Came here on a Sunday for brunch with my Mom and it was amazing! There was a line to get seated but the line went down pretty fast. Mike the owner introduced himself and was very nice and gave great recommendations on what to try since it was our first time. We waited about 10 minutes and got seated right away. My waitress Matt was very nice and gave great recommendations as well. The drinks were self serve which I thought was pretty cool, makes you feel right at home! I got a half of the Tri-Berry French Toast. First of all, I think that it's amazing that you can order half of a French Toast. I also ordered a Turkey Bacon, egg and cheese Breakfast sandwich on a plain bagel. My mom ordered a Turkey Club which came with fries. The food was very amazing and was a lot more than I expected. I will definitely be coming here again for Sunday brunch!
(5)
Joseph A.
Our friends have raved about this place and i understand why. We enjoyed a wonderful brunch and our server Mike steered is the right way. Nutella banana French toast, turkey sausage sandwich, tri-berry French toast. Waffle. Fit for a king/queen. You can't go wrong with any of these. Came during brunch time on a weekday so no wait. I think I've found another favorite breakfast spot!
(5)
Kim B.
Incredible food with amazing service. We were made to feel as comfortable as we are at home and served an incredible breakfast. This is by far our number one breakfast spot and well worth the wait!
(5)
Angela W.
Absolutely the best place for breakfast! Went there today because I was looking for some place close to take family that was visiting from out of town. I ordered a half order of the coconut macaroon French toast with raspberry drizzle and the half order of the avocado tomato eggs benny because I couldn't decide which one to go with. Boy was I in heaven! The French toast was the most delicious I've ever had! The eggs Benny were tasty as well! If I died today I would be a happy gal! My family member ordered the cheeseburger and he too was very happy and said it was delicious! The service was just as good as the food! Outstanding! If I could give 10 starts I would!
(5)
Fiona H.
I've been wanting to try this place out and finally got the chance to on a Wednesday morning. I ordered the caramelized strawberry and banana Belgium waffle with a side of eggs and bacon. The timing of food and presentation was amazing but I was a bit disappointed with the food. The bacon was overcooked and literally broke into pieces once the fork touched it. The Belgium waffle and the berries were so soggy, probably due to the fact that I left it sitting for a while. But overall it is a pricey place and in my opinion, not worth going a second time.
(3)
Nagamagamoo D.
Excellent brunch. Dishes are wonderfully presented. Large portions. Lines out the door, but go in and get yourself a cup of coffee, complementary, and come back out to wait on line.
(5)
Kayla R.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I heard about Ball Square Cafe on the Phantom Gourmet a while back and put it on my list of places to try. Every time I drove by, there was a line outside that for one reason or another, I was too busy to wait in. But this time, I had time to spare and it was my roommate's birthday so we were looking for a great breakfast spot. The place is small so if (and more likely when) you have to wait in line, you'll be waiting outside. Luckily, there are some heaters above, but you'd be better off going when it's relatively warm outside. While we were waiting, the owner Mike came out and greeted us, thanking us for waiting and also letting us know that all drinks are self serve and we are welcome to go inside and grab a warm beverage. He was extremely nice and told us to let him know if we needed anything. We were waiting for about 25 minutes before we got inside. We were seated at a table and immediately approached by our waitress. She told us about the self serve drink station and also let us know if we wanted hot chocolate, we could put in an order with her. Needless to say, we each ordered a homemade hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream and it was DELICIOUS. My roommate ordered pancakes with a side of bacon and I got corned beef hash with two eggs over easy and scali toast. I love corned beef hash and although this hash didn't blow me away, it was definitely good. The eggs and toast were perfect and the pancakes were delicious too. Healthy helping of bacon too. Ball Square Cafe has tons of lunch options too and I'm looking forward to going back and taking advantage of those sometime soon.
(4)
Lauren K.
This is a brunch must! The staff are all beyond friendly and the food is delish! My go to is the banana stuffed French toast with a side of Nutella. My bf asked me where I wanted to go for my birthday and of course, my answer was "Ball Square Cafe!" I also love the self serve coffee bar! There's usually always a wait, but it's definitely worth it!
(5)
Katherine D.
This is one of the best breakfast places I have gone to so far! It's price is fair for how fancy the presentation and taste is. I felt super comfortable. It felt homemade and over all I will be coming back! Just thinking about it makes me want to go again! I am really happy to have found this place.
(5)
Michael W.
This is our go-to breakfast spot on the city. Instead of writing a narrative, I'll list the things I love: -Serve your own coffee -Owner greets you personally -Attentive wait staff -Varied selection with reasonable prices -Food quality is great -Very allergy/sensitivity friendly Only downside/here's a tip: Get there wicked early on weekends. Like before 9.
(4)
Kerr T.
Service was bad today and the guy was kind of rude. Notes to people who are coming here for brunch - it's best to come in a group of 4 because you will get ahead in the line to sit. We didn't have 4 so we were just watching many of those went before us.
(1)
Deanna M.
Decided to try this place out after reading the reviews and oh man was it a good decision! We got there around 9:30 and there were a few parties ahead of us but we didn't mind waiting. A man came out (assuming manager or owner?) and said it was our lucky day because a table for 2 just opened up so we didn't have to wait! We sat down and our lovely waiter Brad came over. We ordered. Both got the same meal - fit for a king/queen. Holy french toast batman! This is the french toast you dream about! It was absolutely delicious. The eggs were perfectly cooked to my liking and the bacon and english muffin were so good. The place is small and cute. We both got juice but the serve yourself coffee/tea area is adorable. Brad was an absolute delight to have as a waiter. We'll be back!
(5)
Anne C.
Extremely friendly, attentive service. Very adaptable, versatile menu. Generous portions of delicious food. Very very enjoyable experience; highly recommend!!
(5)
Kadra M.
Awesome place! One of my favorite breakfast spots. The food, service, and atmosphere is perfect! Very friendly staff =)
(5)
Malisa S.
Came here w/ a couple of friends for a Saturday brunch and were lucky enough to be seated outside within 10 minutes of getting there. I got the Broadway Blues, and my friends got a mushroom omelette, the nutella/banana french toast, and one of their many styles of eggs benny. Portions for most of the dishes were huge, so you're definitely getting a good bang for your buck. I also splurged and got the fresh squeezed orange juice, which was really nice. Service was great, and the food was good as well; the only reason that this is getting three stars instead of four or five is because I had asked the waitress if I could have a plain omelette instead of a cheddar one and she said it was fine. I looked on the receipt at the end of the meal as well and she even wrote it down twice to not put cheese, and yet when my dish arrived it was indeed a very cheesy omelette. I would have sent it back but I was super hungry at that point (not to mention we had all gotten our food and started eating) so I just did my best to eat around the cheese since I'm lactose intolerant (a fact I admit I should have probably stressed to the waitress) but considering that she did put twice that there should be no cheese in the omelette, there's not much more she could have done.
Just back from Ball Square Cafe this morning and today's is first time go there with Groupon. Went there around 11:30 am and get in by after 11:50am. By waiting outside there are couple outdoor heating devices on the top so it was not that cold to people lining there during winter. Also people waiting can do self-service to get unlimited hot coffee and it will be placed on the bill after seat in. Very friendly services and look around it is very clean and efficient servicing customer nicely. We order (1) Tijuana omelet (Thanks Lauren L.) including fires or potato and toasts, and (2) breakfast plate "fit for a king (or queen)", the plate includes french toast or pancakes, two eggs any style, bacon or sausage, toasts. both portion are quite large, and very tasty. Tijuana omelet is really awesome and french toast is as excellent as expected. I will definitely go Ball Square Cafe more after today's first try. By the way, next door "Sound bite" also a long time waiting outside, but I don't see any heating device outside so I may try Sound Bite other day in warmer weather. The only reason for 4-star is people going there should expect 20+ mins waiting outside. All others (food/price/service) deserve 5-star rating without a question.
(4)
Deanna D.
A skinny on the goods: Iced coffee- Chilled and ready for you to make your own while you wait The Multi-Grain Delight- An array of ripe, fresh and tasty fruit and home made whipped cream on top of a freshly cooked, fluffy, tasty multi grain waffle.--YUMMY!!! The owner is very friendly and the service is speedy. Good variety but the prices have gone up. TIp: Get there early to avoid the line.
(3)
Susan C.
I went to Ball Square Cafe for the first time today thanks to a Groupon I bought. I was not disappointed. The owner was super nice and spoke to us when we sat down. The service was not too bad either, sans a crabby waitress that was a little rude to my sister when she walked in for seating. I ordered the caramelized strawberry & banana waffle. Delicious! The waffle was crisp and the whipped cream they used was super thick and creamy and not too sweet. The portion was pretty big, as I was only able to finish about half of my waffle before the food coma started setting in. My sister got the lobster benedict with hollandaise sauce. I didn't get to try it, but it looked pretty good, and she devoured it, so I'm guessing it was tasty. Overall, a good experience and I would definitely go again.
(4)
Kim K.
I was pleasantly surprised when we had breakfast here this weekend. Everything was super fast without sacrificing quality or personality. Prices were good ($42 for breakfast for 4 with a Groupon) and the waitstaff was great. We were greeted by who I assumed to be the owner, we got a table right away though the place was hopping, and were promptly attended to. The coffee, tea, water area is all self serve which runs itself very smoothly, I was surprised. The food came out super fast and was very delicious. Fresh bagels, thick and juicy turkey bacon, and unbelievably flavorful grilled mashed potatoes. Yum!
(4)
Joanna F.
Great service, delicious (and large portioned) iced coffee, and awesome food. I got the bagel and lox platter which comes with a side. I chose one egg. The whole thing was fresh and delicious. Our food came out suspiciously fast, but I was hungry so it was all good. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Scott B.
Ball Square Cafe has the EXACT same menu and dishes as Soundbites. Rumor has it the owner of Ball Square used to be the chef at Soundbits... They had a fallout... he left Soundbites and took the menu with him. The unfortunate thing for Ball Square is that Soundbites executes the fantastic menu much better. The service at BSC is lacking, and the food just isn't as good. The space is smaller, and the ambiance leaves much to be desired. When choosing between these rivaling neighbors, walk past Ball Square Cafe, because Soundbites has much more to offer.
(2)
Mike P.
I was slightly disappointed when I tried the Black Bean Salsa omelet. It wasn't anything to write home about. Same goes for the corned beef hash my friend had. It was mushy and flavorless. We also did not like the 1.5 pounds of Omar's home fries they give you on the side. Yes, it's a lot of potatoes but, again, there was no flavor. I'd go with the traditional, more flavorful diced potatoes. However, the fruit dish was still awesome. I'd recommend sticking with their pancake or French toast options. I think that's their bread and butter (no pun intended).
(4)
DJ N.
What a fantastic breakfast spot! The food is great. The service is very good. It's a no frills type of spot, but it definitely hits the spot. I love the sweet pepper corn beef hash! Either as an entree with eggs & grilled mashed potatoes or with eggs benedict. The flavor is outta this world. The place next door, Sound Bites, should take notes... Ball Sq. Cafe is the real deal! I also love their hot chocolate. It will warm you up on a cold winter day. Don't pass it up.
(4)
Flora R.
Always a line, but it usually moves reasonably fast if you're here early enough. The 'serve it yourself' drinks bar help make the wait more bearable. We had a great omelets and waffles but the potatoes needed salt and the hash was embarrassingly bland, dry and cold. I think because it's so close and popular we might give it another try - but only if there's no line.
(3)
Eloni F.
3 star's is not a bad rating though sometimes it may seem so. It just means the place is ok but I DO prefer to go to Sound Bytes next door. I decided to try this place because they seem to have a long line at Sunday Brunch times and I wanted to see if this place was any better than Sound Bytes (that and the drama behind the restaurants warranted a taste test). I got Salmon Benedict. It was not offered on their menu but they made it anyway. The english muffin they put it on was either put in the toaster too long or was old... I felt like I was eating the eggs off a chewy cracker. I even started comically sawing through the english muffin so that the waitresses might see, they didn't care. I started to time how long it would take to saw through the chewy crackers... about 35 seconds. The grilled mash was pretty good. On par with Sound Byte's. Nothing totally different. The place was small and felt a little clausterphobic. The brick walls were cute. Overall... I'll keep going to Sound Bytes. They have almost the same food but with better english muffins. They are also nicer and usually offer me fruit.
(3)
Michele G.
Sadly, I didn't get to eat at Ball Square Cafe today because of a very angry waitress who shocked and embarrassed my fiance and I. We we the second in line for a table... and an open table stayed open for at least 10 minutes with either the party ahead of us or our party being seated. We kept having to move out of the way of the servers, who don't seem like they have the easiest job ferrying food between two small rooms between people; anywhere we stood, we were constantly asked to move. It would have been easier had they simply asked us to wait outside against the window or something. My tired fiance sat down at the open table (apparently it was being reserved??) just to read the paper and be out of the way while we waited. He didn't think it'd be an issue since it seemed like he was finally out of the way, at a seat. However, 20 seconds later a waitress came running over and asked him to get up and move. He said he'd been moving all over the place. She suddenly snapped and said that he could leave if he "didn't like it and DON'T GET WISE! You gotta problem with the policy, the owner's right there!" HOLY HELL, woman. We've never been treated so badly at any dining spot. Just the way you snapped was terrifying and I thought you were going to start swearing and screaming. We decided to leave right away. On the way out, the owner seemed to apologize to me. So, so odd. And I really wanted to eat your lobster sandwich and sweet potato fries today, but we went to Soundbites instead. You can keep your scary waitress.
(1)
molly b.
I had such high expectations, but the service and attitude of the waitstaff and owner turned us off so much that we all decided we'd never return. We waited 40 minutes early on a Sunday and were starving. The portion sizes did not disappoint! My french toast was huge and decadent, the whipped cream was delicious, but overall it was nothing really outstanding. The fruit plate was fresh and tasty. The problem was that we had been sitting for maybe 30 minutes, still eating, when we kept getting pestered about the bill. The server came back 3 or 4 times in the next ten minutes to bother us for the bill. Finally, as we were putting on our coats, the owner came by and demanded we leave. It was so rude! We had been there all of 45 minutes! I realize there's a line, but we had barely finished. It totally ruined the whole experience for us.
(3)
Katty H.
I've eaten here a few times for brunch and the biggest complaint that I have is that sometimes the fresh fruit isn't ripe yet and you have to pay more for real maple syrup - everything else is delicious! I love their waffles with whipped cream that is halfway between whipped cream and butter. The BF usually gets an omelet or corn beef hash, with their side of potatoes that satisfies the Irish in me. The line can get long on the weekends, but it's never a bad wait - 20 minutes tops. In the winter they turn on some outside heaters, a hospitable gesture. The owner is incredibly sweet, friendly and accommodating, and he makes this a pleasant place to eat. I've never felt rushed despite the constant line outside.
(4)
Heather G.
I don't claim to have a preference for or loyalty to one place or the other - in the great Soundbites/Ball Square debate, you can just call me the Swiss Miss. The only thing I ask is that you serve me a great breakfast and leave the crazy out of it. I don't want to hear about the feuding and punching and kitchen-staff-thievery (I've read enough Anythony Bourdain books to know this is commonplace in the industry, so let's grow up and move on, no?). I want some damn eggs. That's it. However, my brunch date one morning was an ex-Davis-er who most CERTAINLY has an opinion on the matter and is a die-hard-Ball-Square-er, so for the day, I was on Team BSC. What I didn't love: The place was a busy ruckus with a line out the door and down the sidewalk. As a newbie, i had no idea what I was supposed to do upon approaching this scene, but apparently I'm supposed to just stand in the line and ask no questions. An unsettling way to queue up for breakfast, but I tried to go with it. My eggs were over-poached. That's an understatement. Let's try this again - my eggs were HARD BOILED on my Benedict. Ick. Someone had to have left the stove to go watch the morning news or something to have allowed this to happen. The chicken salad was really dry and too chunky to eat comfortably in a sandwich, making it embarrassing when golf ball-sized chunks fell out of the sandwich and into my lap. Classy. Skip the bowl of granola - it tastes like rolled oats and walnuts, and has no caramelized clusters or chunks in it. While cheap and large, this bowl isn't worth the calories. What I absolutely adored: The prices are so low. Even with the hard boiled egg debacle, this place is a steal. The non-egg portion of my lobster Benedict was absolutely delicious - I recommend ordering this if you are feeling lucky and want to risk having overcooked eggs. The fruit bowl is like nothing I've ever seen before. We're not talking apples and melon - we're talking a giant, heaping bowl of pineapple, mango, pear, etc. Gorgeous, cheap, fresh. The coffee (self-serve bar) is fantastic, fresh, and hot. Nothing tastes stale or burnt, and there were a large variety of flavors to choose from. I am very much anti-sweet potato fries, but these are really fantastic. The service at this place is outstanding. From the moment I queued up in that bizarre line, the communication was top-notch. The owner came out, chatted, told me how long the wait would be, offered me coffee. When we were seated, the waitress was sweet, friendly, prompt, and seemed to love her job. Bottom line: While I tried to stay out of it and have no opinion on the epic feud that's been rocking Davis Square for ages, I can't imagine myself even trying the place next door since BSC treated me to such a great experience. I'm going to stick with what works, and come back here often.
(4)
Priya C.
We had a bad experience here - the owner is very rude and unreasonable. We were waiting outside on a cold December day for half an hour when another friend decided to join us but was five minutes away. The owner refused to let the four of us who had been waiting patiently for half an hour until the fifth person arrived. There were two kids in the party who were cold and started to cry but the owner wouldn't budge. After forty five minutes we went next door to Sound Bites where we were readily offered a table. Sound Bites is a Phantom gourmet pick where the food was great and the management more reasonable. I'll never go back to Ball Square Cafe
(1)
Emily L.
Rarely do I go to a restaurant and feel like I ate delicious home cooked food. This place does it right in terms of portions, taste, service, everything. My bf and I came around 11am on a weekday so the wait wasn't too bad. We waited around 10 mins. There was this guy (owner?) who was very friendly and making sure the people waiting + the people eating were happy and made sure to tell us that the beverages are self serve in the back. The menu is huge with very reasonable prices and I couldn't choose at first. Finally we got: +Crab Benedict with nom nom grilled mashed potatoes yumm +Breakfast plate with 2 perfectly over easy eggs, amazing diced potatoes, more than enough toast and pork sausage +Tri-berry waffle (wow the fruit was so fresh and sweet) Everything was DELICIOUS. I felt content and happy with the food, even when I was stuffed to the limit. I am sad this place isn't in NY. I'm gonna miss it.
(5)
Adam A.
They have the best breakfast around (never go to Soundbites, Ball Square Cafe is exponentially better - it is not even a comparison). The portions are enormous and the prices are very fair. Their stuffed French Toasts are ridiculous. The service is also quick. Only concern is the size of the place. If they expanded, they would run Soundbites under the table.
(5)
Teresa B.
Just got back from this place and was super impressed! The greeter and wait staff were very friendly upon our arrival, the menu was amazing, and the food followed suit! It was the best fruit plate I've ever had in a restaurant, eggs were great, the servings were generous and inexpensive. My friend, who accompanied me, is a former breakfast cook with very discerning standards. She loved her eggs over medium which were expertly cooked, as well as the perfectly toasted bagel, and the signature potatoes of Omar! The cafe was clean, attractive, the coffee bar is awesome! The only, only disappointment for me was the supermarket style wheat toast, but now I'll know to try something else next time! (Our neighbors' pancakes and French toast looked like something I must try on future occasions!)
(5)
Susan N.
Having heard rumors that Ball Sq is the brunch capital in the Cambridge/Somerville area, I've been yearning to check the area out. Hungry for some brunch and with car keys in hand, we set off for this area. We decided on Ball Sq Cafe after seeing that it's full but without a line. In fact, there were a few people waiting, but there was a table for two that was open immediately. We were handed menus pretty fast and decided on our orders. I had the Aethanian omelette, subbing in swiss for the feta. When it came to drinks, they said we can serve ourselves, which I found a bit odd. The meal came out quickly. I found the eggs to be a touch on the bland side. The omelette was filled with cheese, tomatoes and spinach. While I love a ton of vegetables, I actually thought there were a bit too many tomatoes in there, to the point where it was slipping out left and right. Ball Sq Cafe felt like a slightly upscale greasy spoon, filled with college students and wannabe college students. While it was ok, it's unlikely that I'd come out of my way to go here again for brunch.
(3)
Christy C.
This place is good, but not as great as I thought from reading the reviews. We purposely drove 15-20mins from Jamaica Plain to this place because I was craving for a good breakfast/brunch and wanted to try something new. After I read a lot of reviews here, I got very excited about their french toast and grilled mashed potato and they were good, just not outstanding. The atmosphere is pretty nice: good decoration, layout, service, and selections of self-served drinks, We had french toast, Our Favorite (egg, potato, sausage, & toast), and Broadway Blues. They were good, just above average regular breakfast you get. They do a very good job making the french toast, I liked it. All the ingredients they used were very good, and food were nicely cooked and presented, BUT BLAND - not much seasoning or any specialties. Personally, I was not wild about the grilled mashed potato. It was good, but WAY TOO sour that I couldn't even taste anything else except the fact that I could see it's mashed potato. Also, they could do a much better job making the potato thinner and grilled it a little more to make it crispy on the outside. It is an overall good breakfast/brunch place. If you are around the area, it's definitely worth a try. To me, it's just not a place that would attract me to go out of my way to have a brunch.
(3)
Kimberly H.
One of my favorite Boston breakfast spots. Thankfully, it's about a 10 minute walk from my apartment. The best way to find Ball Square Cafe is to look for the line of patrons waiting under the heat lamps. You may be skeptical of a semi-long wait outside in the winter, but those heat lamps do their job - often times, I am sweating before I even get inside. One of my least favorite things about brunch in the city is the wait - if you're going to a decent place, you will wait at least 30 minutes, with nothing to do. Ball Square takes care of you from the second you get there. Have a friend secure your spot in line, and walk inside to the back where there's a huge coffee station with a bunch of roasted flavors, iced coffee, iced tea, and a really fun selection of teas. Take your to-go cups back outside and happily sip while you plan your feast, using the full menu displayed on the windows. The owner, Mike, summons you by party number. I highly recommend going here in pairs. One time, my boyfriend and I completely dodged the wait, passing large groups of Tufts kids. Ha-ha, suckers!! Once you're inside, and know what you want, there's a mere 10 minutes before your food is served. And it's delicious: - Carmelized banana french toast with homemade whipped cream: pheomenal. fluffy. 4 huge slices. - Get any of the french toasts, you really can't go wrong: banana & cream cheese stuffed, banana & nutella stuffed, and so on. - Celtic Green Omlette: very fresh, although we couldn't find our goat cheese very easily. - I have yet to try the Eggs Benedict dishes but did order a single poached egg that was great. - Veggie sausage: I forgot it was veggie. - Banana Walnut pancakes: a little dry, but order some Vermont maple syrup and you're set. - Corn muffin: we got it grilled, but it was still a too dry Your portions will be big. Ball Square Cafe also makes it easy to taste a little bit of everything. If you can't split two plates with a friend (my recommendation), there are plenty of side options and single servings. Can't say much about the lunch, but who needs lunch when you have breakfast available till 3pm? The waitresses here are always nice. I've only met one of the owners, Mike, whose big personality and constant attention on the customers works the place like magic.
(5)
B D.
Great breakfast spot! A small place, but bring a large appetite, because the food here is amazing & there's plenty of it. I'm a breakfast fanatic, so I try to frequent the [Ball Sq] Cafe as much as possible. The cafe has a quaint area to prepare your own coffee, tea, espresso, etc.. and I say "get to" because I think it's a fun change of pace while the cooks [quickly] prepare your food. Don't just put her in a cab; Grab some breakfast at Ball Sq Cafe. ...and then put her in a cab! If you see the owner Mike running around, say hi. Great guy. Love Ball Sq Cafe!
(5)
Jordan H.
I ate here once; never again. My poached eggs were broken and when I complained the server looked so disgusted that I was afraid they'd do something to my food. The highlight of this visit was seeing how many times my companions and I could spot the mouse that was hovering near the kitchen door. The owner of Ball Sq. cafe also just gave me the creeps. Eat at Soundbites. The food is better and the service is WAY better. And they give you fresh fruit (emphasis fresh)!
(1)
Andy S.
Ball Square is a really nice breakfast joint, and it is INCREDIBLY cheap! For the price you pay you would expect a 90 year old waitress named mildred and nasty greasy food, however the place looks great and the food is that of an upscale yuppy eatery you would find in a business district. Although the place is small and not too cozy (no booths only tables) the food definitely makes up for it! The fruit was fresh, the granola was crunchy, and the breakfast sandwich was fluffy and not drenched in grease. Also as a final note the owner loves to greet and meet his customers. When I met him he was very accommodating and open to suggestions. Overall I definitely recommend Ball Square Cafe. Also it's a good place to bring a girl for breakfast/brunch.
(5)
Stephanie G.
Man if there is one thing in the world I love, it's a good breakfast. Whilst trying to decide between Ball Square and the legendary Sound Bites, a man walking by wholeheartedly recommended Ball Square Cafe. It has a huge menu with omelets, eggs benedict, waffles/pancakes and I am definitely forgetting stuff. The Omar's home fries were delicious! So what, do you ask, does this place have over Sound Bites, if anything. Well, I honestly think they are both great, but I felt less rushed in Ball Square Cafe (though this case perhaps be attributed to the fact that I got up abnormally early - will try to confirm next time!), but seriously, the fruit salad amazing. I substituted it for the potatoes (knowing that I would of course eat my boys, duh), and the fruit was all so ripe and delicious. That may have been the best mango I've had in my life. So, if every salad is like that - I'm down to eat there for any brunch.
(4)
Kara S.
I came here completely impartial, but with full knowledge of the drama that ensued between Ball Square Cafe and Sound Bites. I was excited to try the food here, write a review, and then later try sound bites to decide whose breakfast reigns supreme. Unfortunately, a long blond hair in the hash of my eggs benedict foiled my plan. It immediately turned my stomach, and the apathy of the waitress when I pointed it out further turned me off. She hardly apologized for it, acted as if it didn't happen. To make matters worse, I found TWO other reviews on here that describe hairs baked into the food. One of which was a long blond hair, like I found. Um, maybe fire the blond prep cook, or make her wear a hair net??? So gross. Sadly, I won't be returning.
(2)
Andrea H.
A GRAND place for breakfast or lunch. Not only is the food AAAAAAAAAMAZING but the staff is just as inviting. I have eaten here over 15 times for sure in the last 6 months and I have NEVER had a bad experience. So good I often wake up feening for Ball Square Cafe' goodness!!
(5)
Molly N.
Ball Square Cafe is better than Soundbites. Here's why. 1) It's smaller. Soundbites feels a little like a dining hall with all the people coming and going, and the huge space of the self-serve drinks. If you go at a time that isn't Saturday or Sunday between 9-11AM, you'll find Ball Square Cafe to be a really cozy, quaint space. 2) The service is better. The servers are friendlier, the menus are higher quality, and the decor is nicer. 3) The food is better. Sometimes when I eat at Soundbites, something will taste off (those tasty grilled mashed potatoes sometimes have a really icky sour aftertaste!) But it's consistently good here. The ingredients taste like they're higher quality. I mean...this is subjective...but I just think the food tastes better here (even if the menu is pretty much identical). 4) Root for the underdog!
(5)
Julia D.
I went here with my cousins when I was visiting and I fell in love with it. I got oatmeal with berries, my cousin got fancy banana pancakes, and the eggs looked pretty good too. Everything was very fresh and the portions were plentiful. I think there's a big wait a lot of the time, but it's definitely worth it. I wish I lived in Somerville...
(5)
Tamarleigh G.
This place is a real gem for breakfast. Really delicious!
(4)
Erin W.
i am not sure that i can say enough good things about Ball Square. the food is so good, particularly the french toast. it's so amazing, it's almost sorcery. the wait staff are friendly and accommodating, and the owner starts to recognize you if you go enough. guilty. yes, you will have to wait. potentially for quite a long time if you are with a large group, but if you are a breakfast lover like me, the wait is so worth it!
(5)
Mandie H.
My only complaint about Ball Square Cafe is that they close at 3pm, and I hardly get out for brunch before 2pm. The coffee bar stops getting stocked around 2pm usually so there's no point in coming to get brunch at that point. Otherwise I love this place. Staff is friendly, coffee is fresh and hot, their omelets are fluffy and not overcooked, they can poach an egg on the first try every time, and I'm not afraid if my order comes out wrong of sending it back. I love being greeted at the door and it actually feeling genuine. They actually have *rotating* specials too... they can be hit or miss (blue cheese in an omelet?) but they actually change. A regular favorite on my weekend brunch circuit.
(5)
Aaron D.
We went here for lunch today and ended up leaving rather disappointed. I realize this is primarily a breakfast place, but if you're going to serve lunch, at least make it half-decent. We went with the Chicken Kabob plate and the Smoked Salmon BLT, and both were lackluster. The chicken was barely seasoned, and I can only describe the seasoning it did have as "awkward." It came with bland, over-cooked, and just as poorly seasoned veggies over rice. Whoever came up with this dish violated what should be a cardinal rule of cooking: Do not stir fry beefsteak tomatoes, they'll end up being a grainy, bland mess. The salad that it was served with was uninspired. Big hunks of coarse lettuce and onion along with a weird-tasting balsamic dressing. Also if you're going to serve Middle Eastern food (falafel, hummus, and baba gannouj are all on the menu) you cannot serve canned black olives, unacceptable. The Smoked Salmon BLT was better than the kabob plate, but only in idea, the execution was just as lacking. Again, the beefsteak tomato and flavorless greens contribute little here. It's really hard to screw up a BLT, so I did enjoy the sandwich, but I wanted something more interesting than just salmon tossed onto a mediocre BLT. The fries were fine, but nothing spectacular. The portions were also ridiculously large, it seems that they were trying to make up for a lack of quality with an abundance of quantity. I'm sure the breakfast is better, but I don't think I'll be coming back for it. I know I like SoundBites next-door, so I'll just go there instead. Even when I hit SoundBites for dinner, they had things that wowed me, not so here.
(2)
Jessica W.
Grilled Mashed! Om nom nom nom. I love Ball Square's version of home fries, a potato patty that's mashed and peppery on the inside, and nice and crusty on the outside. I've only had egg dishes here, most recently the Moroccan Eggs, which was two poached eggs over sauteed onions, peppers and tomatoes and a generous sprinkling of cumin. The eggs are a bit light on seasoning despite the cumin, but I'll take that over them being overly salty. Definitely get the grilled mashed if it's an option for your eggs. I've never had the pancakes or waffles here, but the plates that the waitresses bring out to other tables always look delicious, and the fruit always looks top-notch. Someday I'll submit myself to possible carb-coma and order the pancakes and waffles, and for some reason I already suspect I won't be that sorry afterwards. The owner's very friendly, and although the waitresses are plenty busy, they're still pleasant. I was weirded out by the self-serve beverage policy when I first came, but, hey, it works. Let's not ruin a good thing.
(4)
Dyke T.
Just excellent! Second visit to this restaurant. Breakfast only but Oh what a breakfast. Waiting outside Ball Square Cafe gives you some time to read and see (there are pictures) all the stunning options on the menu. Don't be surprised if Mike, co-owner with Omar the chef, greets you like you are the only customers there, invites you to step inside and get a cup of coffee while waiting. Mike will ask your name and will remember it! He called my wife and me by name on our second visit. The restaurant seats about 20. Wait staff are efficient and accommodating. No hassle if you want to substitute or ask to split a breakfast. The portions are enough for two. Fresh beautifully presented without being cute, hot and amazingly quick. Looking forward to our next visit and we will definitely take guests.
(5)
Brian M.
I need to go back. I personally was disappointed in my breakfast. I was so looking forward to this breakfast. I don't like my pancakes with the fruit cooked into them. I like the fruit on top. I got the tri-berry which was described on the menu as "pancakes topped with fruit". But the fruit was mixed in the pancakes. I asked the waitress about it and told her how it was described on the menu. She could care less that I didn't like what was brought to me. But she did bring me black berries. For me, I did not like the meal. But if you like the mushy fruit pancakes, it may have been good. I still give this place a high rating. My wife's french toast (tri-berry - topped) was great. Other foods brought out around me looked good. But mine.... I didn't even eat half of it. It was too watery.
(4)
JLH ..
I really like food here and the service is good. I also LOVE that they have whole wheat english muffins, which gives them an edge of their competitor, Sound Bites in my opinion :) so, call me a germaphobe, but what really upsets me is that none of the kitchen staff wears gloves when preparing/cooking food. And the kitchen is entirely visible from where I was seated so I watched incredulously as the cook grabbed two large bare-handed handfuls of salad greens and placed them on a plate to be served right then. I've been in there about 4 times in the last couple months and always noticed this. In my service experience, it was against the law to do this. I truly hope this is addressed, so I eat their wonderful fruit balls without fear.
(3)
Kathy D.
Absolutely love this place!!! Wish I lived in Boston to go every weekend. Hands down, one of my all time favorite brunches and I'm from Philadelphia where there are a handful of really great places, too. I had the Tri-Berry French toast and it was amazing. The berries were fresh, whipped cream was so good, and the portion was huge. Boyfriend had the crab meat benedict that came with GRILLED mashed potatoes and I'm not an egg kind of person but I loved it. It was perfectly seasoned and was so filling. Prices were so reasonable. Staff cannot get any better. Everyone was welcoming and smiling and was so nice to be around. The owner (or at least I think he was) even made his way around to each table to check on everything and to say thank you. All in all, loved it.
(5)
Alexa F.
I went here today for the first time with my family, after seeing great reviews on Yelp. Overall I was impressed & satisfied! I got a bacon, egg, & cheese on a bagel and a grilled blueberry muffin. The breakfast sandwich was great (can you really go wrong?) but the blueberry muffin was disappointing. It was dry and not at all sweet, maybe due to the grilling. Other entrees that were ordered were Mexican omelettes and a mushroom omelette. One person who got the Mexican omelette thought it was bland, and we did hear someone else tell their waiter they thought theirs was too. Portions are huge! If you opt for fresh fruit instead of the potatoes or toast, you won't be disappointed! It came with watermelon, a variety of berries, kiwi, apples, & grapes. We also shared an order of plain French toast. Pretty good, I thought it could've used a bit more flavor. But still decent! Drinks are self-serve and they encourage you to get something if you're waiting to be seated. One of the owners, Mike, is super friendly and greeted guests that were waiting. The rest of the staff was pleasant and friendly as well! We got there around 9:15 on a Sunday and only waited about 10 minutes.
(4)
Xtine M.
Great food and great customer service, it doesn't get much better than that! I arrived around 9:45am on Sunday and the place was packed. We only had to wait a few minutes for a table but once we were inside our waitress quickly approached our table to take our order. The food came out pretty fast and I was really impressed with the portion sizes. I also noticed that the servers had smiles on their faces and the manager even touched base with us to make sure everything was ok. This place definitely is worth the wait. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Sira N.
I was recommended to try this place out and I must say, I am extremely pleased. My mom and I were visiting Boston from La, and we refuse to have breakfast anywhere else. The food was amazing and so fresh but what won us over was the customer service. Staff was awesome and very kind. The owner, Mike really knows how to make you feel at home. I can see why Ball Square Cafe is so highly recommended and raved. Definitely a must try to anyone near the area! Can't wait to come back on my next trip! Thanks Mike and the rest of the staff and Ball Square Cafe, you guys were great!
(5)
Justin K.
This is hands down my favorite brunch spot. There's always a wait, but it's totally worth it. All of their delight dishes (pancakes, French toast, Belgian waffles with mounds of fruit) are suuuuper good. They come with their homemade whipped cream, which is basically sweet butter and to die for. And I don't know how they do it, but their fruit is always impeccably ripe. You say pineapple/kiwi/watermelon is not in season? Ball square doesn't give a shit what you think. Expect to be wowed. Their savory dishes are also really good. I've had their eggs Benedict with turkey bacon on an English muffin - oh my god. And their mashed home fries!! They basically take mashed potatoes and grill the outside so that it has a crispy shell, and it is heavenly. Super flavorful - I could eat this all day. The owner Mike is this friendly Italian guy and he's very attentive to everyone, making sure they're all comfortable and has what they need. And if you come back often enough he'll remember you and make you feel cool and special. A lot of people compare this place to sound bites. I tried eating there once, the menu is pretty similar. I got a French toast dish and it was pretty good, but just doesn't compare. Stick with this place - you won't regret it.
(5)
Krisha C.
Cool spot. The crab eggs benedict was pretty tasty and the portions are very generous. It's first come first serve and your whole party, even if it's just 2, must be present to be seated which is kinda great because it speeds up the process. A nice place to scratch off my brunch list.
(4)
Jen M.
I'm obsessed with Ball Square Cafe, definitely my favorite breakfast place in Somerville, if not in the whole world! There was a large queue once my mom and I first arrived, but it was a Saturday morning and given their reputation, we were expecting it. Thankfully, it was a beautiful day outside, and the owner let us grab coffee while we were waiting. He was so sweet, and was giving all the ladies hugs and shaking hands with all of the guys that arrived. Once some seating became available, we were offered a table outside and gladly accepted. Our waiter was a total sweetheart and made us feel like family, giving us all the time we needed to look at the menu and was very prompt with the service. My mom and I decided that this would be a "treat yoself" kind of breakfast, so we went all out. We started with the fresh fruit plate to share, and the fruit genuinely was fresh! You could tell that it wasn't just old fruit out of a container from the local grocery store. Even the way they displayed it on the plate was stunning. I also ordered an orange juice to drink, and it was definitely freshly squeezed and I had to do all I could to not gulp it down in the first five minutes. For our main meal, we each ordered egg dishes (my mom got two eggs with potatoes and I got a veggie omelette with home fries and bacon), in addition to a half order of French toast to share. Let me tell you - every single bite of all that food was ON. POINT. I have absolutely no complaints and it was such a high-quality meal. So. good. Of course the prices here are a bit more expensive than every other breakfast place, but it is 100% worth it to come here. Amazing food, unbeatable service and such a positive atmosphere.
(5)
Tiffanii C.
I loved the Chocolate Chip Pancakes! They were so light and fluffy; it was literally heaven in my mouth! Of course I had to order a side of the plain French Toast because it's simply addicting.
(5)
Mama P.
It's a generous 3 for food, 5 for service and Mike being his friendly self. What happened to the corned beef hash recipe? It is now similar to Hormel's paste in a can, no texture or chew. It used to be rough diced real corned beef with visible onions and potatoes. I am sure the ingredients are the same but ground up into a paste makes it gaggy vs crave worthy. I got it in a Benedict and my dining partner got another type of Benedict. The corned beef was cut square wedge of paste. Neither of us could cut the English muffin halves because they were clearly toasted well in advance and probably a tray of English sits waiting for the Benedict orders to come in. They were stale and dry. We had to ditch trying to cut and push our toppings off to eat. Only redeeming part of both Benedicts were the perfectly soft poached eggs. $39.56 for 2 unsatisfactory breakfasts. Sad faces. Please bring back the original corned beef hash recipe, Mike. It was very good.
(3)
Michelle C.
I've been converted! I was a sound bites girl ....but BSC has won me over! Went here with a big group and although it's a small place they were able to accommodate the 7 of us, including little ones. It's weird, they have a lot of the same Sound Bites things...self serve coffee, fried mashed, lots of Benny options...but it tasted better here! I had something simple...but it tasted so fresh and flavorful. Seriously, my eggs were amazing and they were just two eggs over easy! Everyone's food looked pretty and smelled delicious. Our waiter was friendly, helpful and genuine. FYI, They will not seat you until everyone in your party is there. Meter parking out front but limited!
(5)
Jacinda Z.
We got there at 8:30am, and there wasn't a line. Beautiful interior with exposed brick, monitors with that day's specials, and delicious pictures that will make you hungry if you aren't already! We ordered the Florentino eggs benedict and the Mexican omelette, both with the grilled mash. The Mexican omelette came with a grilled corn muffin which was delicious - not too sweet and not too dry. The grilled mash was amazing - slightly browned mashed potatoes with some other seasoning (garlic and salt maybe?). The omelette was juicy and full of veggies, and we could only eat 1/3 of it before we were full :) The eggs benedict was cooked just right - yolk-y enough with the egg white firm enough to hold its shape. Service was quick and friendly, and we are definitely coming back! The french toast and belgian waffles looked great, so that's next up. I gave it a 4-star instead of 5 since it is a bit pricey - $14/each for the eggs benedict and omelette. FYI, by 8:50am on Sunday there was already a line. It was a beautiful sunny day, so that probably encouraged more folks to come out for brunch. There's not a ton, but still a reasonable amount, of street parking on Broadway. There's only room for 34 people in the entire restaurant, plus probably 10 seats outside, which is why the line gets ridiculous later in the day.
(4)
Tamara S.
This place is amazing. Huge portions and everything was delicious. I got the breakfast meal fit for a queen. The French toast was delicious. Also our waiter Brittany was great and we were brought strawberries and cream, compliments of the chef, prior to our meal. I will definitely be returning here!
(5)
Roxxy Q.
I'm from the south. We like our breakfasts hearty. This place does not disappoint. Get ready to work all day with a smile on your face.
(5)
Mike D.
In the spirit of keeping it simple, the service is consistently great, the owner is always friendly and present, the atmosphere is casual and the food has been tasty every time.
(5)
Fury S.
Upon being asked if I wanted "breakfast food" or "lunch food," I replied that I don't really eat the former on account of my gluten-free-ness. "I mean I could go for some pancakes right now," I joked. But as soon as we walked in, a sign that read "now serving gluten-free waffles and pancakes" greeted me. "Aw hell yes." Basically this is the best breakfast experience you can ever have. They have CHALLAH FRENCH TOAST for crying out loud! It's serve-yourself drinks, so there are many interesting coffee options like Pumpkin Spice, French Vanilla, every type of milk thing you can think of (soy, skim, cream, etc.), as well as water and ice coffee and tea and other things. Our waiter, Matt, was absolutely awesome. He was kind and had a good sense of humor and was generally spectacular. Probably the best waiter I've ever met. If I didn't live in California, I would specifically pass state lines to take people here. So I ordered two chocolate chip and strawberry gluten-free pancakes. Oh man. It came with three mounds of fresh whipped cream I saw piped out of a confectionary bag. As well as powdered sugar. I haven't had pancakes in a while. I cannot stress enough how awesome those were. My dad, who isn't even gluten-free, admitted his surprise about how they looked and tasted. This was a fantastic experience. I'm coming back next time I'm in Massachusetts.
(5)
Li S.
The food was great and all the staff here are so friendly!! I was VERY IMPRESSED with the WONDERFUL service here! We got the banana and cream cheese stuffed French toast (added Nutella) and corn beef hashed eggs Benedict (added avocado). One of the best decisions we've ever made! Portions are big so we couldn't finish everything. We were told there's always a line here, but you can get self serve coffee while waiting in line. Totally worth the wait.
(5)
Ana R.
Ball Square Cafe is the ex-wife of next door's Sound Bites, but she looks like she's getting on with her life and not looking back. For the first time in my experience, there was no line out the door at Sound Bites the Saturday morning I went there, but my group wanted to try Ball Square Cafe, so we waited. We were glad of the heat lamps over us while we waited in line, which took about 20 minutes. They do swift business of parties of two, but we didn't have to wait too long for our party of four. I'm glad we weren't a bigger group, though, it looks like they wouldn't have much space for anything more than 4, unless you were willing to wait for several tables to open up at the same time. Anyway, what we came for: a complete menu of delicious items. I had the stuffed French toast. I'm not one for sweet things for breakfast, or French toast at all for that matter, but I couldn't pass up Nutella and strawberries stuffed into a fried pastry. In my opinion, heaven is paved in Nutella and strawberry stuffed French toast. This was a giant portion, I was stuffed (heh) with one half and took the rest home to my fella. I had a really hard time choosing from this menu. Everything sounded great. I could have been just as happy with any of my friends' choices, including the eggs benedict, or the black bean salsa omelette. Prices were reasonable for the portions although $3.50 for a cup of coffee is ridiculous, especially since it's self-serve. The service was excellent. The staff was super friendly and present when you needed them. The only downfall of this place is you spend the rest of your day smelling like diner food. Smelling waffles, syrup and fresh coffee is one thing. Stinking of fryer grease the rest of the day is quite another. Not sure what they could do about it, but if I had somewhere to go after breakfast, I'd rethink going to Ball Square, which is a shame because it's so incredibly delicious.
(4)
Faezeh M.
Amazing brunch, amazing, fast service and great location! BTW I really enjoyed their Nutella Banana French toast, and loved their idea of self-service tea/coffee!
(5)
Jacqueline L.
Amazing. This morning, after a night of fourth if july festivities, we wardered down with a party of 11. The owner, mike, proceeded to open the restaurant next door (victors deli which he called mom and dads) in order to accommodate us. He quickly got us out of the 90° heat and sat at a table. Our server, Gabrielle, was patient (we we're a bit obnoxious) and very attentive. The food was came out quickly and looked awesome. The meals were huge! It was very sad that i couldn't finish it in one sitting. Absolutely incredible. And on a side note, the deli must be good, because the phone rang off the hook.
(5)
Chrizzle D.
This place was pretty good. After watching an episode of Parks and Recreation, I had a craving for waffles. Seems this is the place to go! I ended up getting the caramelized bananas and strawberry waffle. It was good, not great. I think the next time, I may not get anything that is caramelized because the sauce that coats the fruit soggies the waffle too fast. You definitely don't need syrup if you do get one of the caramelized waffles. The BF got the corned beef hash. THAT was amazing. It definitely was not from a can, so I highly recommend trying this dish as well. Tried it with the grilled mashed potatoes, and those were also good. The customer service here is AMAZING. First off, self-serve coffee. It's great if you're waiting in line and need to wake up. The second thing that I really liked was the owner/manager giving a genuine update of how long it would take for tables. There have been other places that give the usual "10-15 minute" answer, when it will actually take half an hour. Either way, it's a great place to go for breakfast or brunch. I definitely would like to try lunch one of these days, but with breakfast looking so good, that might take a while.
(4)
Adam W.
Good but the quality of the food is kinda like an upscale dive. I had the avocado and tomato benedict. The poached egg yolk was chalky, not drippy like they should be, and the hollandaise tasted alright but was curdled in texture. The coffee was a bit watered down in a DD way. But that I guess I can give a pass for since it's a New England thing. My wife ordered the waffles with caramelized bananas and strawberries. The waffles were crispy on the outside and had good bounce on the inside, but the fruit was over sugared. Lastly, our server was really attentive, there's outdoor heaters when you're waiting in line, and the pricing was really not that bad, which is why I can't totally flame this place.
(2)
Christina L.
We got here and it was packed, but I've never received such amazing customer service without even being seated. Despite waiting out in the cold, Mike (the owner) came out to talk to us, turned on their outdoor heaters for us and even brought out their amazing homemade hot chocolate. Once we got inside, the waiters were friendly and helpful. All of the food was absolutely delicious and the only regret I had was not being hungrier so I could eat more!
(5)
Joy J.
Love this place. Waiter was friendly and the portions were huge. Yummy pancakes - and even yummier challah French toast - mine was stuffed with Nutella and bananas. Definitely coming back.
(5)
C K.
My son and I went here on Sunday for the first time. Upon arrival we saw a line that would discourage anyone. DO NOT LEAVE!!!!! It was one of the best experiences of a lifetime. The owner was pleasant and accommodating. The atmosphere was exceptional and the food was outstanding. You have not had Breakfast unless you have been to Ball Square Cafe... We will be back this weekend.
(5)
Cindy C.
Attentive staff, delicious hot chocolate, and enormous portions of solid comfort food. What more could you want for a wintry brunch?
(4)
Jules W.
I remember getting upset at the fact that there's barely any Diners here in Boston when I first moved here. Breakfast/Brunch is my favorite meal of the day and I scoured the city in search of somewhere I can go on the regular for a hot cup of Joe and some grade A Bacon (which is always hard to find, mind you). I went to Soundbites first because someone recommended it to me, but the service along with the overpriced food really turned me off. Then I decided to try the cafe' next door and I was just flabbergasted at how great everything went. Even as I was standing in a long line, the guy at the door told me I could go in and grab myself some coffee. And the coffee was great! Nice and bold, just the way I like it. Once inside, all the servers are just friendly and always smiling. One of them in particular kind of reminds me of Ryan Reynolds, and I think he's the firendliest of the bunch. Love the art on the walls- it's like- a little taste of a french cafe' across the Atlantic. Amid the crescendo of chatter that bounces off the walls, the food is exactly what you would expect and not as expensive. As I'm writing this review, I'm already getting ready to head out and grab a bite there! Love this place.
(5)
Lydie V.
I'm so glad my husband and I stumbled upon this place! Awesome food! Mike is awesome and such a great host! Great way to start the weekend! Mama Mia!
(5)
Benjamin C.
My sister suggested this place to me on a lazy Sunday. The only thing she told me was "Don't worry it's worth the wait." I took her advice and my girlfriend and I headed out. We arrived at prime brunch hour and there certainly was a wait! The line looked like it ran all the way down the street. But it wasn't as bad as I originally thought because half of the line was for the breakfast joint next door. On Sunday's they open up the deli next door for more seating, slowly we creeped to the front. It's serve yourself for drinks. Just a spot of advice, if you don't mind getting up over and over again the mugs are bottomless but the to go cups are a one shot deal. The owner Mike was very nice and personable and seemed to have a strong presence with the customers. We sat in the deli next door the service was great and it seemed much less cramped on that side. The food was great, I had been craving waffles for a week and I'm glad this is where I decided to get them. Get the caramelized strawberry waffles if you have a serious sweet tooth. All of the food was great and worth the wait and although it was a bit more than I normally pay for breakfast I highly recommend it. PS. Definitely get a side of grilled mashed potatoes (their version of home fries). A refreshing take on a breakfast classic!
(4)
Christine H.
So far, best breakfast I've had in Somerville. Delicious lobster eggs Benedict, good service, owner is friendly and hospitable. Got here at 9:15 on Sunday-no wait but wait any longer to get here and you'll be waiting a while.
(5)
Chris D.
Usually a wait but you can serve yourself with coffee and drinks while you wait. Also, definitely try to come on Sunday as they have an extra dining room for seating. Mike kept coming out to see if everyone was doing ok and had what they needed while they waited, which is a huge plus in my book. Great to see care for the customer, which you don't always get at these busy places. Food was awesome and portions were big. And the eggs were cooked to actual request, which sounds like a simple thing but so many places don't! Highly recommended.
(4)
Yow-Bang W.
Great food and great service.
(4)
Marcy Z.
Food is similar to Sound Bites next door...all very fresh and perfectly made. Serve yourself coffee, and long wait unless you arrive early. Swankier atmosphere...foreign but nice music playing... Turkish maybe. Service is fantastic.
(4)
Vanessa L.
Tried this place for the first time this morning and WOW I wish I started coming here sooner. The place is pretty small so there was a line to get in, but the wait wasn't long at all and the man who was greeting and seating everyone seemed friendly. They also have a self-serve unlimited coffee bar so you can have coffee while you wait in line and they had some good flavors. Our server, Matt, was fantastic. I've been a server and bartender, so when it comes to service I'm pretty critical.. He was extremely friendly, attentive, and funny (cute too). He asked if it was our first time and made great food suggestions right off the bat. When I couldn't decide between a couple of things he told me which option I should get, without hesitation, and man was he right. I got the Mexican omelette with grilled corn muffin and it was SOOO good. It was a giant portion so luckily I'll be having it tonight for dinner too! It was filled with TONS of avocado - my favorite. The only downside is that the food did take a while, but when it came out I didn't even care because it was so worth the wait. Last week my brother and I went to Sound Bites, but I think this is going to be our new spot!!
(5)
R H.
Incredible. Five STAHS! You need not read a yelp-novel to GO THERE FOR BREAKFAST (or any meal for that matter)!!! Thanks, Mike. We really enjoyed this.
(5)
Kelly O.
Absolutely love this place! Nothing starts the experience better than the owner personally showing you where everything is located at the coffee station and helping you with your coffee- he is personable and friendly! As for the food: always amazing! Went with a group of 6 and everyone loved their food. I ordered the belgian waffle with fruit- delicious! Fruit was very fresh and the waffle was nice and crispy! Im always impressed with the amount of fruit in the platter, the variety, and freshness! We will absolutely be back!
(5)
Louie P.
I've have been here 4 or 5 times now One of the best breakfast joints I have ever been to. High quality food, with many different variations to choose from. Clean and proprietor "mike" is always there to greet you with a smile and a warm hello This place is one of my favorite destinations.
(5)
Chris N.
This place is easily my Wife & I's favorite breakfast place. We have never had anything here that wasn't delicious. It's not your traditional greasy spoon, but is also not super-pretentious like another place nearby. It's a nice, cozy place with incredible breakfast. The Banana Nutella stuffed french toast is probably my favorite thing on the menu and comes with real homemade whipped cream. They also make their own corned beef hash. The omelettes are delicious too. Even though most people prefer their signature grilled garlic mashed potatoes, I prefer the traditional home fried potatoes. The owner is a real down to earth guy and is super friendly. He addresses everyone who walks in and asks them how they are doing. Then when you're on your way out, he thanks you and ask how your meal was. One time I was there, he brought me and the other people that are waiting in line outside hot chocolate because it was a cold day. I don't think I have ever seen that anywhere else. I've recommended this place to a lot of people and none of them have ever been disappointed. Definitely worth trying it out.
(5)
Jasmin V.
We had to try this place based on all the good reviews; we ordered... -Lobster Benedict: Huge chunks of Lobsters! YUM! English muffin is perfectly toasted! -Roasted Mushroom omelette: It has my favorite cheese, Boursin! Just cheese & mushrooms but this omelette is missing something. -Grilled Mash Potatoes: Great side; very different option for breakfast. *Not the biggest place; might have to wait outside (even during the winter!) *Self serve beverages. *Metered parking
(4)
Sarah G.
Not coming back, it wasn't a pleasant experience. Of course, a breakfast brunch place get busy and noisy on weekends, that's understandable. But it was the manager who made all the noise!! He just wouldn't quit. He barked obnoxiously at the waitresses--and customers, for that matter. The brunch rush shouldn't have surprised him that much, but he appeared overwhelmed and confused. He reminded me of a spinster aunt who suddenly finds herself hosting Thanksgiving dinner and "handles" it by bolting around the kitchen and dining room, panicking and yelling like a banshee. Coffee and drinks are self-serve here, but the place is so small and cramped that it was difficult to serve ourselves people brushing past us. So, in this case, it didn't seem practical. It works in other places I've been to, but here, it was kind of a nuisance. The food was...well...meh. We came based on the rave reviews here on Yelp, but I wasn't especially impressed with the food. I had a Belgian waffle with fruit and whipped cream (fake junky whipped cream from a can). It's easy enough to get better whipped cream than that, but I guess they're cutting corners, buying the crappy stuff. The fruit was okay, nothing special. The waffle, average. I asked for no powdered sugar, and of course, they brought it with (you guessed it) powdered sugar. For a tasty--and pleasant--breakfast or brunch experience in Somerville, I wholeheartedly recommend the Neighborhood Restaurant on Bow Street, Supreme Kitchen on Highland Avenue, and Olde Magouns Saloon on Medford Street. Next time, I'll go to one of those ole favorites!!
(2)
J U.
Really good and relaxing atmosphere. One of the co-owners came by and introduced himself. I had the crab benedict. Enough food to be full, but not uncomfortable. It was a nice way to spend a lazy Sunday.
(4)
Eliza F.
Update a few hours after we ate: 2/3 of our group have stomach aches for no other apparent reason than our brunch/ lunch. We do not live together nor do we generally frequent the same places. (We're both friends of the 3rd person.) # # # This place has a lot of potential, maybe we just got it on a super busy Sunday. I'd expect a restaurant with reviews this good to still be excellent on a busy day though... We got in their long line (that we'd expected) and the friendly guy who was seating everyone promised 15-20 minutes, if our three top was willing to squeeze into a 2 top (we were), or 30-40 minutes otherwise. We waited in line for an hour. Good points: -Variety of drinks, including different flavored coffees -Best fruit plate I've had anywhere, super ripe and fresh! -Tasty grilled cornbread muffins -My friend *loved* her veggie sausages -Totally wheelchair/ scooter accessible, including the bathroom Room for improvement: They could get a lot more people in and out, do more business, and give a better experience if the food would come out faster. Maybe they could use some help in the kitchen. Artichoke Omelette was full of the fluid that artichoke are often canned with and that made it a soggy, not tasty mess. Maybe chop the artichoke hearts and let them drain for a few minutes before adding them to the omelette? My friend who insisted we got there had the Mexican Omelette wasn't very specific, but when she dropped me off she said, "I'm over it. Let's try some place else next time." Personal Discovery: I do not like garlic in my mashed potatoes, therefore I didn't like the grilled mashed potatoes. If you like garlic in your mashers, these could be a solid item though. Overall, my friend and Yelp built this place up so I expected a lot more. Classic case of over promise, under deliver from beginning to end. For the $20 or so that I paid, I wouldn't go back. Sorry, dudes, you've got to live up to the hype, especially if I wait for an hour. (For a place worth waiting for, try Cafe Luna in Cambridge... They did not in any way pay me to say that.)
(1)
Damien S.
A standing rule for breakfast out: don't order what you can make at home. It helps when perusing a diner's menu for a little sunrise face-stuffing, but the eclectic onslaught of brekkie entrees at Ball Square Cafe doesn't make it easier to cut down on the available options. Already a fan of the hash bene, I recently sampled the Tri-Berry waffle, a malted batter crisply griddled and loaded with straw-, black- and raspberries on a platter spurted with fresh whipped cream. Bright, beautiful and bursting with berries, the most excellent choice boasted only one fleck of hubris: the price. Call me old fashioned, but I have a difficult time justifying a $9 price tag on an a la carte waffle, especially when the unadorned waffle rings in at a mere $5.50. Still, it's a damn fine start to your day. That and the hilarious oxymoron that is Ball Square.
(4)
Corey L.
Loved it! We had to wait in line for a bit, but once inside the food was great. Big menu, craploads of food, great value. Service is fast, food is really tasty. Had the French Toast and and it was great. Also hot chocolate was solid. This is the kind of place that gives you like 6 scrambled eggs when you order a side of 2. Also, the owner is cool, wandering around and talking to everyone
(5)
Jenn S.
Found this place through Yelp and my experience echoes what pretty much everyone else said - got there to a wait (unsurprisingly and expected, it was a Sunday morning) but was seated relatively quickly for two people. The owner is clearly well invested in his cafe and honestly cares about the guests, as we were greeted by him both outside and when we were waiting for food. My girlfriend vouches for the eggs benedict and although it was a tough choice I went with the tri-berry pancakes, which were large and filling. I did panic-order when the waiter came around and didn't realize the pancakes didn't come with any sides, but I guess I'll have to pay better attention next time I come. On the whole, good experience, good food, a little out of my way but I'd come back again.
(4)
Aaron K.
My favorite breakfast place. Been going here once in a while for a couple years. The reason I don't come here more often is because of the long lines I've heard about. I usually come here on a day off or in the afternoon if I dare come on a weekend. Never had to wait for a table more than a couple of minutes. The food is amazing and all super huge portions for the price. If you are looking for a feast you can do no better than the fit for king/queen combo. My fiance usually goes for the eggs benedict which are amazing with a great hollandaise sauce. Get the grilled mashed (crispy grilled exterior, creamy on the inside, wonderful all around), skip the diced potatoes. My favorite thing here is the french toast as I've always been a sucker for good french toast. This is probably my favorite of all time with THICK challah that will make you holla. Definitely a regular in our rotation and should be in yours too!
(5)
Diliny C.
