Zume’s Coffee House
221 Main St, Charlestown, MA, 02129
Zume’s Coffee House Menu
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Special Lunch Sandwiches
Healthy Meal suggestions for Zume’s Coffee House
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Special Lunch Sandwiches
Visit below restaurant in Charlestown for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
221 Main St
Charlestown, MA, 02129 - Phone (617) 242-0038
- Website https://www.zumescoffeehouse.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:00 am - 5:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
By Appointment Only : No
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Lillian D.
Love that this shop is so near my home, though that has no bearing on my review. The interior is a cozy mix of industrial coffee house - sort of an ideal presentation in 2015. That interior alone is nothing to write home about, though the original wall art is always a welcome display. (I just wish I could afford some of it!) The stars of this place is the food and coffee - just what you'd hope for at a "coffee" shop. I got an Americano and added a touch of cream and sugar. (I prefer it con panna, but I realize not all coffee shops have whipped cream. No worries, it was still a great tasting espresso.) Baked goods are always hit or miss to me. Sometimes they taste old, and you're sad you even gave them a shot. Not these! The quiche are made, then frozen, then thawed for display - still relatively fresh. My bacon and swiss quiche could have easily been fresh. After heating, the crust was a bit dry and softened under the reheating, but the lovely inside bits made it all come together nicely. It's so easy to ruin a quiche when runny eggs or too much of any one ingredient. These tiny pockets were harmoniously made. Then I got the key lime tart. My hopes of saving it for later were a failure. That flamed marshmallow topper and golden graham crust were too luscious to ignore after my quiche. My remaining espresso needed a partner with whom to go down gracefully. Wow! Crusts on deserts are my favorite part. Faintly buttery, crispy but soft, and just a little sweet. The filling was everything you'd hope for from a quality pasty - not the lime green stuff you find in a sad, pre-packaged box. The marshmallow topping hid that glorious secret (normal colored filling!) all-too-well. Sorry, tart, I just couldn't save it for later. Which is ok, since I hope to be a regular at this place. And, lest I forget, the staff were friendly and helpful. Nice crew.
(4)Erin M.
Things I love at Zumes: the cookies (the best in Boston!!), the breakfast sandwich on English muffin, the baked goods (great muffins), and of course the coffee. But I wish they had more sandwich options. They used to have heated ones but stopped. Those should come back (especially in the winter months). And I wish you could get smaller sized smoothies (the one size is just too big).
(3)Brandon W.
Turkey wrap is awesome. Convenience of getting said turkey warp is not. My first visit, I attempted to order at 11:56 and was informed the kitchen doesn't open till 12. So I stood aside for 4 minutes so that I could get back in line to order. Second time I got there a few minutes before 3. Waited in line. When it was my turn to order, they said the kitchen closed at 3. I would eat here again, but I will never go out of my way to do so. If I was starving between 1215 and 245 and happen to find self directly in front of zumes and it was too inconvenient to go somewhere else maybe I'd give them another shot. I have also tried the iced coffee. It's not really anything special.
(1)Brian R.
This is a cool little neighborhood place, where the look, right down to the pastry cases, definitely is equipped like McBucks, but that is where the comparison stops. They have fantastic baked goods, and a sizeable hot breakfast and sandwich array that comes out of a kitchen, not a Star-Trek-Meets-Suzy Homemaker convection warmer. The coffee? Very very good. The only reason I drop it a star is because they have a ton of people working there, but when the coffee bar is slammed, and it's slammed, management only has one barista on? The place is packed as it's one of the few good breakfasteries around, so tell Scrooge McDuck to come up with a touch more cash for another pair of hands on the bar, please.
(4)Jay R.
Excellent coffee here, some of the best I've had in the city of Boston. The only thing holding it back is that the breakfast sandwich was good, but not great. That being said, I love the coffee so I'll be there as much as possible.
(4)Doug G.
Great service, great iced coffee. great location. I've been coming here for lunch every once in a while for the last few weeks, and it's a great spot. The breakfast sandwich on an english muffin pushed me over the edge, and onto yelp for the five star review!
(5)Karen K.
To sum it up quickly, Zume's is the perfect neighborhood spot! We are here almost daily, sometimes multiple times per day, and have absolutely no complaints! Given the number of regular customers Zume's has, we definitely aren't alone. If you come here often you'll find it doesn't take the staff very long to remember your name and order. Everyone behind the counter, including the owners, could not be more pleasant. It's a great place for grabbing a cup of coffee/tea or quick breakfast/treat/lunch to go or sticking around and enjoying the atmosphere. On weekends it's jam packed with tons of families, plus it's fairly small, so if you are planning to sit in keep that in mind. The lunch menu is limited but has the basics covered! If you're a lover of local business I highly recommend you visits!! They also have a place outside to tie up your dog so feel free to bring him/her along.
(5)Corey L.
I've been here a few times and have enjoyed their (excellent) desserts, (excellent) drinks - tea and coffee all seem creative enough and tasty, and (excellent) sandwiches. This place is typical for a good local coffee house, nothing crazy. But it's cozy, I've always enjoyed my experiences, the staff, and the food has always made me happy.
(4)jacki w.
Very cute, good coffee n bites. The staff is friendly to the locals, but not so much to new people..they are treated completely different. Not a great place to study, but it seems it was established for socializing, the true nature of a coffee shop. There are NO outlets for which to plug in a computer or cell phone and there are ebbs of lots of people (many moms with strollers) and lulls where there are none. I like this coffee shop, but it'd be great if they could expand to cater to more than one crowd.
(3)Haley S.
Zume's makes the best latte in the city. I don't know what their secret is but they are amazing. I was hesitant to go after reading a few reviews about the service but I have never had a bad experience. The pastries are made in house and are fantastic. You have to try a cinnamon snail!
(5)Mike G.
I've finally decided to bite the bullet and write a review. I've ventured to Zumes about 4 times over the last two months. Each time I have had the older lady or the older man which I expect are the owners of the establishment. I have been less than pleased with their service. They seem to be quick to judge and always huff and puff while they are working. My latte was warm and was only filled about 3/4 of the way and the rest was foam. Sorry, but every latte I have ever had it was roughly 1/2" to 3/4" of the top filled and the rest foam. I told them to fill it up and they said, "That is how we make them here." I said, "Well that's not how a latte is supposed to be. Can you please fill it up?" And they grumbled. People are right. They appear like they are doing a favor to their customers. We are paying YOU for a product, not for your attitude. The only reason this coffee place is still open is because of the local community's love for small businesses. If it were not for the Charlestown crowd this place would have closed down long ago.
(1)Alexa D.
