering. It also made my entire bowl pink. Tips: * You can switch out ingredients from their bowl for things you like (ie: beets out, avocado in) * There are options for vegans AND vegetarians (some have cheese). So read the menu carefully. * You can order ahead of time for pickup. It doesn't take that long to begin with but it'll save you a couple of minutes of waiting in hungry lust. * Get the bowl - the wraps are kind of flimsy and aren't worth it.
(5)
Blake G.

I've been a vegetarian since 1990, but almost never eat at vegetarian restaurants because usually they are low in taste, high in price, and have poor service. But I've been wanting to try Life Alive since I first heard of its Lowell location a few years ago. I was impressed that somebody would try something like this in a place like Lowell. I went late on a Saturday afternoon and the restaurant was crowded, but most people seemed to be staring at laptops and other devices, not eating. As a consequence, there was no seating upstairs, so I was forced to find a table in the basement, which was hot and clammy even though it was cool outside. Life Alive has counter service, never a good thing in my view. I cook for myself most of the time and like to be waiting on when I go out. But the line was short and my food came quickly. The restaurant had an atmosphere somewhere between a college lounge and a daycare. It wasn't the sort of place I wanted to linger anyway. I ordered the The Fool -- udon noodles with ginger sauce, shiitake mushrooms carrots, onions, tofu, greens, and sesame seeds. It was pretty good, but a little soupy and not especially flavorful. For $8.99, it was a decent value. Life Alive wasn't as annoying as most vegetarian restaurants I've tried, but nothing made me want to go back. I'll stick to ethnic restaurants that are vegetarian friendly.
(3)
Carrie P.

When I lived in Miami, I had a really difficult time finding decent places to eat REAL vegetarian food (not just normal food with no meat). I love finding restaurants that cook for vegetarians, and vegans! This place is adorable, and the line is pretty much always out the door. The food might seem expensive, but it is for a darn good reason the line is still that long. I got "The Fool", which is Udon noodles, shitake mushrooms, kale, tofu, onion, carrot and sesame seed in a ginger sauce. For $9, it was one of the most filling made-for-vegetarian meal that I have ever had. The noodles were fantastic, and the ginger wasn't so strong it cleared your sinuses, but you need to be a fan of ginger to order this one. I also requested to have iced mate tea, which they made for me just right. For a young chick living healthy in Boston, this is a MUST-Go.
(5)
Irene L.

the goddess bowl with sprouted legumes is my go-to dish. that ginger-shoyu sauce is so addictive! demi portion is just right but you might as well get the bowl and have your dinner portion too. pair this with a coconut alive or lust alive smoothie and you can't go wrong. the swami bowl is delicious too if you're craving something a little spicier and heartier. hint: this place takes Level Up, which can yield some decent discounts if you become addicted like me :)
(4)
Jaimie M.

I really enjoy the fresh, healthy ingredients that Life Alive uses in all their food and drinks. It is usually delicious, and I like that you can get something as a salad or a wrap, depending on your mood that day. The only downsides are that it ALWAYS seems to be busy (at least from 11-2), the wait is long, and there is no AC in the summer. I very rarely want to wait for 20+ minutes in 90+ degree heat to get lunch.
(4)
One H.

If you are looking for a restaurant where the customers and owners have the most symbiotic relationship, this is your place. It is the type of place where you would enjoy spending your money because they provide healthy food that is good for you and a fun ambiance in return. I organized a group with 15 health conscious people to meet here today. We were impressed that they created the juices in house and made-to-order from fresh, green vegetables. They took no shortcuts by adding sugar or fillers. The wraps were also delicious and satisfying. We were honey bees that gathered tasty nectar and enjoyed plush petals.
(5)
Robert S.

Great food, great energy, happy people...anybody who would give this place less than 5 stars is an idiot. I come here 4 or 5 times a week. The staff is super duper friendly, the food is ALL ORGANIC and totally DELICIOUS. The customers are always the friendliest. It's such a great atmosphere.
(5)
Cindy K.

This place is like vegetarian heaven - finally a place that actually has delicious vegetarian food and more than 5 items on the menu. I got one fo the demi rice bowls and it was so fresh, flavorful and absolutely delicious. The portion seems rather small but don't be fooled - its packed with yummy goodness that is actually quite filling. My friend and I also shared a coconut-banana shake which was amazing. The decor/ambiance is really fun too...definitely feels like a hippie den - super laid back and casual. All in all - a fantastic little gem that I will be coming back to often!
(5)
Audrey J.

Delicious and healthy! The Demi portion is plenty and filling - I enjoy the adventurer with gluten-free sauce. There are many options and combinations, and you're welcome to make adjustments if needed. You can eat there or to-go. Meal hours are very busy, but the line moves fast. Eating organic can sometimes drain your wallet, but Life Alive makes it affordable, convenient, and delicious!
(5)
Jamie G.

Pricy, but totally worth it. Super-delicious, fresh food; incredibly friendly staff; and the atmosphere is uniquely natural and embracing. In addition to the delicious food (I highly recommend the Romantic wrap and the Vibrance Alive smoothie), I love the planters in the windows with all of the culinary herb plants, paintings and natural decorations.
(5)
Dorothy W.

My happiness factor has been upped a notch - maybe two- with regards to Central Square thanks to the addition of Life Alive. Lots of deep gratitude and thanks to the sweet and friendly staff who answer questions with a sincerity that is really appreciated. So many places hire people who avoid making eye contact, try to rush you or act like you are a moron when you ask a question. These folks are the opposite. They offer a vegetarian/vegan menu but Daiya cheese can be substituted for regular cheese in any dish, so vegans will be very happy here. It's cozy and sunny, with lots of books to peruse through as you eat, which is a touch I greatly appreciate. It's an open, sunny space with a lot of energy. Informal and relaxed, it's a perfect spot for a quick lunch alone or with friends. Sixteen ounce smoothies are just about the most delicious alcohol-free drinks offered in Cambridge. They offer salads which contain hummus, apples, beets and lentils, grilled wraps with names like The Seductress and an unusual assortment of meals with sweet and spicy sauces, grains, vegetables and nuts. They also offer creative extras like dates, bananas, tamari almonds and dried fruit that you can request to have mixed in or served on the side. Seeing a huge bowl of Liz Lovely cookies from Vermont right next to the cash register made me feel genuine affection for Life Alive, as these are the best vegan cookies I have ever had aside from my own delectable creations. Many are gluten free, as well. Happy days are here again in the cookie world. My personal favorite of all of the vegetarian based restaurants in the area. (I much prefer it to Clover these days.) But it gets crowded, so be prepared and come early for lunch. Great, healthy addition to Central Square.
(4)
Amy L.

The food is decent, although overpriced. My primary complaint is the staff. The cashier I interacted with was incredibly rude. I'm sure they deal with annoying customers, but I was treating her courteously and don't feel that I deserved her angry wrath. Not going back.
(1)
Sheila B.

Love this place! Been here 5x in the last month three times for lunch dining in and once for a smoothie and lastly for some yummy juice! I'm not an herbivore and I find this crunchy, granola place, with chill staff, clean, non patchouli smelling, just.... Amazing! All of the hot veggie stir frys/ bowls with their unique sauces rock. I even had some carrot juice with apple garlic and cayenne today, mm hmm , so good ! Service is super friendly, can get very busy for lunch so call a head or get there before the lunchtime rush ! Love you life alive !
(5)
lizzie b.

I've been looking forward to trying this place for a while. It met my expectations! Positives: - Delicious and plentiful sauce and fresh ingredients. - Like the demi portion of the bowl. - Loved the swami, and my friend liked her Goddess - Kale! Negatives: - About $2 more expensive than it should be, esp. some of the smoothies! - They should put cucumbers or something in their free tap water because it tasted like really bad Cambridge water. - They told me there would be quinoa as well as brown rice, but there was only rice. - The cashier gave her friends some chocolate covered almonds right in front of me, but when I asked for some, she wouldn't budge :P
(4)
Cassandra B.

Let me preface this, to give my review some credibility to the meat-lovers of the world, by saying I am by no means a vegetarian. My favorite food is steak. I make my dates concerned, Midwestern grandfather proud, and vegan aunt absolutely disgusted with the amount of red meat I eat in one sitting. However, I need to maintain my wallet, cardiovascular health, and figure. Steak for three meals a day, or even three meals a week, is not an option; I need to suck it up and eat some vegetables. Life Alive is awesome. The food is satisfying, healthy, flavorful and delicious. Every time I tell a friend I am craving one of Life Alive's bowls filled with tofu, quinoa and kale they look at me like I have three heads. I drag them here, and they fall in love with it as well. This is also a great place to get acquainted with those grains and vegetables that are often pushed off into the "pretentious health food" category. The atmosphere is very whimsical and comfortable. The staff are always friendly, even during the times when I accidentally put my dirty dishes in the wrong place or thought the ginger kombachu on tap (which is delicious, by the way) was beer. While a meal's worth is determined by so many more factors than calorie-count, it is important to note that while Life Alive's meals are nutritious and organic, you do not magically remove calories when you remove the chemicals. A peanut butter, chocolate, banana smoothie is just as healthy as it sounds. If you are on a diet, you will be fine, just order with common sense.
(5)
Baby E.

As you can see from most reviews, this place is great for healthy and fresh fare. I generally order the adventurer and it has never been a disappointment - always filling and delicious. The only reason I gave 3 stars is because I watched as the juice guy chopped up 3 apples, LEFT THE PLU STICKERS ON, and proceeded to juice the apples. I said "Excuse me, but you forgot to take off the stickers." The juicer responded apathetically and continued to pour the now ruined juice into a cup for the customer. (I did not order the juice, but I was still appalled). He blatantly ignored my suggestion to re-make the juice without the plastic, which I found to be terrible customer service. I wouldn't even expect this kind of neglect from Jamba Juice. When part of the mission of this place is described as "A world of delicious, organic, and therapeutic food, created with love to feed your vitality" then I expect food that is not infused with BPA and other plastic chemicals. Also, be warned that this place gets crazy during lunch and dinner hours and it's best to call ahead rather than wait for 30 minutes for your order.
(3)
Wilma E.

love the green goddess. although I heard ppl say (vegans) that they could make it at home. I don't, so i'll pay 5 bucks for some goodness.
(4)
Aaron E.

Loved the rice/veggie bowl I got for breakfast. The veggies are all steamed per order and are bursting with fresh. The juice I got for lunch (the Jove Alive) was little light in the veg and heavy in the lemon and ginger, but that's just my taste. A big recommend for a super fresh and healthy meal.
(4)
Shane R.

a very san francisco-esque spot. friendly staff, healthy food. all the bowls sounded similar to me. i forgot what i got. it exceeded my expectations in terms of taste, but it was too much veggies for me. i would have liked a little more variety in texture.
(3)
Joshua R.

Fantastic vegetarian place with great juices and smoothies. I work near here and come by twice a day for breakfast and lunch, I've been working my way through the menu and it's all pretty solid. It's great to have a healthy food option in Cambridge! If someone from Life Alive is reading this, it'd be even better to have more dishes with kelp in them, or an option to add kelp to dishes.
(5)
R R.

I ate here on Thursday and have now been sick for 5 days straight.
(1)
Lisa S.

I was really excited when this place opened up in Central, as I gave up dairy a few months ago (dairy intolerance) and I've also been trying to eat much less meat and animal products. But since I'm usually super busy and eat on the run, it's been hard to stick to my restrictive diet. However, Life Alive is helping to change that. At first, I was a bit hesitant to try Life Alive because the menu is a bit overwhelming, especially if you're not used to eating healthy food (quinoa? sunflower sprouts? nutritional yeast?). However, I finally sucked it up and I'm so glad I did- I've now gotten take out from Life Alive 3 times in the past few weeks (with many more to come!). The restaurant is a bit on the warm side (it's usually so warm inside that the windows steam up), so I have been choosing to keep my food to go instead of eating inside. I've never had to wait more than a few minutes for my food, but I usually go during off-peak hours. The service is always super friendly. The first time I went, I tried the Goddess (smoked tofu, short grain brown rice, steamed carrots, beets, broccoli, dark greens, Ginger Nama Shoyu dressing) and the Elvis Alive (peanut butter, cocoa, banana, coconut ice cream, and rice milk). As other people have said, the demi size was more than enough for me. The smell and the taste of the Goddess was amazing, but I found myself missing a crunch taste while eating it, so next time I will probably add in something a bit crunchy. I loved the Elvis Alive, but it was definitely a calorie splurge- but great if you ever want a dairy-free/vegan milkshake that still somewhat resembles "healthy" food. The second time I went, I got the Love Alive (blueberry, strawberry, banana, dates, almond milk) and the Kiddie Quesadilla (whole wheat tortilla with cheese, which you can substitute for Daiya cheese). I loved both- the smoothie quickly has become one of my favorites. I also loved the quesadilla, and it wasn't too small. The third time I went, I got the Love Alive again and the Adventurer (tamari roasted almonds, smoked tofu, melted cheddar cheese, broccoli crowns, chopped beets, dark greens, short grain brown rice, quinoa), substituting in Daiya cheese. The Adventurer blew me away- it definitely had the crunchy taste I had missed in the Goddess. And while it didn't smell as exciting, it tasted amazing. I got the half size and the smoothie for dinner, and I ate every last bite and it was just the right amount of food. I can't wait to try the rest of their dishes and smoothies. They also sell yummy Liz Lovely vegan/gluten-free cookies. Definitely a great addition to Central Square!!!
(4)
Joe L.

I am a proud carnivore, but I don't have to think twice about enjoying an Emperor Wrap at Life Alive, or any of their other delicious offerings. The staff understands how to prepare complete vegetarian/vegan proteins that will leave you full but not bloated. I can't think of a single dining experience I've ever had during which I was served fresher produce than I receive regularly at Life Alive. I used to visit their Lowell location whenever I was nearby, which was infrequantly. I'm so happy that their Central Square location is easily accessable any time I'm in Cambridge. Their atmosphere is quite appealing too. Relaxing and friendly.
(5)
Ankita d.

**I am a carnivore** I frequent life alive because of its (relatively) low-cost, fresh delicious veggie+grain bowls. The food is healthy, fresh, and wonderful tasting, and actually really filling. I'm usually full after half an adventurer bowl, but will usually eat the whole thing because it tastes so good! One of the things I really appreciate is Life Alive serves its bowls starting at 8 am, so if I wanted to pick up a nutritious lunch to take to work, I have that option. Also, there's no line at 8 am! If you go for lunch or dinner, be prepared to wait in line...it's a popular spot! They're relatively quick though. I know others have complained about the prices, and I get it, but if you compare it to other vegan places in the area with similar offerings (e.g., Prana Cafe in Newton), it's 50% cheaper!
(4)
Mo M.

The food at Life Alive is phenomenal. I usually get the Adventurer with tofu and I can't stop myself from eating the entire bowl. The meals are energizing. Plan on waiting in a long line if you go around dinner time, but the food is ready pretty quickly. I suggest ordering take out to avoid waiting around. Overall, I wish there were more restaurants like Life Alive in the Boston area.
(5)
Mandie W.

I'm a vegetarian so I'm suppose to love this place, right? I'm willing to give them another chance, maybe my rating will change in the future. I ordered a chai latte. It was never delivered to my table, so I when I went and grabbed it off the counter for myself. I took a sip and yuck! It was cold! I told the worker who made it that it was cold. He didn't seem very concerned that I had just been served a room temperature drink. And of course, they don't have a microwave so they couldn't just warm it up for me. He said he could give me warm milk to put in it so I tried that but still no luck. It was just not an enjoyable drink. It wasn't warm! The worker then told me to go order another drink at the register, which was really awkward since it was so busy. So i waited by the register to tell them I wanted another drink. That worker told me to go back to the first worker and just tell him to make me whatever I wanted. So I did. He made it and it was good...but what was all the back and forth about. He should have just remade it for me as soon as I said it wasn't warm. Maybe he was new, I don't know. I plan on going again to try the food. Maybe I will have more luck a second time.
(2)
Trevor B.

Question: How does a place that specializes in $10 wraps manage to have the longest lines in Central Square? Answer: By making very, very good wraps. Somehow Life Alive takes freshly shredded kale, brown rice, and a heap of vegetables, and makes it much more tasty and satisfying than you'd expect. I don't buy into Life Alive's "only organic foods provide real sustenance!" dogma, but I do think their excellent food is well worth the premium.
(5)
Maggie A.

I go to Life Alive AT LEAST twice a week. It is amazingly delicious, the atmosphere is awesome, and the employees know a lot about the food and are always willing to strike up a conversation. Definitely one of the best veg places in Boston/Cambridge! Hint: order the Alchemist bowl for some yummy quinoa goodness!
(5)
Robyn G.

I really love this place. They get alot of business, so sometimes there's a line. But, taste the food and you can see why. It's fresh! Not in la rabbit chewing on a lettuce leaf sort of way, but in a savory, crisp, not drenched in oil and fat, or made with bleached white flour sort of way. I have never had something here (or at their other location) that I didn't like. It has a coffeeshop feel, but are more nutritious. They offer smoothies and fresh wraps. The only thing to be careful of is ordering to go. I've had several leaks through the packaging get onto my clothes. Their wraps can be pretty juicy after steaming or whatever, the water leaks out of the wrap. But, it totally doesn't stop me from ordering there. It's fabulous!
(4)
Sandy H.

I am not a vegetarian. I am a meat lover. With that said, I think I could become a vegetarian if I had access to this kind of food everyday. Yes, it is really that good. They serve amazing, delicious, healthy food that I just can't get enough of. I had the Rebel and my fiance had the Goddess. I couldn't really tell the difference between the two bowls just by looking at them (check out my photos), but they had distinctive tastes. The Rebel had more of a sweet vinaigrette flavor while the Goddess had a strong garlic flavor that lingers in your mouth. We ordered the regular size bowl even though some people told us a demi would be enough and we practically licked our bowls clean. Yes, I know. I'm kind of a glutton, but he's still in denial.
(5)
Lily R.

Clearly one of the best restaurants ever. The vibe is upbeat, the staff are friendly, and the food is delicious. Did I mention affordable? And for those moments when the line is out to door (several times a day), you can call in your order and pick it up at the counter in a fraction of the time. I love: the jasmine kombucha, the pineapple rings, and the adventurer with no cheese or almonds, and added hijiki and avocado. yumm. sometimes with the curry sauce from the swami instead. 'Cause you can mix and match and make it your own thing... Anything on the menu, as is, will please - if you like local, organic, healthy food.
(5)
Michael K.

I went here on accident thinking it was the coffee shop(I needed coffee). I asked for a tea to wake up and it was great. Not my kinda place, not my kinda style. I had a wrap and it was decent. But my brain sure enjoyed that tea!
(4)
B S.

Just went here for the first time and we split three dishes and a soup. Everything was super fantastico delicious. The sauces the use are awesome. It's the order-at-the-counter, they bring it to your # kind of place. Smooth-E was a creative and tasty mix of bananas, dates, ginger, strawberry and dont remember what else but was great. we ate downstairs in a cozy area,,,would be great in the winter Next time I am walking past, I'll grab a burrito, they look and sound good and UNDER $10............ veggies: I dont think you can go wrong with this place extra star = the manager (?) owner(?) came around and asked how everything was, if we needed anything....checking up. everything great. thx
(5)
Dan C.

This place gets really packed so it requires some patience and a chunk out of your day, but it is worth it. Someone needs to teach me how to cook veggies the way they do, everything's texture is amazing. Now that I'm getting older and can't eat out without thinking it will eventually kill me or make me have to take medication before too long, it is quite the comfort to know there will always be this uber healthy option that will legitimately satisfy me.
(4)
Tamarleigh G.

This is my new favorite restaurant. The food is so good that I would not hesitate to bring hard-core meat-eaters here for lunch, knowing that they might actually enjoy vegan/vegetarian food for once! The atmosphere is amazing. So peaceful and friendly. The staff are just awesome. They even have beer!!
(5)
Emma B.

god, I love this place. I crave their food constantly and I'm not even a vegetarian, in fact I think no meal is complete without me. The adventurer (add an egg or garlic!) is divine, though. but those lines.....oy. And they never let up. The lines keep me away most days and thats a shame. also, kind of pricy.
(4)
Steph F.

Delicious! I ordered (and loved) The Adventurer bowl. Reading the ingredients, I wasn't sure they'd go together well, but they did. I want to try to recreate this meal at home, which is always a good sign. Most in our party were not vegetarians, but everyone enjoyed their meals. Finding seating was challenging, and I wouldn't say that this place is my favorite in terms of ambiance. But the food is good enough to warrant 5 stars.
(5)
Ji Won K.

.... The food was healthy and alright- definitely not bad but tasty? ...I wouldn't say that. ... Ordered the adventurer, seeker (salad), seductress wrap and jive alive drink- by far, the adventurer Ina bowl was very good, the salad was good too- I've had better veg wraps... The drink tasted healthy and terrible at the same time.
(3)
Samantha B.

all i can say about this place is i wish i could eat here at every meal of the day everyday. i absolutely love this place. that's all i need to say about this place! workers are friendly. i actually lost my wallet there and they found it and locked it in their safe. i was impressed with that for some reason.
(5)
Jessica H.

I went here the first time last week for vegan drinks. It was great! I am so glad I finally went, just sad I waited so long to check it out. It was super busy and they said they get busy every evening. I'm happy to see them doing so well but that line was so long! So instead of ordering I went downstairs and talked to folks and then came back up and ordered once the line went down. I heard the line does move fast though. I got a big bowl of something - miso soup, greens, seaweed, mushrooms, soba noodles. It was good. Super healthy. I had asked the woman at the register what I should order and she suggested a few ideas, including this. I also got the home made ginger drink over ice which was really good to. I appreciate that they offer wine and beer - awesome! We need more veg places that do that. I didn't have any wine but I hope to next time. I probably should have added tofu to my dish or gotten a smoothie as I was still a little hungry after my veggie bowl. The staff was super friendly. I love the decor and seating arrangements in the basement - very fun atmosphere! I will certainly be back to try more. Only complaint is that the menu is a little overwhelming but it's hard to figure out what's different about each dish. So many of the entrees seem very similar. kind of confusing? I do love all the vegan options though.
(4)
Sara R.

Stumbled upon this place when I was in Cambridge. Amazing healthy dinner spot! Packed so be prepared to wait for your food. I got the Goddess over steamed greens rather than rice and the Chai smoothie. Both were amazing, and the people working there were very nice and helpful. I got my food to-go and I felt like the to-go container gave me way less food then the plates of food for people eating in. But either way, was full and happy afterwards. They also post everything that is gluten free and use coconut milk and ice cream if you don't want dairy.
(5)
Jesse N.

Best. MisoSoup. Ever. I am freaking addicted to that stuff. Seriously. I've had a few of the smoothies and juices, and I liked them, but the miso soup is just so comforting. I have tried a couple of the meals too (the adventurer, I think?) and I liked them... but always, always the miso. ALWAYS. I once commuted back from a trip to Jersey via bus, and it was freezing, and I thought "Hmm, good soup day!" so I immediately went to Life Alive for miso. I wish I could tell you I was making this up, but I am not. Sad? Maybe. Fan of soup? For sure.
(4)
Sid M.

I'm starving in Silicon Valley right now and can't believe there's no place like Life Alive out here! I miss Life Alive. I knew the food would be healthy, which was enough to get me in the door, but I never thought vegan food could be delicious. Now I'm addicted -- I go here 1-2 times a week and will probably upgrade to more times per week soon. And the juice bar, that's worth a visit on it own, even if you're not feeling like a meal. Can't wait to be back in Cambridge and get a big bowl of the adventurer!
(5)
Jared G.

I was a frequent visitor (at least once a week) to Life Alive in Central Square, Cambridge. It is a unique place with a terrific attitude and delicious meals, and I commend the crew there for their continuing work. In July of 2011, I ordered a Love Alive smoothie (blueberries, strawberries, bananas, dates, and almond milk). As I am allergic to strawberries, I requested a substitution. The counter staff assured me that no strawberries would be present in my drink. Shortly thereafter, it was delivered to my table and I drank it. Soon, a member of the staff approached me, apologized, and told me that strawberries had accidentally made it into the drink. The associate was exemplary, asking me if I would be all right. Strawberries cause me a mild allergic reaction and while I was impressed with the responsibility level of the employee, I was surprised and disappointed that my allergy was seemingly disregarded after the smoothie had been ordered. In late August 2011, I returned and ordered a Vibe Alive (blueberries, bananas, coconut milk-based ice cream, and rice milk), hoping to steer clear of any repeat incident. Instead of a Vibe Alive, a Life Alive juice was delivered to my table. I told the server that it was not what I had ordered. She apologized, let me keep the Life Alive and returned upstairs to acquire my Vibe Alive. She returned with it shortly thereafter, and not long after I drank it, she returned to my table once more and informed me that instead of a Vibe Alive, she had mistakenly given me a Love Alive, complete with strawberries. She apologized again and not long after that, she returned to the table with the Vibe Alive I had ordered. I'm sure that the staff had the best of intentions, and I know that mistakes happen. In September 2011, I wrote Heidi, the owner, a letter with this information (addressed to the Lowell location) and never heard back. I have abstained from visiting the restaurant ever since, as I can otherwise not be assured that appropriate steps will be taken to protect customers with food allergies.
(2)
Dor Z.

For a split second, I thought I was back in my college co-op. People walking around barefoot? Check. Psychedelic art hanging from the walls? Check. Meals consisting of local/organic quinoa and tofu, doused in an Asian-inspired ginger sauce? Check, check, check. Don't get me wrong, this is a pretty hip place to be (in Central Square, no less!) The food is tasty and the service is very friendly. Just don't ask for "cow's milk" when they offer you something to put in your Dandy Bland (the coffee alternative). They only have rice, almond, or soy milk :] Atmosphere 10/10 Service 10/10 Food 8/10
(4)
Brian P.

Excellent! Fresh, creatively combined vegetarian and vegan food, made by a couple of ragged but very friendly chefs. The cashier chicks were similarly hippily non-chic, but altogether too cool for school...courteous but distant when serving us. A warmer reception when taking my cash would have earned 5 stars...but I will be back!
(4)
Kris R.

I love going there for my lunch break, although I find it a bit expensive. My favorite is the Emperor bowl, but....is it really gluten free as they tell me? I always have such an hard time to digest it! I'm celiac and not really sure if I can trust their gluten free food :-(
(3)
Jessica H.

First of all, I LOVE MEAT. I usually tend to be a skeptic about vegan/vegetarian places so I was a little hesitant, but I figured my friend who took me here wouldn't lead me astray. This place was POPPIn! Line to the end of the door! Really cool decor inside, there is limited outside tabled seating, but there's a big grassy area that can lounge out and picnic on right next door. I ordered the Adventurer Demi. Looked small, but little guy packed some pow. I was full for the rest of the night (must've been the filling powers of the protein in the quinao). It had a sesame ginger sauce with corn, beets, broccoli, dark greens, shredded cheddar, tofu & almonds over quinoa & short grain brown rice. After ordering I was a little sad I didn't add additional sides to it, but after taking a bite I was relieved because it didn't need it! It was dressed nicely, not too heavy, and the sauce was light so it didn't takeover. I was very satisfied overall and would totally try this place again.. if only they were in LA.... This place would blow up if it were in LA! Here's to hoping they expand!
(4)
Nicole O.

Eating at this restaurant is like a giant hug. The food is nourishing and delicious. The whole experience is uplifting.
(5)
Ryan S.

I could eat here everyday. Soooo good. Everything is wonderful and the workers are wicked nice.
(5)
Ji M.

Highly recommended!!! Yummy dishes with lots of garlic! Quite the wait though... but it's definitively worth it!!
(5)
K F.

Juice selection is not what I expected. And it took so long to get my order even I was one of two customers there. I wish they have more testy juice selection. Disappointment. (I haven't tried other meals so this review is thoroughly for juice and service.)
(2)
Victoria K.