No stars. The atmosphere and service may be good but it all went downhill when I ordered their home made hot chocolate. The server asked if I would like whipped cream to which I replied yes. The hot chocolate looked beautiful when it arrived. Tasting the whip cream I felt it was a bit thick. My husband also tasted it and we bugged the server to find out how they got it so thick. I was thinking super heavy cream. But no, it turns out my whipped cream isn't cream at all. It's a non dairy substitute called super 50. I felt so betrayed. If I order and am drinking hot chocolate and asking for cream so why leave out the dairy? Why not ask me if I want 'whipped topping' which is what this is? If this is home made then why the fake topping? Seriously, I felt like someone had spat in my food. When my poached eggs arrived I eyed them suspiciously. Are these real eggs? What have they put in the hollandaise sauce? To be honest the meal was too salty. The proscuitto which is already salty just overwhelmed all else. But worse, the whipped topping that I had enjoyed when first tasted left a greasy taste and feel in my mouth. This is a betrayal. I go out expecting clean and delicious food... From now on, if I have a choice - I'm sticking with sound bites their competitor next door. At least their food is the real thing and I can get a nice fresh bowl of fruit salad to accompany it. Really, I was wondering what all the hype was for Ball Square Cafe... but in the end, I will never trust this establishment. BTW, what's in Super50? It's an emulsion probably containing corn syrup amongst other things. It's used to make icing on cakes. What's in cream? Dairy. K.I.S.S.
(1)
Natthapat T.
it's really good but unfortunately they didn't do combine egg benedict and toast in one plate for me. lol
(4)
Stephanie Y.
Why are there pictures of Paris on the walls when we're clearly in Somerville? Otherwise the good was good but the decor was questionable.
(3)
Amy W.
This is the breakfast place that every other breakfast place wishes it could be. The food is amazing, sure, but a lot of spots have good, hearty, well-made food. The service is what sets Ball Square apart. To be greeted like an old friend from the moment you step into the cafe is something that's kind of remarkable in the Boston area in 2014, but it doesn't end there. Every person who works here is awesome. I'm not sure how that happens, but seriously, what an amazing crew. Jason and Matt are my two favorite servers for selfish reasons (they're as lovely to look at as they are to talk to - SORRY, just being honest, here) and they always make me feel like the only customer in the cafe. Everybody is so unbelievably friendly and sweet, and it obviously comes down from the top, because Mike is just an absolute doll. He's funny, he's ridiculously hardworking, and he deserves all the success in the world for the business he runs. I can't even describe how much I love Ball Square Cafe. I bring every one of my friends and visitors here and they all leave feeling jealous that they don't have this gem in their own neighborhoods.
(5)
Rachel R.
Ball square is the absolute best place for breakfast anywhere. The coffee is fantastic, the food is literally amazing, and Mike is just totally awesome. A+
(5)
An L.
Charming breakfast restaurant, very popular in Somerville. Come early (around 8) to avoid a line. Billy, the owner, pays great attention to keeping the line moving, so the wait doesn't seem as long as it could be at other popular venues. We sat at the back and had a great view seeing the kitchen at work. Another awesome part of this place is the drink bar at the bank, you can get up and fill your own coffee, tea, or water, or pick up a juice from the fridge stock. Watching the freshly squeezed OJ machine live in action is also awesome. Food is great, omelets are nice, as are the pancakes and breakfast sandwiches. The potatoes are not the best we've had, but a nice complement.
(4)
Sam C.
My favorite breakfast spot in Somerville! The space itself is pretty small, so there's often a long line out front (and it's in the neighborhood of Tufts, so if you can make it there before the hangover crowd, you might have luck with the line) ....regardless, it's absolutely worth the wait! The owner, Mike makes you feel like family and the staff goes above and beyond with customer service. Hands down some of the best breakfast in the city!
(5)
Karthik A.
Mike addresses every single customer who comes to this place. We had a twenty minute wait and if ni t for him we would have left. And happy we did not leave. Everybody inside is great. The good is also delicious
(5)
N B.
In the ever going battle between Soundbites and Ball Square Cafe I am on Team Ball Square Cafe. I used to come here on a weekly basis (I has since moved out of state) and was never disappointed. Service was always tops. Food was always good. They make some really amazing flavored coffee!
(5)
Brian S.
Do you ever go to a restaurant and leave feeling , not that the food was great,or the prices were right, or that the service is great, but that the place was just run by great people and you really loved giving them your business? Oh, and the food was great, and the prices were reasonable, and the service is great to boot! That was my experience and ball square cafe. We came in for the Sunday brunch after reading several good reviews, and were not at all disappointed. The portions were very large, and the food made you feel like you are home eating mom's cooking. The owner came out and introduced himself, and was just a joy to talk to. They really go the extra mile and give that personal touch, that makes all the difference. I will definitely be back again soon.
(5)
Emily B.
This place is MY favorite! The expansive menu and the generous portions makes for a crowd-pleaser every time! I go here a few times a week and I am totally waiting to go back for more. Their french toast and Belgian waffles are smothered with the most delectable caramel and fresh fruits--- their omelettes are piled high with the best ingredients with wide selection like bacon and blue cheese with spinach. The staff is always so nice, place is clean and great atmosphere all together. MUST
(5)
Brandon F.
I was in Boston a few weeks ago visiting a college friend, and she took me here one morning for brunch. I can't move on with this review until I first say that they employ the friendliest people in the city (state? world?). I'm not kidding. All we did was walk up to the door and someone, who I presume was the owner or manager, came outside to immediately greet us, apologize that there was not a table immediately available, and assure us that the wait would only be a matter of minutes. This was true sincerity--no fake niceness to be found in this place. Matt was our waiter. By the end of the meal, my friend and I wanted to be best friends with Matt and invite him to hang out with us for the rest of the day. Except that is weird. But I think he would have been down. Maybe. Anyway, I guess I should talk about the food. Thankfully, it was right on par with the service! I had the caramelized apple cinnamon french toast. It was just as good as it sounds. It was an extremely generous portion of french toast topped with lots of apples in a gooey sauce and, of course, a mountain of whipped cream. I couldn't finish the whole thing (due to sheer size and also richness) but it was nothing short of amazing. Next time I am in Boston I definitely want to visit this place again!
(5)
Ojus P.
Mike the owner and his family create an authentic, compelling brand. Greeted with a "is this your first time?", the intent is clear. This is meant to feel like a 2nd home as Mike runs around greeting and making everyone feel comfortable. It is impossible not to root for this place. But, there's a few problems 1) Food - Given the number and quality of reviews, I thought this was top tier Luna Cafe or City Girl Cafe level. That's just not the case. Got the Boston Creme french toast since I love those donuts and it was 2-3 star food quality. Not sweet enough but also just didn't hit the mark. Shared the strawberry shortcake waffles and they were a solid 3-4 stars. Really solid whipped cream, good waffle flavor and fresh strawberries. At about $12 after tax for these, not unbelievable value 2) Wait time - Got there at 8:45 and were just able to squeeze in. There is a very leisurely attitude once you're in so we left about 10:15 and there were 15-20 people waiting outside in the 20 degree weather. Mike was happily chatting them up but cold is cold and waiting is waiting. 3) The open door - In an effort to increase capacity, Ball Square patrons sit in the empty Victor's Deli next door. The problem is the very friendly wait staff is understandably going in and out to get food and serve orders and that means there's a cold draft so you're never really warm enough to take your jacket off. Overall, have to love and respect what Mike has achieved in building an institution and creating a genuine brand but the overall experience does not justify your likely wait time and certainly not the 460+ reviews at 4.5 stars.
(3)
Ravneet M.
There is usually a line out the door for breakfast on weekends. The manager/owner is friendly and sets the right expectations about how long the wait would be. The food is great. I've been there 3 times now and every time it feels like I'm having brunch at someone's home.
(4)
Bia M.
I've been to brunch here twice and enjoyed both times. I like how attentive and friendly the staff are. Bottomless coffee when waiting in line is cool, also. Good food and big portions. One less star because it's not vegan friendly, lack of tofu, and the vegetarian sausage is horrendous.
(4)
Sarah B.
The food and service here are amazing, so next time I'm in the city I'll definitely be back! My friend just relocated to the Boston area a few months ago, and another friend and I were in town visiting. On our last morning in the area, we decided to grab brunch together. It was Monday, but there was still a line (albeit nowhere near as long as it would be on a weekend). Luckily we only had to wait around 10 minutes before we were seated. Everything on the menu looked amazing, so our server visited our table a few times before we were able to make any final decisions. Between the three of us, we got a sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich; a bacon and egg breakfast sandwich; and an "Our Favorite" plate. We all loved our food and couldn't stop gushing about yummy it all was.
(5)
Bec H.
A friend recommended this cafe for breakfast. We arrived around noon on a Sunday and waited in line for about 30 minutes. It was slow moving, but the owner was constantly greeting people and coordinating seating, so vibes were positive and friendly. We were offered a seat in the neighboring deli and agreed to take it. The only downside of sitting there was that the self serve coffee/juice was next door, but we didn't mind. The service was quick, friendly, and attentive. Food was delicious (we got a breakfast wrap and omelette). Although there was a long line of people waiting outside, we didn't feel rushed out and the atmosphere was relaxed. This is not the place to go for a cheap meal!!! The quality is good and the prices are fair. You can get away with coffee and breakfast for under $10, but if you want something special, be prepared to spend at least $15-$20. Overall, great experience!!!
(5)
Ashley M.
Amazing! Yelp, you did it again. Based on the reviews we decided to have brunch here while visiting Boston. Well worth the drive outside the city. Serve yourself coffee/drink bar was different but we enjoyed it-no waiting for refills. Very friendly service-fresh and delicious food. Fruit plate is to die for-not your standard dinner cup that's for sure. About a ten minute wait but so worth it. We would go every week if we lived near by. If you're from Baltimore then think of Miss Shirley's but *better*! We will be back.
(5)
Courtney W.
Being the second time Ive frequented this particular restaurant I have to say I'm extremely pleased with both the food and service. My husband and I travel all the way from Boston, which has many good brunch places in itself, just to dine at this cafe. The staff is impeccably attentive and ready to make sure you'r experience is as enjoyable as possible. The food is always hot and fresh. Hands down the best brunch cafe I've visited so far.
(5)
Sharon C.
The homemade hot chocolate was outstanding and it was a pretty huge cup portion! The rest of the food was alright. The staffs are very friendly. You may have to wait for a bit...there was a long line when we got there ( my friends and I waited 40 to 45 min ). Place is a bit small. I'll say the maximum is 4 ppl at a table.
(3)
Colin A.
Its pretty simple folks, this place is as good as it gets for breakfast. Coming from a guy who values breakfast and service above all, this place is on point. Very, very friendly and attentive and keep you coming back for the food. On the weekends there's always at least a 10-15 minute wait, if you go with a larger party(4+) expect to wait a little longer. HOWEVER, while you wait they let you help yourself to coffee, tea, juices and when the line is out the door (which it usually is) there is an awning with heaters hanging from it to keep you dry and warm if its cold/rainy. As for the food, as I mentioned, its just excellent plain and simple. The best part for me is the bottomless coffee that they let you server yourself at their coffee bar - excellent touch. I hope they keep up the excellent work.
(5)
Sabrina P.
As if they need another 5-star review. Food is on-point. Always. And if it's not (seriously, it always is) or takes a long time Mike the owner will chat you up and maybe even bring you a complimentary fruit plate for your patience. If not, suck it up and wait your turn because perfection takes time! The staff is so laid-back and friendly you'll feel like they've all known you for years. What are you waiting for? Seriously, get your shoes on and go. You'll be back home writing a 5-star review in no time.
(5)
Chloe S.
Excellent food + service! I went with 3 friends, one got there early to get in line so when I got there we only waited about 10 minutes. The waiter was very friendly and explained the menu and coffee. The only thing that wasn't great was the self-serve coffee...other customers were crowding the area + it was unclear if refills were free for the hot coffee (iced coffee refills were an extra charge). Other than that, food was amazing. I thought I wanted the French toast but my savory craving was winning so I ordered the meat lover's omelet with sausage, toast, and cut potatoes. The omelet was huge! It was filled with sausage and cheese and cooked just right. My friend also got eggs/omelets and enjoyed their meals.Overall, would definitely try again!
(4)
Mark O.
I have never had a bad meal here. Today the pancakes were amazing. Omelette that my friend ordered...delicious! Omar, the chef, is the best.
(5)
Krissy C.
I just tried Ball Square Cafe for the first time today.This place is definitely worth the wait! Trust me! The service and atmosphere is great, and the food...AMAZING! The French toast is out of this world! The hot chocolate and their homemade whipped cream is amazing. Omelets are huge and delicious. I have absolutely no complaints, and I will definitely be back...probably next weekend! :D BTW when it comes to the war between Sound Bites and Ball Square Cafe... BSC wins. Hands down.
(5)
Reece B.
Ball Square Cafe is a great breakfast location. The serve yourself drink station makes you feel right at home. The service staff clearly lives the motto "service with a smile". The food is delicious and fresh and big in portion. I could've shared my omelet with someone. Next time I'm in Somerville I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Ashley H.
Excellent food and service. We found this place on yelp traveling back from Boston to home in NH. It was difficult to find parking and snowing outside but we figured the line out the door confirmed the great yelp ratings. Everyone loved what they ordered- the Omar's grilled mashed was amazing! The serving sizes were super generous and the bacon was yummy and perfectly prepared! All four of us said we'd come back- didn't seem like you could go wrong with anything on the menu. Mike was friendly and greeting and thanking people- I can see why his place is so well run and well-liked. Thanks for a great meal and experience!
(5)
Kelly C.
Tri-Berry Waffle, Crab benedict - YUM! Really good food and lots of it. The mashed potato grilled mash was super tasty too. Get there early to avoid the lines!
Coconut Macaroon French Toast - Heaven on earth!! We also tried Steak and Egg omelette and it was great as well. Owners and server (Jason) were very friendly and nice. Overall a great place to have brunch. Cheers!
(5)
Brooke H.
Treated my boyfriend to brunch this morning who had never been to ball square and he already can't wait to go back! We came hungry during peak hours and the line was long so we thought about going next door to sound bites where there was no wait at all. The line moved quickly and the staff was beyond welcoming/friendly which left us SO glad we stayed. Food was amazing as always, even tastier than it looks in the picture. I had the French toast delight and he had the Tuscan chicken sandwich. Highly recommend either one or anything else on their menu!!
(5)
Raleigh W.
Best breakfast in Greater Boston Area. I have tried too many breakfast joints around Somerville/Boston and still say Ball Square cafe is by far the best. This place has a 10+ minute wait all weekend for good reason. I have eaten here at least 20 times and have never had a bad meal or experience. The staff is very friendly. The food is UHMAZING! The portions are HUGE. The prices are fair for the amount of food you get. Come on a Saturday and you will most likely see me there!
(5)
Kimberly B.
A really solid breakfast spot. Everything was perfectly executed--bacon, eggs, pancakes, fruit. No complaints about anything. The service is as excellent as other reviewers say it is. Our server was really helpful in accommodating our kids and recommending items on the menu. The ambiance is really laid-back and casual. It was a great place to bring kids. I'd recommend the grilled mashed potatoes over the regular diced, and a breakfast sandwich on a croissant rather than the eggs benedict. But you can't really go wrong. These guys know their stuff.
(4)
Sarah-Mei E.
Things I love: Friendly people. Breakfast. Waffles. Fruit. How this relates to Ball Square Cafe: 1) Friendly people? So, as a California transplant, I'm often informed (and reminded) that New Englanders aren't the friendliest, but on my visit to Ball Square Cafe, everyone we interacted with was just the nicest! Our server, Matt, was super good-natured and totally humored our group (even joined us for a group photo! hahha). And a nearby table joked with us a bit! And as we left, the manager checked to see how we enjoyed our food and said good bye to us! A friendly bunch all around! 2) Waffles + Fruit = Waffle Delight!! Belgian waffle, topped with a fresh mountain of fruit: berries, melons, grapes, kiwi, etc, etc, etc. And...whipped cream! I love breakfast/brunch, and this fruit/waffle partnership is the best. You can eat it all without feeling like you had a super dense meal! In a perfect world, I would eat the Waffle Delight at Ball Square Cafe everyday. EVERY. DAY.
So we totally loved this place. Went here for breakfast this morning. When we got there, we were met with a pretty long line to get in but the great coffee they had made the wait go quicker. Mike, one of the owners came out a few times to let us know how everything was going. He walked up and down the line chatting with groups, asking how they were doing, where they were from, etc. I can't tell you how neat we found this. Most places just want to get you in and out as quickly as possible and don't really seem to care. Everybody at this place, including our server Gabrielle was awesome and friendly. The food was fantastic. Bacon, eggs and french toast were all delicious. I had half a grilled blueberry muffin and it was awesome too. We ate outside, it was a bit chilly but they had the heat lamps working so it was fine. I'd definitely go here again. It was one of our best breakfast experiences ever.
I spent a borinh friday here but these guys made my day ! Great service and great server ... I def recommend this place ... Awesome !!!
(5)
Kyle M.
This place makes the best breakfast food I've ever had, and frankly I hate them for it as they have forever ruined all other breakfast restaurants for me. Breakfast is permanently ruined and it's all their fault. This is a small location that will form a huge line on the weekends, and is shockingly worth the wait. Once you are seated you'll first notice that your server is quite friendly. But I don't mean normal friendly server, I mean our server went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable. As with most breakfast, you start with drinks. However the tasteless coffee and concentrate OJ I'm use to at most places was replaced with phenomenal coffee and espresso with hand squeezed OJ. Your main course will be delicious - this is unavoidable, as such, you might as well accept it. I'm personally a fan of the french toast. If you're wondering if you should get the fruit; yes, like everything else Ball Square over-performs with the quality of their fruit as well. If you want to enjoy breakfast anywhere else for the rest of your life I wouldn't recommend coming here. However if you are looking for a phenomenal culinary experience - look no further.
(5)
Katrina K.
LOVE the breakfast here. The caramelized french toast and strawberries is what I imagine heaven would taste like. Definitely get the fruit bowl as well- the small is big enough for 2 people, and this place had the best fruit in Boston. I didn't know Massachusetts had such friendly people until I started eating here- our waiter was social and prompt; one of the other workers hurried and picked up and washed my little girl's toy when she dropped it- everything was above and beyond. Breakfast will never be the same after eating here. I've been three times and everything I've eaten was part of the best breakfast imaginable. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Randy J.
Visiting from San Diego and we were looking for a gluten free breakfast and found this place. When we got there the owner Mike showed us Boston hospitality and made sure our meal was great. It was an awesome experience.... Thanks Mike...
There should be an award given to servers where diners can send in their votes, because I kid you not when I say this - the service here is as delicious as their food! Brad is definitely the server I've been looking for all my life! Just like Bruno Mars, I wish I were a billionaire and just give him his own jet plane - if he promises to stay in BSC. We waited for 30 min to get a table for 4, which felt like 2 min once we were seated and warmly welcomed by Brad and the others. I had the tri-berry french toast, which is crazy good. My kid had the french toast with caramelized apple, which was also very good, but she liked mine better after tasting it. The berries were perfect - some places don't care if the fruits are sour, but I firmly believe this place tastes each batch of fruit before putting it on the plate! I suggest you order half order of the classic french toast and half of whatever your heart desires. And the WHIPPED CREAM! I hated whipped cream, but I would order anything on the menu with their WHIPPED CREAM even if it was on the crab bene! I forgot my name when the whipped cream dissolved in my mouth! It was heavenly! My son loved his grilled cheese with bacon and ham and would move to Boston for that! I loved their crab bene, which my husband and I shared. Put some tabasco on it if you find it too rich for your taste. We truly love this place and dreaded going back to NJ because there's just nothing like Ball Square Cafe there...at least not within 15 mi radius of where we live.
(5)
Rolls R.
Excellent selection, service and presentation! Worth the wait. Stop by Lyndell's bakery en route home. Backup plan next door at Sound Bytes, also a great place!
(5)
Juliet N.
Delicious place for breakfast. No wait on a Tuesday just before noon. I had the "fit for a queen," that comes with 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, toast and a side of pancakes. I upgraded to the tri-berry and got strawberries, cranberries, raspberries AND blackberries. So, I got quad-berry pancakes. My husband got the eggs benedict and really enjoyed them. he also got the half order of the french toast delight, it was piled with lots of fruit, including watermelon, mango, grapes, and apple slices. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted great. It is a little pricey, but they don't skimp on the fruit or the quality. Would recommend.
(4)
Ashley P.
The best breakfast place around hands down. It is totally worth the always long wait in line, so get there early or during the week if you don't want to wait. The garlic mash is out of control good. The french toast is so perfect and amazing, I am drooling just writing this. They have great specials, my favorite being the chorizo eggs Benedict....So good! I have also eaten their non-breakfast menu a few times and that food is just as good, especially the sweet potato fries. It can be slightly more pricey then other breakfast places, but it is woth every penny.
(5)
Fran S.
This place hands down serves the best breakfast anywhere. Fresh fruit, great omelets, and a big, friendly, hello from the owner. Could not ask for anything more to start my day. Great servers also. Keep up the good work!!
(5)
Katie T.
We went here after reading several glowing reviews, and as soon as we saw the menu, we were positive we made the right choice. The host updated us with an estimated wait time at least every 5 minutes, with a smile on his face and in his voice each time. The wait was a little long (but expected late Saturday morning) but worth it, even in the cold rain. We ordered some French toast and a wrap breakfast sandwich. Both were delicious. The mashed grilled potatoes are something I've never thought about before, but perfect. The service was great and everyone had a fantastic attitude even with a packed house. The icing on the cake was the reasonable Bill. We will surely be coming back!
(5)
AJ H.
The food is really excellent, the portion sizes are perfect (want huge, get huge! Want one piece of French toast or just half an eggs bennie, get that!), the people are the nicest people you'll meet in the business, and even when there's a line they take care of you. Just can't beat it in the area.
(5)
Mike L.
This place has one of the best breakfasts in the area. I've been a number of times and anything I get is always delicious and plenty of portions. Coffee is great too and l love that you can go in and get one while waiting in line to get in. Mike is always very gracious and friendly. If you go on the weekend, prepare to wait in line outside. Typically 10-15 minutes for a party of two, but it's absolutely worth the wait.
(5)
Court S.
Ok Mike (the owner) ! This review is for you baby! My lovely friend and I needed to catch up on everything...so she suggested that I select one of my bookmarked places on Yelp. She's not a Yelper yet but I'm working on it. I wanted us to come here because of the supurb reviews & she agreed. While we were waitng in line a very friendly man approached us and from remembering his face on other reviews I asked if he was Mike. He said " Yes I am". He told us how long the wait would be and that all drinks are self serve AND that we can help ourselves and get back in line until we are seated. He is so sweet and personable. Now the food: 5 stars for everything. Me: peanut butter and strawberry stuffed french toast. Delicious & huge portion. I couldn't finish it all and had to take the rest home. Friend: eggs benedict. So good. Actually better than so good. So great. Service: 5+5+5 stars ( ya, ya I know its not a rating but its the truth.) Brad was amazing! Just so sweet & pleasant. hmmm what else? Oh! It gets crowded and they close at 3pm on weekends, so I suggest coming after 1pm as the line winds down.
(5)
carmin s.
Today my boyfriend and I had the pleasure of trying out this awesome restaurant! Our experience here was such a pleasant one from the moment we walked in. We noticed a line outside and it was close to 12:30pm so I said now we definitely have to go in and see what the fuss is about. The servers were so nice and assured us it would be between a 15-20 minute wait. The owner came out and personally told us to please help ourselves to any complimentary coffee, tea, water, or beverages in the fridge. I thought that was great! The owner is an active participant in this restaurant and such a warm, nice man. His staff definitely reflect him and his business. They were so polite. Our server Jason was very knowledgeable and patient with us as it was our first time. I never remember our servers because it's very rare we have such amazing service, but I remembered Jasons name. Both my boyfriend and I ordered fresh squeezed orange juice and banana and nutella french toast. It was delicious! After our meal the owner came to check on our experience and sat down at the table with me. I complimented his amazing customer service, clean environment, friendly staff, and great food. We will definitely be stopping by again!
(4)
Sephora B.
Ball Square is hands down the best breakfast/brunch place! I come here almost every Sat with my gym friends after a hard workout or just for a quick takeout. Mike the owner it the best. Very personable, friendly, and all around great guy. The food......... Amazing. Am not a big sweet breakfast person but that homemade waffles are slap your mommy good! And you can get it any kinda of way you want. Tri-berry, strawberries, bananas, whipped cream powder sugar. Ok am making myself hungry. The breakfast sandwiches are great and the fruit bowls are fresh. I like how it self serve coffee cause when you're waiting in line it's nice to have a beverage Yes there is a long wait but doesn't that tell you that it's worth it. I would, and have waited for an hour. I would wait 2 hours! Oh and the bacon is always crispy! I love this place
(5)
Audrey K.
Amaze-ballz. French toast with berries and bacon rocked my socks off. Definitely in my top five French toast experiences ever. Great service, cute location. Huge portions! I couldn't even finish half my plate! We are visiting from San Francisco and have high brunch standards. This place surpassed expectations!
(5)
Erin ..
Best best best!! If you looking for breakfast& brunch! Definitely worth the wait for half an hour to get in;))) Food came out quickly and was delicious. Belgian waffles alone are enough to come here. Portions were big too. Very satisfying!!
The service is the best I ever seen for a brunch place. Was greeted instantly, the waiter introduced the specials right away and answered all our questions about the menu. I was amazed there was no wait, was told there is usually a wait. Had the eggs Benedict florentine, and it was amazing, it was everything you want in a eggs Benedict.
(4)
Laura M.
Had breakfast here a few weeks ago with my fiance. It was sooooo delicious! I had the artichoke eggs benedict with potatoes, so delicious and the food came out relatively quickly considering how busy it was. My fiance had a traditional breakfast, forget what it's called, but it came with eggs, sausage, and french toast. He enjoyed it, I had a bite of his french toast and it was amaaaaaaazing. He was not a fan of the sausage, however. Nothing special about the sausage. The cafe also has a unique coffee idea, in that if you want coffee you just walk up to the coffee bar and get it yourself. It's all-you-can-drink and it too was pretty good. Our server was awesome as well! The only reason really I'm not giving five stars is because it's kind of a smaller cafe so we were seated pretty closely to other patrons and luckily we got there a bit early (it as a Sunday morning), because when we left the line nearly wrapped around the block! But I definitely suggest going at some point, the food is delicious and priced appropriately.
(4)
Sarah B.
We came here for the first time with our kids on Saturday morning and had the most delicious breakfast I've had in a long time! I love the self service drinks, which meant the kids got their needs filled quickly. And all our food was amazing. Delicious fresh fruits, homemade cream. I imagine that it gets busy later (we were there at about 7am) and I wouldn't enjoy waiting, but going early it was perfect for us. We'll be back!
(5)
Duncan L.
I need to stop getting the same breakfast every time I go, but they combine two of my favorite things: hash and eggs benedict. It's not often that I don't have to make a choice between the two, and they basically have me locked in with that menu item. The key is to go on a weekday before work. If you're in a hurry for breakfast/brunch, don't even both going on the weekend, as the lines extend down the block. If you have the time to wait, it's worth it, though.
(5)
Tina P.
By far the best brunch place in the Boston area. Every time friends or family visit from out of town.. Ball square is a must visit. Service is always friendly and welcoming. Not once have I been disappointed! My favorite order is the eggs Benedict with avocado & tomato with grilled mash. I'd skip the coffee here and go for the freshly squeezed orange juice.
(5)
Christie L.
This place always have a line outside, but my friend and I did not have to wait long. I went on a Sunday morning and the restaurant next door allows Ball Cafe to use some of their tables on the weekends when it gets busy. Same food and service. All the food here looks amazing and everything comes in really large portions!! I wanted to try everything. I finally decided on the Tri Berry French Toast. It was delicious and the fruit was very fresh. My friend got the Grill Special which he said was good too. I was looking at the other plates as they were coming out and they all looked so good! I really need to go back and try their other stuff. There were so many options!
(4)
Osberto M.
The food tasted good, but a $4 orange juice and $2 drip coffee are examples of the overpricing going on. I think clover charges less for potentially higher quality coffee. It is not just those two items. This pricing pattern was the general trend: food that looked fine, was plentiful, and tasted fine as well, but it was priced way too high for what it is: decent but still generic breakfast fare This isn't exactly the south end or the back bay and the service is somewhat aggressive.
(3)
Mira K.
Absolute favorite breakfast place at home. Special place in my heart - tradition to come whenever I'm home. Delicious food never disappoints. Always accommodating staff with huge smiles. They deal with the crazy weekend rush so well! French toast is to die for, also try the blueberry grilled muffin dish with the omelette!
First, let me say that I'm a little in love with Mike and Jason. Despite being packed to the gills with a long line waiting, Jason never pressured us to take the check, and when I offered to take the check while I finished my last couple bites, he said he didn't want us to leave. I got the Fit for a Queen breakfast with 2 eggs over easy, gluten free english muffin, and 2 gluten free banana walnut pancakes. To be honest, the huge appeal for me were the good reviews on the gluten free options. I love breakfast food, and I miss breakfast food, and it's nice to have so many choices. Since I started writing this review, I've been back 4 more times for a grand total of 5 breakfasts.....and I just moved here in December. I can't help it!! They're just so good! I wish I'd found this place in December, because maybe I'd have had 2 more breakfasts there. My go-to favorite is 1 egg over medium, gf english muffin (so good, almost like the real thing, kinda crumpety), and 1 banana chocolate chip pancake with the raspberry drizzle. I haven't tried the gf waffles yet, but when I get tired of the pancakes, I'll move to the waffles. All in all, 100% worth the wait, and I waited in a freezing cold light drizzle. The service is great, the food is great, they actually care if you liked your meal, and don't make you feel like you need to shuffle out to make room for the line outside.
(5)
Nathan Y.
If this review was just food, It was amazing. The portions are big, the french toast is amazing as well as the cornbeef hash. its a nice little place. The only reason why I deducted 1 star was that it took us over an hour to be seated. Given we had a party of 7, it seemed like an extremely long time to wait. The owner is extremely friendly, he came up and was very hospitable and very friendly. If you are a party of 2, then its easy to be seated but dont go on a saturday with a big party.
(4)
Kay D.
Probably my favorite breakfast place in the Boston-area. The owner remembers his customers and will deliver mini hot chocolates to customers in line while you wait. The food is amazing (favorites are half portion eggs benedict, waffles, and huge breakfast plates). Service is quick and the waitstaff are always really attentive to the customers and are super friendly and accommodating.
(5)
Tuyet V.
Even when its cold, and the line is long, I'll still wait to eat here. I come for the freshly squeeze OJ, strawberry shortcake waffle, and grilled mash. nom.
(5)
Devynne F.
The service here is awesome! This is our go to brunch spot when we have people visit, or when we're just feeling like food on Sunday morning. They have a great variety of breakfast options, and you can make half orders just in case you can't make up your mind (which I tend to do most of the time). Sometimes, there is a wait but do yourself a favor and use that time to make some iced coffee! They have your brunch staples and they do it well-- from waffles, to stuffed nutella french toast to a crispy, tender corned beef hash.
(4)
Kal R.
I was in the area with family running errands one morning and decided to grab some brunch. We we're just going to head to IHOP because it's simple and you know what you are getting. However, I was with someone who was visiting from out of town and they wanted to try something local. That brings me to Ball Square Cafe. We were greeted as soon as we entered the establishment. It was on a Thursday morning and it was fairly busy. Mike offered us a table by the door but since it was still cold we opted to wait a few minutes for him to clean off a table towards the front. The menu is extensive. I ordered pancakes, eggs, and bacon. All the food was great but the eggs were delicious! The customer service was excellent. If I am in the area again, this is the spot I am going to for brunch!
(4)
Carla A.
Wow loved our visit to Ball Square cafe with Raleigh and Brittney!!! Amazing food, amazing service. Well worth the wait!!! The coconut macaroon French toast is to die for!!! That's for the invite friends!!!
(5)
Oswell R.
Amazing food and the only thing better is the fantastic service! Soooo good will definitely be back. Yum!
Here again . morning glorie breakfast sammi. So good . fresh squeezed oj. Best spot around
(5)
Stephon M.
Nice place i just think i ordered the wrong dish. I ordered the corned beef hash and it seemed like i was eating some kind of spam. I did not enjoy my meal at all even though others with me had food that looked more delicious. I like the coffee setup where its self serve. Also the heating under the awning was very cool especially when waiting in line in the winter.
(3)
Noah K.
Hands down one of the best places to grab breakfast in the Cambridge/Somerville area. Food is top notch and the customer service is incredible. My wife and I dine in on Sundays and Mike always takes care of us. Making sure we get seated, bringing us some cups of hot chocolate with whip cream! Mike goes above and beyond and so doesn't his staff. Eating here will definitely up your standards for waiter/waitress service. It a shame that all restaurants can't mirror the level of customer service they have at Ball Square. We once ventured into Harvard Sq for breakfast and ended up running back to Ball Square lol. I haven't met a breakfast spot yet that can match their quality of food and customer service.
(5)
Martina M.
Always on point. Every time friends or family visit I make sure to bring them to this place. Breakfast brunch lunch... The food is fresh and the staff is friendly. Never disappointed and it is very much so worth any wait.
(5)
Lisa M.
I woke up this morning craving delicious pancakes piled high with fresh berries. So, of course, I headed to the Ball Square Cafe. I've been enjoying breakfast there since moving to the area a couple of years ago. This morning, however, it all went horribly wrong. I got my order to go and walked the four blocks back to my apartment. When I finally sat down to enjoy my tasty breakfast, I found the pancakes were completely uncooked in the middle. So I sampled a bit from the edges and found the frozen berries still partially frozen. UGH!!!! I wasn't about to walk the four blocks back to deal with the gooey frozen mess so I just threw it away.
(1)
Jennifer H.
Great for brunch, with all the classic items! Egg plates, omelets, french toasts, benedicts...I got the half order of the asparagus proscuitto benedict plus a side order of the french toast. The portions are indeed quite large and I probably would've been full with just one or the other but I could not resist both. The french toast with the cream and powdered sugar was excellent - they use challah and flavorful cream. The benedict was good too - the asparagus was a little softer than what I prefer, and the proscuitto was a thick cut instead of the really thin slices I am used to eating, but it was really flavorful and delicious. I enjoyed the grilled mashed potatoes they do on the side. The prices are reasonable but not cheap.
(5)
Lisa L.
This place has ruined me for all other breakfasts for the rest of my life. I will never have another breakfast this good, unless I come back to ball square cafe. Which I will! Every time I'm in Boston.
(5)
Tracey I.
We've been trying out the breakfast spots in Ball Square and this is by far my favorite. Gluten free pancakes AND waffles! Need I say more? I had the GF tri-berry pancakes. I ordered two, but one would have been enough. Beverages are self-serve, which is kinda fun. It's the only place around where you can get diced homefried potatoes instead of grilled mashed. Food is served as it comes out of the kitchen so everything is piping hot, although it's a little odd being the only one with food while the other dishes come out. And the service was top notch. Very attentive. Short wait times. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it's just too small. They need more seating so everyone can have an awesome breakfast without waiting. Although, they do have heat lamps installed under the outdoor awning to keep waiting patrons toasty even in the chilliest of winter temps. And you're encouraged to go in and grab a coffee to tide yourself over during the wait.
(4)
Eric C.
If you're craving for a waffle and are searching for a place to try, give this a shot. IMO, its one of the best waffles in the Boston/Greater Boston Area. Here are the attributes of the one we had: - Very crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside. They definitely have a great recipe for their waffle batter. - Large perfectly macerated strawberries - Fresh on-premise whipped cream (ignore one of the reviewers who accused them of using a can, that's definitely not true) - just the right consistency, stable and didn't weep later. While those may seem like just a few ingredients, 90% of places get it wrong and you end up with soggy waffles drenched in sugar by the time it gets to your table. Mike, the owner, is very friendly and tries his best to get to know his customers. Definitely helps make the time go by while waiting in line - unless you're not in the mood to chat.
(4)
tammy l.
Good food usually comes with a super long waiting line. They got heaters on top of where ppl wait in winter. If u love avocado, check out glorious morning!
(5)
Emma P.
This is my favorite place to eat in the area. Care is put into every service interaction, along with the look and taste of everything that leaves the kitchen. Excellent, expansive options for those with dietary restrictions (i.e. veg, gluten free). Would recommend to anyone.
(5)
Ilana C.
A friend raved about this place so I had to experience it. This is a place that tried to make you feel at home even from the moment your online waiting. While some would say it was a long wait the time went by fast. They invite you to enjoy coffee from their self serve station while you wait. Once seated the menu offers such a wide variety of breakfast dishes. Wanted to try everything but the Broadway Blues was calling my name. The blueberry muffin along with an egg and cheese omelet plus bacon was delicious. I am not a huge fan of mashed potatoes but their grilled mash was very tasty. I am already trying to plan my next visit to the area to enjoy other menu items. Definitely a great place for brunch!!
(4)
Elizabeth S.
Being a breakfast connoisseur I had to try this place after the great reviews and seeing it on phantom. Got here at 8am and place was already full but only had to wait 5 minutes. Not only is the food great but the service was A++ here. Would come back just for that reason. Owner definitely knows how to take care of his customers. Coffee was good, fresh squeeze OJ was delicious. Omelet was huge and probably one of the best I've ever had (I get tomato and cheddar omelet everywhere I go). Grilled mashed was amazing and chocolate chip pancakes were good. First time I did not eat everything on my plate because the portion was so big. Definitely would travel back to this place.
(5)
Lillian M.
This place was super everything in my mind. If I lived in the neighbourhood, this would be my go to place for breakfast/brunch. The owner is crazy friendly and the staff is really enthusiastic. Drinks are self served but they will still help you and ask you if you need some more and top you up. The price for me and my husband was great for the quality and quantity of food. The best part was the food!! Tri-Berry French toast is the food of dreams and their omelettes amazing. They should open up a location in Toronto. The first time we waited in line for 10-15 minutes around noon and the second time we got there at 8:30 and just sat down. I would say it is worth waiting if you don't want to get up that early.
(5)
Christina O.
Ball Square is easily my favorite breakfast spot. Their portions are huge, delicious, and consistent. The service is always fast and friendly, and the owner is so sweet and makes you feel at home. Their grilled mashed is my favorite there, along with any type of waffles, and their eggs benedict is just so so good. Oh! Definitely try their hot chocolate with their homemade whipped cream--heaven! The only small downside is with their growing popularity, there's generally a minimum 10 minute wait for a table, no matter what time or day, but I'm very happy for their success! It's definitely worth the wait.
(5)
Nina V.
Ok so let premise this review by saying I go out to eat a lot,I enjoy good food but bad service can ruin even the best meal. Ball sq has a great menu,unique items with fresh ingredients and i haven't had a bad breakfast or lunch yet. However,I don't care how good the food is if the service sucks then you're going to the bottom of my list! So last Sunday myself as 4 others walked in and asked for a table. We were told by the waitress with the dark hair that very unpleasantly greeted me at to the door that we had to wait untill our entire party was there to be seated,fine. So I called my last 2 guests to confirm they had parked at which time I told the waitress we were "all set". She (not talked but said more sternly than you should ever talk to a customer" that "I told you I'm not seating you u till everyone is here". I confirmed they were parking,at which time she pointed with a finger at my father (who is also a frequent diner= good customer who spends money in their establishment) and she said "I've told HIM before I'm not seating you!" Well that was it,I don't care how good toe crab Benedict is....I'm paying to go out to eat not get talked down too!! I told her "where to go" and i was going to take my business next door to sound bites. So to end....I would highly recommend ball sq cafe that you hire some new help because bad service out weighs any good meal I ever had or will have. And btw- the bill was 110$ at sound bites and THEY APPRECIATED MY BUSINESS $.
(1)
Nate S.
The food, service and prices were similar to 99% of the breakfast places you will find around here. The most memorable thing about this place is while they serve you your food, they make you get your own coffee. It makes absolutely no sense in a place as small as this cafe and was a real hassle during the weekend breakfast/brunch rush. I say leave service to the professionals and leave the coffee spills off my jacket.
(3)
Amanda T.
This place runs like a well oiled machine. Mike at the door was making sure everyone in line knew how long the wait was going to be and offered coffee and tea to help keep warm. I loved that they had awning heaters to make the wait a little more tolerable on the 20 degree day I decided to try Ball Square Cafe. The line was definitely out the door and up the sidewalk a bit, but 30 minutes to wait on a Saturday for brunch isn't asking a lot for the impeccable meal I thoroughly enjoyed. I frequent The Paramount on Charles Street and would compare the two, but give Ball Square an extra star because of their customer service. It was clean, the staff was friendly and helped each other out so the turnover was quick, but not so you feel rushed. I got the banana and Nutella stuffed french toast and am salivating still just thinking about it. The hot chocolate topped with real whipped cream knocked my socks off. Next time, I've been advised to get the asparagus and prosciutto eggs Benedict. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Savannah H.
Went here for breakfast and r was pleasantly surprised! There was a bit of a wait but Mike (I'm assuming the manager?) came right up to us, was super upbeat, and asked if it was our first time there. He told us about how everything worked and walked us to the serve yourself drink area (all drinks except juices and hot coco are serve yourself) and let us have some while we waited outside. Theres an indoor and outdoor area to eat and while we were waiting, we saw him greet regulars and newbies just as excitedly as he did with us!!! Our waiter was equally friendly (I watched him sign a little girl's cast!!) and good natured. It is a relaxed but still lovely atmosphere. Food was about a 3.5-4 out of 5. I got a belgian waffle, bacon, my boyfriend got the french toast pancakes canadian bacon (NOT REAL BACON GOSH PEOPLE ITS A CIRCLE) and sausage. It was pretty good, I wasn't blown away by the taste but it was still pretty darn delicious. The people were a 6 out of 5, so that's a lot of the reason for 5 stars. All in all, I would definitley go back, just to have the experience again.
(5)
Nick O.
A previous review said this place ruined breakfast for him forever. He was right. I don't think it's beatable. Nutella and banana stuffed French toast and hash benedict. I was sad when my food was gone.
(5)
Flavia T.
It's about a 10 min walk from the Davis Sq. Station in Somerville, BUT IT WAS DEFINITELY WORTH IT. The service was just great. Everyone was so nice and the food! I went here for the first time last sunday, obviously it was packed with locals. The owner actually came over to our table and was such a great host. There was this old couple sitting right beside us, they seemed to know him and basically told us that they've been coming to Ball Sq. Cafe for the past 20 years! Once I decided on my breakfast order, French Toast (first one in that menu section) he told me he would bring me the "house special". What do I get? This amazing freshly made french toast platter with every kind of fresh cut fruit imaginable on top. Best breakfast I've had since I moved to Cambridge.
(5)
Mike T.
-Excellent Tasting Food -High Quality food and not expensive -Good Service & Nice staff I will be going back. Note: I never normally eat breakfast food, I'm a lunch guy. My Story: Went here for the first time with my girlfriend the other day. Took her as
(5)
Rachael B.
Amazzzing food, and so many choices! I went here for the first time about two weeks ago and Matt was my server, very friendly and accommodating. Excellent recommendations, very polite and great attitude too! All the servers here seem very pleasant and hospitable. I also love how you can get half orders! They have anything you could possibly want for breakfast, including delicious fresh squeezed orange juice! The tri-berry french toast is to die for. I also got an all protein breakfast sandwich (which had egg, spinach, salmon, tomato...) fabulous! They also have a lunch menu, which looks fantastic as well, I want to try it out soon. I don't think anyone could leave Ball Square Cafe disappointed.. that is, if they do decide to leave! Thank you Ball Square Cafe for such an amazing experience! I will be back soon!
(5)
Lucy F.
Only one thing you need to know here, get the French toast. You won't be disappointed. Service was great as well, has a neighborhood local vibe.
(4)
Sal L.
I don't even know where to begin. I drove by this place a couple years ago and said this has to be a great place just from the lines itself. There is no shortages of breakfast restaurants on this block so keep that in mind, that is not an exaggeration. My very first experience was nothing less than amazing. We had waited about 15 mins under the heaters outside that alone showed me that they care about the customers base. I don't know of any place that installs overhead out door heaters. We were approached by one of the owners Mike an he couldn't be more pleasant to me and everyone waiting. Not many business owners will make you feel like family. They make there environment feel more like home once your in an seated. The staff couldn't be more stellar than how they are. I can honestly say they have all waited on me. They literally roll out the red carpets for every customer from the greetings to actually getting to know there customers. I have not one bad word about there food,it's always fresh. I have also been here for lunch yet another amazing food,service experience. I totally recommend this place I have sent dozens of friends and never ever had a bad review come back to me, you need to go and try them out! Food recommendations. Any of the eggs Benedict dishes, love the steak & cheese omelette and for lunch I love there wraps and the bacon cheeseburger!! There portions sizes are incredible you will get your monies worth!!
(5)
Kathy L.
Mike greeted us so wonderfully. The weather outside was freezing so I was nice that we got such a warm welcome. My friend and I had variations of the eggs Benedict. They were so good. We also split a side order of French toast and a grilled corn muffin. I thought I died and gone to heaven. The endless self serve coffee is a nice bonus.
(5)
Wei W.
Having a craving for brunch but no idea where to go? Head to Ball Square Cafe for delicious, heaping portions of all sorts of breakfast food! We arrived at 12:30 on Sunday for brunch and noticed that the line for seating was out the door. Fortunately, we were seated within 5 minutes of standing in line in the space at Victor's Deli and Cafe, which is apparently owned by the same people who own Ball Square Cafe. We were handed clean, laminated, spiral-bound menus, and our waitress informed us that drinks were self-served within the Ball Square Cafe space. What did we order? - Fit for a King/Queen with French toast - Traditional Eggs Benedict with a side of sausage - 1/2 order of Asparagus and Prosciutto Eggs Benedict with a side of bacon and sausage - 2 orders of Strawberry Shortcake Waffles We certainly had our fill for the day - the plates were filled to the brim with food and delightfully tasty! For all that we ordered, the pricing was reasonable (about $10 a person). I'll certainly be back to try out the French toast and pancakes!
(4)
Hana K.
Best breakfast food in (greater) Boston area! Delicious, fresh, affordable, large portions, plenty of options and just hits the spot after a night of heavy drinking! Food (a little over $10): BREAKFAST IN A BOWL -- comes with two eggs, potatoes, plenty of veggies -- additional $$ to add meat to this vegetarian dish Omelette -- HUGE omelette comes with 2 slices of toast, yummy potatoes that are in between mashed and hashbrown, and a nice slice of orange to top it off. Service is pretty much non-existent here. You have to go get your own water and drinks. But then again, who comes to a diner like restaurant looking forward to the service?! TIP: They do not take reservations -- be prepared to wait in line. If there is a long wait, stop by Lyndell's bakery to pick up a donut just for $1 to munch on while waiting for your table.
(4)
Ash A.
Fresh squeezed orange juice. Freshest fruit I've ever seen! I NEVER get French toast, I'm usually a bacon and eggs kinda girl but when I saw the photos of the French toast with the delicious fruit I couldn't resist. Not disappointed with the caramelized bananas and strawberry French toast. I also got the grilled mashed potatoes out of curiosity and I am really impressed. Service was great and the food was perfect. Average prices for the great quality of food. Will definitely be coming here again.
(5)
David B.
Had a gift certificate to go here. UNREAL reuben sandwich. Girlfriend has breakfast. Expensive but worth it because the quality is so good. I will def be back, tip top quality food.
(5)
Carmine P.
Best brunch place in America. Go-to orders: -Bacon egg and cheese on croissant -Celtic green omelet w grilled mashed -Large fruit bowl (pro tip: pay $2 more to substitute an omelet side for a fruit side... For what you get, well worth it) -ANY stuffed french toast Cheap prices, excellent food, large portions. Only con: always a line in the weekend. However, well worth the wait.
(5)
Rachel Z.
Staff is great, waffles are fresh and crispy. Everything seems to contain cheese, this is a blessing if you're not lactose intolerant.
(5)
Mike M.
Two Californians on a short visit wishing we had a place like this back home! As soon as we arrived, the owner greeted us, shook our hand, and made us feel at-home. I loved the self-service drink preparation area -- what an awesome idea! The staff was extremely friendly and the menu was awesome. The food was great and now I'm gonna find any little reason to drop by this place when I'm back in the Boston-area again!
(5)
Sidi L.
Homemade brunch styleï¼Foods are beautiful but taste is just fair. It's not the best brunch. But it's a choice if you live nearby. We drove a long way to there， while it does not worth a special come...
(3)
Garfield M.
If you Love having breakfast, please go by there and enjoy the great experience yourself. Try the Macaroon French toast, it's to die for also the management, service and cleanliness is top shelf. You won't find an all around better breakfast joint on the planet!
(5)
Joan C.
Haven't been here in awhile but decided to go back. I forgot how much this place is good! Fresh fruit and they ask you what you don't like which reduces waste! Had blueberry blues and it was delish! Fresh squeezed OJ everything cooked to my liking. We'll be back soon! Service was great... Thanks Brad....:)
(5)
Ross H.
Spent the weekend visiting one of my besties that lives in Somerville. Made it to Ball Sq Cafe for an early Saturday morning brunch. Always a great time and here's why: - Food is very tasty and super reasonable. I'm obsessed with the Broadway Blues, but have had a bunch of their omelets and benedicts as well - Owner is hilarious - Service is usually pretty solid. Sometimes it can take a while to get your bill after you've eaten though - Drinks are self-serve, which is really nice when you're waiting outside in the winter... Definitely a must go if you're in the area. I still have yet to try Sound Bites next door - maybe next time.
(5)
Brie P.
Returned a few weeks ago with my husband and two friends. We were seated next door because they were packed on a hot Sunday morning. Needless to say,we were all very happy with everything we ordered. As always, the owner was running around the place! Checking on people, greeting them and saying goodbye.
(5)
Susanna L.
The service here is really magical. The owner, Mike, is well-loved and just seems like a genuinely great guy who tries to remember all of his customers and make them feel at home. The food is really good too. Their delite dishes are probably the best thing they have. Really huge and have a ton of every kind of fresh fruit. But truly, they have had a special for the last six weeks called the COCONUT MACAROON FRENCH TOAST WITH BLACKBERRY DRIZZLE and it is absolute heaven. Try it while it's still available!!!
(5)
Courtney C.
Lived in Somerville all my life and no breakfast place around compares to BSC. Even if there is a wait (which is always worth it) Mike will come out to greet you and make sure you're doing okay. While you wait you can also go inside to get yourself a cup of coffee. The food is always so amazing, and you get a ton of it. Their fruit is so fresh as well. Love BSC and it will always be my #1 breakfast choice!
(5)
Iva B.
Here is yet another 5 star review for BSC! I have come here 4 times now and each time has been fantastic. On weekends there is usually a wait but it moves relatively quickly. The food is incredible. Such a huge variety and everything is always cooked perfectly. The grilled mashed are to die for. And the service is consistently awesome! The ones that stand out in my mind are Jason and Gabrielle (maybe Gabriella, can't remember), they are both terrific! I could probably eat breakfast here every morning and not get sick of this place!
(5)
J P.
Had breakfast here this morning with my honey and my boo the food was delicious. Such a cute place I love how you can make your own coffee hot/cold or tea. The fresh squeezed oj was amazing. We shared a fruit plate that looked like it came from Whole Foods. Everything from the eggs, fruit to the french toast was so good. The employees are very friendly and welcoming. Awesome place!!!
(5)
Terry S.
I was coming to Somerville with my for her physical so we decided to leave early & have breakfast. This place came up with some decent accolades so we took a shot. Food was great, love the self serve coffee bar & our server, Jason, was very nice, helpful & quite the salesman. Here's a few pics of our meal.
(5)
Ron A.
Such a great place! Friendly stuff and mike the owner is such a great person. My new Sunday brunch spot
(5)
Edwin S.
This place was great! The customer service was amazing, everyone was so friendly. I wanted to come here for a while, but was intimidated by the line. However after breakfast here I understand the hype! This is a must try spot!
(5)
Jeanie C.
Had their eggs benedict, which was tasty. I had both potatoes and the mashed is way better than the house potatoes. Both are still amazing though.
Easing into a Sunday is an important part of any weekend, and at Ball Square Cafe, they let you do just that. There's usually a line for brunch, but the wait provides time to talk to friends and bills the anticipation of the meal. This last time I went the service was a bit slower, but the staff was kind and the food, when it did arrive, was exactly what breakfast should be. As far as brunch places go, this is as good as it gets.
(5)
Jackie E.
Better than Sound Bites, Kelly's, or any other brunch places nearby. Best staff, always willing to accommodate your preferences, little on the pricier side for breakfast but so worth it. We are regulars to Ball Sq Cafe and don't plan on changing that. Everything is cooked to order, to your liking, and sometimes they'll make things that aren't even on the menu. Our most recent trip here (today) my boyfriend and I placed our order and I asked to have my order slightly different than offered, our server joked "Of course you can, it's your day!", keeping the banter going, my boyfriend jokingly said "Don't say that! Next thing you know there will be a candle in her omelet and I'll be hearing about it all day!" .. wouldn't you know my order came with a candle on top. You don't get better service. Family owned, perfectly run, fantastic food and a great experience. DON"T BOTHER GOING ANYWHERE ELSE!
(5)
Maria C.
I love this place! Decided to give it a try after discovering it on Yelp and have recommended it to a number of colleagues. The menu has a lot of great choices, portions are good, prices are decent, and the service is great. My second time there, the owner kindly introduced himself to us and was really friendly. I appreciate managers/owners who take the time to care and make their customers feel welcome.
(5)
Xiaojing W.
Today is my first time to here for breakfast. It is very nice to have a warm welcome when we step in the door. Waiters are very nice and always offer help. And the food, wonderful, fresh juices and fantastic French bread. I very enjoy my meal in here. Will spend more time with my friend in here~
(5)
Daniel T.
Super friendly staff...new years day was crazy busy we had to wait in the cold for about an hour so that was no fun but not their fault. Staff was the best part super nice and attentive. The food was really good all in all I recommend.
(4)
Lynnith R.
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars here. Quality of food was a 2-3, preparation was a 3-4 and service was a 4. Hours later my bellyache says to round down slightly. Pros: generous portion sizes and friendly service. The single pancake I ate was like 3x as much pancake as I needed. Our eggs were cooked to specification, and the bacon was well cooked but the flavor was strange (just a cheaper more processed product than I'm used to maybe?). Fruit bowl had excellent variety, but none of the selections were in their prime. Also - they have gluten free bread products which is really nice. The owner was making the rounds entertaining the line and making sure everyone was happy. The bathroom was clean enough (impressive with how many people there were using it!) Cons: coffee was very weak and needed lots of sugar (which I don't typically use). Quality of groceries they use is lower than what I typically eat. I didn't feel great after breakfast....but it's probably my fault for sugar and so much pancake and processed meat. Next time I come I would like to remember to have coffee at home first, and to bring my own maple syrup to avoid the up charge for a small amount (which is typical of establishments like these, but annoying because those jars are never enough). $40/feasting for 2 people, also....FYI. (Had a nice time, but don't feel like we got $40 in nutrition)
(3)
Queenie K.
My friends and I came here at 8am, there've already full of people!!! But luckily we didn't wait too long. The food was so delicious and worth the price. I like the free beverage bar that u can refill again and again. Also, the employees are friendly and polite as well. I will definitely come back again and again.
(5)
Christina P.
Yesssss, the best brunch place! This is the place that you dream about when you want breakfast foods. Just picture the fat slices of stuffed french toast, huge waffles topped with all the best fruits, meaty omelettes, perfect poached eggs benedicts... everything!! The line is long after 9AM on weekends but they have a decently efficient system to keep the line moving. Just don't dawdle when you're done or you have people (like me) giving you the evil eye. Coffee and water are self-serve and they usually have a couple great specials. They let you do half-orders so you can try more! Had a 1/2 order of french toast and 1/2 order of eggs benedict. Kept it simple. My only complaint is I wanted more and everything else that other people were eating. I think I have a problem... Next time I need to try the nutella stuffed french toast and then go to the gym right after. The fresh-squeezed OJ is delicious and refreshing but at $6 it's a premium. The constant line here is a testament to how good it is. Definitely the place to go to satisfy your brunch cravings.
(5)
Jeffrey Y.
Great breakfast place. Food is good, servers are friendly. Can't miss with any of the omelettes, French toast, or even the breakfast plates. Omar's home fries which are grilled mashed are delicious. Coffee is self serve; typically I like to use the mug and then get a to-go cup when I'm about to leave. My only complaint is they have this 'entire party must be here' policy to be seated which imo is not necessary. Not great for parties of 4 or more although they expanded with next door seating. Food is served quickly. ps. Server Matt has a great attitude.
(4)
Marilyn T.
Direct competition with Sound Bites! You could potentially choose your brunch place depending on which one has a shorter line, since both are usually packed on the weeekends. Typical breakfast things are on the menu, but must haves include the crab benedict and the nutella-banana stuffed French toast. Also add some grilled corn muffins and a giant fresh fruit bowl to help balance the grease of the giant breakfast portions. Service is quick and friendly, coffee is ok (but I'm picky about my coffee). Worth a wait for brunch (unless there's a blizzard outside).
(3)
Karmen W.
So before I even start writing, I'm thinking of things that I don't like about this place- even just a little bit. But nope! I absolutely adore this place and on my 5th or 6th visit, I brought my friend here and now he shares the same love I have for this place. 1. I'm not a big fan of parallel parking but the street parking available in this area isn't a hassle at all. 2. I'm ALWAYS welcomed by the owner or acknowledged by him somehow. Seeing a friendly owner always sets the mood right. 3. You get a good amount of yum-tastic food for a great price. The Multigrain Delight is my go-to if I'm shooting for something sweet for breakfast/brunch. It's got a MOUNTAIN of fresh fruit on top of that waffle ..which I'm in love with. But if you're feeling adventurous, there're a lot of other options on the menu, and don't forget to look at the specials! And from my last visit, I noticed they had added a Lobster Eggs Benedict (if it's not that new, then I guess I haven't been there for a while), and after seeing that, I instantly made my mind to get it. Perfect for the summer for breakfast! Breakfast fit for champs :)
(5)
Layla P.
AMAZING french toast - but I have a lot of work to do - they have Seven different kinds of french toast! Not to mention pancake and waffle sections The SEVEN: 1.Omar's Favorite With powdered sugar 2. Caramelized Banana 3. Caramelized Banana and Strawberries 4. Banana Stuffed with cream cheese 5. Caramelized Strawberry 6. Caramelized Apple-Cinnamon 7. Tri-Berry I will make it my duty to try all 7 of course. The Caramelized Banana and strawberries (or just bananas or just strawberries) was fantabulous - don't get the extra real maple syrup, there's plenty of wonderful liquid sugar to dip it in already. The banana and cream cheese stuffed french toast had just the right amount of cream cheese but I would go with the caramelized hands down. The caramelized apple cinnamon was also great, especially if you like apple over banana, the soft cooked slices of caramelized apple are nicely arranged atop the french toast. The banana and walnut pancakes were not as good as the french toast but still amazing; one of the omelets I tired was cooked just perfectly, the veggies inside seem so fresh, and the grilled mashed potatoes are to die for. Also, the fruit bowls are fabulous with melon, kiwi, mango, papaya...yum, the waitstaff is great and friendly, the drinks are self-serve, you're going to wait in line but a good tactic is to hang out in True Grounds across the street until you see the line die down and then go jump right in (or go earlier - they open at 7 or 7:30 I think)! Mike is (one of?) the owner and he makes it his duty to introduce himself and remember you - it's adds a lot to the place and I adore him!
(5)
Alexandra A.
Unbeatable service, great food, & great atmosphere. The wait can be a little long - but what can you expect when you want the best brunch in Boston. The French toast, omelets, grilled mashed, and fruit plate cannot be beat. My only hope is that they'll start offering fresh pressed juices and smoothies. Mike - thank you for alway providing a wonderful experience!