Zume's always seems to make my day a little better. The staff is always nice, which you might think is standard, but it's really not in most places. It's a feel good local charlestown place and I always head over after Yoga. If you are looking for French Vanilla, ask for Hazelnut and Vanilla flavors.
(5)Justin W.
Cute place in a lovely part of Boston. The space is small, loud and doesn't haven't a lot of seating, but the art on the walls is great and the coffee and breakfast were top notch. Had a hard time finding their holiday hours because they were only posted on the door, but that's easily forgivable. Can't wait to see this place in the summer when they can make use of the wide sidewalk out front!
(4)Lachlan R.
There menu for lunch beds to be bigger and more kid friendly.but in the nice side there smoothies are delicious and very healthy .If I had known I would have definitely just gotten the smoothie.I suggest the protein blast
(3)I. H.
Great hot chocolate! I come all the way from Roxbury just for it. This is one of those rare coffee houses where the employees know your name and your order as soon as you step up to the counter. Fyi, don't go during the day on weekdays looking for a seat, all the moms with their babies crowd the place. I almost got taken out by a stroller once. Get your drinks and go, unless its in the evening by then all housewives are home making dinner lol
(4)Patrick H.
Great staff, good prices and sweet drinks.
(4)D T.
Left charlestown about 4 years ago, but Mary Ellen hasn't missed a beat. I'm not going to say that it is the best bagel with cream cheese and tomato I've ever had (I grew up right outside of nyc and the water is different which yields a different bagel), but the staff is always pleasant and it's anchored by Mary Ellen. If we all could be half as nice as her, the world would be a better place. Even though I live across the harbor now, I still feel like I am shopping local.
(5)James C.
This is just what Charlestown was lacking; a laid back place to sip your latte and read or chat with some friends. Aside from the delicious coffee, this place is aesthetically pleasing with it's modern industrial feel. The artwork adds character and shows the connection to the community. As an animal lover, it is great to see everyone gather with their pups outside, as Zume's shows their 4 legged friend support! All and all, I am a lover of independent coffee shops and this place does meet everything I like in them. The only thing I wish is that they were open later at night. But being in Charlestown, the foot traffic may not be worth the extended hours! Keep it up guys!
(4)Danielle F.
This is a sold three star joint! I live within walking distance of Zume's and I have found that I prefer their lunch options over Sorelle. While Sorelle may boast a larger sandwich menu, I find that the choices I've made in the sandwich category have been quite good. Three standouts for me have been the Cuban, the Turkey and Avocado, and Chicken and Goat Cheese. For breakfast, I am partial to the egg sandwich & the salmon & lox on a bagel. Breakfast options can be a bit steep in price, though I find that I am full for a long period of time. I don't tend to like strong coffee, so when I do get coffee it does tend to be iced coffee in the summer. In addition, I am partial to the Crimson Berry Iced Tea. That is a fave of mine. Generally I get my stuff and leave. As others have stated, many people do tend to camp out (perhaps due to the free wi-fi) and there is limited seating. Since the remodel was done, I feel like there is even less seating. While on the subject of the remodel, I feel like it became more industrial and austere in terms of the atmosphere. The remodel did strip the place of some of its character, in addition it feels like the public space is smaller. While I am sure that the work environment may be better for staff, for me that was a recognizable difference. Though, all this doesn't bug me too much as I am a "to-go" girl. I do give the place props for showcasing local artists. There's always new artists exhibiting their art, and you can't help but to check out the walls each time you come in.
(3)Ashley D.
I have gotten 2 sandwiches here. I got the Brie and apple with turkey and the chicken salad. I thought the chicken salad had a little bit too much mayo. The Brie and apply wrap was great though. I also have gotten the green tea here and it's okay. I think they have over brewed it a little because it has a weird after taste.
(3)Jeff M.
Overall this place is mediocre. It has a nice location and friendly staff, but their hours are rather inconvenient and there is usually has a long line. I've been here a few times and the coffee always tastes a bit burnt; their pumpkin spice latte was a rather disappointing excuse for a seasonal drink. The smoothies do however have a good flavor if you want to treat yourself (they are rather expensive). If you're looking for an alternative from the Dunkin' Donuts across the road this is probably the place, but it is definitely not perfect.
(3)Doug C.
Worst customer experience ever - I was recently back to Charlestown after 15 years since moving away. I thought a place like Zume would be a good addition to an otherwise coffee desert. After ordering a coffee I noticed that there were no electrical outlets to charge my dead phone. When I asked, the young lady behind the counter said "we don't have any customer outlets." (Strange!) Then when I pick up my drink I noticed that there was a plug on the back counter with one of the employees phones plugged in. I asked if I could charge my dead phone in that outlet, a manager/owner(?) was called over who told me with a total dead-pan look before walking away: "that's for employees, we don't have power for customers." That's it! No "I'm sorry buts...", No doing one little favor for a customer... Not the least bit of conciliatory offering what so ever! This place is the worse and deserves to go out of business. ps: The iced coffee is just OK
(1)Maggie L.
I love this place; not just because it's a 3 min walk from my condo, but because they have a great atmosphere, great product & awesome staff. It's always packed I wish they stayed open later.
(5)Amy E.
I love this place! I've seen a few Boston celebs in here so it must be good! The coffee is always good and they have a great bakery display of yumminess. I personally enjoy the chocolate chunk cookie; definitely something to share. They only serve breakfast until 12 on weekends so you late risers should get there before noon. The egg sandwich is simple and delicious. Definitely try them out if you're in the area!
(4)Sarah D.
My boyfriend and I love Zume's! We are here every weekend. The coffee and lattes are excellent and staff is friendly. They also make their own English muffins resulting in the best sausage egg and cheese breakfast sandwich I've ever had.
(5)Meg A.
This is my favorite coffee house on the East Coast. I live in DC now and miss it daily. Your caramel iced coffee knocks it outta the pahk.
(5)Katie W.
LOVE Zumes! Coffee is delicious - strong and flavorful. The breakfast sandwiches and pastries are amazing and I love their lunch sandwiches (Grilled Cheese - YUM!). The staff is extremely friendly to all its two-legged and four-legged patrons, who are patiently waiting outside :-). It's a welcomed addition to the Charlestown scene and I love to come to enjoy the fare and chat with neighborhood friends.
(5)Kelly W.
Staff, Owners and products are great. I am Always greated with a smile and I appreciate how much work goes into running a coffee shop and restaurant. They do it right.
(5)Benji M.
Had to try the English muffin and didn't regret it at all! The coffee was great too but I'm still addicted to DD. The layout of the chairs was a little odd to me... It's mostly sofas that line the walls with a small table next to each one, like I was waiting to get a foot massage. Worth a try!