Every time I've driven past this place, it's ALWAYS packed and the external decor has always been a little too "crunchy/I'm vegan and in your face, hear me roar." I'm also not a huge organic/vegan foodie but I like it every now and again -- similar to how I want a Wendy's double bacon cheeseburger. There's a time and place for all my cravings. Well today I had the right amount of time, curiosity and hunger to check it. #converted. I had the benefit of being in a "dehydrated but feeling good about life post Prana yoga daze" so the line (15mn? Another 10 to get food?) didn't get to me because I was pleasantly transfixed on their smoothie making process. There's a legit cooler of raw veggies that they just shove through their food-processor like machine and then BAM - juice. If you needed to find a way to embody the word "health" and explain it to a feral child, this would be it. Ordered a wheatgrass shot to drink there while I waited for my Bachelor wrap that had eggs, broccoli, cheddar and some other stuff. It was heavenly. Like a breakfast wrap you don't have to feel guilty about (if you want to shell out $10 on a breakfast wrap). Filling, tasty but messy - I had a nasty time trying to eat it while walking back to my car because something was dripping EVERYWHERE. So the long short is if you're in the area, have the time and are in the mood for a guilt-free meal, you should definitely check it out.
(5)
LeiLei R.

Lines are usually long but the menu is so good! And healthy!! Some favorites are the bachelor wrap, seductress wrap, adventurer and swami. And you can add/sub ingredients. Smoothies are also delicious like the chai alive (my fave) or loco coco alive. Imagine the loco coco as an almond joy smoothie. Yum!! I wish their phone lines worked during lunch. I always get the busy signal even on a day like today when I arrived to see a short line and NO ONE on the phone! And I do constantly call repeatedly... Including while I was in there... And every so often they forget to add my avocado or like today, add the "sauce" for my wrap so it was a dry wrap that had too much garlic... To be honest.... I'm actually not sure it was garlic. There is something super spicy in the wrap, with a raw garlic but also chemical-like taste. That last bite was horrible as it was a mouthful of whatever that was.. And it stung a little and numbed my mouth for a few seconds. Now that I'm down to the end of my review, I will have to deduct 1 star after all just for inconsistency.
(4)
Greg B.

This place truly is an exceptional find. So many delicious and healthy options. I recommend any of the warm meals served in bowls. The Emperor and the Adventurer are my two favorites.
(5)
Anindita D.

I wish there were more place like this . God knows we need it . I had this amazing fire tonic which is detox and just felt like cleaned my whole body . They have fresh coconut water , mom's munchies which is to die for . Plenty of fresh juice and smoothie and warm meal . No matter what you take its good for your body .
(5)
David C.

While I appreciate the wide variety vegetarian and vegan options that Life Alive offers for a healthy, reasonably affordable meal or snack, nothing that I have tried outside the Elvis smoothie has been particularly tasty (and that's only because you can't go wrong with peanut butter, hello). Even The Goddess, Life Alive's "signature" dish, is Bland with a capital B. Both nutritional yeast and a healthy dose of hot sauce failed to liven it up. The Mystic Mountain salad is noteworthy only for the delicious lemon-garlic hummus that comes on top, but for $8.95, you should get A LOT more. For my money, and for my taste, Sweetgreen still reigns supreme in the battle of healthy Boston eats.
(3)
Sally B.

Healthy never tasted so good. It's funny that a vegetarian cafe should be my greatest guilty pleasure, but it really is. The food here is so delicious and rich that it feels sinful - like you need to hide your bowl before someone realizes their mistake and takes it away to replace it with some ordinary salad or stir fry. All the bowls are great, especially if you add avocado, squash, or egg on top (but really, isn't that true of everything in life?). I especially like anything that comes with tamari almonds and pearl onions. A demi bowl is enough for even a solid meal, and a full bowl will leave me either extremely full or with delicious leftovers. Seating can be a little tight but people move fairly quickly - just wait until you actually order to snag a seat and you should be fine. And if you're in a rush, call ahead and your order will be ready when you arrive (so much better than take out pizza!).
(5)
Katie K.

So good. Worth the long line. Amazingly delicious and fresh. Friendly staff and warm seating area downstairs. Thumbs up!
(5)
C. K.

Food: Life Alive is one of the few vegan restaurants available in Boston. Their menu is extensive with oddly named bowls, wraps, salads, and main dishes all of which can be customised to your specific preferences. Portion sizes run small and this includes their smoothies and juices. As delicious as the food was, it doesn't justify the high prices. I find their smoothies to not be particularly special and when I saw that they were more expensive than Whole Foods, I expected a lot more but received less. Service: very friendly, upbeat staff who are courteous and efficient. The restaurant does get busy during the weekends and for weekday luncheons. Seating is spread out across the restaurant and at a lower level. Ambiance: eclectic with tons of plants all around the windows and draws a diverse crowd of customers
(4)
Pearl T.

I love veggies, and veggies love me. Life Alive is a haven for the hippies, hipsters, and health-conscious of Cambridge. I step inside and know that I'm home. At some places, I know what I like and I stick to it. Life Alive is not one of those places. I said I love veggies, didn't I? Well every single option is loaded with them. So far my favorite is the Adventurer, with corn, beets, broccoli, almonds, and your choice of tofu or sprouted legumes (or half and half!) over a mix of brown rice and quinoa. They put crack in their sauce, and a full-size portion will surely satisfy both your taste buds and as well as your growling stomach. Like shiitake mushrooms? Try the Lover. Really love your greens? Try the Healer. Sure, the menu's lingo is reminiscent of 60s flower children and naturopathic doctors, but it really blends in with the atmosphere. Water is self-serve, and you can also find shakers of nutritional yeast and bottles of coconut aminos (soy sauce substitute) for the paleo folk. Dig in!
(4)
Moor A.

Great vegan vegetarian spot!!! They specialize in bowls and they do them well!! I gave this place 5 stars
(5)
Maddy M.

Fantastic fresh, healthy vegetarian meals. Well-priced especially for Boston. I recommend ordering take out when the lines get busy.
(4)
Pam C.

If you've walked past Central, you've probably seen the facade of Life Alive - decked out like a rainforest with crazy colors and plant life. The menu is pretty insane, and it's kind of confusing at first to figure out what is what, especially since the menu design itself is super busy, with wacky fonts and weird organization. Essentially, the majority of their dishes are rice dishes - the various things listed on the menu description over a bed of seasoned brown rice. You can have this as just a bowl of rice, or you can have it wrapped up in a whole wheat tortilla. They also have salads, wraps, and two noodle dishes; additionally they have beers, fermented tea, smoothies, and juices. The restaurant was pretty crowded, and seating is kind of limited. However, since nothing really needs to be cooked (only assembled) things move really quickly and you get your food almost right away. You order your food first at the counter, and then you can have it brought to your table after receiving a number. Most everything is self serve - there are jars for water, utensils, and sauces. I got the Explorer with cashews in a wrap. I was honestly not expecting to like it since Life Alive isn't my usual kind of food, but it was actually really good - the rice was well flavored and the topping combination complemented each other really well. Overall, had an awesome experience - I'm not someone who usually likes these kinds of vegan, healthful places, but I can definitely see myself coming back.
(4)
Jess M.

Even though I live nearby and like most of the food here, I avoid going. The main reason is that the meal prep/service is disorganized. This is on par with most hippie/hipster restaurants I've gone to (like Veggie Galaxy.) It's okay if you go on a Tuesday at 10am, but if you go around mealtimes or at all on the weekend it turns into a giant cluster. Sometimes people equate the fact that this place is always crowded or "the line is always out the door" to the food being so popular. While this is partially true, I'm pretty sure the line is always out the door because they often have one person ringing people up and answering the phone during a rush. Otherwise, they may have the same amount of customers but the line would seem more manageable because everyone was in and out in a more reasonable time. If this doesn't make sense to you think about the ticket line at the museum of science. Busy place, but the line isn't too long because they get you in and out like they're a well organized machine. If you still want to go, they let you call your order in. If it's a busy time expect being put on hold or your phone order taking precedence over a poor slob in line's order. Sad face. You can bypass the line this way but it's kinda hilarious because there isn't a marked space for phone orders to stand and wait so often the phone order people cut each other in their own mini line by the side of the cash register. And you get pretty nasty looks from people in the regular line.
(3)
Izzy D.

Every time I leave Life Alive I feel like I've been reborn as a hindu god or something. The food is unbeLIEVEable and the ingredients are, to quote 2 Chainz, fresh as hell. I'm obsessed with the Swami bowl. For starters, the sweet Curry Miso Sauce is unreal. Tamari almonds, raisins, shredded carrots, broccoli, dark greens, & pearl onions over brown rice with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast = mouth doing a happy dance. Throw a Coconut Alive smoothie in there and you'll be put over the top. If I could give Life Alive more stars I would. UH-MAZE-ING.
(5)
Feyaad A.

I've been to Life Alive twice now and the food is delicious, especially for someone looking for healthy options. I've had The Udon Miso Masterful and The Hot & Healthy Bachelor - I also tried some of the The Fool. The Udon Miso Masterful good but seemed to lack some flavor. It had broccoli, kale, legumes, tofu, carrots, and mushrooms over udon noodles. This meal has a broth so if you aren't looking for that but still want Udon noodles I'd recommend The Fool. The Fool is very tasty with almost everything that's in the Miso Masterful but instead of a broth it's topped with a gingery sauce that is delicious. I also have had the Hot & Healthy Bachelor which is a wrap with broccoli, kale, a hard-boiled egg, and melted cheddar cheese. The cheese felt a bit much so I may try another variation of this (there are other similar wraps). All the ingredients here are very fresh and the meals leave you feeling energized afterwards! The downsides are the price and the place itself. It is a bit pricey for what you are getting but then again most organic, fresh options tend to be. The place is a bit small and even with the downstairs seating it is sometimes hard to find a spot. The lines are also very long so you sometimes have to wait a while even if you are getting takeout. I haven't tried any of their smoothies or juices but I'll give an update when I do. Overall: Healthy, fresh food that leaves you feeling energized! Somewhat pricey and always packed with people!
(4)
Merrill H.

I'm with everyone else that you need to try the Green Goddess. While I was here enjoying my meal, I swear I saw the entire cross-section of Boston- students, hipsters, hippies, 9 to 5ers, etc. They all know Life Alive is the place to get delicious fast food. Downside is trying to find a place to sit. :/
(4)
Jenny R.

I'm not sure how I haven't reviewed Life Alive yet!!! This is one of my favorite places in the world. Yummy food, delicious smoothies, homemade treats with local ingredients. The decor is so adorable!! Huge murals downstairs, inspirational messages in the bathroom, mason jars for extra cups of water and everything you think you would want or need in an organic lunch place. Go there. Now.
(5)
Sarah K.

Just recently discovered this place! Staff is extremely nice and the food is amazing. Being a vegetarian, it was great to stumble upon this place. I ordered the Adventurer wrap, which was messy but so delicious. My mom ordered the coconut alive smoothie and that was really good as well. I'm going back again for lunch today!
(5)
Emily T.

Really great place! Yummy hearty salads and delicious smoothies! I get the Swami demi size and Lust Alive smoothie when I am here. Generally vegetarian and vegan restaurants never fill me up for very long but Life Alive salads do justice. Setbacks: Long lines, even with a downstairs sitting area it's hard to find seating, and meal prep/service is disorganized and it can take a while for you to get your food. That being said, it's a great place! If you like spicy, try their hot sauce!
(4)
Victoria T.

Walked past this place and saw that it was super crowded so decided to give it a try. I open the menu and my first impression is..."what are 'nurturing legumes', exactly?" All the dishes have names like "The Emperor" and "The Seductress" with similar-sounding descriptions. I had no idea what to order so I just picked something. My friend ordered something else but honestly our dishes sounded like basically the same thing. The vibe of the place is definitely "hippie" but the downstairs area was cozy and casual. When I got my dish, it was a lot of vegetables and brown rice, but I was pleasantly surprised that it had good flavor (for not having any meat, haha). I got a"Island Alive" smoothie, too. I'm not super picky about smoothies so I was satisfied, but thought that $6 was a bit steep for a smoothie. (I'm also a notorious cheapskate, and maybe $6 is actually pretty standard for a Boston smoothie). Overall, I was satisfied with the meal but probably would not return. "Not bad for vegetarian food".
(3)
Annie K.

A little pricey but worth every penny!! It is a truly one of a kind spot with delicious food, good service, and incredible ambience. The peaceful, earthy, and zen design create a "be here now" mentality. Their bowls are scrumptious, filling, and unique. Everything from the menu to the feng shui to the bathrooms feels intentional and fitting! I will definitely be back!!
(5)
Ami P.

I cannot stop raving about this gem. It's all I could ask for. Thank you SO MUCH FOR EXISTING
(5)
Dina J.

Love this place, I always feel really nourished and good when I go there! Favorite is the Lust Alive smoothie. I wish they had more space -- the line can go out the door when the weather gets warm.
(5)
w s.

delicious healthy food! lots of greens, and very good cookies!
(4)
John W.

Place is Awesome. The Elvis smoothie + a Demi alchemist or green goddess is a good combo.
(5)
Christian C.

I'm all for healthy, fresh food. While the offerings here might be considered that, the food just isn't good. I have no idea why it's so packed all of the time. They add a handful of overly hyped healthy ingredients and then charge an obscene amount for food that tastes like it's been scooped out of the compost bin. IT. ALL. TASTES. THE. SAME. Also, the juices don't have enough in them. They're mostly just a handful of vegetables with ice. What happened to using a ton of vegetables to get juice? I'm talking upwards of three pounds of vegetables. It's a ripoff. Also, I live right by this place and I can't stand the smell wafting from the back of the building. It's like a mix of bleach, decomposing kale, and patchouli. It's terrible. Last thing - I know it's nitpicking at this point, but I really don't like having to see a generous use of the typeface Papyrus. Someone rebrand this place so I don't have to look at someone's terrible typographical choices.
(2)
Tuwie N.

Ever since coming back to California from visiting my dear friend in Boston, I have not been able to get Life Alive out of my thoughts. It flits in and out of my consciousness, and is always on my mind when I am hungry. Which is about 6 times a day. Basically, always thinking about a certain meal and craving it multiple times a day and not being able to satisfy that craving can eat away at you! I find myself at a loss when I look around and realize I cannot get the Adventurer bowl or an artfully made Carrot Cake smoothie anywhere near where I currently live. Life Alive, I cannot wait to be back. The food is so delicious here, you will no be disappointed with anything on the menu. I wish I could buy some of that magic Sesame Ginger Nama sauce and just drench every thing I eat in it. I love that the meals here just leave you feeling great and happy instead of bloated and knocked out from food coma.
(5)
Ankita K.

It took ordering several different things on the menu several different times before I found something I like. Now, I'm addicted to the Swami (sub rice for udon noodles) mixed in with spicy sauce. Warning: The place gets super packed during peak hours and there isn't too much in the way of seating.
(4)
Katherine D.

Literally so good! I got the goddess bowl and it was delicious and flavorful. Although its definitely pricey, its okay to have once and a while. I can't wait to go back and try other options on the menu!!
(5)
Patrick M.

Amazing food, really cool hippie atmosphere. Feels a lot like Burlington Vermont in the best way possible.
(5)
Jasmine C.

Life alive is supposedly a "healthy" restaurant, but the bowls are all quite heavy and the portions are huge, and there doesn't seem to be much difference (beyond the name) between any of the things on the menu. My bowl came drenched in a sauce that really overwhelmed the taste of vegetables, and it is always very crowded.
(2)
Ellie W.

First time here and I'm already in love! Happy healthy food for your body! I tried the Swarmi and the Greek goddess w/ spring alive and the elvis alive ( if you love peanut butter chocolatey smoothies) substitute the rice milk with the almond milk instead! I do prefer the Greek goddess because its much lighter than the Swarmi but if you're looking for something flavorful, try the Swarmi! So delicious! Friendly and helpful staff. Long lines but moves quickly and the overall ambience is cozy and cute! Definitely recommend this spot!
(5)
Richa A.

An absolute favourite, there's nothing here that I don't like. The service is quick and everything on the menu is just so amazing! Must try 'the emperor'!
(5)
Wasim Q.

This is the kind of place that will make you feel like you are adding to your life span by eating here. I've been here several times and pretty much everything is good. The basic formula is bowl of brown rice, plus raw veggies, plus some superfoods (flax, tamari almonds), and then everything is smothered in delicious dressing and heated. It sounds gross but it's good, and presumably good for you. One downside is that all the bowls pretty much taste the same (but still good!). When under a mess of dressing, my palate doesn't really distinguish between beets and broccoli (the Rebel), on the one hand, and carrots and broccoli (the Swami) on the other. My mind reads it as "healthy stuff, healthy stuff, seeds," plus awesome dressing. BTW, the hot sauce is amazing! Everything else is just a vehicle for hot sauce and dressing delivery. Smoothies are also awesome, and not your standard "strawberry banana" at every other cafe. They have cool ingredients like dates and chia. I went for the Loco Coco, which is basically a drinkable dessert : maple syrup, cocoa and ice cream...plus chicory, so you can pretend it is healthy (detecting a theme here?).
(4)
Justin G.

The food is absolutely excellent. Its a vegetarian place where you won't miss the meat and will truly enjoy the food. They are getting the most important thing right. If this is the only thing you care about, stop reading my review and go. 5 stars and delicious. What prevents this place from being a true Cambridge gem is the logistics of getting your food. I suspect they are victims of their own success. I would be here every week, but the lines SUCK! Most of the time they are way too long. They say you can call ahead and pick up and pay at the head of the line, but that never seems to work. When you show up it's awkward and unclear when to cut in at the register and pay. There should be a dedicated pickup area. It may sound small, but this is enough of a hassle to keep me away. Also no delivery. I used to live in Kendall Square. This place would make an absolute killing if they delivered. I get aggravated enough dealing with Cambridge traffic on the road, I don't need to experience it again when I'm hungry.
(2)
Ani S.

A very lovely place- a very crunchy atmosphere with delicious dishes. I have never ordered something I haven't been incredibly satisfied with. The food is fresh, flavorful, and colorful. I would highly recommend The Goddess or The Seeker. Not to mention the Chia Alive is a must-have. However, the line is often out the door and it can get a little chaotic but overall a great place to eat. Calling ahead for take-out orders will save you lots of time.
(4)
Lisa S.

Yes, I eat here all the time. Yes, the food is great. But my gosh, they are so slow! They could really use a few management consultants to help them expedite their process. The lineup is always insane! And the food tastes are not very consistent. Also, there's often no seating in weekends because it's too crazy. Maybe a second Cambridge location would be helpful? But, anyway, minor complaints. Great place for food that makes you feel good physically.
(4)
Jason A.

Life Alive is a very different kind of eating place. They prepare very healthy meals and drinks using fresh ingredients. Most are vegan, and some are vegetarian. It's a cafeteria style restaurant, where you wait in line, place your order, and the food is brought to where you are sitting. I have tried many menu items, and I was never disappointed. Prices run about $8.00-$10.00 for most food, and healthy drinks can run $7.00-$8.00. They also have a couple beers, wine, and Kombucha. They have seats on the sidewalk, throughout upstairs, and downstairs using large tables and couches. The food is fantastic, extremely healthy, and the prices do not break the bank. You've got to experience it! Some table tops, floor areas, and silverware do not get cleaned well, and the food production area is not always very clean, but the place works well and the food is great!!
(4)
Meg P.

Pricey but delicious! This is one of my favorite restaurants. Seating ranges from sparse to impossible, prices are high, and yet the food is really really great-- local, fresh, extremely flavorful, and so good for you it'll leave you feeling haughty for the rest of the day! My favorite is the Adventurer.
(5)
Tyler H.

I could not live this place more! My favorite is the swami and green goddess...but make sure to use the homemade hot sauce!
(5)
Maggie Z.

Definitely was a little skeptical about going to a vegetarian restaurant because I'm not a huge fan of vegetables, but I had the Emperor (miso sauce, corn, carrots, tofu, kale, sundried tomatoes, brown rice, cheddar cheese) and it was actually really good! Don't think that I would eat here all of the time, but it's a great place to go with vegan/vegetarian friends or when you're in the mood to feel healthy.
(4)
Minju K.

Green Goddess is AMAZING. I would come here everyday if I could. I got the legumes and loved it. The sauce (the ginger sauce) stings the tongue and mouth maybe because they have mustard or wasabi in it? but other than that I would come here again!
(5)
M L.

I honestly don't understand all the hype about this place. I'm all about finding healthy places to eat out, but I don't think Life Alive is so spectacular. The bowls / dishes all blend together in taste, and you end up spending a lot of money for rice, veggies, and sauce that leaves you still hungry and craving proteinl (sorry, but three big scoops of hummus just doesn't do it for me). Plus with all the noodles / rice, sauce, nuts, seeds, etc., I don't think you're really getting anything "light", but rather just something less processed (which, don't get me wrong, is a good thing, but only half of the eating healthy equation). Plus prices are steep for portion size - a main and drink will cost you ~ $20! Be prepared to wait awhile for your food and you may want to get it to go - seating is difficult to find, especially when it's nice out.
(2)
Britta R.

The food there is sooo good. I don't have anything negative to say about the place. The people are nice and I always feel welcomed. I've only ordered for pick-up and therefore can skip the lines and chaos. My favorite so far is the green goddess with shredded cheese. Yum!
(5)
Allison C.

So much happy here. AMBIENCE: Lovely, colorful, bright, and full of positive affirmations. Finding seating, however, can get stressful, which is counter to the overall vibe. Just have your friend(s) save seats while you order up for the party. FOOD: In love with nutritional yeast and brown rice because of Life Alive. Unsurprisingly, salads come out quicker, and warm meals take a bit longer to make and deliver to your table. Regarding salads, the Mystic Mountain is especially tasty because of the cranberry and hummus, and the green apple made it a bit too tart (maybe substitute for a pear??). Regarding warm meals, both miso options (the standard miso in the Emperor and the sweet curry miso in the Swami) are my faves, but I would take Swami over Emperor any day for those almonds and broccoli. Oh yea, a bowl can serve two people. Even the desi (half bowl) is pretty filling portion especially when paired with a made-to-order drink. I've never had my food in a wrap, but tortillas are awesome, so go for it! DRINKS: Smoothies are the bee's knees, man! Eros Alive is so simple but so refreshing. All the ones with ice cream, like the Spring Alive, are definitely a bit heartier and filling. You really can't go wrong here. Ever.
(5)
Cindy W.

Yummy! I got the Mystic Mountain and was not disappointed. A very refreshing meal. They have an expansive menu of healthy options that don't suck. Redemption for the vegetarian/vegan! Tip: The demi is the way to go if you're a normal person with a normal appetite. Go for the larger one if you're starving!
(4)
Timmy L.

Now a regular at Life Alive, I am more impressed than ever. Life Alive is an amazingly dependable source of a supremely nutritional meal, all while avoiding the fat content of meat. Every time I have gone, Life Alive has had consistent flavors and incredibly timely service, even during an out the door rush. So hats off to this restaurant and their staff, you have made a believer out of me.
(5)
Kristen C.

Life Alive has totally delicious food. 5 stars. Buuuuut, it's going to take you a while to get it. If you go during dinner when the line is out the door, as you're standing towards the back of the line, you should place an order by phone. Then, when the line has progressed to where you are in the middle of the line, you could cut the rest of the line and go pay for/pick up your food at the front. When people pre-order and pick up, the combination of the pay/picking up transactions, plus answering the phone, takes the time of essentially one of the two cashiers. The last time I went, there were probably close to 10 people picking up pre-orders over the 25 minutes I waited in line. Suggestion 1: reroute the phone line to the back office and have another staff member take calls. This would keep both cashiers in action. Suggestion 2: customers pre-pay for their pick up orders using credit or another non-cash form. Then, move the pickup station away from the cash registers. Suggestion 3: utilize one of the many undergrad/grad business schools in Boston/Cambridge - contact the operations department and ask if any of their operations classes do (pro bono!) projects with local businesses to help provide recommendations on how to make things run more efficiently.
(2)
Divie E.

I came here as a second choice (my preferred eating spot was closed) and I'm so happy I did! I'm not vegan but do enjoy healthy eating from time to time, and Life Alive did not disappoint! Food: 5 stars. I had the Green Goddess, Demi-plate, and it was delicious! Greens were perfectly cooked- not over- or under-done. Tofu was in nice, bite-size pieces. And the ginger sauce - oh the sauce- had a slight spicy, tanginess to die for! I'd say I could make this at home but the dish was really perfected by the sauce, so I'll keep coming back. Ambiance: 4 stars. I didn't come here for fine dining so it met its goal. Upstairs has a nice, open feel. They also had a few outlets, which was a major plus. Service: 3 stars. Average. I love friendly spots, which this didn't quite hit for me. But then again, I'm a Midwesterner. Overall, I'm sold. Can't wait to come here again!
(4)
David D.

Great healthy restaurant with an upbeat, eclectic vibe but could be taken up a notch. First off, the good is the food, which is green, fresh, creative and really filling. I like the emphasis on hot meals, which is perfect for freezing cold Boston. They have great salads too which are rooted in their devotion to hummus apparently. I'm from Philadelphia which is green smoothie nirvana, and while Life Alive has the juice thing down pat they're far from green smoothie pros. I love the humor of some of their ideas such as the Elvis Smoothie, but that epitomizes that lack of green smoothies. Most smoothies are rooted in different flavor combinations, but only one of which is green out of a menu of like 12. You can certainly ask to have Kale added, etc. but it's not just adding a green, you need to balance that with more fruits and there should be baby spinach which is easier on the neophyte's palate. Finally, the line is annoying. They say you can pre-order, which is great, but the pickup area is to the "left" of the counter, which means cutting in front of a huge line of people. Those who pre-order are looked at like the antichrist incarnate! I feel bad that the tone of this review is neg, because this is a wonderful restaurant with some of the best simple tasting veg food I have had, and I'm a foodie. They even have a 28 food rating on Zagat, which is a little weird but may be true.
(4)
Chris D.

Food's great! Now just tone down the hippie bullshit and you've got one of the best vegetarian/vegan options in Boston. Highlights: "The Lover" is excellent, except for the name which, like the title of most dishes at this place, has strong connotations of tantric sex. Other Highlights: the carrot cake smoothie was a perfect light dessert - more horchata/milkshake than juice blend. One last thought: it's one thing to use the word "lust" in the name of a wrap and another to have filthy water glasses. At the very least keep your dirty hippie ethos contained to the Papyrus-font menu and the delicious ingredients people!
(4)
Ellie L.

I really admire how this restaurant is so unique in that it really focuses on healthful food but makes prepares its dishes in such delicious ways. They specialize in their warm bowls full of veggies and whole grains. Somehow the dressing ties everything together and I always leave feeling satisfied and refreshed. The smoothies are also worth trying and could act as a fulfilling small meal in itself. Sometimes this place gets a little crowded but if it's a nice day, I totally recommend taking your meal outside!
(5)
Natalie J.

I don't know how it took me so long to come here! I loved everything about Life Alive--the funky decor, house plants, hipster-esque staff, and wholesome, delicious food. I ordered the Goddess Bowl, and it was simple but delicious. The ginger sauce was perfection! The meal was also very filling, The staff all looked really happy and seemed to be having a hood time (I hope they were having a good time. If not, my hat is still off to them for their good acting skills!) The whole vibe of the place was just very positive and cheerful on a cold, snowy day. I was eyeing smoothies at the table next to mine. The smoothies are served in mason jars and look delicious! That is on my sampling list for my next visit.
(5)
Leslie S.

I wish I could give 6 stars because this place would definitely deserve it!! If you ask me for my favorite restaurant in the world I'd name this! The food is always fresh, the staff is nice and the atmosphere is very unique and relaxing. I love their concept and wish I could eat here everyday:)
(5)
Marilyn C.

I like this place. I think it may be a bit overpriced, but it isn't always easy to find good tasting, healthy food. I got the green goddess and a smoothie - take out for dinner a few nights back. The place was packed! It didn't take too, too long to get my food. It was funny that while I was waiting in line a guy in line called in an order and ended up getting his order faster than those of us continuing to wait in line. Living in the neighborhood, I would definitely come back some time. It's hard to justify paying a lot for a smoothie - around $6 or so, but smoothies seem to always be expensive.
(4)
Danielle S.