(5)
June B.
Had the Crab Eggs Benedict and large Fruit Bowl...both were just ok. Nothing to write home about. Also had a bite of the Belgian Waffle with syrup and the best part was sadly the syrup. Totally overrated IMO.
(3)
Franchesca C.
The French toast are to die for!! My friends ordered the regular eggs Benedict and they loved it. Service is perfect. The owner actually walks around and speaks to his guests which an nice touch to the overall experience.
(5)
Alex O.
This place is amazing. The Avocado Tomato Eggs Benedict dish is ineffably delicious: mouth-watering, close-your-eyes, eyeball-rolling-in-your-eye-sockets good. Fuck, that was a good breakfast. While not cheap (some things cost $6, others $12), it's an experience well worth the long line. The staff is SUPER FRIENDLY and the owner, Mike, makes you feel immediately at home. You will return to this place at least twice. Again, it's an experience. Do yourself a favor and come here--you won't regret it and neither will your stomach.
(5)
Carrie P.
Reasons to not go here: -You do not want delicious food -You hate fast service -Brunch is your enemy -You don't like when the owner is friendly with the customers You look at the line and you think, "Goodness gracious, WHY would I want to wait in like for 30 minutes for brunch? Boston/Somerville/Cambridge are brunch havens. I can find somewhere with no wait" Which you can, but they don't come with a side of awesome, drizzled in fantastic. If you think you will be cold waiting in line, you are WRONG. There are heaters in the awnings, so you will stay nice and toasty warm. The food here is pretty standard brunch food, although they do mix it up a bit. Like many places in the area, it is vegetarian friendly. Even though the line was on the longer side, the food makes it worth the wait. The grilled mashed potatoes are delicious. The breakfast drinks are fantastic. The waffles are fluffy and sweet. The eggs are cooked to perfection. The only thing that prevents this place from having a 5 star review is that you get rushed out of the restaurant to clear the tables (which is understandable, but a bit annoying). The owner is always really kind about it, but it is still a little sad when I don't get to sit and digest my food for more than a minute.
(4)
Shawn L.
After reading all the hype about Ball Square Cafe we drove down to Somerville from Woburn last weekend and wow was it worth the 15 min drive. This is def a 5 star breakfast place.
(5)
Eric F.
A most worthy brunch spot in Ball Square (who'd have thunk?) that destroys a nearby establishment that shall remain unnamed... As some others have mentioned, the proprietor, Mike, was quite the charismatic one and set a great tone for the rest of our brunch experience. I don't think I've ever seen anyone so attentive to guests in line as he provided frequent updates and made sure that we were more than welcome to grab some self-serve beverages while we waited. Upon being seated, my friends and I went with a mix of omelettes, the Moroccan breakfast and French Toast Delight for myself. Simply put, it was pretty darn delicious! Though not the best I've had, the toast itself had great weight and held its own. It was complemented exceptionally well by the TONS of fresh fruit piled high atop as well as hefty dollops of whipped cream. If it isn't apparent by now, the portion was most generous and the same was true for the omelettes. I didn't get a chance to try them, but my friends said they all enjoyed their dishes. As for ambiance and service, both got the job done. Despite the minimal square footage, BSC's seating arrangement made it feel much more spacious than I expected. I'd also note that one of the younger waitresses was a bit too obvious with her little stink eye when my group split the check with several credit cards. She could learn a lot from Mike with regards to customer service.
(4)
Lily W.
Wow, this place is great. I have only been here once, so maybe I am not quite authorized to give them 5 stars. However, I have been to Sound Bites next door and have enjoyed dining there very much as well. Ball Square Cafe has a similar menu; however, it has, in my opinion, "cleaner vibes" than Sound Bites. The decor is smoother, more modern: less diner and more contemporary American. With that being said, the menu IS very similar. They serve a great selection of omelettes, including the option to make your own with whatever, really. My friend ordered an omelette with monterey jack and avocado, and I opted to have the avocado and tomato eggs Benedict, with grilled mash on the side. Our food arrived promptly, and my friend, who is an avid mashed potato loved, swooned over the grilled mash potato. It was garlicky, flavorful, and quite honestly, really delicious. My eggs were also quite good; the hollandaise was flavorful. My friend had some qualms about her omelette; she asked me to taste it to see if I thought the cheese tasted like jack cheese. I wasn't very sure, but I still thought it was an excellent omelette regardless, and it came with huge chunks of fresh avocado. We also ordered 2 whole wheat strawberry chocolate chip pancakes. They were ENORMOUS, but beautiful and very, very, good. My only complaint(which might be out of their control) is that after you go, the smell of the place (kind of like diner grease) will linger on your clothes. My friend complained that she smelled like "Chinese food" for the rest of the day. Overall, I would return: again and again and again.
(5)
Michelle A.
Going on a weekday is so much easier. Walked right in and sat down. Michael had time to actually talk to us without the stress of a line extending down to Lyndell's Bakery. Grilled Mashed was HUGE and tasty but I next time I will get it well done. E and I ordered your basic breakfast fare. Love me some grilled english muffins! Only bad thing was the girl who sat behind me kept flipping her hair and hitting me with it. 3rd time's a charm and I politely asked her to stop. I know she was probably bitching to her friend about my audacity but guess what? I don't care! It's pretty rude and quite unnecessary to flip your hair in a restaurant.
(4)
AJ R.
It was a wednesday morning, felt lazy to make breakfast and I googled the local breakfast restaurants, I saw reviews for this place and went there. The moment we stepped in, we were greeted by a very nice gentleman named Mike and from start to end, he provided a pleasant service to us. For this A+. Now I choosed to go with *Fit for the King* breakfast plate and added few veggies which costs *0.50c for each and $11.50 plate became $16+. Even my toast that should come with the plate were charged extra (I paid though!). For 2 persons, I paid around $60. That's way outrageous, for that its B. Overall nice ambience, great service, pricey food. It's alright to give a try :)
(3)
Denise N.
I went here today for breakfast with my mom. We were pleasantly greated by brittany who went over menu and specials. Brad took our order (was very helpful going through some of the descriptions). We were promptly served and everything was perfect! French Toast was so thick, eggs cooked just how I asked, and lots of bacon (not just two pieces)! The service and the food was top notch. Some of the friendliest staff I've ever encountered. It wasn't busy and someone from the kitchen even came out to ask how things were. I will go back and will highly recommend!
(5)
Louis G.
Years after hearing about the hype, I decided to trek into Ball Square to finally check out this cafe. I arrived on a weekday morning around 11:30 to an empty cafe. The day's weather was brutally cold so I imagine that had a lot to do with it. Upon arrival, I was promptly seated and given menus by a friendly waitress named Christina. She let me know that the beverage station was self-serve and I was able to get refills on various flavors of coffee. They have some of the best coffee on this side of the Charles! As I was thumbing through their very broad, spiral-bound menu, more tables started to fill up. A range of customers filled the space including everyone from old men to hipsters. I had a grilled muffin that was prefect, eggs cooked just the way I like them, and a not-too-salty turkey bacon. The potatoes that they included with my breakfast were a large slab of what seemed to be mashed potatoes cooked on the grill so that they have a hard brown crust. The quantity on those was a bit excessive and the flavor was good but I think they are better suited for a lunch or dinner plate rather than alongside eggs. Service was good and the prices were fair for the huge quantity of food provided. I'm looking forward to returning and tasting more of their menu offerings.
(4)
Claire W.
"Oh my god" was all I could think while relishing my breakfast. The Belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream made my toes curl. I couldn't remember the last time I had such fresh, rich whipped cream. The berries were ripe and firm and the tang of the strawberries went so well with the whipped cream and syrup. I will dream about this waffle. I was feeling decadent so I ordered a breakfast sandwich, too, on a croissant no less. The turkey sausage was well spiced and there were two generous patties on the sandwich! It was really greasy in the best way possible between the buttery croissant and the sausage. I happily took home my leftovers. That breakfast was so satisfying that I feel at peace with the world. (Side notes: Mike, the owner is very friendly and welcoming. Also, you get seated faster if you're a group of two or a solo flyer like myself. I was seated in ten minutes while standing in a line of thirty people at 9:30 on a Sunday. Shazam! I love how fast the food is served after you order!)
(5)
Rachel B.
Definitely good, but not worth the ridiculous wait on a Sunday.
(3)
Josh P.
We love going to Ball Square Cafe. Mike, the owner, is always there (at least the times we've gone) and the service is always excellent. At our most recent visit, everyone in our party received complimentary hot chocolate since we were waiting outside for our table. For the food, they have a great selection of omelets, and personally, the gluten-free pancakes are amazing. While they don't take reservations, if you have a large party and call the day before, they just might be able to accommodate you (no waiting!); they have done this twice for us. All in all, one of my favorite breakfast places.
(4)
Vance W.
I'll describe this restaurant in 1 word. "AWESOME"
(4)
Jonique S.
*Tips for newbies:* 1) If you're waiting to be seated or waiting in line, stay off of the black carpet (fire hazard I presume :) 2) As you're waiting to be seated, help yourself to drinks. The pumpkin spice coffee was absolutely superb. It is probably tastier than even my over-the-top Starbucks concoction. 3) Make sure that all members in your party are with you before requesting a seat. 4) If you get an omelet and have to choose between the chopped potato home fries or Omar's mashed and grilled hash brown... CHOOSE THE MASHED & GRILLED! It was herb-y in the best way...not aggressive, and extremely distinct and memorable. 5) If you're trying to decide between this place and its neighbor and rival, choose Ball Square Cafe! I found it to be cleaner, warmer, more welcoming, more fragrant, and more in tune with the little details (that matter)! Ball Square Cafe cares about the customer. I like that in a venue. If you're indifferent then feel free to go next door! 6) Whatever you planned on talking about with your party, will be null and void. For 2 hours, all my friends and I did was eat, talk about the food we were eating, and take pictures of food (ours and other folks') ---I haven't seen my friends in a while but we just too impressed with our overall dining experience and our plans to discuss NYE plans, never happened. *Pros:* 1) The owner, Mike, knows how he wants his business to run. He runs a tight ship! He has both customer and server/owner etiquette at the forefront of his mind. He was friendly and even brought my party a complimentary strawberry-shortcake Belgian waffle (just because) that we devoured! 2) The food is amazing! I am a stickler for ambiance, food presentation and food taste. Truth be told, I like food that gives a darn! I like food that does an additional mirror check before leaving the kitchen. Not only was the food at Ball Square Cafe delicious, but it was also beautiful! I took pictures of everything! 3) What we ordered: Nova Smoked Salmon Omelet, Artichoke Omelet, Celtic Omelet 5 stars for--- flavor, freshness, fragrance, friendliness, and the familial feel *The Only Con:* It's too late to add an additional door to keep out the inclement weather, but I wish there was some kind of partition or something to separate the diners from the elements (on such brisk days like today! 27 degrees F!) *I wonder if...* * ...they do outdoor seating in the summer time. I hope so. I will definitely be back to Mike's Ball Square Cafe! *... it was intentional to have the women busting the tables and the fellas taking the orders (I kind of liked the contrast as it ensured that every customer's attention was on the food and experience vs getting overly and inappropriately comfortable with the wait-staff)
(5)
Catie F.
Update: I just HAD to come back and share again. I've been to Ball Sq Cafe a few more times in the past couple of weeks, and every time the service and food have been amazing. Two weeks ago, I showed up in a group of 6 (post-run brunch) to find a line practically down the street. We decided if the wait was too long, we'd find an alternative. When I went to ask the manager what he thought, he said, "well, there's a bunch of big groups ahead of you and the line is long... but my parents own the place nextdoor (a deli) and I can open that up and seat you right now if you don't mind being served in there." WHAT?! Mike opened up the restaurant nextdoor, gave us rockstar seating (and service) with no wait! He even turned on the music and showed us around. I just cannot believe how accomodating this place is on top of all the deliciousness. A++!
(5)
Alex B.
I try to be pretty critical usually. I will start off by saying that this was the best breakfast I had in the Boston area to date. It may have been the company, the food, my mood, or a combo of all of the above. Point is, this place is great. We were originally heading to Sound Bites but decided to give this place a shot. The owner was outside, inviting people in to grab drinks as they waited. Waiting in line sucks, but getting that personal attention from the owner definitely made things easier. He would also come back from time to time letting us know how long before we would be seated. Drinks and coffee are self serve and you can ask for ice and make your own iced coffee just the way you like it. As for the food, we had a fruit salad which we learned from talking with Mike that contained 13 types of fruit. All extremely fresh and tasty. I ordered the Lobster Bene (used real lobster) and my girlfriend had the Corned Beef Hash Bene. We shared and both were phenomenal. At the end of the meal Mike asked us how everything was which somehow led to about 20 min of him sitting with us and talking with us about where we were from and how he got the place started. Now i am following the place on twitter and I am friends with the owner on facebook. This place will definitely be my new Sunday brunch spot. Also want to add that it has been at least a year since I left a tip as high as I did at this place. You really have to blow me away with your service to get more than 20% and this place did the job.
(5)
David A.
Went here this morning after hearing quite a few good things. Definitely a disappointment. The good: * Service was fine * The Belgian waffle we ordered, with caramelized bananas and walnuts, was pretty solid. Not the best I've ever had, but above average. Word of warning: you don't need any extra syrup with this particular one. The bad: * Their "homemade whipped cream" is basically Cool Whip extruded out of a pastry bag. We even asked our server about it, and she - honestly, to her credit - told us that it was "non-dairy stuff from a mix." So "home-made whipped cream" = "home-mixed whipped topping." Gross. * The Hollandaise sauce on the eggs benedict was downright awful. Mealy, unnervingly yellow, too tangy, and totally insubstantial in terms of flavor. My girlfriend didn't even finish hers. * Hash browns are a highly subjective thing. I like mine crispy and near-burned. These were far from it. * The bacon was incredibly thin. I can honestly say that I've had better at Burger King.
(2)
Steedman B.
If it's slammed, the staff are friendly. If it's slow, the staff are friendly. Take your pick.
(5)
Andrew B.
This place is very good. I love the eggs Benedict's. The sweet potato fries are one of a kind. I also get excellent service. The price of a breakfast sandwich is very cheap, even cheaper than your regular fast food place. The only thing I got that I didn't like was the Ruben. It was a mess and the meat was very tough to bite through. The prices were just raised, which decreases my enthusiasm. They should really be open later in the evening.
(4)
Dave F.
To start with, I have never and probably will never eat in here. The mere idea of waiting in such a long line to sit in a cafe and eat breakfast goes against everything I believe in. As it stands, the line is enough to make me hesitant to even order, just to avoid the awkward feeling of just walking in while everyone else stands outside and glares at me. So why endure the awkward feelings of jealous patrons and feeling like you're committing some grievous sin by cutting in line? Because the food is delicious, obvs. I usually go the Fit for a King (or Queen) breakfast plate, because it gives me the most options and then I can eat as many amazing things as possible. My favorites are the tri-berry pancakes and the banana and nutella-stuffed french toast, and the veggie sausage. Sometimes I'll change it up and get the Broadway Blues, because a blueberry muffin sliced in half and grilled, with so much butter it's practically dripping, is amazing, and the only thing that can drag me away from the pancake/french toast options. I still don't understand why people wait in line for this, though. I can't imagine standing outside for so long just to sit in and eat this food that I can bring home and enjoy just as well curled up on my couch. The interior seems chaotic, and I don't think I could relax the way the servers fly around the dining area. As it stands, it's hard enough just to pick up food while dodging around the servers like a drunk in a Wild West saloon being told to dance by a guy in a black hat. I would love to eat this food every single morning for the rest of my life, but I would be have a very large belly and a very small wallet. Instead it makes for a nice treat when the mood strikes me. And whenever that mood strikes, I know it's going to be the right decision.
(4)
Laura B.
"when ya heyah, ya family!" ball square cafe deserves to use that slogan more than olive garden does- 'cause at ball square cafe it's actually true. when mike walked in the door, i instantly knew he was the owner and we were all welcomed guests in his house. he greeted everyone, kissed the babies, held the door for delivery men, hugged his waitstaff, and then hung up his coat. i can't remember the last time i witnessed a restaurant manager who was so genuinely warm and hospitable. the pros: awesome breakfast menu. superior service. hospitable, lively vibe. lovable management. (if i could give them more stars i would.) con: the wait. if you go on a weekend around 9-11am, you'll wait for at least an hour for a table. probably more. the food and service will be worth it, but be prepared- the cafe only has about 14 tables (10 two-tops, 4 four-tops), so the turn over is slower than at larger establishments. if you do not want to wait, i suggest going either earlier in the morning at 7 or 8am, or going on a weekday. alternatively, you could order for pick-up. tips: try the grilled mashed instead of the diced home fries. they're airy, peppery, and buttery! the small fruit plate is more than enough for one person and surprisingly diverse (not just the traditional melon/banana/apple combo, but also mango, blueberry, blackberry, kiwi, orange, pineapple, et al.) and is a bargain at $5. for bottomless self serve coffee, grab a mug. it'll cost $3.50. if you just want one cup, grab a disposable, paper cup for $1.75. check out ball square cafe and enjoy the paradox that is ball square, somerville.
(5)
Leslie S.
I've been to Ball Square Cafe many, many times. We started going when Sound Bites moved next door and it was a pleasant relief from the bad customer service we were used to getting. Always had great service and great food... until today. Food was good as usual, and our waitress was sweet, however, on more than one occasion, the waitress kicked my designer handbag that was resting on the floor beside my chair. I kept moving it back out and finally asked her to stop touching my bag. She explained that her boss (Mike) would have a fit if it were in the aisle (which it was not) so I told her that he could ask me to move it if it were a problem. Sure enough, he quickly came over and asked me to put it under my chair (which wasn't very clean). I picked it up as we were done with our meal anyway. Instead of dropping the subject, Mike continued to say in a loud voice, "it's all about the safety". Huh? It's not like the aisles are that small, nor was the restaurant crowded, nor was my bag in anyone's way at all. I then proceeded to ask Mike if maybe he could install hooks under the tables for the bags so that this wouldn't be a problem in the future. He went on about customers with huge legs and how would that work with hooks. What? He sure was acting crazy! Not the customer service I've come to expect. Not sure I'll be a back anytime soon. My girlfriend that was with me said that at a recent visit she was asked by Mike to hurry up and finish eating. Seems like we're back to the old Sound Bite days again. Yikes! UPDATE TO MY REVIEW BASED ON OWNER'S COMMENT: I can't find a way to respond publicly to a comment from Mike, the owner of Ball Square Cafe, to my original review, so it seems I have to edit my original review. My issue was not with the waitstaff, thus there would be NO reason to discipline them. My frustration was with Mike, the owner. My description of what happened is accurate and honest. The server DID kick my bag under the seat a few times. She actually seemed scared of being disciplined by Mike for letting me "keep it in the aisle". She was sweet and just doing her job. The feedback of installing hooks for ladies' purses was a good suggestion, at least I thought, but when Mike went off about larger people and the size of their legs hitting the hook, etc. it became comical. We left. I don't plan to be back. Food is good. Waitress was lovely. Owner needs to learn customer service skills. That's it. End of discussion.
(1)
Leon P.
ball square consistently holds a top five spot in my breakfest spot power rankings. They dont try and reinvent the wheel, but just do everything really really well. Not a bad choice on the menu, which is gigantic without being intimidating.
(5)
Meghan M.
When I moved to Somerville a year ago, I tried this place on a recommendation. Holy whoa am I glad I did. Now I come here at least once a week (usually on a weekday so I don't have to wait in line). I've tried just about every omelet- The Tunisian or the Nova are my faves. and I absolutely live for the fruit plate. Everywhere else a fruit plate is 'meh' to me now. They give you a mountain of every type of fruit you could want. Ask for shredded coconut on top. Best pumpkin spice coffee ever. Oh and best owner ever! Mike makes you feel like family as does the rest of the staff. This is my favorite neighborhood spot, I wish i could give it 6 stars.
(5)
Cindy W.
I would give this a 5 star but I had to take one away for the lack of parking in the area. Mike (the owner) and his staff can cook a mean breakfast!!!! Everything on the menu looks and sounds awesome. Mounds of fresh cut fruit on top of large warm fluffy pancakes served with REAL maple syrup. I didn't know that there was a such thing as "real syrup" v. syrup until Mike brought it to our table. There is a difference...REAL DIFFERENCE. As for other suggestions to get...the sweet pepper corn hash. YUMS!! If you here with a few friends/family, get a side of grilled mashed home fries. THink of it as garlic mashed potatoes, grilled. Can't really explain it well...but it was dam good. I would like to add that I really like their "get your own drink" concept. Cool! The only gripe I have about this place is the parking. But that is nothing they could do. Its somerville...parking sucks.
(4)
Lisa L.
Super friendly staff and super yummy food! Great eggs Benedict, yummy pear & goat cheese waffles.
(5)
Beth R.
Ball Square Cafe was great. I loved the coffee bar, the portions were big, and the food was overall really delicious. I would give it 4 stars only on the fact the pricing wasn't very transparent. Definitely a place I will be back to.
(4)
Hannah M.
Line out the door is softened by the wonderful heat lamps overhead. Once inside, it's bustling, but not too loud. Food is good, coffee is overpriced, and hot chocolate falls flat (although presentation is outstanding). You cannot be seated until the entire party is present, which seems fair given the length of the line, particularly on weekends. Service is quick, but they don't push you out the door. A solid Ball Square breakfast joint (as is, ohhhh, here comes blasphemy, the joint next door).
(3)
Andreas W.
We had a short wait on 4th July for breakfast but Mike came out, kept us a little happy while waiting in the morning sun with the other hungry couples! A good start for the beginning. Inside its nice and clean, busy and friendly staff. Beverages are self serving and are okay, no specialties but almost everything the breakfaster would be looking for. We decided for selfmade iced coffees that are a little bit on the "thin" side, but ok, american coffee. For Food we went for the Moroccan Breakfast Plate and a Salmon Omelette. As i have been in Morocco and am a big fan of north african cuisine, and Cumin was involved, I was quite interested. I heard one of the owners is Moroccan (he is Algerian I learned later) so I was curious. The meal was fresh and tasty but I missed the typical moroccan style of spices and tastes. So... A welcome difference to the normal american breakfast selection, but nothing groundbreaking. I got pork sausages with it and it came with potatoes, which were great. The Salmon Omelette was fresh and the Salmon (Nova Salmon) was very tender and tasty, but the lack of a special "bling" didnt made it stand out from the crowd. The Mozarella cheese is a bit too solid, a better cheese may improve this meal. It came with thick chunky fries and Toast. After all, a nice and good place to stay. Too loud for easy conversation during breakfast time and pretty highly frequented, so count in some wait time. I would go again and try the waffles :)
(4)
Jade R.
Holy Guacamole, I just found my new breakfast joint! Let's see. A HUMUNGO bowl of fruit that (and I'm not even talking about the large size) for 4.95? That has not only the common plethora of melons, but actually a cornucopia of different fruits? Please and THANK YOU! On to bigger things now... the pear and goatcheese french toast. Yes, it exists. And what a brilliant idea. The Mediterranean with feta... Giant omelete with the request of a blueberry muffin on the side. yumyumyum and more yum. Also, the self serve coffee - I don't know if I like it or hate it. I guess I'm more so on the like side, because I get to make my coffee any which way AND there's a variety... but part of going out is to be fully waited on... but.... it was kind of homey-feeling that I can just get up and choose my own, doin' my own thing... but...but...but I just don't know yet. Our server was awesome - I knew his name that day, but now, after a couple of weeks, I forgot :( Would have loved to give him kudos! He was awesome and friendly. Seemed like he loved being there - always a nice plus. I'm full writing this review - just remembering the huge, delicious and perfectly priced meals, makes me want to take a nice long nap now!
(4)
Paige L.
I only go to Ball Sq. when my friend is visiting from out of town, and I love when we get to go there. The staff is kind, they recognize my friend even though she hasn't been back in a year, and even have a 2nd room next door! We had someone who lives next door save us a spot in line- so when we got there, it was time for us to be seated! We were seated next door and the ONLY downside was going outside to get water, tea and coffee next door in the main restaurant. Otherwise, they have awesome options, so go! This time I got their special- pumpkin waffle with walnuts and bananas. While I didn't like it too much, my friend did. I do not hold this again Ball Sq. at all. My decision to get it! The prices are okay, but its a well liked place, so I expect it. I'll eat there anytime. Go! Yum!
(4)
Hillary V.
Their food is good enough for a 5, but the amount of time we spent waiting was ludicrous. Because we were a table of 3, we kept getting passed over while 2s and 5s went in ahead of us.
(3)
Bobby C.
Three of my friends and I came here for bunch on Saturday around 12:30. It was nice that the manager/owner would come out to update people on the wait and inform us that we could get coffee or juice as we waited. There was one guy ahead of us. He was waiting for his three other buddies. The owner informed all parties that it is a first come first serve basis. Since our entire group was all present, we would get the next table since not everyone in the other party had shown up yet. The guy in front of us got annoyed with the "rules." The manager explained the situation if allowed that to happen. 30 mins go by and two of his buddies show up. The manager and the guys in the party in front of us talk some more. A table opens up, and they get seated. We eventually get seated. Later on the fourth guy from that party shows up. Supposedly they ordered from him something to-go. He joined and ate with the guys. I didn't care either way. Thought I'd share my experience. Large menu selection, good portions, decent service. The manager must have liked the guys since he checked on them a bunch of times.
(3)
Joyce T.
I love their Belgian Waffles (especially with the caramelised apple cinnamon topping)!
(5)
Jeff M.
Huge plates and self serve beverages including coffee.
(4)
Laura N.
I had breakfast here this morning and it was absolutely delish. My breakfast partner did note that the menu looked exactly the same as Soundbites, next door, but we're not judging who came first. I will say that I was very, very pleased with Ball Square Cafe's execution - their grilled blueberry muffin made my morning. I had the "Broadway Blues" plate with the muffin, a cheddar cheese omelet, yummy mashed potato style grilled homefries, and bacon. So much food. I didn't finish, but I did leave happy. My only complaint is that I felt a little rushed because the waitstaff checked to see if we were done 5 or 6 times (I was trying to eat as much as possible, haha, but I had to slow down!) I think that's a danger of trying to get breakfast on Saturday mornings in Ball Square when the lines are out the door at every place.
(4)
Isabella R.
Came here for Sunday brunch with friends and family. It was a little crazy, probably because the restaurant itself was extremely busy and a lot of ppl were running around... Positives: -waiter (Brad) was very friendly and attentive -food was tasty -hazelnut coffee was delish Negatives: -food came out wrong (2x) -was very slow getting the food -owner seemed a tad brash with us when the food runner brought the wrong food, he said that "she only has what she has in her arms, she'll go back and get more"...wasn't the best customer service; at least the way he said it... I would give it another try, though.
(3)
Lisa D.
I just saw the lovely comment from Mike M. How can anyone not be a fan of this place?
Let me get the negative out of the way - if you want to avoid hungover loudmouth hipster douchebags in their PBR shirt and TOMS shoes, skip Sunday brunch. It is really not pleasant to stand in line and have to be subjected to their idiotic blabbery. OK, we have that out of the way. Now for the excellent stuff: 1. Service - way above what you should expect out of a diner. Proprietor is like an Energizer bunny. He is everywhere. Taking care of the guests in line, taking care of seating people, busing tables, bringing food, etc. I have no idea how this guy can do so much and not fall apart. 2. Food. Excellent. My mom-in-law teaches chefs and she rated pancakes as 10 out of 10. That puts them in phenomenal category. Eggs Benedict - perfect. Omelettes - mountains of goodness. Oh and i LOVE beverage self service! You get your coffee and you wait in line. Perfect! 3. Value. Prices are great and you are basically taking half of your food home, because you really have to be fat bastard to finish off whole omelette.
(5)
Raj S.
Went back this past weekend, had the Mexican Omelet. Loaded with delicious salsa! I could barely finish it. I swapped the toast for fresh fruits. I had a hot and tasty mocha, perfect for the cold and rainy day. For clean freaks, you can eat off the table, they're that clean! I noticed because I was at another restaurant on Saturday and got syrup on my shirt. Again, loss of 1 star because they bring the check out before we're done eating.
(4)
Tamar A.
Dear Ball Square Cafe, I like you. Do you like me? Check one: [ ] Yes, and I therefore give you every possible delicious permutation of breakfast meat, egg, vegetable, and starch, often mixed together, always extremely fresh and stuffed to the gills with high-quality ingredients. I even have that amazing protein sandwich of egg, lox, and veggies, so you won't lose the rest of your day to a brunch-induced coma. Also, I give you fruit. TONS of fruit. A HEAPING BOWLFUL of fruit. And not that crappy loser fruit. Mangoes and raspberries and strawberries and melon. Let's run away together. [ ] No, which I demonstrate weekly by making you wait outside in line if you dare to snooze that alarm one time too many and show up even a minute after 8:45am. On a weekend. Sucker. [ ] Maybe. I mean, there are heaters outside so you don't get too cold. This might be how I tell you I like like you. Or it might be how I let you down easy. I mean, how emotionally astute can I be? I'm a restaurant. Please return to my locker. Thanks for reals, mean it! Love and kisses, Tamar
(4)
Helen V.
Asparagus and Prosciutto Eggs Benedict Artichoke Heart Eggs Benedict Pear and Goat Cheese stuffed French Toast Ok, I have to admit: being newcomers to the area and not wanting to wait in line, we ducked into SoundBites first. It was a mistake. And I'm glad that I remembered all the glowing reviews Yelp had for this place. The portions are generous, the flavors are good, and the service is much friendlier over at Ball Square Cafe than SoundBites. A lot has been said about this place and if pictures are sound evidence, then how can you even think about going next door!?
(4)
Sun J.
The food is tremendous. Best breakfast in town. The only reason this gets four stars instead of the deserved five, is because of the restaurant setup. I always seem to go there when it's freezing outside and no matter where you sit, if someone opens the door you get a strong draft of cold, freezing air right up the you know what. You end up cursing anyone that walks through the door, and believe me they do.
(4)
Francis C.
Freaking delicious Freaking generous portions. The lobster benny is seriously worth every dime. GRILLED MASH GRILLED MASH GRILLED MASH!! I thought about taking 1 star away but then I figured its not their fault that they always have more people who want to eat there compared to the space...but I doubt an expansion would really alleviate anything.
(5)
Genevieve B.
Uhmmmmmm.....Ball Square Cafe is all that AND a bag of chips! You can't go wrong with this place! This is my go to breakfast and brunch spot and where I take anyone to treat them. I swear they sprinkle crack in the waffles because I just don't understand why they taste so good. Portions are large, the price is right and their servers are attentive and always smiling. It's worth waiting in line for guys!
(5)
Gwen G.
Met up with some friends here for brunch. There was a line out the door but the owner was good at communicating how long we would be waiting and invited to help ourselves to coffee or teas. It ends up on your final bill, but it's nice to have a got drink and something to do while you wait. The menu is large and there's something for everyone. The portions were big and the food was good. My only complaint was that the food didn't all come at once so one person in our group had to wait about 5 minutes for her food after the rest if us got ours. That was a little long.
(5)
Christopher F.
I tried this place next door to compare to Sound Bites. When I came to this place, I encountered along line and unfortunately wound up being seated not in the Cafe, but the Victor's Deli next door--a big inconvenience and disappointment. We had to get up from out table, walk out of our seating at Victor's Deli and into the cafe itself just to get drinks multiple times. The waiting staff to wrap our orders in aluminum foil as they carried the food from Ball Square Cafe's kitchen into Victor's Deli to serve us. The staff also did not appear knowledgeable and got our orders mixed up a few times. I ordered the Sweet Pepper & Corned Beef Hash Eggs Benedict. Their version of the meal was actually worse than Sound Bites' version-- and Sound Bites' version was mediocre at best. The Hollandaise sauce is a specialty that will enhance or kill the quality of the dish. Many places try this sauce and many places, like Ball Square fail. Overall, having to sit in another restaurant, getting up multiple times and walking through two restaurants to get drinks and having mediocre breakfast doesn't cut it for me. That's unacceptable service. Thumbs down for me.
(2)
Natalia M.
My friend has passed this place so many times so we had to give it a try. Service: The owner is awesome as he greets everyone when you're waiting outside and lets you know how much longer it will be! The waitress was attentive and always came around to make sure we were doing good and didn't need anything. The food: I ordered the traditional Eggs Benedict which wasn't that great. The sauce was okay and many of my potatoes were burnt... I also ordered a side of which came with only three short slices for $2.50. Needless to say I wasn't impressed, however my friend ordered the Tri-berry waffles and LOVED it. It looked so good that I was sad I chose the wrong item. I def. will be coming back to try something else on the menu as I want to give it a second chance!
(3)
V V.
This place was awesome! If there is a place teaching a class on customer service they need to hire the greeter. I think he might be the owner (MIke?). This guy was amazing and made you feel very welcomed. The food was very very good. The place is a bit narrow, but not too tiny. Its just not a very big place. But it is a nice place. The only thing I would probably suggest is lowering the price of the self serve coffee. Other than that. This is the place to go for breakfast/lunch, brunch. Good job!
(4)
Traci K.
In the Somerville breakfast wars, Ball Square Cafe comes out on top every time. Blasphemous? Maybe - but I only speak the Truth. The food at Ball Sq is aces. Best omelettes - pancakes and french toast and waffles that are to die for. And if you're not into a lot of greasy delicious morning goodness, they have some phenomenal fruit plates. What really gets my vote is the service. Super friendly, efficient and wonderful. I love the cozy cafe atmosphere and that some tables are dedicated to regular customers. Wonderful!
(5)
Mel C.
YES. Ball Square Cafe is delicious. It's a way better brunch option than its next door neighbor. Fresh toast with fruit. Yum.
(5)
Adam P.
I'd love to give BSC 4.5 stars, but considering it's not a "gourmet" breakfast joint, I'll slide down to four. That said, we had a delicious brunch here yesterday. I enjoyed my fluffy (and huge) western omelette that was full to the brim with veggies and ham. As I remembered from a previous visit about a year and a half ago, the seared mashed potato "home fries" were utterly awesome. My girlfriend got their special prosciutto + grilled veggie wrap w/sweet potato fries, which was surprisingly awesome. The veggies were cooked nicely and very well seasoned. Pretty sure the fries were actually baked, as they were soft and tasted like roasted sweet potato rather than crunchy fries, but were a tasty side nonetheless. My mom & sister split an omelette and pear stuffed french toast, the latter of which was not nearly as heavy as I anticipated (and thus quite yummy). After checking out Sound Bites last week and being rather disappointed, BSC came to the rescue with a very well executed meal. Certainly my go-to place in Ball Square (other than the liquor store...).
(4)
Helena M.
Their pumpkin waffle and sweet potato pancakes are the best I've ever eaten. Wonderful food.
(4)
Melisa C.
I came here on a Saturday morning around 11 am for brunch. There was a line outside, but we only had to wait for 10 minutes or so until a table for two opened up and we got to jump the other customers in line who had larger groups. The menu is pretty diverse and has a nice selection. I ordered the tomato and avocado eggs Benedict dish with the homefries, and my friend ordered the florentino eggs Benedict with homefries. It is self serve for beverages (not everything is free refills though!) We both enjoyed our dishes overall. Our waitress came over and placed the check on the ledge next to the wall and told us to take our time. My friend and I had a lot to catch up on and sat for another 20 minutes or so before a man working there came over and asked us to pay and leave. It was a little abrupt, but I somewhat understand since there were still other customers that they wanted to serve and it's all about turnover. I would have given this place a "Yay! I'm a fan " rating, but because of this interaction I am giving a average rating. I would have appreciated a little but of a kinder gesture such as asking if we needed anything else, instead of just asking us to pay and leave.
(3)
Michael N.
Sure, wait times can be bad on a nice weekend. Sure, there is some nasty (and some funny) history regarding Ball Square Cafe and its neighbor. But the service and food are both almost always spot on. Caramelized strawberry waffles? Ohhhh yeah... Food is normally very good, and bottoms out at average. My only real complaint (besides the wait times): $1.50 for real maple syrup? BOOOOOO. Yes, the real stuff costs more than the fake stuff. It also tastes better (on most dishes, at least - I honestly do believe that there is an occasional dish that benefits from the fake stuff). But otherwise, this place rocks.
(5)
Jessie K.
For those reviewers whose main gripe is the long line - dudes, it's BOSTON, any decent brunch place will have a line at peak hours. It's not a huge place, but the table turnover is quick enough. I've always found the owner to be pretty friendly, and I like that he's very involved in the day-to-day management of the restaurant. The waitstaff is always friendly and no one seems to mind if you ask for substitutions, which is great when you have friends with food allergies and whatnot. I love that the self-serve drink station. Waiting to be seated goes by a lot more quickly when you're caffeinated. The menu is substantial - I haven't met an omlet from Ball Square Cafe that I didn't like. The french toast is delicious and it's great that it comes with fresh whipped cream. If you're not in the mood for breakfast then there are plenty of sandwich and wrap options. I usually go with a wrap just so I can get some sweet potato fries on the side. Don't forget to look at the whiteboard just inside the door to see the specials! I've forgotten a few times and was very sad on my way out to see the delicious options that I missed. The prices are reasonable especially given the huge portions. It's almost like getting two meals for the price of one! Bottom line: Be prepared to wait in line, but at least you can do it with beverage in hand. Make friends with the owner if you can because he's pretty hilarious. And go in HUNGRY because the portions are hearty.
(4)
Panda G.
This is our go to breakfast spot. A great family owned hole in the wall that really looks to please their customers. The "breakfast for a king" is a big meal so buyers beware...haha.
(5)
JD H.
Everything here is fresh and delicious. The boytoy and I come at least once a week. Their fruit place is over the top with ripe mango and several other kinds of fruit. The home fries are crispy and perfectly seasoned. The owner is very kind and the waitstaff is attentive. I would suggest splitting the omelets they are HUGE!!!
(5)
Jo Y.
My good deed did not go unnoticed today. While waking up at 5:30 am to scout for floral arrangements at a cement lot with a bride-to-be is not exactly my idea of sanity, I nonetheless found myself awake and ready to smell the flowers. After 20 minutes of pacing up and down aisles and looking for KK's perfect purple orchids, karma kicked in and I found myself at Somerville's Ball Square Cafe & Restaurant. This is not your typical cafe (as coffee is not their forte) ... or even breakfast joint for that matter. Unlike typical breakfast scenes, the exposed brick, granite tables, and understated decor at Ball Square has a welcoming effect. It gently suggests you sit down and ease into your morning as opposed to the hustle and bustle of most breakfast joints. The stainless steel self-serve coffee station in the corner was a minor eyesore but I easily overlooked it once our breakfast arrived. KK's Tri-berry Belgian Waffle was a sight to see. Sitting on top of a thick Belgian waffle were sliced strawberries, whole blackberries, raspberries and blueberries then topped off with homemade whipped cream and powdered sugar. The slight crunch of the waffle along with the tang of the fruits and sweetness of the whipped cream culminated and made food magic. I love when seemingly simple ingredients can make dishes aesthetically and gastronomically delicious. Always a sucker for french toast when Challah bread is involved, I did not think twice about ordering the French Toast with Caramelized Strawberries and homemade whipped cream. The toast was beautifully thick and soaked in Ball Square's secret sauce. There was a little too much sauce in my dish, threatening to overwhelm my "sweet" taste buds, but overall it managed to satisfy. Note to self: in the future ask for sauce on the side. We left the restaurant $25 poorer but full to the hilt and energized by our new find. For me, karma is rarely ever this delicious.
(4)
Liliana C.
We wish we could come here for breakfast every morning. Our reason for coming was the mounds of berries on all of the pancakes and waffles in earlier reviewers' pictures. And it didn't disappoint. The tri-berry waffle with homemade whipped cream came with four types of berries (!!) and it was delicious. With that, we also had a Mango-Salsa omelet from the daily specials board that was to die for. Please give them business--their waitstaff was incredibly cute and friendly!!
(5)
John L.
While the fruit covered waffles seem to be "the thang", opt for the french toast which is just FANTASTIC! Another must try are the variety of egg's benedict options...otherwise, everything is solid bruch fare with excellent service at a reasonable price.
(4)
Josephine L.
My my my, the things we do when we don't have a reservation system. The boy and I came here on a whim one lazy Sunday morning after realizing we'd bought a bunch of vouchers for the place and needed to start using them up. The commute was pleasant, the walk past Tower Sq Park was lovely and then HOLY HELL, IS THAT THE LINE??!! We could see a teeming mass of people a block away. It was like when you stick a camera in one of those bug colonies and you just watch hundreds of them crawling all over each other...seething...as one big mass. With trepidation, we joined this mass. Thankfully--and first-timers take note--we were actually seated pretty quickly on account of being a couple. By that I mean a party of 2, not my romantic status. There's quick turnover and lots of tables for parties of 2. Great for us, bad for the Sex and the City brood of girls in front of me who were STILL in line by the time we left. Anyway, the fooooood: Me likey the artichoke heart and tomato omelet. And turkey bacon side. And grilled mashed potatoes infested with the best spice known to man--pepper. And giant plate of colorful fruit so very, very fresh and conveniently cut. And humongous saucer of perfect hot chocolate and whipped cream that's only $1.75! Come to think of it, there wasn't anything I didn't like. Service was pretty good considering the crowd. Not the friendliest, but not unfriendly either. Not looking forward to trying to come back with a party of friends, but maybe we can get in right at 9am....
(4)
Emma D.
Reasons why I love Ball Square Cafe: 1. Strawberry shortcake Belgian waffle = best breakfast ever. 2. Grilled corn muffins. 3. They don't even blink when I ask for a fruit bowl without any melon, yay! (Food allergy.) Also, the owner is soooo nice.
(5)
Khizer H.
Me and the girlfriend came here for breakfast/brunch on a Friday. The wait time wasn't too bad as there was only one group of people before us. Although I'm pretty sure it's a lot crazier in weekends. The menu is huge. It took us a good 15-20 mins to figure out what we wanted to get cuz everything seemed soo tasty. Finally I ended up getting the fit for a king breakfast with poached eggs and whole wheat pancakes with berries on top. My girlfriend ordered the traditional Benedict with turkey sausage. We also ordered a side of banana Nutella French toast and a raisin walnut scone. The food was amazing and the portions were huge. The side of French toast would be a full portion at any other brunch place. The eggs were poached really well, the pancakes were soft and fluffy, the scone was perfectly heated up and really really tasty (we couldn't finish it). The French toast is amazing. It's one of the best I've ever tasted. Overall the food was amazing. They also have self serve coffee and you can get as much as you want and try different varieties. Being a coffee lover this was awesome for me. The service was awesome here making our experience even better. The owner walks around and talks to people. He is the friendliest guy on the world. Our waitress was very helpful and she gave us really good recommendations. We didn't have to wait for the food for too long. Everything was really fresh. I loved the atmosphere here. It's very homely and comforting. I definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting or already living in the Boston area. I will be returning
(5)
Crista B.
I love this place. I don't live too far so it makes splurging okay because I am walking home anyway. =) The brunch is awesome; never had anything else. The fruit option is wonderful. Really ... it is. It is not your traditional orange slice or (heaven forbid) "fruit from a bucket." You are not feeling deprived getting the side of fruit option. Super friendly people too. Yeah, you will have to wait in line, but use that time to chat with your fellow brunchers and decide what you are getting to eat. =)
(4)
Serena L.
I'd heard the ravings about the cafe next door but after perusing their menus, I decided that Ball Square Cafe was worth trying. I had the opportunity to come in on a weekday with a friend and her mom before a day of shopping. I was taken aback by the small interior and understood why the weekend wait times were so long! Although it's small, the waitstaff appeared to have a handle on the tables. My "party" hadn't arrived yet so I couldn't be seated, despite the few open four-top tables. Once they arrived, we were seated immediately. I had a hard time deciding what to get because everything sounded delicious! Since I was in a "savory" mood, I decided to go with the Mexican omelet sans jalapeños. Tip: make sure to get Omar's potatoes; it is amazing. The omelet was huge! I think the dishes are very generous, overall. The side of fruit was colorful and diverse as it contained a variety of fruits. The fresh squeezed OJ was pulpy, just the way I like it! The owner arrived in the afternoon and was very personable with customers and staff alike. He made sure to check on each table and ask how their experience was; what fantastic customer service! I definitely have to make sure to come back soon. The only con I noted was the parking situation as it is located on Broadway. If you have a Somerville parking permit, you are in luck but if not, be prepared to make a few laps or take the T.
(4)
Michael S.
As close to perfect as brunch can get. Big, delicious omelets, tasty (!) gluten-free pancakes, and great service from Matt. I even had pumpkin spice coffee! Very happy tourists. Yelp strikes again!
(5)
Kathleen F.
In love with their breakfast combos, especially some of the specials that they have! I'd recommend going for either their crazy omelets or their sweeter breakfast options because they always seem to have a unique twist. I'd also recommend getting here EARLY. Now I am an old lady so that is not a problem for me, but if you get here anytime probably after 9:30 you will have to wait in line, and there could be a bit of a wait for your food. I'd also recommend getting their cappuccino or mocha which are giant and come w' amazing frothy cream on top! They also cost about the same as the regular coffee, so definitely worth it to step it up and order that!! So roll out of bed, throw some clothes on, and run over to Ball Square to fulfill all of our breakfast desires, you won't be disappointed!
(4)
Christina K.
Hot damn! Went here for brunch and arrived around 1 PM. We were dismayed to see a huge line, but then realized half of it was really for Soundbites. We were greeted by someone I think is the owner, Mike, who told us we could help ourselves to beverages b/c those were self serve and we should wait in line. The peeps in front had been waiting 30 mins and so we settled in for a wait. However, there was a table for four (we were a party of 5) so we got in before them. Score!! The food was AMAZING. The options are ridiculous and everyone's food looked so good. I shared a mushroom omelette with homefries and a bagel with a friend and a side order of the deluxe pancakes. The pancake "side" was HUUUUUGE - two pancakes and piles of fruit. When it came, my friend was like, that's not ours. I'm all, yes it is. He's like, no it's not. I'm all, YES IT IS - that's the side. He's like, WHAT?! That's the SIDE?! Yes, yes it is. Other friends got the yogurt and fruit (counted the fruit - 14 in total: pineapple, cantaloupe, honey dew, strawberries, bananas, orange, blueberries, blackberries, apple, kiwi, grapes, papaya . . . I can't even remember the rest), another omelette, and the belgian waffle with caramelized bananas. That was DIVINE OMG. So yes, I would highly recommend this place and be prepared to wait, though we definitely lucked out. I also read about the war between the two places, and knowing the history now, I'm a lil appalled at Ball Square Cafe's tactics. I guess business is business ya know. But daaaamn, food war fo shoooo. I might have to try the place next door now . . . PS they're only open till 3 PM.
(5)
Lynn D.
Very good. Took my out of town family members here based upon the yelp reviews and I wasn't disappointed.
(4)
Charlie P.
Better than SoundBites in my opinion. Lots of people say the food is pretty much the same at both, so my advice is try both and decide for yourself. SoundBites is larger so the line isn't usually that long, but the food comes out pretty fast do you don't end up waiting long once you're seated. Breakfasts are pretty rich tasting, but also really good. The breakfast sandwiches are also great compliments to almost anything. Just be careful you don't end up spending too much.
(4)
Luke B.
So this is hands down my favorite breakfast joint and the key is ATTENTION TO DETAIL! They kill it over here. We're not talking gastro cafe brunch, there's no micro greens & or duck hash (not that micro greens and duck hash are bad), just good old fashioned, perfectly prepared food, large portions, always hot always, cooked perfectly. The owner is always present and quick to say thanks and that means a lot. You never feel rushed to get in and out here even though they have a rather small dining area. Coffee is killer, the place is always very clean and the staff are knowledgeable & friendly every visit. I go at least once a week and will continue to do so as long as Balls Square Cafe is kickin!
(5)
rose n.
I could and should eat here every day. When my boyfriend comes inside from doing yardwork, I might demand that he take me there. I got a groupon or a buywithme or something to go here so I didn't try Soundbites and now, probably never will. And I'm not sure I'll be missing out on anything. I ran into one of my friends here and she was raving about her meal and the owner before we even sat down. The menu is fairly priced and easy to read while you're waiting. It was a longish wait (20+ minutes) but the place was packed and waitresses were quick to clean tables. There were heat lamps under the line outside and the owner chatted it up and encouraged people to go for the self-serve drinks. Once in, the BF ordered some omelet with meat and things. I ordered a combo meal with eggs, home fries, meat things, and a muffin. However, I ate two bites and had it packed to take home. Why? It was delicious but I was about to explode from the insanity that is their hot chocolate. It was normal hot chocolate underneath but it was topped with pure butter frosting. The whipped cream was thick, sweet, buttery, soooo delicious. I was starving when I came in but so full when my food came and I wasn't even finished. My meal was perfectly fine for dinner when I got to finish it. ;) There were tons of other good things on the menu too, like granola with fruit, more omelets, etc. There were also super beautiful pictures in the menu of the food and the food looked pretty similar.
(5)
Min T.
Sarah G and I came here for breakfast last Thursday morning. It was about 8 a.m. and there were about three other tables. I went with the Western Omelette and Sarah had the corned beef hash. The Western omelette is basically a Denver omelette with ham and lots of bell peppers. It was nice they had red bell peppers and not just green bell peppers in it. I also enjoyed the onions in it. The egg was just so thin and pristine when we got it. They really know how to flip an egg! You have a choice of potatoes with the omelettes and I went with the brick of a mashed potatoes that's a bit garlicy and grilled. I know it's not mashed potatoes but man, it sure did taste like something I'd probably enjoy more for dinner. The waitress did check with me to make sure I knew it had garlic. I had to try it so yes, go for it if you love garlic mashed potatoes. I also ate a bit of Sarah's corned beef hash. Surveying the tables around us, this was definitely one of the more popular items. It was heavy and warming. Perfect for the cold brisk day ahead of me. She got it with grilled English muffins which were definitely different. The place looks newly renovated. You are allowed to server your own water and coffee. Iced coffee refills though cost extra. What I found fascinating about the place was the people in it. I guess this is a good breakfast date place. I saw a couple on what seemed to be on their "morning after" date complete with rumpled clothes from the night before. As well as a young single mom with a small toddler in tow on a date. The boy spent most of the morning running away and crying. The mom explained he wasn't used to strangers. Aw, hope love comes to both these couples. If not, there are always fluffy omelettes and wonderful corned beef hash!
(3)
Laura M.
Get the fruit plate. Seriously. It's so fresh and big and delicious. All the other food is to die for too, but the fruit plate really impressed me. If you go on a weekday, there's no line for breakfast, even at 10am :)
(5)
Sarah G.
Mashed potatoes for breakfast??? Ya....Shauna D. and I tried it, but really more of a dinner item I would say.... That would really be my only real negative aspect for this small, local breakfast joint. We went here on a Thursday morning and there were only a couple other tables with people at them, so we got to sit right away. The beverages are self serve, which you don't see every day, but hey I guess it makes the job easier for the servers? This place is pretty small, so not sure why the servers need extra help, especially when they don't find the time at the end of your meal to pick up your credit card to pay!! ha ha BUT food wise, my corned beef hash was pretty darn tasty. And after I started eating it, complete with my eggs over hard on top, I saw that almost every person around me had some version of the corned beef hash as well! I almost felt like I was part of a secret corned beef hash cult!! It was some of the freshest tasting corned beef hash I've had, and for only bout $8-9 it was a steal for how full I felt the rest of the day! Oh and get your english muffin grilled if you get one here. Never actually thought about doing that before, but it was awesome!! Definitely stealing that trick for home :-) Shauna D. got the Western Omelette, which we thought was funny because it really was like a denver omelette, but maybe now that I live all the way over in Boston, anything Denver distance and over is considered Western ha ha The eggs were not overcooked, which is always a plus for me, but that brick of grilled and there were plenty of peppers inside, so definitely an egg party!! All in all, skip the brick, even though I guess if you come here for the first time someone in your group should order it, but you should all share it because the garlic in that bad boy will definitely attract some attention!!!
(3)
Laura G.
I loved this place! Delicious breakfast, friendly staff and I love the serve yourself coffee. Get here early before the rush or you'll be waiting outside. But they do have heat lamps in case you have to wait.
(5)
Kristin S.
An amazing breakfast experience! I told my sister I wanted to take a visiting friend to brunch, and she and her husband insisted we all go to Ball Square Cafe. The food was so fantastic that when my friend's flight was cancelled this morning, she asked if we could go back for breakfast. Yesterday we got there around 10:15, and had to wait in line, as expected. However, the owner came outside and served us complimentary hot chocolate (with real whipped cream!) to drink while we waited. We were also told that we could go inside and get our coffee/tea before being seated, as the beverages are self-serve. Once we were seated, the service was fast and friendly. The food came out very quickly, and all our meals were awesome. I had one of the specials; challah french toast stuffed with bananas and nutella. When we returned today, my friend got that same special, but added carmelized strawberries and whipped cream to it. I had the asparagus and prosciutto omelet, which was also fantastic, as were the grilled mashed potatoes it came with. The coffee was fresh and delicious, and the bathroom was spotless. I will be back as often as I can afford it.
(5)
Paul C.
I came here for two reasons: 1. A friend told me that it was good 2. and another friend saw it on yelp (and he drove here). The restaurant itself is pretty nice and the food is really good. I heard that the hash browns grilled and mashed were good, and THEY WERE! I would say that everything on the menu is safe to get, and would definitely recommend a visit here
(4)
Christina P.
SO many things on the menu that it's hard to choose. Street parking which is kinda tough but well worth it. Dont be overwhelmed by the line at the door either - moves fast! Go in and tell them how many people you have before you stand in line and grab yourself a coffee or tea for the wait.
(5)
Will R.
One of the best breakfast places in Somerville. Unique breakfast potatoes are fried-mashed potatoes. Strong menu of both sweet and savory dishes. Coffee is self-serve and good. Location is clean and modern but has a lot of tables jammed into a small space making it an 'eat with your neighbors' experience. Given the size I am guessing that they try to turn the tables ASAP (no reading/laptops/etc). Vs Sound Bites If you've eaten at Sound Bites (next door) then you've pretty much eaten at the BSC. This shouldn't be a surprise as the owners were once part of Sound Bites. The food is very good but the menu isn't as big / interesting as Sound Bites. The interior is more modern than Soundbites but it is much more cramped/smaller (like the old SB location). Because SB is larger, they have relaxed the no reading/laptops policy.
(4)
Rachel W.
Best brunch ever. I went last Saturday.. and it was pretty chilly out and there was a line. However. They have those overhead heaters, which is a nice touch. And the owner, Mike (who introduced himself) brought out little hot chocolates with whipped cream to everyone in line. This made the wait very tolerable. My friend and I decided that we needed one and a half entrees each, because we couldn't pass on the seasonal waffles. That being said, I had a corned beef hash benedict and a side of pumpkin waffles with caramelized apples... YUM. The eggs benedict was HUGE. And had the best "homefries" ever on the side, which were actually grilled mashed potatoes.. Seriously. Get them. I can't even begin to describe how delicious the waffles were. Needless to say I didn't successfully finish either of the entrees I ordered.. as much as I tried to. Seriously. It was the best brunch I've ever had. Ever. Huge portions, deliiiicious food. The service was great. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Totally worth the trip. I only wish that one of the T lines extended right to the outside of Ball Square Tavern.
(5)
Ann G.
If you read my other reviews you'll see that my heart lies with Sound Bites Cafe. However, Ball Square Cafe is still a really great place for breakfast. I'm not too into omelets but my roommate says that Ball Square's omelets are less greasy than Sound Bites. They have tasty breakfast that is reasonably priced. The owner is extremely friendly and inviting. The place is small, clean, and well-organized. The line does get long and because of space it can move slowly. A great place for breakfast. I personally prefer Sound Bites, but I go to both places really frequently and there isn't a bad dish between them.
(4)
Ryan R.
Definitely a fan...especially compared to Soundbites next-door. Great omelets, awesome staff, lots of interesting coffee and the fruit is the bomb! Sweet potato pancakes are also excellent...be sure to try them! They also load up on the avocado in their dishes, which is always pleasant. Only downside is the cost. Yea, the coffee is unlimited, but 4 bucks for it? Asking for an english muffin instead of potatoes, 50 cents? Every request comes with a price here, and dishes themselves aren't cheap. I came with a friend and for 2 omelets, 1 pancake (just a side) and 2 coffees it came out to $35 bucks. Their new menus (from just last week) are more pricey than the last one. This place is great and price is not a reason to dock the star rating...just a bit misleading in terms of racking up unexpected charges. I think this is the best breakfast joint in the Tufts/Davis/Medford region.
(4)
Nilda G.
LOVE! First visit we waited in line for about 30 minutes, granted it was a very busy Sunday and I had three children tagging along. The staff was wonderful, I heard no noise from the kids who were to busy chewing and I have never had french toast as wonderful as the ones here. I'd gladly wait an hour anytime.
(5)
Mike T.
Great breakfast place whip cream is really good. Only downside is the wait. Expect to wait at least 30 mins on a weekend for a group of 4+.
(4)
Ki G.
****3.5**** I like breakfast. I really do, it's my favorite meal. Having waffles with berries and whipped cream for lunch sounds heavenly and I can have hash browns and eggs for dinner if need be, not a problem. Came here on Sunday in search of breakfast/brunch because a) I was hungry and b) it was fast approaching lunchtime and see (a). So after wandering briefly around Ball Square we settled on breakfast here. I have to say, the eggs (I had the mushroom and boursin) were pretty good and I liked the diced potatoes. The coffee is self-service and freshly brewed and the service is friendly and prompt. All in all a pretty decent breakfast experience. A-OK and then some.
(3)
Elaine A.
This place is AMAZING. The food is great, the service is great. I can't say enough about it. Mike, the owner, greats everybody at the door. Anything that comes with fruit comes with MOUNTAINS of it, all fresh. The grilled mashed potatoes are to die for. The eggs benedict is amazing. My friend ordered the french toast with goat cheese and pear, and I got the french toast with bananas and strawberries. Both were heavenly. The place is small, and sometimes you have to stand outside to get a table, but it is TOTALLY worth it. A-Plus guys!
(5)
Sarah M.
I love the breakfast here, you can't go wrong. However, I went in for lunch and just as GOOD! The sweet potato fries are to DIE FOR. The middle eastern flavors/offerings are oustanding. Try the Fallafel if you ever get in for lunch. So tasty.
(5)
Brittany H.
This place is unbelievably tiny & cute. Refreshing in a modern kind of way. I am a healthnut, so immediately I noticed all the different array of offerings for those that are health junkies to those that are well, dare I coin the term, "hearty breakfast" junkies. I define hearty as anything that can potentially set your arteries and heart on fire.... heavy on the carbs. bacon, sausage, syrup, hollandaise.... you get my drift. I settled for one of their specialty omelette, portabella, red peppers, basil & mozarella and for $.50 you can substitute for egg whites only. Considering that breakfast is suppose to be your biggest and most important meal of the day, the portions here don't disappoint. My omelette was absolutely gimongous ... big sized pieces of portabella and red peppers-- left me having to cut, cut, and cut every single bite I took.... but such enjoyable bites they were.... all that work was worth it. Coupled with my side choices of grilled english muffin (wheat of course), and grilled mashed potatoes. Talk about being pressured under spot with so many choices. Luckily, they turned out to hit the spot. They don't kid around with their fruit as well.... a side fruit dish, could have partially covered a meal. So fresh, the huge portions of the fruit and overall, were unreal. Coffee was average.... not enough for me to remove a star rating.... they offered flavored coffees... was going to get the usual hazelnut, but was in the festive mood for pumpkin spice. Yum, why the hell not. Overall satisfying brunch and great service.. it's times like these that I wish I lived in Boston again. Home sweet, oh.......