(4)Nicole M.
Let me start off with a compliment, this place has delicious sesame bagels and unbelievable honey biscuits. My main criticism lies with their customer service- it has a lot to be desired. I have been a customer for 5 years and sadly almost every time the staff lets me down;the condescending attitudes, being questioned as a paying customer for internet usage, charged for tap water, rushed to order, and an overall lack of respect. If it wasn't for the quality product they produce I would have moved on to Grasshopper or Sorelle a long go. Go in to try the food and coffee but don't expect smiles and sunshine.
(2)Jocelyn G.
The food is good, but the service isn't always friendly. When I asked for honey mustard on my breakfast sandwich I was told that it was considered a lunch item and they refused to put it on. Since when is mustard a lunch item? It is a condiment. The woman refusing this normal request was rude. This experience has lead me to never return. Why deal with crappy service so early in the morning? Unacceptable!
(2)K M.
Came here for the first time today. Now that the weather is nicer, I wanted to find something other than Whole Foods for lunch options. I saw this place and looked it up on Yelp, decent reviews so gave it a shot. The baked selections are insane and hard to stay focused on lunch ahah. I went with the Cranberry & Walnut Chicken Salad sandwich on 7-grain bread to go. I also got their cinnamon powdered donut because that is a weakness. I tried that on the walk back to the office and it was very good. Good crunch to the donut but cake-like inside and not as heavy compared to DD. The sandwich was really good! The cranberries added sweetness and the walnuts texture. I really enjoyed it and recommend. Next I will have to try their coffee as I do love coffee and local shops.
(4)Kristin Q.
This is my favorite coffeehouse. The owners are passionate about their business and their customers. The coffee, food, and baked goods are amazing! Support local Mom and Pops in Charlestown!
(5)James B.
Wish they started serving lunch earlier for the working people. It can't be that hard. When the place is busy it is hard to hear them call your name. Food was good.
(3)John W.
Coffe was ok, but this place is styled just like Starbucks. Don't get fooled into thinking it is anything more than that. Terrible rude service and bad, expensive sandwiches.
(1)Alicia W.
Came here to say I love Zume's as my local coffee shop. Nice strong coffee and their 10lb cookies are amazing! I strongly recommend you try them. I'm only giving 3 strars through as there are often a lot of "campers" who sit all morning. With minimal seating, this can be frustrating for people who do want to eat. I will say that I'm not sure there's much they can do about this though as I would assume asking people to leave is the worse of two evils. The Roasted Vegetable Sandwich was pretty slimey too. Go with the Caprese! Lastly, I think the renovations look great.
(3)Katy M.
Love coming here for breakfast and lunch. The bagels are amazing and the iced tea is fantastic, as well as their espresso and signature drinks. Great friendly, laid-back atmosphere and the staff are good at what they do. Love eating-in because they will bring it out to you with a smile and the seating area is very cozy. Never had an issue with order accuracy or food/beverage quality, which is very impressive considering I've been coming at least once/week for a year! Such a great place!
(5)Kandi A.
Great coffee. Tasty eats. Great service. I could want nothing more from my local coffee spot. Not to mention we're on a first name basis now.
(5)Sonia M.
Zume's is a great coffeehouse! My friends and I rented a house nearby for a weekend in Boston and this place was conveniently located two blocks from our apartment. They have some amazing drinks here and the staff is super chill and friendly. They have plenty of couches and chairs to sit down and unwind. They also sell local art, which are nicely displayed on their walls.
(4)Jack D.
After reading some of the reviews about snotty staff I have to say I've never experienced that. I suspect it probably one of those parochial new England places you have to break thru and be a regular customer for a while before getting a regular smile, not good business practice, admittedly. A good alternative to Dunks a couple days a week, I agree that the outlets thing is pretty lame for a wifi cafe.
(3)Daniel C.
Great neighborhood coffee shop with great service and menu. The coffee is always fresh and their food menu is terrific. I definitely recommend this place, best in town.
(4)Bradley H.
I recently discovered this place near my work in Ctown. I've always enjoyed their coffee and breakfast sandwiches. Bacon/sausage egg cheese on a home made english muffin is outstanding. Their lunch menu is equally delish. I have always received courteous service from the staff. It is about a 5 minutes wait for the prepared dishes but well worth it. You will find the staff addresses many customers by their first name. This is the place to go if you love coffee. Fun place to meet people and dogs.
(4)Mallory G.
The staff here are so rude and unfriendly it is ridiculous. They act like they're doing you a favor by getting you coffee. I was so excited when Zume's reopened - there was so much potential for an adorable and welcoming neighborhood hang out. Unfortunately, what opened instead was a snotty shop with poor baked goods.
(1)Anna B.
WHAT is with the attitudes of the staff here? Tried this place again after my previous bad experience-they are now remodeled-no dice. The staff still seem bothered when you order-big turn off and too bad since I just moved down the street. I'll stick with Grasshopper Cafe.
(1)Vivian H.
Found myself in Charlestown and needed to kill some time. We opted for this coffee shop. I really enjoyed sipping coffee here and it makes me think of those days when I lived in Boston and how there was SPACE to just sit and think! LOL. The coffee house has a bit of a Bohemian feel to it, wooden floors, and a few nice chairs. I had a slice of carrot cake and a coffee. The carrot cake was excellent. Moist and flavourful. It was a huge slice and I couldn't finish the whole thing. We were able to sit for about 2 hours with no one trying to kick us out. Also, on the day I left Charlestown, my best friend and I went in to grab some breakfast and she was raving about their english muffins. She says they make their own. I tried an egg and cheese on english muffin. She was right. The english muffin was fluffy and light. Better than anything Thomas could ever make ;-) This place is a winner!
(4)Mike S.
Everything that made Zume's good is gone and now it's just a room with coffee.
(3)Katoe R.
Zume's Smoothies Let's start off with the disclosure that we don't go to Zume's for the coffee, snacks or lunch, so we won't be reviewing them on that. I love smoothies and wherever and whenever I see a smoothie place I must try it out. We have gone to Zume's previously, before the renovation, and the smoothies were disappointing. The banana strawberry smoothie tasted liked crushed ice and wasn't very flavorful. I couldn't believe how lackluster it was. But when Zume's reopened and there was a sign outside that read "new smoothies" I was willing to give it another try. We ordered a strawberry banana and a mixed berry which cost $13.23, therefore not the cheapest smoothies around. They took awhile to make them leading us to believe that they were being made with wonderful fresh fruits and yogurt . When they were ready, the mixed berry looked very appetizing, a bright purple with visible seeds while the strawberry banana looked a pale pink, not very appetizing . One sip of the banana strawberry smoothie ensured the same unexciting, flat flavor as before the re-opening. The only thing new about these smoothies was an even stronger presence of unripe banana and even more poorly crushed ice. The mixed berry with its pleasing color had our hopes up but again another disappointment. While much more flavorful than the strawberry banana, this one was very sour. You know a smoothie is bad when you can't drink it all and throw it out midway. We are completely disappointed with Zume's "new smoothies". It's surprising and disappointing that Zume's has reopened and decides to still serve these awful smoothies. We recommend doing some more work on the recipes and compare their smoothie finished product with some other establishments. We cannot recommend going to Zume's for smoothies.