My friends have always raved about this place, and I finally caved and tried it. I'm not normally the health-nut type, but tI must say that I was impressed. When I walked in around 7, there was a long line almost going out the door. I think the real bottleneck to the process is ordering, because the food comes out pretty quickly. It took around 15 minutes to make it to the front of the line. I ordered the Goddess (their signature dish) with avocado, which had brown rice, carrots, broccoli, beats, greens, and probably a few more things I don't remember. When I ordered, I was a little nervous that (a) i'd leave hungry and (b) the food would be flavorless, making it a chore to choke it down. Fortunately for me, the regular size left me full (without any of the typical guilt associated with eating too much). Even more surprising, the bowl was delicious. It had a nice ginger sauce and the ingredients blended together nicely. Also, they had this great hot sauce (medium spicy - doesn't burn your taste buds off) that I recommend trying. I was with a group of four other girls, and we were lucky to find a table right away as the restaurant was quite busy. I loved the hippie vibe of the place with lots of color, plants, and accompanying granola-looking crowd. Because I had a 20 minute walk ahead of me to get home, I grabbed the peanut-butter smoothie on the way out. Super rich and tasty! No regrets there. All in all, super impressed with this joint. Wish I had tried it sooner!
(4)
Robert S.

Ordered take out from here for the first time. The Carrot Cake Alive smoothie just tasted too good to be healthy. The Hot and Healthy Bachelor wrap was recommended, but I just couldn't order a sandwich that describes me. Instead, I ordered a hot Seductress (whole wheat tortilla heated and wrapped around hard boiled egg, broccoli, dark greens, shredded carrots and beets, flax oil, nutritional yeast and Bragg's Liquid Aminos), and I wasn't disappointed! Note: This is not a fast food joint. When I went to the restaurant on a Sunday evening, I had to wait in line for at least 10 minutes before I could place my order. It took about 5-7 minutes before I got my meal.
(4)
Kavya S.

Life Alive represents the kind of food I wish I could eat every single day. As a vegetarian who is also very health conscious, I was blown away by the options that I had on the menu--how could I possibly choose? Not only was there The Emperor, The Lover, and The Goddess, but there was even a Green Goddess. I ended up going with The Green Goddess after a lot of flip flopping and absolutely did not regret it. The food tastes incredibly CLEAN as if it is cleansing your insides, leaving you feeling healthy and re-energized. I haven't tried the smoothies yet, but I heard that the smoothies are incredible as well. The place is pretty packed (I went on 6pm on a Sunday with two friends and had some difficulty finding at able) so keep that in mind--might make sense to do take-out if you are in a rush! DEFINITELY do not pass up on the opportunity to go to Life Alive. Whether you are a health nut or not, you will still leave the restaurant feeling satisfied with your life decision to dine there.
(5)
Katie G.

This is the best eating establishment in Boston. Seriously. Eat here often, if not daily. Your heart will be happy and body healthy. Even Shakespeare might struggle to find words beautiful enough to praise Life Alive's choices.
(5)
Elizabeth S.

Being here makes me want to take my shoes off and braid my hair and play Dylan on the guitar. The psychadelic decorations, the multi-level nooks, and the friendly adjectives in the menu items make me want to lounge all day. The crowds and long lines make that less feasible. Smoothies: varied, expensive, delicious. Food: varied, healthy, sometimes less delicious. More spice and sauce please? Peace out!
(4)
Betsy J.

Have heard rave reviews about Life Alive and finally got there for the first time yesterday. So difficult to choose one item because they all sounded delicious. Selected the Mystic Mountain salad and was very pleased with its well-rounded flavors and textures. I'll be back!
(5)
Di L.

Life Alive is proof incontrovertible that God pipettes. LA is a drop of vibrant, delicious goodness sucked up from Berkeley, CA and transported through a divine wormhole straight to the GBA. That's reason enough to love it. 5 stars for me.
(5)
Janet H.

Ahhhhh I love good, healthy food. it makes my tummy super happy. I feel like you can't go wrong with any of the food here. Of course, if you love peanut butter, chocolate, and bananas, go for The Elvis smoothie. So happy.
(5)
Noa C.

I came here after a yoga class upstairs at The Breathing Room. The first thing you notice is the aroma of the place - savory, healthy, mouth-watering (and i'm not a vegetarian or a vegan). The menu is simple, but has lots of choices and it took me a while to settle on the Goddess Bowl with brown rice and Ginger Nama Shoyu Sauce. The to-go package was so small, I wondered if I picked up the correct order. When I got home and opened the package I knew I was in for a treat. The warm ingredients melded the sauce with everything and it smelled AMAZING!!! It was delicious and super filling. I will be back to try their other bowls and sauces.
(4)
Dave F.

This is one of those places that makes me feel bad about myself/judged when i order. No bottles water, no sparking water. Is it a plastic thing? No cause the cups they provide are plastic. Seems hypocritical. Yes the line is long and it never seems to get cool enough in summer but salad comes nice and chilled and the Demi is a bargain -- could never get all these ingredients at whole foods for 6 bucks And whoever thought of the scoop of hummus in the salad thing? Genius.
(3)
Jessica S.

Love this place. It's fresh and smoothies are rockin! The seeker wrap and the spring alive smoothie
(5)
Rory G.

Phenomenal stuff! Almost convinced me to be a vegetarian. The service is good and the staff know what they're talking about. There were some colorful characters for them to deal with too. The Fool has thick noodles, mushrooms and tofu so it's really satisfying. Wifi and plenty of seating for a cheeky study session too. Merry Holidays!
(5)
Frank G.

This is a funky, alternative vegan restaurant with great tasty food. If you're not immediately taken by that description, you should open your mind and come in and try it anyway.
(5)
Kris G.

I'm not vegan not am I a vegetarian but this is by far one of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat. The food is fresh and healthy. The meals can be mixed and matched to suit your taste buds. In fact, I rarely order as listed on the menu! I've never been when the line is not out the door but that line doesn't prevent me from waiting in it or going back for more!
(5)
Sandy P.

It was recommended by a local (I'm from out of town). Have to say, I loved it so much for breakfast that I went back for dinner. Love the ambiance as well as the food. Wish I had places like this back home.
(5)
Emily A.

Love this place. I usually get the goddess demi and a wheatgrass shot when I go. Tried Dandy Blend for first time here and have come to really like it. Thanks Life Alive for showing me something new, and for being a respite when I pine for healthy eating San Francisco style.
(5)
Michelle J.

Whenever I come here after work there's a line outside the door. In all honesty I'm not into the "organic" thing. It interferes with "keeping money in my wallet" thing. I am however into the juice thing and they offer a variety of fresh juices. My favorite is the Pure Alive. It's a nice blend of kale, apple, wheatgrass and aloe. It's delicious and I can get my veggies in juice form. That being said you'll want to come here off peak hours, which I think is more or less anytime that is not rush hour. I tend to pass by in the morning and it's not as busy so I get my drink pretty quick. I've also tried a few of their smoothies, Eros Alive is tasty. Also sometimes they'll put little leftover samples on the counter so you can try a little of something different while you wait. They're also cool with adding or substituting things in your drink. Yesterday when I went in for my Pure Alive they were out of wheatgrass and suggested I add extra aloe or spirulina. I don't know what spirulina is so I went with the extra aloe but it's nice that they make suggestions.
(4)
Dan S.

Veggies love this spot. Good place to grab a healthy lunch - but the line is always long.
(4)
Ellen J.

Central Square rocks in the good weather. Someone in town told me they feel really good after they eat at this restaurant so yesterday I stopped in for a late lunch. One of the small bowls of food was plenty for me and it was absolutely delicious and yes, energizing. The only recommendation I have is to somehow get drinks made in a more consistent time with the food. I waited in line for my drink for at least 10 minutes after my food was ready.
(4)
Tina P.

The green goddess is very nice.. I like it with both legumes and tofu and extra avocado. The hive alive inspired me to juice apples and lemons at home! So refreshing. Side tip... Hot sauce is very flavorful!
(4)
Audrey P.

Amazing vegetarian/vegan restaurant that deals with the basics: loads of vegetables. Vegan restaurants tend to forget about it and serve meals with mock meat/fish/egg/cheese. Here's finally a taste of real freshness and healthiness!
(4)
Scott M.

For fresh, fast, and nutritious food, this is as good as it gets. Don't get me wrong, I also love eating rich, greasy food (and often do), but that always leaves me feeling heavy and lethargic. When I leave Life Alive, on the other hand, I actually feel alert and energized in addition to being satisfied. And yes, the food is delicious (this is however coming from someone who adores kale, quinoa, carrots, tofu, and noodles, so your mileage may vary).
(5)
Nikki B.

Had the green goddess, with tofu and avocado - and I was in heaven, even with the demi bowl. Had it to go, so it was a bit hurried, and a bit bland - but I never got to the condiments area to add hot sauce (a MUST) and some salt. It has a lot of potential, and I'm planning to go back to try the Adventurer. Lost a star because the PLACE IS ALWAYS PACKED - with a line out the door at times. I have been in line and called to order a takeout just so I could speed up the process (they have a special line just for pickups). Even then, I had to speed dial several times because the line was so busy.
(4)
Spencer L.

Most of the time I get by happily on a strict junk food diet. It's easy to do around Central Square. Whatever I eat tastes good, fills all the nooks & crannies, and keeps me healthily wired and hyper. More awesome still is that you can get your bad-carb fix from cuisines all over the world! Every regimen has to be deviated from occasionally, though. When it's time for a cheat meal, Life Alive (LA) is THE BEST AND ONLY PLACE I go. There are some essential appearances and behaviors everybody should know about before going to LA. If you're already aware of them, you can skip the rest of this magnum opus and be sure to not forget your customer loyalty card. 1. LA isn't Southwest Airlines. People are not herded into cattle chutes leading to the cashiers, the take-out counter, and the smoothie bar. So they meander around the way cows do. But bovines are at least alert. This is a big no-no. If anybody walks in the door and knows immediately where to proceed, their experience is compromised. Therefore YOU MUST BE STARING AT A SMARTPHONE OR AN iPOD AT ALL TIMES and preferably have ear buds firmly in place also. 2. English is spoken there...well, kinda. Fluency in Bloated Sentence English - at least at the tourist level - is strongly recommended at LA. All the better to strike up a conversation with someone newly met (and caught with their ear buds out), not to mention eavesdrop on your neighbors at the closely placed tables. WRONG: "I laughed so hard! Then he said..." RIGHT: "I know, right? I mean, the thing is, I was, like, LITERALLY, laughing my ass off, OK, and he was like..." Brushing up on Bloated Sentence English is, like, SO easy to do in Cambridge, so this shouldn't be cause for stress. 3. Embrace your fashion victimization. You're in an earthy crunchy hipster place, so look the part got-dam it! Ordinarily clean-shaven men should cultivate three days' stubble at the absolute minimum. 20/20 vision is no excuse to not be rocking a pair of thick-lens geek frame glasses. A scarf around the neck is required for both sexes three seasons out of the year. Boots extending to mid-calf or higher - also at all times except summer - can't be recommended enough for the ladies. During the winter, the only way to go for coats is North Face or Canada Goose. 4. If you sleep with your Fitbit on and travel to every triathlon and street-blocking road race in New England, ya better flaunt dat shit. Many LA customers are all about these things. Therefore you're invited to join the self-promotion party. Don't even think about changing out of your sprayed-on, logo plastered, bicycling gear. Not after you've blasted through seven red lights to get home! Share with everyone, non-verbally, that all the Cannondale store clerks know you by name. Wear that Tough Mudder shirt and see how many nods you catch. IMPORTANT FOR GUYS: Think you can't go wrong arriving at LA on your way to work out and dressed the part? Think again. From what I've observed the LA clientele is comprised about 60% of "presumably" straight women and 10-15% of "presumably" gay men. More than enough eyes will be taking glances. Those same eyes will glance back away in horror if they fall on an Under Armour symbol or a show of loyalty to a major-league sports team. You've let slip that you're an everyday Joe Schmoe who uses the Y, Boston Sports Club, or (OMG) Planet Fitness. Epic fail, dudes. Keep the gym clothes neutral (preferably in bright primary colors.) Let the gawkers THINK you patronize Vim or have a pass to the health center of one of the prestigious universities. It could make all the difference between "boring" and scoring. Oh yeah, one more thing: A yoga mat is an LA gotta-have. But if you're not into chanting while contorted, fear not. You can probably paint and roll up a rectangle of foam rubber and no one will know. P.S. Get the Swami Bowl or Adventurer Bowl.
(5)
C N.

Fresh, okay hippie food (from someone who grew up in the hippie kingdom of the Pacific Northwest). The food was not bad in any way, it just wan't that great either. But it was fresh and the portion seemed reasonable. The ambiance was very casual so it was nice to just hang out and chat with my friend, but the food service was a little slow. I ordered a beer, which I got at the counter before sitting down so at least had my drink. There were small groups of people chatting, as well as some people just sitting by themselves reading, working, or creeping on some undergrads about 20 years too young for them (yea man in blue sweater, I'm talking about you). With all the food options in Cambridge, not sure I'd go back any time soon.
(3)
American T.

American Tables had a cozy lunch last weekend at Life Alive. This place is a haven for anyone who is vegan, has strict dietary needs, or wants to explore healthy eating, but not loose out on taste. All their food is colorful, flavorful, and delish! What's on point: Our friend has a sever food allergy, and they were super accommodating to her. Kudos. On their menu, they suggest that you note how you feel after you eat there. We felt so satisfied, but not stuffed. Their food fills you with energy, and makes you feel amazing. The Adventurer and The Goddess Bowls are both highly recommended. The staff is very kind and helpful, despite it being a crazy, busy madhouse there last Sunday. What to watch out for: The Love Alive smoothie could have used more flavor, it was a bit disappointing. But they do offer lots of boosts and great supplements to add in them. It's a clean your space kind of place, so if the people who sat at the table before you were slobs, you're out of luck! Check out our pictures of Life Alive on Instagram and Twitter @americantables.
(4)
Megan P.

I tried Life Alive for the first time in April and ever since, I go there at least twice a week. It is truly wonderful and delicious! I'm not a vegetarian but if I could eat here everyday I would be. The food is all organic and fresh and just so tasty. The atmosphere and environment is soothing and relaxing (minus the crazy long line), especially at the lower level. i never leave disappointed. I especially love the green goddess and the innocent. One of my favorite places to eat in Boston hands down! The only complaint I have is that they have messed up my order several times when I've gotten it to go and made it all the way back to my apartment in Allston and realized they gave me the wrong order (with something I was allergic to on it) and had to go back. Now I always check the box before leaving. Overall though, GREAT place.
(5)
Darren B.

Comfort food the way mother nature intended. Don't get overwhelmed with the menu if you're new. All the ingredients are great. Focus on the sauces in most offerings. That's where the real decision lies.
(5)
KC L.

My favorite restaurant in the Boston area. Moving from LA, I was pretty spoiled in terms of vegan restaurants, but this place blew my mind. During my time as a student in Cambridge, I would go here as often as possible. They don't serve the usual fake vegan chemical food, but whole food organic dishes that taste delicious. No fake meat, fake omelets, etc. This food heals your body, and is amazingly tasteful. The service is always excellent, and the interior very cozy. Now that I've moved back to LA, I will truly miss it. I might just fly out there just for another meal!
(5)
Max Z.

This place is the real deal! I'm not a vegan or vegetarian, but I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here. The meal can get a bit pricey if you rack up the sides, but the fresh organic ingredients will have your body telling you it was worth it. The honey wasabi dressing of The Explorer had me craving more. I am a big fan of quinoa, which I think went well with the salad. Overall my meal was very filling, but I didn't leave with that shitty feeling like I ate way too much. Staff was mad friendly and positive - got a very good Erykah Badu vibe. Sitting in the kiddie area downstairs was also a good choice. Got to play with an abacus and some other fantastic toys while we waited for our food. My only complaint is that the different salads taste pretty similar. I wouldn't be able to eat here too often. Also try not to come here during typical meal times - line is usually out the door.
(4)
Kitty A.

This place is good, but really, they only serve one dish. It's a salad place, and it's really the same kind of salad over and over again at the end of the day. That said, that doesn't mean it's BAD. Just if you're looking for a real vegan or raw experience, it probably won't be found here.
(4)
L F.

Probably my favorite food spot in Central Square! My favorite menu items are the warm meals -- the Goddess bowl and the Rebel are delicious! The garlic-lemon hummus (available as a side, or as part of other meals) is fantastic, and the Coconut Alive and Lust Alive are probably my favorite smoothies here. Other tips: - It's true that the lines can get ridiculously long. For dinner, I'd recommend you get here before 6pm. - They do let you call in food for take-out, so if you don't want to eat there, you can always pick something up. - The noise-level is a bit higher than what I'd prefer -- not sports-bar-level, but if you are sensitive to noise, you might want to avoid prime lunch or dinner times - Other locations: Lowell and Salem, go check them out! Will I be back? Definitely!
(5)
Skye G.

Which one? What do I want? So many mouth watering picks! I went with a half order, the Demi, $5.85 of the Adventurer and The Green Goddess. The two most popular, or so she said and yes I can see why. Served hot, I got back to work and samples each and fell in love with The Adventurer - Vegan - Ginger sauce with corn, beets, broccoli, greens, tofu almonds over quinoa & short grain brown rice. Even my meat eating work BFF found the salad outstanding and packed with complex flavors. The only down side for me is I have to drive around and find parking other than that I would go every day if I could.
(5)
Michelle V.

even for to go the service is very slow & not because they are very busy which is the case on the weekends but you can see the counter that the workers work behind & a lot of them take their time & between making smoothies and juices will just converse with each other. after waiting for a smoothie for almost 10 minutes I went up to the counter to ask if my smoothie was coming up & the worker told me "yes" with a very blank and unforgiving face. overall this is not worth a smoothie stop. the smoothie is decent. the overall taste was good but they don't use all fresh fruit some of it is just dried which doesn't blend well. I spent a good amount of my time drinking my smoothie by chewing on unblended pieces of dried fruit. it's alright but definitely not anything special
(2)
Elizabeth K.

DEE-LISH Being from the South, there's not really a healthy vegan/vegetarian cafe, so I was ecstatic to have a friend bring me here. The decor, especially downstairs, is eclectic, Indie, and quite hippy. (It can get hot downstairs.) But the food is wonderful; the combinations that they've created work so well together, and I love the condiments of nutritional yeast, liquid aminos, and gluten-free hot sauce. (Service isn't that great, so only 4 stars. /: ) Yum yum yum, I will definitely return when I go back to Boston.
(4)
Joanna W.

I tried so hard to hate this place. Stopped here on a Boston trip once, and my friends told me I absolutely had to go because it was the best thing ever. I was really skeptical that salads with kale, tofu and beets could really be that life-changing, and was sure that everything was being over-hyped. I continued to snort and scoff after I walked in and saw the hippie decor (although I had to admit the cavernous but cozy basement seating was pretty cool). Then my The Lover salad came and everything changed. This salad was warm! I loooooved how comforting the brown rice was, and how all the veggies and sauces sort of folded together to make something really delicious. There was absolutely nothing I could complain about. Tried some of the Spring Alive smoothie, and it was SO GOOD. The hype is real, you need to try this place. Life Alive, you need to expand to more cities - you will get so much business. I have no words.
(5)
Ashley S.

We stopped by on our way to Harvard after it was recommended by a good friend. The decor is beautiful, and you'll have plenty of time to admire it as you stand on the inevitably long line to order. However, the entire staff was quite friendly and welcoming. It didn't take too long for our orders to arrive, and our family ordered two salads, two noodle bowls, quesadillas, and four smoothies. The Adventurer bowls were so tasty with the nuts and kale and deliciousness all mixed in. The noodle bowls were also delicious, although they had way too much dressing that pooled at the bottom. Unfortunately, the quesadillas were rubbery and flavorless.
(4)
Heidi A.

If I could eat here everyday, i would (and never get sick of it!) It gets super busy, so I like to call ahead and order and that makes the process so much better than waiting in line for 30 mins! They have live music somedays during the week, too, which is fun to eat and hang around and listen.
(5)
Elektra A.

Went around 7 on Wednesday evening and had a great experience. 1. Ambiance and Service Yes, there was a line but it moved quickly! And even though it was busy I still found a table with my friend. Staff was very helpful, accommodating, and pleasant. The space itself has a hippie and friendly vibe. No surprise to see a lot of people coming from yoga class ;) 2. The Food Had the demi size Lover bowl with extra garlic and corn. It was delicious. The extra garlic was not subtle! But in a good way. The rice was very warm and full of flavor. I also enjoyed the sauce. Demi size is very reasonable in both size and price. My friend had the Adventurer, which she enjoyed. I also tried and thought it was delicious. Will definitely be returning!
(4)
Consuelo V.

A wonderful, wholesome meal with plenty of options and amazing smoothies! Everyone I'm near, I have to get a list alive smoothie and a swami bowl; too good to pass up. Wonderful atmosphere. Pretty good service, considering the volume.
(4)
Karen G.

I'm not vegetarian. I love eating animals. I had my skepticism about this place. But, boy, oh, boy. Life Alive not only squashed my skepticism but made me a believer! Imagine everything healthy in one big bowl (or mason jar). But forget the yucky taste of eating grass. Healthy food, but delicious!
(4)
Michael B.

Had to add to their long list of rave reviews. It's amazing to look around when eating and notice how the amazingly fresh nutritious food seems to be making everyone feel better than when they walked in. It's a pretty magical place.
(5)
Jennifer C.

Heaven and such a treat!!!! Love everything especially the The Green Goddess and The Swami!
(4)
Matthew B.

I love this place for being unabashedly itself. Earthy, untamed, somewhere between sexy and simple - it all just works. My girlfriend is a consistent fan of the green goddess. My all-time favorite is the red hummus salad in a wrap, with a strong second in The Rebel. God and healthier sorts than I know what's in each one of them.. but they're all good.
(4)
Allison K.

The Demi size was perfect, and 100% enjoyed "the Adventurer". So much so that as soon as I got home from Boston I went to the grocery store and revamped my standard salad that I take to lunch with me every day. Went Monday at 11am so not crowded or chaotic like Im told the place can get.
(5)
Pamela R.

I highly recommend Life Alive to those seeking vegan/vegetarian, healthy, and nourishing food that is reasonably priced and super savory. There are few things I relish more than tucking into a Goddess bowl. Their bowls are rich, hearty, and delicious, to the point that even skeptical or fussy eaters will be satisfied and fully enjoy their meals. Grains, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and dressing combine in these bowls for an intoxicating dining experience. However, I refuse to wait in long lines or deal with crowds to place orders or be served, so I must strategically plan my trips here. Consider the overwhelming demand an endorsement: this place is wonderful.
(4)
Jon M.

At Cambridge staple, this place is fantastic if you're looking for organic, natural, vegan healthy food.
(5)
Anine W.

I love this place. The food, juices and smoothies are incredible and the ingredients are organic and fresh. My personal fave is the Green Goddess but to be honest, I love the entire menu. I am not a vegetarian but I certainly would consider it if I could eat Life Alive food every day.
(5)
Maria R.

I thought the food was pretty bad. Also super overcrowded. It's just too overdone. I like simple dishes where you can really distinguish and appreciate a taste, or a type of cuisine. This place just mixes things so much it all becomes an overdone mush, not recommended.
(1)
Ashley D.

*The Yelp 100 Challenge Today was my first time visiting Life Alive and overall I was pleased with the location, friendly staff, welcoming seating both upstairs and downstairs. I ordered: - the Life Alive (apple, beet, carrot, kale) juice with a side of bee pollen. - a demi plate of the Healer -and packaged peanut butter cookies from the register area. all for roughly $16. I sat downstairs where it was quiet, dimmer than upstairs, and a great spot for children and families to eat as there was a children's play/seating area. Overall my only complaint was the overwhelming menu as it was my first time and Im not a huge fan of ginger. A lot of their salads, warm dishes, and juices contain ginger. I do LOVE bee pollen and ordered a side of it to put in my juice as desired. I have yet to grow a fondness of nutritional yeast, it was on top of my broccoli, kate, and brown rice dish and I hate to say but ended up eating only half the dish because of the n. yeast and its strong flavor.
(3)
Flo O.

I dream about the Goddess bowl and various smoothies when I can't go there. Amazing place for vegans and vegetarians. Great, energetic vibe. Sometimes they have live music in the basement, which is definitely an added bonus!! Would highly highly recommend this place.
(4)
Erica D.

Come here if you're looking for feel-good food (think veggies and quinoa) and a chill, free-spirited atmosphere (downstairs area is the way to go). My absolute favorite place to get easy, healthy food, and it's super affordable. My favorites are The Adventurer and The Green Goddess! Their smoothies are also amazing.
(5)
Jen G.

Vegetarians -- this place is great. Non-vegetarians, I think you will like this too! Tons of salad/grain combos with delicious sauces. If I lived in Cambridge I would likely come here once a week!
(5)
Alex V.

This place is awesome! The people that work here are really nice. The food is delicious and so are the smoothies. If you're eating in, you pay at the register and take a number and seat yourself. They are usually fairly quick.
(5)
Charlena K.

As a first-timer who happened to be on a juice cleanse, I was more than pleased to visit this place with a co-worker friend of mine. The line was literally at the door (we went on a weeknight) and didn't move very fast, but overall considering it seems to be a pretty popular place with limited seating space, reasonable prices, good vibes, a uniquely decorated space including the restroom and solid customer service, I was satisfied. & Will definitely go again to try some solid foods!
(5)
Maggie M.

The best organic menu I have ever seen. I was traveling from California and looking for organic option to dine out. My local friend who demands organic food took me to Life Alive. What a find. I loved it from the first meal I had and kept going back for more. Their warm meals are to die for. The Adventurer seemed the richest and most satisfying meal. Prices are lower than reasonable for organic. Everything is prepared right there in front of you. Soups are great too. I am checking their website for ingredients and making my own warm dished at home now being back in San Francisco. Definitely a place I will return to every time I visit Boston.
(5)
Nitin G.

Healthy food that tastes great. Huge portions. The 1/2 sizes are more than 1/2. A little more variety would be good.
(4)
Joanna F.

My husband said it best when he exclaimed "It smells like hippie in here!" It sure does. We came in on a Monday night with another couple and it was packed. We waited a few minutes and luckily, a table opened up. I got the Green Goddess Bowl and a shot of wheatgrass and my husband got the Green Goddess wrap. I enjoyed my food although it could have used a little more sauce. The shot of wheatgrass tasted like a freshly mowed lawn, which is what I was expecting. Somehow there's a pound's worth of veggies in one shot which concerns and scares me, but whatever. It was worth it. Overall, I enjoyed my meal and it was definitely pure health food. You know exactly what you're getting (no mystery butter or oil in this dish). There's almost nowhere I can think of in Boston/Cambridge like this, so I'll definitely be back. My husband, on the other hand, probably will not be. :)
(4)
P M.

My biggest issue with life alive is that it's hard to try something new on the menu because the last thing I got was so good I just want it again. So many vegetarian places are flavorless and uncreative, life alive's food is a great combination of well seasoned perfectly combined ingredients. If it wasn't quite so pricey I would eat there every day.
(4)
Alexander N.

We need way more place like this in Cambridge. I come here twice a week, and I always get The Adventure and a juice. Lines can be pretty crazy but it is worth it. We need like 5 more place this in Cambridge.
(5)
Celia Z.

This was a stuffy and hippie like place, as we made our way through the crowded two story restaurant on a Saturday evening. Order at the front, try to find a table, and wait a few minutes (and after two order mix-ups) for a delectable meal. Wandering around the restaurant, we finally found a tiny table by the staircase, complete with heart shaped pillows. It definitely wasn't comfortable that the three of us had to sit in a row in this untraditional place setting, but it was "an experience" I felt so invigorated as I ate my food. Fresh, delicious, organic greens with an amazing concoction of sauces made me feel so good about my body as we shared the Goddess, the Emperor, and the Lover. My only regret was getting the small instead of the large portion. Gone with the wind--gone too fast. I know Life Alive is special when I dream about it the next day. In my dream, Life Alive had taken away the "Lover" and I was devastated that I couldn't show it to my parents, whom obviously gave me my food critic genes. Also, I was determined to make them admit that cheese is an eighth world wonder upon giving them the cheddar filled Emperor goodness, which also just happened to taken away in my dream. You know food is good when it follows you both consciously and unconsciously.
(5)
Raphie B.