(5)
Adam E.
Soon after they opened, I checked this place out with my gf, not knowing about the drama surrounding it. I figured it was pretty weird that they opened a breakfast place in the old Soundbites spot, but didn't think much about it. Then, like Sydney A. said before me, I read the menu. But we were already seated, so whatever. We wanted lunch anyway, and that part of the menu is pretty different from Soundbites. My gf got the chicken soup, which was homemade and fresh, but needed a good deal of salt. We both got grilled sandwiches, which really tasted great. The waitress wasn't the best, despite us being the only ones in the place. Still, I can't get over the drama, and I won't go back. I don't know who is the crazy one, but Soundbites was there and thriving long before this place opened. And it's just not classy to try to beat someone by taking their chef and menu.
(2)
T B.
I went with a friend on Saturday morning. It wasn't as good as Sneakers in Winooski, VT but it wasn't bad & it was reasonably priced. I don't see it as anything more than 3 stars. It wasn't a mind blowing experience but I definitely would suggest it to a friend.
(3)
Grace Y.
A great no nonsense breakfast place with a good selection of great brunch items, large portions, and accommodating service. The place is smallish and it's not fantastically cute or anything, but they do want to serve you a good brunch in a timely manner. There's self serve coffee and tea in the back, a fun perk when you're waiting outside to be seating. There are heat lamps when you wait outside too. The food was pretty delicious. A variety of omelette's, french toasts, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches available for about $10 or less. I recommend the grilled mashed potatoes as a side, it has a wonderful crust to it. I also got a grilled corn muffin instead of normal toast.
(4)
Jeannie H.
I was in the area and decided to have some breakfast with my father. He ordered the Banana and Nutella French Toast despite my misgivings and this time, they were more generous with the nutella. It's still not ooze-out-of-the-toast kind of deliciousness but good. I forgot how yummy their super dense whipped cream is. I ordered the Asparagus and Prosciutto Omelette with a side of what is essentially fried mashed potatoes in the form one giant cake. The potatoes were supper yummy but the omelette was unnecessarily grease laden. We also ordered a side of corned beef hash (this is what happens when you have to meet the groupon value) and it was dense and dry like an overcooked meatloaf. Still a solid 3.5*.
(3)
Laura G.
After going to Ball Square Cafe numerous times with all sorts of people I can say with 100% certainty that there is something delicious for people of all sorts here. It is really the perfect spot to have a casual brunch that delivers with high quality options. There's usually a line, but let's face it. Where isn't there a line at a place that's worth going to? With a no reservation policy, expect to wait in line. You can also expect Mike (who I presume is the owner) to be friendly and welcoming. Expect heat lamps in the winter. Expect to be able to go inside while waiting in line and get yourself a cup of coffee or juice. A couple stand out items: I have ordered the fruit plate every time. This is not your Grandma's fruit plate. Artfully designed and filled with the likes of kiwi, pineapple, apples, grapes, melons, mango, black berries, raspberries, strawberries, etc. This fruit plate puts any I've had previously to shame. I mean who doesn't love a bowl o' fruit in the morning? Grilled mashed potatoes. Whoever thought of this is a freakin genius. Add in a little sour cream and garlic and you may have a new religion brewing here. Everything I've had here comes in large portion, is executed well and tasted delicious. Next time I go I'll give lunch a whirl. Minus one star for not boxing up my entire order when I said I wanted to take it home. Regardless of whether or not you think it's going to heat up well or whatever the reason may be that you omitted half the food on my plate, I paid for it and you have no right to throw it out. /endrant
(4)
Naini G.
Long wait :( this place got super popular, but oh what heavenly breakfast! This place is exactly like the pictures promise, fresh delicious fruit on wonderful pancakes and eggs benedict that deserve genuflection. Hope it stays the same forever! The orange juice was fresh and pulpy, excellent!
(5)
Christopher B.
I dined at Ball Square Cafe in Monday, September 10, 2012 at approximately 12:00 PM. The dining room and tables were spotless and are clearly cleaned quite well between diners. Naomi, my server, quickly explained that I should help myself to drinks. She was extremely friendly and pleasant throughout the meal, always had a smile and made some recommendations that panned out. She made me feel quite welcome. The food is both delicious and plentiful. I had one of the specials, chicken fajita omelette. It was even better than I had envisioned. The Ball Square Cafe doesn't skimp on the quantity of food, either. I would recommend the grilled mash potatoes. They're unique and delicious with breakfast. You'll enjoy your meal here (and be served by friendly staff who know how to treat customers).
(5)
Marcella K.
Two words YUM YUM! Where do I begin??? The owners are so polite and welcoming, and if your lucky they will probably sit down, and eat with you! This Place does breakfast, and lunch. They do it well, and if they did dinner I'm sure they would knock that out of the park too. The place isn't the biggest, and I'm not complaining I like that. So get there early because they close at 3pm. Sad I know! Here's my story.... I just recently moved to Somerville a year ago, and in the act of finding good food in my neighborhood I came across Ball square cafe. I'm not much of a breakfast eater, but I thought I would give it a try. My boyfriend and I went and upon arrival we were told we could choose our own seats, and that we could choose our drinks from the fridge in the back. Looking at the menu the had your regular breakfast and lunch foods. Your french toast, reuben, etc, etc. The waitress was friendly, but I think she was more interested in my boyfriend than taking our order. Anyway, I ended up ordering the fit for a king (or queen) which consist of french toast or pancakes, eggs any style, bacon or sausage, toast, and something else I can't remember. As for my boyfriend he ordered a vegetable omelette with toast. When the food arrived we were both a little embarrassed because the plates were so big and full of food. I must say when it came to the table I did drool inside my head because my french toast smelled delicious. I took my first bite and it was like I was in a dream. I think it was the best french toast I ever had. They used challah bread that had a great crust that was just toasted and the inside was soft and melted in you mouth. Did I mention I had caramelized bananas on top? There's not much more I can tell you about this place, but TO JUST GO THERE AND TRY IT!!!! if you think I'm wrong comment on my review. Nothing but the truth I swear....
(5)
Michelle K.
Lobster Eggs Benedict yesssssssss. With those delish grilled mashed potatoes! Sign me up. When we went to brunch last Friday morning, my boyfriend got the Our Grill Special, which came with a grilled corn muffin. I can't adequately explain how something as simple a grilled corn muffin could be so addictive, so you're just going to have to get it yourself. Is the menu suspiciously similar to Sound Bites? Well, yeah. You probably already know the history. I pretend like these restaurants are estranged twin brothers or something...alike in some basic ways, but ultimately two distinct individuals. I like Sound Bites, but I have to say, I prefer the ambiance of Ball Square Cafe - it's smaller and more intimate, and I like that the owner is always out and about, greeting people. I've never gotten this level of friendliness next door. Go BSC!
(4)
Lola S.
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!! We came in on a saturday afternoon expecting to wait, but we got seated in 5 min (party of 5). He immediately brought us a free belgium waffle full of fruit that was amazing!!! The food was to die for and the service was even better! MUST GO. I will def be back
(5)
Tani S.
Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, isn't it? I read some of the reviews that Ball Square Cafe is an imitation of it's neighbor but we ended up going this morning and had a good breakfast. The omelettes were light and fluffy (the asparagus and prosciutto one was delicious) and the mashed browned potatoes were so well seasoned, I didn't want to stop eating them!
(4)
Wendy K.
I ate brunch here for the first time a few days ago despite living in the Davis/Teele/Ball area for over two years. The coffee smelled soooooo good, but was incredibly weak - grrr... I ordered the chocolate chip pancakes and a small fruit bowl, which were both fantastic. The pancakes were fluffy and the chocolate was melted and yummy. They left off the whipped cream (which was cool whip, essentially) and powdered sugar, as I had requested, and the stack of three cakes left me really really satisfied to the point of no return. The small fruit bowl, which was not very small, was full of colorful varieties of ripe berries, melons, and tropical fruit. The mango, however, was not ripe at all, which was disappointing. :( My friend ordered the Banana and Nutella filled French Toast, and while it was chock-full of that delicious combination, it was surprisingly not too rich to eat, as both of us assumed, and she was able to eat most of the large serving. Service was good, and food came quickly, but when a girl has had coffee and water, a bathroom would be a useful thing. And there was not one. Sad for me.
(4)
Robert B.
Love it. Went in the afternoon to grab brunch/lunch on a Saturday and I think we had some sort of unusual cosmic luck or something. Parking was easy, we found a spot right around the corner. And there wasn't much of a wait when we got there. We were second in line and literally right after we showed up, so did about ten other people. Whew! I really appreciated that the owner took the time to come outside and chat with people in the line. Nice touch. It was a short wait and we were seated quickly. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, and the inside was clean and cozy. While we were waiting for our food we helped ourselves to some beverages. The food came out shortly after and was great, really hit the spot. I will definitely be back and am looking forward to trying something else. The menu is fairly big and want to try one of their tasty sounding omelets!
(4)
Amara M.
Had breakfast here today: Broadway Blues: Awesome. Grilled blueberry muffin, amazing. Hot and crusty great with butter. Cheese omelet. Perfectly cooked bacon and lots of it. Grilled garlicky mashed potatoes. Bagels + Lox - Bagels were huge, a little too doughy, but work for a lox plate. Lots of lox, again not the best, too salty but tasty. Served with tomatoes, onions and capers. Portions are huge, prices are fair about ~$9 for most dishes. All drinks are self serve - which is actually kind of nice, since you can get more water or coffee whenever you want. Menu was extensive- all the breakfast categories are covered with many varieties and some surprising (Moroccan Eggs) Looking forward to heading back there soon!
(4)
Syon B.
Long line on Sunday morning at 10:15 AM. Our group of four waited 25 minutes to get in but it was a very pleasant wait! Couples get in quicker too. They let you come in for self serve coffee and they are really friendly. Owner was there and was nice enough to come over to our table to say hello. Very pleasant atmosphere for sure. The food was exceptional. Low prices, and high quality. I got the French toast stuffed with nutella and banana. The FT was really top notch and the side of turkey bacon was very tasty as well. All in all, I left stuffed and happy. Would recommend to anyone for weekend brunch. The best I've had in the area for years.
(5)
Lauren E.
Im not a huge breakfast fan. I love going out for brunch more for the experience, but the food isn't always my favorite. Most places tend to have fair-to-poor quality ingredients, and that bums me out. But my caramelized strawberry and banana belgian waffle was delicious! There was a brown sugar-type glaze on the fruit, and everything was flavorful and didn't leave me with a heavy feeling in the stomach afterward. The hot chocolate I ordered was beautifully presented, with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa on top, but the drink was a little underwhelming. I'm a pretty picky hot chocolate drinker, though, so maybe you shouldn't judge too hard on that. The Eggs Benedict my dining partner had was apparently also quite good. The coffee was pretty run of the mill drip coffee, but I think they also had espresso on the menu. We found street parking on a side street, though needed quarters for a meter (perhaps a good reason to do sunday over saturday brunch!). The wait outside wasn't too long, despite the prime time. There were little electric heaters which made things much better! I saw the very friendly guy serving tiny cups of hot chocolate to people, but not until we were already done with our short wait. The atmosphere was pretty nice. The wait wasn't too long. The breakfast was tasty and the food seemed to be of pretty high quality. The food came in incredibly little time, and we were happy to get started right away because everything looked so good. In short, I'd highly recommend this place. I'm already wondering when we'll have time to go back next!
(4)
S G.
Fav brunch spot in Somerville. I always take my family here when they come to visit and good for housemate bonding too. Impeccable service and heavenly food. Both their sweet and their savory dishes shine. It's easy to feel a sense of loyalty to this place.
(5)
J K.
I don't miss a lot about Somerville, but I really, really, really miss the marble topped tables and fried mashed taters and HUGENORMOUS waffles at Ball Square Cafe. Holy mother of god, the food here is awesome. The eggs benedict with asparagus is amazing. LOVE YOU, BSC.
(4)
Lauren L.
Feud aside, this place beats Soundbites in the food department. Having been a faithful customer of Soundbites for years, I finally made the switch over to Ball Square Cafe a few months ago and I must say that I don't regret it at all. Sure, their menus are almost identical but I just find Ball Square Cafe's food so much fresher and less greasy tasting. There is never an unappealing pool of oil on the bottom of the omelet/egg plates and the fruit is always super fresh. I actually also prefer the diced homefries over the mashed ones, the mashed can sometimes be a bit bland. My favorite dishes here: Tijuana omelete- Amazing! A little spicy, super savory, and great mix of flavors. Caramelized Banana French Toast- So sweet it could pass as dessert, but I wish I could bathe in their secret syrup (not maple, just caramel/brown sugar goodness). Fruit Bowl- generous portion (even the small size) of fresh fruit, strawberries, mangoes, kiwis; more than your standard banana/apple/orange fruit. I once ordered 'Omar's Eggs' from here and it's been the only disappointment I've had with this place. The clumps of powdered cumin sprinkled on top of the eggs was a little off-putting. While I was eating the eggs I felt like I was partially inhaling the spices, it wasn't too fun.
(5)
Candice M.
I am giving this 4 stars because the waffle I had was amazing!!! I was less impressed with the fruit bowl my fruit was BLAH! My girlfriends got the Fresh Fruit Bowl with Homemade Granola and Yogurt that had a lot more fruit and a way better presentation. Anywho I went here sunday for brunch which turned to a late lunch! Now I have read so many yelp reviews about this place I clearly bypassed the whole wait outside in a long line review. After standing in line from 12 to 12:30 we leave and coming back around 2 pm I must say I was glad we didn't eat anywhere else! Waffle was amazing and the homemade hot chocolate was heaven sent! Only gripe I have with this place is they don't serve you drinks ( Unless they are specialty drinks) you have to get up and get your own!! I like to think that when I go out I am gonna be able to relax! Thats what I am paying for you to serve me! I will most certainly eat at here again after 2pm of course because that waiting in line for hours is not for me! My boyfriend had a wrap that he woke this morning wanting another one ! Needless to say we were impressed :)
(4)
Scott S.
After my previous review with complaints about meat in the food and some service issues, the owner contacted me to apologize and make things right. I believe he was sincere, and, to his credit, he never asked me to change the negative review. As for the food, I _highly_ recommend the vegetarian breakfast sandwich they sometimes have on special. It is by far my favorite breakfast food there. They also have a greek plate which is delicious, if lunch is more your thing.
(4)
Marie R.
So good! Big menu! I had the asparagus eggs Benedict and the house home fries - delicious! Only downside is the line around the block. But they will let you go in and get coffee to drink while you wait which is a nice touch.
(5)
Katie K.
My boyfriend and I just moved into the neighborhood and decided to check out ball square cafe for his birthday brunch. Now, I went to college for restaurant and institutional management, so I'm usually a pretty tough critic. I can't even tell you how long it's been since I walked away from a restaurant wanting to skip all the way home. I was literally on a high when I left because this restaurant does everything that an excellent restaurant should do...fabulous and friendly staff, a beautiful menu with an array of options and the right prices, and just the right touch of that "above and beyond" attitude. I absolutely love seeing places like this doing things right and succeeding. It make my little foodie soul happy! I will definitely be a regular here...good thing I actually do live close enough to skip all the way home!!!
(5)
Brita F.
Love, love, LOVE this place! It's my favorite breakfast joint in Boston. The owner always says hello whenever I'm in, even though he never recognizes me. The atmosphere is comfy; it's a small place, and you serve yourself beverages (although be sure to ask your server for their fresh squeezed orange juice!). And the food is always a solid experience. Quality ingredients, quickly served, just plain old delicious. I'd liek to recommend something specific, but you just can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I *always* chose this place over their next door neighbor, Sound Bites.
(4)
Morgan R.
Went here this morning and everything was great!! Get here early because I here the line is crazy and you have to wait outside (they did have overhead heaters which was great!) Once seated, the service was very quick. At this place you get your own coffee and water at a station set up in the back. I've never seen this before and thought it was a great idea!!! Definitely makes the place able to turn over very quickly. I love that they have whole wheat and multi grain pancakes and waffles. I had the whole wheat waffle with apples and cinnamon on top. So good! I also had the diced hash browns which were great too. MmMm I want to go there right now. Overall, this place was wonderful (good service too!). I would most definitely go here again.
(5)
Tyler A.
I love this place. I have come here a bunch of times, the food is always great, the service is dependable and I will continue to come here as long as I live in Davis. My only complaint is that the owner is kind of a "good ol' boy" and practices nepotism passionately, I have seen his acquaintances get bumped ahead of the line at least half the times I have been here. I don't really care too much because their food is the best around Ball Square. However, I will not be going here as much nor going to Sound Bites again because I discovered Alfresco's which is less expensive, no wait, better food, but unfortunately, no grilled mash and less selection, but hey, when I crave some grilled mash, I will be waiting in line with the rest of you.
(4)
Jamie L.
Shell pieces on my over-poached eggs, over-dry hash squares, under a tiny dollop of hollandaise. I might not have noticed how dry (and square-pattied?) my hash was if there was any egg yolk or hollandaise to dribble over it. The pancakes were okay. What intrigued me most was the variety of pancakes and french toast offered... for this I will give them another chance someday! Having heard all the local intrigue, I was hoping their fried mashed potatoes would equal Soundbites (the only thing I ever enjoyed there). Alas, they were also dry and barely tasted like anything save for a hint of pepper (McCormick's, not fresh ground). Since it was a Monday, I could only suspect that everything on my plate was Sunday's leftovers microwaved. Also, I hate getting my own drinks. It is confusing finding your way around an unfamiliar set-up, so maybe if you went here enough this might not be so bad. I really go out to be served and chat with my friends, not to be distracted and getting up every two minutes realizing there was something I missed or forgot.
(2)
Silas S.
Usually in here at least a couple times a month and I am never disappointed. The owner is the best too. Last time we were in we were greeted with mini hot cocoas to drink while we waited for a table. Now that is what hospitality is all about. I usually get the corned beef hash eggs Benedict. The corned beef hash isn't the best but they do jazz it up a bit with some sweet peppers. Can't go wrong with most everything on the menu and the specials are pretty good.
(4)
Cashmir D.
Dear Mike and the Ball Square Cafe Team, Your enthusiasm and your ability to motivate your employees has resulted in a significant increase in productivity and great customer service. I can't say how much I enjoy coming to Ball Square every weekend with my family. We always look forward to the restaurant, the staff, the customer service, and most importantly the food :-)!! Your customer service is outstanding and it shows from when I stand in line and hearing cars beeping and waving to thank you or with someone walking by and giving you a hug and thanking you for your great service and personally! You know your customers by name and always make sure that they are comfortable and satisfied! I would like to say that while I appreciate everyone in your team however "Becky" stands out! She's wonderful, always smiling and know exactly what I want when I seat on that # 12 table with my family's name on it for the month of July :-) and this is one of the great ways YOU win your customers. I appreciate your efforts and the attention you provide not just to me and my guets but also to everyone waiting in the line for a table. If I had an award to give, you would be the key contender and "Restaurant of the Year". Please accept my sincerest gratitude for the superior job youa dn your team are doing in the restaurant industry!! Best, Casimir Deronette "The Yankees Fan" CDeronette@Gmail.com
(5)
cassandra L.
My new favorite breakfast place! There is a line at 9am on Saturday! The line moved fast so don't turn around or go next door. It's a nice touch to hv the owner at the front door greetings everyone and keep us posted on the wait. We had the Mexican omelette and Asparagus and prosciutto egg Benedict. It was amazing!!! We saw someone order the French toast. It looks incredible! We were in a hurry. Our waitress was so accommodating. Good food, friendly service and great coffee ( self service). The perfect place for breakfast. There are plenty of meter parking. Another plus!
(5)
Brian L.
Came here for breakfast a couple of weeks ago. The tables were full but the owner came and greeted us and let us know that one would be available shortly. While we waited he made pleasant small talk and directed us to the drinks in the back of the restaurant. The food was unbelieveable. I ordered the steak and cheese omelet, which was incredible. The fruit plate was fresh and declicious as well. My only complaint is that the restaurant should be bigger
(5)
Juju K.
Ive been here at least nineteen dozen times and still havent tried everything on the menu. Granted, i usually only get the same three things. Ball Square Cafe is a solid 5 star experience. Dont mind that you may have to wait in the awning-heat lamped cold. Or that the owner might give you orders to keep a straight line when trying to get coffee. Or that he asks you not to turn your legs into the aisles. This guy runs a tight ship!! Try to overlook the cold and Mikes big brotherly/ dont eff with me attitude and instead focus on the quality service. The very clean atmosphere. The quality coffee. And most important is the DEEEEEELICIOUS food.
(5)
may l.
It looks better than its taste....the overall environment is good.. But the food just ok..... The banana French toast is a bit hard, a bit disappointed...
(3)
Morgaine G.
We started out to go to Sound Bites (708 Broadway), but with the line around the block, we started to head home. On the way, we stumbled across this small place with a grand opening breakfast sign (they've only been open a week or so) and headed in. The menu is fun, with many options for me (as a vegetarian) and my friends. We ordered french toast, waffles, and their "Broadway Blue", all of which were amazing. Even my friend, who is a chef, couldn't get over their cooking and extensive menu. There were mistakes (as are common with any new restaurant) in the service, but we were able to forgive pretty much anything when the food came. If I were able, I might take off 1/2 a star for that. However, if you're looking for good food, lots of options, friendly atmosphere, and little to no wait in the Ball Square area, check this place out. You won't regret it.
(5)
Lina G.
Since I put major trust in my fellow Yelpers I decided to try the Ball Square Cafe. We went pretty early, 8:30am (yes we're parents) and there were a few tables available and we didn't have to wait. Mike (?) the owner was super friendly and accommodating. The food was really good, not great but better than Sound Bites. The coffee was strong and aromatic. The only thing I didn't like is that the menu was almost identical to Sound Bites. That is so not cool but whatever, I'm not getting involved in their war. There are plenty of other wars I have to worry about.
(4)
Josie M.
i was in MA for a weekend and discovered ball square cafe through yelp. glad to know yelp is going strong in somerville, ma because this is easily my favorite brunch spot in the entire united states! SIX things i love about you ball street cafe: 1. friendly service where everybody knows your name and speaks to you with the warm MA twang. when i asked for my food to go because i was about to get on a plane, the waitress helped me pack it and suggested a a fruit plate intsead of fries for better traveling (they have sweet potato and they are HUGE) . 2. huge piles of fruit for the waffle & pancake delight that include kiwi, papaya, and mango. 3. two types of hash browns including mashed that is then fried for a crispy shell. 4. corned beef hash with texture and flavor like the kind from a can (but it's fresh so much better - i hate cubed corned beef hash!) 5. really great prices, esp if you come from SF, the portions and prices can't be beat! 6. they serve breakfast all day! the only thing i didn't like was their iced coffee, which was a bit sour. great coffee across the street tho! now if only all my dreams would come true and they would have something like this in SF.
(5)
Christian P.
This place rocks. The food is always amazing and the service is top notch. If you don't mind waiting I definitely recommend it.
(4)
Peter W.
Maybe the best breakfast place in greater Boston! Try a black pastrami, tomato, and Swiss omelet or any of the waffles... Amazing!!
(5)
Yoli D.
I checked this place out for the first time a couple months ago. I heard about it via groupon.com . When my friend and I arrived, there was a long line and I knew that was a good sign. The line moved quickly and the folks in it with us were friendly so we didn't mind the wait at all. The owner, Mike, who was extremely warm and friendly, came out and told us to help ourselves to the self-serve coffee/tea inside. My friend and I liked him right away. Once seated, I ordered the Tijuana which was Mike's favorite omelette. It quickly became mine also. My friend ordered a sweet potato waffle that had mangoes and a ton of other fruit on it. It was definitely the prettiest waffle I'd ever seen. It was soooo delicious too. So glad she shared! I also had the grilled mashed potatoes which was a weird concept to me, but it also quickly became a fav. In the first month I came back 1-2 times per week and each time I dined there the food, as well as the overall experience, was amazing. I've told all my friends about this restaurant, now I'm telling Yelp. The only downside is that I've ordered take out from there twice and neither experience was favorable. I won't go into detail b/c I'd rather chat with Mike directly about it and I know he's all about receiving feedback and he won't mind. I'm still giving 5 stars b/c this is my favorite brunch place. It's been too long now since I've been there and I'm having withdrawals. I'll have to fix that this week!
(5)
L B.
Omelettes are great, banana french toast was amazing, and the grilled mashed were awesome. Definitely go, but get there before 11!
(5)
Laura K.
I had one of the best customer service experiences ever at Ball Square Cafe this weekend. We tentatively approached as a party of 7, expecting that there was no way we'd be seated in less than 20-30 minutes, and were pleasantly surprised to find that we were seated nearby in the owner's parents' deli (closed on Sundays). Our orders were taken promptly, with each one being read back to us to check accuracy, and were delivered very quickly, even covered in foil since they had to be transported a few feet down the sidewalk. The food was superb, as usual, and the out-of-towners among us were very pleasantly surprised at the quality of our brunch for the excellent low price! The owner (our server) was extremely professional and pleasant, truly making this a wonderful brunch experience - on my and my best friend's birthday, no less!
(5)
bernie a.
i just have too say that ball sq cafe is one of the best places on the planet!! the owners are great guys especially mike m love ya bro... service is awesome staffs very friendly! but the best parts the food and i suggest the burger with fries mmm hmm best around!!
(5)
Toni M.
Ball Square Cafe is definitely my favorite spot for breakfast! It's rare that I yelp but I had to because it's such a great place. I went on a Saturday morning and it wasn't busy at all. It was clean, and the staff was very friendly. Most importantly, the food came quickly but at high quality! It was so delicious, mmhmm!
(5)
John M.
Basically the same food as Soundbites (next door), but more consistent. I've had good and bad days at Soundbites, but not here. Most everything is fresh and quite good -- from the fruit bowl (huge and always an impressive selection of fruit) to perfectly done omelets. Pancakes and such are typical diner style, nothing special, but better than most breakfast places. Same thing with the eggs benedict -- they're fine, but not what you'd get at an upscale restaurant for brunch. Go with the grilled mashed potatoes as a side (a.k.a. "homefries" -- these aren't anything anyone else on the planet calls homefries, but they're tasty); the diced potatoes are the one thing on the menu I find unnecessarily bland. While it's a decent moderately-priced breakfast joint, the actual recipes are only slightly better (and definitely less greasy) than typical diner fare. But, as I said, the actual servings of these recipes are consistently good, so I'd give the place 4 stars for the food. Where it excels, however, is customer service. After you order, you barely have time to go get some self-serve coffee before your food arrives, hot and fresh. The manager is generally around, checking in with people, making sure everything's going well -- and, if he sees you there more than once, getting your name. Contrast that with Soundbites next door, which used to be at the Ball Square Cafe location and was notorious for gruff waitstaff as well as kicking out customers who were half-finished with their meals just so they could pack more people in and get a few more bucks. Now that Soundbites is in a much larger location, you'd think they'd calm down a bit. They do on weekdays somewhat (though service is generally too hands off then), but at busy times, you constantly feel like you're being rushed so they can turn your table over. Since this is a review of Ball Square Cafe, it may seem odd to mention so much about a rival, but since they serve a very similar menu, it's important to appreciate why one is better than the other. About 18 months ago, I finally had it with Soundbites after yet another stressful meal where I felt like I was in the way. I'll never go back there. Even on a busy weekend morning, where the place is bustling and lines are out the door, Ball Square doesn't feel rushed. You move on quickly because you, personally, want to make room for the next guests to experience good food, rather than feeling like you're being pushed out the door 10 minutes after you get your food.
(5)
Kristen C.
Let me lead off by saying the mashed grilled potatoes are AMAZING. I've been to Ball Square Cafe twice and both times have been quite tasty. There is a wait but people are a bit touched in the head when it comes to breakfast in the area so there is a wait everywhere. It's also always worth the wait so just bundle up b/c I'm pretty sure it's always shady and windy on this side of the street. And just to be clear that's not a dig on the feud between the owners of this place and the place next store... I'm talking about the position of the sun in the sky, people. I reaaaaaaaaally wish they had a liquor license b/c a bloody mary would go wonderfully with... um everything. And I would have taken a star off for that but the I think the owner has tried to make sure everyone feels welcome and a received like locals which I respect so back up to 5! Below it's telling me on the review it tells me 5 people seem to think it's BYOB and 3 seems to think it's not- anyone know for sure? And lastly (I can't believe I'm saying this since it's my parking space you'd be taking up BUT) if you go on Sunday you can park in the surrounding neighborhoods but Saturday it's permit parking and they LOOOOOOVELOVELOVELOVE to ticket around here.
(5)
Tanvi D.
Went there this morning at 10:00 am, on a recommendation from a friend. Hmmm.. it was an OK experience.. I had dropped my friends off and had gone looking for parking (which fortunately for a sunday wasn't so bad..), so, as I was walking to the restaurant, I accidentally entered soundbites thinking it was BSC and was looking for my friends there.. After a few minutes of being ignored by the hostess, I realized that I was in the wrong place.. So, anyway, I did finally make it to BSC. When I got there, I was told by my friends that there was a "little bit of wait". Which was OK. We were 7 of us, so, we knew that seating was going to be a challenge. After some 10 minutes or so, we were seated at this round table, which should theoritically only hold only 5 people.. Once we were squeezed in, the waitress came by to tell us that the coffee and juice was self serve.. Seriously, whats up with that??? I've never seen that before.. And, it was a challenge for me to get coffee, cos, I was jammed on the inside most corner of this small table with no way out.. Oh well, someone in our group took pity on me and got me some coffee.. As we were going through the menu, we noticed a lot of "banana" items.. Interesting!! We got our food quite promptly. And everything looked really pretty, but, there was just "something" missing with all the dishes.. My Dish - carmelized banana and walnuts belgian waffle with Whipped cream on the side and a size of home fries : I'll write about the homefries first. These were not breakfast potatoes.. This dish was grilled mashed potatoes with garlic and sour cream. I felt that it had too much garlic for my taste. It might have been OK for dinner, but was a bit much for breakfast. And, my waffle was very pretty topped with the carlemized banans and walnuts. Not bad at all.. I would order this again.. The whipped cream on the side was a bit over the top.. No one needs this much quantity!! Jacuqelyn and Heather's dish - strawberry and banana french toast : Again a very pretty presentation. And the food was tasty too.. I tried a bunch from their plates and I would order this again too.. Rina and Aftab's dish, Moroccan omlette -- Hmm.. Now this one is supposed to be a speacialty, but, we were very disappointed in this. We actually had to look for eggs in this dish. Looked like most if it was just veggies. Aftab also got their breakfast potatoes, which are like homefries every place else. They were pretty bland. I've had better at other places. Jared's dish stuffed banana french toast : Also nice but, had too much cheese. He also ordered a side of maple syrup. It came in a nice little bottle that all of us shared. Anne's dish, Fruit Bowl : Now this was the prettiest of them all.. The fruits were nice and fresh. We paid $10 each for all the food and drinks we had. Not bad.. Not bad.. By the time we were done, there was huge life forming outside the cafe, but we NEVER felt rushed by the waitress.. I like that a lot. And, as we were leaving the owner Mike, shook hands with all of us and thanked us for stopping by for breakfast. All in all, not bad, definitely worth a second visit.
(4)
Sarah G.
Ball Square Cafe has the best breakfast in Somerville. The portions are large, which is especially great because the place is fairly inexpensive. Everything I've had there has been totally delicious, especially their omelets. The service is great and the staff are all very friendly, especially once you've been there a few times and they start to recognize you. If I could eat here every morning, I would.
(5)
Lauren S.
By far my favorite brunch place! I have never had a bad meal here and I go here alot. I was going every weekend for a few months and now at least once a month. My boyfriend and I eat brunch on the weekends, it's just what we do. Unlike its neighbor and chief competitor, Soundbites, they do not rush you through your meal and out the door as soon as you finish. You can relax and enjoy your coffee in peace. Sadly, the coffee is not very good, but you can still relax. My Favorite meal: Athenian omelet and tunisian omelet (special) Boyfriend's favorite meal: Pepperoni and mozzarella omelet (special -- not on the menu, but order it anyhow -- if you order it, they will make it for you. Order it) Also super good: Fruit/ granola and yogurt plate. They use only the freshest fruit and it's always a delicious, healthy option for breakfast. Only bad thing: If you go in the later morning (after 930), there is usually a line outside. This makes eating here in the dead of winter challenging. The wait averages 15-20 minutes, but we've waited 45. It's definitely worth it, but bring an umbrella if rain's in the forecast. Mike, the owner, says there will be heaters installed outside for this winter, so maybe it won't be too bad. Overall: My favorite brunch place! Ther service is the best we've had and the food is always super fresh and delicious. It's a bit more expensive than other places we've gone, but worth every penny. The portions are enormous, so you will have leftovers for sure.
(5)
Pieta B.
This was almost my new favorite brunch place. The food is excellent and the service efficient. In the end, though, too efficient. Our food came up really quickly, our check came before we asked for it and finally we were asked to leave before we'd finished our coffee. I just can't forgive that. Fantastic food so maybe I'll give it a second chance at a less busy time.
(3)
Trevor J.
This is by far my favorite breakfast place. The prices are great and the food is better. The portion sizes are bigger then one person could ever eat. I've never ate off their lunch menu but I saw one of their hummus platters and it looked great. The owner is always around and is one of the friendliest guys he even offered us free fruit last time I ate there. The drinks are all self serve which is nice because if you have to wait in line you are free to go and help yourself.
(5)
Hugo R.
Excellent breakfast! Phenomenal. Shhhhhhh, don't tell anybody about this place, we had to wait 40 minutes in line for breakfast. WELL WORTH the wait!!! Loved it.
(5)
Jonathan S.
A fast, hot, and delicious breakfast sandwich to go, AND super friendly waitresses. Quite a contrast to the atmosphere next door. Don't stand by the register while you're waiting, though. The owner will freak out, then start cleaning the coffee area compulsively while explaining that you are about to get knocked dead by a speeding and steaming plate of french toast.
(4)
Lesley R.
A bright star shone down on this rainy Saturday morning and graced it's light upon the Ball Sq. Cafe! I knew I'd be in the area and hunted on Yelp for a breakfast joint the night before. I try my best to just skim the reviews, so I can really try to draw my own opinion. I'm looking mostly for location. I had also read about Sound Bites, but didn't realize til I got off the bus that two places are right next to each other in direct competition! The lines ran just out the door for both establishments. Yes, Sound Bites is physically larger and had the open-air thing going on, but I was sticking with my original choice. I did ask a few folks in line that had been to both places. I was actually told that there might be less of a wait due to the size of the competitor. Again, I was glad I stuck to my guns. Mike, the owner, realized that I was dining alone, and I got my pass directly to a table within 5 mins! A very nice waitress immediately took my order and referred me to the beverage area in the rear of the restaurant. There seemed to be plenty of coffee, varied teas - I believe there was an espresso machine. I grabbed a Naked Juice from the fridge. Less than 3 mins later, golden fluffy pancakes and a very crisp order of bacon had arrived! As I ate, I noticed some fellow patrons had fresh fruit that had a fancy plating arrangement. Another nearby table received a fresh (huge) blueberry scone on the house. Maybe Mike felt bad for them having to wait in the rain. I finished up and got the check. If you take off the Naked Juice, my meal was $6!!!! $1.95 for almost SIX pieces of bacon. LOVING IT! After my meal I took a few minutes out to speak with Mike. He's quite a jolly fellow. I saw his true appreciation for customer satisfaction during my entire visit - helping to greet and seat, helping his staff clear down tables, processing checks - all with great enthusiasm and a friendly smile. I almost felt like I was watching the second half of Kitchen Nightmares - the part after Gordon Ramsey whips a restaurant into shape and gives it the wings to fly. Nicely done, Ball Sq. Cafe. See you next time!
(4)
Austin R.
Strawberry nutella fench toast was very well made. Homefries were okay but slightly burnt on the bottom. The manager is extremely accommodating and dealt courteously with my group of 8 college kids and managed to get us two tables right next to each other, a very impressive feat in such a small venue. Service was nice and overall experience was very pleasant. Will probably come back in the future and try some sort of egg breakfast.
(4)
Sheryl L.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in all of Somerville and Cambridge. Excellent breakfast spots are difficult to find - I am happy to live so close to the best one around. The menu is filled with great dishes. I especially like the salmon omelette and their fruit bowl (it is not filled with just honeydew and cantaloupe - there are strawberries, blackberries, apples and papaya) The service is exceptional.
(5)
Kaitlin B.
Finally a good breakfast menu in Camberville! Expect to wait in line on the weekends but we only had to wait 10 minutes or so on a Sunday at 10am. Portions are generous and the food is good. Friendly staff.
(4)
Anonymous N.
INCREDIBLE! It's like a breakfast restaurant heaven... First of all there aren't enough places to go out for breakfast to begin with, and when you usualy find a place it's nothing to talk about... This place is something to talk about! I have been only once (so far) and it was the most glorious experience I've ever had for breakfast. I discovered the cafe on 'groupon' and went on a weekday morning with a friend to give it a try - we enjoyed omletts, potatos, bagels, english muffins, coffee and juice... everything was SO fresh! and impressively tastey... The restaurant spotlessly clean and tidy which made it a very comfortable and enjoyable experience to eat there. The waitstaff were remarkabley pleasent and also made the atmosphere homey. I have pretty much told everyone I know about this place because I'd love to share the experience with everyone I can... When my friends come to visit Boston from Florida in June and July - Breakfast at the Ball Square Cafe is on the top of our list! I'm glad someone has stepped up and created an amazing breakfast restaurant that is both perfection and affordable while food quality is outstanding!!! BRAVO!
(5)
S V.
So last sunday after noon...my boyfriend and two of our friends decided to go to sound bites. Outside there was one awesome dude (who happens to be the owner of ball square cafe) who greeted us and asked which diner we were going to. We decided....sound bites is a little rush rush on their costumers and this place looks friendly enough to try out. Best decision of our day. We were so happy with every order of food we received. Waitress (lauren), effing awesuuum. Got everything right, and 2 crushes out of it. The owner was the coolest, down to earth person who made friends with every costumer that walked through the door. He made every one of us feel comfortable and even sat with us after the meal to exchange a few words, made sure everything tasted good and was open to any criticism we had to offer. There is not one bad thing I can say about this place, except for the addicting coffee. I had 3 cups there and took one to go. So now it looks like I'll have to go out of my way to get their coffee. Bummer. I live in melrose. It's gonna be a bit of a hike. But we're so going back.
(5)
Derek W.
I've gotta be honest, I was very excited to try this place when I snagged a groupon for it. When the girlfriend and I got there for a late breakfast one day, we found a line extending well down the street. Fortunately these were mostly large parties and after about five minutes, the owner came out to personally show us to a two-person table. I ordered the avocado and tomato eggs benedict and freshly squeezed orange juice (it actually is freshly squeezed that day, which is a really nice touch that is pretty hard to find), while my girlfriend ordered the banana and nutella stuffed French toast. When our food came was when the meal fell apart. The eggs in my benedict were definitely overcooked, not runny at all. The tomato didn't taste very fresh and the subtle flavor of the avocado was completely lost under a blanket of merely adequate hollandaise. The girlfriend's French toast was no better. It was one note: sugar. You could taste the banana a little, but the hazelnut and chocolate flavors of the nutella were completely absent as the palate was coated with sweetness and the brain went into shock. I'll probably give this place another shot (or, more likely, try Soundbites) because the menu is just too appealing to give up on. But, one more bad meal and my patience will most certainly run out.
(2)
Jamie N.
My mate and I look for very specific things in a brunch place, and Ball Square Cafe provided a number of them. Typically, I eat out for brunch once a week or so, and I'm no stranger to the Somerville breakfast scene. Yet, for some reason, could be the crowded popularity of this place, aforementioned mate and I have been totally reluctant to check out BSC. Which brings me to Presidents' Day, 2009. On a whim, and starving, we entered the cafe. A gregarious, large man in a black button-down greeted us immediately and we were seated. "Hey, guys. Is this your first time here?" He was so welcoming. I felt like I entered a friend's house. Our waitress was less than thrilling (I don't think she cracked a smile once). I was willing to forgive her when I had my first bite of yum-yums. I ordered the "Fit for a King (or Queen)." I loved the addition of "Queen" in the menu, in pink font. Eggs, over medium, cooked to perfection, just the way my mama makes 'em. Sausage, like perfectly shaped poo with the appropriate meat taste. Pancakes, chocolate chips added, worthy of taking the remainder home. Tasty bagel. Boyfriend's Corn beef hash benedict was scarf-worthy with a nice amount of Hollandaise. The food here is plentiful. I noticed sandwiches at nearby tables that took up an entire plate. The french fries were like bricks! Coffee is self-serve, which I am led to believe saves me from caffeine overdose (wait-staff constantly filling my cup and luring me into a bad ADD hyperactivity zone), and allows me to mix the different flavors. End of story - eat here.
(4)
dave m.
Incredibly delicious with exactly the kind of customer service you want for a weekend brunch - friendly, attentive, and happy. The owner is great and has a good time talking with all the customers. If you're looking for good french toast, I can't recommend the Apple Cinnamon French Toast enough; it's incredible. It's like apple pie. I don't even add syrup - the syrup from the apple topping is perfect.
(5)
Maria D.
aah.. the never ending ball sq vs. soundbites debate. I love everything about ball sq besides its "home fries". Their specialty home fries are these weird grilled mashed potato things that need to be drenched in ketchup prior to eating. Other than that, I truly love this place and have proudly stood in line for a good half hour to eat there. Of course if there were more than two of us I'd probably head next door. The owner who runs the show is the man. Smart guy who makes sure everything is running efficiently. Keeps track of how many parties are in line and encourages people to go in a grab a coffee while they wait. (although 2/4 times i've been waiting in line, randoms will run in, grab coffee, and peace out). The service is great. I don't mind getting up and getting my own coffee, but I wish they had a bit more of a selection for a self service place. And its kind of a pain sometimes to get a server's attention when you need some ice for an ice coffee. It would be really beneficial if they had some sort of ice machine, and a large space for that whole area. If you haven't been here, you definitely need to try it out!
(4)
al e c.
I'm so disappointed about Ball Square Cafe. If you are going to steal the menu and head chef of your former tenant, *at least* have the balls to move to a new neighborhood. Admittedly, the food here is good (although the service is slow) but it would be difficult for it not to be when, as i just pointed out, the menu, chef AND location were stolen from former tenant, Sound Bites. And with the embarrassingly similar menu, non-existent atmosphere (unless cold and uninviting qualify as "atmosphere") and terrible coffee (no, it sucks and that's a deal breaker) I can't respect the place. While not completely unfortunate I liked it better the first time around--with atmosphere, character and a reason for the ridiculously long wait--as Sound Bites. If you don't want to wait in the (well worth it) line for Sound Bites or you aren't' looking for atmosphere, this is a fine runner up. but personally, I'd recommend the original.
(2)
R F.
The caramelized banana and strawberry french toast is the best thing I have ever eaten. Seriously. We moved further away, but I'd make the trek for this meal any day. I actually don't know how anything else on the menu is, because it's so good that I can't convince myself to order anything else!
(5)
David X.
I don't know who's side I should be on. I think Yassir is a great guy and I love the old Soundbites. I also think Omar is a great chef, and that the food at Ball Square Cafe is even better than it was at Sound Bites - primarily because there are new items on the menu. Obviously, since the old Soundbites and Ball Sq have almost identical menus created and cooked by the same chef - Omar - there really isn't that much of a difference there. But Omar has added some extra items - like the caramelized apple cinnamon waffle which really is not a waffle, but more like a light airy souffle drenched in hot caramel sauce and fresh apples. I am drooling just thinking about it. I don't know the dirt on why SoundBites moved and frankly would love to hear the details. From the face of it, it sounds like the landlord wanted to raise soundbites' rent since they saw what great brunch business they did. Yassir refused, moved next door, and so the landlord opened a restaurant in soundbites' place with the identical menu and soundbites' chef as his partner. Slimy in some respects. In other respects, I think it is only fair that great chefs own at least part of the restaurants they work at, whose reputations are built on their skills. So there you go. I guess I will frequent Ball Square Cafe since I liked the vibe of the Old Soundbites a lot more than the new one which has a giant bar in the middle of it. And really, Ball Square is essentially the old Soundbites. The only difference is instead of yassir owning it, someone else does. Oh the drama.
(5)
Nichole M.
I have been here several times now and every experience has been as great as the first time. Mike, the owner, is wonderful about getting to know his customers and keeping them happy. On a busy weekend he can be found by the front door helping seat people in an orderly and efficient manor. The place is pretty small, but the wait usually goes by pretty fast. It doesn't hurt that the drinks are self-serve, so you can grab yourself a cup of joe while waiting to sit down. The menu options are great and everything that I've had here has been delicious. A lot of my West Coast friends take the red-eye to Logan, so after I pick them up we head straight to Ball Square Cafe and it is always a winner :)
(5)
josh m.
Had a great meal at the cafe today. Was intrigued by the similarity to Sound Bytes in the area of food and coffee station. Told the waitress I was from the state and demanded to know the official affiliation with Sound Bytes. After being goaded, the waitress finally spilled the beans (no pun intended). Apparently Ball Square Cafe usurped the head chef from Sound Bytes, this is very obvious considering thier creamy hash browns are the same exact thing! I was hoping to obtain a free meal, I mean I did tell the waitress I was from the state. No dice though, I guess I didn't look like I was from the state, but I sort of look like I could be from the legendary show The State. I did fail to mention this to her, oh well. I will return to this establishment and consume food in the future, you can bet on that. Also the coffee was amazing, deep and thoughful like sermon on the mount.
(4)
nicole p.
breakfast is my favorite meal and this place never lets me down. i have been here 4 times now and always take my friends there when they come to town because i know they will like it. food is well prepared, plentiful, fresh, tasty. the place is clean, the service is friendly and good. the owner is ALWAYS there and genuinely concerned that you are having a good meal. pancakes are wonderful, the omelets fluffy and full of great fillings. the corned beef hash is really tasty (though if you are a big hash fine, try this place called The Restaurant in Woburn. The best corned beef hash I've ever had). the muffins are really good - I actually haven't had anything there that I didn't like and I have tried almost everything. I must say, however, I did like the traditional hash browns to their version of hash browns which essentally felt like eating mashed potatoes. Just a personal taste thing, not a criticsm. so, overall, i am really glad it's here and it's a nice addition to ball sq. the place next door, you all know who i am talking about, does nothing for me. again, maybe just a matter of personal taste.
(4)
Jen H.
This past Sunday a friend took me to Ball Square Cafe for breakfast. Mind you, it had snowed, freezing rained, and was currently raining outside..... and yet we still took the normally 5 but now 10 minute walk to Ball Square Cafe. By the time I sat down I was cold and wet - but the prompt service, friendly attitudes, and yummy eats soon made me forget how crappy it was outside, and what I was going to have to walk through to get BACK to my friend's place. Surprisingly, there were a good number of people inside considering the weather. The service was top notch, and as I said.. the food was yummy. In addition to the yummy factor, I got so much for my $$! I ordered the Celtic Omelet which I got with the home fries (mashed/grilled potatoes of sorts) and your choice of bread/bagel/etc so I got an Onion Bagel. Needless to say I couldn't finish everything, and I totally wrapped up the bagel and ate it on the T later that day! My ONLY complaint, (and it is a small one) was with the Omelet. It was like they cooked the eggs and veggies separate and kept them separate the entire time, and just kind of folded the eggs around the veggies after the fact..... and the veggies were cooked with a good amount of oil and it made the omelet a tad oily. I like my veggies intermixed with the eggs - but like I said... small complaint. If I'm in Somerville and find myself hungry for breakfast.... I'd totally go back. yummmm, making my tummy growl just thinking about it!
(4)
ChianWen T.
Average. I am spoiled by all the more decent place on the Left Bank (by that I mean the Boston side), everything else is just average by comparison.
(3)
Elizabeth F.
This place was fabulous. We were greeted at the door by a man ( the owner?) who graciously welcomed us and directed us to the self-help coffee and tea selection. The waffle I had was topped with a mound of fruit--incredible. I want to try everything!!! Great fast and friendly service and GREAT options.
(5)
Jill C.
Excellent food and service. One of the best breakfast places in town!!
(5)
Liz T.
I have to admit this was one of my favorite places to sit down and have breakfast! The food was delicious, well prepared and great presentation. I love the menu and found all the food to be quite fresh and YUMM! Thanks Mike for a great experience. I definately will be back and with friends. BTW, the coffee...exquisite! Ive had the coffee at Sound Bites and the coffee at Ball Square Cafe is much smoother!
(5)
Cathleen C.
The best place to have breakfast in the Boston area. The food is amazing and the plates are heaping. One meal here and you won't have to eat the rest of the day. My favorites are the omelettes and apple cinnamon french toast. I love the fact that you can make your own coffee and tea. Mike, the owner, is probably one of the nicest guys you can ever meet, and he keeps the (long) lines moving quickly. If you go on the weekend, get there early, or else you'll wait in a line that wraps around the block!
(5)
buckminster f.
we just got back from ball square cafe. mike is a super host, and our server (didn't get her name) was also very gracious. the food is tasty and generously portioned. we ordered their portobello mushroom, roasted pepper, basil, and ricotta omelette, with a side of their mashed potato home fries, and cinnamon toast. we also added two sausages (one pork, one turkey) and a mini portion of their pancakes topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream (not the kind that comes out of a can). this was not mini at all btw. all the ingredients were top notch, and the food came together nicely. as the bf pointed out, this isnt the kind of place that has a chef designing and tasting the food in the kitchen, but the food is prepared with care and effort. next time, i'll probably stop in for lunch and try one of their grilled cheese sandwiches.
(4)
Yana K.
Terrific place, once you get there - you going to get hooked! I bring all my friends there and they LOVE it. The place is modern, great service and the food is simply outstanding. You can not get better on Newbury or South End (cant even come close - I tried). Egg benedict is to die for (my favorite) and French Toast with challah bread and caramelized strawberries - simply addictive. Service is quick, courteous, choice of 5 different types of coffee and same for tea, freshly squeezed juice, fruit salad with 6 different fruits (does not get better than that). I wish I could go there every day - dont we all - and not to gain 100 lbs. Its that good. Highly recommended. Yana K
(5)
Kathryn M.
Wow. Truly the best breakfast I have had in years. I ordered the tri-berry belgium and my boyfriend ordered the asparagus and prosciutto omlette (with ricotta and basil). The coffee was the best I've had around somerville (that was the first thing we noticed). Way to give soundbites a run for their money! We hope to become regulars.
(5)
M D.
My husband and I went for the first time today and it was wonderful! The people were super nice, there were lots of great menu options, the server was knowledgeable and patient, the place was clean. We are definitely going back.
(5)
Cathy Z.
Had breakfast today at Ball Square Cafe. The best fresh fruit I have had anywhere. Not the usual offering. Papaya, Mango, Apple, Strawberries, Blueberries, Banana, Raspberries, Orange, Kiwi, Grapes! All fresh and at the perfect ripening stage. We had to wait 10 minutes but was offered a cup of coffee or beverage while we waited. The restaurant was immaculate including the restroom. The service was fantastic. I received the wrong breakfast and it was immediately remedied. Best whole wheat blueberry pancakes! You can even get "real" Maple Syrup! And the owner was open to talking about offering gluten free items. Congratulations Mike on a great restaurant with lots of fabulous choices.
(4)
Shawna H.
It's all about the service baby. After a recent altercation at Sound Bites (I wrote a review about their terrible service (to say the least) under Sound Bites) I decided that I would never go back there and would encourage others to think twice about going there as well. As an alternative I decided to go to the Ball Square Cafe and check it out. It was delicious and the service was excellent -- definitely something you can't find at Sound Bites. I could care less that they "stole" the Sound Bites menu. It actually works out quite well, because I basically get the same type of food you get at Sound Bites, just in a different restaurant and I don't need to worry about getting verbally attacked and feel like I'm a burden to the staff. The owner was friendly and made me feel welcome -- a true service professional. He seems like an extremely hard working person and also mentioned that his family owns Victor's Deli next door which is also delicious. I'm happy to support this business because they've been in Somerville for years, work hard and most of all have class, which I definitely can't say for the folks at Sound Bites.
(5)
Brian C.
Ok, as far as I can tell, no one has yet mentioned the sweet potato pancakes. Now, the first few times I ordered them, they were a little strong tasting (maybe tart even), but lately, they seem to have figured out that that sweet potato-y flavor blends perfectly with a spoonful of cinnamon. So, if you want the best breakfast deal in the world, you can get an egg and cheese and meat (or meatless meat) sandwich on what appears to be fresh-made croissant, WITH a side of 2 sweet potato pancakes, AND a bottomless mug of coffee for I believe $8.50 at last count. Hard to beat that. I will make the commute all the way from Brookline whenever I get the chance. No offense, Martin's.
(5)
Nicole M.
awesome caramelized fruit french toast. good coffees. nice atmosphere....i will be going back.
(4)
Dic D.
Best breakfast spot in Somerville.... which says a lot. Cozy location, so get there early on the weekends. Food is great, but I tend to stick with one plate there almost every time (corned beef hash eggs benedict). My friends/family tend to go as well and they all love it. JUST GET THERE EARLY! Portions are great, I usually can skip lunch after a big breakfast there! And for my money... I would wait in line for Ball Sq Cafe before I ate in Sound Bites.
(5)
Michelle C.
Kind of dreary Saturday, late morning. My boyfriend and I decided to walk the short distance from my apartment to Broadway for some breakfast. I've eaten at Kelly's before, and I'm a fan (complete sucker for diners, no matter what the food tastes like), but there was quite a line there, as well as at the ubiquitous Soundbites, and grey clouds looked like rain so I was not in the mood to stand around outside waiting to be wet. So we headed back to Ball Square Cafe where the owner greeted us at the door and we were seated immediately at an open table. I'm not sure how I feel about the self-serve drinks in a breakfast joint situation, but it's no real skin off my back. I ordered the poached eggs with standard potatoes and bacon. They were good, but not as good as Danny's Diner (sadly no longer walking distance for me). My boyfriend had some sort of Southwest style omelet, which was quite tasty. He also got the fired mashed potatoes that they do, which I would definitely get next time, as they are far tastier than the unmashed kind. The service was prompt, and the food was tasty and filling all at a pretty low price. I can't ask for much more from a breakfast place. I'm sure I'll be back again to try something else on their menu (the Belgian waffle selections were very tempting!). If I could, I'd probably give 3 1/2 stars, but the slightly over-runny eggs and mediocre potatoes pull the score down again. Still, I'll go again!
(3)
alice m.
have never had such a fantastic breakfast.mike,one of the owners greets each and every patron,and omar uses the freshest ingredients in everything he makes.omelets are jam packed ,the grilled mash are to die for,and my favorite,the fruit bowl is filled w/mango,blackberries,fresh bananas,sliced apples,my mouth is watering just talking about it.the help yourself coffee bar is the best,and the place is immaculate.do yourself a favor,you will never go any where else.have not tried their lunch,but i'm sure it is great also.ENJOy !!!!!!!
(5)
Nat S.
The Ball Square breakfast war continues with the opening of Ball Square Cafe (BSC). There is a huge back story about their relationship to Sound Bites next door. I won't bore you with details that can be found on Chowhound.com . I waited a week or so before trying to give them some time to work out their bugs. Most Sound Bites patrons will immediately notice similarities in the fare- potatoes prepared the same way, Moroccan Eggs... BSC is great for breakfast and they have fixed some of the Sound Bites issues from when they were in that space: coffee is served, the Canadian bacon is really good- not the super salty particulate tube that is served next door. The fruit seemed just as fresh as Yasser's (Sound Bites)- that one thing he's got nailed, but BSC does better. I encountered a lot of older locals dining at BSC on a weekday - police, a priest, an alderman... BSC and Kelly's will probably win over the non-student population, while Sound Bites keeps the bulk of the students. BSC's Owner was quick to introduce himself and was constantly checking to make sure I had what I needed. Coffee was great, food was great and prices were good. I only have two suggestions- the decor was a little sterile. They may want to put a bulletin board by the door to give the place some local flavor and get some Somerville imagery on the walls- I am sure this will occur as time goes on. I want to feel like it is my hometown breakfast joint. I will still go to the Broken Yolk and Kelly's feels like a part of me. I'll eat at BSC a lot, but never after 9:30am on a weekend. Don't forget True Grounds-the only true "coffee house" in Ball Square- not just a breakfast place. Update one day later: I had to get my own cup of coffee today... Maybe it is a weekday / weekend thing? Given that I live within 18 seconds of the 5 most popular breakfast joints in Somerville, why can't I get Heuvos Rancheros??? The kind with green chile, not red! Update: Sunday 10/6/07- The Sunday Globe led the City Weekly section with a full page+ story on the 5 breakfast places in Ball Square. They discussed in great detail the friction between Sound Bites and Ball Square Cafe. BSC won that round hands down, with Kelly's, True Grounds and Broken Yolk somewhat on the sidelines. I wonder about the timing of my review and the Globe article, but I also wonder if anyone reads my reviews at all. Update 4/7/08: The Somerville Snooze ran an article about Mike from Ball Square Cafe sending Yasser a "let's bury the hatchet apology" letter. Yasser did not accept and the feud continues. There was mention that even the Mayor was getting involved.
(5)
shana c.
stop waiting in the line at soundbites and try ball square cafe. as other reviewers mentioned, it's the same food-- apparently the owner/head chef previously owned soundbites, at least that's what the waitress told me. only 4 stars because they messed up my order (wrong cheese in the omelette) and ran out of rye bread but i was so hungry and it was so good i ate it anyway.
(4)
lolo s.
i've been coming here about once a month since i first tried it in july with my boyfriend and his parents. we now make the block or so walk over monthly. i've never once had a problem. never once felt rushed to get out and stop drinking cup after cup of tea. everything i've ever had has been just lovely.
(5)
Bob S.
Three thumbs up! Great breakfast...try the omelets with grilled mashed taters...or the berry sweet potato pancakes!
(5)
Erin M.
Once upon a time, an out of town friend and I went to Ball Square Cafe. There was wait for groups, but the owner shuffled us right on in, happily getting us a waitress and menus. She was lovely and attentive throughout our entire stay and never rushed us out as my friend and I caught up on life. She explained the coffee bar was available for drinks. I guess she saw the coffee-craving glisten in my eyes (it's always there). After figuring that out and getting a touch of coffee in a TINY mug, we were ready to order. For me, tri-berry pancakes. My friend had an omlet. They both were wonderful. I was served three large, berry-filled pancakes. The fruit was tart and packed an indescribabbly delicious punch to the pancakes. I dream of these pancakes. I try to replicate their fluffiness and tartness at home. Usually, I come close, but not close enough to stop my pancake fantasy. My friend enjoyed her food. She didn't rave, but she seemed pretty happy with what she had. Fluffy, fruity, tart pancakes are five star worthy. A clean, well laid out establishment is also five star worthy. But a coffee bar that gets big crowded, only had little mugs, and runs out of hazelnut coffee on me has to take off a star... Ball Square Cafe, I am absolutely coming back...probably with my own big mug though (and a big appetite).
(4)
Steve L.
Great breakfast, the bes! I take everyone and anyone who visits me here and they all love it! Keep up the good work Mike/ Omar!
(5)
Gaven C.
Pros: Affordable, high quality food, great management, clean, great service Cons: Extremely limited seating
(5)
Simone P.
I can say that this spot has the very BEST FRENCH TOAST I've ever had in my life. It's amazing! Order the: French Toast with strawberries. It's a beautiful couple of pieces of challah served with a brown sugar reduction and sweet, fresh strawberries. It's fantastic and wayyy better than any of the brunch spots you'll find even in the South End, Boston. The Chef at Soundbytes left to start Ball Square Cafe - and I must say the quality of food at Ball Square is absolutely wonderful! The ingredients are fresh, the omelettes are well-cooked and fluffy and the personalities/people watching opportunity is fantastic. Soundbytes is an annoying, crowded place compared to Ball Square which has bigger portions, better prices and much better prepared food! Stop into this fabulous joint.