(1)Whiskey C.
I love a non-chain!!!! Get the salad with the goat cheese, cranberry, pecans and vinaigrette. To die for! The coffee and sweets are amazing.
(4)C F.
Went to Zumes and ordered a bacon egg and cheese on a croissant and a coffee. I waited a ridiculously long time for my sandwich because they had forgotten my order. Got home to eat my sandwich and it was the worst sandwich I have ever had. The egg was fake, there was a half a slice of cheese on it, the croissant was stale, and the bacon seemed fake too. I was so angry and disappointed. Nothing at this place is fresh and I always have to wait forever. The prices are also ridiculously high for the crap you get. I will never order food from there again. The coffee is decent but way overpriced.
(1)Diana B.
Great latte, nice folks. Love this place.
(5)Kim K.
The only non-chain coffeehouse in the Town & the only one I'll ever need (or want). Located on main street in the center of Charlestown, its always buzzing with people--and for good reason. The atmosphere is charming, welcoming, and unique. They offer an array of lounge chairs for hanging out in and also a high top table over looking the sidewalk-- which is great for people watching or for reading/studying. They also feature works by different artists every few months, which I always find cool. The coffee & teas are pretty good and they offer a varied selection. But their food is what makes me come back again and again. For breakfast sandwiches, their egg & cheese on english muffin ain't no typical egg mcmuffin. The english muffins are so fluffy that they almost have a cloud-like consistency to them. so so good. All their lunch sandwiches are amazing, but I am partial to the chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts--the perfect amount of mayo and crunch, and the chicken pieces are just the right size, not too chunky. Its served on three seeded bread, which is delicious, but I usually ask for it on their ciabatta bread instead-- I find its easier to eat and stays intact better. Their cookie--especially the chocolate chip ones-- always flirt with me from behind that glass case. Somehow I've had the will power to keep them at bay, but I am pretty sure I will be succumbing to their advances one day soon after reading the other reviews on here...
(4)Judith S.
I've dropped by here a few times as it is near where I work. Free wifi, hard boiled eggs, great coffee, friendly folks, comfy seats and solid work counters for your pad or laptop...another on my list of independent coffee shops to frequent instead of helping Starbucks completely dominate.
(4)Stephanie C.
I absolutely love it here! Their coffee is mighty strong and good. Their breakfast/lunch sandwiches and soups are awesome and they change up their menu with featured specials, etc. I love the changing art galleries and cozy couches just inviting you to stop for a minute, relax, talk to your fellow neighbor and enjoy your cuppa joe. It's a very friendly place. I love supporting this local business over any big corporation coffee place any day! And their new remodeling looks awesome! Plus free wi-fi that I am using to write this review, yay!
(5)Tim L.
I love Zume's. Love the coffee, love the breakfast sandwiches, love the pastries, love the lunch sandwiches and soups in the winter, love the salads, love the desserts. They have a fairly steady group of folks who work here, so you get to see some familiar faces. Everyone's always friendly and effcient. I run in here to quickly grab something, or I'll take my laptop and come down to work for a few hours. Lots of big overstuffed chairs and a couple of couches. There's also a coffee bar to sit at which overlooks the sidewalk. There is a rotating set of art that they put on the walls, and there's been some pretty interesting works. For the food: Hungover Breakfast: Sausage Egg and Cheese on a home made English muffin. Healthy breakfast - yogurt, fruits, protein bars Pastries: The muffins are really good. Lunch Sandwich - I love the turkey/gruyere/apple panini. I also like the three cheese panini with tomato / cheddar soup in the winter. I am not a sweets guy but the cookies, chocolate cheesecake brownies and the lemon squares are worth the 8 billion miles that I need to run after eating them.
(5)Tom R.
Zume's has very good espresso, latte's, cappuccinos, coffee and teas. Their food menu is very good as well. Muffins, scones, donuts and hot breakfast sandwiches. Very very good. My only complaint is how expensive it is to come here. Other then that it would be five stars in my book. Add on to previous review: I moved Zumes down two starts. Though there coffee and food is very good I've noticed a disturbing decrease in customer service. It seems as if they are frustrated taking your order. My fiance' went in the other day to do work on her lap top. As she was setting up her lap top the owner came up to her and told her she had to buy food or coffee to work their. This was before she even had a chance to order anything. He was very rude and spoke to her like someone who was in middle school hanging out. Very disappointed in the ownership and his manners.
(2)Kelly A.
Finally, a fun and welcoming independent coffee shop in Charlestown. I really enjoy this place. I've always found the staff to be friendly and efficient and the coffee and food solid. My favorite item to get there is the pressed cuban sandwich. The flavors are really well balanced and the portion satisfying. The coffees are also solid, but nothing exceptional or amazing. Sure this place isn't quite as funky or unique as some of the coffee shops in Cambridge and Somerville, but it's a huge step up from what was previously available in the neighborhood.
(4)R V.
Zume's carries donuts from Verna's in North Cambridge. This alone is worth five stars. They have a decent selection, but run out fast. On the plus side, each donut rings up for a clean $1.00 each, including tax.
(5)Chrissy H.
I have spent many Tuesday mornings, post class, sitting at the window seats, enjoying a cup of coffee and a fresh baked bagels, English muffins and croissants. It's cozy with wooden floors and numerous comfy arm chairs. The staff was never overly friendly but pretty quick and efficient. I always bring my husband one of their glazed donuts which he loves. I try not to look at them in the case because they do look soooo good, but I have to be strong and not tempt myself by staring too hard at their gooey goodness. They do offer free wi-fi, but the other day I overheard another customer ask the owner where the outlets are and the owner said, 'we didn't put them in for a reason.' At first I thought I had misheard him but apparently they've said it to others too. I understand the need to turn tables and not allow people to loiter for too long, but there has to be a better way to relay the "no outlets" policy to the customer. It sounded downright rude. Now that the semester is over and I don't have to choose between Zume's, Dunkin' Donuts, and Friendly's, I will never return. Solely for that curt response to another customer's polite inquiry. If you don't like people sitting around with their computers, don't offer free wi-fi.