Every December I find myself back in the Boston area. I eat like crap the entire time I'm there. It's true. I stuff myself with Christmas cookies, booze, and quick, cheap eats like pizza and fries. This year, though, my travel companion and I made a point to try to eat a bit better. To that end, we checked out Life Alive. I'm so glad we did. The food was fresh, tasty, filling, and we left feeling really GOOD. I had "The Innocent" which is a bowl with corn, shredded carrots, broccoli, kelpy yeast & tamari almonds over quinoa & short grain brown rice with their nutri-nama sauce. The bowl could have use a little bit more sauce, as the sauce was super tasty and without it, it just tasted like a bowl of steamed veggies. I got the red lentil hummous as a side and LOVED it. I would like some right now, in fact. Really. I would eat the hell out of some right now. Oh, just for the record, the "demi" which is the smaller size bowl, was more than enough for a really filling lunch. I ate it all, sure, but I felt STUFFED when I finished. The place has a hippy dippy vibe (maybe you already gathered that from the names of the dishes) but don't let that stop you. The food is good and healthy and your body will thank you for eating here.
(4)
Julia L.

Healthy and tasty! I've tried the adventurer and the goddess and both tasted pretty good. You should also try their smoothies and juices - I would recommend the carrot cake alive smoothie and life alive juice. Who knew that healthy food could also taste great too?
(4)
Amelia C.

Absolutely delicious, and healthy - the kind of combo I love. I had the Swami rice bowl, which was made up of brown rice served with a bounty of veggies including kale and broccoli, and seasoned with a delicious curry miso sauce and almonds and raisins. A decent-sized portion - I left full but not comatose because of the healthful ingredients. I also had the Love Alive smoothie - which was so refreshing and one of the most delicious smoothies I have ever had. The dates in it really made it unique (when I first saw that Love Alive had dates, I wasn't sure about it, but I am so glad I got it in the end because it really is amazing!). My friend loved her wrap, called The Romantic, which is filled with avocado, cheese, and broccoli. The staff here are all super friendly and nice, and seem to have a true passion for the food they make here. The people + the ambiance of Life Alive make you feel healthy and good by just being there :).
(5)
Suzy H.

LOVE LOVE LOVE. Everything here is DELICIOUS and even your non-veghead friends will love the food here. My boyfriend, who's been quite reluctant to try vegan places because he thinks i'll feed him crap, really liked the food here too! I don't feel bloated even after I stuff my face here- I usually get the demi size and it's big enough to make me really full- and I eat a lot for a girl... TRY THIS PLACE! It's usually crowded no matter what time of the day it is and the servers/cooks def have that "I'm a hipster" attitude and they sometimes give you attitude if you don't look a certain way (minus one star for this), but the food is good and service is usually 98% good. Yummo.
(4)
Julie N.

So sad to be giving this place 2 stars.. food is awesome and they've got other reviews to back that up. But in the midst of all the busy-ness, the line and confusion, our smoothie got completely mangled today. It was pretty much undrinkable. Unfortunately by the time the smoothie came out we were running late and I couldn't even go back to let them know. My poor husband who rarely complains about food, said, "this is disappointing." And it was.
(2)
Suzanne S.

This place doesn't need another positive review...but here's one anyways! Food and juices are really good. Tips: Don't wait in line, call your order in and walk right up to the register when you get there. Don't stay too long, you'll start to grow dreadlocks and rethink shaving your armpits. They do not sell bottled water, however, there is FREE water in the back. They conned me into buying coconut water once. Of course it was the best coconut water I've ever had, but still the cashier should have mentioned the free water. I also always get the demi size, I find their full portion to be big.
(4)
Mohamamd A.

This place is so good, it might convince you that you can become a vegetarian and still enjoy rich and tasty foods with very delicious dressings! I have tried The Adventurer and The Goddess till now, and loved both of them. The cosy environment (especially in the basement) and the smell of fresh vegetables is also something I really like about there.
(5)
Pooran P.

OMG , OMG , OMG .. are you thinking of eating at this cafe, don't waste any more time, just go.
(5)
Corona W.

Life Alive serves the BEST vegetarian food, ever. My favorite is The Emperor which is described as "velvety miso sauce" and "smothering cheddar cheese" over dark greens and tofu over brown rice. Every time I eat this dish, I can't believe how good it is. The service is really friendly and the food is so good!
(4)
Alejandra S.

I would give it 5 stars because of quality of food, so fresh, service and cool environment; I love this place, I go there at least twice a month, and I am never ever disappointed. So why the 4 stars? because of the waiting line. It goes out the door. It's nuts. Other than that... AWESOME!
(4)
Tiffany L.

I wish I could eat here every single day. There are so many fresh delicious foods on the menu and everything is amazing and prepared with care! The owner was there when we were eating, and she is incredibly friendly and kind. I wish this place would add another location in Harvard square!
(5)
Ezra B.

Great combination of health and taste. There smoothies are amazing, especially elvis alive, lust alive, and island alive. I ate there 5 times a week when I was in Boston. To top it off, the staff is extremely friendly.
(5)
Annah T.

The layout of the place is really obnoxious and I always feel that I'm sticking out like a sore thumb compared to the other customers but aside from that, it's awesome.
(4)
Liz B.

Wow. A friend suggested this place for dinner, and I wasn't sure what to expect, as someone not well versed in vegan food. It's very hippie, with paintings of Buddhas and swirly fonts and some kind of gardeny display by the window and art with the letters "L O V E" in a glass case. It was also pretty packed from 7 to 8 pm on a Monday...clearly Central Square folks love their healthy vegan eats. We ordered then struggled to find a table, so just sat by the bookshelf/window (full of titles such as The Idiot's guide to Psychic Healing). The food arrived about 10 minutes later, and was pretty damn good! I had a carrot, ginger, and apple juice which was delicious, as well as a demi Adventurer bowl with egg and avocado. The demi was the perfect size and filled me up well before I finished it, and I enjoyed the complex melding of strong flavors, including kale, beets, broccoli, corn, cheese, tofu, almonds, brown rice, and quinoa, as well as the nama sauce, whatever that may be. (Reading the menu was like reading a foreign language...I had no idea what many of these ingredients were). Although I love meat, I didn't miss it at all in this dish! My friend had the Innocent, and enjoyed his dish too. I also really love the relaxed, quirky, happy vibe of this place which was a welcome respite from harshness of the current weather, as well as the crankiness of many Bostonians (sorry y'all, you know I love you). The food is not cheap, but does feel nourishing and healthy with all those veggies. I'm hoping to seduce my vegan friends from other cities to come visit me here with the promise of yummy vegan eats, so thank goodness for Life Alive. However, beware of the epic farts that will explode from you afterwards. Do not eat here if you plan to get laid later in the day, unless your date has a flatulence fetish.
(4)
Jasmine T.

With a background in liberal arts, you'd think Jasmine would be prepared for a place this crunchy. The moment I and my friend opened the door, the gaseous embodiment of kale wafted by, nay, through us, inspiring me to sell my doorknob business and become a roadie for Phish. We stepped in further, as the essence rushed past us at an increasingly rapid rate. I suddenly wanted a VW Kombi. Another step, and it was though we were walking through hurricane force winds. I could almost feel my shirt tie-dying itself in the process. I tried to scream, but it came out as this raw, semi-melodic, Janis Joplin-esque shriek. I stuck my arms out, steadying myself against the doorframe as the air moved faster still. Beads of all sizes and colors flew towards me and tied themselves to my arms and neck. I suddenly wondered where the nearest drum circle was. Where the nearest compost heap was. I wanted to steal Abbie Hoffman's book and then go do barbiturates with him. I wanted dreadlocks, free love, to ban the bomb and for cruelty-free everything, now and forever. Then the door closed and, suddenly, it all became so clear. Enjoy the journey! I got the Lust Life, or something similarly named. I will say, though, I don't think this smoothie inspired anything resembling lust in anyone around me. That's probably because I was sucking on the straw so hard that my cheeks hurt the following day, trying to pull every last piece of candied ginger from the cup. Pretty groovy place, if you ask Jasmine.
(4)
Jessica B.

The best vegetarian restaurant I have ever been to. Clean, delicious and healthy food. I could eat here every day!
(5)
Julie L.

4.5 stars! This place is very hipster with cool artwork and tons of plants scattered around the restaurant. The staff is super upbeat and nice. I've been on several occasions and it's always super crowded. In fact, on Thursday night when we went, the line never got shorter than 15-20 people. We waited in line for a good 20-25 minutes to order, but the food came out fast (around 5 minutes). I had the Adventurer and my friends ordered the Goddess and the Crunchy Hippie. The Adventurer and the Goddess were a bit hit. Love the mix of fresh ingredients and delicious sauce. It's awesome that you get a choice of 2 sizes and though my eyes tend to be bigger than my stomach, I opted for the demi version and was totally satisfied (almost too full to finish but it was so good I had every last morsel). My friend who had the crunchy hippie wasn't too big of a fan - the granola/oatmeal to milk ratio was a bit off. It turned out too dry and sadly she only finished about half of the bowl. I recommend getting one of their signature dishes and a smoothie for the road!
(4)
Brandie S.

My group of vegan friends and I meet for drinks here once a month, and occasionally I will come on my own when I am craving something healthy. Pros- Their veggies are all organic and always on point. -They have an extensive description of their dishes, what's in them, down to the sauce! Which is awesome if you are trying to be healthy and omitting oils, gluten, etc. - The staff are very attentive and nice. - They have kombucha on tap! -The smoothies and juices are absolutely delicious, for a special treat I recommend the carrot cake smoothies. - There is an upstairs and a down stairs, lots of seating! -They carry vegan gluten free cookies! Score! Cons- In the summer months, they don't really put on the AC so it gets INSANELY hot, like drenched in sweat when you are walking through the door. -The line can get insanely long (especially in the summer of if there is an event in Central) Like, out the door long, 30 minute wait, long. So If I were you, I'd just order ahead and instead of waiting in line you can walk to the front and pay right away. - The bathrooms are tiny, and legit a sauna in the summer time. -When you place your order, you get a number and bring it to your table, sometimes the orders get messed up and then you have to walk all the way upstairs (if you're down stairs) to get your order fixed. If you are looking for a hippie, laid back, all natural place with a plethora of vegan options, I would most definitely recommend coming here!
(4)
Militza P.

Funky, fresh, cool. They do what they say and they do it well.
(5)
Denise G.

So happy I am staying down the street from this place! It is frequently packed but for a good reason. Food and smoothies are amazing! Worth the line. If you are in a rush, call ahead of time & your order will be ready quick!
(5)
Travis D.

Life Alive's food is, on so many levels, amazing. Bowls of richly layered grains, veggies, and flavorful and inimitable sauces (more on that later) that you cannot find anywhere else and that elevate the meals to a whole new level of delicious that you wouldn't think possible within the realm of healthy. But, I'm sorry--no casual restaurant should get away with the wait times that Life Alive does. Even at very off-peak hours (think 9 pm on a weeknight), expect a 30 to 45-minute ordering line that winds out the door, then another significant wait for the actual order. It's bad enough that I now refuse to eat here unless calling in advance to place a takeout order--and that is no easy feat either. I have never had the kind of hassle with calling a takeout order as I have with Life Alive. You really, honestly need to allot 15 minutes to get it done--10 minutes to spend trying to call in amid constant busy signals, 4 minutes to call and get placed on hold, and a final minute to place your order. Any way you look at it, the process of even getting your food at Life Alive is cumbersome at best. Sometimes when I walk by, I think to myself, "Don't you people have something better to do with your time than spend an hour of it waiting to order food?" That said: I must admit, the food is worth the wait and the frustration, making it hard to stop returning to this little oasis of deliciousness. The flavors that Life Alive concentrates into its sauces tap deep into that "must have more" nerve. Many take garlic, miso, sesame, and other savory, comforting flavors and turn them into oily, nutrient-packed, liquid gold. The "warm meals," the centerpiece of the menu, really are not technically hard to prepare--veggies layered upon grains, plus sauce and tofu or legumes--but the sauces alone are completely transformative--and crave-worthy. The staff really does try to compensate for the seemingly inherent inefficiency in the Life Alive system, but that said, the wait times a HUGE turn off, and I really really just want to see Gordon Ramsey come in here one day and show this place how to maximize its potential. But, with people eagerly signing onto the long waits day in and day out, I guess there isn't much of a motivation to change things on the business side.
(3)
Helene B.

The food here is definitely worth coming for. Delicious and unique. I find that a lot of "health food" restaurants lack in flavor, but I have never felt this way about any of the dishes I've tried at Life Alive. There is also an extensive juice and smoothie bar, but I feel that they are overpriced. While I live right down the street I am deterred from frequenting here more often because of the wait lines. The restaurant set-up gives the impression of a quick bite cafe-style or takeout place, but unfortunately that is not the case. I typically cannot get in and out in under 40 minutes because the line is out the door. I get perturbed by the lack of apparent hustle or sense of urgency by the employees. One employee was restocking napkins in an overhead cabinet while I waited for my food for 45 minutes. Surely during a rush, stocking a back-up cabinet is not the most productive use of his time. I maintain hope that someday they will develop a better and more efficient system.
(3)
Art V. B.

One of the few places in Boston where you can find decent vegan food. Bowls and juices are very tasty. Service can be sometimes erratic and forgetful, but friendly.
(4)
Kerri Y.

I'm not much of a vegetarian: I enjoy meat- alot. I feel like if there is no meat, something is missing. But Life Alive makes their food so tasty and flavorful, I don't miss the meat. Life Alive does have cheese in some of their dishes as well as the option of adding Whey- so its not hard core- but the menu items are mainly all veggie. I had the Ginger Crush juice, made with ginger, lemon, maple syrup and ice. It was so tasty. It almost had a little bit of spice to it with all the ginger. For lunch, I had the Romantic- a grilled tortilla wrap, filled with a ton of broccoli, avocado, some cheddar, and so much garlic and spices. It was delicious. If I was a vegetarian, I'd eat here all the time. I had lunch here about 3:30 on a Saturday and there was a line almost out the door. The place speaks for itself!
(4)
Caitlin M.

Love the Green Goddess and The Adventurer bowls. The sauce is amazing and the ingredients are so fresh and so clean. I also found some vegan treats here- Buddha Bars are amazing. The chocolate one is amazing! Highly recommend!
(5)
Chris D.

It's a shame its so far away from the City.
(4)
Doug M.

My spouse & I had a wonderful lunch here Thursday. I was amazed at how affordable it was - if you avoid the pricey smoothies. We spent $18 plus tip! A friend's daughter - she is Vegan & gluten-free - loves Life alive. So we had to check it out. We entered & got in line to order. I told the woman I was Vegan & gluten-free, and she said she'd take care that my order was safe, including suggesting alterations. I got a big bowl of The Innocent - seasoning sweet corn, shredded carrots, broccoli, kelpy yeast & tamari almonds over quinoa & short grain brown rice. and it was excellent. My spouse got a demi, but I forget of what; and swhe enjoyed it. I also got a ginger tea which was very good. And we took a table in the lower level where they brought us our food when it was ready.
(4)
kiva p.

When this place first opened up I was a bit disappointed because it took over the video store. When I finally went in I was amazed at the dÃ©cor of the place. the rocks, plants, books and the colorful cozy pockets of space in the downstairs area. I was really impressed and Cambridge was really fortunate to have such a gem! I ordered Green Goddess and it was marvelous the kale, broccoli and sprouts are a go to for me. I got island alive which is a fantastic mix of banana, and almond milk/ice cream and just a tropical experience in a Mason jar. The bowls and jars are really simplistic and it's one of the qualities I really like about this spot. I can spend hours in this place and feel guilt free after eating a meal in here! I wished they catered but the food would definitely lose its savor if they were to attempt to.....le sigh.
(4)
Alex G.

I'd give this double the stars if I could. As the extended name suggests, this is a true urban oasis with a funky and earthy vibe. I have passed this place by for months, but realized only after the first time I ate here (last week) that Ii should have been going every week. It has enough great things on the menu to get omnivores to realize they can cut out the meat and still feel satisfied. I'd recommend their Adventurer or Swami Bowls. Additionally their Loco Coco Alive is the perfect healthy dessert for chocolate ice cream/ chocolate shake lovers This is someplace great to take friends, but I'd even go alone. It is the best healthy restaurant/fresh fast casual in Cambridge. Eating here will motivate you to continue with other healthy choices. Prices are appropriate and service is good.
(5)
Jennifer T.

I call Life Alive the Palace of Flatulence, because in my kinder, gentler, non-carnivorous moments, I come here to gorge myself on sprouted legumes until I'm embarrassing to be around. I just never seem to internalize that crucial life lesson: Take Beano before and there will be no gas. I've tried many of their juices and house kombucha and have never been disappointed. The salads are no joke. The warm meals, also pretty great. You'll end up staring at the menu forever trying to figure out what the hell the difference is between the Warrior and the Poet, only to arrive at the conclusion that it's the vinaigrette, or, like, one ingredient--this one has pepitas and that one has cashews. But just go with the Mystic Mountain. Or just throw a dart at the menu, because everything is uniformly tasty and gives you a phyto-nutrient high. (Be advised--some of their juices contain raw garlic, which may be awesome for deterring vampires, but it also deters getting laid as well.) I think my one major complaint is about the speed of service. Question: How many hippy-dippy California transplants does it take to run a Life Alive? Answer: 43. One to prepare your juice, one to slap some dressing on your sprouted legumes, and forty-one to stand around the register shooting the shit about yoga and reiki attunements and organic gardening. The last time I visited, which was several weeks ago, I swear I must have stood there for about a century while the girl taking my order had an entire conversation using my credit card to gesticulate with, while I had to endure the accusatory looks from everyone standing in the line behind me. JUST RUN THE CARD! Having visited both locations (Cambridge and Salem) it would appear that this is common problem. Perhaps I'm too Bostonian to appreciate the casual, laid-back atmosphere, but damn it, when I need kombucha, I need it, like, yesterday. Let's hire some time lords, Life Alive. Also, hiring fewer hippies means you have to pay fewer hippies. Pass the savings onto us!
(4)
Michael I.

This is my favorite place (not just restaurant, but PLACE) in Boston. I bring first dates here, I bring friends here, I study here, I eat here. What I cook for myself at home has been inspired by this place. Yea, so what if there are sometimes long lines. It's a city! Look around, get your nose out of your iphone, and strike up a conversation with the good-looking people around you who are also waiting. Leave your downtown, "everybody is just in my way" mentality on the other side of the river and in just a few patient minutes, you will have your amazing food. I've met some really interesting people here, and in my opinion, that's part of the spirit of this place.
(5)
McCalla O.

I can't seem to stay away from this place. I've tried some of the other quick vegetarian places in the area and have been sorely disappointed with the lack of freshness and flavor, so I didn't expect much. But OMG was I wrong! Everything is fresh, fresh, fresh! I love the combinations and the sauces. Their hot sauce that you find on the counter..Dancing..something (?); I can not get enough of it, I crave it, they really need to bottle it and sell it. Hint, Hint!! The decor is lovely, if not a little hippyish, but I don't mind. I really dig the couches downstairs that allow you to sink into your own private healthy heaven. And they have tons of books to read. The food is great for the body and the rest of it is just good for the soul.
(5)
Erica L.

This is my go-to takeout place when I'm feeling like I haven't been eating well lately, or when I need to accommodate a vegan friend. (Although Veggie Galaxy, down the street, is also vegan friendly.) They serve bowls, wraps and smoothies. The bowls and wraps are made with brown rice, quinoa or another healthy grain. There are a lot of vegetables and it's mixed in a sauce made of miso, ginger, etc. The smoothies I get are usually mixtures of fruit, some sort of dairy free milk substitute such as coconut ice cream and sometimes spices like ginger. The smoothies are very filling - almost enough for a meal on their own. Life Alive is definitely projecting a hippie kind of vibe. They are obviously very proud of their organic food sourcing and their vegan/vegetarian friendly menu. The space itself is colorful and filled with odd nick-knacks and books. Their staff and customers would fit in at Woodstock. I feel a little out of place walking in wearing a standard t-shirt and jeans. The staff is friendly and the service is fast. Life Alive is always busy, but they have a large seating area in the basement, so I have always found a place to sit when I'm eating there. The only reason I'm giving 4 instead of 5 stars is that the food doesn't wow me like that of some of the other restaurants nearby. Still, I've always been happy with what I've gotten from Life Alive, and I will go there again when I want a quick veggie heavy meal.
(4)
Natalie B.

I would pay big bucks to learn how they make their sauces. BIG bucks. The healer is my favorite, I love that nutri-lemon flax sauce. There is something about their rices, it just melts in your mouth when its smothered in that lemony goodness. This is my go-to place to take visitors.
(5)
Samantha G.

I am (definitely) not a vegan but wanted to check this place out for the juice. I did get a juice (overpriced) and it was decent. Main issue with this place is the seating. Not a lot of places to sit and many people even on weekends seem to camp out here all day and study and act oblivious when 15 other people are walking around with food in their hands trying to find a place to sit and eat....a little annoying for a SUPER busy cafÃ©. Might be back for juice if I'm in the area, but probably wouldn't make a special trip here. Btw- I went around 3pm and it was still swamped so I can't imagine going at lunchtime.
(3)
Rachel R.

From the assortment of homemade kombucha (jasmine, please), to the fact that the word "greens" on the menu implies kale, to the use of FoMu ice cream in their shakes and raw cheddar on their entrees... Life Alive is has got it going on. Plus, it's not homogeneously hippie-dippy. Don't be intimidated if you're unfamiliar with vegan food/don't have dreads, there is a place for you. Let's save the best for first and get right to the point: the Swami bowl. I am flabbergasted/enraged by the idea of someone not enjoying sweet curry miso sauce, tamari almonds, raisins, shredded carrots, broccoli, dark greens, pearl onions, and nutritional yeast over quinoa (it normally comes with brown rice, but I'm that guy.) Add avocado to get even closer to enlightenment. The Sufi Poet salad is also a stand-out, although the dressing is somewhat bitter. How to remedy it? Just get the sweet curry miso on the Sufi Poet. Get the sweet curry miso on everything. On a spoon, in a hat, with a cat. Yet another perk of Life Alive: everything is customizable. Admittedly, the concept is a wee tad pretentious (not to mention redundant... Life Alive? Come on.) but somehow, wholesome goodness practically oozes from the ethnically-decked-out walls downstairs. However, a bowl and drink composed entirely of plant matter usually ends up costing around $15 bucks, so be prepared to shell out for that groovy feelin'.
(4)
Joanna M.

Loved this place! Atmosphere is amazing and food and smoothies are so good! Try the green goddess if you don't know what to choose--I was glad I did! Do expect to wait though, for such a popular place it takes some time to get to the front of the line but once you do getting your food and finding a seat shouldn't be too much of a problem!
(4)
Sarah J.

This is one of my absolute favorite casual places to eat in Cambridge. The food is always so fresh and delicious. And the smoothies -- my GOD! Blended perfection. The coconut alive is my favorite, but most of my friends and coworkers are crazy about the Elvis (peanut butter, banana, cocoa, non-dairy ice cream -- it's pretty fabulous). Lots of garlic, so be aware if you're not a fan. The lines can get crazy, but if you're in a hurry, you can call ahead for take out and skip the line. In my opinion, the proportions are smaller when you order to go, but that might just be my imagination.
(5)
Clay N.

Life Alive is fantastically delicious and they don't try to be something they are not which is to replicate non-vegetarian form in vegeatrian form. Instead they concoct dellicious bowls, salads and wraps that are nutitious, filling, and so yummy! My personal favorite is the swami bowl which I top with some butternut squash in the winter and is absolutely divine, I also have had the adventurer and green goddess which are both awesome. People also rave about the hot-sauce here as a random aside. In addition. they have very good smoothies which are a great go-to post workout. I've had the Elvis and the Berry alive in addition to the Ginger Crush and all are delicious. This place is always full but the line moves quickly and I think you can call ahead to pick up your food when you get there which can shortcut your time to deliciousness!
(4)
Eric F.

Having a 4.5 star average with over several hundred reviews is no easy feat and after a couple visits, I got to see the awesomeness for myself. It's hard as hell to find (legitimately) healthy restaurants with such focus on real food and here, it's unbelievable how they can make such delicious delishes devoid of animal-sourced goodness. I went with a demi of "The Lover" and I loved the perfect cooking of the Shiitake shrooms and all the veggies, doused in just the right amount of Ginger Nama Shoyu sauce. Meaty, crunchy, refreshing and creamy all at the same time with a delightful kick of gingery spice. In terms of price and portions, the smaller demi size was surprisingly ample and I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to get a full bowl next time. As for juices, I haven't quite acquired the taste for pure veggie juice so the Jive Alive was really overwhelming. The Life Alive, on the other hand, was balanced out nicely by apple and shined as a nutritional powerhouse. For anyone who enjoys healthy eating or even those just up for trying something different, Life Alive should definitely be on the places to hit up!
(4)
Stefanie J.

One of the best vegetarian restaurants I've ever been to (and I'm from Los Angeles, so I feel like that's saying something). My go to is the Green Goddess with squash and drenched in their hot sauce. I think they could probably simplify the menu a little because a lot of the dishes substantially overlap in ingredients, but that is a super minor complaint. They also have a great juice bar.
(4)
Pooja D.

Great vegetarian food! I'm an Indian and only eat meat when I know the vegetarian options aren't going to be as tasty. I never knew you could get such flavorful non-Indian vegetarian food! We had the alchemist and swami hot foods. One came with quinoa and the other with brown rice. We also got additional recommended toppings - almonds (crunchy divinity), avocados, squash. Their sauces are amazing. I would recommend getting the Demi sized portion if you are having their brown rice and the full sized portion if you are getting the quinoa. We also liked their vibrant alive smoothie that had strawberries, ginger, lemon juice, bananas, dates and maple syrup. To top it off - they have live music every Thursday. Very cool! We are certainly going back!
(5)
Alicia B.

This place is AMAZING. I was so excited when my boyfriend told me he found a delicious vegan cafe/juice bar!! Being from NYC I've tried tons of juice bars and all sorts of vegan restaurants, but this one sets itself apart! Walking in just smells like healthy heaven. It's cute and cozy and has a little downstairs to enjoy food as well. The food is so unique (that's what sets it apart), but so nutritious and delicious! I ordered the demi of The Explorer salad and my boyfriend got The Green Goddess. Both were delicious, but I have to admit I liked his a little better. The portions are large, and I was definitely satisfied with the demi size. The juice we ordered was full of flavor and just what I was looking for. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves eating healthy/whole foods. And if you don't...go anyway!! This will definitely be my go-to when I'm back in town.
(5)
Mark R.

Amazing!...wish we had one in Colorado...i could eat every meal here. Food is so fresh, healthy, and tasty, and they don't waste anything. Just bummed they open so late on Sunday...i can't get a juice before Yoga class :)
(5)
Nadia N.

Love it - and I am not a hipster! This place is crazy busy. Great juices and salads. I haven't had a smoothie, but it is next on my list:-) the layout is a little weird, and they seem to need more staff or maybe equipment, because you have a bit of a wait to get your stuff. A fav.
(4)
Stephen S.

Oh sweet heaven, can I keep you? Life Alive is one of those places I wish I could take with me to every city I live it. It's a casual place that spins out simple yet delicious vegetarian food. The menu might look a little overwhelming but my advice to navigate it is to decide (1) if you're in the mood for a wrap, rice bowl, or salad, (2) what are your key flavors, this will help you determine the dressing and main veggies you're going for, (3) add the extras if you want to really make it yours. They also have a good selection of juices, smoothies, and housemade kombucha. Great stuff!
(4)
Snowdrops C.

Really refreshing and good quality salad. Good quantity too. Highly recommended.
(4)
Nicole L.

All around excellence! The perfect place to get a fresh meal in Cambridge. I always felt energized after eating a meal from the place. And the de-lish bowls (The Emperor) made for many of lunches when I lived in the Boston area.
(5)
Joyce T.

Oh hell no. The girl at the register had a nasty, condescending attitude. I can go home and put ginger and kale into a blender too ya know. I get that high-volume places can be trying in terms of customer service, but this employee takes the cake. There's no point going out to an establishment if the atmosphere is lousy or customer service is EXPLICITY RUDE, especially if you can make this stuff at home. Don't waste your money here.
(1)
Suji C.

I cannot get this place out of my mind and taste buds! Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike can become foodie friends at this place. It's truly incredible and may seem unbelievable, but I speak truth. The Adventurer bowl is a personal fave, esp. with the kale, cheese, almond and corn toppings. But the other bowls are generally delicious b/c of their addictive sauces, so choose one to your liking. Plus, I recommend adding in a bit of their passion hot sauce, if you can handle it. - also, ridiculously addictive. Life alive can seem pricey, given that you're paying for brown rice and veggies. BUT, my justification is that I am getting my dose of amazingly healthy, organic veggies (for once) and enjoying every bite to the fullest. Just glad I don't live in Central. I would be tempted to come here errday...
(5)
Akhila K.