(5)
Dominique N.
Where do I even begin? With the to-die-for carmerlized fruit french toasts? The delicious berry + whipped cream waffles that rival the ones I just had in Belgium? This place does breakfast, and it does it amazingly well. Even its less decadent dishes (which my sister ordered) like fruit and yogurt and granola really shine...homemade granola, piles of fresh fruit (and not the lackluster apple and pear cubes you find at some places...here there's kiwi and mango and pineapple). All I can say is that this place does the "all-American" brunch (with its own unique twist) better than anyplace I've eaten at. As an added bonus it has a super friendly owner that treats everyone like a regular and reasonable prices (considering the quantity and quality of food). Just go already!
(5)
The K.
Ball Square Cafe: We were minutes from being seated at the juxtaposed Soundbytes but we peered into its former space to find the exposed brick walls, the tempting breakfast dishes, and we questioned if we were missing out and had dismissed this imposter. Several times over the past few years we had passed over this infamous neighbor for our long established breakfast love. We were devoted to the name that we long-associated with the pushy but respectful owner urging his customers to move on after eating so that the long line of hungry patrons could get their breakfasts on. And on this particular morning we wondered if we had given short shrift to its neighbor and we had heard the rumors about the neighborhood disputes, the chef who had stayed on at BSC, that the food might even be better at BSC than at Soundbytes. So that morning we took the risky move of giving up a minutes-away table to wait for a table at BSC. The waiting experience was not the same. Take away the urgency of service and you just have hungry people waiting 30 minutes for a table. Does the more relaxed experience of eating without a hovering owner make up for the wait? Close call, but probably not. Without the urgency of service, the charm of that space has been removed, which has unexpectedly made the waiting experience much less enjoyable. Don't get me wrong - the food is quite good, equivalent to the former Soundbytes (which I had begun to question of late if the quality had declined somewhat). But something about this unamicable divorce has taken something out of both descendent breakfast restaurants. In this case, the sum of the divided parts is not as good as the original. It made me miss the old Soundbytes, the experience of waiting in line, coffee cup in hand, winter, summer or fall. Waiting for the bowl of fresh fruit, the chocolate chip pancakes, knowing that we had to be efficient with our ordering and with our eating. I wish I could go back but I will have to settle for one of these two and on most weekend mornings, I'm not sure either capture my heart the way my memory wishes they would.
(3)
Rupert H.
We just went there for breakfast last weekend and I got the corned beef hash and poached eggs. I am a fan of homemade hash, but this really wasn't very good...way WAY too many peppers in it, so it was really sweet. Hash is supposed to be salty and delicious, not sweet. I tasted someone else's grilled mash (their answer to homefries) and it was good--grilled garlicky mashed potatoes. We went early--maybe 9am, and there was already a line outside. They do self-service coffee, which I like--and you can get a cup and bring it outside while you wait. I guess I just think there are a lot of breakfast options in the area, so I probably won't go back to the Ball Square Cafe.
(2)
Ellen M.
Ended up here on a Saturday morning/afternoon. I was with a group of 8 people, and our wait was only about 10-15 minutes. The gentleman that owns the place is amazing. Turned on the heaters for us (we had to wait outside) and brought us hot chocolate with some of the best whipped cream I've ever tasted. Once we were seated, everyone decided quickly on their orders. With a fabulous menu, everyone was pleased. I ordered a grilled cheese on rye with sweet potato fried, and was I in heaven. The portions are massive, definitely took home an entire meals worth of leftovers. The food was inexpensive as well.... only $6 for a massive grilled cheese and plate of fries. The service was fast, and everyone made sure that we were helped. Our food came out pretty quickly, considering the place was packed and we had 8 people in our party. If I lived in Somerville, Ball Square Cafe would be my go-to breakfast place!!
(5)
Matt C.
Ok, for a place that advertises itself as a breakfast spot, their true delicacy is lunch. I'm going to say this and men it: Ball sq Cafe may be my favorite lunch spot in the Somerville/Medford area. I have gotten the club a few times and its amazing, Bread was toasted perfectly, just enough mayo, filled perfectly. Breakfast is still a stay away for me. My GF got an omelette and, like me, she found it a bit too runny and greasy. So to review: Lunch: 5 stars. Breakfast: 2.5
(4)
Ak D.
First I'll tell you - i am NOT a breakfast person... however I had a great great breakfast here with my boyfriend last weekend. The owner, Mike, was honestly one of the best parts of the experience. It's so nice to have an owner who cares so much about how satisfied his customers are as well as getting to know people.. NOW .. onto the food. Had an Celtic omelet (no cheese) made with egg-whites. It was unreal. The fresh fruit alternative to the mashed potatoes was a great choice. It was so clean, fresh, and filling! The restaurant has a great homelike appeal and I'm definitely planning to go back. I had gone to soundbites once before (much to my dismay) and it does not even semi compare to the overall experience at Ball Square. A big thank you to Mike as well - you have a great restaurant :)
(4)
Erin B.
Very friendly and quick service, delicious food, great value. There is almost always a wait on the weekends for brunch.
(4)
Ryan A.
Unimpressed. My "Tijuana" omelette was just an omelette filled with about half a jar of cheap salsa. I couldn't eat most of it, and I love a good omelette. My toast was rubbery and was probably sitting out for a day before it got to my plate. The service was decent but I seriously don't get the whole DIY vibe of the place. Making patrons get their own drinks just unnecessarily adds traffic to an already busy and cramped space. Waitress was nice enough but didn't seem to care how we liked our food. One star is for the heaters for those waiting on the sidewalk. Why people line up outside this place is beyond me. I won't be back.
(2)
Christel J.
Um, hellllooooo.....if you haven't been to this place yet in Somerville for breakfast, you are clearly missing out people. Even if you are the type to sleep in until 3 p.m. on a perfectly good Saturday (losers) you can still make it here for b-fast cause they serve it all damn day. I saw the reviews on here before...which is what prompted me to go here. And my fellow yelpers did not disappoint! As soon as my roomie and I got there, the owner came up and greeted us personally. But, pffttt....no big deal....cause you know, us gals always have random dudes just coming up to us offering us coffee and asking our names on the streets of Somerville. I mean, c'mon. Ha ha...j/k...sorta. But anywho, then we realized that he greeted everyone like that who came to eat at his little establishment...and uh, even some that weren't coming to eat. And, alas, the wind was sucked out of our sails. Ha, but the food and excellent service more than made up for our bruised ego's and the Donut Shoppe coffee was so insanely good that I actually contemplated for a split second on how to reroute my work commute to get this every morning. And I'm pretty sure that my roommate had a mini orgasm when she tried the fried or grilled muffin - whatever the hell it was (I was too busy trying to figure out how "not" to be present for that little show again...little appaling). So needless to say, the food and service were awesome and he even remembered me a week later when I came back in again for round 2. I will be back peeps!
(5)
Jasmine M.
Great food! Cute and clean place with a great menu, grey service, and good coffee. The fruit was great quality compared to other Boston restaurants, and the eggs Benedict and French toast was some of the best I've ever had. Really pleasant experience. Good prices. No complaints. :)
(5)
Dorothy T.
We think they served the best egg benedicts we ever tasted! The meal was very filling but very delicious. We stayed at a hotel for a nite within 6 miles from the restaurant and moved to town for the next 3 nites. That breakfast meal was so unforgettable for us and kids that we will definitely visit the restaurant again should we visit Boston in the future.
(5)
Jungmin L.
I wouldn't use any superlatives to describe the brunch here. It's just reliable, friendly, considerate service that can make you instantly comfortable, along will well-portioned plates and prices + taste up-to-par. I got exactly what I expected (ie. didn't disappoint, but didn't blow my mind away) with the french toast, the omelette, and the waffles. In my opinion, the french toasts are better than the waffles because the waffle (as expected) became tough as it cooled down. But the french toast was sweet, moist, it was just really good french toast. Line isn't all that bad, either.
(4)
S. J.
If you want to experience authentic, rude and crude, Boston-style attitude while dining in Somerville, then Ball Square Cafe is your place. It's almost immediately obvious that the owner and his stressed-out waitstaff feel their venue is so popular that they don't need to treat their customers with respect or a level of customer service any better than you'd expect from an outdoor parking lot attendant for a Red Sox/Yankees game. Get in, get out of the way -- you got a problem with something, then tough luck. Stay and sit silently in your corner, and do what you're told, or get lost. I've been here twice -- the first time only hinted at the problem, and amazingly that was when the line was literally out the door and waited 30 - 45 minutes just to get a table. Ball Square Cafe showed its true colors on my second visit, when the line was only 4 people -- but unfortunately there was only room for 3 people to stand inside without getting in the way of the stressed-out waitstaff and the hard-working owner. Everywhere I moved, I was in somebody's way. The servers' remarks and tone kept getting ruder and ruder. But hey, it's not my fault your restaurant is split across two buildings, forcing you to walk outside, down the sidewalk, and into a neighboring building to deliver food for half the patrons. That's how it is -- you have to deal with that all the time. Don't take it out on me. We waited about 10 minutes -- this whole time there is 1 table right in front of us, fully set and ready to take guests. After all this hassle, I was getting tired of being pushed around so I took a seat at that table, turning the chair around to face the line to make it clear that I wasn't claiming the table, but just using the chair to wait. This infuriated a passing waitress and she let me know it. That was the last straw. I don't need to be treated like a 5-year-old when I go out to eat. I suggested to my girlfriend that we just leave, and the owner was walking by and heard this. His response? "Sorry, that's just the way out policy works here, folks. You can't get in the way of our servers -- you have to wait by the door." Of course, as I pointed out earlier, there wasn't room for a 4th person to stand by the door without getting in the way of the servers running in and outside. So we just left. So if you don't mind terrible customer service and being treated as nothing more than some loose change found between the sofa cushions, please enjoy the tasty breakfast food here. Ball Square Cafe may have been the inspiration for that notorious soup cook on Seinfeld. If you're a tough guy or just don't care about being treated like you're crashing a private party, you'll have a great time here.
(1)
Elizabeth K.
So the food is pretty good and the portions are huge, but the service is awful. They have a huge chip on their shoulders as if they are some swanky nightclub. Yes, the enforce the 3 or more at large table rule on weekends, which I 100% understand. However, they also have their "favorites" who get to cut the long lines and/or get to be a twosome seated in a four person table - even with many many two person parties waiting in line. I've now seen this happen 4 times. I should have stopped at 3 strikes.
The food is the best I have ever had for breakfast, (Mom I'm sorry its true). The place is nice and comfortable, the owner access able and friendly. Get here early or wait in line, but they let you get coffee while you wait so I can deal with it.
(5)
Julia M.
One of the best breakfasts I've had in Boston, without a doubt. Don't be discouraged by the line, Ball Square is well worth the wait. Self-serve drink stations lets you get your caffeine fix while you wait to be seated and fast kitchen service makes this a quick experience once you are in the restaurant. Big portions at a great value. I had an avocado, bacon, and American cheese omelet and it was terrific. The fruit is extremely fresh. And the benedicts and pancakes elsewhere at my table looked delicious. I will definitely come to Ball Square again.
(4)
Sarah M.
We have breakfasted all over the area and I am a huge fan of BSC. The owner (manager?), "Mike" is incredibly friendly (once he even ran out to put a quarter in my meter without me asking) and makes you feel at home, the place is immaculate, and the omeletes are incredible - fluffy and completely nongreasy. I am surprised some people prefer soundbites, which I think is good, but not as good or fresh feeling. My kids love the hot chocolate too. We go early, no waiting! If I have one critique it's the lousy bagels.
(5)
Jenna F.
I am a breakfast fanatic. This place impressed me! Best French toast I've ever had. It was on the specials for pumpkin French toast. The fruit was fresh and included kiwi. My boyfriend had an egg sandwich and said its one of the best he's had in a while. Only complaint there is no waiting area when there is a wait. But the owner kindly let you wait next door in a neighboring establishment which he came to find you when your table was ready.
(5)
Sophie R.
Home sick, decided to bundle up and go get a delicious breakfast. Definitely picked the wrong spot. Shared the caramelized banana walnut belgian waffles and the regular eggs benedict. The waffles featured "our special homemade whipped cream," intriguing... at first I was pretty sure it was cool whip as this squirt of white fluffy stuff stayed totally immobile, no melting or slipping around on the plate. I swear could taste the trans fats. Getting the check I asked our waitress what was in the "special homemade whipped cream" and she relayed (almost proudly?) that it was made from a mix and was in fact a non-dairy substitute. GROSS. How does that at all qualify as homemade? We mixed water into a packet of fat and sugar. Confirmation of my transfat inkling. The waffle was fine but the "Caramelized" aspect meant drenched in a thick syrup that tasted of nothing but sugar, not just some browned sugary bananas as I was imagining. The eggs benedict was grosser. The "homemade hollandaise" I am pretty sure had come out of some sort of squirt bottle. It was bright scary yellow in color and had covered the eggs in a thin layer like paint, totally unlike a blob of the real stuff. My boyfriend and I agreed the texture was mealy for lack of a better word, not smooth or creamy at all. The egg was overcooked. And the english muffin was totally soggy. The potatoes weren't crispy. Will not return. Will go to Renees next time as I should have done today.
(1)
SD J.
The owner is kind and on top of his game. Even though there was a line outside when we showed up for breakfast on Saturday morning, he found a place for me to sit and wait since I'm 9 months pregnant and couldn't stand in the heat. Really nice. We had a standard breakfast - eggs, pancakes, omelets, toast, breakfast potatoes, etc - and the coffee was tasty and fresh. The food was great; we cleaned our plates! The place itself had a great vibe, and service was fast, but they didn't rush you when you were done. We really loved this place, and we'll definitely go back!
(5)
Matt L.
Best breakfast ive had in a long time here! Well worth the wait, the host is friendly and inviting and service terrific. Food was absolutely awesome and the French toast is probably best I've ever had. Fruit platter is delicious, just like the previous posted images. "Eat like a king" is a huge portion and will keep you filled up all day. Can't wait to go back soon!
(5)
Chris W.
Been here quite a few times with the lady friend, and we have always had a great experience. The staff is super friendly and laidback even when the place is packed and things can seem a bit hectic. The owner is always checking in on everyone and always in the middle of doing something, but I think its great that he is always around and interacting with patrons and people in the community. BSC is a great breakfast spot where the food is simliar to your local diner, with a self serve coffee area so you're never left waiting to refill your cup! Definitely a great spot for a good meal, and my advice is to come with just a friend on the weekends bc the wait for a table can be quite a while if you're in a big group.
(4)
K.P. M.
I came here Easter morning for some hangover breakfast. I got there around 12pm and there was a line out the door. I did have to wait about 20 minutes, and may have had to wait longer if I was not by myself. (There were other groups that got there before me but were only ordering when I got up to leave) The staff was friendly and quick. The food was good but not mind blowing. I got cornbeef hash eggs benedict with the mashed and grilled home fries. Delicious but not enough to become a favorite or standby. Self serve drinks, quick and friendly wait staff, a relatively small space (so watch out big groups. I saw some awkward table formations happening to accomodate bigger groups) and about $10-15 a person. I think after tax my meal was $13.50 and I only had water. I would definately recommend this place, HOWEVER, there were about three other breakfast/diner places on that one block that I could see that had no waiting. I have never tried these other places, so maybe they're crap. But if you go and dont want to wait in line, there are other options that might be just as good and/or a bit cheaper. Happy eating!
(4)
Nida I.
I went here for brunch for the first time two Sundays ago. There was a line outside the door when my boyfriend and I got there, but there's an awning with heaters up top, which I thought was a nice touch. Being just a party of 2, we got a table fairly quickly, and our waitress was very nice. I ordered a mushroom omelet with the grilled mashed potatoes and my boyfriend got the Fit for a King breakfast platter with french toast and extra berries, and we were both extremely pleased. The food was absolutely delicious! The price of our meal was reasonable as well. Definitely coming back! The one negative to this place (which isn't really their fault) is that parking can be difficult to find.
(5)
Liz B.
It's Tuesday and I'm already dreaming of Sunday when I can make my next trip. The boy and I first tried this place out on Valentine's Day and couldn't wait to go back this weekend. Great omelets (only $.75 for egg whites too!), Amazing french toast -- I totally recommend the caramelized banana and strawberry (this week's apple cinnamon while great just wasn't the same). Super home fries -- they actually taste like potato, not weird spices, not grease or butter, potato! Table service is friendly and the kitchen is super quick. Coffee is self service so your cup is never empty or cold. What makes us want to go back (yes even more than the amazing french toast) is the owner who is one of the most personable people in what must be a very stressful job situation that I've ever seen. We waited maybe 20 minutes out in the cold for our table this weekend. He brought out hot chocolate with fresh whipped to the waiting masses at least 3 times during that time frame! Be prepared to wait if you go on the weekend, but it's completely worth it! (On a side note I heard the owner say that they're installing a heated awning soon so the wait won't be quite as cold!) Is it Sunday yet?!?
(5)
Gaven C.
The good: Great food, high-quality ingredients, great manager, great staff The bad: Small restaurant with long lines at peak times You'll probably see me waiting in line on Saturday or Sunday!
(4)
Hilton M.
Great food, friendly service
(5)
Susannah W.
I love breakfast food. I had been searching for a breakfast place on Yelp for the last couple of days, thinking it would be a nice weekend to explore the options in our relatively new neighborhood. But when my husband decided to cook breakfast, I couldn't turn it down (he's really good... seriously - many of our friends keep telling him to open a restaurant)! Anyway, around lunch time my husband suggests trying Ball Square Cafe. His suggestion was based on their lunch menu, but I remembered coming across the place in my search for breakfast food. Score! Our conversation on the way to the restaurant: Me: I'm definitely ordering breakfast food! Husband: I just cooked you breakfast food a few hours ago. Me: But I want *more* breakfast food! We managed to find a parking space and walk in just as a table opened up... which in and of itself is so amazing that I just knew this would be a good experience. We were seated by Mike, who quickly told us about the drink situation. Even though the coffee bar is self-serve, I think the staff asked at least three times if we needed anything while we stood there figuring out what to drink. We definitely didn't feel neglected! Once we ordered, our food came out pretty quickly, and nothing disappointed! My pancakes had a light, spongy texture (perfect!), the pork sausage was juicy and flavorful (could have been heated more, though - 'twas a little lukewarm), and the mashed "home fries" were delicious. My husband's pastrami sandwich was out of this world! He got to choose his bread, which proved to be more of a feat than one might think (it took a while for our Texan brains to translate the waitress's question of "Light or dark rye?" from Bostonese... a constant struggle for us). The result was a stack of warm, perfectly cooked pastrami surrounded by buttery, toasted dark rye and I don't know what kind of melted cheese. It was GOOD. Almost made me rethink my order of breakfast food. *Almost.* We left feeling completely stuffed and satisfied, and we didn't even finish all the food. I look forward to going back and trying other items. When I go out, I tend to look at what other people are eating, and those omelets look delicious and HUGE! Or maybe next time I'll *gasp* forgo the breakfast menu and order a sandwich. I bet their tuna melt rocks!
(4)
Whitney R.
A-mazing! The food I had was nothing extraordinary, but it was perfectly done breakfast food without too much grease and at a good price. I appreciate the coffee bar and the ridiculous friendliness of the owner. There was really no need to give us a free fruit plate for moving to a smaller table, but it was nice. I have eaten at Sound Bites before and there's nothing wrong with it, but it is lacking the friendly spark of Ball Square Cafe. I had plain pancakes with the home fries, and at first, I didn't appreciate being served mashed potatoes for breakfast (i am used to southern style!) but they grew on me. My bf's sausage omelette was delicious, or so I heard in between bites. Portions are huge, go hungry.
(4)
Angband A.
The first time I came here, I thought this place was amazing. Then I came here again, and ordered a few more dishes, and decided that the only can't -miss item is the french toast. The omelette featured this really thick layer of egg, and the eggs benedict, while good, was nothing special. The pancakes are actually quite terrible; worse than the kind I make at home. I have to admit, though, the not insignificant type-A part of my personality gets great joy from seeing how efficiently this place is run.
(3)
Charlene D.
Who needs Times Square when you've got Ball Square Cafe? This place serves up an amazing breakfast/brunch at a steal of a price! The location is cozy and intimate so if you want to avoid waiting, get their early -- especially on weekends! If you get there by 10, you probably won't have to wait. If you do find yourself in a line, no worries! It's well worth the wait. And to pass the time, enjoy a bottomless cup of coffee from their coffee bar! You can help yourself to the coffee (if you want skim milk, simply ask one of the waitstaff and they'll take some out of the fridge for you) before you even get a table. Now once you are seated and reviewing the menu, keep portion size in mind -- they are VERY generous! Do yourself a favor and order a fruit topped waffle for the table. Think of it as an appetizer -- you'll definitely want some. Their Mediterranean Omelet is very good as is Omar's Special. Whatever breakfast food you order, be sure to get the GRILLED MASHED potatoes! It's got a hint of a garlicky flavor to it and it's sightly crisp on the outside and warm and mushy inside. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water....
(4)
D M.
- Long wait (but you can go in and help yourself to some coffee), which is cool if your with 1 or 2 other people. Large parties def wait even longer. Parking is tough to find Service wasn't horrible, but keep in mind they're trying to get you out asap so
(4)
Raghav N C.
One of the best egg breakfast..
(4)
Stephanie F.
My friend & I had to wait in line on a Sunday morning, but the wait wasn't too long. We got some coffee at the self-serve coffee/tea area. Everything sounded delicious on the menu so we asked the waitress for her recommendations. I got the Tiajuana omelet which was good! The grilled mashed potatoes were different and I liked them. It was a different twist from the regular home fries. I'm looking forward to going here again! I'm all about good service and they were very friendly here.
(4)
Lauren B.
Ball Square Cafe, you ruined all other breakfast places for me. Take that as a compliment because I love you. I love you and your waffles, eggs, mashed potatoes, self serve coffee, and so friendly its almost fake staff members. My first time I was impressed/blown away. Then, we discovered the little story behind Sound Bites and the Ball Square Cafe. That only made me like it more because of the ridiculousness of one stealing another business. As terrible/messed up as it is, it is semi hilarious to an outsider. Whateva, I'm in it for the food. The owner literally bends over backwards to keep his customers. Whatever his motives are (to screw over his neighbor or to keep em coming) its a pretty good plan. Other business owners should pretend all other businesses are their enemies to keep em coming. I dream about you Ball Square Cafe. Sometimes when I'm drunk I promise to take people to see you in the morning. Then I wake up and regret my decision to foot the bill, but I go anyways because I cant break a promise (to myself) to see you when I wake up. Sweet dreams Ball Square Cafe!
(5)
Meghan A.
I'm not one to throw around the five star rating, but this place absolutely deserves it. After walking around Cambridge for over an hour, my sister and I finally decided to go to Uno's in Porter Square. I was grumpy, though, because I really wanted some breakfast, so I asked our waiter if he knew a place where we could go. He gave us directions to Ball Square and said, "This place is bomb." I had to try it. Anything for bomb breakfast. We followed his wonderfully scaled, easy-to-read map, and we just about rejoiced when we arrived to Ball Square. We were seated immediately and we nearly cried at how amazing the menu was. We ordered, and the food was presented to us as though they were Christmas presents. We devoured our meal, only coming up for air to tell the owner, Mike, how much we love BSC. My sister and I were eating off each other's plates, laughing at how amazing the food was, and celebrating the fact that we didn't just settle after searching for great breakfast for, at this point, an hour and a half. BSC made our breakfast dreams come true. Fantastic menu. Great portions. Wonderful people. It's really unfortunate I don't live in Cambridge, otherwise I would go there every single day. I'll probably going tomorrow, though. It's totally worth the travel.
(5)
Shelley D.
This place is fantastic. It's funny, because they are right next to Sound Bites and they have pretty much the exact same menu. But somehow, Ball Square got it right and Sound Bites is pretty awful in comparison. The guy who seated us was incredibly nice, and he ran this tiny little cafe very efficiently. I liked the ambience, the easy decor and the food had large portions and tasted better than it's counterpart at Sound Bites. I'm a fan and will definitley be going back soon.
(4)
David S.
Good eggs benedict! I don't mind the crowdedness, as the bustle is one thing I enjoy in a breakfast place.
(5)
Katelyn M.
Finally a brunch place that delivers. After multiple attempts to love my neighborhood Sorella's...I was happy to meet good friends for a Somerville brunch at Ball Square. The only thing a bit frustrating: parking. Lines I can deal with. And, boy, was it worth the wait!! The omelettes are fantastic -- I had the Athenian with the grilled mashed potatoes. I took it home and finished it for dinner and it was still yummy. Had a taste of my friends' waffle with caramelized bananas and walnuts, and while a whole plate would give anyone a sugar rush it was so delicious that next time I visit I am going for the unhealthy carb-loaded pancake, french toast, or waffle option. Service is outstanding and memorable. I can't wait to come back!
(5)
Jose L.
What a great spot! Great menu and better tasting food. Mike was an awesome individual! Loved the personal attention. Feels like a place you've been going for years after the first 10 min. Hands down my favorite brunch place, can't wait to go back!
(5)
Aya S.
I love breakfast foods. Love it love it. And going out for brunch is one of my favorite things to do on the weekends. After reading the great reviews about Ball Square Cafe on yelp, I decided to try it out with my little sister and her bf. I give my experience here a perfect 10. First of all, as a former Tufts student, I frequently ate at Soundbites back when it was in this same small spot. As many of us know, the owner of Soundbites is cranky and mean & love making the customers feel rushed and uncomfortable. Ball Sqr Cafe is the exact opposite. After we finished our meal, Mike came over to greet us and chat with us. Hell, we even talked about Yelp!! I don't care how much he was trying to just shmooze and get brownie points.....it was just overall pleasant. Now the food....it was amazing. The menu looked amazing and I had to force myself to put down the menu so I didn't change my mind for the 20th time. Everything on the menu is very inexpensive and the portions are big. Can't complain. The atmosphere was relaxed and bright. No one was being chased out of the store & the owner wasn't picking fights with anyone. The space was well-used, the store looked clean & sunny & welcoming. Everyone just looked like they were really enjoying their brunch on a cold Saturday morning. I would definitely come back here!!!
(5)
Emilie P.
Must update to say that this is my favorite restaurant. Yes, that is right. My fav is a diner and I never thought I'd say that. I love the prices, the ability to order any combo you want, the food is always fantastic and I really like being able to make my own coffee and get an orange juice when I please. The breakfast sandwiches are damn cheap and delicious. Try the egg, cheese, and sausage on an english muffin, a great classic. The delight waffle and the lunch sandwiches are great too. I have been to Sound Bites and hated it. The staff was grumpy and inattentive, the food was blah and the prices weren't nearly as good as the BSC. Mike the owner trumps his old employer hands down and I would not be sad to see Sound Bites go out of business because of it. Competition is healthy people, BSC is just plain better.
(5)
Tom B.
Went to the cafe today with a few guys and the food was fantastic! Omelette's, fresh fruit and great chicken sandwich. The service was great and the owner Mike is always there to make sure you have everything you need!!!
(5)
Billy O.
Gotta love breakfast! I stopped by for the first time with a few friends and we ate family style. This is always good with new places because you get to try so many different things and Ball Square was terrific! I tried Waffles, Pancakes, and Omelets and they were so good. My poached egg was cooked to perfection and the self serve coffee is really really good! I took home a cup of the house blend cause I couldn't get enough. Service was spectacular and I found myself cracking jokes with the really nice staff. Can't wait to go back there for a nice weekend brunch again.
(5)
Ashley F.
We came here for brunch on a Sunday morning. It was early enough that we got to sit right down. The server came by and dropped off the menus, and as we sat and decided on our meal, people started showing up at the door. The owner or the waitress would come up and tell them that they couldn't wait at the door. The staffers would put those people's names down on the list and tell them that they could wait at the deli/pizza place next door. A warm place to sit and wait was the ONLY thing this place had going for it. The staffers tried to sound polite when they asked people to wait next door but it came off forced and fake. Let's start with the server. Our server was rushed and never polite or friendly. She didn't check on us once to see if we were ok with our meal. She also dropped off the check before we asked for it--a sure sign that she was pushing us to leave so that she could flip the table. Not a pleasant atmosphere to eat in. And then there's the self service drinks. You have to go up and get all of your own water, juice, or any other drink that you want to have. Fine, whatever, except that those drinks go on your bill, which then most people TIP off of. So you're tipping the waitress for drinks that you had to fetch yourself. Charming. People, be sure to deduct the price of the drinks from the tab before tipping, and remember to always tip before tax. Finally, the food. I always get pancakes the first time I eat at a brunch place. They're a simple dish, and if you can't get pancakes right you're a shitty place to have breakfast. I was very disappointed to receive meh pancakes. When they cooled off a bit they started tasting so bad that I couldn't continue eating them. To top it off, they charge you $1.25 for "real" maple syrup. Ok, I get charging more for maple syrup--it's expensive-- but we only got these itty bitty little jars of syrup that wasn't enough for a single pancake. Rip. Off. This place blew and we're not coming back.
(1)
kim k.
I often dream of my "go to" meal at BSC, which is eggs Benedict with avocado and tomato instead of the typical ham. then the grilled mashed well done, if i don't get it at least twice a month, well, it gets a little unpleasant this restaurant has it all - delicious breakfasts and the best fresh fruit in the world - seriously better quality than you would see at a 5 star restaurant -. as well they have sandwiches - more whats considered "lunch food" - honestly i have never had an even marginal meal here, it has always been outstanding. i am torn because i want them to be successful and spread the word about the fantastic food but I also dread everyone finding out about it. i have opted to be selfless.
(5)
Erin M.
Excellent, cozy breakfast place. The owner and waitress were both very nice, except for a minor scuffle surrounding me waiting in the "wrong place" for the decaf coffee to finish brewing. (There is no other place besides in the way... the place is tiny!) We got here at 11 on a Sunday and waited about 45 minutes, not a bad wait considering the massive line. We were allowed to grab coffee while waiting, and the owner updated us a lot on the wait status. It was a little hectic outside but once we got in, we were not at all rushed and were waited on attentively. We were of course starving by then, which just made breakfast taste even better. I got the "Broadway Blues" plate, which has a blueberry muffin, cheese omelet, grilled potatoes, and bacon, all for about $7. A friend of mine got a waffle with strawberries and whipped cream, which was so thick and homemade it was practically butter (yum). A great value for the money and DELICIOUS.
(4)
Manfred S.
Ball Square Cafe would get six stars if they were open late and had a liquor license. I go there now about once a week for breakfast at lunch. My new favorite are the Moroccan Eggs! Yummy...
(5)
Robert J.
Stopped by this cafe and treated a special lady to some breakfast here. She'd suggested it since she is from the area and I'm new to the Boston. Man oh man, was it a great choice. Breakfast was delicious. I'm a huge french toast fan so I had the Banana Stuffed French Toast. It was topped with homemade whipped cream, filled with bananas and cream cheese. And it was just amazing. My lady had the "Broadway Blues" which consisted of a cheese omelet, a toasted blueberry muffin and hash browns. I was of course picking food off her plate. It was too good to pass up. All in all a great little place to eat, I'm definitely going back. Highly recommended for breakfast.
(5)
Kaitlin C.
Love to come here for breakfast / brunch. Amazing grilled mashed potatoes, and a great selection of breakfast and lunch items. Fruit dish is amazing and everything I have gotten since starting to come here has been wonderful. Really cute spot, although I have seen some crazy lines! Looks like everyone knows they're amazing :)
(4)
Lance T.
THE BEST BREAKFAST IN THE GREATER BOSTON!!! From the time I moved out to Boston, I have been looking for a great spot I can always fall back on for great food. I have found my spot. Mike is a great guy and it shows in how he runs this cafe. He always greets his guests and as I have become a regular, he took the time to get to know me and my needs as a patron. The food is always served fresh and by a friendly staff. Its a busy spot, so don't expect to be allowed to sit and chat too long after you are finished with your meal (but only if there is a big wait). But I don't mind, because I want people to leave when I'm waiting for a table myself. The food can only be described as amazing. Amazingly cooked, seasoned, and presented. The coffee is great and I love the self serve bar. Enjoy their freshly squeezed (and it really is freshly squeezed, I see them squeezing it!) OJ every time as well. The servings are plenty and right on every time. I couldn't ask for more, well maybe have it open all day. I am the type of person who can eat breakfast for any meal.
(5)
Erin E.
Sweetest ladies ever serving you robust, flavorful omelets, and inventive french toast specials (pear and goat cheese stuffed please I'm ready to die now thanks). I want to go here every weekend, and it's the only place in Somerville that I don't mind the wait (at peak times on Sunday can be 45 minutes). Fresh fruit does not mean apple, banana, and grapes. It means PAPAYA and KIWI and BLACKBERRIES OH MY! I wish they served breakfast at dinnertime.
(4)
Kimberly W.
I've been to BSC only once, but I LOVED their waffles. They were well-made, fresh ingredients, and hearty portions. Not too pricey, and you walk out full and feeling like you spent your cash on a good meal. Oh, and I loved the self-serve coffee! I went on a weekday morning, so there was virtually no wait. However, I drive by all the time on weekends and it's pretty crowded. I've yet to come back, but it's on my list.
(5)
Lenny S.
Found this place on the Foodspotting app, nothing against using the Yelp app, but the pics on that app of the food here were so good, it demanded a mention. We do not know Somerville. But I assure you, it is a real breakfast town. There are 3 cafes in a one block area and a bakery or 2 to round it out. Choices and waiting on line are guaranteed. The owner was quite nice, kept the line in check and updated the wait status back out to the line regularly. Will not seat a group unless EVERYONE is there. Right way to do it. Coffee is self serve, not a bad way to handle it, waitresses don't waste time asking, filling and pouring. I think it's an interesting business decision. And the coffee is good. Real mugs or to go cups, which you can have while waiting on line. Great idea. Menu is great, choices and portions were excellent. And service was FAST. French toast with caramelized bananas was a winner. And looked like a winner. Poached eggs with bagel and home fries were not. The bagel was what appeared to be a Thomas's or Dunkin Donuts bagel. And the home fries are quite bland. Disappointed. Maybe they don't know from bagels in MA? The place has a great sound system, if anyone notices things like that, a Bose ceiling system, subwoofer and all. Again the owner came over, to see the Foodspotting app, very attentive to the details. All the items we saw being delivered looked great, the Eggs Benedict were a picture to be seen! No idea about rivalries or the other places, but they were all BUSY. But the Ball Square menu items looked the best! If you've been to Zaftig's back in Boston, you will understand waiting on line for a great looking & tasting breakfast!
(4)
Tammy H.
#NAME?
(5)
Lauren H.
Great food, great service and the owner is a doll! Love that everything is fresh, esp the fruit. I will return.
(5)
steve g.
The food is decent, but it is just a carbon copy of Soundbites. Go for the real thing.
(2)
Kylie S.
I came here early on a Sunday, thrilled that they were open so early. I ordered the veggie eggs bennedict. My breakfast was obviously made with high quality ingredients, but the end result was a little bland. Next time I would order something different. The lattes were good. Atmosphere-wise, I prefer a more casual place where waiters treat you with benign indifference--this is more of a full-service joint.
(3)
David J.
This is by far my favorite breakfast place in the Boston area. Beats out any diner I've tried. The menu is good, a little pricier for breakfast/brunch but its totally worth it. Love getting the fruit plate (small is big enough to share if wanted). The stuffed french toast is amazing, as well as all the typical breakfast foods (eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes etc). I go here whenever I go out for breakfast. Don't be surprised to find a line out the door on weekends.
(5)
Carly I.
Being a long time resident of Somerville, I can hardly keep up with the new restaurants opening all over the city. Today I decided to take my 2 year old son to brunch and searched feverishly for the new up and coming breakfast restaurants with good reviews. Lo and behold, Ball Square Cafe came up consistently with happy customers. Being in the customer service industry for 15 years, reviews are a staple of my decision; so I packed my son up and left. I ordered the "Fit for a King (or a Queen)" breakfast with a side of eggs for my son. The food came out very quickly, but once the server set the food on the table I didn't see her again until I flagged her down. Why did I flag her down you ask? As I was cutting up my pancakes I found a long, white hair baked into them. I quickly looked up from my food and noticed the kitchen staff do NOT wear hairnets or hats and do not use gloves. When I called the waitress over, she apologized profusely and asked if I wanted another plate. I told her I wasn't sure... mostly because the pancakes are obviously made with batter and if there was hair in that pancake there may be others. She took the dish away and replaced it a few minutes later. By this time my son was done eating and started to make a fuss. After leaving the table, I didn't see the waitress again for another 10 minutes when I had to flag her down again. By that time my son had dropped his fork and I needed extra napkins, but I couldn't find anyone to help me. I got frustrated, decided to leave, and asked her to box up the food. To my surprise, as she brought back the food she placed the full-priced bill on my table. By this time, I was hungry, my son was fussy, and I hadn't gotten to eat anything. Infuriated, I walked up to the owner Mike and told him as nicely as possible that there was a hair in my food, hoping he would compensate me somehow. His response to me: "Hair happens. That's what happens in restaurants." I said, "Well she gave me a new plate but I didn't really want it." He said, "Okay. Well thanks for understanding" and turned his back to me. Bottom line is this: this restaurant has terrible customer service and ignores health codes. If you eat there, check your food because they certainly will not.
(2)
Armando C.
Another great breakfast place in my neighborhood. I love the food here. I think the sweets (pancakes, waffles, french toast) are better than the egg dishes, but they are all good. Mike, one of the owners, is a nice guy but sometimes is a little over the top. He really wants to provide good service, and it shows. But sometimes, too much service starts to get annoying. You know? Sure there's a "breakfast war", but who cares? That's between the owners if you ask me. I ate once with some friends at Sound Bites, when they used to be where Ball Square Cafe is, and it was a bad experience. Good food, but terrible service. They wouldn't let us enjoy our food or time there. The owner would keep saying "are you guys done yet? come on, it's time to go". Anyway, sorry I got side-tracked.... BSC let's you relax and enjoy your morning meal. it's a little strange that the drinks are self-serve, but honestly, if you just ask them to bring you your drink, they will. Also, you can pretty much ask them to customize anything, and they will. They're pretty flexible. Pros: good food, good service, clean & cozy, not too pricey Cons: small space (better for small groups)
(5)
Meredith K.
Well I can't tell if I want to give this place a 3 or a 4.. it's kind of a 3.5 for me. First it's small and a little cramped (not too bad though), but all brand new inside - so it's pretty cute. There is usually a line here, and unlike sound bites - it doesn't move fast. I guess the upside of this is you actually get to sit down and enjoy your breakfast without being shoved out the door. Which is kind of nice on a weekend morning. The owner let us get self service coffee while we waited in line - so that's always good. The food is good here and in fact I liked some of the breakfast choices I've had here more than Sound Bites. So I think they are worth checking out. But like I said in my Sound Bites review - I am sick of the stupid feud between these guys and Sound Bites. Enough already! Keep it to yourself! When I ate here the owner was really really nice to us and talked to us a lot, but more than 50% of what he talked to us about was telling us how much the other guy sucked. It's just unprofessional. I'm here for breakfast. I don't care who said what - that's their issue and they should both stop trying to bring the customers in the middle of it.
(4)
Mindy C.
Ahhh...Breakfast...I love Ball Square Cafe for their huge mound of fresh fruit and scrumptious sweet potato waffles. I have taken many of my friends here and they all love it. Now, if you decide to go on a Saturday or a Sunday expect a line down the side walk. ( The owner installed heaters out side by the way) So go really early or really late if you want to get in quick. Or do as I do and go during the week. The owner is awesome because he gives you a warm welcome and recognizes you if you go there more than once. Go and enjoy!
(5)
Sarah R.
Great service, AMAZING food, this is the best brunch I've had since moving to Boston. Must try the belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream. Sooo good! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Naomi U.
We had a great breakfast this morning. This is the kind of place where there are lots of choices. We were hungry; we got confused (about what we Really wanted to order :-) ) watching other people's food being delivered while waiting to order. Coffee was strong, juice was fresh, eggs were nicely prepared. The fruit salad was very fresh, attractive; a mixed medium sculpture of sorts; none of that 'mostly watermelon and dead bananas' or 'sorry your cup somehow has a clump of mainly one kind of fruit in it' going on here. Everything was clean...REALLY clean, lots of wiping , re-wiping of tables, nothing sticky, and a tremendously clean bathroom. The service was good, with a 'front of the house' man watching and working every station, and that is what it really seems to take to make a place tick. An extra bonus: If you or your dining companions does not eat beef, chicken, or pork it is actually possible to have an egg breakfast or even a non egg; vegan breakfast here. This is VERY unusual in the area... To address the apparent controversy: This morning both establishments were stuffed to the gills; with lines out front...so, I think there might be enough business to go around for everyone. If a valued Chef under contract was indeed stolen there would be legal remedies....Maybe everyone is happier this way, AND locals get the benefit of more places to eat a good breakfast, and competition to keep them all on their toes.
(5)
Rico S.
I didn't want to like this place. I really didn't. But i did. There can be long lines to get in, militaristic ownership, and unfriendly people, but the food is fantastic. They have serve yourself style coffees. A great breakfast menu, with good lunch selections as well. Reasonable prices. The Broadway Blues is my favorite. 2-egg omelet, homefries, bacon and a grilled blueberry muffin. Unbelievable. The grilled muffin is the best around. The fresh fruit plate is amazing as well. The biggest downside is the long wait. And they can't really fit groups more than 5 or so easily, but they do make accommodations for you, which is really going out of their way. At least they have heated lamps for when it's cold, too
(4)
Melissa T.
When my party walked into this place this morning (well, who am I kidding -- at 1:30 in the afternoon) for brunch, the owner (Mike?) made it a point to introduce himself to us and asked us our names. A friend I was with made the comment that he seemed like the kind of guy that would be really good remembering faces and would probably remember us the next time we visited. After watching him walk around and personally check to see how everyone liked their food, I was bound to agree. We both had one of the specials, which was french toast with either pears and goat cheese (which my friend ordered) or strawberries and cream cheese (this, I couldn't resist). Absolutely fantastic. Also a plus is the refillable cup of coffee (you serve yourself, so you can drink coffee while you're waiting for a table). It's a bit of a commute for me, and Zoe's is a bit closer, but I will definitely be making the trek deep into Somerville for many a Sunday brunch from now on. On our way out to the car, the owner was just leaving but made it a point to roll down his window and ask us how our meals were. The answer: five stars.
(5)
Deborah S.
Excellent service. This place will never rush you. If you are in Ball Sq don't eat at Sound Bites. The food is better here. you can't go wrong with this place.
(5)
C.M. M.
Fried Sweet Potato Fries. Need I say more?
(4)
Jaime N.
I've tried lots of breakfast places in Somerville and beyond- but BSC is my favorite! Great food and great coffee- yes, there probably will be a wait if you come late morning/early lunch; but it's totally worth it!
(4)
Joseph G.
Yay, I'ma fan! Awesome stuffed french toast. Layla, you were totally right, stuffed french toast w/caramelized banana and strawberries is really morning sugar high. Who needs coffee when this gives you all the jolt of an electric chair. We also had the stuffed french toast with pears and goat cheese, another winner. My sister and I fought over the leftovers. Great prices, friendly staff, cofee ehh? but who needs coffee anyway.
(4)
Katherine I.
Two of Ball Square Cafe's best offerings are friendly service and a relaxed environment. No worries. You can rest your spine on your chair back, eat your meal, and read the paper. No host will urge you to feed your meter and while you're outside digging for that elusive quarter, clear your table, seat another customer then upon re-entry hand you the check with attitude. A fictional story but any one of Sound Bites' regulars could attest to its plausibility. After a decade of often regrettable patronage to Sound Bites and nearly a dozen visits to Ball Square Cafe, I say confidently, there are differences. While SB and BSC share some of the same menu items, their food is not equal. When it comes to French toast, Ball Square Cafe has Sound Bites beat. The grilled, challah, French toast reminds me of homemade fried dough. It's buttery, crisp, and dusted with powdered sugar, is warm, downy and the color of butter on the inside. After sampling five of the eight French toast selections, all are outstanding and better than any ever eaten in the 'ville. Those most worthy of mention are the tri-berry, which is dotted with three kinds of fresh berries and homemade whipped cream, the banana stuffed, stuffed with cream cheese and bananas (so good), and the caramelized banana and strawberry. After sampling the savory steak and cheese or the asparagus and prosciutto omelets, an agnostic could think they're worth recalling grace. The corned beef hash tastes like the one made in a Jewish kitchen. The turkey bacon looks and tastes like a favorite brand I buy at Whole Foods. Even the veggie sausage is good. What Ball Square Cafe does better than Sound Bites is food, service, and cleanliness. I hate their hard chairs, but maybe I've a touch of Goldilock's Syndrome. All things considered, I'll be back next week, sitting in the same hard seat because I like it here.
(4)
Loan V.
I love me a place that serves breakfast all day! Cause let's face it who eats breakfast on a Saturday @7am anymore. Service is great, people are really friendly...don't let the long lines sway you from waiting. Trust me its worth the wait! The portions are more than generous and you'll leave happy, full and with your wallet still heavy! :)
(4)
Emily C.
This place is amazing! The service is fast, the breakfast is always delicious and the ingredients are always fresh! The also have a great coffee that is self-service which is great when you need your coffee fix while you're waiting to be seated! There omelets are prob the best I've ever had!
(5)
Claire M.
Food was tasty, decor was tasteful, service was quick. No wait at 8am on a Saturday. Beverages were self serve. When offered "fried mashed potato homefries with sour cream and garlic" or "diced potatoes" it's pretty obvious what you're going to choose.
(4)
Alicia G.
I love breakfast. I love Mike, he reminds me of Italian cousins--big, burly, always tan and very welcoming. He's probably not Italian, but I like to think he is. Let me dream. My fiance has had the same breakfast from here two weekends in a row he loves it that much, the eggs benedict with sweet peppers and hash. I also think it's pretty damn tasty. I'm a little different and enjoy changing it up. Last week I had the banana and cream cheese stuffed french toast...it was wonderous. Whoever started the stuffed french toast trend gets a high five from me. Ball Square Cafe took it to another level by changing the fruit from strawberry to banana. My belly was happy and full. This week I had the Moroccan...it was so fresh and tasty with sweet peppers, onions, eggs over easy and a side of mashed potatoes. Yum. Next time I'm getting an omelet. And one of these days I have to get that crazy fruit covered Belgium waffle. MMM...hungry... Customers should expect to wait in line on the weekends. It's the small price you pay for a delicious breakfast. It's all about the food here, oh and Mike too. He's pretty fun.
(4)
Andrew E.
This is a fantastic place to go for breakfast. The very simple reason is the food is excellent - fluffy pancakes, tasty and stuffed omelets, and the seafood eggs benedicts are really something special. Even for those who are picky will find something they enjoy on the menu. Being someone still fairly new to the area, I had no clue about the restaurant war between Soundbites and Ball Square. I simply saw two lines out the door, stood in the middle and was greeted by Mike from Ball Square Cafe as my group and I were trying to make a decision. Mike is extremely friendly and personable, and because of this small gesture (and the food), I am now a regular at Ball Square.
(5)
Sammi N.
First off, my opinion may be a bit biased because I LOVE breakfast! I could have breakfast everyday all day and never ever get sick of it. Ball Sq. is the place I go to frequently (okay, I am obsessed) for the best breakfast! Everytime I've gone here, there has always been a wait outside, but I don't mind waiting because it's that good! Everything on the menu is fresh and you can have your eggs, your omelets, you pancakes, waffles, blah blah blah done however you like it with several healthy options as well. I always get egg white omelets with whole wheat pancakes or waffles - YUM! And the fruit that's served with their pancakes and waffles are unreal fresh - like it was "plucked-right-out-of-the-field" fresh! We go here several times a week, and without it, my week is not complete. Also, Mike, who you cannot miss is super friendly and remembers every customers' names. I love this place and I can't say enough. The only downside is that they close at 3PM everyday. Okay, granted most people don't eat breakfast after that time, but there are some people like myself who actually would LOVE breakfast for dinner. Oh well, can't have it all.
(5)
BostonBeeEstee D.
So I would say this place is ok except the two times I've been in there the owner was barking loudly at his super friendly waitress about nothing important at all....employee harassment = not a place a want to support. Thanks but no thanks, I'd rather have Eggo's.
(1)
Desiree D.
I LOVE Ball Square Cafe! Every time I come here, I try to get something different because there's so many tasty items on the menu. Now, it's in the middle of a college town in a popular breakfast area, so weekends can get hairy unless you know exactly when to go (which is not 9-11, trust me). But, I've also wandered by there at 10 expecting a huge wait and been seated within 10 minutes. I guess it's hit or miss depending on the weekend. Either way, the owner bounces around the line, getting group numbers and updating everyone on their wait time, offering for anyone waiting to go on in and get themselves some coffee or water (which is always the worst part about waiting for a seat!). I've never had a less-than-stellar experience here and always bring anyone who visits me here for breakfast/brunch- no one's had a bad meal yet!
(5)
Jocelyn M.
Like the self-serve coffee, dislike the over-cooked english muffin with my traditional eggs benedict that required a steak knife and more elbow room to cut through. The side of fruit was exquisite, though, and saved this review. The full apple slices looked like apples, the berries, mango and citrus were perfectly ripe. I wish I had gotten the fruit, yogurt and granola bowl! A side of one pancake was delicious! I'll go back to try the French Toast. Large parties wait longer to get a table than parties of 1 or 2....significantly longer.
(3)
Allison S.
Decent menu and very friendly waitresses - and owner (Michael). The few times I went there, I got my fresh squeezed orange juice after I had finished my breakfast - which took forever to get to me. The food was definitely similar to Sound Bites, especially the "hash browns", which looked more like mashed potatoes, but is a a decent alternative. They need to work on managing their kitchen and their owner - he was out around the tables, politicking, while the kitchen was drowning in orders and severely back logged. Although I've been numerous times, and do offer a take-out service, it's highly unlikely that I go back. In the time it took for me to get my breakfast at Ball Square Cafe, I could have bought ingredients for eggs, hash browns, sausage and toast, cooked my meal and eaten my meal - all while not having to worry about when I would be able to drink my OJ.
(2)
Neeraj D.
The quaint and cute interior is small and cozy. This is the atmosphere I look for when I go out for breakfast or brunch. The service is very friendly and helpful. The food matches the service and is tasty and comparable in value to the other breakfast joints I like. A key is that they have good coffee, because without that, all would be lost. Parking can be a slight issue and the line to get a table can also be 20-40 minutes, but a Sunday paper helps pass the time.
(4)
Linda O.
I would give them higher stars because I love the food, but I'm so disturbed by the fact that the chef here used to be the primary chef at Sound Bites, that I'm at a loss for words. The rivalry between the two restaurants is sad but stealing/luring staff makes the experience a bit sour.
(3)
David F.
After spending many weekend mornings getting my breakfast served with a side of sarcasm at a nearby diner, I finally decided on the advice of a friend to try Ball Sq Breakfast Cafe. Boy am I glad I did. Located on Broadway with several other breakfast choices a stone's throw away, BSBC is now my go to breakfast place. The place itself is small but comfortable and tastefully decorated. But who cares if the food isn't worthy right? Well I'm happy to say it's better than good, for the most part. To start with the presentation of the food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable, nothing more than $9. It's a very good bang for the buck. I'm a very basic breakfast type of guy so I usually order the Fit For A King-2 eggs, bacon or sausage(including turkey options) French toast or pancakes and toast/bagel/english muffin. The French toast is tremendous and I usually opt for the turkey sausage but all the meats are good. You'll need a 2 wheeler to roll you out when you're done but it's so worth it. They have a very varied menu though including many eggs benedict options and a delicious sweet pepper hash. The fresh fruit plate is huge and is a really nice mix. They offer fresh yogurt and granola since we're talking healthy options. Many of the plates come with your choice of home fries or a garlic mashed. The garlic mashed are great but for me it's more of a lunch/dinner option. The home fries are good too, nicely seasoned. One thing I can't recommend here are the muffins. They're not terrible but nothing special and not worth wasting money or calories on IMHO. The coffee on the other hand is excellent and one of the nice touches offered here is the ability to grab a cup while waiting to be seated, the beverages are self service here. It's a bottomless cup and I tend to get my money's worth. The service is good if not great. The servers are all very pleasant but occassionally need to be reminded of a request made. Mike is a great host, very personable and he seems really grateful you've paid his place a visit. In terms of a wait, it varies. Most of the tables are for 2 people with 4 or so that seat 4 and one round table for larger parties. I've never waited more than 15 minutes no matter what time I've arrived. Street parking only and on Saturdays the meters must be fed.
(4)
Noelle K.
Ball Square Cafe - where do I begin. I went here with a friend of mine on a whim and have never had a better breakfast since. I would HIGHLY recommend the asparagus and prosciutto omelet - oh my GOD is it unbelievable. When we got there the owner sat us right away and even gave us a large complimentary fruit plate before we even ordered our meals. Also hear they have ridiculously good french toast. Went back with the boyfriend and now he's hooked too.
(5)
sydney A.
I have been to the Ball Square Cafe only once. I should have left as soon as I realized that for the love of God, they stole the Sound Bites menu. I mean 'Broadway Blue' instead of 'Boston's Best Blue'. C'mon, are you kidding me? Part of entrepreneurship is creativity. I cannot respect a business that did not put in the effort to add value to the community through competition WITH variation. If the line at Sound Bites is too long, try True Grounds, or even the White Hen Pantry before this place. Unless you have kids, then by all means let them be entertained by the neighborhood clown.
(1)
Erica S.
Ball Square Cafe gave me exactly what I needed last Sunday morning (ahem, afternoon...) after a long night of Halloween partying. I cruised up with some friends with the intention of going to Sound Bites around the same time as everyone else and their mama. The Sound Bites line had at least 40 people in it, waiting all the way down the block. Kelley's Diner down the street also had quite a crowd. Ball Square Cafe, despite the fact that we were a group of 8, got us 2 tables pushed together within 15 minutes. And as a bonus, the host spent all 15 of those minutes cracking jokes to us as we waited. Frankly, I could care less about the "restaurant war." When I'm hungry and hungover, all I care about is fast and friendly service, yummy food, and unlimited coffee. I commend the staff at Ball Square Cafe for leaving the drama at the door and just giving me what really mattered: Awesome food! I'm really impressed by the interesting selection of breakfast dishes. They have all the usual stuff, omelettes, waffles, french toast, huge delicious bowls of fresh fruit, etc, but with a lot of fun varieties, and plenty of vegetarian options. I appreciate choices like eggs benedict with avocado and tomato, pumpkin spice pancakes, or omelettes that come with eggplant and roasted red peppers... you know, breakfast with a gourmet twist. I also always enjoy the potatoes (yeah, the same ones Sound Bites has, yadda yadda), which are basically garlic mashed potatoes that have been pan fried. Delicious! The place feels clean and comfortable, the vibe is friendly and homey, and my waiter was attentive and didn't rush me out of the place the way Sound Bites always used to. I think I was done eating before some of the people waiting at Sound Bites even got seated. All in all, I think I am now a Ball Square Cafe loyalist. Yum!
(5)
S M.
This is by far the best breakfast ever!!!!!!!!!!!! I love love love the avocado benedict and stuffed french toast, everything on the menu is unbelievable, If you haven't tried it then you really need to :)
(5)
John C.
ball square cafe is soundbites2.. former chef.. some beef happened and they opened up next door.. the food is EXACTLY the same.. don't let anyone fool you from either place.. nothing is different.. quality is the same.. big ups to the heaters for waiting outside... i don't have a huge preference when it comes to eating here or at sound bites.. the line determines where i eat.. if there is no line i usually take turns since i like both. the one thing i do like is the owner, he's very friendly, always in line, taking names. it's the kind of service that brings people back.
(4)
Laura T.
Absolutely incredible! We were greeted at the door my Mike, who I can only imagine is the owner given the time he spent sitting us down and chatting. And from here, things only got better. Thanks to very attentive service, my party of three got our waffle w/ berries and whipped cream, challah french toast with caramelized bananas, and a massive plate of assorted breakfast goodies in no time. The food was truly incredible and really filling, and everything was unbelievably fresh (especially the berries on my waffle). I really can't wait to go back!
(5)
Mike H.
The owner was super friendly he went to every table and spoke to all his guest. The food was good. we enjoyed everything we ordered. We kind of walked right by it and went into the wrong restaurant. It is a hidden gem.
(4)
Angela C.
Where to begin with this cute little breakfast nook, which is giving SoundBites a run for their money (talk about fun breakfast competition, they are literally right next door to each other!). I'll start with the whole experience from last weekend, the first thing that happened was that my girlfriends and I parked across the street and weren't quite sure if we had to pay the meter or not since it was Sunday. All of a sudden, I see the owner of Ball Square Cafe & Breakfast, his name is Mike, warning us from across the street to tell us that we don't have to waste our money on the parking meter. So we thanked him, crossed the street and waited in line where Mike was chatting it up with everyone and really making it a fun experience to wait in line for their food (which only took a few minutes anyway since it was around 9). Once a table was ready for us, Mike brought us in and sat us down, asked us if we had been there before (I was the only one who had experienced the magic of their kitchen) and then told us that we can help ourselves to coffee, juice, and water in the corner of the restaurant. He then with a big smile told us to enjoy our breakfast and gave us all fist pounds. We all sat there talking about what a nice guy he was and how excited we were to order from their expansive menu. The waitress we had, which the whole waitstaff is so friendly as well, totally accommodated us with the specialty coffees we wanted and had to come back a few times since we just couldn't choose what to eat (which, not to knock SoundBites or anything, but their waitstaff tends to rush you out the door and take your food from you when you're still picking towards the end of the meal). The three of us decided all to get something different, one got an omelet and substituted the home fries for fresh fruit, one got the mixed berry Belgian waffle, and I got the caramelized banana and strawberry french toast (which on the menu says is a secret recipe). Not only were all of our plates amazingly delicious, but they came out of the kitchen in a matter of minutes. The omelet was packed with goodness and cooked perfectly and the fruit that was substituted for the home fries was fresh, fresh fruit, crisp and full of flavor. The waffle was topped with the same great fruit and had the nice crunch a waffle should have, with the softness and warmness inside as well. Lastly, the caramelized banana and strawberry french toast...I have been to Ball Square Cafe & Breakfast quite a few times and it took me a few times in going there to finally order this dish. The first time I ever tasted it, it was literally love at first bite. Words can't even begin to describe how good this dish is. It's a big helping as well, and I have never taken home my leftovers from brunch before, but if you can't finish this meal, it's so delicious you just have to take it home with you anyway because you don't want it to go to waste. All in all, Ball Square Cafe & Breakfast is my favorite brunch experience that I've ever had. I promise you won't be disappointed (especially if you order any of the waffles, french toast, or pancakes with their special recipes).
(5)
David D.
OK, this restaurant war is a little fucked up. My friend and I were trying to go to that diner at the end of the block, but it was closed. NO WAY IN HELL was I going back to Sound Bites. I H8ED Sound Bites, because the owner was an asshole, made fun of other customers in front of us, service took IV-EVA, the owner's kid is pretty ugly and he was acting as the host, the prices were uglier than the owner's son, and I found a hair in my potatoes. When my friend and I went into Ball Square Cafe, the owner tried to sweep us off our feet. He was too nice, it was starting to piss me off. I thought he was going to sit with us. The menu is basically the SAME as Sound Bites. It's the SAME chef! and the prices seemed to be a little cheaper, especially on the lunch menu. Is this even legal? Certainly unethical, but I don't fuckin' care! I'm going back!
(4)
Shannon F.