(2)Laura D.
I used to live a block from Zumes and would go there a couple of times a week for a bagel and iced mocha. I tried several kinds of bagels and all where delicious. I was really torn between 3 and 4 stars. The bagels and food deserves a 4, maybe a 5 but the service and coffee is more like a 3. I mostly just went in and grabbed a coffee and bagel to go. The counter service was never great or horrible just meh. The lady who makes the bagels with short gray hair is so sweet. She knew my name, she would chat and was very personable. She also makes a fantastic bagel! I have come here a few times to get some work done and yes there is a mom's group that takes over the place every day from 9-10 complete with a ton of strollers you cannot even walk around. So avoid then. After the mommy hour it is quiet. They have wifi but they do not want you to work all day. I have never had the owner or manager come over to me. She has always been nice and I have many times setup shop prior to ordering but then again I was a regular so maybe that is why they where nicer to me. On weekends it is packed and they run out of bagels and muffins usually by 11. So come early.
(4)Fumi A.
Love Zume's. I used to go here on Sunday mornings to enjoy coffee and relax. They have comfortable couches and you can enjoy the local artist's work posted on the wall. The sandwiches here are also fresh and great. I liked "cranberry walnut chicken salad sandwich" and "Mozzarella & Prosciutto". The place is filled with young professionals, families and dogs(dogs are not allowed but there is a bench outside). They also have toys for kids :)
(4)Seth M.
This is my neighborhood coffee house. I'm here multiple times a week, so this may be biased, but the egg and cheese here is the best I've ever ad. They are made on their homemade muffins, with bacon, ham or no meat. They are addictive.
(4)Steve G.
The best alternative to the usual regional/national coffee houses. Little known fact about Zumes is that they do a lot more than coffee and donuts. Their breakfast sandwiches are amazing - try the sausage egg and cheese on English muffin and you'll know what I mean. Do not miss out on their bagel and lox either because of the massive portion of smoked salmon. One order is probably enough for two. Did you know they also have lunch sandwiches? One of the few places in the area to get a take out sandwich that isn't a generic heap of meat and lettuce. If you're on your way through Charlestown, be sure to make a stop here. And if you live within throwing distance like me, you'll probably end up here several times each month.
(4)Juliet P.
Really cute, cozy place. This is so close to being the ideal neighborhood coffee shop. Just one problem: snotty staff. I brought my laptop and went to plug it in and couldn't find any outlets. I asked the girl at the counter if they had any outlets available and she said, "no" (rather curtly). I then found a hidden outlet and plugged in. Almost immediately a woman whom I assume to be the owner or manager rushed over to me, taps me on the shoulder and says, "We DON'T have outlets for a REASON." Her tone was snarky and condescending - and she didn't tell me what that REASON was. I told her my battery was dead so I would have to leave the cafe and go elsewhere. To which she replied, "OK". Her tone was incredibly rude - and that's what turned me off. A few other things that tipped the scale to actually make me dislike the place: I ordered a latte and it was lukewarm, watered-down and less than half full. I also think its weird to have such a problem with someone wanting to plug in a laptop. Who knew it as such a crime to plug in your laptop in a cafe. I won't be going back.
(1)Josie G.
Coffee whore, right here. I work at the school down the street and coming in every day at 6 a.m. is killer without coffee. I bounce back and forth between Zume's and Dunkin's depending on my mood. I like to come by here after work sometimes too, just to grab some green tea and get some work done. It seems to be a cute locals place; I love it with the sunshine streaming in. Everyone was super nice.
(4)Brian F.
Okay, fine. I was playing hard to get with 4 stars. Red velvet cupcake - you win. I wave the white flag of surrender. Take your fifth star, Zume's. You've earned it!
(5)Jean K.
They serve pretty decent coffee and tea as well as sweet snacks (no chance to try sandwiches). Locally owned and run, it's nice to have a good alternative to starbucks. I hear it gets busy during lunch but on a rainy Saturday afternoon it was almost empty.
(3)Lilly L.
Zume's is a staple to Charlestown. But...... Recently it got a facelift and they redid the coffee shop. Seems like service has gone down in my opinion. Long lines and poor customer service has lost me as a customer! My last visit there I got an expresso drinks and sandwiches. But the lady behind the counter was very bothered when I asked how many shots were in a large. She went on to ask if I wanted ice to the top I replied I would. She lectured me how so many people fill up with milk. But she seemed really annoyed with the line and I felt very unwelcome. When I got my lattes I still had to wait and wait for my sandwiches. The lady who had a poor attitude behind the cash register waited over me and blatantly said here you go have a nice day. But her tone was harsh. I said ohh, I'm still waiting for the sandwiches. She then gave an attitude again and said That's fine Still have a nice day. She made me feel upset at this point as I had not done anything to bother this person. The lady must not have been having a Good day but don't take it out on your customers it's unfair!!! I will Not be supporting them! It's no wonder their buisness was cut in half with the new renovation. Something is lacking here!
(2)Laurinda U.
I was here for the first time yesterday and ordered the Gingerbread Latte (Small $3.77) and it's a nice shop. Good business throughout the day (although this is based on the fact that was I in from 11-12) and nice comfy couches. The coffee is good and didn't try any of the pastries, but I'd say this is Charlestown's answer to a corporate Starbucks.
(3)Rachel L.
I used to be a huge fan of Zumes just until up about a month ago. I was ordering 3 shots of espresso over ice and then adding some milk. After ordering one morning, one of the owners came up to me (while I was talking on my cell phone) and interrupted my conversation to tell me he was going to charge me for a latte the next I came in. I have never had a problem with ordering this drink before at any other cafes...it really turned me off. I have experienced the staff to be rude and not very friendly. When you go into a shop early in the morning a smile would really be nice! The reason it gets two stars from me is because their sandwiches are pretty good and they have good desserts and doughnuts.
(2)Diane Maggie M.
I've been buying their decorated cookies for my cousins. I am used to pretty cookies being so-so. But these are pretty - St. Patrick's Day cookies & Easter cookies - and delicious.
(5)Desirae C.
The coffee is halfway decent, and the food (i.e. breakfast sandwiches) is excellent. The atmosphere is also nice. It's a roomy place with comfy couches and single chairs as well. Dark enough that you know you're not in a Dunkin Donuts, but light enough to read the paper. The other reviewers' reports of rude treatment from the owner almost makes me want to join in with a bad rating in solidarity with them because I can't stand bad customer service. But I'll hold back because I haven't personally experienced anything horrible. My servers have actually always been very pleasant (I've been here 4 or 5 times).
(4)Julia G.