Totally worth it and an especially great spot for lunch. AMAZING vegan/vegetarian food you can't find anywhere else!
(4)
Jamie W.

Healthy and tasty. So glad that this place came to Cambridge. There is another one in Salem. Good vegetarian food and hangout. Informal atmosphere. Great ginger and namu shoy sauce. Lots of brown rice dishes. The colors and taste of the food mesmerize. Pick something at random from the menu. You cannot go wrong. Only issue is the length of the line at weekends. Suggest order by phone and take out when busy.
(5)
Y. R.

Have only been there once for a friend's birthday dinner. Was skeptical at first but my plate/meal was totally filling, satisfying, and delicious; and this is coming from an omnivore. I will be back.
(5)
Matt B.

I'm very torn on my experience with this place. Working in Central Square, the available lunch options gets old after a while, so while I am not generally a veggie kind of guy, I looked up the menu online, found an item that sounded pleasant (Kiddie Quesadilla, to which I added steamed broccoli and sun-dreid tomatoes), and went around the corner to grab it for take out. I knew the place can be busy as I've walked by a lot and seen the lines, but going in for the first time I was put off by the lack of space in the upstairs area which gets dominated very quickly by Robin Hood's band of merry earthy-crunchies waiting in line... The line moved somewhat slowly considering each person was only ordering one or two things, but not so slowly that I would feel compelled to leave. After ordering though, I sat and waited over 20 minutes for my wrap, which then came to me squashed into a tiny cardboard box. During that wait, I had plenty of time to really scope the place out. Behind the counter, the prep areas were packed even more tightly than my wrap. There appeared to be about 8 or 9 people packed into that small space at any given time, with waitstaff wandering in and out... one of whom had long and messy hair with no hair net. You're handling people's meals, AND running back and forth into tiny prep areas with ratty hair hanging out all around your face... I'm guessing that more than a few hairs make it into the food. Furthermore, near the door was a large, uncovered container with peanut butter in it, which (along with the customers waiting toward the back of the line) was frequently splashed as one of the guys making smoothies washed carrots (and then used blender jars) in the sink that couldn't have been 2 feet away. I didn't actually see them use that peanut butter in a smoothie, but I am sure they are. The sandwich itself was quite tasty, but could have benefited from less cramped packaging. The broccoli and tomatoes tasted fresh and the cheese was suitably cheddary, and the wheat wrap was... well... a wheat wrap is always a wheat wrap, isn't it? While the food tasted good, the questionable sanitation in the prep areas exacerbated by the in and out of the waiter with the wild mane- plus the ridiculous wait time- have pretty much guaranteed I won't be back. Particular considering what it costs, I expect better... and rightfully so.
(2)
Maya M.

Since my last review on the sub-par service at Life Alive, the management there made a concerted effort to understand the problem and rectify it. I really appreciate them taking their customer feedback seriously and working towards improving themselves!
(4)
Elisa L.

There is no reason it should take 20 minutes to get a juice when there was no line ahead of me. It was so backed up there was no way to tell who was waiting to pick up or who was ordering. I wish I got a refund since the juice was very pricey for the size and ingredients.
(1)
Leanne C.

I was torn at about 2.5 stars, then reading their Mission Statement they cite their fast-food-feeling intentions, so I felt I couldn't hate as much because they're aware of it. Alright... where to begin... The good or the bad first? Good: Vibrant colored walls. Fresh vegetables. Reasonably priced. Wheat grass and fresh juices. Bad: Strong compulsion to kick yuppies in the teeth. An overall lacking flavor profile for the few things I tried. Dry, dry, dull hummus. Super sweet, disappointingly over-acidic kombucha. Not enough utilization of their GIANT mound of ginger in the food. Hoarders. Whole wheat tortillas. Only. No raw/swiss chard wrap option...? C'mon... Panera feel. Like, 100%. Bring your dishes to the trash and awkward hangout-loungy not-for-eating seating. I think I'll just continue to go down the street to Veggie Galaxy. They may not have kale as much of the time, but they're cheaper and you don't feel annoyed/crowded/rushed.
(3)
X X.

We've never had a bad meal here! I challenge the owners to go completely vegan, it wouldn't take much altering of their current menu.
(5)
Jari G.

After all the hype about this place I was most disappointed when I finally went. The vegetable to rice ratio was too heavy on the rice side in their Adventure Bowl...you are basically eating a large portion of rice with a handful of vegs on top...and the vegetables were smoothered in too much sauce. Very crowded (over 20 min line to even place your order) & noisy and no where to sit -- people had to stand up eating their meal. This location is more of a take out or fast food type of atmosphere than sit down dining. Nothing on their menu was labeled as gluten free except a few sauces so it was very cumbersome trying to order something as you had to go through every ingredient in a dish asking how it was prepared to make sure it was gluten free -- the person taking the order wasn't informed so they had to stop and ask someone else if something was gluten free. Most infuriating was the snide comment she made "are you allergic or something ... is that why you are asking about whether the items are gluten free?" to which I had to reply that yes -- I get very sick if I eat gluten so I have to be careful. She could have chosen her words more carefully (or had a bit less of an attitude because I was taking longer than normal to get my order in because of so many questions). I was aware that I was holding up the line by asking questions, but maybe if their menu clearly listed what dishes were gluten free then I wouldn't have to go through the ingredient list one by one to make sure I didn't get sick. Only way I'd go here again is to do take away and then tell them to cut down the amount of rice they put in their bowls & put the sauce on the side. I've been a vegetarian for over 40 years and this place isn't anything special -- I guess if you're a meat eater, then it opens up a whole new world for you, but for me it was barely tolerable. I like the taste of vegetables ... for people that aren't vegetarians they probably like the fact that the vegetables are covered in so much sauce that you can barely taste what vegetable you're eating...all you're tasting is the sauce. For me, not so much. I ate about 1/4 of the dish and took the rest home -- I'll add more vegetables myself to make it a good dish to eat. The only good part of the meal was the Elvis smoothie.
(2)
Michael C.

A quick update to my earlier review. After coming here on almost a weekly basis for the last 6 months, Life Alive is getting an upgrade to 5 stars. It t took me a little bit to discover my favorite items. The way this place throws together veggies to make them taste spectacular is true food wizardry at its finest. In addition they have a great selection of eclectic beers and wine as well as some gourmet chocolates that I've never seen anywhere else. For smoothies: Loco Coco - Chocolate coconut flavor The Elvis - Peanut butter and jelly flavor Carrot Cake - Hands down the best smoothie I've had in memory, it really does taste like carrot cake For meals (calling them salads isn't a good description): The Emperor - My go to contains a velvety miso sauce, cheddar coated brown rice, with carrots, greens, and I add raisins and avocado along with other veggies that I couldn't place. This is slightly sweeter. Swami - Very similar to the above with the exception that it uses a curry sauce on the rice instead of cheddar. Go for this if your into indian food or want something more savory. A last tip, this place gets extremely busy, do yourself a favor and once you know what you like here. Call ahead and pick it up, you pick up the food at the register and bypass the line. If you want to be extra sneaky, they are still happy to let you eat it there on a take out order.
(5)
Joanie C.

Life Alive is a good place to go if you want to order, eat and leave within an hour. It's like the fast-food of the vegetarian/vegan world. Everything is steamed; therefore, you won't have to wait too long for your food. The place is crowded and small, looong lines to get to the register (this is where you order...hopefully you will have had enough time to read the menu up on the board behind the register or the paper menus which you can grab by the counter). After placing your order, you have to try to find a seat either upstairs in the very crowded, noisy area, or downstairs (which reminds me of a my parents' "cellar" when I was a young teen trying to give it a psychedelic look....dark, purple paint, peace symbols,.. will someone pass the peace pipe please kind of vibe, if you know what I mean). It's definitely a throw-back theme. As for the food: One of the reviews by Lauren stated how she ordered and paid for avocado but never received. This has happened to me on not one, but SEVERAL occasions. The dishes are not made consistently well, some have too much sauce poured on them, others have missing ingredients, but the flavor is usually very good. What makes them 'different' are the sauces. The Swami is my favorite, but I have tried their salads and wraps, also. Their lentil soup is great! If you're looking for good tasting food at a very good value, I would recommend. Three stars only though for atmosphere. Too loud with a not so clean feeling at the tables due to the high volume turnaround perhaps. Staff can't keep up with cleaning the tables.
(3)
Liri K.

What can I say, I just LOVE this place. Tried it 4 times before writing this review. Each time shared different items with friends, so I pretty much covered the whole menu by now. I love their Swami (dish with curry sauce) and also their udon noodles dish (not so much the udon soup). I love their fresh juices. I also like that I can finish the meal with a flavorful chai tea and a vegan Liz Lovely cookie (I cut out dairy and eggs a few months ago, so such cookies are treats!) Go and enjoy.
(5)
Allison R.

I am not vegan, nor could I ever be, but I could maaybe subsist on only Life Alive smoothies. I first tried the Chai Alive last fall when I was working in Central Square and saw I could save a whopping $1 if I paid with LevelUp. Now I try to stop in once every couple of weeks for my smoothie fix. Hey, they're a meal I can drink and they're healthy too. Elvis Alive with peanut butter? Check. Love Alive with bananas and strawberries? Yup. I just noticed I can add whey. I'm totally geeking out. I've never even tried the solid foods. Uh oh.
(5)
G G.

Food wise, this place is fantastic (5 stars). However the customer service and long lines are ridiculous, there is almost no time of day you can get food in less than thirty minutes! If they could train their staff better and speed up customer service, this place would easily be five stars.
(3)
Brittany H.

I forget I'm in Cambridge when I go to this place. It's got this hippie-yoga like-all natural, "would you like legumes with that?" kind of feel to it. Well hello California, I didn't know you found a little nook in Mass. I'm saying this as a California native. This place could be in Berkeley. On to the food: It is all fantastic. I don't think you can go wrong. It all basically tastes the same because it is all basically the same which means it's all awesome. Get it in a bowl. The wrap just doesn't do it justice.
(5)
Jessica N.

I absolutely love this place! I have been 4 times in the past 2 weeks, and not a single thing I've tried disappoints. I've had the Hot and healthy bachelor wrap, alchemist bowl and emperor bowl (my favorite, with vegan cheese!). Whether you are vegetarian, vegan or a meat-eater like myself, you will definitely find something delicious and full of flavor at Life Alive. Their food is incredibly fresh, and keeps me full for hours- without that post-Thanksgiving dinner feeling. I haven't tried any of their fresh juices or smoothies yet, but any place that brews their own (fabulous!) kombucha is a winner in my book.
(5)
Alexa R.

The 3rd Wednesday of the month is too busy. I blame all those Vegans. The waitstaff also take phone orders, which slows the line down. I don't like that the Vegan items are not clearly marked on the menus. The food is delicious, on the healthier side. I usually get a meal and a smoothie and then later I need dessert, but I prefer to go to Veggie Galaxy for that.
(4)
Cosmo S.

tl;dr: The Green Goddess is amazing and I wish I could afford to eat it 3 times a day Life Alive is my absolute all-time favorite restaurant in Boston. I always order the Green Goddess because it is so incredibly delicious I don't even feel the need to bother trying something else. The sauce is really garlicky and spicy and wonderful. The portions are pretty big, I always get a demi bowl and feel very full afterwards. One time I was craving beans and they happened to have 3 bean chili as their soup of the day, and that was delicious too. They have kombucha on tap and I usually get the ginger flavor mixed with another flavor, like berry. They also carry Harmless Harvest coconut water, yum! I have also gotten the Ginger Crush juice, which is delicious but very spicy and so I don't always order it because the Green Goddess is spicy enough on its own. I got a smoothie once, but it was made with dried fruit which was a little off-putting in terms of texture.
(5)
Das E.

In general the ingredients are (purported to be) of quite high quality (organic, etc), and this is of course the singular selling point of the establishment. On all other fronts, however, there remains much to be desired. There seem to be but two options (bowel or wrap...how creative), and in either case almost every item tastes basically the same: a pile of extremely over-priced vegetables mixed with herbs and spices. Also I am not at all attracted to this 'fast casual' style of dining where one approaches the feed counter to submit an order to slaving hippies righteously liberated by working in 'enlightened food service' on the other side of the register. In general I feel like I'm visiting a child care center, and likely I'll not return. If the value were to be a bit increased perhaps, but not otherwise.
(2)
Priyanka A.

Delicious, vegan/vegetarian, good portion sizes. Everything about Life Alive is great, except the long wait (this place gets crowded!) and difficulty finding a seat most times of the day. I love, love, love the smoothies.
(5)
Laure H.

Love the green goddess. Fresh, tasty, it is my second time eating here in 2 times in town. I will be back.
(4)
Peter S.

Quite simply the healthiest tasty food at a good price. It it were located closer, I'd be here almost every day. Friendly staff. My only knock is the gals taking the order are sometimes too friendly. There can be a long line of people ready to order & the order staff will engage in a conversation with a customer. Perhaps I'm in too much of a hurry. Anyway I love this place
(5)
Vanessa P.

This. Place. Is. Amazing. Seriously! I was skeptical, and avoided it for a few weeks after moving to Central since the lines always seemed unmanageable. However, after trying my first bowl (the "Rebel"), I am hooked! Their ingredients are so fresh and flavorful, I legitimately do feel healthier after eating anything from here. So far the rebel and the green goddess are my favorites, as well as the Elvis smoothie (banana + peanut butter = heaven). Pro-tip: Download the LevelUp app and save $1 the first time you pay with the app.
(5)
Priyanka R.

I hate to be the party pooper on a place with mostly 4 & 5 stars. I just didn't like the food here. It tastes like someone raided the vegetable section of a supermarket and just decided to toss different combinations together. I even gave this place 2 tries, so give me a little credit for making the effort, oh and the $20 I will never get back. My first time I tried this place, I tried the Hot & Healthy Bachelor - basically tasted like someone took A LOT of spinach and decided to put it in a wrap.... and put it on my plate... my dumb ass decided to pay $9 for it. What a waste. Okay so maybe I picked the wrong dish? So I tried again. My second time I tried The Dreamer - all the ingredients again were dry and just tasted like vegetables thrown together. I don't know what this style of food is, but I refuse to pay almost $10 for a wrap that takes 4 milliseconds to throw together... and is barely edible. Personally, I don't understand what all the hype is about this place. The one star is for the cute interior with the plants, and the trendy lower level where you can sit and eat.
(1)
Cindy K.

I stumbled on this fabulous cafe today, my first stop after arriving in Boston from Chicago. The place was buzzing with people for a good reason. The food is terrific. The vegetarian menu was so intriguing with a variety of bowls, wraps, salads and smoothies. Not typical by any means, very well conceived, totally fresh and made to order in front of you. Bravo! Very creative and fun. My only complaint is that there isn't one in Chicago!
(5)
Tom M.

Like many other businesses staffed by alt-20-somethings (I'm looking at you City Feed), the wait times are awful. If there is any one person accountable for the operation of Life Alive, they are doing an awful job. It seems more likely that the place is run as an anarcho-syndicalist commune because the only explanation for the food prep times is at-will hula hoop / hacky sack breaks. BUT! When it finally arrives, the food is absolutely fantastic. I could probably eat "The Adventurer" every day. I'm not so crazy about the "smoothies", which paradoxically I found too chunky for my taste. The entrees are so simultaneously healthy, tasty, and filling, they make me want to tattoo Ganesh on my thigh and get some reiki done on my fixie.
(4)
Iris M.

I usually go for a demi goddess and I love it so much that I haven't tried much else. It's so delicious and I always feel full and never heavy or bogged down. After having the miso soup a few times, I've decided to let it go. It isn't that great. The smoothies are delicious...when they make them right. The quality really seems to depend on the mood of whoever is working that day. I do stop in occasionally for a smoothie though because, well, I LOVE smoothies to bits, especially when a bunch of sugar and stuff in plastic bottles isn't added. There are so many crunchy hipsters that care more about 'looking the part' then providing good customer service. Most of them are ambivalent or downright rude. The line is usually out the door, not because it's really that busy (I've worked in a busy cafe before), but because there's about 7 people behind the counter at all times and everyone seems to be going at their own pace. It's so disorganized. You'll never see anyone hurrying to give you your order in less than 15 minutes...even when it's a slow day. I think this restaurant can be really great if they start hiring attentive people who enjoy helping others and providing a good experience.
(2)
Niamh P.

Was in Boston for the weekend and found this place. Really amazing wraps. So amazing in fact that during our 3 day stay in Boston we visited this place twice. Both times I got the Goddess wrap with added avocado and garlic. My husband got the Warrior the first time and the Explorer the second time. Everything was super tasty and we left feeling really great. Organic whole foods.... who woulda thought? :P If we find ourselves in Boston again, I'm sure we will make our way over to Life Alive. Maybe I will be more adventurous and try something new...
(5)
Ilya S.

Whoever came up with the idea for raw ingredients is a genius. This place is amazing - I have never had anything like what they serve. Delicious vegan meals at reasonable prices! I'm going to go through the entire menu. The only negative thing I have to say is that downstairs table was sticky. Everything else was great.
(5)
Anne W.

I absolutely tried eating here all the time. Then I got a little sick of eating here all the time, but I was actually sad because it is just that good. In fact, if they could just share their sustainable model of healthy food prep with schools, hospitals, corporate cafeterias, and the rest of America... I think they'd have a huge impact on how to show healthy cooking for cents on the dollar. Please everyone go there and keep them in business. I'll come back when I'm ready for the Green Goddess bowl again. Or the Swami. Or pretty much any of it!! Also, yay for real juice bars. Seriously Cambridge? This is the only juice bar you have? I'd be okay if Life Alive branched out and just sold juice in smaller locations around the city. Or bottled it and sold it locally.
(5)
Allie S.

Life alive is one of those perfect things that is delicious, healthy, and affordable. And, my boyfriend says the music is good:)
(5)
Michele H.

Healthy, fresh food in a zen, hippie setting. Dishes tend a bit on the bland side, but they aren't doing anything unkind to your heart or waistline. Something about this place reminds me of the Mate Factor in Ithaca, NY, a tea shop staffed by a hippie members of a (pretty benign) cult. I guess what I mean is that people here may be a bit zealous about carrot juice.
(4)
Catherine D.

It's rabbit food.
(2)
Diana T.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! I especially love that they serve tap water & don't sell bottled water. Amazing, socially responsible, delicious!
(5)
Taylor Z.

I was really blown away by the quality of the food here. I came in a group of six, most of whom are carnivores ... ALL of us LoVED our VEG. food and we couldn't wait to return for more... It was so hard to choose what to order, because everything from their wraps to salads and soups sounded awesome. I ordered THE GREEN GODDESS bowl which was filled with chard, avocados, tofu garlic with a tahini sauce ... it was so good and I would order it again next time ...but they have so many other good looking menu options that I think when I go back, I want to experiment with something new. However, my sister who lives in the area always gets the GG when she comes ... so this is a good one if you are not sure what to get. I also had an ELVIS smoothie, which was an INDULGENT little drink that consisted of peanut butter, almond milk, cocoa, and banana. It was very busy here and the line was out the door, but they move quickly and we didn't have to wait very long for our food. I could be hard to find a table though, during these rush hours like dinner (we came at 7 or 8pm). I personally did not like the ambient ... kind of hippie-ish ... really bright walls of purple and yellow ... sweaty bikers coming in sitting at the table across from us .... re-wrapping her sprained foot (i assume sprained??) kinda gross. BUT the food was so great, I made a conscious effort to not really care so much about the other stuff
(4)
Tanya S.

Delicious vegan food - my favorite part is the fresh juices that they make right in front of you. Very friendly staff, although be ready for a bit of a wait.
(4)
Brianna Z.

I've been here a few times before and haven't experienced a high volume of customers in the past. Although I've been vegan for almost 4 years, I'll admit I'm not one of those crunchy hippie types, and I love my fake bacon and greasy onion rings...but eating at Life Alive always makes me want to embrace my inner health nut. As an avocado addict, I usually opt for the Green Goddess bowl, and I swap out the rice for quinoa so I can get some extra protein and fiber. The bowls are so filling, packed with large portions of genuinely healthy food, priced so reasonably that I'm pretty sure it would cost more for me to replicate the same dishes at home. Their "coffee" made with dandelion greens and chicory root makes my body a lot happier than the hard stuff down the street at Starbucks, and it tastes amazing in the iced-mocha-esque Loco Coco Alive smoothie. Headed here today for an early supper (around 5:30 pm) and found it was packed with people. Everyone in my party was pleasantly surprised by how efficiently the staff handled the huge crowd. This was my first time dining in rather than taking my order to go, and since it was so noisy and busy upstairs, we headed to the lower level to eat. The downstairs dining area was well-insulated from the upstairs noise, plus had dimmed lighting and a generally cozy feel. Our server brought us our food very quickly and was nice enough to chat with us for a bit even though she was clearly swamped. The level of service was excellent and we didn't feel rushed at all.
(5)
Joe T.

Healthy, wholesome, and delicious. It tastes like something one's mother would serve one. I got a warm, comforting wrap with tofu, avocado, rice, and unique, yet mild, flavorings. I will definitely be returning here. It's impressive that the restaurant can make such delicious food with such healthy ingredients!
(5)
Kathleen F.

Amazing wholesome organic food that tastes delicious and is made fresh, lots of seating indoors and some outdoor seating too, tasty juices, smoothies, and wine---can there be a Life Alive on every street corner?! I love their bowls, especially if you get one for lunch b/c it's so filling you can often split it and have half for dinner too, or just gobble it up your choice! The staff can really push through the bigger rushes too which is pretty impressive since they are chopping up veggies and pulling cooked grains for each of these dishes. I haven't been here yet for some of their evening performances but definitely want to check one out soon. Seriously though, there need to be more Life Alives in the Boston area because it is really one of the only places you can get such wholesome awesomeness in an enjoyable setting to boot!
(5)
Tammy K.

The long line of yoga mat toting females was slightly intimidating, but I will try any place with 4+ stars on Yelp and a LevelUp bonus! The Green Goddess was a delicious, garlic-y delight, and it washed down perfectly with a cold beer (they have an interesting selection of bottled beer) and a raw juice. The only downside is that the dishes are a little expensive (~$10-15).
(4)
Sunny B.

I love coming here because the food is so good and also because I am doing something good for myself (I don't eat veggies too often but this place could seriously convert me to vegetarianism!) They use an amazing ginger sauce in their signature Goddess dish that is a THRILLMENT to the senses.
(4)
W. W.

Why two stars? 1. The menu looks complicated but that's only because there's writing everywhere. Most of the food is exactly the same, save one or two ingredients that are different. 2. Staff is not always great--the first time I went, I waited in front of the cashier for two minutes while she spoke with another cashier, then one left to do something else and the other continued to do some bill counting. I think the manager finally helped me out after she looked over while on her way to the bathroom or something. Except for her, everyone else on staff as a stuffy attitude. 3. When you do get your meal, you realize that you could have made it at home, in a steamer. Why are you paying 10 bucks for tasteless veggies that are just chopped and steamed? Ugh...my excuse is that I got pressured into going the second time. The smoothies look good but they're $6 for a 12 oz cup--sorry, not worth it. I usually don't pay for something that I can make at home--you're better cooking from home than going to Life Alive. BTW, there is no air circulation in the place so it's always hot and (literally) stuffy. Wear a t-shirt!
(2)
Nitya D.

This really may as well be as good as it gets! A vegan oasis in what is already a very vegetarian friendly area. Life Alive offers a variety of salads, bowls, and wraps, which you can (and should!) accompany with a fresh smoothie or juice. The food portions are extremely filling and well priced. Every bite and sip tastes so refreshing! They've got a killer hot sauce that's sometimes in the back with the nutritional yeast and Bragg's. There is limited outdoor seating and there are long, long lines during rush hour. But you know what, I'd be more concerned if there were no lines and this place were always empty. Favorite things: open-front fridge behind the counter where the veggies are stored, The Explorer and Vibrance Alive.
(5)
Robert O.

Wow! Well assuming you are interested in eating healthy---eat here!!! Delicious!!! I've been coming here for years. Secondly---and this is especially important if you're a luncher----they've got a swift highly efficient system worked out. No long lines, quick, quick, quick. The atmosphere is very pleasant as well. I've had just an overall great experience between the atmosphere, staff, and food. Highly recommend!
(5)
Janice D.

I wish they had this place in NYC! It's amazing, fun, and right up my alley. I loved all of the healthy and delicious options. The juices were out of this world, and all of the hot bowls looked amazing. Can't wait to come back to visit Boston and eat here again. Plus, the roomy and cozy downstairs area is a great place to eat and chill with friends. Perfect ambiance.
(5)
Elijah C.

Went there for the first time on a beautiful weekday afternoon. The place was packed and the line was huge. Got to the front, the person at the register was rude. We ordered two smoothies, but I don't recall the names of them. While waiting for the smoothies and watching as they made them. The person making them scooped out half of an avocado that was supposed to go into one of the drinks, and instead of just grabbing another avocado to replace it, she just shrugged, and grabbed another huge handful of kale to make up the difference. One smoothie was tropical and delicious. The other was bitter and not that great. If it wasn't for the attitudes of the people working there, I'd go back again. If I'm paying close to $10 for a smoothie, I want it to have the ingredients that are supposed to be in it.
(2)
Corey L.

Okay, I'm a meat eater. And not just any meat eater, but the kind that eats enough meat to make up for a caravan of vegetarian hippies. That said, I've dated a LOT of vegetarian hippies in my time and am quite aware of how tofu, tempeh, and fake meat products taste in my food. So, I was dating an uber-hippy-ish chick and she took me here. She was cute so I was quite excited. Immediately I noticed the line - it was huge. And then I noticed the menu. I don't think my comprehension of the menu ever got deeper than noticing it. I must have read it over and over for like 30 minutes - which was fine b/c that was about the amount of time I spent in line. And after that time, I had absolutely no idea what to order, no idea how anything might look or taste. And was pretty sure the only protein I was getting was in liquid amino acids or crappy soy proteins (which the body does not use very effectively - and you poop much of it out). Anyway, I ordered the Adventurer - or something as stupidly named - and it was fine. Not as flavorful as I expected with every weird spice/sauce they added, but my companion was cute, so that helped. I also ordered a smoothie, which was pretty good. So the food was fine, the line was long, but the fact that I didn't know what anything was and the descriptors focused mostly on how it would effect my soul and aura left me mostly annoyed with this place.
(2)
Danny N.

So, on a historic 94* day on 5/31/13, me and the bf wandered in for a quick wrap. We've been there before for smoothies - which were really good - but never for food. We live between Harvard & MIT, so we frequent Central often. I'm just gonna be blunt. The service & food completely sucked. The cashier kept saying "what? what? I didn't hear you." Annoying. Oh, and yah we don't mind you taking a phone order in the midst of our order while giving us the raised-finger meaning "umm gimme a sec". Really?! So we get our 2 Romantics (wraps), which based on the menu board appear to be deelish! Yet the wraps were, umm, absolutely disgusting. No taste. No avocado. No garlic. It was basically a bunch of broccoli with a little cheese, microwaved in a nasty tortilla wrap. Oh and back to the girl who took our order... the bf wanted a lemonade iced tea. She tried up-selling him a $6 concoction. He just wanted a basic lemonade iced tea (Starbucks sells 'em in Grande for $2). Anyhoo, he then orders the bottled version of Iced Green Tea. Wasn't served his drink at the order, nor when our food was served. Now he's back in line to inquire on the bev. Oops, finger, another phone order. Again, disgusting. Oh, and we left with bitter mouth taste of broccoli. What to expect: Good smoothies (they should stick to the business model); disgusting food; laid-back staff is wayyyy too lax. Only reason they get 1 star is for the smoothies. Maybe it's the NYC in me. We will not return. Ever.
(1)
K C.

A. This is great food. B. The people who work here all seem stoked C.. LA is the new standard for simple, quick, healthy good eating -I expect to see a lot more of them.
(5)
Lydia W.