I love this place. Mike, the owner, is a great guy and makes a point of saying hello to everyone. He usually recognizes you too the next time you come back. Their grilled mashed homefries are amazing. Everything on the menu is great--especially their corn muffin. The line is usually long on the weekends but there are heaters built into the awning and you're welcome to grab a big cup of coffee while you wait. I definitely recommend!
(5)
Ryan R.
Just had another awesome breakfast at Ball Square Cafe. Mike, the owner, always greets you out front and moves the line along as fast as possible... there usually is always a line. The food is always fresh and delicious. My personal favorite is the french toast. In short.. amazing food, good prices, nice environment, perfect place to eat.
(5)
Amanda B.
This place serves up a great breakfast with decent prices. People are bitching about how the menu is ripped off from Sound Bites and that it's unoriginal, blah blah...that's business, baby. At least here they won't give you the evil eye if you want to enjoy your food instead of inhaling it. I was waiting outside with my family, and the owner came out to tell us to stand inside, even though we were crowding the people eating a bit. He's accommodating, maybe a little too much, although I won't complain because he sent a plate of fresh fruit to our table to apologize for the wait. The place def. needs more space, and you're much better off going with a group of 2 or 3, then four. More than that, prepared to be uncomfortably squished. Of course, I tried every body's food. I got an omelet with kalamata olives and feta, and it was awesome. Bacon was not undercooked, which can be a gross distraction to any breakfast. Muffin was sweet but not too heavy. The pancakes are great, and the hash browns have a slight garlic taste to them, which is unique. The only thing I didn't like was my hot cocoa, which tasted too milky and not chocolaty enough for my liking. It's hard to find a place where there's more than the usual eggs and bacon, and the food is fresh and delicious, but I am totally going back next time I go out for breakfast.
(4)
Katie M.
I feel sort of bad saying this, but I don't understand Ball Square Cafe's cult following. To wait for way too long on a hungry stomach to be packed in like a sardine does not appeal to me particularly, nor does trying to battle my way to and from the coffee/juice/water area without spilling my coffee since it's so crowded and busy. What's so wrong with beverage table service? Then I've been at night when there was absolutely no one there, and that was just WEIRD. The food is fine, though. But what's up with the mashed potatoes in lieu of hash browns? I left confused as to why everyone's so charmed by this place. Even if waiting in line for brunch at Ball Square is like a rite of passage, part of the Davis Square experience, I'd rather skip the crowds and check out any number of more accessible & tasty options.
(2)
Jim B.
I avoid at the weekend as it is obviously the busyest time. I go weekdays. During the week breakfast is amazing, fast, and served by very nice (and nice looking) waitresses. Great, interesting and different selection, and not greasy food. 5 stars every time.
(5)
S D.
When there's a wait you know it's good - anything with the garlic smashed homefries is perfection. The omelets are huge and the pancakes are delicious. Brunch perfection
(4)
Danielle W.
I like this place but am not in love with it. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. The food is good, don't get me wrong. The owner makes sure to float around to each table and check up on all of his customers, which is all nice and good but it's downfall is in it's size and the wait. Usually the storefront is teeming with hungry faithful patrons every morning and you almost always have to wait. The tables are small and somewhat cramped and a table for 2 gets super small super quick. The drama between BSC and SB is frustrating and slighty odd. Each has their own respective patrons, good food and a history that attracts the front page of the local paper from time to time.
(3)
Danielle H.
This place is AMAZING! I had the nutella and banana stuffed french toast and it was literally the best french toast I have ever tasted. Also tried the bacon, which was thick and crisp, as well as the home fries which are basically grilled mashed potatoes! I went for Sunday brunch and there was a line...but since I had 2 people in my party we were seated pretty quickly. Great food, great service...definitely check this place out.
(5)
Kate F.
Don't eat here because you hate some other breakfast place and want to contribute to a pointless feud that's fueled not by any claims of culinary greatness, but by a turf war. Eat here because it's just plain good. The omelettes are nice and thin and stuffed with delicious, fresh ingredients. The breakfast potatoes - mashed or cut - are great. And the service? Super friendly. Also very kind on the wallet. And another note on breakfast joints: "Aw MAN we have to wait AGAIN?!" Quit yer whinin' and use yer head. Suck it up and get there before ten to beat the crowds. Not an early riser? That's what the bottomless coffee is for.
(4)
Jenny G.
Rude service, hair in my hollandaise sauce, long wait that WAS NOT worth it. I'll be sticking with Sound Bites from now on.
(1)
Raymond W.
Took some out of towners here for brunch and luckily there was heating outside as it was cold as f. We were told the wait would be 20-25 minutes, but it was more like 40. Thankfully we were offered free coffee, even though I opted to save my calories for food. The space was a lot smaller than Sound Bites and they even used Victor's Deli for extra seating. For my entree, I got sweet peppers and corned beef hash Eggs Benedict, only I don't recall any sweet peppers. It was the first time I had Eggs Benedict so I was satisfied, but had nothing to compare it to. my friend said the color of the hollandaise was too neon yellow in color and it wasn't smooth, but I was still ok with it. The small fruit bowl was one of the more impressive fruit bowls I've seen both in quality of juicy fruit and size. The caramelized banana and strawberry french toast was also rich and decadent for sweet breakfast lovers. Definitely a must try in Ball Square.
(4)
Beth S.
I've been here twice, once with a huge line and more recently with barely any line. This time, we waited in line for about 10 minutes for no reason. (We were there on a Friday around 1pm with no crowd.) There was one couple waiting in line in front of us with 2 four-seaters cleaned and opened, and 3 two-seaters clean and open, and we still waited. It really made no sense. Our food was quick to come out, though. I ordered the Nutella and Banana French toast with whipped cream. What a disappointment! There were barely any bananas in it and a smidge of nutella. The bread was dry and I had to ask for syrup cause I just couldn't eat it. My sister, on the other hand, ordered the corned beef hash eggs benedict with grilled mash. Now that was pretty yummy. The hollandaise was delish and she really loved their homemade corned beef hash. The eggs, however, were not poached right and just ran and made a completely gooey mess (they should be slightly cooked - this practically seemed raw). The grilled mash is like a brick of leftover mashed potatoes grilled with a TON of extra garlic added. Pretty yummy. Anyways, the service wasn't that great, food was so-so, and it definitely wasn't worth the ten minute wait to sit in an empty place. Anyways, really not a place to make the trek to if you've got a local brunch place that is reliable. We went because she had a groupon thingie and she wanted to try it. We both agreed that we never really have to go there again. Parking is bad around that area. There are a few metered spots, but most is residential. Go on a Sunday (if you want to brave the crowds), since Resident Parking in Somerville doesn't count then. Before you head out, make sure you stop in at Lyndell's Bakery and grab a black and white cookie. They're delicious! You'll be glad you did.
(2)
Judy P.
Excellent food at great price! Eveything looked super delicious so we had a hard time choosing. I want to go back soon to try their waffle. The service was fantastic too!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch 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 : Yes Caters : Yes
Angie R.
Came here on a Sunday for brunch with my Mom and it was amazing! There was a line to get seated but the line went down pretty fast. Mike the owner introduced himself and was very nice and gave great recommendations on what to try since it was our first time. We waited about 10 minutes and got seated right away. My waitress Matt was very nice and gave great recommendations as well. The drinks were self serve which I thought was pretty cool, makes you feel right at home! I got a half of the Tri-Berry French Toast. First of all, I think that it's amazing that you can order half of a French Toast. I also ordered a Turkey Bacon, egg and cheese Breakfast sandwich on a plain bagel. My mom ordered a Turkey Club which came with fries. The food was very amazing and was a lot more than I expected. I will definitely be coming here again for Sunday brunch!
(5)Joseph A.
Our friends have raved about this place and i understand why. We enjoyed a wonderful brunch and our server Mike steered is the right way. Nutella banana French toast, turkey sausage sandwich, tri-berry French toast. Waffle. Fit for a king/queen. You can't go wrong with any of these. Came during brunch time on a weekday so no wait. I think I've found another favorite breakfast spot!
(5)Kim B.
Incredible food with amazing service. We were made to feel as comfortable as we are at home and served an incredible breakfast. This is by far our number one breakfast spot and well worth the wait!
(5)Angela W.
Absolutely the best place for breakfast! Went there today because I was looking for some place close to take family that was visiting from out of town. I ordered a half order of the coconut macaroon French toast with raspberry drizzle and the half order of the avocado tomato eggs benny because I couldn't decide which one to go with. Boy was I in heaven! The French toast was the most delicious I've ever had! The eggs Benny were tasty as well! If I died today I would be a happy gal! My family member ordered the cheeseburger and he too was very happy and said it was delicious! The service was just as good as the food! Outstanding! If I could give 10 starts I would!
(5)Fiona H.
I've been wanting to try this place out and finally got the chance to on a Wednesday morning. I ordered the caramelized strawberry and banana Belgium waffle with a side of eggs and bacon. The timing of food and presentation was amazing but I was a bit disappointed with the food. The bacon was overcooked and literally broke into pieces once the fork touched it. The Belgium waffle and the berries were so soggy, probably due to the fact that I left it sitting for a while. But overall it is a pricey place and in my opinion, not worth going a second time.
(3)Nagamagamoo D.
Excellent brunch. Dishes are wonderfully presented. Large portions. Lines out the door, but go in and get yourself a cup of coffee, complementary, and come back out to wait on line.
(5)Kayla R.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I heard about Ball Square Cafe on the Phantom Gourmet a while back and put it on my list of places to try. Every time I drove by, there was a line outside that for one reason or another, I was too busy to wait in. But this time, I had time to spare and it was my roommate's birthday so we were looking for a great breakfast spot. The place is small so if (and more likely when) you have to wait in line, you'll be waiting outside. Luckily, there are some heaters above, but you'd be better off going when it's relatively warm outside. While we were waiting, the owner Mike came out and greeted us, thanking us for waiting and also letting us know that all drinks are self serve and we are welcome to go inside and grab a warm beverage. He was extremely nice and told us to let him know if we needed anything. We were waiting for about 25 minutes before we got inside. We were seated at a table and immediately approached by our waitress. She told us about the self serve drink station and also let us know if we wanted hot chocolate, we could put in an order with her. Needless to say, we each ordered a homemade hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream and it was DELICIOUS. My roommate ordered pancakes with a side of bacon and I got corned beef hash with two eggs over easy and scali toast. I love corned beef hash and although this hash didn't blow me away, it was definitely good. The eggs and toast were perfect and the pancakes were delicious too. Healthy helping of bacon too. Ball Square Cafe has tons of lunch options too and I'm looking forward to going back and taking advantage of those sometime soon.
(4)Lauren K.
This is a brunch must! The staff are all beyond friendly and the food is delish! My go to is the banana stuffed French toast with a side of Nutella. My bf asked me where I wanted to go for my birthday and of course, my answer was "Ball Square Cafe!" I also love the self serve coffee bar! There's usually always a wait, but it's definitely worth it!
(5)Katherine D.
This is one of the best breakfast places I have gone to so far! It's price is fair for how fancy the presentation and taste is. I felt super comfortable. It felt homemade and over all I will be coming back! Just thinking about it makes me want to go again! I am really happy to have found this place.
(5)Michael W.
This is our go-to breakfast spot on the city. Instead of writing a narrative, I'll list the things I love: -Serve your own coffee -Owner greets you personally -Attentive wait staff -Varied selection with reasonable prices -Food quality is great -Very allergy/sensitivity friendly Only downside/here's a tip: Get there wicked early on weekends. Like before 9.
(4)Kerr T.
Service was bad today and the guy was kind of rude. Notes to people who are coming here for brunch - it's best to come in a group of 4 because you will get ahead in the line to sit. We didn't have 4 so we were just watching many of those went before us.
(1)Deanna M.
Decided to try this place out after reading the reviews and oh man was it a good decision! We got there around 9:30 and there were a few parties ahead of us but we didn't mind waiting. A man came out (assuming manager or owner?) and said it was our lucky day because a table for 2 just opened up so we didn't have to wait! We sat down and our lovely waiter Brad came over. We ordered. Both got the same meal - fit for a king/queen. Holy french toast batman! This is the french toast you dream about! It was absolutely delicious. The eggs were perfectly cooked to my liking and the bacon and english muffin were so good. The place is small and cute. We both got juice but the serve yourself coffee/tea area is adorable. Brad was an absolute delight to have as a waiter. We'll be back!
(5)Anne C.
Extremely friendly, attentive service. Very adaptable, versatile menu. Generous portions of delicious food. Very very enjoyable experience; highly recommend!!
(5)Kadra M.
Awesome place! One of my favorite breakfast spots. The food, service, and atmosphere is perfect! Very friendly staff =)
(5)Malisa S.
Came here w/ a couple of friends for a Saturday brunch and were lucky enough to be seated outside within 10 minutes of getting there. I got the Broadway Blues, and my friends got a mushroom omelette, the nutella/banana french toast, and one of their many styles of eggs benny. Portions for most of the dishes were huge, so you're definitely getting a good bang for your buck. I also splurged and got the fresh squeezed orange juice, which was really nice. Service was great, and the food was good as well; the only reason that this is getting three stars instead of four or five is because I had asked the waitress if I could have a plain omelette instead of a cheddar one and she said it was fine. I looked on the receipt at the end of the meal as well and she even wrote it down twice to not put cheese, and yet when my dish arrived it was indeed a very cheesy omelette. I would have sent it back but I was super hungry at that point (not to mention we had all gotten our food and started eating) so I just did my best to eat around the cheese since I'm lactose intolerant (a fact I admit I should have probably stressed to the waitress) but considering that she did put twice that there should be no cheese in the omelette, there's not much more she could have done.
(3)Idy T.
This is a cute little cafe in Somerville that I discovered recently. It is a great place for weekend brunch! You know this place is good when you see the long line that goes out the door of people waiting to dine here. The owner of the restaurant is super friendly. He greeted each customer and even the ones who were waiting outside. The owner was very hospitable. He offered coffee to customers who were waiting for a table. Coffee at this restaurant is self served so you can grab a coffee before you get a table and just have your waiter put it on your bill later. I was craving something sweet for brunch that day. I ordered the banana and nutella french toasts. I also tried the chocolate chip pancakes. Both dishes were satisfying and delicious. The portion was also really big. They also have a lot of other items on their menu as well. I would definitely go back to try other delicious entrées!
(4)Sean C.
Just back from Ball Square Cafe this morning and today's is first time go there with Groupon. Went there around 11:30 am and get in by after 11:50am. By waiting outside there are couple outdoor heating devices on the top so it was not that cold to people lining there during winter. Also people waiting can do self-service to get unlimited hot coffee and it will be placed on the bill after seat in. Very friendly services and look around it is very clean and efficient servicing customer nicely. We order (1) Tijuana omelet (Thanks Lauren L.) including fires or potato and toasts, and (2) breakfast plate "fit for a king (or queen)", the plate includes french toast or pancakes, two eggs any style, bacon or sausage, toasts. both portion are quite large, and very tasty. Tijuana omelet is really awesome and french toast is as excellent as expected. I will definitely go Ball Square Cafe more after today's first try. By the way, next door "Sound bite" also a long time waiting outside, but I don't see any heating device outside so I may try Sound Bite other day in warmer weather. The only reason for 4-star is people going there should expect 20+ mins waiting outside. All others (food/price/service) deserve 5-star rating without a question.
(4)Deanna D.
A skinny on the goods: Iced coffee- Chilled and ready for you to make your own while you wait The Multi-Grain Delight- An array of ripe, fresh and tasty fruit and home made whipped cream on top of a freshly cooked, fluffy, tasty multi grain waffle.--YUMMY!!! The owner is very friendly and the service is speedy. Good variety but the prices have gone up. TIp: Get there early to avoid the line.
(3)Susan C.
I went to Ball Square Cafe for the first time today thanks to a Groupon I bought. I was not disappointed. The owner was super nice and spoke to us when we sat down. The service was not too bad either, sans a crabby waitress that was a little rude to my sister when she walked in for seating. I ordered the caramelized strawberry & banana waffle. Delicious! The waffle was crisp and the whipped cream they used was super thick and creamy and not too sweet. The portion was pretty big, as I was only able to finish about half of my waffle before the food coma started setting in. My sister got the lobster benedict with hollandaise sauce. I didn't get to try it, but it looked pretty good, and she devoured it, so I'm guessing it was tasty. Overall, a good experience and I would definitely go again.
(4)Kim K.
I was pleasantly surprised when we had breakfast here this weekend. Everything was super fast without sacrificing quality or personality. Prices were good ($42 for breakfast for 4 with a Groupon) and the waitstaff was great. We were greeted by who I assumed to be the owner, we got a table right away though the place was hopping, and were promptly attended to. The coffee, tea, water area is all self serve which runs itself very smoothly, I was surprised. The food came out super fast and was very delicious. Fresh bagels, thick and juicy turkey bacon, and unbelievably flavorful grilled mashed potatoes. Yum!
(4)Joanna F.
Great service, delicious (and large portioned) iced coffee, and awesome food. I got the bagel and lox platter which comes with a side. I chose one egg. The whole thing was fresh and delicious. Our food came out suspiciously fast, but I was hungry so it was all good. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Scott B.
Ball Square Cafe has the EXACT same menu and dishes as Soundbites. Rumor has it the owner of Ball Square used to be the chef at Soundbits... They had a fallout... he left Soundbites and took the menu with him. The unfortunate thing for Ball Square is that Soundbites executes the fantastic menu much better. The service at BSC is lacking, and the food just isn't as good. The space is smaller, and the ambiance leaves much to be desired. When choosing between these rivaling neighbors, walk past Ball Square Cafe, because Soundbites has much more to offer.
(2)Mike P.
I was slightly disappointed when I tried the Black Bean Salsa omelet. It wasn't anything to write home about. Same goes for the corned beef hash my friend had. It was mushy and flavorless. We also did not like the 1.5 pounds of Omar's home fries they give you on the side. Yes, it's a lot of potatoes but, again, there was no flavor. I'd go with the traditional, more flavorful diced potatoes. However, the fruit dish was still awesome. I'd recommend sticking with their pancake or French toast options. I think that's their bread and butter (no pun intended).
(4)DJ N.
What a fantastic breakfast spot! The food is great. The service is very good. It's a no frills type of spot, but it definitely hits the spot. I love the sweet pepper corn beef hash! Either as an entree with eggs & grilled mashed potatoes or with eggs benedict. The flavor is outta this world. The place next door, Sound Bites, should take notes... Ball Sq. Cafe is the real deal! I also love their hot chocolate. It will warm you up on a cold winter day. Don't pass it up.
(4)Flora R.
Always a line, but it usually moves reasonably fast if you're here early enough. The 'serve it yourself' drinks bar help make the wait more bearable. We had a great omelets and waffles but the potatoes needed salt and the hash was embarrassingly bland, dry and cold. I think because it's so close and popular we might give it another try - but only if there's no line.
(3)Eloni F.
3 star's is not a bad rating though sometimes it may seem so. It just means the place is ok but I DO prefer to go to Sound Bytes next door. I decided to try this place because they seem to have a long line at Sunday Brunch times and I wanted to see if this place was any better than Sound Bytes (that and the drama behind the restaurants warranted a taste test). I got Salmon Benedict. It was not offered on their menu but they made it anyway. The english muffin they put it on was either put in the toaster too long or was old... I felt like I was eating the eggs off a chewy cracker. I even started comically sawing through the english muffin so that the waitresses might see, they didn't care. I started to time how long it would take to saw through the chewy crackers... about 35 seconds. The grilled mash was pretty good. On par with Sound Byte's. Nothing totally different. The place was small and felt a little clausterphobic. The brick walls were cute. Overall... I'll keep going to Sound Bytes. They have almost the same food but with better english muffins. They are also nicer and usually offer me fruit.
(3)Michele G.
Sadly, I didn't get to eat at Ball Square Cafe today because of a very angry waitress who shocked and embarrassed my fiance and I. We we the second in line for a table... and an open table stayed open for at least 10 minutes with either the party ahead of us or our party being seated. We kept having to move out of the way of the servers, who don't seem like they have the easiest job ferrying food between two small rooms between people; anywhere we stood, we were constantly asked to move. It would have been easier had they simply asked us to wait outside against the window or something. My tired fiance sat down at the open table (apparently it was being reserved??) just to read the paper and be out of the way while we waited. He didn't think it'd be an issue since it seemed like he was finally out of the way, at a seat. However, 20 seconds later a waitress came running over and asked him to get up and move. He said he'd been moving all over the place. She suddenly snapped and said that he could leave if he "didn't like it and DON'T GET WISE! You gotta problem with the policy, the owner's right there!" HOLY HELL, woman. We've never been treated so badly at any dining spot. Just the way you snapped was terrifying and I thought you were going to start swearing and screaming. We decided to leave right away. On the way out, the owner seemed to apologize to me. So, so odd. And I really wanted to eat your lobster sandwich and sweet potato fries today, but we went to Soundbites instead. You can keep your scary waitress.
(1)molly b.
I had such high expectations, but the service and attitude of the waitstaff and owner turned us off so much that we all decided we'd never return. We waited 40 minutes early on a Sunday and were starving. The portion sizes did not disappoint! My french toast was huge and decadent, the whipped cream was delicious, but overall it was nothing really outstanding. The fruit plate was fresh and tasty. The problem was that we had been sitting for maybe 30 minutes, still eating, when we kept getting pestered about the bill. The server came back 3 or 4 times in the next ten minutes to bother us for the bill. Finally, as we were putting on our coats, the owner came by and demanded we leave. It was so rude! We had been there all of 45 minutes! I realize there's a line, but we had barely finished. It totally ruined the whole experience for us.
(3)Katty H.
I've eaten here a few times for brunch and the biggest complaint that I have is that sometimes the fresh fruit isn't ripe yet and you have to pay more for real maple syrup - everything else is delicious! I love their waffles with whipped cream that is halfway between whipped cream and butter. The BF usually gets an omelet or corn beef hash, with their side of potatoes that satisfies the Irish in me. The line can get long on the weekends, but it's never a bad wait - 20 minutes tops. In the winter they turn on some outside heaters, a hospitable gesture. The owner is incredibly sweet, friendly and accommodating, and he makes this a pleasant place to eat. I've never felt rushed despite the constant line outside.
(4)Heather G.
I don't claim to have a preference for or loyalty to one place or the other - in the great Soundbites/Ball Square debate, you can just call me the Swiss Miss. The only thing I ask is that you serve me a great breakfast and leave the crazy out of it. I don't want to hear about the feuding and punching and kitchen-staff-thievery (I've read enough Anythony Bourdain books to know this is commonplace in the industry, so let's grow up and move on, no?). I want some damn eggs. That's it. However, my brunch date one morning was an ex-Davis-er who most CERTAINLY has an opinion on the matter and is a die-hard-Ball-Square-er, so for the day, I was on Team BSC. What I didn't love: The place was a busy ruckus with a line out the door and down the sidewalk. As a newbie, i had no idea what I was supposed to do upon approaching this scene, but apparently I'm supposed to just stand in the line and ask no questions. An unsettling way to queue up for breakfast, but I tried to go with it. My eggs were over-poached. That's an understatement. Let's try this again - my eggs were HARD BOILED on my Benedict. Ick. Someone had to have left the stove to go watch the morning news or something to have allowed this to happen. The chicken salad was really dry and too chunky to eat comfortably in a sandwich, making it embarrassing when golf ball-sized chunks fell out of the sandwich and into my lap. Classy. Skip the bowl of granola - it tastes like rolled oats and walnuts, and has no caramelized clusters or chunks in it. While cheap and large, this bowl isn't worth the calories. What I absolutely adored: The prices are so low. Even with the hard boiled egg debacle, this place is a steal. The non-egg portion of my lobster Benedict was absolutely delicious - I recommend ordering this if you are feeling lucky and want to risk having overcooked eggs. The fruit bowl is like nothing I've ever seen before. We're not talking apples and melon - we're talking a giant, heaping bowl of pineapple, mango, pear, etc. Gorgeous, cheap, fresh. The coffee (self-serve bar) is fantastic, fresh, and hot. Nothing tastes stale or burnt, and there were a large variety of flavors to choose from. I am very much anti-sweet potato fries, but these are really fantastic. The service at this place is outstanding. From the moment I queued up in that bizarre line, the communication was top-notch. The owner came out, chatted, told me how long the wait would be, offered me coffee. When we were seated, the waitress was sweet, friendly, prompt, and seemed to love her job. Bottom line: While I tried to stay out of it and have no opinion on the epic feud that's been rocking Davis Square for ages, I can't imagine myself even trying the place next door since BSC treated me to such a great experience. I'm going to stick with what works, and come back here often.
(4)Priya C.
We had a bad experience here - the owner is very rude and unreasonable. We were waiting outside on a cold December day for half an hour when another friend decided to join us but was five minutes away. The owner refused to let the four of us who had been waiting patiently for half an hour until the fifth person arrived. There were two kids in the party who were cold and started to cry but the owner wouldn't budge. After forty five minutes we went next door to Sound Bites where we were readily offered a table. Sound Bites is a Phantom gourmet pick where the food was great and the management more reasonable. I'll never go back to Ball Square Cafe
(1)Emily L.
Rarely do I go to a restaurant and feel like I ate delicious home cooked food. This place does it right in terms of portions, taste, service, everything. My bf and I came around 11am on a weekday so the wait wasn't too bad. We waited around 10 mins. There was this guy (owner?) who was very friendly and making sure the people waiting + the people eating were happy and made sure to tell us that the beverages are self serve in the back. The menu is huge with very reasonable prices and I couldn't choose at first. Finally we got: +Crab Benedict with nom nom grilled mashed potatoes yumm +Breakfast plate with 2 perfectly over easy eggs, amazing diced potatoes, more than enough toast and pork sausage +Tri-berry waffle (wow the fruit was so fresh and sweet) Everything was DELICIOUS. I felt content and happy with the food, even when I was stuffed to the limit. I am sad this place isn't in NY. I'm gonna miss it.
(5)Adam A.
They have the best breakfast around (never go to Soundbites, Ball Square Cafe is exponentially better - it is not even a comparison). The portions are enormous and the prices are very fair. Their stuffed French Toasts are ridiculous. The service is also quick. Only concern is the size of the place. If they expanded, they would run Soundbites under the table.
(5)Teresa B.
Just got back from this place and was super impressed! The greeter and wait staff were very friendly upon our arrival, the menu was amazing, and the food followed suit! It was the best fruit plate I've ever had in a restaurant, eggs were great, the servings were generous and inexpensive. My friend, who accompanied me, is a former breakfast cook with very discerning standards. She loved her eggs over medium which were expertly cooked, as well as the perfectly toasted bagel, and the signature potatoes of Omar! The cafe was clean, attractive, the coffee bar is awesome! The only, only disappointment for me was the supermarket style wheat toast, but now I'll know to try something else next time! (Our neighbors' pancakes and French toast looked like something I must try on future occasions!)
(5)Susan N.
Having heard rumors that Ball Sq is the brunch capital in the Cambridge/Somerville area, I've been yearning to check the area out. Hungry for some brunch and with car keys in hand, we set off for this area. We decided on Ball Sq Cafe after seeing that it's full but without a line. In fact, there were a few people waiting, but there was a table for two that was open immediately. We were handed menus pretty fast and decided on our orders. I had the Aethanian omelette, subbing in swiss for the feta. When it came to drinks, they said we can serve ourselves, which I found a bit odd. The meal came out quickly. I found the eggs to be a touch on the bland side. The omelette was filled with cheese, tomatoes and spinach. While I love a ton of vegetables, I actually thought there were a bit too many tomatoes in there, to the point where it was slipping out left and right. Ball Sq Cafe felt like a slightly upscale greasy spoon, filled with college students and wannabe college students. While it was ok, it's unlikely that I'd come out of my way to go here again for brunch.
(3)Christy C.
This place is good, but not as great as I thought from reading the reviews. We purposely drove 15-20mins from Jamaica Plain to this place because I was craving for a good breakfast/brunch and wanted to try something new. After I read a lot of reviews here, I got very excited about their french toast and grilled mashed potato and they were good, just not outstanding. The atmosphere is pretty nice: good decoration, layout, service, and selections of self-served drinks, We had french toast, Our Favorite (egg, potato, sausage, & toast), and Broadway Blues. They were good, just above average regular breakfast you get. They do a very good job making the french toast, I liked it. All the ingredients they used were very good, and food were nicely cooked and presented, BUT BLAND - not much seasoning or any specialties. Personally, I was not wild about the grilled mashed potato. It was good, but WAY TOO sour that I couldn't even taste anything else except the fact that I could see it's mashed potato. Also, they could do a much better job making the potato thinner and grilled it a little more to make it crispy on the outside. It is an overall good breakfast/brunch place. If you are around the area, it's definitely worth a try. To me, it's just not a place that would attract me to go out of my way to have a brunch.
(3)Kimberly H.
One of my favorite Boston breakfast spots. Thankfully, it's about a 10 minute walk from my apartment. The best way to find Ball Square Cafe is to look for the line of patrons waiting under the heat lamps. You may be skeptical of a semi-long wait outside in the winter, but those heat lamps do their job - often times, I am sweating before I even get inside. One of my least favorite things about brunch in the city is the wait - if you're going to a decent place, you will wait at least 30 minutes, with nothing to do. Ball Square takes care of you from the second you get there. Have a friend secure your spot in line, and walk inside to the back where there's a huge coffee station with a bunch of roasted flavors, iced coffee, iced tea, and a really fun selection of teas. Take your to-go cups back outside and happily sip while you plan your feast, using the full menu displayed on the windows. The owner, Mike, summons you by party number. I highly recommend going here in pairs. One time, my boyfriend and I completely dodged the wait, passing large groups of Tufts kids. Ha-ha, suckers!! Once you're inside, and know what you want, there's a mere 10 minutes before your food is served. And it's delicious: - Carmelized banana french toast with homemade whipped cream: pheomenal. fluffy. 4 huge slices. - Get any of the french toasts, you really can't go wrong: banana & cream cheese stuffed, banana & nutella stuffed, and so on. - Celtic Green Omlette: very fresh, although we couldn't find our goat cheese very easily. - I have yet to try the Eggs Benedict dishes but did order a single poached egg that was great. - Veggie sausage: I forgot it was veggie. - Banana Walnut pancakes: a little dry, but order some Vermont maple syrup and you're set. - Corn muffin: we got it grilled, but it was still a too dry Your portions will be big. Ball Square Cafe also makes it easy to taste a little bit of everything. If you can't split two plates with a friend (my recommendation), there are plenty of side options and single servings. Can't say much about the lunch, but who needs lunch when you have breakfast available till 3pm? The waitresses here are always nice. I've only met one of the owners, Mike, whose big personality and constant attention on the customers works the place like magic.
(5)B D.
Great breakfast spot! A small place, but bring a large appetite, because the food here is amazing & there's plenty of it. I'm a breakfast fanatic, so I try to frequent the [Ball Sq] Cafe as much as possible. The cafe has a quaint area to prepare your own coffee, tea, espresso, etc.. and I say "get to" because I think it's a fun change of pace while the cooks [quickly] prepare your food. Don't just put her in a cab; Grab some breakfast at Ball Sq Cafe. ...and then put her in a cab! If you see the owner Mike running around, say hi. Great guy. Love Ball Sq Cafe!
(5)Jordan H.
I ate here once; never again. My poached eggs were broken and when I complained the server looked so disgusted that I was afraid they'd do something to my food. The highlight of this visit was seeing how many times my companions and I could spot the mouse that was hovering near the kitchen door. The owner of Ball Sq. cafe also just gave me the creeps. Eat at Soundbites. The food is better and the service is WAY better. And they give you fresh fruit (emphasis fresh)!
(1)Andy S.
Ball Square is a really nice breakfast joint, and it is INCREDIBLY cheap! For the price you pay you would expect a 90 year old waitress named mildred and nasty greasy food, however the place looks great and the food is that of an upscale yuppy eatery you would find in a business district. Although the place is small and not too cozy (no booths only tables) the food definitely makes up for it! The fruit was fresh, the granola was crunchy, and the breakfast sandwich was fluffy and not drenched in grease. Also as a final note the owner loves to greet and meet his customers. When I met him he was very accommodating and open to suggestions. Overall I definitely recommend Ball Square Cafe. Also it's a good place to bring a girl for breakfast/brunch.
(5)Stephanie G.
Man if there is one thing in the world I love, it's a good breakfast. Whilst trying to decide between Ball Square and the legendary Sound Bites, a man walking by wholeheartedly recommended Ball Square Cafe. It has a huge menu with omelets, eggs benedict, waffles/pancakes and I am definitely forgetting stuff. The Omar's home fries were delicious! So what, do you ask, does this place have over Sound Bites, if anything. Well, I honestly think they are both great, but I felt less rushed in Ball Square Cafe (though this case perhaps be attributed to the fact that I got up abnormally early - will try to confirm next time!), but seriously, the fruit salad amazing. I substituted it for the potatoes (knowing that I would of course eat my boys, duh), and the fruit was all so ripe and delicious. That may have been the best mango I've had in my life. So, if every salad is like that - I'm down to eat there for any brunch.
(4)Kara S.
I came here completely impartial, but with full knowledge of the drama that ensued between Ball Square Cafe and Sound Bites. I was excited to try the food here, write a review, and then later try sound bites to decide whose breakfast reigns supreme. Unfortunately, a long blond hair in the hash of my eggs benedict foiled my plan. It immediately turned my stomach, and the apathy of the waitress when I pointed it out further turned me off. She hardly apologized for it, acted as if it didn't happen. To make matters worse, I found TWO other reviews on here that describe hairs baked into the food. One of which was a long blond hair, like I found. Um, maybe fire the blond prep cook, or make her wear a hair net??? So gross. Sadly, I won't be returning.
(2)Andrea H.
A GRAND place for breakfast or lunch. Not only is the food AAAAAAAAAMAZING but the staff is just as inviting. I have eaten here over 15 times for sure in the last 6 months and I have NEVER had a bad experience. So good I often wake up feening for Ball Square Cafe' goodness!!
(5)Molly N.
Ball Square Cafe is better than Soundbites. Here's why. 1) It's smaller. Soundbites feels a little like a dining hall with all the people coming and going, and the huge space of the self-serve drinks. If you go at a time that isn't Saturday or Sunday between 9-11AM, you'll find Ball Square Cafe to be a really cozy, quaint space. 2) The service is better. The servers are friendlier, the menus are higher quality, and the decor is nicer. 3) The food is better. Sometimes when I eat at Soundbites, something will taste off (those tasty grilled mashed potatoes sometimes have a really icky sour aftertaste!) But it's consistently good here. The ingredients taste like they're higher quality. I mean...this is subjective...but I just think the food tastes better here (even if the menu is pretty much identical). 4) Root for the underdog!
(5)Julia D.
I went here with my cousins when I was visiting and I fell in love with it. I got oatmeal with berries, my cousin got fancy banana pancakes, and the eggs looked pretty good too. Everything was very fresh and the portions were plentiful. I think there's a big wait a lot of the time, but it's definitely worth it. I wish I lived in Somerville...
(5)Tamarleigh G.
This place is a real gem for breakfast. Really delicious!
(4)Erin W.
i am not sure that i can say enough good things about Ball Square. the food is so good, particularly the french toast. it's so amazing, it's almost sorcery. the wait staff are friendly and accommodating, and the owner starts to recognize you if you go enough. guilty. yes, you will have to wait. potentially for quite a long time if you are with a large group, but if you are a breakfast lover like me, the wait is so worth it!
(5)Mandie H.
My only complaint about Ball Square Cafe is that they close at 3pm, and I hardly get out for brunch before 2pm. The coffee bar stops getting stocked around 2pm usually so there's no point in coming to get brunch at that point. Otherwise I love this place. Staff is friendly, coffee is fresh and hot, their omelets are fluffy and not overcooked, they can poach an egg on the first try every time, and I'm not afraid if my order comes out wrong of sending it back. I love being greeted at the door and it actually feeling genuine. They actually have *rotating* specials too... they can be hit or miss (blue cheese in an omelet?) but they actually change. A regular favorite on my weekend brunch circuit.
(5)Aaron D.
We went here for lunch today and ended up leaving rather disappointed. I realize this is primarily a breakfast place, but if you're going to serve lunch, at least make it half-decent. We went with the Chicken Kabob plate and the Smoked Salmon BLT, and both were lackluster. The chicken was barely seasoned, and I can only describe the seasoning it did have as "awkward." It came with bland, over-cooked, and just as poorly seasoned veggies over rice. Whoever came up with this dish violated what should be a cardinal rule of cooking: Do not stir fry beefsteak tomatoes, they'll end up being a grainy, bland mess. The salad that it was served with was uninspired. Big hunks of coarse lettuce and onion along with a weird-tasting balsamic dressing. Also if you're going to serve Middle Eastern food (falafel, hummus, and baba gannouj are all on the menu) you cannot serve canned black olives, unacceptable. The Smoked Salmon BLT was better than the kabob plate, but only in idea, the execution was just as lacking. Again, the beefsteak tomato and flavorless greens contribute little here. It's really hard to screw up a BLT, so I did enjoy the sandwich, but I wanted something more interesting than just salmon tossed onto a mediocre BLT. The fries were fine, but nothing spectacular. The portions were also ridiculously large, it seems that they were trying to make up for a lack of quality with an abundance of quantity. I'm sure the breakfast is better, but I don't think I'll be coming back for it. I know I like SoundBites next-door, so I'll just go there instead. Even when I hit SoundBites for dinner, they had things that wowed me, not so here.
(2)Jessica W.
Grilled Mashed! Om nom nom nom. I love Ball Square's version of home fries, a potato patty that's mashed and peppery on the inside, and nice and crusty on the outside. I've only had egg dishes here, most recently the Moroccan Eggs, which was two poached eggs over sauteed onions, peppers and tomatoes and a generous sprinkling of cumin. The eggs are a bit light on seasoning despite the cumin, but I'll take that over them being overly salty. Definitely get the grilled mashed if it's an option for your eggs. I've never had the pancakes or waffles here, but the plates that the waitresses bring out to other tables always look delicious, and the fruit always looks top-notch. Someday I'll submit myself to possible carb-coma and order the pancakes and waffles, and for some reason I already suspect I won't be that sorry afterwards. The owner's very friendly, and although the waitresses are plenty busy, they're still pleasant. I was weirded out by the self-serve beverage policy when I first came, but, hey, it works. Let's not ruin a good thing.
(4)Dyke T.
Just excellent! Second visit to this restaurant. Breakfast only but Oh what a breakfast. Waiting outside Ball Square Cafe gives you some time to read and see (there are pictures) all the stunning options on the menu. Don't be surprised if Mike, co-owner with Omar the chef, greets you like you are the only customers there, invites you to step inside and get a cup of coffee while waiting. Mike will ask your name and will remember it! He called my wife and me by name on our second visit. The restaurant seats about 20. Wait staff are efficient and accommodating. No hassle if you want to substitute or ask to split a breakfast. The portions are enough for two. Fresh beautifully presented without being cute, hot and amazingly quick. Looking forward to our next visit and we will definitely take guests.
(5)Brian M.
I need to go back. I personally was disappointed in my breakfast. I was so looking forward to this breakfast. I don't like my pancakes with the fruit cooked into them. I like the fruit on top. I got the tri-berry which was described on the menu as "pancakes topped with fruit". But the fruit was mixed in the pancakes. I asked the waitress about it and told her how it was described on the menu. She could care less that I didn't like what was brought to me. But she did bring me black berries. For me, I did not like the meal. But if you like the mushy fruit pancakes, it may have been good. I still give this place a high rating. My wife's french toast (tri-berry - topped) was great. Other foods brought out around me looked good. But mine.... I didn't even eat half of it. It was too watery.
(4)JLH ..
I really like food here and the service is good. I also LOVE that they have whole wheat english muffins, which gives them an edge of their competitor, Sound Bites in my opinion :) so, call me a germaphobe, but what really upsets me is that none of the kitchen staff wears gloves when preparing/cooking food. And the kitchen is entirely visible from where I was seated so I watched incredulously as the cook grabbed two large bare-handed handfuls of salad greens and placed them on a plate to be served right then. I've been in there about 4 times in the last couple months and always noticed this. In my service experience, it was against the law to do this. I truly hope this is addressed, so I eat their wonderful fruit balls without fear.
(3)Kathy D.
Absolutely love this place!!! Wish I lived in Boston to go every weekend. Hands down, one of my all time favorite brunches and I'm from Philadelphia where there are a handful of really great places, too. I had the Tri-Berry French toast and it was amazing. The berries were fresh, whipped cream was so good, and the portion was huge. Boyfriend had the crab meat benedict that came with GRILLED mashed potatoes and I'm not an egg kind of person but I loved it. It was perfectly seasoned and was so filling. Prices were so reasonable. Staff cannot get any better. Everyone was welcoming and smiling and was so nice to be around. The owner (or at least I think he was) even made his way around to each table to check on everything and to say thank you. All in all, loved it.
(5)Alexa F.
I went here today for the first time with my family, after seeing great reviews on Yelp. Overall I was impressed & satisfied! I got a bacon, egg, & cheese on a bagel and a grilled blueberry muffin. The breakfast sandwich was great (can you really go wrong?) but the blueberry muffin was disappointing. It was dry and not at all sweet, maybe due to the grilling. Other entrees that were ordered were Mexican omelettes and a mushroom omelette. One person who got the Mexican omelette thought it was bland, and we did hear someone else tell their waiter they thought theirs was too. Portions are huge! If you opt for fresh fruit instead of the potatoes or toast, you won't be disappointed! It came with watermelon, a variety of berries, kiwi, apples, & grapes. We also shared an order of plain French toast. Pretty good, I thought it could've used a bit more flavor. But still decent! Drinks are self-serve and they encourage you to get something if you're waiting to be seated. One of the owners, Mike, is super friendly and greeted guests that were waiting. The rest of the staff was pleasant and friendly as well! We got there around 9:15 on a Sunday and only waited about 10 minutes.
(4)Xtine M.
Great food and great customer service, it doesn't get much better than that! I arrived around 9:45am on Sunday and the place was packed. We only had to wait a few minutes for a table but once we were inside our waitress quickly approached our table to take our order. The food came out pretty fast and I was really impressed with the portion sizes. I also noticed that the servers had smiles on their faces and the manager even touched base with us to make sure everything was ok. This place definitely is worth the wait. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Sira N.
I was recommended to try this place out and I must say, I am extremely pleased. My mom and I were visiting Boston from La, and we refuse to have breakfast anywhere else. The food was amazing and so fresh but what won us over was the customer service. Staff was awesome and very kind. The owner, Mike really knows how to make you feel at home. I can see why Ball Square Cafe is so highly recommended and raved. Definitely a must try to anyone near the area! Can't wait to come back on my next trip! Thanks Mike and the rest of the staff and Ball Square Cafe, you guys were great!
(5)Justin K.
This is hands down my favorite brunch spot. There's always a wait, but it's totally worth it. All of their delight dishes (pancakes, French toast, Belgian waffles with mounds of fruit) are suuuuper good. They come with their homemade whipped cream, which is basically sweet butter and to die for. And I don't know how they do it, but their fruit is always impeccably ripe. You say pineapple/kiwi/watermelon is not in season? Ball square doesn't give a shit what you think. Expect to be wowed. Their savory dishes are also really good. I've had their eggs Benedict with turkey bacon on an English muffin - oh my god. And their mashed home fries!! They basically take mashed potatoes and grill the outside so that it has a crispy shell, and it is heavenly. Super flavorful - I could eat this all day. The owner Mike is this friendly Italian guy and he's very attentive to everyone, making sure they're all comfortable and has what they need. And if you come back often enough he'll remember you and make you feel cool and special. A lot of people compare this place to sound bites. I tried eating there once, the menu is pretty similar. I got a French toast dish and it was pretty good, but just doesn't compare. Stick with this place - you won't regret it.
(5)Krisha C.
Cool spot. The crab eggs benedict was pretty tasty and the portions are very generous. It's first come first serve and your whole party, even if it's just 2, must be present to be seated which is kinda great because it speeds up the process. A nice place to scratch off my brunch list.
(4)Jen M.
I'm obsessed with Ball Square Cafe, definitely my favorite breakfast place in Somerville, if not in the whole world! There was a large queue once my mom and I first arrived, but it was a Saturday morning and given their reputation, we were expecting it. Thankfully, it was a beautiful day outside, and the owner let us grab coffee while we were waiting. He was so sweet, and was giving all the ladies hugs and shaking hands with all of the guys that arrived. Once some seating became available, we were offered a table outside and gladly accepted. Our waiter was a total sweetheart and made us feel like family, giving us all the time we needed to look at the menu and was very prompt with the service. My mom and I decided that this would be a "treat yoself" kind of breakfast, so we went all out. We started with the fresh fruit plate to share, and the fruit genuinely was fresh! You could tell that it wasn't just old fruit out of a container from the local grocery store. Even the way they displayed it on the plate was stunning. I also ordered an orange juice to drink, and it was definitely freshly squeezed and I had to do all I could to not gulp it down in the first five minutes. For our main meal, we each ordered egg dishes (my mom got two eggs with potatoes and I got a veggie omelette with home fries and bacon), in addition to a half order of French toast to share. Let me tell you - every single bite of all that food was ON. POINT. I have absolutely no complaints and it was such a high-quality meal. So. good. Of course the prices here are a bit more expensive than every other breakfast place, but it is 100% worth it to come here. Amazing food, unbeatable service and such a positive atmosphere.
(5)Tiffanii C.
I loved the Chocolate Chip Pancakes! They were so light and fluffy; it was literally heaven in my mouth! Of course I had to order a side of the plain French Toast because it's simply addicting.
(5)Mama P.
It's a generous 3 for food, 5 for service and Mike being his friendly self. What happened to the corned beef hash recipe? It is now similar to Hormel's paste in a can, no texture or chew. It used to be rough diced real corned beef with visible onions and potatoes. I am sure the ingredients are the same but ground up into a paste makes it gaggy vs crave worthy. I got it in a Benedict and my dining partner got another type of Benedict. The corned beef was cut square wedge of paste. Neither of us could cut the English muffin halves because they were clearly toasted well in advance and probably a tray of English sits waiting for the Benedict orders to come in. They were stale and dry. We had to ditch trying to cut and push our toppings off to eat. Only redeeming part of both Benedicts were the perfectly soft poached eggs. $39.56 for 2 unsatisfactory breakfasts. Sad faces. Please bring back the original corned beef hash recipe, Mike. It was very good.
(3)Michelle C.
I've been converted! I was a sound bites girl ....but BSC has won me over! Went here with a big group and although it's a small place they were able to accommodate the 7 of us, including little ones. It's weird, they have a lot of the same Sound Bites things...self serve coffee, fried mashed, lots of Benny options...but it tasted better here! I had something simple...but it tasted so fresh and flavorful. Seriously, my eggs were amazing and they were just two eggs over easy! Everyone's food looked pretty and smelled delicious. Our waiter was friendly, helpful and genuine. FYI, They will not seat you until everyone in your party is there. Meter parking out front but limited!
(5)Jacinda Z.
We got there at 8:30am, and there wasn't a line. Beautiful interior with exposed brick, monitors with that day's specials, and delicious pictures that will make you hungry if you aren't already! We ordered the Florentino eggs benedict and the Mexican omelette, both with the grilled mash. The Mexican omelette came with a grilled corn muffin which was delicious - not too sweet and not too dry. The grilled mash was amazing - slightly browned mashed potatoes with some other seasoning (garlic and salt maybe?). The omelette was juicy and full of veggies, and we could only eat 1/3 of it before we were full :) The eggs benedict was cooked just right - yolk-y enough with the egg white firm enough to hold its shape. Service was quick and friendly, and we are definitely coming back! The french toast and belgian waffles looked great, so that's next up. I gave it a 4-star instead of 5 since it is a bit pricey - $14/each for the eggs benedict and omelette. FYI, by 8:50am on Sunday there was already a line. It was a beautiful sunny day, so that probably encouraged more folks to come out for brunch. There's not a ton, but still a reasonable amount, of street parking on Broadway. There's only room for 34 people in the entire restaurant, plus probably 10 seats outside, which is why the line gets ridiculous later in the day.
(4)Tamara S.
This place is amazing. Huge portions and everything was delicious. I got the breakfast meal fit for a queen. The French toast was delicious. Also our waiter Brittany was great and we were brought strawberries and cream, compliments of the chef, prior to our meal. I will definitely be returning here!
(5)Roxxy Q.
I'm from the south. We like our breakfasts hearty. This place does not disappoint. Get ready to work all day with a smile on your face.
(5)Mike D.
In the spirit of keeping it simple, the service is consistently great, the owner is always friendly and present, the atmosphere is casual and the food has been tasty every time.
(5)Fury S.
Upon being asked if I wanted "breakfast food" or "lunch food," I replied that I don't really eat the former on account of my gluten-free-ness. "I mean I could go for some pancakes right now," I joked. But as soon as we walked in, a sign that read "now serving gluten-free waffles and pancakes" greeted me. "Aw hell yes." Basically this is the best breakfast experience you can ever have. They have CHALLAH FRENCH TOAST for crying out loud! It's serve-yourself drinks, so there are many interesting coffee options like Pumpkin Spice, French Vanilla, every type of milk thing you can think of (soy, skim, cream, etc.), as well as water and ice coffee and tea and other things. Our waiter, Matt, was absolutely awesome. He was kind and had a good sense of humor and was generally spectacular. Probably the best waiter I've ever met. If I didn't live in California, I would specifically pass state lines to take people here. So I ordered two chocolate chip and strawberry gluten-free pancakes. Oh man. It came with three mounds of fresh whipped cream I saw piped out of a confectionary bag. As well as powdered sugar. I haven't had pancakes in a while. I cannot stress enough how awesome those were. My dad, who isn't even gluten-free, admitted his surprise about how they looked and tasted. This was a fantastic experience. I'm coming back next time I'm in Massachusetts.
(5)Li S.
The food was great and all the staff here are so friendly!! I was VERY IMPRESSED with the WONDERFUL service here! We got the banana and cream cheese stuffed French toast (added Nutella) and corn beef hashed eggs Benedict (added avocado). One of the best decisions we've ever made! Portions are big so we couldn't finish everything. We were told there's always a line here, but you can get self serve coffee while waiting in line. Totally worth the wait.
(5)Ana R.
Ball Square Cafe is the ex-wife of next door's Sound Bites, but she looks like she's getting on with her life and not looking back. For the first time in my experience, there was no line out the door at Sound Bites the Saturday morning I went there, but my group wanted to try Ball Square Cafe, so we waited. We were glad of the heat lamps over us while we waited in line, which took about 20 minutes. They do swift business of parties of two, but we didn't have to wait too long for our party of four. I'm glad we weren't a bigger group, though, it looks like they wouldn't have much space for anything more than 4, unless you were willing to wait for several tables to open up at the same time. Anyway, what we came for: a complete menu of delicious items. I had the stuffed French toast. I'm not one for sweet things for breakfast, or French toast at all for that matter, but I couldn't pass up Nutella and strawberries stuffed into a fried pastry. In my opinion, heaven is paved in Nutella and strawberry stuffed French toast. This was a giant portion, I was stuffed (heh) with one half and took the rest home to my fella. I had a really hard time choosing from this menu. Everything sounded great. I could have been just as happy with any of my friends' choices, including the eggs benedict, or the black bean salsa omelette. Prices were reasonable for the portions although $3.50 for a cup of coffee is ridiculous, especially since it's self-serve. The service was excellent. The staff was super friendly and present when you needed them. The only downfall of this place is you spend the rest of your day smelling like diner food. Smelling waffles, syrup and fresh coffee is one thing. Stinking of fryer grease the rest of the day is quite another. Not sure what they could do about it, but if I had somewhere to go after breakfast, I'd rethink going to Ball Square, which is a shame because it's so incredibly delicious.
(4)Faezeh M.
Amazing brunch, amazing, fast service and great location! BTW I really enjoyed their Nutella Banana French toast, and loved their idea of self-service tea/coffee!
(5)Jacqueline L.
Amazing. This morning, after a night of fourth if july festivities, we wardered down with a party of 11. The owner, mike, proceeded to open the restaurant next door (victors deli which he called mom and dads) in order to accommodate us. He quickly got us out of the 90° heat and sat at a table. Our server, Gabrielle, was patient (we we're a bit obnoxious) and very attentive. The food was came out quickly and looked awesome. The meals were huge! It was very sad that i couldn't finish it in one sitting. Absolutely incredible. And on a side note, the deli must be good, because the phone rang off the hook.
(5)Chrizzle D.
This place was pretty good. After watching an episode of Parks and Recreation, I had a craving for waffles. Seems this is the place to go! I ended up getting the caramelized bananas and strawberry waffle. It was good, not great. I think the next time, I may not get anything that is caramelized because the sauce that coats the fruit soggies the waffle too fast. You definitely don't need syrup if you do get one of the caramelized waffles. The BF got the corned beef hash. THAT was amazing. It definitely was not from a can, so I highly recommend trying this dish as well. Tried it with the grilled mashed potatoes, and those were also good. The customer service here is AMAZING. First off, self-serve coffee. It's great if you're waiting in line and need to wake up. The second thing that I really liked was the owner/manager giving a genuine update of how long it would take for tables. There have been other places that give the usual "10-15 minute" answer, when it will actually take half an hour. Either way, it's a great place to go for breakfast or brunch. I definitely would like to try lunch one of these days, but with breakfast looking so good, that might take a while.
(4)Adam W.
Good but the quality of the food is kinda like an upscale dive. I had the avocado and tomato benedict. The poached egg yolk was chalky, not drippy like they should be, and the hollandaise tasted alright but was curdled in texture. The coffee was a bit watered down in a DD way. But that I guess I can give a pass for since it's a New England thing. My wife ordered the waffles with caramelized bananas and strawberries. The waffles were crispy on the outside and had good bounce on the inside, but the fruit was over sugared. Lastly, our server was really attentive, there's outdoor heaters when you're waiting in line, and the pricing was really not that bad, which is why I can't totally flame this place.
(2)Christina L.
We got here and it was packed, but I've never received such amazing customer service without even being seated. Despite waiting out in the cold, Mike (the owner) came out to talk to us, turned on their outdoor heaters for us and even brought out their amazing homemade hot chocolate. Once we got inside, the waiters were friendly and helpful. All of the food was absolutely delicious and the only regret I had was not being hungrier so I could eat more!
(5)Joy J.
Love this place. Waiter was friendly and the portions were huge. Yummy pancakes - and even yummier challah French toast - mine was stuffed with Nutella and bananas. Definitely coming back.
(5)C K.
My son and I went here on Sunday for the first time. Upon arrival we saw a line that would discourage anyone. DO NOT LEAVE!!!!! It was one of the best experiences of a lifetime. The owner was pleasant and accommodating. The atmosphere was exceptional and the food was outstanding. You have not had Breakfast unless you have been to Ball Square Cafe... We will be back this weekend.
(5)Cindy C.
Attentive staff, delicious hot chocolate, and enormous portions of solid comfort food. What more could you want for a wintry brunch?
(4)Jules W.
I remember getting upset at the fact that there's barely any Diners here in Boston when I first moved here. Breakfast/Brunch is my favorite meal of the day and I scoured the city in search of somewhere I can go on the regular for a hot cup of Joe and some grade A Bacon (which is always hard to find, mind you). I went to Soundbites first because someone recommended it to me, but the service along with the overpriced food really turned me off. Then I decided to try the cafe' next door and I was just flabbergasted at how great everything went. Even as I was standing in a long line, the guy at the door told me I could go in and grab myself some coffee. And the coffee was great! Nice and bold, just the way I like it. Once inside, all the servers are just friendly and always smiling. One of them in particular kind of reminds me of Ryan Reynolds, and I think he's the firendliest of the bunch. Love the art on the walls- it's like- a little taste of a french cafe' across the Atlantic. Amid the crescendo of chatter that bounces off the walls, the food is exactly what you would expect and not as expensive. As I'm writing this review, I'm already getting ready to head out and grab a bite there! Love this place.
(5)Lydie V.
I'm so glad my husband and I stumbled upon this place! Awesome food! Mike is awesome and such a great host! Great way to start the weekend! Mama Mia!
(5)Benjamin C.
My sister suggested this place to me on a lazy Sunday. The only thing she told me was "Don't worry it's worth the wait." I took her advice and my girlfriend and I headed out. We arrived at prime brunch hour and there certainly was a wait! The line looked like it ran all the way down the street. But it wasn't as bad as I originally thought because half of the line was for the breakfast joint next door. On Sunday's they open up the deli next door for more seating, slowly we creeped to the front. It's serve yourself for drinks. Just a spot of advice, if you don't mind getting up over and over again the mugs are bottomless but the to go cups are a one shot deal. The owner Mike was very nice and personable and seemed to have a strong presence with the customers. We sat in the deli next door the service was great and it seemed much less cramped on that side. The food was great, I had been craving waffles for a week and I'm glad this is where I decided to get them. Get the caramelized strawberry waffles if you have a serious sweet tooth. All of the food was great and worth the wait and although it was a bit more than I normally pay for breakfast I highly recommend it. PS. Definitely get a side of grilled mashed potatoes (their version of home fries). A refreshing take on a breakfast classic!
(4)Christine H.
So far, best breakfast I've had in Somerville. Delicious lobster eggs Benedict, good service, owner is friendly and hospitable. Got here at 9:15 on Sunday-no wait but wait any longer to get here and you'll be waiting a while.
(5)Chris D.
Usually a wait but you can serve yourself with coffee and drinks while you wait. Also, definitely try to come on Sunday as they have an extra dining room for seating. Mike kept coming out to see if everyone was doing ok and had what they needed while they waited, which is a huge plus in my book. Great to see care for the customer, which you don't always get at these busy places. Food was awesome and portions were big. And the eggs were cooked to actual request, which sounds like a simple thing but so many places don't! Highly recommended.
(4)Yow-Bang W.
Great food and great service.
(4)Marcy Z.
Food is similar to Sound Bites next door...all very fresh and perfectly made. Serve yourself coffee, and long wait unless you arrive early. Swankier atmosphere...foreign but nice music playing... Turkish maybe. Service is fantastic.
(4)Vanessa L.
Tried this place for the first time this morning and WOW I wish I started coming here sooner. The place is pretty small so there was a line to get in, but the wait wasn't long at all and the man who was greeting and seating everyone seemed friendly. They also have a self-serve unlimited coffee bar so you can have coffee while you wait in line and they had some good flavors. Our server, Matt, was fantastic. I've been a server and bartender, so when it comes to service I'm pretty critical.. He was extremely friendly, attentive, and funny (cute too). He asked if it was our first time and made great food suggestions right off the bat. When I couldn't decide between a couple of things he told me which option I should get, without hesitation, and man was he right. I got the Mexican omelette with grilled corn muffin and it was SOOO good. It was a giant portion so luckily I'll be having it tonight for dinner too! It was filled with TONS of avocado - my favorite. The only downside is that the food did take a while, but when it came out I didn't even care because it was so worth the wait. Last week my brother and I went to Sound Bites, but I think this is going to be our new spot!!
(5)R H.
Incredible. Five STAHS! You need not read a yelp-novel to GO THERE FOR BREAKFAST (or any meal for that matter)!!! Thanks, Mike. We really enjoyed this.
(5)Kelly O.
Absolutely love this place! Nothing starts the experience better than the owner personally showing you where everything is located at the coffee station and helping you with your coffee- he is personable and friendly! As for the food: always amazing! Went with a group of 6 and everyone loved their food. I ordered the belgian waffle with fruit- delicious! Fruit was very fresh and the waffle was nice and crispy! Im always impressed with the amount of fruit in the platter, the variety, and freshness! We will absolutely be back!
(5)Louie P.
I've have been here 4 or 5 times now One of the best breakfast joints I have ever been to. High quality food, with many different variations to choose from. Clean and proprietor "mike" is always there to greet you with a smile and a warm hello This place is one of my favorite destinations.