I wish I could say that I love Zume's because I love the concept of it - and I actually do get my coffee there some mornings, and other mornings at Dunkin Donuts. It all depends on whether I feel like starting my day with a scowl or a smile. Believe it or not, the ruder, less friendly option is at Zume's, not Dunkin Donuts! The staff don't really seem to enjoy what they do at all. In this economy, I often leave there thinking, why not let someone who'd actually like to be working do this job? Why do I bother with Zume's? The coffee is stronger than D&D, and they have some healthy breakfast options. But that's about it. From my experience, the staff at Zume's seem as though they are doing you the hugest favor by waiting on you at all. I've rarely seen any of them smile, and I often leave there feeling a little bit hassled and like I've just offended them by paying $7 for a coffee, banana, apple and yogurt. There is one blonde girl who works at the counter who is pretty sweet, and the woman who makes the food in the back is very nice, but everyone else leaves me cold. There are several people who I literally have never seen crack even the semblance of a smile in the entire year I've been going there. Not the best way to start the day.
(2)Katie B.
It's quaint, comfy, fast and enjoyable. Zume's is the perfect little neighborhood coffee shop. It's a nice stroll from the apartment on a Saturday or Sunday morning post-hangover. The sandwiches are decently priced (maybe a little high) but the coffee is good though served very hot (so take the cover off to let if cool down, I learned the hard way). Enjoy!
(4)Caitlin C.
I like Zume's. It's a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon chatting with a friend or reading a good book. I usually get their chai latte, but sometimes I mix it up and get a rooibos latte instead. Never had their food, but it looks good and they have a large sandwich selection. Overall a nice, independent neighborhood coffee shop.
(4)Kara B.
Sandwiches - fresh. Hot beverages - toasty. Red velvet cupcake - perfect late morning pick-me-up. (The server indulged my request for the middle one without batting an eyelash about me being a pain-in-the-a$$.)
(4)Jenn F.
This is a great place for coffee/paper minus the unfriendly staff woman who is older with dark long hair and screaming kids who hang in the place with the mom crew. I'll drive to Starbucks where they are always pleasant and chill in peace or hit DD across the street.
(2)Nick M.
The best cappuccinos in the city!
(5)K R.
Don't bother wasting your time for lunch. I ordered a greek wrap with chicken .. when I got back to my office and started eating my sandwich I thought I was given a greek wrap. Oh no wait a minute when I ate the second half there was. ONE small piece of chicken! Unbelievable! $11+ for a empty wrap and a iced coffee. I will not be back.
(1)Gradon T.
Almost a year, several variations on caffeinated beverages, more pastries than I care to admit, and an ongoing Fourquare battle for mayorship since my last review, I can quite honestly say, I love this place. Stopping at Zume's (it's pronounce 'zoomies', not 'zooms' - I asked) is a daily ritual. The drinks are the awesome. The donuts are spectacular, and the other pastries are nearly equally good (it's just the donuts are THAT special). The soups and sandwiches are great - that and free wifi make Zume's my go-to spot for a working lunch. No, there aren't any plugs for laptops, but my battery's good for 3 hours, so I can work there for a while. I don't know what other people are saying about poor service. Everyone I've encountered - owner to barista to the sweet lady that makes sandwiches in the back - have been super pleasant to me. And I'm the type of cheeseball that doesn't think about what to order until I'm right at the counter. If anybody deserves curt service, it's me. There is an influx of strollers throughout the day. It gets rather loud with all those moms and babies. I just plug my headphones into my ear and keep working. It's fine for me, but I felt I should warn you nonetheless. All in all, a great neighborhood coffee shop.
(5)Domenica R.
I love this place. The staff is great, and the food is delicious! 7 layer bar is my fave! Perfect local coffee shop.
(5)Delilah W.
The coffee and bread I got were acceptable here, but what kind of coffee shop offers copious seating without a single outlet to charge your devices while you drink your coffee? Seriously? Not a single outlet?
(2)Nicole O.
I have been a regular at Zume's for years. I've seen people complain about the staff here on Yelp, but I find everyone to be friendly. I think some people may confuse being very busy with being unfriendly. I also love their drink options. I used to be a big latte and coffee drinker and was happy they had so many options (and yes, it's stronger coffees, not watered down like Dunkins). Now, I'm a green tea drinker and it is by far the best iced green tea I can find in the area (and I've tried MANY coffee shops). The lunch is amazing and their home baked goods are dangerously delicious. The smoothies may not be the best in Boston, but they are not a smoothie place, so I do not expect perfection. The owners do a lot for the community and organizations in the community which is always great. You like to see a local business helping other businesses and their community. Free wireless is great especially for sitting in a comfy chair getting some work done. I am a daily customer and use it as a great space to meet with friends, clients, or anyone else. Many people I know are also regular customers. They come back time and again for a reason!
(5)Jennifer F.
Cute coffee shop - I felt very "rural college town" when I was inside. A decent sized space (by the photos here I assumed it was tiny.) You can sit at the bar by the front window (5 or so seats?) and the furniture is set up for socializing, with a central living room-ish area and more cushy chairs along the walls. They have a large menu of drinks, smoothies, iced/hot teas, coffees, and typical coffee shop food. Reasonable prices - my medium berry iced tea was $2.40. Warning! I think they have some sort of organized Mom party in the late morning? I was there around 10 today and suddenly it was swarming with strollers and screaming tinies, and they all seemed to be hanging out together.
(3)Suzanne M.
I'm updating my review once again as it's been 6 months, and I wanted some time to evaluate Zume's after my original post. I don't think we'll ever have another berating incident, as the mood here has seemed to pick up. The food / coffee is fairly consistent and nice to have in the neighborhood.
(3)Sara S.
Heeeey I kinda like this place! A welcome addition to the practically non-existant Charlestown food/coffee scene, I'm a big fan of their coffee drinks. The iced lattes and mochas are the best I've ever had. Seriously. That is one bold statement, but at over $5/large, it better be! I like the decor, but I don't like all the screaming babies, so go across the street to Dunkins if you see strollers outside. While I've never had their food, it looks good. Their donuts look amazing! But don't eat their cupcakes... they're from Lulu's and not worth the calories.
(4)Julia F.
I was on a fairly large job in Charlestown over the past winter, so when it was time for coffee, somebody always went to Zume's. I was happy with the coffee, though through some human error I have received a decaf coffee instead of a regular. I liked the iced coffee better than the hot, which is somewhat unusual in my experience with me and coffee. Seeing as the weather is getting nicer, I might get myself over there to taste a few more things. I am not a huge fan of the baked goods that I have tried from here. I thought the lemon scone was really incredibly dry and too sweet. I thought the crossiant was dry and hard to rip apart (BAD SIGN) so I will probably not try any of those again.