We loved the unique smoothies we had here - I had the Eros Alive and D had the Love Alive (if I recall correctly). The only downfall is how long it took for our smoothies to arrive. We weren't sure if the servers knew where we were seated, or if they had simply forgotten about us. There wasn't even a line to order, which added to our puzzlement. After about 20-30 minutes of wondering in the downstairs portion of the cafe, we received our smoothies in mason jars. They were thick and delicious and our troubles were quickly forgotten.
(4)
Alisa K.

Beware: This place is not a plant nursery or a video store (anymore), it's a vegetarian/vegan restaurant. Overall: I had no idea you could make vegetarian and vegan food so creative, delicious, and aesthetically appealing. Dishes: Even though the ingredients in every dish look very similar (quinoa, carrots, beets, tofu, bean sprouts), don't be fooled. Each dish actually looks and tastes very unique. It's all about the sauce baby. Speaking of babies, I particularly liked the Lover and the Emperor (both of which were rice bowls with some medley of vegetables, rice, and a creamy tangy sauce). Drinks: They have a great selection of smoothies and juices - particularly liked the Island Alive smoothie (which was coconutty and creamy). Portion size: The small plates are large but remember you're ordering a lot of vegetables so I would recommend going big or going home (hungry). I made the mistake of ordering a small plate and was still hungry. (Don't tell anyone but I may have gone across the street to Mass Chicken for chicken wings afterwards.) Ambience: Fun hippie meets rainforest theme. Very colorful decor (and clientele). This place used to be a video store back in the day and I kept mentally transforming the place back and forth between the two ("Hmm...I bet that alcove was where they kept their adult fare," "Why is there a security camera in this place?"). The lines are long but the food is worth the wait. There's more seating downstairs though you may have to hover over a vegan family of 7 until they leave. Bottom line: Try this place out. It has creative, delicious, healthy vegetarian/vegan food and drinks in a fun ambience. Just order a large plate so you don't end of eating a plate of chicken wings afterwards.
(5)
Karen C.

I am not vegan/vegetarian but enjoy eating that way sometimes and have no problem visiting restaurants that cater to that. When I initially saw the menu I was like...OK. Nothing sounded bad, but nothing sounded omg super amazing either. Place was super crowded around 1PM on a Saturday, although we were able to get a table for 2 without much of a problem. Until I sat down with my Adventurer bowl (added avocado) and was completely blown away. Everything was so fresh and flavorful. I didn't think I liked kale that much but now I am a believer. And the thrive alive juice? Holy spicy ginger goodness! Now, the price. It was $38 for two adventurer bowls (with a couple add ons) and two juices. This is a nice treat and worth it for the peace of mind that you are getting fresh, organic food. I don't live in the area but would come back without hesitation!
(4)
Elbert K.

The Green Goddess and the Swami (my fave) are excellent! Love this place. I've been to this place at least 10 times, and had a great experience each time. My only gripe, and it's not really a big one, is that I'm still hungry after eating any meal on the menu, although I should preface that statement with the fact that I have a hollow leg and can eat an entire cow. The energy in this place makes me want to come back.
(4)
Libby G.

Oh Life Alive... your name sounds like a cult, but I don't care: sign me up! If I could eat here every meal of every day, I would. End of story. Everything is good. And you feel full but not heavy afterward. I just about bounce out of there. Ugh. It's so good. Only drawback is the line is almost always out the door and seating can be tricky to find, after you've already scoured for parking. But! If you can make it through all that to actually get to the front of the line, its's so so so worth it.
(5)
Jennifer N.

Finally coming back to Cambridge after two years away -- Life Alive is the kind of place that reminds me why Cambridge is special. Want some lentils and some Braggs (which I had to look up...)? Want a smoothie filled with rice milk and banana? Do you like when your entrees are called things like "the seductress?" This is your place! The food is tastier than I expected (it's actually REALLY good), and Life Alive has done an amazing job transforming a video rental shop (long live Hollywood Express!) into a lovely, sunny, cheerful place that seems to blast R&B all day long. The only downside to this place is that things move at a snail's pace - I love that the cashiers are friendly and sweet, but when there's a line of 20 people that snakes all the way to the door, they just need to move a little bit faster (this is compounded by the fact that they also seem to be taking phone orders). And everything comes out REALLY slowly, even things that shouldn't be slow - like tea. Or a smoothie. Even at 9AM on a Saturday morning when the shop was empty, I still waited almost 15 minutes for a smoothie. I know, I know, the whole idea of the place is to be zen and joyful, and not to be grumpy about long waits - but if you're operating under time constraints, this might be tough.
(4)
Dana L.

delicious and healthy feeling. apparently they have "pure" (?) water, which tastes different in a good way. even if you are not vegetarian, you won't feel like you are eating "rabbit food". Also, my friend was doing this fast with rules stricter than veganism was elated to eat at Life Alive because it was pretty much the only place in Boston that she could eat out at while still enjoying the food. it's usually pretty busy but I found the mid-morning and mid afternoon to be eater's-rush free! Crowded would be my only complaint. otherwise, awesome!
(5)
Sarah L.

Oh my goodness, so good. Fantastic, fresh food. Juices are really good. I got the fire cider once and pretty sure it kept me from getting a cold. The sauces are so good. I've tried a few things and never been disappointed. Only bummer is how long the line can get. Just went there on a nice day -- one of the first this year -- and the line was all the way out the door. Other locations (Salem and Lowell) just as good!
(5)
Cat R.

MARRY ME life alive. Everytime I come in there is a huge line, but I spend that time trying to decide what I want to order this time and if I'm being to indulgent by getting a smoothie or juice as well. Food always comes out surprisingly fast for it being so busy at the times I go. I have also always managed to get a table.
(5)
JZ M.

This is our absolute FAVORITE restaurant in the city! Not only can we eat EVERYTHING on the menu and not have to stress over where it came from, the combination of flavors are so unique and delicious, it's such a treat! And the smoothies ... INSANELY awesome, especially the Elvis Alive! Atmosphere is great, service is great, and we go here several times per week for lunch. Yes, we know it's called "Line Alive," because of the long wait, but that speaks to how crazy awesome it is. If you can, call ahead to order your food or arrive before 11:30am for lunch in order to avoid the long lines. Keep it up, Life Alive!! Bring your friends, folks. They'll become diehards just we are!
(5)
Marysol V.

I was lured into this cozy cafe as I explored the Cambridge area during my second week in Boston. What caught my attention? Well for starters, it was the long line of Sunday "brunchers" snaking its way around the corner that gave away just how amazing the food was. Then, as I peeked inside, I noticed the lush terrariums that lived on window sills and counter tops. The place just screamed life. I was standing in line ready to order from their epic menu ten minutes later. The fare? Well, as mentioned, its as epic as it gets. If you're feeling adventurous, there's a meal for you. Rebellious? Foolish? Goddess like? They've got it all. Fresh veggies make up most of their bowls. They are usually tossed with a house made sauce and quinoa, udon noodles, or brown rice. They are not afraid to play with exotic flavors or textures here. Vegan fare is elevated to a sublime level by adding flavorful ingredients like shoyu, ginger sauces, and toasted almonds to the offerings. What's best is that these are all natural and simple ingredients, they just know how to do it right. Meals are offered in large bowls, which run around $10 and are a quite filling and well balanced meal. They also have wraps and demi bowls. Now, it seems smoothies and juices are a big deal here as most patrons in line rave about the smoothie flavors. I have not ordered one yet, but as the weather warms up, it's something im definitely looking forward to. A nice touch; there's always a book at an arms reach. Really, sit anywhere, grab a good book to read and nourish your body with a delicious meal. I've done so twice and I plan on going back to try all their menu items!
(5)
Amanda S.

I'm so glad I found this place. Everything is so fresh and delicious. I recommend the rebel. It was the first thing I got, and vied loved it ever since. I swear if this place delivered, I would be broke.
(5)
Jae C.

Damn I came in with pretty low expectations given I am such a carnivore but I left very impressed. It is a vegan establishment that really knows how to bring out the flavor in its dishes. It is located in a very walker friendly part of Central and accordingly, gets extremely crowded. You may have better luck taking out than finding a seat. Anyway, there was many options on the menu and it took me a good while to figure out what I wanted. I got the "Goddess" which came with a hefty amount of greens and veggies along with tofu, brown rice, quinoa, sliced almonds, egg and avocado (which I subbed in for the beets). Got a "filling bowl" size which was an incredible amount of food. Should've shared or opted for a demi... anyway, I could not stop taking bite after bite as it all came together nicely with the texture and flavors. Their ginger sauce was ridiculously good. My brother, who is a carnivore as well, got some miso based bowl and hounded his too. Got a "Love Alive" smoothie which had a mix of berries and almond milk. A decent smoothie served in a mason jar, how hip. The bowls and wraps are what make this place, so stick to those. Prices aren't bad for vegan fare (less than $10 for a huge bowl).
(5)
Steven F.

Had "The Adventurer", definitely one of the best dishes I've had in a restaurant that I can remember (not exaggerating) and for only $9. This place is a gem.
(5)
C L.

full of hipsters but worth putting up with the beards and man buns as the food is SOOOO good!
(5)
Sara G.

I first went here for the smoothies and juices, which are awesome. The Chai Alive smoothie is a personal favorite - coconut ice cream, chai, and banana. I'm not a vegetarian or particular health-food nut, so I was in no rush to try the food, especially with the long lines. I eventually broke down, though, and have not been disappointed! Their bowls are satisfying, unique, and wholesome. I always feel healthy after eating here - never stuffed or bloated, even if I overindulge a bit. The upstairs seating area is always noisy, but it tends to be a bit calmer downstairs. They lose a star for service, though. It seems no matter what time of day, the lines are incredibly long, but usually move reasonably quickly. My biggest complaint is when dining in the food always arrives at the table well before any drinks or smoothies. I've been nearly done with a meal before receiving my beverage, which is disappointing. I know there's likely a higher volume of drinks to be made than meals, so I understand their challenge. However I'd love to see them address it soon.
(4)
Sarah M.

I don't understand why everyone seems to like this place. The line was huge; out the door huge. Then it took forever to get food because they had so many orders. And it's WEIRD. Like, hippy weird. I just want a freakin cheeseburger. Not some weird concoction of vegetables in soy. The staff is too relaxed. They have their hair down sometimes, and they aren't all that hygenic. It kind of freaks me out. Anyway, I am not a vegetarian. I don't believe that juice is a meal. And I really don't like this place.
(1)
Samantha B.

I like so much this place. I had a very cheap vegan lunch, with plenty of veggies. You have definitely to try their wraps. I did non like the lack of free wifi connection.
(4)
Cathy T.

I've eaten here several times...we live down the street. The food has always been delicious but it's getting to the point where it's not worth the wait. The long lines need to be addressed. There's gotta be a better, more efficient way to get orders taken and delivered. Super grungy eating area downstairs...a staff member should be assigned to cleaning duty downstairs...only if it doesn't slow down the already slow service upstairs.
(2)
Vanessa M.

I love Life Alive but they're wait time is ridiculous! It took forever to order and it just makes you not want to eat here because of the wait. Don't get me wrong I will continue to come here but I hope for the future they invest in possibly having someone take orders with a tablet while people wait on line.
(4)
Vanessa L.

Excellent fresh food. Hippie environment.
(5)
Christopher L.

The adventurer was the BEST vegetarian meal I have ever had. No surprise given other reviews. Get there early to beat the lunch crowd or order ahead of time for pickup. The secret is out and this place gets busy.
(5)
Nina Y.

I wish there was a Life Alive in the LA area... I would go all the time! I love creative combinations of grains and vegetables, so this was perfect. Got a demi portion of the Lover... Tasty and filling. I came after the lunch rush and the lines were long, but not to the point of having to leave. Maybe a 10 minute wait? Can't wait to come back next time I'm in Boston.
(5)
Ram K.

Warm raw food with their variety sauce. One of a kind experience and the first for me. I enjoyed to the core. I recommend their Demi (Small Size) entree with a vegetable juice. Want to try their shakes but they dont seem healthy. Haha. The adventurer, Goddess both were good.
(4)
Meredith L.

I was a bit surprised upon entering that it was a "fast food" ordering style and that it was packed at 8pm on a Wednesday night. Even though there were a lot of people in line, it took only 10 minutes to get our food delivered to our table. I got the "rebel" bowl and it was FAB-U-LOUS. I will definitely return and eat here in good conscience; both philosophically and economically.
(4)
M M.

I loves it! This is one of my new favorite spots. It's one of those places where you don't leave feeling digusted with yourself. I highly recommend the green goddess, the rebel and the seeker. The juices and wheatgrass shots are pretty good, too. This place also has a great atmosphere and is always hopping with people. The staff are very hip looking and can be seen sporting dreads and hemp clothing. A+!!!
(5)
Bob J.

This place is actually really good. The food tastes fresh, so you feel as if it's good for you, but it's also pretty tasty so you don't have to be angry about eating healthy. It is pretty busy, though. When I came in, there were probably about 4-5 people ahead of me, but by the time I left, the line was almost out the door.
(4)
Matthew G.

Fantastic meal. Very fresh ingredients and tasty. It's a definite, that I'll be back with my wife for another meal. I would recommend to everyone searching for an organic/vegan meal.
(4)
Vee X.

Favorite restaurant of all time. I have had almost everything on the menu (this is not an exaggeration - there was a period of about a month where I would go in every day for dinner and just order the next thing on the menu). I have never once had anything here that wasn't absolutely, 100% delicious, healthy, amazing, perfectly executed, and did I say delicious? Vegan paradise. The service and ambiance are also delightful. Every other time I go in, I end up having a conversation with a polite and interesting stranger sitting in my vicinity. Cool people go to Life Alive, I guess! I seriously can't think of even one minor thing I don't like about this place.
(5)
Hibu S.

My favorite restaurant! The food is almost all organic, including the soy products. I love their vegan food and their fresh smoothies and juices. You can have a demi bowl or a full bowl of most of their dishes, or make a wrap. You have to stand in line to order, and it can be busy and noisy. But it has a fun community feeling, and sometimes live music.
(5)
Sarah G.

And who said healthy vegetarian food can't be tasty??? Life Alive, not only did I have trouble not staring at your huge collection of fresh ginger root stacked on top of each other in your refrigerated fresh veggies section (seriously, I have never seen so much ginger, even at whole foods!!) but your inventive menu actually made it so so difficult for me to even choose what to order! Matt J. always has trouble deciding, but I usually can pretty easily, and here with all of the fresh salad and wrap and bowl options, my brain just couldn't decide! Oh ya, the names of your dishes are awesome too. I got the Swami (how cool is that?) which was a miso curry sauce on top of roasted almonds, raisins, onions, greens, broccoli flowers, shredded carrots all served over tasty tasty brown rice. It was so so good! So much flavor, served warm, and it came in such a cool looking bowl too when you each there. There are tables upstairs and downstairs, and for Cambridge that is hard to find! Semi affordable fast healthy food with seating! Hooray! Okay, it isn't as cheap as I would like it to be--on average you are going to spend $10-12 and it is an order at the counter place--BUT it is mostly local organic stuff all made to order. Plus just eating in here feels almost like you are eating in mini forest--so colorful everywhere, you just have to feel happy here. So glad this id down the street from me!!
(4)
Ama R.

Took forever to get my food, definitely a "Hippy Joint". Food was OK but was over steamed. Staff was friendly but seemed very disorganized. Nice concept, but not worth waiting close to an hour from the time I walked in the door to the time I got my food.
(2)
Travel S.

Loved the interesting and delicious concoctions they have in their menu. The Adventurer is yummy and filling & Superman juice is as tasty as its healthy.
(4)
Megan C.

The Lover... ... with extra kale + avocado and no rice. Mmmm dreaming about having another bite. Wish I knew how to make the sauce at home. Wifi, cozy seating, a play area for the kids. Gluten free cookies! Smoothies, juices. I could eat here every day. Great atmosphere for a group, kids, or reading a book. Date Rating: 8 Pick up Scale: 5 (people seem very friendly here) Strong Suggestion: You can dine in and order an extra dish to go. Tough to choose.
(5)
Isis H.

Wow, the goddess was amazing. Delicious, fresh and healthy! That's hard to find. They have beer tooo! Peak hop organic
(4)
NINI P.

LOVE LOVE LOVE "the adventurer" Eating here everyday for lunch can get a little expensive, but definitely worth it because everything here are super healthy, and filling.
(5)
David F.

I'm in love. Too bad we live across the country. Will certainly go out of my way to eat here again The atmosphere is kind of 60-70s hippie but the food rocks. You order at cash register, pay, they bring food to you, and you bus your own table - just to set expectations The food is fresh and tasty. Had a goddess with almonds, avocado, garlic, and squash with the soup and a life alive juice. The house sauce elevated the goddess as did the way the combination worked together so well. The soup was delicious and the juice freshly squeezed. My tongue and tummy could not be happier
(5)
Sue H.

Once again, I'm late to the party. Oh, Life Alive *swoon* Seriously though, who knew vegetables, tofu and whole grains could taste so freakin' good? Throw in Life Alive's magical sauces and I've found myself a winner. Several as a matter of fact. Ring-a-ling-a-ling! Also, I've got to admit... all that wholesome, organic-y goodness mumbo-jumbo talk makes me feel a bit better about myself too. Bonus, score. Get: - The Adventurer (+egg): YUM - The Green Goddess (+egg): YUM - The Emperor (+egg): YUM - SOUPS *Anyone see a trend here?* Such a great place to go post-work out or for a healthy pick-me-up meal. The "demi" bowls are the perfect size. I've been a few times now, and each time I was stuffed by the time I finished eating. I'd say the "filling" size would just be overkill, at least for me. Price-wise, I'm a little conflicted... The $6-ish price tag for the "demi" plates are reasonable to me, even the $9-ish for the "filling" plates are do-able, but $6-10 for the smoothies and juices? That's kinda outlandish, right? Granted I haven't had one yet (for good reason!), so maybe I'll do an update when finally I order one. Meh, I'm sure it's because of the ingredients and all, but still... The ambiance is cool, I guess. It's a bit too hippie-esque for my taste, but who am I kidding? The food tastes good. And it's relatively healthy and organic-y. The staff have always been nice. I can always find an empty table. I personally haven't had to wait in a long line. Yeah, Life Alive has treated me pretty well, so I'll shut up now.
(4)
Vegan Couple T.

The line out the door every night at dinner time really speaks to how great this place is but we would be remiss not yelp the 5 star **** out of this place. The food is healthy, filling and totally affordable- that combined with the awesome fresh juice and dairy-free smoothie selection makes for a complete "Vegan Valhalla." As a lover of random, stupid hypothetical questions, I had to ask Dr.T where he would eat if he could only eat the food of ONE restaurant for the rest of his life. His answer was Life Alive- which I totally agree with. Not really a bad deal... If we actually did that he would lose 20 pounds and we would probably live forever :-)
(5)
Zach K.

If you're into vegetarian/vegan/raw food (or even if you're not), this place is a dream. They have a wide variety of dishes, and everything tastes fresh and healthy. A lot of restaurants serve "healthy" salads that have mostly healthy ingredients, but they end up tasting too-good-to-be-true because of some sugary or creamy dressing to mask any flaws. Not Life Alive--the salads "taste healthy"--but in a good way. There's also a killer juice bar, and the place is decorated really creatively. Props!
(5)
Kris F.

My favorite vegan restaurant in the area. I've never had anything from there that I didn't absolutely love. The staff is friendly, the food is fresh, the atmosphere is laid back, and the prices are decent for quality vegan food. I wish they had another closer to where I live! My only qualm would be that it's often difficult to find seating because the food is so good that the place is packed most of the time. Other than that, Life Alive is great!
(5)
Chrysanthe P.

Vegan yumminess has never been so yummy! I absolutely love this place and, obviously, so do many people because it's rare that there isn't a line here. The amount of time it takes to turn out meals is inconsistent (either super fast or takes quite a long time), but it is worth whatever sort of wait you have ahead of you. Plus, the interior looks like a jungle of some sort, so you can examine that earthy/eclectic decor to pass the time. My two favorite dishes are The Healer and The Explorer: the first time that I had the former, I actually had to take a moment to myself to acknowledge just how frackin' deloicious it was. Life Alive has officially turned me into a nutritional yeast believer. Their red lentil hummus is also superb: as a huge fan of hummus, I can say with confidence that it is not to be missed out on. When I first started coming here, I would get a bowl, but have since learned that a demi is just enough. Next time you're in the Central Square area and are craving some tasty nutrition, this is the place for you.
(5)
Liz L.

Don't be fooled. You may think "I love bacon and burgers, I would NEVER eat at a vegetarian restaurant!" But you would be wrong. Life Alive is like the best guilty pleasure that isn't actually guilty. Loaded with veggies, brown rice, quinoa, and other deliciousness, you will probably be surprised that the food is vegetarian if you're a former meat and potatoes girl like me. Be prepared to wait forever in line and order things with ridiculous names. It's also a little pricey, but its all fresh so no complaints! I can recommend the Adventurer and the Lover. And the Rebel. ... ok, really everything. Be sure to add additional goodness. Avocado? Egg? Cashews? Sundried tomatoes? ADD IT ALL.
(5)
Sarah W.

Tasty delicious food! Hearty and fresh, with great flavors. Just what you need. Can't wait to take my vegan parents here!
(4)
Opal K.

I came here to meet a bunch of friends for lunch. I am vegetarian but have never really liked all-veggie places - tend to roll my eyes at hippy restaurants like the Berkeley Cafe Gratitude's of the world. I was blown away by this place. It was DELICIOUS and filling. So good, that I took the bus back here twice more that week while Hurricane Sandy was causing trouble. Demi seemed to be the right portion size for me. I barely made a dent in the full size. Casual, seat and bus yourself atmosphere. Can get crowded with long lines... seating can be difficult to find.
(5)
Alex P.

First things first: I love meat. But I knew this place was vegetarian/vegan, so I didn't go in with any unrealistic expectations like wanting a cheeseburger...anyway, the food wasn't bad but it definitely felt overhyped and expensive for what you get. The dishes seemed pretty plain (some raw vegetables with dressing and rice), so that was disappointing. Also the consistency of the smoothie was kind of weird - maybe too much banana and not enough ice cream? Probably won't be going again.
(3)
Jamie C.

Does any one else feel transported to hippie-1960s while here? It must be the bright yellow walls and vines and flowers everywhere. That said, maybe these vegan types have got something going here. Despite being the furthest thing from vegetarian, I thoroughly enjoyed Life Alive. There is hope for us yet. Plus, I am practically bursting at the seams! Off of vegetables, no less! (okay, and rice, but still) I tried the signature dish, The Goddess. YUMMERS! So refreshing. I absolutely loved the sauce they used (I've got to find out where I can find some/how to make it). We arrived during the dinner hour, so the line was really long and slow moving. We probably waited for 20 minutes. That said, the food arrived promptly after we ordered. Also, be prepared for a battle downstairs to get seating. I had to give a few evil looks and pounced on a few ladies leaving a table to lay claim. Fierce! Overall, I am looking forward to my next visit.
(4)
Aimee C.

After an hour and a half of Yoga next door, I decided to try this place out: The Island Alive Smoothie was just Amazing! It was chunky, with fruits and the girl next to me ordered another kind of smoothie and she said hers was like fruit water no chunks of fruit and was envious of mine. Great choice I made. I ordered the Lover (handi wrap) and it was pretty delicious and huge which I didnt get to finish all of it. I also ordered the Child (Organic PB&J) for the next morning snack. Soo good! I usually am a meat and potatoe person and didnt think I would enjoy this kind of food but now I am hooked. Going to another yoga class tonight and plan on trying a new dish.
(4)
Misato P.

I've been a big fan of Life Alive since it's original shop in Lowell. They are smart to open up this restaurant in Central square in Canbridge because it's the mecca of earthy crunchy vegetarians! Granted, I love me a big juicy red meat any day but this restaurant makes you love eating veggies and even makes you feel satisfied in the tummy. I personally love the warrior salad (their home made hummus is rediculously yummy and the miso dressing..whew, it can even satisfy a Japanese girl from Nagoya be satisfied with this sweet miso sauce) and alchemist (I fell in love with quinoa and veggies mixture for the first time via this meal). I'm a big fan of ginger so if I'm having a drink to go along with my meal, I usually order their ginger crush. It's refreshing, light and a fresh gingery spice after taste in the mouth. Their shakes are phenomenal as well. I don't order meal and a shake together usually because the shake itself is filling and super satisfying. My absolute favorite is a lust alive and coconut alive. Both are banana based and filling. The only downfall for this place is how packed it gets during busy hours. Other than that, I'm in love with this place!!
(5)
Nita P.

love this place! i always get the lover, but anything with the nama shoyu sauce is awesome. highly recommend :) (better tip: call ahead and pick up). the downstairs is a nice environment away from the crazy lines. my husband is telling me to mention again that the lines are insane. i wonder why they don't get an extra cash register to help with the lines...
(5)
Regina W.

Dear Life Alive, Love you and hate you. Oh, the yin and yang of eating at your establishment. Oh wait, I don't eat at your restaurant anymore even though I love your food. Instead, I call from outside to order take out because I can't stand to wait in the line of people deciding how many beets they want in their Adventurer Bowl. You guys have such a great product and such a great vibe, but your employees are slow and often inaccurate. Your staff is so kind, and once asked me if I wanted a side of love. But I really wanted was my correct order. Other problems include dirty tables, inconsistent portion sizes, long lines, girls who hit you with their yoga mats on the way out. Regina is watching and wishes you would smooth your operations, she is even willing to tip a server if you offered table service. Thanks, and what on earth is in that soy ginger nama sauce? crack. Regina
(3)
Binh L.

The Adventurer with nutritional yeast instead of cheese (I'm lactose intolerant and in general prefer cheese in limited dishes). SO GOOD! Everything is so fresh and delicious. The vegetables are full of flavor (not the bland, you know has been sitting in the freezer for awhile) This is food that makes you feel good. I know; it's strange. If you're a fan of Louis CK, you eat until you hate yourself, but this food is just too healthy. I would eat here everyday if I could. I skip the juices. They're a little too healthy for me You make me feel so damn alive. Would take vegetarian dates here, but I feel like I don't wear enough hemp for this vibe sometimes.
(5)
Jeannie B.

I love this place! It's near my office and I go there at least once a week. (This from someone who rarely eats out, and tries really hard to bring my own lunch from home.) The food here is yummier and healthier than anything I would pack for lunch, and it's so reasonable. Their half-size portions are totally sufficient for lunch and cost somewhere around $5-6. How can you go wrong? It's a rare thing to be able to get fresh vegetables and whole grains in a restaurant at all, much less have it taste delicious *and* be fast and easy! I'm completely stuck on the "Green Goddess" (brown rice with garlic, broccoli, tofu, kale, and avocado, with some crazy yummy sauce on it), but I also like the Adventurer and the Emperor. A lot. Sometimes it's really hard to choose. The staff will give you good suggestions if you don't want to sort through the (admittedly overwhelming) menu. The space is warm and bright and sunny, and the staff are awesome. They'll smile at you and talk to you like you're a person. (I'm a transplant from the Midwest, and I still feel more comfortable in places where people are actually friendly.) It's true there's a bit of a hip, crunchy vibe, but I find it sweet and not at all uncomfortable. All kinds of people go in there all the time, you won't feel out of place. Definitely, call ahead to place your order if you're in a hurry. This place has gotten justifiably popular and crowded, and you might wait 15-20 minutes for your food at peak times.
(5)
Purple Orchard 2.

My brother introduced me to this place while visiting him this weekend. This place is fantastic! My meal (alchemist) was fresh, healthy, and filling. Did I tell you the food is delicious?? We had the demi bowl (think half a portion) for about six bucks and were thrilled. It was the perfect portion size for the price. And the staff are great.. Please open one up in NYC
(4)
Sarah D.

This place makes me want to be a vegan again and eat SUPER healthy! Everything on the menu sounds appealing to me and would definitely to meat eaters as well. Great portions, food does come pretty fast it's just that the line and finding a table is what takes longest. Next time I should probably check out the drinks, seems like they have a good menu for that as well. We went around dinner time on a week night and there was a long line and was hardly anywhere to sit (even downstairs and upstairs). I do like that they have a downstairs, it's pretty cool.
(5)
Theodore Y.

Usually not a big fan of rabbit food. But this place was darn good!
(5)
Jessica P.