(5)Chris N.
This place is easily my Wife & I's favorite breakfast place. We have never had anything here that wasn't delicious. It's not your traditional greasy spoon, but is also not super-pretentious like another place nearby. It's a nice, cozy place with incredible breakfast. The Banana Nutella stuffed french toast is probably my favorite thing on the menu and comes with real homemade whipped cream. They also make their own corned beef hash. The omelettes are delicious too. Even though most people prefer their signature grilled garlic mashed potatoes, I prefer the traditional home fried potatoes. The owner is a real down to earth guy and is super friendly. He addresses everyone who walks in and asks them how they are doing. Then when you're on your way out, he thanks you and ask how your meal was. One time I was there, he brought me and the other people that are waiting in line outside hot chocolate because it was a cold day. I don't think I have ever seen that anywhere else. I've recommended this place to a lot of people and none of them have ever been disappointed. Definitely worth trying it out.
(5)Jasmin V.
We had to try this place based on all the good reviews; we ordered... -Lobster Benedict: Huge chunks of Lobsters! YUM! English muffin is perfectly toasted! -Roasted Mushroom omelette: It has my favorite cheese, Boursin! Just cheese & mushrooms but this omelette is missing something. -Grilled Mash Potatoes: Great side; very different option for breakfast. *Not the biggest place; might have to wait outside (even during the winter!) *Self serve beverages. *Metered parking
(4)Sarah G.
Not coming back, it wasn't a pleasant experience. Of course, a breakfast brunch place get busy and noisy on weekends, that's understandable. But it was the manager who made all the noise!! He just wouldn't quit. He barked obnoxiously at the waitresses--and customers, for that matter. The brunch rush shouldn't have surprised him that much, but he appeared overwhelmed and confused. He reminded me of a spinster aunt who suddenly finds herself hosting Thanksgiving dinner and "handles" it by bolting around the kitchen and dining room, panicking and yelling like a banshee. Coffee and drinks are self-serve here, but the place is so small and cramped that it was difficult to serve ourselves people brushing past us. So, in this case, it didn't seem practical. It works in other places I've been to, but here, it was kind of a nuisance. The food was...well...meh. We came based on the rave reviews here on Yelp, but I wasn't especially impressed with the food. I had a Belgian waffle with fruit and whipped cream (fake junky whipped cream from a can). It's easy enough to get better whipped cream than that, but I guess they're cutting corners, buying the crappy stuff. The fruit was okay, nothing special. The waffle, average. I asked for no powdered sugar, and of course, they brought it with (you guessed it) powdered sugar. For a tasty--and pleasant--breakfast or brunch experience in Somerville, I wholeheartedly recommend the Neighborhood Restaurant on Bow Street, Supreme Kitchen on Highland Avenue, and Olde Magouns Saloon on Medford Street. Next time, I'll go to one of those ole favorites!!
(2)J U.
Really good and relaxing atmosphere. One of the co-owners came by and introduced himself. I had the crab benedict. Enough food to be full, but not uncomfortable. It was a nice way to spend a lazy Sunday.
(4)Eliza F.
Update a few hours after we ate: 2/3 of our group have stomach aches for no other apparent reason than our brunch/ lunch. We do not live together nor do we generally frequent the same places. (We're both friends of the 3rd person.) # # # This place has a lot of potential, maybe we just got it on a super busy Sunday. I'd expect a restaurant with reviews this good to still be excellent on a busy day though... We got in their long line (that we'd expected) and the friendly guy who was seating everyone promised 15-20 minutes, if our three top was willing to squeeze into a 2 top (we were), or 30-40 minutes otherwise. We waited in line for an hour. Good points: -Variety of drinks, including different flavored coffees -Best fruit plate I've had anywhere, super ripe and fresh! -Tasty grilled cornbread muffins -My friend *loved* her veggie sausages -Totally wheelchair/ scooter accessible, including the bathroom Room for improvement: They could get a lot more people in and out, do more business, and give a better experience if the food would come out faster. Maybe they could use some help in the kitchen. Artichoke Omelette was full of the fluid that artichoke are often canned with and that made it a soggy, not tasty mess. Maybe chop the artichoke hearts and let them drain for a few minutes before adding them to the omelette? My friend who insisted we got there had the Mexican Omelette wasn't very specific, but when she dropped me off she said, "I'm over it. Let's try some place else next time." Personal Discovery: I do not like garlic in my mashed potatoes, therefore I didn't like the grilled mashed potatoes. If you like garlic in your mashers, these could be a solid item though. Overall, my friend and Yelp built this place up so I expected a lot more. Classic case of over promise, under deliver from beginning to end. For the $20 or so that I paid, I wouldn't go back. Sorry, dudes, you've got to live up to the hype, especially if I wait for an hour. (For a place worth waiting for, try Cafe Luna in Cambridge... They did not in any way pay me to say that.)
(1)Damien S.
A standing rule for breakfast out: don't order what you can make at home. It helps when perusing a diner's menu for a little sunrise face-stuffing, but the eclectic onslaught of brekkie entrees at Ball Square Cafe doesn't make it easier to cut down on the available options. Already a fan of the hash bene, I recently sampled the Tri-Berry waffle, a malted batter crisply griddled and loaded with straw-, black- and raspberries on a platter spurted with fresh whipped cream. Bright, beautiful and bursting with berries, the most excellent choice boasted only one fleck of hubris: the price. Call me old fashioned, but I have a difficult time justifying a $9 price tag on an a la carte waffle, especially when the unadorned waffle rings in at a mere $5.50. Still, it's a damn fine start to your day. That and the hilarious oxymoron that is Ball Square.
(4)Corey L.
Loved it! We had to wait in line for a bit, but once inside the food was great. Big menu, craploads of food, great value. Service is fast, food is really tasty. Had the French Toast and and it was great. Also hot chocolate was solid. This is the kind of place that gives you like 6 scrambled eggs when you order a side of 2. Also, the owner is cool, wandering around and talking to everyone
(5)Jenn S.
Found this place through Yelp and my experience echoes what pretty much everyone else said - got there to a wait (unsurprisingly and expected, it was a Sunday morning) but was seated relatively quickly for two people. The owner is clearly well invested in his cafe and honestly cares about the guests, as we were greeted by him both outside and when we were waiting for food. My girlfriend vouches for the eggs benedict and although it was a tough choice I went with the tri-berry pancakes, which were large and filling. I did panic-order when the waiter came around and didn't realize the pancakes didn't come with any sides, but I guess I'll have to pay better attention next time I come. On the whole, good experience, good food, a little out of my way but I'd come back again.
(4)Aaron K.
My favorite breakfast place. Been going here once in a while for a couple years. The reason I don't come here more often is because of the long lines I've heard about. I usually come here on a day off or in the afternoon if I dare come on a weekend. Never had to wait for a table more than a couple of minutes. The food is amazing and all super huge portions for the price. If you are looking for a feast you can do no better than the fit for king/queen combo. My fiance usually goes for the eggs benedict which are amazing with a great hollandaise sauce. Get the grilled mashed (crispy grilled exterior, creamy on the inside, wonderful all around), skip the diced potatoes. My favorite thing here is the french toast as I've always been a sucker for good french toast. This is probably my favorite of all time with THICK challah that will make you holla. Definitely a regular in our rotation and should be in yours too!
(5)Diliny C.
No stars. The atmosphere and service may be good but it all went downhill when I ordered their home made hot chocolate. The server asked if I would like whipped cream to which I replied yes. The hot chocolate looked beautiful when it arrived. Tasting the whip cream I felt it was a bit thick. My husband also tasted it and we bugged the server to find out how they got it so thick. I was thinking super heavy cream. But no, it turns out my whipped cream isn't cream at all. It's a non dairy substitute called super 50. I felt so betrayed. If I order and am drinking hot chocolate and asking for cream so why leave out the dairy? Why not ask me if I want 'whipped topping' which is what this is? If this is home made then why the fake topping? Seriously, I felt like someone had spat in my food. When my poached eggs arrived I eyed them suspiciously. Are these real eggs? What have they put in the hollandaise sauce? To be honest the meal was too salty. The proscuitto which is already salty just overwhelmed all else. But worse, the whipped topping that I had enjoyed when first tasted left a greasy taste and feel in my mouth. This is a betrayal. I go out expecting clean and delicious food... From now on, if I have a choice - I'm sticking with sound bites their competitor next door. At least their food is the real thing and I can get a nice fresh bowl of fruit salad to accompany it. Really, I was wondering what all the hype was for Ball Square Cafe... but in the end, I will never trust this establishment. BTW, what's in Super50? It's an emulsion probably containing corn syrup amongst other things. It's used to make icing on cakes. What's in cream? Dairy. K.I.S.S.
(1)Natthapat T.
it's really good but unfortunately they didn't do combine egg benedict and toast in one plate for me. lol
(4)Stephanie Y.
Why are there pictures of Paris on the walls when we're clearly in Somerville? Otherwise the good was good but the decor was questionable.
(3)Amy W.
This is the breakfast place that every other breakfast place wishes it could be. The food is amazing, sure, but a lot of spots have good, hearty, well-made food. The service is what sets Ball Square apart. To be greeted like an old friend from the moment you step into the cafe is something that's kind of remarkable in the Boston area in 2014, but it doesn't end there. Every person who works here is awesome. I'm not sure how that happens, but seriously, what an amazing crew. Jason and Matt are my two favorite servers for selfish reasons (they're as lovely to look at as they are to talk to - SORRY, just being honest, here) and they always make me feel like the only customer in the cafe. Everybody is so unbelievably friendly and sweet, and it obviously comes down from the top, because Mike is just an absolute doll. He's funny, he's ridiculously hardworking, and he deserves all the success in the world for the business he runs. I can't even describe how much I love Ball Square Cafe. I bring every one of my friends and visitors here and they all leave feeling jealous that they don't have this gem in their own neighborhoods.
(5)Rachel R.
Ball square is the absolute best place for breakfast anywhere. The coffee is fantastic, the food is literally amazing, and Mike is just totally awesome. A+
(5)An L.
Charming breakfast restaurant, very popular in Somerville. Come early (around 8) to avoid a line. Billy, the owner, pays great attention to keeping the line moving, so the wait doesn't seem as long as it could be at other popular venues. We sat at the back and had a great view seeing the kitchen at work. Another awesome part of this place is the drink bar at the bank, you can get up and fill your own coffee, tea, or water, or pick up a juice from the fridge stock. Watching the freshly squeezed OJ machine live in action is also awesome. Food is great, omelets are nice, as are the pancakes and breakfast sandwiches. The potatoes are not the best we've had, but a nice complement.
(4)Sam C.
My favorite breakfast spot in Somerville! The space itself is pretty small, so there's often a long line out front (and it's in the neighborhood of Tufts, so if you can make it there before the hangover crowd, you might have luck with the line) ....regardless, it's absolutely worth the wait! The owner, Mike makes you feel like family and the staff goes above and beyond with customer service. Hands down some of the best breakfast in the city!
(5)Karthik A.
Mike addresses every single customer who comes to this place. We had a twenty minute wait and if ni t for him we would have left. And happy we did not leave. Everybody inside is great. The good is also delicious
(5)N B.
In the ever going battle between Soundbites and Ball Square Cafe I am on Team Ball Square Cafe. I used to come here on a weekly basis (I has since moved out of state) and was never disappointed. Service was always tops. Food was always good. They make some really amazing flavored coffee!
(5)Brian S.
Do you ever go to a restaurant and leave feeling , not that the food was great,or the prices were right, or that the service is great, but that the place was just run by great people and you really loved giving them your business? Oh, and the food was great, and the prices were reasonable, and the service is great to boot! That was my experience and ball square cafe. We came in for the Sunday brunch after reading several good reviews, and were not at all disappointed. The portions were very large, and the food made you feel like you are home eating mom's cooking. The owner came out and introduced himself, and was just a joy to talk to. They really go the extra mile and give that personal touch, that makes all the difference. I will definitely be back again soon.
(5)Emily B.
This place is MY favorite! The expansive menu and the generous portions makes for a crowd-pleaser every time! I go here a few times a week and I am totally waiting to go back for more. Their french toast and Belgian waffles are smothered with the most delectable caramel and fresh fruits--- their omelettes are piled high with the best ingredients with wide selection like bacon and blue cheese with spinach. The staff is always so nice, place is clean and great atmosphere all together. MUST
(5)Brandon F.
I was in Boston a few weeks ago visiting a college friend, and she took me here one morning for brunch. I can't move on with this review until I first say that they employ the friendliest people in the city (state? world?). I'm not kidding. All we did was walk up to the door and someone, who I presume was the owner or manager, came outside to immediately greet us, apologize that there was not a table immediately available, and assure us that the wait would only be a matter of minutes. This was true sincerity--no fake niceness to be found in this place. Matt was our waiter. By the end of the meal, my friend and I wanted to be best friends with Matt and invite him to hang out with us for the rest of the day. Except that is weird. But I think he would have been down. Maybe. Anyway, I guess I should talk about the food. Thankfully, it was right on par with the service! I had the caramelized apple cinnamon french toast. It was just as good as it sounds. It was an extremely generous portion of french toast topped with lots of apples in a gooey sauce and, of course, a mountain of whipped cream. I couldn't finish the whole thing (due to sheer size and also richness) but it was nothing short of amazing. Next time I am in Boston I definitely want to visit this place again!
(5)Ojus P.
Mike the owner and his family create an authentic, compelling brand. Greeted with a "is this your first time?", the intent is clear. This is meant to feel like a 2nd home as Mike runs around greeting and making everyone feel comfortable. It is impossible not to root for this place. But, there's a few problems 1) Food - Given the number and quality of reviews, I thought this was top tier Luna Cafe or City Girl Cafe level. That's just not the case. Got the Boston Creme french toast since I love those donuts and it was 2-3 star food quality. Not sweet enough but also just didn't hit the mark. Shared the strawberry shortcake waffles and they were a solid 3-4 stars. Really solid whipped cream, good waffle flavor and fresh strawberries. At about $12 after tax for these, not unbelievable value 2) Wait time - Got there at 8:45 and were just able to squeeze in. There is a very leisurely attitude once you're in so we left about 10:15 and there were 15-20 people waiting outside in the 20 degree weather. Mike was happily chatting them up but cold is cold and waiting is waiting. 3) The open door - In an effort to increase capacity, Ball Square patrons sit in the empty Victor's Deli next door. The problem is the very friendly wait staff is understandably going in and out to get food and serve orders and that means there's a cold draft so you're never really warm enough to take your jacket off. Overall, have to love and respect what Mike has achieved in building an institution and creating a genuine brand but the overall experience does not justify your likely wait time and certainly not the 460+ reviews at 4.5 stars.
(3)Ravneet M.
There is usually a line out the door for breakfast on weekends. The manager/owner is friendly and sets the right expectations about how long the wait would be. The food is great. I've been there 3 times now and every time it feels like I'm having brunch at someone's home.
(4)Bia M.
I've been to brunch here twice and enjoyed both times. I like how attentive and friendly the staff are. Bottomless coffee when waiting in line is cool, also. Good food and big portions. One less star because it's not vegan friendly, lack of tofu, and the vegetarian sausage is horrendous.
(4)Sarah B.
The food and service here are amazing, so next time I'm in the city I'll definitely be back! My friend just relocated to the Boston area a few months ago, and another friend and I were in town visiting. On our last morning in the area, we decided to grab brunch together. It was Monday, but there was still a line (albeit nowhere near as long as it would be on a weekend). Luckily we only had to wait around 10 minutes before we were seated. Everything on the menu looked amazing, so our server visited our table a few times before we were able to make any final decisions. Between the three of us, we got a sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich; a bacon and egg breakfast sandwich; and an "Our Favorite" plate. We all loved our food and couldn't stop gushing about yummy it all was.
(5)Bec H.
A friend recommended this cafe for breakfast. We arrived around noon on a Sunday and waited in line for about 30 minutes. It was slow moving, but the owner was constantly greeting people and coordinating seating, so vibes were positive and friendly. We were offered a seat in the neighboring deli and agreed to take it. The only downside of sitting there was that the self serve coffee/juice was next door, but we didn't mind. The service was quick, friendly, and attentive. Food was delicious (we got a breakfast wrap and omelette). Although there was a long line of people waiting outside, we didn't feel rushed out and the atmosphere was relaxed. This is not the place to go for a cheap meal!!! The quality is good and the prices are fair. You can get away with coffee and breakfast for under $10, but if you want something special, be prepared to spend at least $15-$20. Overall, great experience!!!
(5)Ashley M.
Amazing! Yelp, you did it again. Based on the reviews we decided to have brunch here while visiting Boston. Well worth the drive outside the city. Serve yourself coffee/drink bar was different but we enjoyed it-no waiting for refills. Very friendly service-fresh and delicious food. Fruit plate is to die for-not your standard dinner cup that's for sure. About a ten minute wait but so worth it. We would go every week if we lived near by. If you're from Baltimore then think of Miss Shirley's but *better*! We will be back.
(5)Courtney W.
Being the second time Ive frequented this particular restaurant I have to say I'm extremely pleased with both the food and service. My husband and I travel all the way from Boston, which has many good brunch places in itself, just to dine at this cafe. The staff is impeccably attentive and ready to make sure you'r experience is as enjoyable as possible. The food is always hot and fresh. Hands down the best brunch cafe I've visited so far.
(5)Sharon C.
The homemade hot chocolate was outstanding and it was a pretty huge cup portion! The rest of the food was alright. The staffs are very friendly. You may have to wait for a bit...there was a long line when we got there ( my friends and I waited 40 to 45 min ). Place is a bit small. I'll say the maximum is 4 ppl at a table.
(3)Colin A.
Its pretty simple folks, this place is as good as it gets for breakfast. Coming from a guy who values breakfast and service above all, this place is on point. Very, very friendly and attentive and keep you coming back for the food. On the weekends there's always at least a 10-15 minute wait, if you go with a larger party(4+) expect to wait a little longer. HOWEVER, while you wait they let you help yourself to coffee, tea, juices and when the line is out the door (which it usually is) there is an awning with heaters hanging from it to keep you dry and warm if its cold/rainy. As for the food, as I mentioned, its just excellent plain and simple. The best part for me is the bottomless coffee that they let you server yourself at their coffee bar - excellent touch. I hope they keep up the excellent work.
(5)Sabrina P.
As if they need another 5-star review. Food is on-point. Always. And if it's not (seriously, it always is) or takes a long time Mike the owner will chat you up and maybe even bring you a complimentary fruit plate for your patience. If not, suck it up and wait your turn because perfection takes time! The staff is so laid-back and friendly you'll feel like they've all known you for years. What are you waiting for? Seriously, get your shoes on and go. You'll be back home writing a 5-star review in no time.
(5)Chloe S.
Excellent food + service! I went with 3 friends, one got there early to get in line so when I got there we only waited about 10 minutes. The waiter was very friendly and explained the menu and coffee. The only thing that wasn't great was the self-serve coffee...other customers were crowding the area + it was unclear if refills were free for the hot coffee (iced coffee refills were an extra charge). Other than that, food was amazing. I thought I wanted the French toast but my savory craving was winning so I ordered the meat lover's omelet with sausage, toast, and cut potatoes. The omelet was huge! It was filled with sausage and cheese and cooked just right. My friend also got eggs/omelets and enjoyed their meals.Overall, would definitely try again!
(4)Mark O.
I have never had a bad meal here. Today the pancakes were amazing. Omelette that my friend ordered...delicious! Omar, the chef, is the best.
(5)Krissy C.
I just tried Ball Square Cafe for the first time today.This place is definitely worth the wait! Trust me! The service and atmosphere is great, and the food...AMAZING! The French toast is out of this world! The hot chocolate and their homemade whipped cream is amazing. Omelets are huge and delicious. I have absolutely no complaints, and I will definitely be back...probably next weekend! :D BTW when it comes to the war between Sound Bites and Ball Square Cafe... BSC wins. Hands down.
(5)Reece B.
Ball Square Cafe is a great breakfast location. The serve yourself drink station makes you feel right at home. The service staff clearly lives the motto "service with a smile". The food is delicious and fresh and big in portion. I could've shared my omelet with someone. Next time I'm in Somerville I'll definitely be back.
(5)Ashley H.
Excellent food and service. We found this place on yelp traveling back from Boston to home in NH. It was difficult to find parking and snowing outside but we figured the line out the door confirmed the great yelp ratings. Everyone loved what they ordered- the Omar's grilled mashed was amazing! The serving sizes were super generous and the bacon was yummy and perfectly prepared! All four of us said we'd come back- didn't seem like you could go wrong with anything on the menu. Mike was friendly and greeting and thanking people- I can see why his place is so well run and well-liked. Thanks for a great meal and experience!
(5)Kelly C.
Tri-Berry Waffle, Crab benedict - YUM! Really good food and lots of it. The mashed potato grilled mash was super tasty too. Get there early to avoid the lines!
(4)Gerard D.
Ball Square Café is a SOLID choice for breakfast/Brunch. Large delicious portions that will have you walking out satisfied. Their menu options are pretty standard for a breakfast & lunch spot so if your looking to expand your flavor palate this may not be the place for you.
(4)Shehryar K.
Coconut Macaroon French Toast - Heaven on earth!! We also tried Steak and Egg omelette and it was great as well. Owners and server (Jason) were very friendly and nice. Overall a great place to have brunch. Cheers!
(5)Brooke H.
Treated my boyfriend to brunch this morning who had never been to ball square and he already can't wait to go back! We came hungry during peak hours and the line was long so we thought about going next door to sound bites where there was no wait at all. The line moved quickly and the staff was beyond welcoming/friendly which left us SO glad we stayed. Food was amazing as always, even tastier than it looks in the picture. I had the French toast delight and he had the Tuscan chicken sandwich. Highly recommend either one or anything else on their menu!!
(5)Raleigh W.
Best breakfast in Greater Boston Area. I have tried too many breakfast joints around Somerville/Boston and still say Ball Square cafe is by far the best. This place has a 10+ minute wait all weekend for good reason. I have eaten here at least 20 times and have never had a bad meal or experience. The staff is very friendly. The food is UHMAZING! The portions are HUGE. The prices are fair for the amount of food you get. Come on a Saturday and you will most likely see me there!
(5)Kimberly B.
A really solid breakfast spot. Everything was perfectly executed--bacon, eggs, pancakes, fruit. No complaints about anything. The service is as excellent as other reviewers say it is. Our server was really helpful in accommodating our kids and recommending items on the menu. The ambiance is really laid-back and casual. It was a great place to bring kids. I'd recommend the grilled mashed potatoes over the regular diced, and a breakfast sandwich on a croissant rather than the eggs benedict. But you can't really go wrong. These guys know their stuff.
(4)Sarah-Mei E.
Things I love: Friendly people. Breakfast. Waffles. Fruit. How this relates to Ball Square Cafe: 1) Friendly people? So, as a California transplant, I'm often informed (and reminded) that New Englanders aren't the friendliest, but on my visit to Ball Square Cafe, everyone we interacted with was just the nicest! Our server, Matt, was super good-natured and totally humored our group (even joined us for a group photo! hahha). And a nearby table joked with us a bit! And as we left, the manager checked to see how we enjoyed our food and said good bye to us! A friendly bunch all around! 2) Waffles + Fruit = Waffle Delight!! Belgian waffle, topped with a fresh mountain of fruit: berries, melons, grapes, kiwi, etc, etc, etc. And...whipped cream! I love breakfast/brunch, and this fruit/waffle partnership is the best. You can eat it all without feeling like you had a super dense meal! In a perfect world, I would eat the Waffle Delight at Ball Square Cafe everyday. EVERY. DAY.
(5)Elisa T.
I feel it is safe to write a review now that I have had the pleasure to have breakfast in this fine establishment quite a few times. Service: from the moment you arrive you are greeted and invited to seat to either where ever you'd like to seat or they'll show you the table you may occupy depending on how busy it is. Coffee and juices or soda are self served. The servers are very energetic and have great attitudes and disposition. Thy will accommodate your every need. I came in once with a very hungover friend, the server went next door, bought a Ginger Ale for her since they didn't have that soda in their restaurant.... Who does that? The servers at Ball Square Café. More over, In one occasion I dropped half of my English muffin, a minute later the server arrived to my table with a whole nicely toasted in replacement. Food: OMG, I have had the best strawberry waffles in my life, Their french toast are amazing and their eggs Benedict with avocado and tomato are just ridiculously great, their Asparagus and prosciutto omelet is so yum... As I said I have been there many times. I recommend this place with out reservation, hands down the best for breakfast place in Medford
(5)Eric S.
So we totally loved this place. Went here for breakfast this morning. When we got there, we were met with a pretty long line to get in but the great coffee they had made the wait go quicker. Mike, one of the owners came out a few times to let us know how everything was going. He walked up and down the line chatting with groups, asking how they were doing, where they were from, etc. I can't tell you how neat we found this. Most places just want to get you in and out as quickly as possible and don't really seem to care. Everybody at this place, including our server Gabrielle was awesome and friendly. The food was fantastic. Bacon, eggs and french toast were all delicious. I had half a grilled blueberry muffin and it was awesome too. We ate outside, it was a bit chilly but they had the heat lamps working so it was fine. I'd definitely go here again. It was one of our best breakfast experiences ever.
(5)Alex L.
My fiancé was craving waffles and after checking Yelp, she became dead set on this place. Come on honey, you couldn't pick something a little closer? Driving from Brookline for this endeavor, I gotta admit I was grumpy. I haven't had my coffee yet..is this place really going to be worth it? I wasn't feeling waffles, but she reassured me they have a great Eggs Benedict, which I admit I would climb mountains and battle Samurais for. I wasn't happy about driving here, but after I got here and saw the cute little sit-down cafe, and moreover that there was no line, my worries were placated. Finally, I would get my morning coffee. And get my coffee I did. An iced coffee and I have to say, this was the most perfect and smooth cup of iced coffee I've ever consumed. Not a hint of bitterness. It was divine. I could drink it all day...and never sleep, but I digress. When it came time to order our food, I chose the Eggs Benedict and she got the pecan waffle, which she asked for with strawberries and bananas and real maple syrup. Once our food came out and I took my first bite into the Crab Benedict, I was beyond ecstatic. I was euphoric. I was in another world of crab and egg goodness. I always hate hearing "OMG this was the best thing ever," only to hear a few weeks later of another "best thing ever," but I'm going to have to jump on the bandwagon here and pay proper homage to this Crab Benedict for indeed being the best damn Eggs Benedict I've ever had. Her waffle was tasty too, from the few bites I sampled, but damn...that crab was perfect (not salty at all) and the English Muffin was soft, tasty and the eggs perfectly poached. Hollandaise sauce was to my liking as well. I'll drive seven hours from Buffalo just to have that again.
(5)Dorsa S.
I spent a borinh friday here but these guys made my day ! Great service and great server ... I def recommend this place ... Awesome !!!
(5)Kyle M.
This place makes the best breakfast food I've ever had, and frankly I hate them for it as they have forever ruined all other breakfast restaurants for me. Breakfast is permanently ruined and it's all their fault. This is a small location that will form a huge line on the weekends, and is shockingly worth the wait. Once you are seated you'll first notice that your server is quite friendly. But I don't mean normal friendly server, I mean our server went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable. As with most breakfast, you start with drinks. However the tasteless coffee and concentrate OJ I'm use to at most places was replaced with phenomenal coffee and espresso with hand squeezed OJ. Your main course will be delicious - this is unavoidable, as such, you might as well accept it. I'm personally a fan of the french toast. If you're wondering if you should get the fruit; yes, like everything else Ball Square over-performs with the quality of their fruit as well. If you want to enjoy breakfast anywhere else for the rest of your life I wouldn't recommend coming here. However if you are looking for a phenomenal culinary experience - look no further.
(5)Katrina K.
LOVE the breakfast here. The caramelized french toast and strawberries is what I imagine heaven would taste like. Definitely get the fruit bowl as well- the small is big enough for 2 people, and this place had the best fruit in Boston. I didn't know Massachusetts had such friendly people until I started eating here- our waiter was social and prompt; one of the other workers hurried and picked up and washed my little girl's toy when she dropped it- everything was above and beyond. Breakfast will never be the same after eating here. I've been three times and everything I've eaten was part of the best breakfast imaginable. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Randy J.
Visiting from San Diego and we were looking for a gluten free breakfast and found this place. When we got there the owner Mike showed us Boston hospitality and made sure our meal was great. It was an awesome experience.... Thanks Mike...
(5)Greg G.
My fiancé and I were blown away by the breakfast here. It's pricy but worth every penny. The inside is very quaint and comfortable. They do self serve coffee and beverages which makes the service very speedy and attentive. As for the food, it was hard deciding what to order because so many things sound and look good (on the tv). They have a huge section of inventive omelets, as well as eggs Benedict, pancakes, French toast, etc.. The mushroom omelet was huge, cheesy and scrumptious. I got the sweet pepper hash eggs Benny. The hollandaise sauce was out of this world along with the hash. Both meals came with their mashed potato home fries which were delicious. I cleared my huge plate and could have had more it was so good. We were very impressed and will definitely be coming back for more!
(5)Yasmin N.
There should be an award given to servers where diners can send in their votes, because I kid you not when I say this - the service here is as delicious as their food! Brad is definitely the server I've been looking for all my life! Just like Bruno Mars, I wish I were a billionaire and just give him his own jet plane - if he promises to stay in BSC. We waited for 30 min to get a table for 4, which felt like 2 min once we were seated and warmly welcomed by Brad and the others. I had the tri-berry french toast, which is crazy good. My kid had the french toast with caramelized apple, which was also very good, but she liked mine better after tasting it. The berries were perfect - some places don't care if the fruits are sour, but I firmly believe this place tastes each batch of fruit before putting it on the plate! I suggest you order half order of the classic french toast and half of whatever your heart desires. And the WHIPPED CREAM! I hated whipped cream, but I would order anything on the menu with their WHIPPED CREAM even if it was on the crab bene! I forgot my name when the whipped cream dissolved in my mouth! It was heavenly! My son loved his grilled cheese with bacon and ham and would move to Boston for that! I loved their crab bene, which my husband and I shared. Put some tabasco on it if you find it too rich for your taste. We truly love this place and dreaded going back to NJ because there's just nothing like Ball Square Cafe there...at least not within 15 mi radius of where we live.
(5)Rolls R.
Excellent selection, service and presentation! Worth the wait. Stop by Lyndell's bakery en route home. Backup plan next door at Sound Bytes, also a great place!
(5)Juliet N.
Delicious place for breakfast. No wait on a Tuesday just before noon. I had the "fit for a queen," that comes with 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, toast and a side of pancakes. I upgraded to the tri-berry and got strawberries, cranberries, raspberries AND blackberries. So, I got quad-berry pancakes. My husband got the eggs benedict and really enjoyed them. he also got the half order of the french toast delight, it was piled with lots of fruit, including watermelon, mango, grapes, and apple slices. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted great. It is a little pricey, but they don't skimp on the fruit or the quality. Would recommend.
(4)Ashley P.
The best breakfast place around hands down. It is totally worth the always long wait in line, so get there early or during the week if you don't want to wait. The garlic mash is out of control good. The french toast is so perfect and amazing, I am drooling just writing this. They have great specials, my favorite being the chorizo eggs Benedict....So good! I have also eaten their non-breakfast menu a few times and that food is just as good, especially the sweet potato fries. It can be slightly more pricey then other breakfast places, but it is woth every penny.
(5)Fran S.
This place hands down serves the best breakfast anywhere. Fresh fruit, great omelets, and a big, friendly, hello from the owner. Could not ask for anything more to start my day. Great servers also. Keep up the good work!!
(5)Katie T.
We went here after reading several glowing reviews, and as soon as we saw the menu, we were positive we made the right choice. The host updated us with an estimated wait time at least every 5 minutes, with a smile on his face and in his voice each time. The wait was a little long (but expected late Saturday morning) but worth it, even in the cold rain. We ordered some French toast and a wrap breakfast sandwich. Both were delicious. The mashed grilled potatoes are something I've never thought about before, but perfect. The service was great and everyone had a fantastic attitude even with a packed house. The icing on the cake was the reasonable Bill. We will surely be coming back!
(5)AJ H.
The food is really excellent, the portion sizes are perfect (want huge, get huge! Want one piece of French toast or just half an eggs bennie, get that!), the people are the nicest people you'll meet in the business, and even when there's a line they take care of you. Just can't beat it in the area.
(5)Mike L.
This place has one of the best breakfasts in the area. I've been a number of times and anything I get is always delicious and plenty of portions. Coffee is great too and l love that you can go in and get one while waiting in line to get in. Mike is always very gracious and friendly. If you go on the weekend, prepare to wait in line outside. Typically 10-15 minutes for a party of two, but it's absolutely worth the wait.
(5)Court S.
Ok Mike (the owner) ! This review is for you baby! My lovely friend and I needed to catch up on everything...so she suggested that I select one of my bookmarked places on Yelp. She's not a Yelper yet but I'm working on it. I wanted us to come here because of the supurb reviews & she agreed. While we were waitng in line a very friendly man approached us and from remembering his face on other reviews I asked if he was Mike. He said " Yes I am". He told us how long the wait would be and that all drinks are self serve AND that we can help ourselves and get back in line until we are seated. He is so sweet and personable. Now the food: 5 stars for everything. Me: peanut butter and strawberry stuffed french toast. Delicious & huge portion. I couldn't finish it all and had to take the rest home. Friend: eggs benedict. So good. Actually better than so good. So great. Service: 5+5+5 stars ( ya, ya I know its not a rating but its the truth.) Brad was amazing! Just so sweet & pleasant. hmmm what else? Oh! It gets crowded and they close at 3pm on weekends, so I suggest coming after 1pm as the line winds down.
(5)carmin s.
Today my boyfriend and I had the pleasure of trying out this awesome restaurant! Our experience here was such a pleasant one from the moment we walked in. We noticed a line outside and it was close to 12:30pm so I said now we definitely have to go in and see what the fuss is about. The servers were so nice and assured us it would be between a 15-20 minute wait. The owner came out and personally told us to please help ourselves to any complimentary coffee, tea, water, or beverages in the fridge. I thought that was great! The owner is an active participant in this restaurant and such a warm, nice man. His staff definitely reflect him and his business. They were so polite. Our server Jason was very knowledgeable and patient with us as it was our first time. I never remember our servers because it's very rare we have such amazing service, but I remembered Jasons name. Both my boyfriend and I ordered fresh squeezed orange juice and banana and nutella french toast. It was delicious! After our meal the owner came to check on our experience and sat down at the table with me. I complimented his amazing customer service, clean environment, friendly staff, and great food. We will definitely be stopping by again!
(4)Sephora B.
Ball Square is hands down the best breakfast/brunch place! I come here almost every Sat with my gym friends after a hard workout or just for a quick takeout. Mike the owner it the best. Very personable, friendly, and all around great guy. The food......... Amazing. Am not a big sweet breakfast person but that homemade waffles are slap your mommy good! And you can get it any kinda of way you want. Tri-berry, strawberries, bananas, whipped cream powder sugar. Ok am making myself hungry. The breakfast sandwiches are great and the fruit bowls are fresh. I like how it self serve coffee cause when you're waiting in line it's nice to have a beverage Yes there is a long wait but doesn't that tell you that it's worth it. I would, and have waited for an hour. I would wait 2 hours! Oh and the bacon is always crispy! I love this place
(5)Audrey K.
Amaze-ballz. French toast with berries and bacon rocked my socks off. Definitely in my top five French toast experiences ever. Great service, cute location. Huge portions! I couldn't even finish half my plate! We are visiting from San Francisco and have high brunch standards. This place surpassed expectations!
(5)Erin ..
Best best best!! If you looking for breakfast& brunch! Definitely worth the wait for half an hour to get in;))) Food came out quickly and was delicious. Belgian waffles alone are enough to come here. Portions were big too. Very satisfying!!
(5)Robert K.
What makes a good diner? It certainly doesn't need lots of seating, but the service must be fast enough to turn over tables in an efficient manner. This is what you'll find at Ball Square Café, so when you are looking for a quick and filling breakfast or lunch, stop on by. The breakfast options certainly were appealing, but arriving around noon during the week, I decided to go for the café sandwich (portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, fresh basil and mozzarella cheese) for just under $9. We were seated promptly, allowed to get our own coffee and water and had our food in not time. Having spent time in the south, I was impressed with the house-made sweet potato fries and my dining partner enjoyed a breakfast sandwich and a large bowl of fresh fruit. Simple, filling and fast. I can see why this place would be a staple for locals.
(4)Kevin K.
The service is the best I ever seen for a brunch place. Was greeted instantly, the waiter introduced the specials right away and answered all our questions about the menu. I was amazed there was no wait, was told there is usually a wait. Had the eggs Benedict florentine, and it was amazing, it was everything you want in a eggs Benedict.
(4)Laura M.
Had breakfast here a few weeks ago with my fiance. It was sooooo delicious! I had the artichoke eggs benedict with potatoes, so delicious and the food came out relatively quickly considering how busy it was. My fiance had a traditional breakfast, forget what it's called, but it came with eggs, sausage, and french toast. He enjoyed it, I had a bite of his french toast and it was amaaaaaaazing. He was not a fan of the sausage, however. Nothing special about the sausage. The cafe also has a unique coffee idea, in that if you want coffee you just walk up to the coffee bar and get it yourself. It's all-you-can-drink and it too was pretty good. Our server was awesome as well! The only reason really I'm not giving five stars is because it's kind of a smaller cafe so we were seated pretty closely to other patrons and luckily we got there a bit early (it as a Sunday morning), because when we left the line nearly wrapped around the block! But I definitely suggest going at some point, the food is delicious and priced appropriately.
(4)Sarah B.
We came here for the first time with our kids on Saturday morning and had the most delicious breakfast I've had in a long time! I love the self service drinks, which meant the kids got their needs filled quickly. And all our food was amazing. Delicious fresh fruits, homemade cream. I imagine that it gets busy later (we were there at about 7am) and I wouldn't enjoy waiting, but going early it was perfect for us. We'll be back!
(5)Duncan L.
I need to stop getting the same breakfast every time I go, but they combine two of my favorite things: hash and eggs benedict. It's not often that I don't have to make a choice between the two, and they basically have me locked in with that menu item. The key is to go on a weekday before work. If you're in a hurry for breakfast/brunch, don't even both going on the weekend, as the lines extend down the block. If you have the time to wait, it's worth it, though.
(5)Tina P.
By far the best brunch place in the Boston area. Every time friends or family visit from out of town.. Ball square is a must visit. Service is always friendly and welcoming. Not once have I been disappointed! My favorite order is the eggs Benedict with avocado & tomato with grilled mash. I'd skip the coffee here and go for the freshly squeezed orange juice.
(5)Christie L.
This place always have a line outside, but my friend and I did not have to wait long. I went on a Sunday morning and the restaurant next door allows Ball Cafe to use some of their tables on the weekends when it gets busy. Same food and service. All the food here looks amazing and everything comes in really large portions!! I wanted to try everything. I finally decided on the Tri Berry French Toast. It was delicious and the fruit was very fresh. My friend got the Grill Special which he said was good too. I was looking at the other plates as they were coming out and they all looked so good! I really need to go back and try their other stuff. There were so many options!
(4)Osberto M.
The food tasted good, but a $4 orange juice and $2 drip coffee are examples of the overpricing going on. I think clover charges less for potentially higher quality coffee. It is not just those two items. This pricing pattern was the general trend: food that looked fine, was plentiful, and tasted fine as well, but it was priced way too high for what it is: decent but still generic breakfast fare This isn't exactly the south end or the back bay and the service is somewhat aggressive.
(3)Mira K.
Absolute favorite breakfast place at home. Special place in my heart - tradition to come whenever I'm home. Delicious food never disappoints. Always accommodating staff with huge smiles. They deal with the crazy weekend rush so well! French toast is to die for, also try the blueberry grilled muffin dish with the omelette!
(5)Alexandria R.
From the warm welcome at door to the food and of course the lovely staff ball Square is an exquisite breakfast café. I go here very often, and thankfully I live close by. But even if I was to live a couple miles away, I would still make the trip because it is definitely worth the while. The staff is always kind and very friendly even when it's alittle hectic. Definitely my favorite breakfast Café, I would recommend trying the French toast its perfectly made! This is all at great prices!
(5)Michaela F.
First, let me say that I'm a little in love with Mike and Jason. Despite being packed to the gills with a long line waiting, Jason never pressured us to take the check, and when I offered to take the check while I finished my last couple bites, he said he didn't want us to leave. I got the Fit for a Queen breakfast with 2 eggs over easy, gluten free english muffin, and 2 gluten free banana walnut pancakes. To be honest, the huge appeal for me were the good reviews on the gluten free options. I love breakfast food, and I miss breakfast food, and it's nice to have so many choices. Since I started writing this review, I've been back 4 more times for a grand total of 5 breakfasts.....and I just moved here in December. I can't help it!! They're just so good! I wish I'd found this place in December, because maybe I'd have had 2 more breakfasts there. My go-to favorite is 1 egg over medium, gf english muffin (so good, almost like the real thing, kinda crumpety), and 1 banana chocolate chip pancake with the raspberry drizzle. I haven't tried the gf waffles yet, but when I get tired of the pancakes, I'll move to the waffles. All in all, 100% worth the wait, and I waited in a freezing cold light drizzle. The service is great, the food is great, they actually care if you liked your meal, and don't make you feel like you need to shuffle out to make room for the line outside.
(5)Nathan Y.
If this review was just food, It was amazing. The portions are big, the french toast is amazing as well as the cornbeef hash. its a nice little place. The only reason why I deducted 1 star was that it took us over an hour to be seated. Given we had a party of 7, it seemed like an extremely long time to wait. The owner is extremely friendly, he came up and was very hospitable and very friendly. If you are a party of 2, then its easy to be seated but dont go on a saturday with a big party.
(4)Kay D.
Probably my favorite breakfast place in the Boston-area. The owner remembers his customers and will deliver mini hot chocolates to customers in line while you wait. The food is amazing (favorites are half portion eggs benedict, waffles, and huge breakfast plates). Service is quick and the waitstaff are always really attentive to the customers and are super friendly and accommodating.
(5)Tuyet V.
Even when its cold, and the line is long, I'll still wait to eat here. I come for the freshly squeeze OJ, strawberry shortcake waffle, and grilled mash. nom.
(5)Devynne F.
The service here is awesome! This is our go to brunch spot when we have people visit, or when we're just feeling like food on Sunday morning. They have a great variety of breakfast options, and you can make half orders just in case you can't make up your mind (which I tend to do most of the time). Sometimes, there is a wait but do yourself a favor and use that time to make some iced coffee! They have your brunch staples and they do it well-- from waffles, to stuffed nutella french toast to a crispy, tender corned beef hash.
(4)Kal R.
I was in the area with family running errands one morning and decided to grab some brunch. We we're just going to head to IHOP because it's simple and you know what you are getting. However, I was with someone who was visiting from out of town and they wanted to try something local. That brings me to Ball Square Cafe. We were greeted as soon as we entered the establishment. It was on a Thursday morning and it was fairly busy. Mike offered us a table by the door but since it was still cold we opted to wait a few minutes for him to clean off a table towards the front. The menu is extensive. I ordered pancakes, eggs, and bacon. All the food was great but the eggs were delicious! The customer service was excellent. If I am in the area again, this is the spot I am going to for brunch!
(4)Carla A.
Wow loved our visit to Ball Square cafe with Raleigh and Brittney!!! Amazing food, amazing service. Well worth the wait!!! The coconut macaroon French toast is to die for!!! That's for the invite friends!!!
(5)Oswell R.
Amazing food and the only thing better is the fantastic service! Soooo good will definitely be back. Yum!
(5)Gina D.
The ball square cafe is nothing short of incredible! We ventured there by reading the other yelp reviews and were extremely impressed! We waited for 40 mins and it didn't matter... The owner Mike greeted us outside and showed us to the self serve coffee station where we got a coffee and drank it outside while we were waiting. The food was just as great as the service and atmosphere. I got the avocado tomato and onion breakfast sandwich with a fruit cup which was as beautiful and it was delicious. My fiancé got the eggs Benedict that he thought was out of this world. We love 30 mins away and have no problem coming back just for the breakfast. I can't say enough good things about this place.
(5)Daniel C. C.
Here again . morning glorie breakfast sammi. So good . fresh squeezed oj. Best spot around
(5)Stephon M.
Nice place i just think i ordered the wrong dish. I ordered the corned beef hash and it seemed like i was eating some kind of spam. I did not enjoy my meal at all even though others with me had food that looked more delicious. I like the coffee setup where its self serve. Also the heating under the awning was very cool especially when waiting in line in the winter.
(3)Noah K.
Hands down one of the best places to grab breakfast in the Cambridge/Somerville area. Food is top notch and the customer service is incredible. My wife and I dine in on Sundays and Mike always takes care of us. Making sure we get seated, bringing us some cups of hot chocolate with whip cream! Mike goes above and beyond and so doesn't his staff. Eating here will definitely up your standards for waiter/waitress service. It a shame that all restaurants can't mirror the level of customer service they have at Ball Square. We once ventured into Harvard Sq for breakfast and ended up running back to Ball Square lol. I haven't met a breakfast spot yet that can match their quality of food and customer service.
(5)Martina M.
Always on point. Every time friends or family visit I make sure to bring them to this place. Breakfast brunch lunch... The food is fresh and the staff is friendly. Never disappointed and it is very much so worth any wait.
(5)Lisa M.
I woke up this morning craving delicious pancakes piled high with fresh berries. So, of course, I headed to the Ball Square Cafe. I've been enjoying breakfast there since moving to the area a couple of years ago. This morning, however, it all went horribly wrong. I got my order to go and walked the four blocks back to my apartment. When I finally sat down to enjoy my tasty breakfast, I found the pancakes were completely uncooked in the middle. So I sampled a bit from the edges and found the frozen berries still partially frozen. UGH!!!! I wasn't about to walk the four blocks back to deal with the gooey frozen mess so I just threw it away.
(1)Jennifer H.
Great for brunch, with all the classic items! Egg plates, omelets, french toasts, benedicts...I got the half order of the asparagus proscuitto benedict plus a side order of the french toast. The portions are indeed quite large and I probably would've been full with just one or the other but I could not resist both. The french toast with the cream and powdered sugar was excellent - they use challah and flavorful cream. The benedict was good too - the asparagus was a little softer than what I prefer, and the proscuitto was a thick cut instead of the really thin slices I am used to eating, but it was really flavorful and delicious. I enjoyed the grilled mashed potatoes they do on the side. The prices are reasonable but not cheap.
(5)Lisa L.
This place has ruined me for all other breakfasts for the rest of my life. I will never have another breakfast this good, unless I come back to ball square cafe. Which I will! Every time I'm in Boston.
(5)Tracey I.
We've been trying out the breakfast spots in Ball Square and this is by far my favorite. Gluten free pancakes AND waffles! Need I say more? I had the GF tri-berry pancakes. I ordered two, but one would have been enough. Beverages are self-serve, which is kinda fun. It's the only place around where you can get diced homefried potatoes instead of grilled mashed. Food is served as it comes out of the kitchen so everything is piping hot, although it's a little odd being the only one with food while the other dishes come out. And the service was top notch. Very attentive. Short wait times. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it's just too small. They need more seating so everyone can have an awesome breakfast without waiting. Although, they do have heat lamps installed under the outdoor awning to keep waiting patrons toasty even in the chilliest of winter temps. And you're encouraged to go in and grab a coffee to tide yourself over during the wait.
(4)Eric C.
If you're craving for a waffle and are searching for a place to try, give this a shot. IMO, its one of the best waffles in the Boston/Greater Boston Area. Here are the attributes of the one we had: - Very crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside. They definitely have a great recipe for their waffle batter. - Large perfectly macerated strawberries - Fresh on-premise whipped cream (ignore one of the reviewers who accused them of using a can, that's definitely not true) - just the right consistency, stable and didn't weep later. While those may seem like just a few ingredients, 90% of places get it wrong and you end up with soggy waffles drenched in sugar by the time it gets to your table. Mike, the owner, is very friendly and tries his best to get to know his customers. Definitely helps make the time go by while waiting in line - unless you're not in the mood to chat.
(4)tammy l.
Good food usually comes with a super long waiting line. They got heaters on top of where ppl wait in winter. If u love avocado, check out glorious morning!
(5)Emma P.
This is my favorite place to eat in the area. Care is put into every service interaction, along with the look and taste of everything that leaves the kitchen. Excellent, expansive options for those with dietary restrictions (i.e. veg, gluten free). Would recommend to anyone.
(5)Ilana C.
A friend raved about this place so I had to experience it. This is a place that tried to make you feel at home even from the moment your online waiting. While some would say it was a long wait the time went by fast. They invite you to enjoy coffee from their self serve station while you wait. Once seated the menu offers such a wide variety of breakfast dishes. Wanted to try everything but the Broadway Blues was calling my name. The blueberry muffin along with an egg and cheese omelet plus bacon was delicious. I am not a huge fan of mashed potatoes but their grilled mash was very tasty. I am already trying to plan my next visit to the area to enjoy other menu items. Definitely a great place for brunch!!
(4)Elizabeth S.
Being a breakfast connoisseur I had to try this place after the great reviews and seeing it on phantom. Got here at 8am and place was already full but only had to wait 5 minutes. Not only is the food great but the service was A++ here. Would come back just for that reason. Owner definitely knows how to take care of his customers. Coffee was good, fresh squeeze OJ was delicious. Omelet was huge and probably one of the best I've ever had (I get tomato and cheddar omelet everywhere I go). Grilled mashed was amazing and chocolate chip pancakes were good. First time I did not eat everything on my plate because the portion was so big. Definitely would travel back to this place.
(5)Lillian M.
This place was super everything in my mind. If I lived in the neighbourhood, this would be my go to place for breakfast/brunch. The owner is crazy friendly and the staff is really enthusiastic. Drinks are self served but they will still help you and ask you if you need some more and top you up. The price for me and my husband was great for the quality and quantity of food. The best part was the food!! Tri-Berry French toast is the food of dreams and their omelettes amazing. They should open up a location in Toronto. The first time we waited in line for 10-15 minutes around noon and the second time we got there at 8:30 and just sat down. I would say it is worth waiting if you don't want to get up that early.
(5)Christina O.
Ball Square is easily my favorite breakfast spot. Their portions are huge, delicious, and consistent. The service is always fast and friendly, and the owner is so sweet and makes you feel at home. Their grilled mashed is my favorite there, along with any type of waffles, and their eggs benedict is just so so good. Oh! Definitely try their hot chocolate with their homemade whipped cream--heaven! The only small downside is with their growing popularity, there's generally a minimum 10 minute wait for a table, no matter what time or day, but I'm very happy for their success! It's definitely worth the wait.
(5)Nina V.
Ok so let premise this review by saying I go out to eat a lot,I enjoy good food but bad service can ruin even the best meal. Ball sq has a great menu,unique items with fresh ingredients and i haven't had a bad breakfast or lunch yet. However,I don't care how good the food is if the service sucks then you're going to the bottom of my list! So last Sunday myself as 4 others walked in and asked for a table. We were told by the waitress with the dark hair that very unpleasantly greeted me at to the door that we had to wait untill our entire party was there to be seated,fine. So I called my last 2 guests to confirm they had parked at which time I told the waitress we were "all set". She (not talked but said more sternly than you should ever talk to a customer" that "I told you I'm not seating you u till everyone is here". I confirmed they were parking,at which time she pointed with a finger at my father (who is also a frequent diner= good customer who spends money in their establishment) and she said "I've told HIM before I'm not seating you!" Well that was it,I don't care how good toe crab Benedict is....I'm paying to go out to eat not get talked down too!! I told her "where to go" and i was going to take my business next door to sound bites. So to end....I would highly recommend ball sq cafe that you hire some new help because bad service out weighs any good meal I ever had or will have. And btw- the bill was 110$ at sound bites and THEY APPRECIATED MY BUSINESS $.
(1)Nate S.
The food, service and prices were similar to 99% of the breakfast places you will find around here. The most memorable thing about this place is while they serve you your food, they make you get your own coffee. It makes absolutely no sense in a place as small as this cafe and was a real hassle during the weekend breakfast/brunch rush. I say leave service to the professionals and leave the coffee spills off my jacket.
(3)Amanda T.
This place runs like a well oiled machine. Mike at the door was making sure everyone in line knew how long the wait was going to be and offered coffee and tea to help keep warm. I loved that they had awning heaters to make the wait a little more tolerable on the 20 degree day I decided to try Ball Square Cafe. The line was definitely out the door and up the sidewalk a bit, but 30 minutes to wait on a Saturday for brunch isn't asking a lot for the impeccable meal I thoroughly enjoyed. I frequent The Paramount on Charles Street and would compare the two, but give Ball Square an extra star because of their customer service. It was clean, the staff was friendly and helped each other out so the turnover was quick, but not so you feel rushed. I got the banana and Nutella stuffed french toast and am salivating still just thinking about it. The hot chocolate topped with real whipped cream knocked my socks off. Next time, I've been advised to get the asparagus and prosciutto eggs Benedict. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Savannah H.
Went here for breakfast and r was pleasantly surprised! There was a bit of a wait but Mike (I'm assuming the manager?) came right up to us, was super upbeat, and asked if it was our first time there. He told us about how everything worked and walked us to the serve yourself drink area (all drinks except juices and hot coco are serve yourself) and let us have some while we waited outside. Theres an indoor and outdoor area to eat and while we were waiting, we saw him greet regulars and newbies just as excitedly as he did with us!!! Our waiter was equally friendly (I watched him sign a little girl's cast!!) and good natured. It is a relaxed but still lovely atmosphere. Food was about a 3.5-4 out of 5. I got a belgian waffle, bacon, my boyfriend got the french toast pancakes canadian bacon (NOT REAL BACON GOSH PEOPLE ITS A CIRCLE) and sausage. It was pretty good, I wasn't blown away by the taste but it was still pretty darn delicious. The people were a 6 out of 5, so that's a lot of the reason for 5 stars. All in all, I would definitley go back, just to have the experience again.
(5)Nick O.
A previous review said this place ruined breakfast for him forever. He was right. I don't think it's beatable. Nutella and banana stuffed French toast and hash benedict. I was sad when my food was gone.
(5)Flavia T.
It's about a 10 min walk from the Davis Sq. Station in Somerville, BUT IT WAS DEFINITELY WORTH IT. The service was just great. Everyone was so nice and the food! I went here for the first time last sunday, obviously it was packed with locals. The owner actually came over to our table and was such a great host. There was this old couple sitting right beside us, they seemed to know him and basically told us that they've been coming to Ball Sq. Cafe for the past 20 years! Once I decided on my breakfast order, French Toast (first one in that menu section) he told me he would bring me the "house special". What do I get? This amazing freshly made french toast platter with every kind of fresh cut fruit imaginable on top. Best breakfast I've had since I moved to Cambridge.
(5)Mike T.
-Excellent Tasting Food -High Quality food and not expensive -Good Service & Nice staff I will be going back. Note: I never normally eat breakfast food, I'm a lunch guy. My Story: Went here for the first time with my girlfriend the other day. Took her as
(5)Rachael B.
Amazzzing food, and so many choices! I went here for the first time about two weeks ago and Matt was my server, very friendly and accommodating. Excellent recommendations, very polite and great attitude too! All the servers here seem very pleasant and hospitable. I also love how you can get half orders! They have anything you could possibly want for breakfast, including delicious fresh squeezed orange juice! The tri-berry french toast is to die for. I also got an all protein breakfast sandwich (which had egg, spinach, salmon, tomato...) fabulous! They also have a lunch menu, which looks fantastic as well, I want to try it out soon. I don't think anyone could leave Ball Square Cafe disappointed.. that is, if they do decide to leave! Thank you Ball Square Cafe for such an amazing experience! I will be back soon!
(5)Lucy F.
Only one thing you need to know here, get the French toast. You won't be disappointed. Service was great as well, has a neighborhood local vibe.
(4)Sal L.
I don't even know where to begin. I drove by this place a couple years ago and said this has to be a great place just from the lines itself. There is no shortages of breakfast restaurants on this block so keep that in mind, that is not an exaggeration. My very first experience was nothing less than amazing. We had waited about 15 mins under the heaters outside that alone showed me that they care about the customers base. I don't know of any place that installs overhead out door heaters. We were approached by one of the owners Mike an he couldn't be more pleasant to me and everyone waiting. Not many business owners will make you feel like family. They make there environment feel more like home once your in an seated. The staff couldn't be more stellar than how they are. I can honestly say they have all waited on me. They literally roll out the red carpets for every customer from the greetings to actually getting to know there customers. I have not one bad word about there food,it's always fresh. I have also been here for lunch yet another amazing food,service experience. I totally recommend this place I have sent dozens of friends and never ever had a bad review come back to me, you need to go and try them out! Food recommendations. Any of the eggs Benedict dishes, love the steak & cheese omelette and for lunch I love there wraps and the bacon cheeseburger!! There portions sizes are incredible you will get your monies worth!!
(5)Kathy L.
Mike greeted us so wonderfully. The weather outside was freezing so I was nice that we got such a warm welcome. My friend and I had variations of the eggs Benedict. They were so good. We also split a side order of French toast and a grilled corn muffin. I thought I died and gone to heaven. The endless self serve coffee is a nice bonus.
(5)Wei W.
Having a craving for brunch but no idea where to go? Head to Ball Square Cafe for delicious, heaping portions of all sorts of breakfast food! We arrived at 12:30 on Sunday for brunch and noticed that the line for seating was out the door. Fortunately, we were seated within 5 minutes of standing in line in the space at Victor's Deli and Cafe, which is apparently owned by the same people who own Ball Square Cafe. We were handed clean, laminated, spiral-bound menus, and our waitress informed us that drinks were self-served within the Ball Square Cafe space. What did we order? - Fit for a King/Queen with French toast - Traditional Eggs Benedict with a side of sausage - 1/2 order of Asparagus and Prosciutto Eggs Benedict with a side of bacon and sausage - 2 orders of Strawberry Shortcake Waffles We certainly had our fill for the day - the plates were filled to the brim with food and delightfully tasty! For all that we ordered, the pricing was reasonable (about $10 a person). I'll certainly be back to try out the French toast and pancakes!
(4)Hana K.
Best breakfast food in (greater) Boston area! Delicious, fresh, affordable, large portions, plenty of options and just hits the spot after a night of heavy drinking! Food (a little over $10): BREAKFAST IN A BOWL -- comes with two eggs, potatoes, plenty of veggies -- additional $$ to add meat to this vegetarian dish Omelette -- HUGE omelette comes with 2 slices of toast, yummy potatoes that are in between mashed and hashbrown, and a nice slice of orange to top it off. Service is pretty much non-existent here. You have to go get your own water and drinks. But then again, who comes to a diner like restaurant looking forward to the service?! TIP: They do not take reservations -- be prepared to wait in line. If there is a long wait, stop by Lyndell's bakery to pick up a donut just for $1 to munch on while waiting for your table.
(4)Ash A.
Fresh squeezed orange juice. Freshest fruit I've ever seen! I NEVER get French toast, I'm usually a bacon and eggs kinda girl but when I saw the photos of the French toast with the delicious fruit I couldn't resist. Not disappointed with the caramelized bananas and strawberry French toast. I also got the grilled mashed potatoes out of curiosity and I am really impressed. Service was great and the food was perfect. Average prices for the great quality of food. Will definitely be coming here again.
(5)David B.
Had a gift certificate to go here. UNREAL reuben sandwich. Girlfriend has breakfast. Expensive but worth it because the quality is so good. I will def be back, tip top quality food.
(5)Carmine P.
Best brunch place in America. Go-to orders: -Bacon egg and cheese on croissant -Celtic green omelet w grilled mashed -Large fruit bowl (pro tip: pay $2 more to substitute an omelet side for a fruit side... For what you get, well worth it) -ANY stuffed french toast Cheap prices, excellent food, large portions. Only con: always a line in the weekend. However, well worth the wait.