(3)Karen M.
A great locally owned shop. Always a place to sit and enjoy you coffee and snack or sandwich. The only draw back is for those who don't like kids. Seems to be a bit of a hang out for moms during the day. But the kids, are small and cute. So not a bad distraction.
(5)Erica S.
I like this place. Too bad I'm rarely in Charlestown or I'd stop in much more often. The prices are a bit higher than most coffee houses, but I'm more than happy to support a local business that displays original artwork and gives me a super comfortable chair to lounge in. Besides, I'm here rarely, so I'll spend $3.50 on a soy latte. I'm not a huge fan of their baked goods (I had a pretty negative experience with a slice of chocolate cake here). But what you can do is grab a coffee or a tea to sip on, bring a good book, and chill here.
(3)Erik S.
Based on all the poor reviews of the waitstaff at this establishment I expected much worse. First off, I should state that everyone was pretty nice. While ordering I had inquired where the beans were roasted. The owner came by a few minutes later to talk with me about it a little bit. It was a nice touch. Anyway, the establishment is pretty comfortable, though it does lack tables. There were nice soft seats and couches, but even small tables were hard to come by. The latte I had was decent but lacked flavor. It wasn't overly roasted or burned, which is nice, but after a while it mostly just tasted like a cup of steamed milk. I should also note that my latte ended up being was what I think some peopIe, and I say some people because I've never had nor been with anyone who's had one, a half cappuchino. It was a quarter of foam. No latte art either. The barista didn't really know his product either. I also ate a donut which was alright. I guess I just don't get Bostonians and their infatuation with donuts. All-in-all a decent place but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.
(4)Patrick B.
Avoid the Townies at DnD's across the street. Incredible jelly donuts, good coffee and terrific breakfast sandwiches, the best of which are on croissants. Just get there before 10 am if you expect to even have a chance at getting one of those buttery flaky croissants.
(4)david b.
been to Zumes thrice now that my brother has moved to Charlestown. I love it each and every time. The english muffin has a delicious biscuit/buttery type feel to it that both suprised me and pleasured my taste buds.
(4)Jenna P.
Ok, I go here on Tuesday around 11:30 AM and they told my boyfriend that they couldn't toast his croissant? UHHHHH..... I got a grilled sandwich but you couldn't toast the croissant? LAZY! $16 for an iced tea, iced coffee, a grilled sandwich and a croissant....I'm only pissed because they wouldn't toast his favorite breakfast item!
(1)Zac C.
I come here all the time. Great coffee/service and also great egg sandwiches. Try the English muffins. Also huge, dense cookies....my fiancé's favorite
(5)Johnny L.
Food and drinks are somewhat decent....my only gripe is the customer service, which is really a crapshoot. Some days they're great, others not so much. The one thing that is consistent is the lack of friendliness from the owner. Smile, say thank you,....something to show your appreciation for your customers for continuing to come in and keeping you in business. She almost seems as though she doesn't even like her patrons because she is so rude to them.... She yelled me because I threw out a drink I bought into a .....wait for it.... a trashcan because it didnt taste that good. I didn't complain about the drink, I just threw it away, didn't cause a scene.....But it really wasn't worth her going overboard over....I did you a solid by taking the high road....so don't yell at your paying customers for throwing away garbage in the garbage can....
(1)Emily S.
Best of Charlestown for sure (unless you wanna spend some quality time with the foreign tourists who chill at Sorelle). Their coffee is strong and they have these donuts from Saugus that are the size of your face and taste like winning the lottery. A little pricey but whatever. It's the hangout spot in Ctown for the moms with strollers set (get ready for some heavy stroller traffic) but if you don't mind hanging out with some tow-headed kids named Madison and Ava, then this is the place for you!
(4)Kimberley S.
I want to give this place more stars because my breakfast sandwich was really good. But like the other reviews say, the staff is pretty rude. I get up to the counter and order a bacon egg and cheese on a croiss-- "Hold on," says the cashier. I don't know why he said that, so I just move on to my coffee order. "Hold ON," he persists. He looks next to him to see there are no croissants and finds none. He tells me there are no croissants. Okay, I'll take it on a bagel. "No bagels." None? None whatsoever. I guess that's what we get for going to breakfast at 11:30. That's fine, I'll take an english muffin. I hate english muffins, but the english muffins here are fluffy and buttery and so delicious. My boyfriend got a ham egg and cheese and the ham looked like fresh sliced christmas ham. Nice! This was the first time we had been here and it was a little overwhelming. My boyfriend wanted tea and didn't have time to look through the extensive selection. He just asks for a regular tea and the cashier asks him "so just, like a Lipton tea bag?" If you heard the tone it was pretty condescending. The food and drinks were delicious but the staff seemed strangely judgey. I will go back but I hope they're nicer next time.
(3)Anne K.
Yummy drinks and food, but a bit pricey. Plenty of space to chill out and read on comfy chairs.
(3)Joanna R.
Egg sandwich on an english muffin. Get it before 12, but those english muffins are amazinggggg and makes for a fresher breakfast sandwich. Nice space, I like the large chairs that line the wall so that you're not on top of other customers. I also am a fan of the no-outlets. Walk into any other coffee shop and all you see are a bunch of macbook covers staring at you, I like place actually fosters a community feel and you don't feel like you're being glared at for holding a conversation with a friend while others are busy staring at their computer screens. Yes at times this means it can get a little crazy inside but at least there's good people watching. Good coffee, nice to see regular faces behind the counter. They also offer water pitchers to serve yourself and take credit cards.
(5)Viktor E.
Go there every morning for coffee. I can see that it is a chaotic mess on the weekends so I stay away. I have never been treated rudely and would recommend it. Not too many options in Charlestown and at least its not a Starbucks.
(4)karen f.
I was never happier when Zumes opened. Formerly a die-hard Starbucks fan, I longed for a coffeeshop that was closer to home than the North End SB. Already friends with the owner of the flower shop (now next door), when he said he was converting it into a coffeeshop, I was thrilled. Zumes has completely surpassed my expectations. I love going there to read and enjoy the fact that I don't really tend to bring my laptop but instead read, do little projects and actually meet my neighbors! Zumes has been a large part of the local neighborhood fabric since it's inception and has held events and such that bring kids and adults alike together. I love that you can meet a new mom with her baby and then over the months and years, literally watch that kid grow up. I love that I walk in and see a group of guys and gals hanging out over coffee, instead of at a bar. I love that after yoga class, I see people trot over with their mats and spend time actually talking to each other rather than just hurrying in and out. I love their iced tea, their balsamic chicken roll up is the best and their glazed donuts from Kanes are great! I love that the music is low key and chill, love that the chairs are comfy cozy and love the dogs outside. Zumes is more than just a coffeeshop, its a great base in a neighborhood that is warm and inviting.