I was so overwhelmed with excitement when I first stepped into Life Alive. There is so much to look at and I kept staring at the juice bar area, all of the "boosts" are in clear containers, there are baskets full of ginger and the smell in this restaurant is amazing. The menu is above the cashier and juicing area, I recommend grabbing a printed version of the menu by the cashier. It's a little difficult to look at the whole menu at once and there are several options for each dish (bowl, wrap, plate). I had the Mystical Mountain salad, I am a raw vegan and asked to have no hummus or any of the vegetables or sauces that may be cooked. My dish was fantastic except that I had cooked corn in my salad :( I plucked the pieces out, it's sad the corn went to waste! The dressing and combination of vegetables and fruit was tasty. My friend had The Seeker and asked for it in a wrap but was given a salad instead. If we didn't have this mix up with our dishes I think I'd give this restaurant 5 stars. It was very busy at Life Alive, it was around 2pm and even with the blenders, music and people it never got excessively loud. There were a lot of families eating together, and students studying. The atmosphere is very earthy and artsy. There is seating upstairs and downstairs. When you order your food you are given a number to put at your table and the cashier will ask you if you are sitting upstairs or downstairs so I recommend scoping out the area first. I ordered a juice and a smoothie while I was here. I had the Life Alive (very tasty and the wheat grass makes it a little sweet), it was fantastic and at a fair price, $5.99. For a smoothie I had the Vibrance Alive and asked for Coconut Oil to be substituted for Maple Syrup. I couldn't really taste the coconut :( but I'm a sucker for ginger drinks. The restaurant has a bit of a cafeteria setup, there are bins to put your dirty dishes in and your name will be called out when your drink is made. The staff seems nice, and the cashier even thanked me for leaving a tip. I recommend this restaurant to carnivores and herbivores! You may be surprised at how full, flavorful and appetizing the dishes are here.
(4)
Jade R.

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE and.... LOVE. This place is so amazing, something that Massachusetts really needs more of. I got the Adventurer, and I don't know if I will ever be able to try anything else -- it was that good. Oh... and I learned about a seasoning called "nutritional yeast" which is a healthy vegan option for parmesan cheese... ran to whole foods to get some for myself!
(5)
Stephanie F.

I really really like this place! I like how they make their vegetarian food SO tasty, and they can even convince me to eat BEETS! However, I'm not going to lie, sometimes I can't really taste the difference between dishes because it seems like they put their ginger nama shoyu sauce (basically like a fancy tasting soy sauce) in almost every dish. (I can't say that this applies to the wraps because I haven't had them, or haven't considered ordering it since I always love the bowls). Their smoothies are a bit on the heavy side. Once, I ordered a bowl and a smoothie and I was SO full. (Then again, I get full from eating 7 dumplings from Mrs. Wang's in Somerville). I recommend splitting it with someone, even if you think your tummy can handle it! They don't serve coffee to support the business of 1369 coffee house next door, but they serve this dandy coffee-like drink which comes kind of close. Still, it doesn't have the caffeine kick from coffee, so it's probably best not to order this if you really need a hit. The seating inside is kind of tricky. I wouldn't recommend this place for big groups. There are creative seating spaces like eating your food on the bench that you're sitting on, so don't come here expecting you're going to be able to spread your food out like at a dim sum restaurant. Overall, this is a unique place to eat if you're looking for something to break up your routine! (that is, if you don't normally eat here)
(5)
Lisa F.

They have delicious warm meals and the smoothies are so good! The love alive smoothie is amazing. "The goddess" and "the rebel" have kale/greens that are cooked perfectly. You feel very healthy, satisfied and full after eating here too.
(4)
Anne F.

I had a free day in Cambridge and came in for brunch (10am?) and there was no line, so I was able to order immediately. THe menu was a bit overwhelming but seemed reasonably priced. I had the adventurer "demi" plate, which was delicious. The almonds add a nice crunch. Also, the food came out very promptly. I didn't get a drink because there wasn't a clear drink menu (aside from the smoothies/juices) and I had a feeling they might be overpriced.. I think a hot tea was 2+ I was surprised that the woman who was in the middle of taking my order picked up the phone while I was right there which i found a little rude, though she put the person on the other line on hold once she answered to finish the order. still, I would think another co-worker might help out. THe decor and vibe is very inviting and warm, I enjoyed the assortment of books they had out on the counter. didn't get to check out the downstairs area. I appreciate the goal of the restaurant but found the organic mission statements everywhere to be a little overwhelming/in your face.
(3)
susan s.

I love love love this place!!! I wish it was right in my town. The food is so fresh and tasty, I always feel so good after eating here. My favorites are the Goddess and The Adventurer . I also love the life alive juice! Places like Life Alive should be in every town.
(5)
Yaka M.

I'm not vegetarian/vegan and I LOVE meat, and I find a lot of vegetarian dishes to be bland and not appealing. Dishes at Life Alive are decent and really good. I like The Romantic. They have interesting flavors for smoothies too. The basement was a little bit dark and there were a lot of small bugs flying around the trash can, and I found that to be a little bit filthy-looking.
(4)
Daniel L.

took me a few tries to really warm up to this place...but now I absolutely love it. Reasons why it took me a few tries... --I had to learn what I really liked. I was not used to the vegetarian fare variety. Once i did, it was all over. --I am used to getting more food for my buck...typical american. But once i started taking my time with my meal, i felt more full and felt MUCH better than if i had over-eaten. --Getting used to the "vibe". Friendly staff, lots of plants, dishes named "the goddess, the swami", colorful paintings on the walls, the "lounge scene" downstairs. Now I adore it. More specifics regarding the food...you can sub in and out different things...for instance, i usually sub out tofu (-$1) and sub in avacado (+1.50)...i don't think you can do more than three, but it is AMAZING because you can craft your dish exactly how you want. You can also ask for carrots and beets shredded instead of diced, which I think flows better in the bowls. Oh, and I highly recommend the bowls over the wraps. If you like a particular sauce (nudge nudge the ginger nama sauce) you can get that on your dish even if it doesn't come with it. The salads are amazing as well...try the ginger nama on it! Lastly, I have to say that even though I don't feel stuffed (which i now consider a good thing) after eating, I feel GOOD...energized in a sense...which i would much rather feel than a heavy feeling, a feeling likei need to walk off the meal, exercise, lie down and take a nap, etc...that is the other best part about eating here besides the tastiness of the food (the greens and sauces are amazing in case I didn't mention that). I eat here about twice a week...i also live less than a 5 min walk. Starting to pay more attention to how my body/mind feels after meals, after consumption...which has led me back here again and again
(5)
Amanda B.

I visited Life Alive after a dance class at the Dance Complex a few weeks back. I was feeling healthy- what better time to try it? The menu's a bit confusing, especially if you don't normally eat veg or vegan. Everything seems to come in a few different sizes/delivery methods; i.e. wrap, bowl, tasting plate. If you eat in, they will give you a number and bring you your food. The place is deceiving- looks tiny, but there's additional seating downstairs. You bus your own table when you're done. The staff was very nice and patient. I got the Sufi Poet salad. They were actually out of spring greens that day, so I had mine over kale instead. It was So. Yummy. I can be pretty picky and this salad didn't have one thing I didn't like on it! A rarity for me, for sure. If you don't typically subscribe to the veg/vegan lifestyle, this place might be a bit...much. It's chock full of hipsters and Cambridge yuppies. You might have to study the menu a bit before ordering. But don't let that stop you from trying something new and healthy and delicious! I'd go back. I've been thinking about that salad!
(3)
Andrea T.

Super amazing food. However, it's ridiculously busy on the weekends. I waited 30 minutes for food today, but it was yummy so I didn't mind that much..
(5)
Christine T.

I love this place. The food is delicious and fresh. I feel healthier after eating here. I always get a demi bowl. It doesn't quite fill me, but that just means there's room for dessert. It's a great meal for under $6!
(5)
Daniel P.

Wonderful, I cannot believe I have not been here before! The atmosphere, funky/sexy and a wondrous lack of pernicious hipster. If there were hipsters, they were for real, not the posers. I was The Fool with sun sprouts and raw cashews. Oh, honey, they know what I like. The girl at the register was surprised and pleased with my addition of the sprouts. I was happy to add just a touch to their already magnanimous good taste. I paired this with the...Life Alive! I don't eat beets, but I evidently drink them when mixed with all the other goodness. I only wish there had been more in that glass! We ended up sitting by the window and talked for quite a while. Perhaps because of the healthy amount of upstairs/downstairs (eh, eh?) seating, no one was bothered by our obvious continuance after food had been ravaged.
(5)
Justin P.

Great food, great tea, great atmosphere. Really, that's all I have to say. They make super healthy food that actually tastes so good you eat quickly and ask for more. Seating area upstairs has a bright cafe feel, but for the real hippy Cambridge experience go to the magic mushroom downstairs forest. It looks like dark crystal/fraggle rock meets sesame street (the 70s version). Staff is a bit cumbaya/ooooommmmmm/tantric/buddhist/hippy but what do you expect for a vegetarian/vegan place in the heart of Central Square near a bunch of dance and yoga studios? Very good food and good staff.
(5)
Lisa I.

Yum! Life Alive is exactly what it sounds like - a healthy and energizing lunch spot that makes you feel good. It can definitely get crowded during normal lunch hours, but it's worth the wait. I love that you can add avocado to anything and customize your order. The Mystic Mountain is really good and surprisingly filling!
(4)
Aparna S.

I remember the day I first looked at Life Alive's menu and the uneasiness I felt at the vegan, hippie, organic nature of the dishes, the lists of ingredients made me feel like "how could all that together be tasty in any way"? Don't get me wrong, I work for a nutrition and physical activity program, I love salad, I'm all about it, but the menu still made me nervous. What I later found out was how misplaced my anxieties were! YOU CANNOT GO WRONG HERE. I've had the Swami, the Emperor, and the Adventurer. The one thing I regret, and this is my fault, not theirs, is having the Swami first. I've been there multiple times, and however much I try I cannot bring myself to even try another dish, the Swami is just THAT GOOD. The restaurant itself isn't anything special, it kind of reminds me of those hippie, outlandish restaurants as depicted in rom coms where the guy or girl takes the other out to some new restaurant and it turns out to be absolutely wild. It's that stereotypically saturated in it's hippie-ness. But the food is honestly so good it doesn't even matter, you can eat there or grab your food and heat out, either way the food is all you will be focusing on. Last thing is, it's so tasty I always find myself going for the full portion, however the last time I went with some girl friends, they got the demi bowl and I wasn't feeling particularly hungry, so I did as well and what I noticed was the portion was still filling! It honestly didn't feel like a big difference in portion at all, but with an almost 4 dollar difference in price, I will definitely be going for the demi bowl size from now on!
(5)
Stephanie B.

If your are looking for a super healthy meal a la kale, quinoa, and smoothies--this is the place for you. I love healthy food and when I first read the menu I was hoping Life Alive would be a health restaurant that wasn't afraid of flavor (spices aren't bad for you!!!). Luckily, Life Alive does an amazing job of serving healthy cuisine with a ton of flavor. Try the Rebel and the Lust Alive smoothie. Yum! There are also organic beers and wines. Also, the atmosphere has a cool hippy vibe and the down stairs area has couches and a kids' playing area. Very fun.
(5)
Ben G.

Wow! I am so psyched about this place! Heaven for Vegetarians. While you may find the food a bit on the pricey side for a quick-service style restaurant (lunch for 4 came out to $47), once you sit down and actually start eating, it's a whole other story: worth every penny! They have a huge variety of options, but the simple truth is: they're ALL good! The smoothies too. Just awesome! My kids (who are all vegetarians) had been making me drive them all the way up to Lowell to visit the original Life Alive there for years, so I'm really glad they've finally opened up in Cambridge as it was a long time coming. I have no doubt it'll become a regular hangout for us. If I were an investor, I'd be pushing for them to expand this concept across the country! Note: we were there again yesterday, and it was a mob scene (although to be fair, we only had to wait about 5 minutes for a table for four to open up for us). They haven't opened the downstairs yet (still under construction), but the sooner the better, as that will keep them from becoming victims of their own success!
(5)
Kristin A.

Delicious! Inspired! Super healthy! If you want to feel good about eating, dine here. Also, this is the only place I know of that makes makes fresh vegetable juice in Cambridge.
(5)
Ninad G.

Liked this place! The good variety of dishes in this organic restaurant and the healthy, tasty food makes it worth the visit. The proportions are generous and the bowl is actually filling. The food combinations come with delicious dressings like miso sauce, lemon-garlic hummus, ginger nama sauce, etc. The beverages/smoothies also have plenty of options. Really wanted to try the wheatgrass however they were out of it. I loved the green tea latte and the flavor was perfect. The smoothies and juices are a tad bit expensive. Would definitely recommend this place to all especially to vegan food lovers!
(4)
George S.

My favorite restaurant in the Boston area. I think Life Alive really has the potential to change things and make Boston a better place in terms of food options. I come back regularly, and I'm never disappointed (though there was one day when all of the regular staff was on vacation, and the temporary staff seemed somewhat confused and unable to cope - the lesson to be learned is to always leave some of the regular staff in charge!).
(5)
Kandi A.

Disclaimer- I love crunchy, hippie, granola, vegan/veggie joints. This place is at the top of my list. I went into Life Alive with high expectations. My friends had been raving about it for months. I wasn't let down. I ordered a wrap- the Hot & Healthy bachelor. I added avocado based on the recommendation given and it was delivered to my seat about 10 minutes later... still warm and cheesy. My friends didn't have their food yet but I had to take a bite. I swore it was just one... but one turned into half my sandwich gone before they got theirs. Oops. Everything looks great in this place. It's healthy so you know you're doing yourself a favor by getting lunch/dinner here. I plan to stop in after my long runs to refuel with a tasty smoothie. They have every kind of juice/smoothie available. Go to Life Alive. You won't be disappointed by the abundance of local veggies that are used in the meals. You'll actually know where your food is coming from!
(5)
Alex L.

It is true that I am one of those carnivores who assumes anything vegetarian, let alone vegan, let alone HEALTHY, can't be that good...Life Alive has proven me very wrong! Granted that choosing a dish is quite difficult since they are all a big mix of the same list of vegetables, I have never had a dish here that I didn't absolutely enjoy. They might be a little pricey for what you get so I'm giving this review four stars overall, but for flavor they still get five stars.
(4)
Karen B.

I love this place! I feel so healthy after eating here, no matter what I get. The rice/quinoa bowls are my favorite. They also have great portion sizes - I usually get the half portion and sometimes have leftovers. The best part about Life Alive's meals are their sauces. They are so delicious and unique. However, it's important to note that they are quite potent. You will probably smell like garlic for two days, but I think it's worth it. I've also had one of their smoothies, it was really good but it's hard for me to justify spending $6 on a smoothie that I can make at home. The line is always very long but once you place your order your food comes quickly!
(5)
Nancy P.

Yummy options, great service and worth the wait if you see a line. The staff is very attentive even when there is a long line they never rush you and are always so pleasant. My favorite is the Adventurer. Very cool vibe too.
(5)
Janice T.

You need not be a vegetarian or vegan to love this place. Order a dish--any dish--and I guarantee you that your taste buds will thank you. Every on the menu is perfectly seasoned and delicious...non-vegetarians won't even miss the meat. They do veggie dishes right. Super cozy atmosphere and the cashiers and servers are really nice. The smoothies are creative and delicious. My fave is the Coco Loco. As far as entrees go, you can't go wrong with The Swami. The window garden always makes me smile.
(5)
Julie F.

A+ lunch spot. The bowls are huge and intensely flavorful. The loco coco alive smoothie is like a vegan chocolate frappe. Everything at this place is flavorful and nutritious. I love eating lunch here!
(5)
Karen R.

Oh, wow! As a gluten free Vegan with still more food allergies, I was so excited to find this place to eat, that we went back a second time! Really appreciated the effort they made to make sure that my meal didn't include any of the foods I am allergic to AND it tasted great! I know some people will be slightly turned off by the Berkeley vibe to the place, but that's their loss. Wish I could eat here more often. We were able to arrive by 5pm both times and thus had only a short time to wait. If you are looking for gluten free food in the Boston area, come here!
(5)
Margaret R.

I'm secretly in love with this place. Okay, maybe not so secretly. I love the bowls. I got hooked on The Romantic the first time I went, and it stayed that way until avocados came back into season. Now I pretty much just order The Romantic with extra avocado. I love the kale, I love the rice, I love the crazy/yummy sauce that goes over my food. I've never had anything I didn't like, or that didn't make me feel good. The juices are good (especially anything with ginger). The almonds are good. The tea is good. The chocolate mint vegan cookies are... well, highly addictive. It's always baffled me that people don't mind paying for quality in every area of their lives except for cuisine. A meal here is on the pricey side, but this isn't bar food, people. It's fresh and organic. I don't mind budgeting to eat here occasionally knowing that I'm leaving having fed myself something sustainable and free of pesticides, and something that my body will like, instead of stuffing my face with french fries cooked in oil that hasn't been changed since 1983. I've taken vegetarians and non-veggies here, always with the same result: they love the food, love the vibe, and love those freaking chocolate mint cookies (which, by the way, I've had no luck finding anywhere else in Cambridge/Somerville). Basically what I'm saying is that I kind of want to move in.
(5)
Vanitha S.

What a unique and fun restaurant to hang out at for a few hours with my girlfriend during my layover! Everything about this place was cool and funkified from their menu to the the plants to the compostable silverware to the neat shaped bowls. I ordered the Fool which was really tasty until I tried my friend's Swami which was mind-blowing. I love dishes that are chewy (raisins) while crunchy (almonds) and sweet yet grainy which was really satisfying. My chai alive was so good that I drank it within the first 5 mins, so my only regret is that the drink is too small and I wish they made it in a bigger size. The tables were really fun and looked like they were carved from tree trunks but depending on where you sit you may as well be listening to their whole conversations the way the setup is. But no biggie. I saw a lot of people on their laptops and think this would be a cool place to get work done.
(4)
Tiffany L.

The only vegetarian restaurant that makes vegetables simply delicious and true to its flavor. No deep frying. No over-saucing. And most importantly no vegetables/tofu pretending to be meat. Honest to good eating how greens are meant to be eaten without feeling like a rabbit. The decor is very earthy and spiritualesque. Possibly yoga- inspired. Makes for easy seating for large groups. Great for gathering and catching up in a causal atmosphere. Highly recommended to catch up on daily 5 servings of fruit and greens!
(5)
Abby M.

I would live here, if it wouldn't be weird and my commute would totally suck. The food is delicious, and while I've sampled many friend's and family memeber's plates (which were so tasty), I can't bring myself to order anything but The Emperor. I've been 4 times now, and have loved it each time. I mixed it up with the juices/smoothies each time, and after trying a variety, I have to say, don't recommend the juices/smoothies so much. The food yes, good value, wholesome food, lovingly prepared, but the juices - expensive and underwhelming. The food for kids is great too, and you can get a side of almost anything you desire, I opt for the beets or avocado usually. Bonus is the downstairs, great seating area, and the BEST playplace for kids. My little folk were happily at play in the kids area which was clean, fun, and happily parent-supervised.
(5)
Celeste M.

So my vegetarian and vegetable-loving friends got me interested in this place and I've been several times now. There are lots of options for vegetables, fruits, and tofu, rice, etc in each meal as well as add-ins and substitutions. I've mostly gotten the Green Goddess, which is tofu and lots of green vegetables on brown rice. Pretty much anything can be added in or substituted and the food can come in small and large bowls and salads. Lots of options and people seem to dig it as the lines are always long when we go. I feel like there are so many directions to go in, which is exciting but sometimes a little daunting if it's hard for you to make decisions quickly.
(4)
natasha g.

Best food in cambridge, hands down! I used to live in Lowell so I'm familiar with Life Alive's first location. I was excited to hear that as I was moving to Boston, so was Life Alive. This is where I go when I want to feel great, energized, alive and well. The food here has an amazing healing power. It's all organic fresh and they have a KALE SHOOT! Not to mention a wonderufl window garden and tranquil seating downstairs. Can be a very romantic place if you go with someone special. When I'm sick, I ask them to cure me with their juice made of ginger, spirulina, pollen, aloe, apple cider vinegar, carrots and lemon. They up the doses when they know I need some healing. The staff is always so friendly and helpful when I'm undecided about what delicious entree to purchase. They ask me how I'm feeling, what I'm craving and what is best there that day. Mary-kate makes the best warm meals and Andrew is a pro at the smoothie and juice machines. If you haven't gone here yet, do yourself a favor and go. Forget about feeling like crap after your meal and eat Life Alive.
(5)
Cecilia L.

Life Alive is all kinds of awesome. The kind of place on every corner in Berkeley, but new to staid Cambridge. Their main thing is huge bowls of delicious greens and grains that leave you feeling healthy and virtuous. They also serve nutrient shakes and smoothies, salads, wraps and, incongruously, beer. The great ingredients, like house-made sesame miso dressing, lemon-garlic hummus, and red lentil hummus, speak for themselves. Order at the counter and take a seat on the main floor or, better yet, the cave-like basement with couches and child's play area. You can get a whole bowl for around $9 or a half bowl or wrap for $5.50 or so. All the bowls I've tried are good, but my favorite by far is the Fool with soba noodles, mushrooms, tofu, carrots, greens, and sesame dressing. Delish.
(4)
Jessica W.

Back when I lived near Central Square, this used to be a Hollywood Video. Cue the sad trombone. This is not a place for you if you dislike many a vegetable. Or if you want to eat until you're about to burst. But if you want a tasty meal heavy on the veggies, do eat here. I prefer the bowls over the wraps here. The Goddess Bowl with avocado as an add-on? Yum. The dressing, as other Yelpers have noted, is really what elevates the Goddess to its rightful deity status. (Well, maybe I embellished their words a little.) I had a side of red lentil hummus which was tasty, though thicker than a real hummus. I'm not so fond of the Hot and Healthy Bachelor, as much as I love its name. I'll just stick to being a Bowl Girl. Now only if I could persuade more friends to love kale, I'd frequent this place a lot more.
(4)
maura g.

As a vegan, I've been just itching to try this spot for the longest time because I heard how great it was. Even though I'd heard how great it is, I underestimated how incredibly amazing my food would be. Like..holy shit. I ordered the swami bowl and added mushrooms..it was fucking unreal. Probably the best thing I've ever eaten in my life-vegan, vegetarian, healthy or not. The curry-miso-nutritional yeast + tamari almonds combination is a flavor explosion in my mouth. My friends were all loving their meals as well. Whether you're a healthy vegan foodie or a junk food junkie, you'll be totally satisfied with whatever you get there. I just wish I lived closer. The prices are extremely reasonable, in fact comparable to any other take-out type situation, so it's a great deal really because all the ingredients are fresh and high quality. The spot was a really chill lounge with great vibes. Staff was friendly, knowledgable, and had great suggestions. This place is sheer perfection. Come to the south shore so I can experience culinary bliss more often please!!
(5)
Robin S.

I love delicious fresh vegetables and this is where you get a meal that is healthy and makes you feel good. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
vidya m.

It's healthy and it tastes amazing! I'm one of those vegetarians that care more for taste than healthiness. This place hits the spot! And the healthiness factor is an added bonus. This is the only place I care to eat out at.. It's just THAT good!
(5)
Bill B.

Been there a couple of times the most recent time I ordered The Fool- an Udon Noodle Dish $9.00 I think I was the fool- the dish was OK but the size of the portion-less than an appetizer at most places- Do they think because they are all Veg they can treat the customers like All Fools?
(1)
Lil O.

the line here is too much most of the time. i also find the seating somewhat awkward. when i'm in a i've-been-eating-like-crap mood, life alive makes me feel good. their salads are really delicious, and i normally find salads boring. less of a star due to the awkward ordering/siting issue.
(4)
B Y.

This place is unnecessarily expensive. Who wants to pay $15 for a bland wrap? I've been here once. I tried one the Green Goddess wrap, and it gave me diarrhea about 10 minutes after I ate it. I don't plan on going again unless I want to do a colon cleanse the same day.
(1)
Sereia C.

So today I write to you from my deathbed. aka sick couch. No, I'm not hungover from it being the day after St. Patrick's Day, so don't go there. I'm feeling a bit like I got hit by a Mac truck, but somehow managed to drag my ass to Life Alive in hopes that all their wholesome awesomeness would help me to feel better. I started off with a 2 ounce shot of wheatgrass...which I try to have as often as I can...it is said an ounce of it is the equivalent of 2 pounds of veggies...but that wasn't enough for me, being close to death, and all. I then got the Jive Alive...a green juice with celery, random mixed greens, ginger, cucumber and lemon. I got an Explorer Wrap for later (see my previous review for its description)...I don't recommend this as a to-go wrap...by the time I got home it was an absolute mess...the beet juice totally saturated the wheat tortilla. The verdict...somehow, the wheatgrass shot instantly cleared my sinuses...I could breathe through my nose for 10 minutes, which was the best I felt all day. I'd like to think that Life Alive's mix of organic fruits and veggie has magic, make you better qualities...but sadly, I'm back here on the sick couch. Feeling like ass. Close to death. Maybe tomorrow's smoothie will do the trick...
(4)
Jessica S.

Love this place!
(5)
Rebecca W.

This place rocks! The menu is full of delicious and healthy cold and hot meals that would be any vegan or vegetarian's delight. The servers are all very nice and friendly and willing to answer any questions about the contents of the food. There is a great seating area downstairs, which even includes a little play area for kids. It has a vibe of being very chilled out -- people seem to consider Life Alive their own private living room -- I definitely saw more than a couple of people walking around without shoes. My only complaints are that the smoothies definitely leave something to be desired (although the food is fantastic), the place is quite expensive, and the line can get long on the weekend. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place to the veg, hippie, young professional/student crowd if you don't mind paying a decent amount for a cool place and tasty healthy food.
(5)
Gaven C.

Life Alive has a fantastic and well thought out menu, fresh ingredients and great staff.
(5)
Patrik W.

Great lentil soup and a pretty super ambitious menu with alternative-healthy-organic-whatever food as far as the eye can see. Almost a Cambridge caricature.
(4)
elizabeth c.

Highly recommend: red lentil hummus, raw juices. Staff is extremely kind and fun. Like the vibe, love the menu, but a few things leave me scratching my head, including: sweetened (with white sugar) cranberries on salads, using candied (sugared) ginger in smoothies, and the like. Also, the tofu on my salad was literally raw tofu - I was expecting seasoned baked tofu along with my up-charge. It was not to be. Nonetheless, solid establishment with a 1970's vibe - in a good way. Just take a good look at the menu and make sure to ask questions and/or specify what you want if you are picky (like me, and, I suspect, the vast majority of vegan customers).
(3)
Vijtibble A.

just what life alive needs, another great review. for months my dining partner has been begging, literally begging me to come to boston to try life alive. most of my dining partner's other dining partners are carniverous, and have thoughtlessly pooh pooh'd LA before sampling the goods. well, we sampled twice in one weekend, and were impressed both times. i can't remember exactly what i ordered, but i know it had greens, beets, cashews, various hummuses, and pumpkin seeds on it. and i know the dressings were tasty and light. and i know i enjoyed eating it. the menu seems pretty customizable, meaning if you want to swap out one or two or three or all the things listed for other things, you can. they have some type of kale elevator. or a kale special refrigerator. or maybe it's a kale dumb waiter. either way it's for kale and it's cool. i had a smoothie that was made of peanut butter and chocolate but it was meh. and the girl who made it for me was meh about making it, which might've contributed to the overall meh-ness of it. it's kind of pricey for being all veggies, but the bowls are put together nicely and the upstairs part of the restaurant is fun to sit in. i think boston is lacking in some simple low key healthy dining out options, but life alive fills that niche, and well.
(4)
Berk U.

A little expensive, but very original and tasteful vegetarian food - even for meat eaters. Come for the wraps and the warm bowls. My favorites include "The Adventurer" or the "Healthy Bachelor" - basically anything stuffed with the almonds, beets, avocado and cheese. I've also had a few of the smoothies, though my recommendation is to avoid them. They're good, but not good enough to justify the $6-$8 price tag. Lastly, be sure to pick up a loyalty card, so that you can get a free smoothie/meal after you make your 12th purchase.
(4)
Alyssa J P.

I definitely like this place, but the menu is a bit overwhelming, and I am not a big fan of super healthy crunchy hippie food, which this place seems to specialize in. The ambiance was groovy and the service was quick in the middle of a Saturday.
(4)
Cathy S.

4.5 stars to be exact. Will make 5 if their juices are not insanely expensive.The ginger nama shoyu sauce is not what i pictured, in a good way. It is very very subtle.If you are used to heavy dressing on your salad, ask for more sauce but don't overdo it. The portion may seem small, but trust me it is extremely filling. For a girl a demi-size warm meal plus some juice or fruit is just the right amount for a wholesome lunch!
(4)
Steven E.

I'm a vegan and I just wish there were more places like this downtown! The food here rocked and the staff were really friendly. I loved the cucumbers in the tap water : )
(5)
Adam T.

I'm not a vegetarian. I'm a meatatarian, and I LOVED this place. First time around was fantastic. I never knew veggie dishes could taste so hearty and delicious! I enjoyed The Innnocent (awesome) but can't wait to go back and try everything else they offer. Also tried The Hive Alive which was a yummy juice drink--a departure from the usual.
(5)
Pete C.

I'm definitely a big fan of Life Alive and go multiple times a week because I'm an eat-out junkie. The food is not cheap, but you get what you pay for - in this case, a fresh wrap/bowl with fresh tasty vegetables steamed with whatever toppings you want. Did I mention it's fresh? Service is friendly and helpful, which is good because their menu is confusing to new visitors. Everything they sell is a custom combination of vegetables, so it's not like a usual restaurant where you can identify dishes by name alone. This does lead to some occasionally painful waits when ordering (see downside below), but the staff all seem super nice and food preparation itself seems speedy and pretty optimized. Being able to choose wrap vs bowl is good, having Braggs available is a nice touch. The smoothies are great but overpriced. Once you start adding in ingredients, a wrap and smoothie combined can push the cost of a meal up past $20! The downsides: 1. Lines and waits frequently get out of hand... even at random points in there day when there's not much of a line, you may still get stuck behind some super earthy type who needs to discuss every ingredient on the menu and how aligned it is with their chi that afternoon (which the cashiers are of course happy to do because they're super friendly and I think this is meant to be one of the key selling points of the restaurant). Maybe this is nice the first time you go there, but once you've found your favorite few menu items, it's a nuisance on return trips having to wait for everyone else to go through this process again and again and again. I tried talking to the manager once about ways to speed it up for people who know what they want (some sort of touchscreen system alongside the cashiers?), but he pointed out that they consider their current scheme a point of pride so it's not "manufactured food like Mcdonalds". He then went back to having to apologize for the wait to each and every person in line after me... 2. the whole "yoga mom" atmosphere of the restaurant can get to be a bit much. I can see why it works for the neighborhood and I'm willing to put up with it, but come on guys, these are just veggies you're selling. That avocado isn't a "soul nourishing" avocado, it's not an "inner-peace strengthening" avocado. it's just a frigging avocado!! Along those lines, those wrap and bowl names are pretty agonizing and I still shudder every time I have to utter them. Just my luck that two of the worst ("the hot and healthy bachelor", "the green goddess") are my two favorites! 3. Not much in the way of side dishes - a couple of jars of dehydrated pineapple and some natural cookies which someone else pointed out are crazy high in calories. I guess you can order any of the add-ins as a side, but I've there must be some fun side dishes they could serve. Also, while I like that they keep it fresh veggie based, I'd love to see what this place could do with Seitan as an optional side. I understand that might not work from a freshness/preparation time standpoint though. Despite those complaints, Life Alive is a good restaurant and I'm glad it's in Central Square...I go there a ton and will continue to go there. Right now they're at about a 4.5/5 for me and I'd gladly bump that up to a perfect score if they dropped their smoothie prices and found a way to speed up ordering.
(4)
R S.

Delicious! I had the mystic mountain salad. Felt far more healthy leaving there than when I walked in. Also had their super-juice, which was delicious...though a little small at 12oz. Excellent place for vegans, foodies, etc Proper portion sizes, not too big nor too small.
(5)
Tall C.

This place is a city life-saver. I find it fairly priced, for an all vegan, steamed, fresh, nutritious & delicious plate served on real glazed plates with real metal cutlery and real glass glasses. (note: the take-out is amazing too - real cardboard boxes, no polystyrene in sight). My DREAM is that they open-up other locations, especially for STUDENTS / SCHOOL KIDS - their type of food seems to be ideal (fast to prepare, full of vitamins, easily boxed...), and it would be the best service one could do to another human being: providing real, live food that helps you go places! The staff is lovely, the atmosphere warm, and the superb plants in the hothouse-window are one of the most beautiful ideas I've seen in a long time. So please, Life Alive: MULTIPLY ! ! !
(5)
Esme J.

Spent last weekend in Cambridge for a seminar. Went with friends to Life Alive. Had the Lovers Bowl. Shitake mushrooms, greens, beets, brown rice with Ginger Shoyu. and lots of tattoos :-). I felt like I was in a time warp. I absolutely love the meal. One feels satiated. So many choices and they customize the dish to your specs!.
(5)
John D.

I am normally a huge carnivore, so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this place. Vegetarian is already pushing the limits for me, and this place is vegan and still delicious. All of their dishes are a combination of quite a variety of different vegetables and flavors, and all contribute importantly to the dish. I've tried probably half the menu already, and although it may be difficult to choose because everything seems so similar (they're all just a huge mix of vegetables), I've never been disappointed. I'm taking one star off because the price is a little bit high for what you get and the portions aren't the biggest.
(4)
Hello K.

This place was a nice little discovery on a walk I took with a friend while vacationing here. I am lactose intolerant so this place was like heaven for me! Their menu items all look delicious and there are a million options. They have food, drinks, and several smoothies to choose from. Unfortunately i had already eaten so me and my friend ordered drinks. I got green tea (it was YUMMY) and he got a coffee substitute(which actually tasted really really good for "fake coffee"!). The ambiance was amazing - there were plants and moss everywhere, even in the windowsills and in the bathrooms! There is seating upstairs(main level), as well as downstairs. I really wish this place would open up a store in the LA Area because it would fit in perfectly and do really well - plus I would be there every week!
(5)
Justin C.

I think this is the best vegetarian restaurant I've ever tried (though, that list isn't too long, haha!) The food is fresh, vibrant, and delicious - I had an udon soup ' The Miso Masterful - and my buddy had The Adventurer, a veggie medley over quinoa and brown rice. Both were absolutely delectable, the adventurer was very well spiced, and my friend noted that he'd eat vegetarian all the time if he could cook like that. I also had a smoothie, the chai alive, that was pretty much the best drink I've tasted. Soooooo good. Just go there and drink it!
(5)
Cheryl L.

Just a great place with a wonderful use of spices & veggies. Reasonably priced. Felt like I was back in the 60's. Originated in the great city of Lowell and now in Cambridge. Had the Adventurer Tasty Plate and was definitely enough food accompanied by a Love Alice smoothie. hmmmgood...Will be back.........
(4)
Steve S.

I was almost a vegetarian once. My problem is tofu, cant seem to like it...That being said, Life Alive is an all vegetarian place on Mass ave. They have smoothies and vegetarian dishes as well. It is an interesting place I enjoyed my red lentil bowl. The bowls have cool names like Rebel or Green Goddess. The secret to vegetables is lots of hot sauce. Then it becomes tasty. Tasty and healthy are rarities. Think about it. Twinkies are tasty, not healthy. Diet foods are healthy, yet not tasty. Irony of life My girlfriends bowl was not tasty, so healthy is thrown right out of the window. Life Alive is somewhat hit or miss, so really spend time looking at the menu. But I like it. Still like pizza better, but this food is healthier....
(3)
Heather G.

I love this place! There are soooooo many good things to say about this place. The food is fabulous, clean, organic, and wholesome. I ordered The Rebel, which came with the most delicious sesame ginger and Nama Shoyu dressing. Yum. They also have a great juice bar. It's so nice to finally be able to buy a green juice in Cambridge. The vibe is very authentic too. I loved the hippie motif and I felt transported back to the 1960's as I looked around at the decor. I would eat there every day if it wasn't so expensive. Not that the prices are exorbitant but I was a bit surprised by the them. This, however, will not deter me from eating there every chance i get. I do believe it is worth every penny. Excellent food and cool ambiance aside, there is one other outstanding feature that deserves recognition - the customer service. In a city where courteous service can be hard to come by, it was comforting to be welcomed by the very friendly staff. In addition to the quality of the food, this really puts them a cut above the rest and factors in a level of sophistication that I have not encountered in my more recent dining experiences. I highly recommend this fine establishment and look forward to exploring the rest of their enticing menu!
(5)
Ika M.

This place is great (on the healthy scale -- cause nothin' gonna beat steak and shrimp and lobsta and butter in my book)! They've got a ton of variety and the food is very flavourful and looks appetizing. Their smoothies are to die for. I'd definitely come here more often if it weren't so far away and they had more manageable lines/wait times during lunch. Definitely expect to wait upwards of 30 minutes to place and get your order. Cheers!
(4)
Sierra A.

I'm an so so glad this place opened in Central Square. Healthful food has seriously been lacking in this neighborhood. The ingredients are fresh and prepared with a smile. My boyfriend says it's too expensive, but I tend to disagree. Of course, I find the demi size completely filling and that tends to be a little over $6. Not bad for a meal at all! Even if you go for the bigger $10 bowl or wrap, that's still not bad. Most places around here charge a similar amount for a burger and fries and the quality of food is much better. The reason they don't get 5 starts is that they have a stamp card system; 10 (?) stamps gets you a free smoothy or bowl. Awesome! BUT they don't have a version for the demi size and since that is what I always get, it's a real bummer. i am there a few times a week, but don't get to enjoy the rewards.
(4)
Anastasia R.

Wow! They have done a great job with this space! Formerly a video store, this is now a lovely bi-level eatery specializing in vegetarian eats. They have a sh!t ton of nutrient packed dishes, protein options, their produce is organic, and they have dirtless plants that survive on air! And I loved the pho-ish style bowl of miso broth with veggies, mushrooms and udon noodles. My date was gaga for "the lover" bowl and I think it had enough garlic in it to bolster her immune system for the rest of the winter. To top it off, the service is friendly and clean looking with an affinity for a little funk. Not at all like other places in Central Square where you have to wonder if that nasty vermin problem has really been resolved...
(4)
Anita L.

3 1/2 stars overall. Four stars for the awesome drinks. Food is good, but the drinks are where it's at. If you know how to mix four ingredients together for dressing and you know how to cook brown rice, you can make the vast majority of these dishes at home. Eating here doesn't feel particularly special to me because these bowls are so familiar to me. (Now, for a plug for my favorite cookbook. Check out Everyday Raw Express by Matthew Kearney for awesome, healthy recipes under 30 mins. When you see what's possible, Life Alive will still be good, but not orgasmic like some people make it out to be.) Things that could be changed: - What's organic? What's not? I have no idea because this info isn't posted anywhere. I used to work near a Chinese restaurant that claimed to use "organic whenever possible," but what does this phrase really mean? - Wraps not preservative-free. - Crowded and busy! Not really the staff's fault, but the ordering area quickly gets overrun with yet-to-order and waiting-for-order people and there's no telling where the ordering line is if when you come in 11-1. I really like what Life Alive is doing, but it would be a lot better with more transparency. Overall a solid place for a healthy bite. Smoothies! Do it.
(3)
B M.

I use to love this place when they first opened, but they have gone down hill. I think they are taking advantage of their beginning success and now slacking. I have not enjoyed the food as much as I use to.
(3)
Tara G.

Everything is worth a try. I tried a $9 wrap. The first half was good, but not a $9 wrap. It was about a $5 wrap. The second half had hair in it.
(1)
Al A.

Looks like a pet store from the outside. Expensive. Bad washrooms. Surprisingly huge portions. Bland food. Pitiful kids' play area. Bad lighting. Noisy downstairs room due to MBTA trains. Pretentious assumption that organic food will make someone feel more alive than non-organic food. There's no science to backup this claim which basically originates from "Whole Foods". Way to go preying on stupid people!
(1)
Neeya D.

This place was pretty cool...different from what I'm use to...the atmosphere was chill and had a nice vibe... I would say though they kept bringing me the wrong dish but guess what? They reimbursed me full price for that particular dish!! ... Like whaaaaaat? How dope is that...I'd like to also add that the prices are decent for a good size portion of food. . .
(4)
Cara F.

I invariably finish a Life Alive meal feeling healthy and happy and wonderful. Placebo effect induced by the crunchy name? Perhaps, but they do serve up wonderful, fresh dishes; I never realized kale and brown rice could constitute comfort food. My go-to is probably the Romantic wrap - broccoli, avocado, garlic, cheddar, nutritional yeast in a whole wheat tortilla; I usually add brown rice, which makes it more substantial and brings a wonderful nutty, rich flavor. ...Let me pause here to mount a Brief Treatise in Defense of Nutritional Yeast: Yes, perhaps its name is not the most enticing. It is difficult to see the attraction to a word associated at best with beer-before-it's-beer and unbaked bread, and at worst with... well, let's not go there. So you will just have to take my word for it when I describe nutritional yeast as: savory, a little salty, a little nutty, kind of like a fine parmesan -- and desperately in need of a branding makeover. Give it a chance. Really. All right. Back to the food. The Swami is another popular choice around my office: brown rice with greens, carrots, broccoli, onions, raisins, tamari almonds, and their outstanding curry miso sauce. I also appreciate their dedication to customer choice: meals can be ordered as wrap or as full or demi bowls, and substitutions are gladly entertained. The smoothies and fresh juices are pricey but immensely satisfying - the smoothies could almost be a small meal unto themselves. I usually get my meals to go, but enjoy sitting down as well, because the space is beautiful. I thought "urban oasis" was kind of a hokey moniker, but it truly does feel calm and restful inside. Well-tended plants twine around the windows and soothing music insulates you from the city sounds outside. Most importantly, shelves upon shelves of gorgeous, fresh vegetables are all right there behind the counter, so you can see exactly what you're getting. Outstanding!
(4)
Ellen C.

Life Alive, you offer beautifully simple, fresh, tasty, and healthy food in a world where all of those things are largely lacking. You do so at sort-of reasonable prices (sort of). For these things, I thank you. But om namah shivaya, could it *get* any more self-consciously hippified in there? My aura felt under-dressed. From the names of the dishes ("The Healer", "The Seeker", "The Sufi Poet"), to the signs in the bathroom urging me to embrace universal consciousness, the whole place felt like good karma gone wrong. And I'm a yoga teacher. My tolerance for all-embracing earth mother love is reeeaally high. That said, I'll totally be back. The flaxy nama sauce on my demi Green Goddess plate was freaking amazing.
(4)
Avi G.

Quick tip: I'd strongly recommend getting the demi size plates. They are 5 or 6 bucks, and just a tiny bit smaller than the full size bowls, which are 8 or 9 bucks. If you're still hungry after, just get another one. But I almost never am -- the demis are pretty big. That said, I'm in love with this place. It is very hard to find food that is delicious, inexpensive, served quickly, and super healthy, all at the same time. That's Life Alive. I mean, I thought Cambridge had great restaurants and cafes before this little place opened. Now... unbeatable.
(5)
Chuck K.

I'm a low-carb guy. You might be asking yourself "Why is this cat even eating at this restaurant, let alone reviewing it?" Well, the girlfriend is a vegetarian and she PROMISED me that I'd like this place. I was skeptical, but she was right. So here's what's important from my perspective. They are very free with substitutions. And if you're avoiding carbs, like Moi, you can always just get a salad or sub out any ingredients that you don't like. I love a lot of little things about the place. I love the quirky clientele and the lounge-y basement. I even enjoy eavesdropping on the local jokesters whose conversations are always audible because the basement has more customers than privacy. Finally, the location in Central Square is just perfect. Oh, and one more thing: For Cambridge, the prices are totally reasonable--especially given the fact that the food is super-fresh. What would it take for them to get me to give them that coveted fifth-star? If they could offer a low-carb wrap (not a whole new sandwich, just a tortilla without too much starch), I'd love them wholeheartedly.
(4)
Magen L.

The single most refreshing lunch you will ever have in Boston. I stopped by after a run, hoping for something satisfying and fresh. I had the Adventurer in a bowl and a Be Alive juice. The juices and smoothies seemed a little expensive, but they were SO delicious. The sauce in the Adventurer was perfect - the ambiance downstairs was perfect - everything about this place was perfect. You. Must. Visit.
(5)
Katie O.

I've had the Green Goddess....to go. I really liked it and wanted to go grab lunch there today. Stepped foot in there for the first time today, and will never go back. EVERY person in there, customer and employee alike, was just rude and had a sense of entitlement. It was bizarre. Entitled hippies. doesn't seem to make much sense, but there you have it. Bad vibe, sorry.
(2)
Liz E.

Love this place! The staff is super helpful and very accommodating with any food allergies - much appreciated. I probably spend a little too much money at this spot....
(5)
Chad C.

This is such a great addition to Central Square! First of all, the food is excellent. I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan, but I've found that the meals at Life Alive are filling and delicious. My absolute favorite is the Adventurer plate -- it has almonds, tofu, broccoli, beets, quinoa and other greens. The flavor is amazing. I highly recommend it. All the food is fresh, and you can add any number of fruits and vegetables to whatever dish you choose. I've also tried the juices. They can be a bit pricey, but if you feel like you've missed out on fruits and vegetables it is a quick fix. The atmosphere is great here too. The staff is friendly and helpful. And there is a relaxed vibe both upstairs and downstairs. There is even a book collection that patrons are encourage to peruse and even borrow the books if they get wrapped up in one. Life Alive is a welcome escape to the hectic Boston city life!
(4)
Hubert H.

Berkeley fare has made it to Cambridge. Crunchy, vegetably goodness - steamed. Really feel like I'm back on Shattuck Ave. Kudos to you if you know what I'm talking about! And books on the ground floor!
(5)
Elizabeth G.

Life Alive is like sex: it's pretty darn great the first time, but it gets waaaaaaaaaay better with experience. I won't go through the food items in great detail, because actually all of the bowls are relatively similar... lots of ingredient overlap. The menu can look overwhelming; the best way in is just to pick one. If you like it, and become a repeat visitor, you get to know the dominant ingredient in each of the bowls (definitely avocado in the Green Goddess; sundried tomato in the Emperor). Maybe you are craving the melted cheddar of the Adventurer or the Emperor (as well you should be - it's so good it really shouldn't be legal). Or maybe it's the tamari almonds of the Swami or the Innocent that your heart is set on tonight. Choose what you want and then swap out the elements you don't want (quinoa instead of brown rice, curry sauce instead of ginger sauce). The bottom line is, you will get a bowl of delicious vegetables and whole grains, with a plate-licking-good sauce and some magic dust mixed in. You can't go wrong -- everything is doggone good. Whenever I take the first bite, my stomach takes a little upward leap of delight, just to be able to meet the food that much faster. The salads are good for summer -- perhaps not filling enough for a winter dinner, unless paired with a warm butternut squash soup or vegan chili. There is a whole range of smoothies, on the fruitier side or the ice-creamier side (a non-dairy coconut milk base). There are juices for the adventurous (including one with raw garlic, ginger, cayenne, spirulina, and apple cider vinegar, among other ingredients) and for those who want their juice to taste a little more like fruit. They have interesting wines and bottled beers, including St. Bernardus ABT (_love_). They are open for breakfast and offer a large selection of organic teas, as well as chicory "coffee". The wraps (variations of egg and cheese with different veggie and sauce combos, on a whole wheat tortilla) are great for breakfast OR dinner. Water is free and at the water station, there are also bottles of hot sauce, nutritional yeast, and Bragg's liquid aminos to customize your dish as you please. I wish the prices were lower -- a bowl will run you $10, pricey for a quick meal -- but there is obviously no shortage of demand. The line is often 20 minutes long, and then you wait another 20 minutes for your food -- but even this cannot dampen my affection for Life Alive. Just be sure to either pay with LevelUp to get points toward a discount later, or get a frequent buyer card (which they manually stamp), because trust me -- you WILL be returning.
(5)
Paulina R.

I love, love, love this place!!! Their name says it all. The food here is healthy, so healthy it'll scare you, until you taste it. The secret is in their sauces. half-cooked vegetables over brown rice with a delicious garlic, lemon and I-don't-know-what sauce topped with chopped almonds. YUM!!! I try to be a conscious eater, eat vegan, nutrient-rich foods, but it's so hard to do when eating out. This place breaks the mold! The ambience is friendly and lively with Buddha art all over, and, if the line is long, just pick up one of the enticing books stacked around the place for your reading pleasure. First time I ever read Simone De Beauvoir was at the Life Alive Cafe, and they let you take the book home if you're too engrossed to leave it there if you leave a $5 deposit. If the reviews here don't entice you to try the food here, let the beautiful, robust vegetables or friendly staff entice you. They serve beer and wine, too! The best part about eating here is the way you feel afterwards. I think Life Alive can cure cancer, depression, and all of our modern ailments with all the good energy they put out into the world.
(5)
Kristina D.

I said I would chomp my way through, didn't I? :) Green Goddess = 5 stars. It has ginger nama shoyu sauce, avocado slices, broccoli, dark greens, and tofu. Delish! Next time I get it, I'll add lemon juice. Explorer Salad = 3.5 stars. It has red lentil hummus, sesame crunchies, sundried tomatoes, cucumber, corn, kale (if they are out of spring mix), carrots, beets, and honey wasabi vinaigrette. I wasn't crazy about this mix of flavors. Kiddie Quesadilla = 3.5 stars. It has cheese and nutritional yeast in a whole wheat quesadilla. Yummy, but pales next to the bowls & salads.
(5)
Jenny M.

The menu's the same as at the Lowell location, but this one, maybe due to higher traffic and a less dedicated staff, isn't as consistently good. Lately the dining rooms have been less sanitary on each visit. Earlier this week I couldn't sit downstairs because their fruit fly situation has gotten out of control. Today I was actually handed a used napkin with my bowl of food. Yes, used. I just pushed it to the side because I was hungry, and I'd already politely complained that all the available tables were dirty. The serving sizes have also varied considerably in my visits. While at the Lowell location I can't always finish my huge and amazing meal, at the Cambridge location it depends on who prepared your food that day. I've brought this up with the counter staff twice, when I thought they'd given me the "Demi" (1/2 size) portion by mistake. On both occasions: 1) I was told it was a normal serving, 2) I was encouraged to spend more money on side dishes or sweets, 3) I was made to feel like a big Mcfatty for asking for the rest of what I'd paid for. 4) I left hungry, after spending $12 on lunch
(2)
Dave X.

This place is amazing and hands down my favorite restaurant. Their food is superb, flavorful AND organic, but I have a MAJOR gripe with this place. That being, I live 40 minutes away and more than a few times have I arrived only to find out they decided to close hours earlier than normal, OR were just closed for the day. This wouldn't be so much of a problem if they posted something on their facebook saying that they were closing early, BUT they don't. Sure, I could just call EVERY single time I'm going to go there, but that's ridiculous. Maybe from now on though, that's what I'll do. Bottom line is this place deserves 5 stars, but they won't be getting it from me until they've done something about this closing early or just randomly being closed thing.
(3)
Angel C.

I was curious to try the place that replaced Hollywood Video. Movie-inspired food??? Unfortunately, no. That's what I would've done. ;-) But this place is good. The atmosphere and decorations are very cool and hip and a little funky. It's very colorful (always a plus for me!) and makes you feel very natural and organic, which the food definitely was. I'm not a vegetarian, but I am a foodie, so I don't discriminate just because they don't serve meat, and they didn't disappoint. I looked through their menu and loved seeing all the ingredients that you normally don't see at most food places. I got The Rebel in a wrap, which includes things like hijiki, beets, and that powerful super-food, quinoa! (Listen up, vegans and people with gluten allergies: Did you know that quinoa is one of very few plant-based foods that supplies all nine essential amino acids, is gluten-free, and is actually a protein? I just read an article about that today!) The wrap came with a sesame ginger sauce, two of my favorite ingredients, but I couldn't really taste them, which was slightly disappointing. Oh well, it was still tasty. I won't be going vegetarian any time soon, but I totally would enjoy a meal here every once in a while. I would love to go back and try one of their creative smoothies. They have some interesting mixes! It's probably pricier than your average sandwich/quick food place, but it's understandable given the wide array of ingredients that they use and the fact that it's all organic and natural and fresh. Worth checking out!
(4)
Linda P.

I'm not a vegetarian, but this place is making me consider going vegetarian, seriously. I immediately fell in love the moment that I walked into this place. It was colorful, artsy, and organic-looking. I came here with my elderly friend that I volunteer to visit every week and she suggested this place that she's heard much good things about. She is a former artist, who is very partial to aesthetics and very picky with almost everything in general. We both fell in love with this place. Delicious, flavorful, healthy food that comes in multiple sized portions. Their "Demi" plates (half portions) are perfect for me - I can never finish whole huge portions when I eat out anyway. 'The Swami' was delicious. I can't wait to come back here to try the 'Sufi Poet' salad (I've heard good things) and their smoothies.
(5)
Lynn S.

It is always a treat when I am able to get here. This is by far one of my favorite places to eat. Organic, healthy, reasonable prices and the food is amazingly delicious! The only reason why it is not 5 stars is that they need more locations and the lines are just so long! This is a very popular place for obvious reasons! It is just best if you come during non peak days and midweek. Especially if you don't live in Cambridge and have to drive here. The Vibe is great and downstairs is cozy. I am addicted to the sufi poet and Green Goddess but I can't think of anything on the menu that isn't awesome! You can feel comfortable hanging out by yourself or with a group of friends. Please open more locations!! :-)
(4)
Misch W.

So happy I found this place! I have been there several times over the past month. The staff is always friendly, energetic and really enthusiastic about making your experience the best it can possibly be. The food is delicious, and for the quality of the ingredients is actually really well priced. Plus they offer a "demi" option on most of their meals so you can opt for less food at a cheaper price if you're just in the mood for snacking. My favorite meal is the Green Goddess, but I have never tried anything I didn't like at Life Alive. The atmosphere varies depending on what time of day you go. It has the tendency to be really chill in the morning and mid afternoon. The upstairs is lined with lots of plants and books to enjoy. Even if upstairs gets too loud with the blender at juice bar, downstairs is usually a haven of tranquility, with benches tucked into nooks strewn with comfy throw pillows so you can sip your tea and contemplate the huge canvas paintings of serene Buddah faces on the walls. Only con is that they don't have coffee. Apparently they can't serve it because of their proximity to one of Central Square's well known coffee shops. That's ok though. They still get 5 stars from me because their green tea latte with honey is probably one of the best tasting drinks I can imagine existing on this side of heaven.
(5)
Stef S.

I LOVE this place. I'm a health nut who doesn't follow my own rules, mostly because it's nearly impossible to eat well when you're constantly on the go go go. This place is reasonably priced and delicious. I was worried that healthy vegan food meant tasteless cardboard, but I feel full, happy, and healthy afterwards every time. The dressings are delicious. The smoothies are wonderful. I wish I could come here everyday, but alas... I live no where near New England... :(
(5)
Are E.

Life Alive is now merely 'fine'...perhaps a victim of its incredible success? In the 2.5 years that I have been going there, I haven noticed an unfortunate downward slide in quality and attention to detail. Examples: every time I order extras for my Adventurer bowl, something is amiss. The avocado is not added(though of course I pay for it!). Or the Daiya vegan cheese is not added. The other problem is the content of the bowls. In the past - lots of greens (kale), a good mix of the standard ingredients, as listed on the menu. Now though: almost no greens (and what there is is overcooked), an overabundance of beets and nuts, and almost no broccoli. Also: long lines at lunch time, longer lines at dinner time. Best thing is to plan ahead. Buy during down times and reheat later.
(3)
Emily W.

This is my first Yelp ever! I am so happy to have come to Life Alive, this place is amazing. This place has integrity and understanding that what we put in our bodies, directly creates how we feel! The playlist is amazing, prices and options are incredible. So thrilled.
(5)

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Address : 765 Mass Ave
Cambridge, MA, 02139
Phone (617) 354-5433
Website https://www.lifealive.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :8:00 am - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No

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Life Alive

765 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139

Life Alive Menu

Soups

Salads

Simple Snakes

Fresh Fanyastic Food

Grilled Tortilla Wraps

Sides

Healthy Meal suggestions for Life Alive

Soups

Salads

Simple Snakes

Fresh Fanyastic Food

Grilled Tortilla Wraps

Sides

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