(5)Lindsay R.
I love Zume's! I treat myself every weekend for breakfast. It's a tad on the pricey side but well worth it. I would recommend their bagels (whole grain) and their donuts. OMG the donuts! They get them from Kane's Donuts on Route . The glazed donuts are handsdown the best donuts I've ever had! The coffee is good although their dark roast is a little on the bitter side. Weekends are crowded in the shop if you want to sit, read the paper and enjoy sipping.
(4)Keri L.
I have been to Zumes a few times and enjoyed their coffee and chai lattes! During my last visit I also ordered an egg and cheese on an English muffin. When I got my sandwich I was delighted that the muffin was biscuit-esque and not your standard Thomas's. Don't get me wrong....I love a good Thomas's...but this was a pleasant surprise!
(4)Oli M.
I really wanted to like this place because it's one block from my apartment and it seemed like would make such a cute hangout. That said, it 's almost like the owners decided, "we could put in that extra umph to be awesome... but why try so hard, people will come here anyway because its us or Dunkins." The coffee, of which I've tried a lattee and mochachino, is decent, but definitely not as good as Starbucks. I also tried an eclair and it tasted to cardboard, so I've been wondering how long those pastries sit in the display case. I haven't tried their sandwiches, but I do think it's nice that they offer them. The staff seems a little spacey, but then, I'm comparing to Starbucks again. I love the outside decor, and the inside ambience is welcoming as well. But... the inside could be a little cleaner. I'd really like to see this place improve.
(3)MP. W.
Is there anyone else that thinks it's a it unfair to chage a additonal 40 cents for soy milk? Look, I know a gallon of cow's milk costs around $4 bucks and a gallon of soy costs around $6 bucks...but 40 cents a cup when regular milk is free? To be fair, Starbucks does the same thing but it sure would be nice if a local joint like Zume's took a different approach and ended the practice. If I order my coffee black, should it cost less? Of course not! So why if I order it with soy should I pay more? Heck, I don't even use any sugar....
(3)joseph m.
Awesome. Charlestown is only a hop skip and a jump away from where I live and I love to have a reason to go (Olives is always a good one). I just wanted a simple iced tea so I cant comment on the food, but I got what I believed is called a red berry iced tea. I wanted an iced green tea but was told they only have regular iced tea or the berry. I threw caution to the wind and took the berry. And seriously: Awesome. I sat down in the comfy couch surrounded by tons of scattered newspapers (I love reading the newspaper, my girlfriend thinks its antiquated and that I'm strange for not getting my news online, I disagree.......but needless to say I was in newspaper nirvana). I seriously had to force myself to drink slow and enjoy every sip because I wanted to go back up the counter and ask if I could order a gallon of the stuff. I don't care if its pre-made, from a powder, freshly brewed, magically created, whatever; its delicious. I'll say this too, the owners were there and the whole place has a family, cozy friendly vibe. Its classy, comfy, delicious and cute. Its pretty much what I look for in a woman, in coffee house form. I want to go back right now and begin exploring the menu but its cold and grey here and I'm being lazy. If only I could magically transport myself onto their comfy couch with a nice latte in hand reading the Globe (the Herald kinda sucks...sorry). Ahh ....one can dream. Ohh and free wifi too! How badass is that and you dont have to say "venti" "grande", blah blah...a simple "small" or "large" will do (That's strike one and two on you Starbucks....you've been warned!) I'll be back for many days, months and years to come.
(4)Nic H.
still turned off by the staff attitude, but wanted to update that the donuts are from Kanes donuts in Saugus... go there and you will NOT be disappointed. except by their coffee. it's not so great. better donuts you will not find.
(2)Ted K.
I enjoyed the mellow vibe here, the staff was friendly and not intrusive. Lots of comfortable seats. I will be back frequently, also because the area is so pleasant to walk in. The pop/rock music played at a reasonable volume, loud blasting music is a major complaint of mine. The coffee and tea drinks were over-priced. The magazines were all fashion/self help. A few political/art magazines would have been good.
(4)Terry W.
The only thing bad about this place is the fact that a Dunkin Donuts is down the street lowering their property value! This place is the best! I had a cupcake and they were from the northend somewhere...the best cupcake I've had in recent memory! Go support the place keep Charlestown improving!
(5)Shana P.
I truly enjoy Zume's for a good coffee, pastry, or sandwich. While it may be a little pricey (more so than DDs across the street) I prefer giving my money to a local business that supports other local businesses (Kane's Donuts are the best) and doesn't use quite so many styrofoam cups. That being said, I've never stayed at Zume's to drink my coffee or sit and chat with a friend. I can imagine, with all the conversion van-sized strollers resting about, that it might be a bit noisy for good conversation.
(4)B D.
Excellent sandwiches, soups, salads and CAFFEINE!! Yes, it is a bit pricey, but you are paying for the quality. And they handle my (at times) obnoxious "please add this" or "take off that please" with a smile and friendly service.
(4)C S.
Zume's is a welcome addition to Charlestown. It's a good place to chill on a Sunday morning with a cup of tea and the paper. It's not, however, a good place to work-- the wireless is spotty, you have to balance your laptop on your lap, and it can be incredibly loud, especially when there are kiddie play groups descending on the place.
(3)Kristin L.
behold the power of YELP! i *just* got an e-mail from one of the owners, who saw my earlier review and grumbling about the price of their au laits. they took to heart my review, noticed the price and have since changed it! yahoo! i've up-ed my rating to four stars, because i really do like their coffee, comfy chairs, ambience and i'm really excited to support a local spot that supports its local folks. yeah for yelp. and yeah for responsive biz owners. i really, REALLY want to like this place. and i'm trying very hard, but something is not clicking. there always seems to be a healthy crowd and more people coming in and out (and not off of a duck tour) than other local coffee houses and there's a warm vibe - most of the times. i've been here a total of three times including on opening day and the last two times, the staff was kind of twitchy. their menu seems to expand each time and they now have frozen yogurt, BUT their prices have inflated as well. i don't understand how they can charge MORE than starbucks for a small au lait with soy. it's a small drink and it shouldn't be over $3!!! this is my biggest gripe. they do have wifi, and as noted - cute spot, nice decor, comfy couches and the florist's dog is always outside to greet you - but i can't get past the fact that a "local coffee house" (ie. not a chain!) is charging more than the big guys, who just also raised prices... maybe on my fourth visit i'll have an ephinany.
(4)