(5)Rachel Z.
Staff is great, waffles are fresh and crispy. Everything seems to contain cheese, this is a blessing if you're not lactose intolerant.
(5)Mike M.
Two Californians on a short visit wishing we had a place like this back home! As soon as we arrived, the owner greeted us, shook our hand, and made us feel at-home. I loved the self-service drink preparation area -- what an awesome idea! The staff was extremely friendly and the menu was awesome. The food was great and now I'm gonna find any little reason to drop by this place when I'm back in the Boston-area again!
(5)Sidi L.
Homemade brunch styleï¼Foods are beautiful but taste is just fair. It's not the best brunch. But it's a choice if you live nearby. We drove a long way to there， while it does not worth a special come...
(3)Garfield M.
If you Love having breakfast, please go by there and enjoy the great experience yourself. Try the Macaroon French toast, it's to die for also the management, service and cleanliness is top shelf. You won't find an all around better breakfast joint on the planet!
(5)Joan C.
Haven't been here in awhile but decided to go back. I forgot how much this place is good! Fresh fruit and they ask you what you don't like which reduces waste! Had blueberry blues and it was delish! Fresh squeezed OJ everything cooked to my liking. We'll be back soon! Service was great... Thanks Brad....:)
(5)Ross H.
Spent the weekend visiting one of my besties that lives in Somerville. Made it to Ball Sq Cafe for an early Saturday morning brunch. Always a great time and here's why: - Food is very tasty and super reasonable. I'm obsessed with the Broadway Blues, but have had a bunch of their omelets and benedicts as well - Owner is hilarious - Service is usually pretty solid. Sometimes it can take a while to get your bill after you've eaten though - Drinks are self-serve, which is really nice when you're waiting outside in the winter... Definitely a must go if you're in the area. I still have yet to try Sound Bites next door - maybe next time.
(5)Brie P.
Returned a few weeks ago with my husband and two friends. We were seated next door because they were packed on a hot Sunday morning. Needless to say,we were all very happy with everything we ordered. As always, the owner was running around the place! Checking on people, greeting them and saying goodbye.
(5)Susanna L.
The service here is really magical. The owner, Mike, is well-loved and just seems like a genuinely great guy who tries to remember all of his customers and make them feel at home. The food is really good too. Their delite dishes are probably the best thing they have. Really huge and have a ton of every kind of fresh fruit. But truly, they have had a special for the last six weeks called the COCONUT MACAROON FRENCH TOAST WITH BLACKBERRY DRIZZLE and it is absolute heaven. Try it while it's still available!!!
(5)Courtney C.
Lived in Somerville all my life and no breakfast place around compares to BSC. Even if there is a wait (which is always worth it) Mike will come out to greet you and make sure you're doing okay. While you wait you can also go inside to get yourself a cup of coffee. The food is always so amazing, and you get a ton of it. Their fruit is so fresh as well. Love BSC and it will always be my #1 breakfast choice!
(5)Iva B.
Here is yet another 5 star review for BSC! I have come here 4 times now and each time has been fantastic. On weekends there is usually a wait but it moves relatively quickly. The food is incredible. Such a huge variety and everything is always cooked perfectly. The grilled mashed are to die for. And the service is consistently awesome! The ones that stand out in my mind are Jason and Gabrielle (maybe Gabriella, can't remember), they are both terrific! I could probably eat breakfast here every morning and not get sick of this place!
(5)J P.
Had breakfast here this morning with my honey and my boo the food was delicious. Such a cute place I love how you can make your own coffee hot/cold or tea. The fresh squeezed oj was amazing. We shared a fruit plate that looked like it came from Whole Foods. Everything from the eggs, fruit to the french toast was so good. The employees are very friendly and welcoming. Awesome place!!!
(5)Terry S.
I was coming to Somerville with my for her physical so we decided to leave early & have breakfast. This place came up with some decent accolades so we took a shot. Food was great, love the self serve coffee bar & our server, Jason, was very nice, helpful & quite the salesman. Here's a few pics of our meal.
(5)Ron A.
Such a great place! Friendly stuff and mike the owner is such a great person. My new Sunday brunch spot
(5)Edwin S.
This place was great! The customer service was amazing, everyone was so friendly. I wanted to come here for a while, but was intimidated by the line. However after breakfast here I understand the hype! This is a must try spot!
(5)Jeanie C.
Had their eggs benedict, which was tasty. I had both potatoes and the mashed is way better than the house potatoes. Both are still amazing though.
(5)Mariana R.
This place is brunch heaven! I went there today with my fiancé and we were utterly pleased! The host Mike was a fantastic mediator in terms of keeping the customers in line happy and moving. There was a 15-20 minute wait but it was a pleasant experience and once inside totally worth it. The coffee bar is self serve which was perfect alternative to the long wait. We strongly recommend anything on the menu and totally worth the wait.
(5)Felix G.
Easing into a Sunday is an important part of any weekend, and at Ball Square Cafe, they let you do just that. There's usually a line for brunch, but the wait provides time to talk to friends and bills the anticipation of the meal. This last time I went the service was a bit slower, but the staff was kind and the food, when it did arrive, was exactly what breakfast should be. As far as brunch places go, this is as good as it gets.
(5)Jackie E.
Better than Sound Bites, Kelly's, or any other brunch places nearby. Best staff, always willing to accommodate your preferences, little on the pricier side for breakfast but so worth it. We are regulars to Ball Sq Cafe and don't plan on changing that. Everything is cooked to order, to your liking, and sometimes they'll make things that aren't even on the menu. Our most recent trip here (today) my boyfriend and I placed our order and I asked to have my order slightly different than offered, our server joked "Of course you can, it's your day!", keeping the banter going, my boyfriend jokingly said "Don't say that! Next thing you know there will be a candle in her omelet and I'll be hearing about it all day!" .. wouldn't you know my order came with a candle on top. You don't get better service. Family owned, perfectly run, fantastic food and a great experience. DON"T BOTHER GOING ANYWHERE ELSE!
(5)Maria C.
I love this place! Decided to give it a try after discovering it on Yelp and have recommended it to a number of colleagues. The menu has a lot of great choices, portions are good, prices are decent, and the service is great. My second time there, the owner kindly introduced himself to us and was really friendly. I appreciate managers/owners who take the time to care and make their customers feel welcome.
(5)Xiaojing W.
Today is my first time to here for breakfast. It is very nice to have a warm welcome when we step in the door. Waiters are very nice and always offer help. And the food, wonderful, fresh juices and fantastic French bread. I very enjoy my meal in here. Will spend more time with my friend in here~
(5)Daniel T.
Super friendly staff...new years day was crazy busy we had to wait in the cold for about an hour so that was no fun but not their fault. Staff was the best part super nice and attentive. The food was really good all in all I recommend.
(4)Lynnith R.
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars here. Quality of food was a 2-3, preparation was a 3-4 and service was a 4. Hours later my bellyache says to round down slightly. Pros: generous portion sizes and friendly service. The single pancake I ate was like 3x as much pancake as I needed. Our eggs were cooked to specification, and the bacon was well cooked but the flavor was strange (just a cheaper more processed product than I'm used to maybe?). Fruit bowl had excellent variety, but none of the selections were in their prime. Also - they have gluten free bread products which is really nice. The owner was making the rounds entertaining the line and making sure everyone was happy. The bathroom was clean enough (impressive with how many people there were using it!) Cons: coffee was very weak and needed lots of sugar (which I don't typically use). Quality of groceries they use is lower than what I typically eat. I didn't feel great after breakfast....but it's probably my fault for sugar and so much pancake and processed meat. Next time I come I would like to remember to have coffee at home first, and to bring my own maple syrup to avoid the up charge for a small amount (which is typical of establishments like these, but annoying because those jars are never enough). $40/feasting for 2 people, also....FYI. (Had a nice time, but don't feel like we got $40 in nutrition)
(3)Queenie K.
My friends and I came here at 8am, there've already full of people!!! But luckily we didn't wait too long. The food was so delicious and worth the price. I like the free beverage bar that u can refill again and again. Also, the employees are friendly and polite as well. I will definitely come back again and again.
(5)Christina P.
Yesssss, the best brunch place! This is the place that you dream about when you want breakfast foods. Just picture the fat slices of stuffed french toast, huge waffles topped with all the best fruits, meaty omelettes, perfect poached eggs benedicts... everything!! The line is long after 9AM on weekends but they have a decently efficient system to keep the line moving. Just don't dawdle when you're done or you have people (like me) giving you the evil eye. Coffee and water are self-serve and they usually have a couple great specials. They let you do half-orders so you can try more! Had a 1/2 order of french toast and 1/2 order of eggs benedict. Kept it simple. My only complaint is I wanted more and everything else that other people were eating. I think I have a problem... Next time I need to try the nutella stuffed french toast and then go to the gym right after. The fresh-squeezed OJ is delicious and refreshing but at $6 it's a premium. The constant line here is a testament to how good it is. Definitely the place to go to satisfy your brunch cravings.
(5)Jeffrey Y.
Great breakfast place. Food is good, servers are friendly. Can't miss with any of the omelettes, French toast, or even the breakfast plates. Omar's home fries which are grilled mashed are delicious. Coffee is self serve; typically I like to use the mug and then get a to-go cup when I'm about to leave. My only complaint is they have this 'entire party must be here' policy to be seated which imo is not necessary. Not great for parties of 4 or more although they expanded with next door seating. Food is served quickly. ps. Server Matt has a great attitude.
(4)Marilyn T.
Direct competition with Sound Bites! You could potentially choose your brunch place depending on which one has a shorter line, since both are usually packed on the weeekends. Typical breakfast things are on the menu, but must haves include the crab benedict and the nutella-banana stuffed French toast. Also add some grilled corn muffins and a giant fresh fruit bowl to help balance the grease of the giant breakfast portions. Service is quick and friendly, coffee is ok (but I'm picky about my coffee). Worth a wait for brunch (unless there's a blizzard outside).
(3)Karmen W.
So before I even start writing, I'm thinking of things that I don't like about this place- even just a little bit. But nope! I absolutely adore this place and on my 5th or 6th visit, I brought my friend here and now he shares the same love I have for this place. 1. I'm not a big fan of parallel parking but the street parking available in this area isn't a hassle at all. 2. I'm ALWAYS welcomed by the owner or acknowledged by him somehow. Seeing a friendly owner always sets the mood right. 3. You get a good amount of yum-tastic food for a great price. The Multigrain Delight is my go-to if I'm shooting for something sweet for breakfast/brunch. It's got a MOUNTAIN of fresh fruit on top of that waffle ..which I'm in love with. But if you're feeling adventurous, there're a lot of other options on the menu, and don't forget to look at the specials! And from my last visit, I noticed they had added a Lobster Eggs Benedict (if it's not that new, then I guess I haven't been there for a while), and after seeing that, I instantly made my mind to get it. Perfect for the summer for breakfast! Breakfast fit for champs :)
(5)Layla P.
AMAZING french toast - but I have a lot of work to do - they have Seven different kinds of french toast! Not to mention pancake and waffle sections The SEVEN: 1.Omar's Favorite With powdered sugar 2. Caramelized Banana 3. Caramelized Banana and Strawberries 4. Banana Stuffed with cream cheese 5. Caramelized Strawberry 6. Caramelized Apple-Cinnamon 7. Tri-Berry I will make it my duty to try all 7 of course. The Caramelized Banana and strawberries (or just bananas or just strawberries) was fantabulous - don't get the extra real maple syrup, there's plenty of wonderful liquid sugar to dip it in already. The banana and cream cheese stuffed french toast had just the right amount of cream cheese but I would go with the caramelized hands down. The caramelized apple cinnamon was also great, especially if you like apple over banana, the soft cooked slices of caramelized apple are nicely arranged atop the french toast. The banana and walnut pancakes were not as good as the french toast but still amazing; one of the omelets I tired was cooked just perfectly, the veggies inside seem so fresh, and the grilled mashed potatoes are to die for. Also, the fruit bowls are fabulous with melon, kiwi, mango, papaya...yum, the waitstaff is great and friendly, the drinks are self-serve, you're going to wait in line but a good tactic is to hang out in True Grounds across the street until you see the line die down and then go jump right in (or go earlier - they open at 7 or 7:30 I think)! Mike is (one of?) the owner and he makes it his duty to introduce himself and remember you - it's adds a lot to the place and I adore him!
(5)Alexandra A.
Unbeatable service, great food, & great atmosphere. The wait can be a little long - but what can you expect when you want the best brunch in Boston. The French toast, omelets, grilled mashed, and fruit plate cannot be beat. My only hope is that they'll start offering fresh pressed juices and smoothies. Mike - thank you for alway providing a wonderful experience!
(5)June B.
Had the Crab Eggs Benedict and large Fruit Bowl...both were just ok. Nothing to write home about. Also had a bite of the Belgian Waffle with syrup and the best part was sadly the syrup. Totally overrated IMO.
(3)Franchesca C.
The French toast are to die for!! My friends ordered the regular eggs Benedict and they loved it. Service is perfect. The owner actually walks around and speaks to his guests which an nice touch to the overall experience.
(5)Alex O.
This place is amazing. The Avocado Tomato Eggs Benedict dish is ineffably delicious: mouth-watering, close-your-eyes, eyeball-rolling-in-your-eye-sockets good. Fuck, that was a good breakfast. While not cheap (some things cost $6, others $12), it's an experience well worth the long line. The staff is SUPER FRIENDLY and the owner, Mike, makes you feel immediately at home. You will return to this place at least twice. Again, it's an experience. Do yourself a favor and come here--you won't regret it and neither will your stomach.
(5)Carrie P.
Reasons to not go here: -You do not want delicious food -You hate fast service -Brunch is your enemy -You don't like when the owner is friendly with the customers You look at the line and you think, "Goodness gracious, WHY would I want to wait in like for 30 minutes for brunch? Boston/Somerville/Cambridge are brunch havens. I can find somewhere with no wait" Which you can, but they don't come with a side of awesome, drizzled in fantastic. If you think you will be cold waiting in line, you are WRONG. There are heaters in the awnings, so you will stay nice and toasty warm. The food here is pretty standard brunch food, although they do mix it up a bit. Like many places in the area, it is vegetarian friendly. Even though the line was on the longer side, the food makes it worth the wait. The grilled mashed potatoes are delicious. The breakfast drinks are fantastic. The waffles are fluffy and sweet. The eggs are cooked to perfection. The only thing that prevents this place from having a 5 star review is that you get rushed out of the restaurant to clear the tables (which is understandable, but a bit annoying). The owner is always really kind about it, but it is still a little sad when I don't get to sit and digest my food for more than a minute.
(4)Shawn L.
After reading all the hype about Ball Square Cafe we drove down to Somerville from Woburn last weekend and wow was it worth the 15 min drive. This is def a 5 star breakfast place.
(5)Eric F.
A most worthy brunch spot in Ball Square (who'd have thunk?) that destroys a nearby establishment that shall remain unnamed... As some others have mentioned, the proprietor, Mike, was quite the charismatic one and set a great tone for the rest of our brunch experience. I don't think I've ever seen anyone so attentive to guests in line as he provided frequent updates and made sure that we were more than welcome to grab some self-serve beverages while we waited. Upon being seated, my friends and I went with a mix of omelettes, the Moroccan breakfast and French Toast Delight for myself. Simply put, it was pretty darn delicious! Though not the best I've had, the toast itself had great weight and held its own. It was complemented exceptionally well by the TONS of fresh fruit piled high atop as well as hefty dollops of whipped cream. If it isn't apparent by now, the portion was most generous and the same was true for the omelettes. I didn't get a chance to try them, but my friends said they all enjoyed their dishes. As for ambiance and service, both got the job done. Despite the minimal square footage, BSC's seating arrangement made it feel much more spacious than I expected. I'd also note that one of the younger waitresses was a bit too obvious with her little stink eye when my group split the check with several credit cards. She could learn a lot from Mike with regards to customer service.
(4)Lily W.
Wow, this place is great. I have only been here once, so maybe I am not quite authorized to give them 5 stars. However, I have been to Sound Bites next door and have enjoyed dining there very much as well. Ball Square Cafe has a similar menu; however, it has, in my opinion, "cleaner vibes" than Sound Bites. The decor is smoother, more modern: less diner and more contemporary American. With that being said, the menu IS very similar. They serve a great selection of omelettes, including the option to make your own with whatever, really. My friend ordered an omelette with monterey jack and avocado, and I opted to have the avocado and tomato eggs Benedict, with grilled mash on the side. Our food arrived promptly, and my friend, who is an avid mashed potato loved, swooned over the grilled mash potato. It was garlicky, flavorful, and quite honestly, really delicious. My eggs were also quite good; the hollandaise was flavorful. My friend had some qualms about her omelette; she asked me to taste it to see if I thought the cheese tasted like jack cheese. I wasn't very sure, but I still thought it was an excellent omelette regardless, and it came with huge chunks of fresh avocado. We also ordered 2 whole wheat strawberry chocolate chip pancakes. They were ENORMOUS, but beautiful and very, very, good. My only complaint(which might be out of their control) is that after you go, the smell of the place (kind of like diner grease) will linger on your clothes. My friend complained that she smelled like "Chinese food" for the rest of the day. Overall, I would return: again and again and again.
(5)Michelle A.
Going on a weekday is so much easier. Walked right in and sat down. Michael had time to actually talk to us without the stress of a line extending down to Lyndell's Bakery. Grilled Mashed was HUGE and tasty but I next time I will get it well done. E and I ordered your basic breakfast fare. Love me some grilled english muffins! Only bad thing was the girl who sat behind me kept flipping her hair and hitting me with it. 3rd time's a charm and I politely asked her to stop. I know she was probably bitching to her friend about my audacity but guess what? I don't care! It's pretty rude and quite unnecessary to flip your hair in a restaurant.
(4)AJ R.
It was a wednesday morning, felt lazy to make breakfast and I googled the local breakfast restaurants, I saw reviews for this place and went there. The moment we stepped in, we were greeted by a very nice gentleman named Mike and from start to end, he provided a pleasant service to us. For this A+. Now I choosed to go with *Fit for the King* breakfast plate and added few veggies which costs *0.50c for each and $11.50 plate became $16+. Even my toast that should come with the plate were charged extra (I paid though!). For 2 persons, I paid around $60. That's way outrageous, for that its B. Overall nice ambience, great service, pricey food. It's alright to give a try :)
(3)Denise N.
I went here today for breakfast with my mom. We were pleasantly greated by brittany who went over menu and specials. Brad took our order (was very helpful going through some of the descriptions). We were promptly served and everything was perfect! French Toast was so thick, eggs cooked just how I asked, and lots of bacon (not just two pieces)! The service and the food was top notch. Some of the friendliest staff I've ever encountered. It wasn't busy and someone from the kitchen even came out to ask how things were. I will go back and will highly recommend!
(5)Louis G.
Years after hearing about the hype, I decided to trek into Ball Square to finally check out this cafe. I arrived on a weekday morning around 11:30 to an empty cafe. The day's weather was brutally cold so I imagine that had a lot to do with it. Upon arrival, I was promptly seated and given menus by a friendly waitress named Christina. She let me know that the beverage station was self-serve and I was able to get refills on various flavors of coffee. They have some of the best coffee on this side of the Charles! As I was thumbing through their very broad, spiral-bound menu, more tables started to fill up. A range of customers filled the space including everyone from old men to hipsters. I had a grilled muffin that was prefect, eggs cooked just the way I like them, and a not-too-salty turkey bacon. The potatoes that they included with my breakfast were a large slab of what seemed to be mashed potatoes cooked on the grill so that they have a hard brown crust. The quantity on those was a bit excessive and the flavor was good but I think they are better suited for a lunch or dinner plate rather than alongside eggs. Service was good and the prices were fair for the huge quantity of food provided. I'm looking forward to returning and tasting more of their menu offerings.
(4)Claire W.
"Oh my god" was all I could think while relishing my breakfast. The Belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream made my toes curl. I couldn't remember the last time I had such fresh, rich whipped cream. The berries were ripe and firm and the tang of the strawberries went so well with the whipped cream and syrup. I will dream about this waffle. I was feeling decadent so I ordered a breakfast sandwich, too, on a croissant no less. The turkey sausage was well spiced and there were two generous patties on the sandwich! It was really greasy in the best way possible between the buttery croissant and the sausage. I happily took home my leftovers. That breakfast was so satisfying that I feel at peace with the world. (Side notes: Mike, the owner is very friendly and welcoming. Also, you get seated faster if you're a group of two or a solo flyer like myself. I was seated in ten minutes while standing in a line of thirty people at 9:30 on a Sunday. Shazam! I love how fast the food is served after you order!)
(5)Rachel B.
Definitely good, but not worth the ridiculous wait on a Sunday.
(3)Josh P.
We love going to Ball Square Cafe. Mike, the owner, is always there (at least the times we've gone) and the service is always excellent. At our most recent visit, everyone in our party received complimentary hot chocolate since we were waiting outside for our table. For the food, they have a great selection of omelets, and personally, the gluten-free pancakes are amazing. While they don't take reservations, if you have a large party and call the day before, they just might be able to accommodate you (no waiting!); they have done this twice for us. All in all, one of my favorite breakfast places.
(4)Vance W.
I'll describe this restaurant in 1 word. "AWESOME"
(4)Jonique S.
*Tips for newbies:* 1) If you're waiting to be seated or waiting in line, stay off of the black carpet (fire hazard I presume :) 2) As you're waiting to be seated, help yourself to drinks. The pumpkin spice coffee was absolutely superb. It is probably tastier than even my over-the-top Starbucks concoction. 3) Make sure that all members in your party are with you before requesting a seat. 4) If you get an omelet and have to choose between the chopped potato home fries or Omar's mashed and grilled hash brown... CHOOSE THE MASHED & GRILLED! It was herb-y in the best way...not aggressive, and extremely distinct and memorable. 5) If you're trying to decide between this place and its neighbor and rival, choose Ball Square Cafe! I found it to be cleaner, warmer, more welcoming, more fragrant, and more in tune with the little details (that matter)! Ball Square Cafe cares about the customer. I like that in a venue. If you're indifferent then feel free to go next door! 6) Whatever you planned on talking about with your party, will be null and void. For 2 hours, all my friends and I did was eat, talk about the food we were eating, and take pictures of food (ours and other folks') ---I haven't seen my friends in a while but we just too impressed with our overall dining experience and our plans to discuss NYE plans, never happened. *Pros:* 1) The owner, Mike, knows how he wants his business to run. He runs a tight ship! He has both customer and server/owner etiquette at the forefront of his mind. He was friendly and even brought my party a complimentary strawberry-shortcake Belgian waffle (just because) that we devoured! 2) The food is amazing! I am a stickler for ambiance, food presentation and food taste. Truth be told, I like food that gives a darn! I like food that does an additional mirror check before leaving the kitchen. Not only was the food at Ball Square Cafe delicious, but it was also beautiful! I took pictures of everything! 3) What we ordered: Nova Smoked Salmon Omelet, Artichoke Omelet, Celtic Omelet 5 stars for--- flavor, freshness, fragrance, friendliness, and the familial feel *The Only Con:* It's too late to add an additional door to keep out the inclement weather, but I wish there was some kind of partition or something to separate the diners from the elements (on such brisk days like today! 27 degrees F!) *I wonder if...* * ...they do outdoor seating in the summer time. I hope so. I will definitely be back to Mike's Ball Square Cafe! *... it was intentional to have the women busting the tables and the fellas taking the orders (I kind of liked the contrast as it ensured that every customer's attention was on the food and experience vs getting overly and inappropriately comfortable with the wait-staff)
(5)Catie F.
Update: I just HAD to come back and share again. I've been to Ball Sq Cafe a few more times in the past couple of weeks, and every time the service and food have been amazing. Two weeks ago, I showed up in a group of 6 (post-run brunch) to find a line practically down the street. We decided if the wait was too long, we'd find an alternative. When I went to ask the manager what he thought, he said, "well, there's a bunch of big groups ahead of you and the line is long... but my parents own the place nextdoor (a deli) and I can open that up and seat you right now if you don't mind being served in there." WHAT?! Mike opened up the restaurant nextdoor, gave us rockstar seating (and service) with no wait! He even turned on the music and showed us around. I just cannot believe how accomodating this place is on top of all the deliciousness. A++!
(5)Alex B.
I try to be pretty critical usually. I will start off by saying that this was the best breakfast I had in the Boston area to date. It may have been the company, the food, my mood, or a combo of all of the above. Point is, this place is great. We were originally heading to Sound Bites but decided to give this place a shot. The owner was outside, inviting people in to grab drinks as they waited. Waiting in line sucks, but getting that personal attention from the owner definitely made things easier. He would also come back from time to time letting us know how long before we would be seated. Drinks and coffee are self serve and you can ask for ice and make your own iced coffee just the way you like it. As for the food, we had a fruit salad which we learned from talking with Mike that contained 13 types of fruit. All extremely fresh and tasty. I ordered the Lobster Bene (used real lobster) and my girlfriend had the Corned Beef Hash Bene. We shared and both were phenomenal. At the end of the meal Mike asked us how everything was which somehow led to about 20 min of him sitting with us and talking with us about where we were from and how he got the place started. Now i am following the place on twitter and I am friends with the owner on facebook. This place will definitely be my new Sunday brunch spot. Also want to add that it has been at least a year since I left a tip as high as I did at this place. You really have to blow me away with your service to get more than 20% and this place did the job.
(5)David A.
Went here this morning after hearing quite a few good things. Definitely a disappointment. The good: * Service was fine * The Belgian waffle we ordered, with caramelized bananas and walnuts, was pretty solid. Not the best I've ever had, but above average. Word of warning: you don't need any extra syrup with this particular one. The bad: * Their "homemade whipped cream" is basically Cool Whip extruded out of a pastry bag. We even asked our server about it, and she - honestly, to her credit - told us that it was "non-dairy stuff from a mix." So "home-made whipped cream" = "home-mixed whipped topping." Gross. * The Hollandaise sauce on the eggs benedict was downright awful. Mealy, unnervingly yellow, too tangy, and totally insubstantial in terms of flavor. My girlfriend didn't even finish hers. * Hash browns are a highly subjective thing. I like mine crispy and near-burned. These were far from it. * The bacon was incredibly thin. I can honestly say that I've had better at Burger King.
(2)Steedman B.
If it's slammed, the staff are friendly. If it's slow, the staff are friendly. Take your pick.
(5)Andrew B.
This place is very good. I love the eggs Benedict's. The sweet potato fries are one of a kind. I also get excellent service. The price of a breakfast sandwich is very cheap, even cheaper than your regular fast food place. The only thing I got that I didn't like was the Ruben. It was a mess and the meat was very tough to bite through. The prices were just raised, which decreases my enthusiasm. They should really be open later in the evening.
(4)Dave F.
To start with, I have never and probably will never eat in here. The mere idea of waiting in such a long line to sit in a cafe and eat breakfast goes against everything I believe in. As it stands, the line is enough to make me hesitant to even order, just to avoid the awkward feeling of just walking in while everyone else stands outside and glares at me. So why endure the awkward feelings of jealous patrons and feeling like you're committing some grievous sin by cutting in line? Because the food is delicious, obvs. I usually go the Fit for a King (or Queen) breakfast plate, because it gives me the most options and then I can eat as many amazing things as possible. My favorites are the tri-berry pancakes and the banana and nutella-stuffed french toast, and the veggie sausage. Sometimes I'll change it up and get the Broadway Blues, because a blueberry muffin sliced in half and grilled, with so much butter it's practically dripping, is amazing, and the only thing that can drag me away from the pancake/french toast options. I still don't understand why people wait in line for this, though. I can't imagine standing outside for so long just to sit in and eat this food that I can bring home and enjoy just as well curled up on my couch. The interior seems chaotic, and I don't think I could relax the way the servers fly around the dining area. As it stands, it's hard enough just to pick up food while dodging around the servers like a drunk in a Wild West saloon being told to dance by a guy in a black hat. I would love to eat this food every single morning for the rest of my life, but I would be have a very large belly and a very small wallet. Instead it makes for a nice treat when the mood strikes me. And whenever that mood strikes, I know it's going to be the right decision.
(4)Laura B.
"when ya heyah, ya family!" ball square cafe deserves to use that slogan more than olive garden does- 'cause at ball square cafe it's actually true. when mike walked in the door, i instantly knew he was the owner and we were all welcomed guests in his house. he greeted everyone, kissed the babies, held the door for delivery men, hugged his waitstaff, and then hung up his coat. i can't remember the last time i witnessed a restaurant manager who was so genuinely warm and hospitable. the pros: awesome breakfast menu. superior service. hospitable, lively vibe. lovable management. (if i could give them more stars i would.) con: the wait. if you go on a weekend around 9-11am, you'll wait for at least an hour for a table. probably more. the food and service will be worth it, but be prepared- the cafe only has about 14 tables (10 two-tops, 4 four-tops), so the turn over is slower than at larger establishments. if you do not want to wait, i suggest going either earlier in the morning at 7 or 8am, or going on a weekday. alternatively, you could order for pick-up. tips: try the grilled mashed instead of the diced home fries. they're airy, peppery, and buttery! the small fruit plate is more than enough for one person and surprisingly diverse (not just the traditional melon/banana/apple combo, but also mango, blueberry, blackberry, kiwi, orange, pineapple, et al.) and is a bargain at $5. for bottomless self serve coffee, grab a mug. it'll cost $3.50. if you just want one cup, grab a disposable, paper cup for $1.75. check out ball square cafe and enjoy the paradox that is ball square, somerville.
(5)Leslie S.
I've been to Ball Square Cafe many, many times. We started going when Sound Bites moved next door and it was a pleasant relief from the bad customer service we were used to getting. Always had great service and great food... until today. Food was good as usual, and our waitress was sweet, however, on more than one occasion, the waitress kicked my designer handbag that was resting on the floor beside my chair. I kept moving it back out and finally asked her to stop touching my bag. She explained that her boss (Mike) would have a fit if it were in the aisle (which it was not) so I told her that he could ask me to move it if it were a problem. Sure enough, he quickly came over and asked me to put it under my chair (which wasn't very clean). I picked it up as we were done with our meal anyway. Instead of dropping the subject, Mike continued to say in a loud voice, "it's all about the safety". Huh? It's not like the aisles are that small, nor was the restaurant crowded, nor was my bag in anyone's way at all. I then proceeded to ask Mike if maybe he could install hooks under the tables for the bags so that this wouldn't be a problem in the future. He went on about customers with huge legs and how would that work with hooks. What? He sure was acting crazy! Not the customer service I've come to expect. Not sure I'll be a back anytime soon. My girlfriend that was with me said that at a recent visit she was asked by Mike to hurry up and finish eating. Seems like we're back to the old Sound Bite days again. Yikes! UPDATE TO MY REVIEW BASED ON OWNER'S COMMENT: I can't find a way to respond publicly to a comment from Mike, the owner of Ball Square Cafe, to my original review, so it seems I have to edit my original review. My issue was not with the waitstaff, thus there would be NO reason to discipline them. My frustration was with Mike, the owner. My description of what happened is accurate and honest. The server DID kick my bag under the seat a few times. She actually seemed scared of being disciplined by Mike for letting me "keep it in the aisle". She was sweet and just doing her job. The feedback of installing hooks for ladies' purses was a good suggestion, at least I thought, but when Mike went off about larger people and the size of their legs hitting the hook, etc. it became comical. We left. I don't plan to be back. Food is good. Waitress was lovely. Owner needs to learn customer service skills. That's it. End of discussion.
(1)Leon P.
ball square consistently holds a top five spot in my breakfest spot power rankings. They dont try and reinvent the wheel, but just do everything really really well. Not a bad choice on the menu, which is gigantic without being intimidating.
(5)Meghan M.
When I moved to Somerville a year ago, I tried this place on a recommendation. Holy whoa am I glad I did. Now I come here at least once a week (usually on a weekday so I don't have to wait in line). I've tried just about every omelet- The Tunisian or the Nova are my faves. and I absolutely live for the fruit plate. Everywhere else a fruit plate is 'meh' to me now. They give you a mountain of every type of fruit you could want. Ask for shredded coconut on top. Best pumpkin spice coffee ever. Oh and best owner ever! Mike makes you feel like family as does the rest of the staff. This is my favorite neighborhood spot, I wish i could give it 6 stars.
(5)Cindy W.
I would give this a 5 star but I had to take one away for the lack of parking in the area. Mike (the owner) and his staff can cook a mean breakfast!!!! Everything on the menu looks and sounds awesome. Mounds of fresh cut fruit on top of large warm fluffy pancakes served with REAL maple syrup. I didn't know that there was a such thing as "real syrup" v. syrup until Mike brought it to our table. There is a difference...REAL DIFFERENCE. As for other suggestions to get...the sweet pepper corn hash. YUMS!! If you here with a few friends/family, get a side of grilled mashed home fries. THink of it as garlic mashed potatoes, grilled. Can't really explain it well...but it was dam good. I would like to add that I really like their "get your own drink" concept. Cool! The only gripe I have about this place is the parking. But that is nothing they could do. Its somerville...parking sucks.
(4)Lisa L.
Super friendly staff and super yummy food! Great eggs Benedict, yummy pear & goat cheese waffles.
(5)Beth R.
Ball Square Cafe was great. I loved the coffee bar, the portions were big, and the food was overall really delicious. I would give it 4 stars only on the fact the pricing wasn't very transparent. Definitely a place I will be back to.
(4)Hannah M.
Line out the door is softened by the wonderful heat lamps overhead. Once inside, it's bustling, but not too loud. Food is good, coffee is overpriced, and hot chocolate falls flat (although presentation is outstanding). You cannot be seated until the entire party is present, which seems fair given the length of the line, particularly on weekends. Service is quick, but they don't push you out the door. A solid Ball Square breakfast joint (as is, ohhhh, here comes blasphemy, the joint next door).
(3)Andreas W.
We had a short wait on 4th July for breakfast but Mike came out, kept us a little happy while waiting in the morning sun with the other hungry couples! A good start for the beginning. Inside its nice and clean, busy and friendly staff. Beverages are self serving and are okay, no specialties but almost everything the breakfaster would be looking for. We decided for selfmade iced coffees that are a little bit on the "thin" side, but ok, american coffee. For Food we went for the Moroccan Breakfast Plate and a Salmon Omelette. As i have been in Morocco and am a big fan of north african cuisine, and Cumin was involved, I was quite interested. I heard one of the owners is Moroccan (he is Algerian I learned later) so I was curious. The meal was fresh and tasty but I missed the typical moroccan style of spices and tastes. So... A welcome difference to the normal american breakfast selection, but nothing groundbreaking. I got pork sausages with it and it came with potatoes, which were great. The Salmon Omelette was fresh and the Salmon (Nova Salmon) was very tender and tasty, but the lack of a special "bling" didnt made it stand out from the crowd. The Mozarella cheese is a bit too solid, a better cheese may improve this meal. It came with thick chunky fries and Toast. After all, a nice and good place to stay. Too loud for easy conversation during breakfast time and pretty highly frequented, so count in some wait time. I would go again and try the waffles :)
(4)Jade R.
Holy Guacamole, I just found my new breakfast joint! Let's see. A HUMUNGO bowl of fruit that (and I'm not even talking about the large size) for 4.95? That has not only the common plethora of melons, but actually a cornucopia of different fruits? Please and THANK YOU! On to bigger things now... the pear and goatcheese french toast. Yes, it exists. And what a brilliant idea. The Mediterranean with feta... Giant omelete with the request of a blueberry muffin on the side. yumyumyum and more yum. Also, the self serve coffee - I don't know if I like it or hate it. I guess I'm more so on the like side, because I get to make my coffee any which way AND there's a variety... but part of going out is to be fully waited on... but.... it was kind of homey-feeling that I can just get up and choose my own, doin' my own thing... but...but...but I just don't know yet. Our server was awesome - I knew his name that day, but now, after a couple of weeks, I forgot :( Would have loved to give him kudos! He was awesome and friendly. Seemed like he loved being there - always a nice plus. I'm full writing this review - just remembering the huge, delicious and perfectly priced meals, makes me want to take a nice long nap now!
(4)Paige L.
I only go to Ball Sq. when my friend is visiting from out of town, and I love when we get to go there. The staff is kind, they recognize my friend even though she hasn't been back in a year, and even have a 2nd room next door! We had someone who lives next door save us a spot in line- so when we got there, it was time for us to be seated! We were seated next door and the ONLY downside was going outside to get water, tea and coffee next door in the main restaurant. Otherwise, they have awesome options, so go! This time I got their special- pumpkin waffle with walnuts and bananas. While I didn't like it too much, my friend did. I do not hold this again Ball Sq. at all. My decision to get it! The prices are okay, but its a well liked place, so I expect it. I'll eat there anytime. Go! Yum!
(4)Hillary V.
Their food is good enough for a 5, but the amount of time we spent waiting was ludicrous. Because we were a table of 3, we kept getting passed over while 2s and 5s went in ahead of us.
(3)Bobby C.
Three of my friends and I came here for bunch on Saturday around 12:30. It was nice that the manager/owner would come out to update people on the wait and inform us that we could get coffee or juice as we waited. There was one guy ahead of us. He was waiting for his three other buddies. The owner informed all parties that it is a first come first serve basis. Since our entire group was all present, we would get the next table since not everyone in the other party had shown up yet. The guy in front of us got annoyed with the "rules." The manager explained the situation if allowed that to happen. 30 mins go by and two of his buddies show up. The manager and the guys in the party in front of us talk some more. A table opens up, and they get seated. We eventually get seated. Later on the fourth guy from that party shows up. Supposedly they ordered from him something to-go. He joined and ate with the guys. I didn't care either way. Thought I'd share my experience. Large menu selection, good portions, decent service. The manager must have liked the guys since he checked on them a bunch of times.
(3)Joyce T.
I love their Belgian Waffles (especially with the caramelised apple cinnamon topping)!
(5)Jeff M.
Huge plates and self serve beverages including coffee.
(4)Laura N.
I had breakfast here this morning and it was absolutely delish. My breakfast partner did note that the menu looked exactly the same as Soundbites, next door, but we're not judging who came first. I will say that I was very, very pleased with Ball Square Cafe's execution - their grilled blueberry muffin made my morning. I had the "Broadway Blues" plate with the muffin, a cheddar cheese omelet, yummy mashed potato style grilled homefries, and bacon. So much food. I didn't finish, but I did leave happy. My only complaint is that I felt a little rushed because the waitstaff checked to see if we were done 5 or 6 times (I was trying to eat as much as possible, haha, but I had to slow down!) I think that's a danger of trying to get breakfast on Saturday mornings in Ball Square when the lines are out the door at every place.
(4)Isabella R.
Came here for Sunday brunch with friends and family. It was a little crazy, probably because the restaurant itself was extremely busy and a lot of ppl were running around... Positives: -waiter (Brad) was very friendly and attentive -food was tasty -hazelnut coffee was delish Negatives: -food came out wrong (2x) -was very slow getting the food -owner seemed a tad brash with us when the food runner brought the wrong food, he said that "she only has what she has in her arms, she'll go back and get more"...wasn't the best customer service; at least the way he said it... I would give it another try, though.
(3)Lisa D.
I just saw the lovely comment from Mike M. How can anyone not be a fan of this place?
(5)John S.
I hate to give this place two stars, since I really do appreciate the place - serve yourself coffee, attentive (if abrupt) waitstaff, and a big menu. But I ordered a breakfast sandwich and I hated it, so I have to do what I have to do with the star rating. I ordered the "Pure Protein" sandwich. Sounds good from the description, right: Egg Whites, Grilled Tomato, Sautéed Fresh Baby Spinach, Salmon and Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Unfortunately, the salmon was in two small globs that fell out of the sandwich while it was sitting on the plate. The spinach wasn't wilted enough, so that also took on glob-like characteristics and slivered out of the sandwich the second I bit into it. The sandwich would've be better texturally if it was blended and served as a smoothie. I'll certainly be going back. I just won't order this sandwich again.
(2)Apolinaras S.
Let me get the negative out of the way - if you want to avoid hungover loudmouth hipster douchebags in their PBR shirt and TOMS shoes, skip Sunday brunch. It is really not pleasant to stand in line and have to be subjected to their idiotic blabbery. OK, we have that out of the way. Now for the excellent stuff: 1. Service - way above what you should expect out of a diner. Proprietor is like an Energizer bunny. He is everywhere. Taking care of the guests in line, taking care of seating people, busing tables, bringing food, etc. I have no idea how this guy can do so much and not fall apart. 2. Food. Excellent. My mom-in-law teaches chefs and she rated pancakes as 10 out of 10. That puts them in phenomenal category. Eggs Benedict - perfect. Omelettes - mountains of goodness. Oh and i LOVE beverage self service! You get your coffee and you wait in line. Perfect! 3. Value. Prices are great and you are basically taking half of your food home, because you really have to be fat bastard to finish off whole omelette.
(5)Raj S.
Went back this past weekend, had the Mexican Omelet. Loaded with delicious salsa! I could barely finish it. I swapped the toast for fresh fruits. I had a hot and tasty mocha, perfect for the cold and rainy day. For clean freaks, you can eat off the table, they're that clean! I noticed because I was at another restaurant on Saturday and got syrup on my shirt. Again, loss of 1 star because they bring the check out before we're done eating.
(4)Tamar A.
Dear Ball Square Cafe, I like you. Do you like me? Check one: [ ] Yes, and I therefore give you every possible delicious permutation of breakfast meat, egg, vegetable, and starch, often mixed together, always extremely fresh and stuffed to the gills with high-quality ingredients. I even have that amazing protein sandwich of egg, lox, and veggies, so you won't lose the rest of your day to a brunch-induced coma. Also, I give you fruit. TONS of fruit. A HEAPING BOWLFUL of fruit. And not that crappy loser fruit. Mangoes and raspberries and strawberries and melon. Let's run away together. [ ] No, which I demonstrate weekly by making you wait outside in line if you dare to snooze that alarm one time too many and show up even a minute after 8:45am. On a weekend. Sucker. [ ] Maybe. I mean, there are heaters outside so you don't get too cold. This might be how I tell you I like like you. Or it might be how I let you down easy. I mean, how emotionally astute can I be? I'm a restaurant. Please return to my locker. Thanks for reals, mean it! Love and kisses, Tamar
(4)Helen V.
Asparagus and Prosciutto Eggs Benedict Artichoke Heart Eggs Benedict Pear and Goat Cheese stuffed French Toast Ok, I have to admit: being newcomers to the area and not wanting to wait in line, we ducked into SoundBites first. It was a mistake. And I'm glad that I remembered all the glowing reviews Yelp had for this place. The portions are generous, the flavors are good, and the service is much friendlier over at Ball Square Cafe than SoundBites. A lot has been said about this place and if pictures are sound evidence, then how can you even think about going next door!?
(4)Sun J.
The food is tremendous. Best breakfast in town. The only reason this gets four stars instead of the deserved five, is because of the restaurant setup. I always seem to go there when it's freezing outside and no matter where you sit, if someone opens the door you get a strong draft of cold, freezing air right up the you know what. You end up cursing anyone that walks through the door, and believe me they do.
(4)Francis C.
Freaking delicious Freaking generous portions. The lobster benny is seriously worth every dime. GRILLED MASH GRILLED MASH GRILLED MASH!! I thought about taking 1 star away but then I figured its not their fault that they always have more people who want to eat there compared to the space...but I doubt an expansion would really alleviate anything.
(5)Genevieve B.
Uhmmmmmm.....Ball Square Cafe is all that AND a bag of chips! You can't go wrong with this place! This is my go to breakfast and brunch spot and where I take anyone to treat them. I swear they sprinkle crack in the waffles because I just don't understand why they taste so good. Portions are large, the price is right and their servers are attentive and always smiling. It's worth waiting in line for guys!
(5)Gwen G.
Met up with some friends here for brunch. There was a line out the door but the owner was good at communicating how long we would be waiting and invited to help ourselves to coffee or teas. It ends up on your final bill, but it's nice to have a got drink and something to do while you wait. The menu is large and there's something for everyone. The portions were big and the food was good. My only complaint was that the food didn't all come at once so one person in our group had to wait about 5 minutes for her food after the rest if us got ours. That was a little long.
(5)Christopher F.
I tried this place next door to compare to Sound Bites. When I came to this place, I encountered along line and unfortunately wound up being seated not in the Cafe, but the Victor's Deli next door--a big inconvenience and disappointment. We had to get up from out table, walk out of our seating at Victor's Deli and into the cafe itself just to get drinks multiple times. The waiting staff to wrap our orders in aluminum foil as they carried the food from Ball Square Cafe's kitchen into Victor's Deli to serve us. The staff also did not appear knowledgeable and got our orders mixed up a few times. I ordered the Sweet Pepper & Corned Beef Hash Eggs Benedict. Their version of the meal was actually worse than Sound Bites' version-- and Sound Bites' version was mediocre at best. The Hollandaise sauce is a specialty that will enhance or kill the quality of the dish. Many places try this sauce and many places, like Ball Square fail. Overall, having to sit in another restaurant, getting up multiple times and walking through two restaurants to get drinks and having mediocre breakfast doesn't cut it for me. That's unacceptable service. Thumbs down for me.
(2)Natalia M.
My friend has passed this place so many times so we had to give it a try. Service: The owner is awesome as he greets everyone when you're waiting outside and lets you know how much longer it will be! The waitress was attentive and always came around to make sure we were doing good and didn't need anything. The food: I ordered the traditional Eggs Benedict which wasn't that great. The sauce was okay and many of my potatoes were burnt... I also ordered a side of which came with only three short slices for $2.50. Needless to say I wasn't impressed, however my friend ordered the Tri-berry waffles and LOVED it. It looked so good that I was sad I chose the wrong item. I def. will be coming back to try something else on the menu as I want to give it a second chance!
(3)V V.
This place was awesome! If there is a place teaching a class on customer service they need to hire the greeter. I think he might be the owner (MIke?). This guy was amazing and made you feel very welcomed. The food was very very good. The place is a bit narrow, but not too tiny. Its just not a very big place. But it is a nice place. The only thing I would probably suggest is lowering the price of the self serve coffee. Other than that. This is the place to go for breakfast/lunch, brunch. Good job!
(4)Traci K.
In the Somerville breakfast wars, Ball Square Cafe comes out on top every time. Blasphemous? Maybe - but I only speak the Truth. The food at Ball Sq is aces. Best omelettes - pancakes and french toast and waffles that are to die for. And if you're not into a lot of greasy delicious morning goodness, they have some phenomenal fruit plates. What really gets my vote is the service. Super friendly, efficient and wonderful. I love the cozy cafe atmosphere and that some tables are dedicated to regular customers. Wonderful!
(5)Mel C.
YES. Ball Square Cafe is delicious. It's a way better brunch option than its next door neighbor. Fresh toast with fruit. Yum.
(5)Adam P.
I'd love to give BSC 4.5 stars, but considering it's not a "gourmet" breakfast joint, I'll slide down to four. That said, we had a delicious brunch here yesterday. I enjoyed my fluffy (and huge) western omelette that was full to the brim with veggies and ham. As I remembered from a previous visit about a year and a half ago, the seared mashed potato "home fries" were utterly awesome. My girlfriend got their special prosciutto + grilled veggie wrap w/sweet potato fries, which was surprisingly awesome. The veggies were cooked nicely and very well seasoned. Pretty sure the fries were actually baked, as they were soft and tasted like roasted sweet potato rather than crunchy fries, but were a tasty side nonetheless. My mom & sister split an omelette and pear stuffed french toast, the latter of which was not nearly as heavy as I anticipated (and thus quite yummy). After checking out Sound Bites last week and being rather disappointed, BSC came to the rescue with a very well executed meal. Certainly my go-to place in Ball Square (other than the liquor store...).
(4)Helena M.
Their pumpkin waffle and sweet potato pancakes are the best I've ever eaten. Wonderful food.
(4)Melisa C.
I came here on a Saturday morning around 11 am for brunch. There was a line outside, but we only had to wait for 10 minutes or so until a table for two opened up and we got to jump the other customers in line who had larger groups. The menu is pretty diverse and has a nice selection. I ordered the tomato and avocado eggs Benedict dish with the homefries, and my friend ordered the florentino eggs Benedict with homefries. It is self serve for beverages (not everything is free refills though!) We both enjoyed our dishes overall. Our waitress came over and placed the check on the ledge next to the wall and told us to take our time. My friend and I had a lot to catch up on and sat for another 20 minutes or so before a man working there came over and asked us to pay and leave. It was a little abrupt, but I somewhat understand since there were still other customers that they wanted to serve and it's all about turnover. I would have given this place a "Yay! I'm a fan " rating, but because of this interaction I am giving a average rating. I would have appreciated a little but of a kinder gesture such as asking if we needed anything else, instead of just asking us to pay and leave.
(3)Michael N.
Sure, wait times can be bad on a nice weekend. Sure, there is some nasty (and some funny) history regarding Ball Square Cafe and its neighbor. But the service and food are both almost always spot on. Caramelized strawberry waffles? Ohhhh yeah... Food is normally very good, and bottoms out at average. My only real complaint (besides the wait times): $1.50 for real maple syrup? BOOOOOO. Yes, the real stuff costs more than the fake stuff. It also tastes better (on most dishes, at least - I honestly do believe that there is an occasional dish that benefits from the fake stuff). But otherwise, this place rocks.
(5)Jessie K.
For those reviewers whose main gripe is the long line - dudes, it's BOSTON, any decent brunch place will have a line at peak hours. It's not a huge place, but the table turnover is quick enough. I've always found the owner to be pretty friendly, and I like that he's very involved in the day-to-day management of the restaurant. The waitstaff is always friendly and no one seems to mind if you ask for substitutions, which is great when you have friends with food allergies and whatnot. I love that the self-serve drink station. Waiting to be seated goes by a lot more quickly when you're caffeinated. The menu is substantial - I haven't met an omlet from Ball Square Cafe that I didn't like. The french toast is delicious and it's great that it comes with fresh whipped cream. If you're not in the mood for breakfast then there are plenty of sandwich and wrap options. I usually go with a wrap just so I can get some sweet potato fries on the side. Don't forget to look at the whiteboard just inside the door to see the specials! I've forgotten a few times and was very sad on my way out to see the delicious options that I missed. The prices are reasonable especially given the huge portions. It's almost like getting two meals for the price of one! Bottom line: Be prepared to wait in line, but at least you can do it with beverage in hand. Make friends with the owner if you can because he's pretty hilarious. And go in HUNGRY because the portions are hearty.
(4)Panda G.
This is our go to breakfast spot. A great family owned hole in the wall that really looks to please their customers. The "breakfast for a king" is a big meal so buyers beware...haha.
(5)JD H.
Everything here is fresh and delicious. The boytoy and I come at least once a week. Their fruit place is over the top with ripe mango and several other kinds of fruit. The home fries are crispy and perfectly seasoned. The owner is very kind and the waitstaff is attentive. I would suggest splitting the omelets they are HUGE!!!
(5)Jo Y.
My good deed did not go unnoticed today. While waking up at 5:30 am to scout for floral arrangements at a cement lot with a bride-to-be is not exactly my idea of sanity, I nonetheless found myself awake and ready to smell the flowers. After 20 minutes of pacing up and down aisles and looking for KK's perfect purple orchids, karma kicked in and I found myself at Somerville's Ball Square Cafe & Restaurant. This is not your typical cafe (as coffee is not their forte) ... or even breakfast joint for that matter. Unlike typical breakfast scenes, the exposed brick, granite tables, and understated decor at Ball Square has a welcoming effect. It gently suggests you sit down and ease into your morning as opposed to the hustle and bustle of most breakfast joints. The stainless steel self-serve coffee station in the corner was a minor eyesore but I easily overlooked it once our breakfast arrived. KK's Tri-berry Belgian Waffle was a sight to see. Sitting on top of a thick Belgian waffle were sliced strawberries, whole blackberries, raspberries and blueberries then topped off with homemade whipped cream and powdered sugar. The slight crunch of the waffle along with the tang of the fruits and sweetness of the whipped cream culminated and made food magic. I love when seemingly simple ingredients can make dishes aesthetically and gastronomically delicious. Always a sucker for french toast when Challah bread is involved, I did not think twice about ordering the French Toast with Caramelized Strawberries and homemade whipped cream. The toast was beautifully thick and soaked in Ball Square's secret sauce. There was a little too much sauce in my dish, threatening to overwhelm my "sweet" taste buds, but overall it managed to satisfy. Note to self: in the future ask for sauce on the side. We left the restaurant $25 poorer but full to the hilt and energized by our new find. For me, karma is rarely ever this delicious.
(4)Liliana C.
We wish we could come here for breakfast every morning. Our reason for coming was the mounds of berries on all of the pancakes and waffles in earlier reviewers' pictures. And it didn't disappoint. The tri-berry waffle with homemade whipped cream came with four types of berries (!!) and it was delicious. With that, we also had a Mango-Salsa omelet from the daily specials board that was to die for. Please give them business--their waitstaff was incredibly cute and friendly!!
(5)John L.
While the fruit covered waffles seem to be "the thang", opt for the french toast which is just FANTASTIC! Another must try are the variety of egg's benedict options...otherwise, everything is solid bruch fare with excellent service at a reasonable price.
(4)Josephine L.
My my my, the things we do when we don't have a reservation system. The boy and I came here on a whim one lazy Sunday morning after realizing we'd bought a bunch of vouchers for the place and needed to start using them up. The commute was pleasant, the walk past Tower Sq Park was lovely and then HOLY HELL, IS THAT THE LINE??!! We could see a teeming mass of people a block away. It was like when you stick a camera in one of those bug colonies and you just watch hundreds of them crawling all over each other...seething...as one big mass. With trepidation, we joined this mass. Thankfully--and first-timers take note--we were actually seated pretty quickly on account of being a couple. By that I mean a party of 2, not my romantic status. There's quick turnover and lots of tables for parties of 2. Great for us, bad for the Sex and the City brood of girls in front of me who were STILL in line by the time we left. Anyway, the fooooood: Me likey the artichoke heart and tomato omelet. And turkey bacon side. And grilled mashed potatoes infested with the best spice known to man--pepper. And giant plate of colorful fruit so very, very fresh and conveniently cut. And humongous saucer of perfect hot chocolate and whipped cream that's only $1.75! Come to think of it, there wasn't anything I didn't like. Service was pretty good considering the crowd. Not the friendliest, but not unfriendly either. Not looking forward to trying to come back with a party of friends, but maybe we can get in right at 9am....
(4)Emma D.
Reasons why I love Ball Square Cafe: 1. Strawberry shortcake Belgian waffle = best breakfast ever. 2. Grilled corn muffins. 3. They don't even blink when I ask for a fruit bowl without any melon, yay! (Food allergy.) Also, the owner is soooo nice.
(5)Khizer H.
Me and the girlfriend came here for breakfast/brunch on a Friday. The wait time wasn't too bad as there was only one group of people before us. Although I'm pretty sure it's a lot crazier in weekends. The menu is huge. It took us a good 15-20 mins to figure out what we wanted to get cuz everything seemed soo tasty. Finally I ended up getting the fit for a king breakfast with poached eggs and whole wheat pancakes with berries on top. My girlfriend ordered the traditional Benedict with turkey sausage. We also ordered a side of banana Nutella French toast and a raisin walnut scone. The food was amazing and the portions were huge. The side of French toast would be a full portion at any other brunch place. The eggs were poached really well, the pancakes were soft and fluffy, the scone was perfectly heated up and really really tasty (we couldn't finish it). The French toast is amazing. It's one of the best I've ever tasted. Overall the food was amazing. They also have self serve coffee and you can get as much as you want and try different varieties. Being a coffee lover this was awesome for me. The service was awesome here making our experience even better. The owner walks around and talks to people. He is the friendliest guy on the world. Our waitress was very helpful and she gave us really good recommendations. We didn't have to wait for the food for too long. Everything was really fresh. I loved the atmosphere here. It's very homely and comforting. I definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting or already living in the Boston area. I will be returning
(5)Crista B.
I love this place. I don't live too far so it makes splurging okay because I am walking home anyway. =) The brunch is awesome; never had anything else. The fruit option is wonderful. Really ... it is. It is not your traditional orange slice or (heaven forbid) "fruit from a bucket." You are not feeling deprived getting the side of fruit option. Super friendly people too. Yeah, you will have to wait in line, but use that time to chat with your fellow brunchers and decide what you are getting to eat. =)
(4)Serena L.
I'd heard the ravings about the cafe next door but after perusing their menus, I decided that Ball Square Cafe was worth trying. I had the opportunity to come in on a weekday with a friend and her mom before a day of shopping. I was taken aback by the small interior and understood why the weekend wait times were so long! Although it's small, the waitstaff appeared to have a handle on the tables. My "party" hadn't arrived yet so I couldn't be seated, despite the few open four-top tables. Once they arrived, we were seated immediately. I had a hard time deciding what to get because everything sounded delicious! Since I was in a "savory" mood, I decided to go with the Mexican omelet sans jalapeños. Tip: make sure to get Omar's potatoes; it is amazing. The omelet was huge! I think the dishes are very generous, overall. The side of fruit was colorful and diverse as it contained a variety of fruits. The fresh squeezed OJ was pulpy, just the way I like it! The owner arrived in the afternoon and was very personable with customers and staff alike. He made sure to check on each table and ask how their experience was; what fantastic customer service! I definitely have to make sure to come back soon. The only con I noted was the parking situation as it is located on Broadway. If you have a Somerville parking permit, you are in luck but if not, be prepared to make a few laps or take the T.
(4)Michael S.
As close to perfect as brunch can get. Big, delicious omelets, tasty (!) gluten-free pancakes, and great service from Matt. I even had pumpkin spice coffee! Very happy tourists. Yelp strikes again!
(5)Kathleen F.
In love with their breakfast combos, especially some of the specials that they have! I'd recommend going for either their crazy omelets or their sweeter breakfast options because they always seem to have a unique twist. I'd also recommend getting here EARLY. Now I am an old lady so that is not a problem for me, but if you get here anytime probably after 9:30 you will have to wait in line, and there could be a bit of a wait for your food. I'd also recommend getting their cappuccino or mocha which are giant and come w' amazing frothy cream on top! They also cost about the same as the regular coffee, so definitely worth it to step it up and order that!! So roll out of bed, throw some clothes on, and run over to Ball Square to fulfill all of our breakfast desires, you won't be disappointed!
(4)Christina K.
Hot damn! Went here for brunch and arrived around 1 PM. We were dismayed to see a huge line, but then realized half of it was really for Soundbites. We were greeted by someone I think is the owner, Mike, who told us we could help ourselves to beverages b/c those were self serve and we should wait in line. The peeps in front had been waiting 30 mins and so we settled in for a wait. However, there was a table for four (we were a party of 5) so we got in before them. Score!! The food was AMAZING. The options are ridiculous and everyone's food looked so good. I shared a mushroom omelette with homefries and a bagel with a friend and a side order of the deluxe pancakes. The pancake "side" was HUUUUUGE - two pancakes and piles of fruit. When it came, my friend was like, that's not ours. I'm all, yes it is. He's like, no it's not. I'm all, YES IT IS - that's the side. He's like, WHAT?! That's the SIDE?! Yes, yes it is. Other friends got the yogurt and fruit (counted the fruit - 14 in total: pineapple, cantaloupe, honey dew, strawberries, bananas, orange, blueberries, blackberries, apple, kiwi, grapes, papaya . . . I can't even remember the rest), another omelette, and the belgian waffle with caramelized bananas. That was DIVINE OMG. So yes, I would highly recommend this place and be prepared to wait, though we definitely lucked out. I also read about the war between the two places, and knowing the history now, I'm a lil appalled at Ball Square Cafe's tactics. I guess business is business ya know. But daaaamn, food war fo shoooo. I might have to try the place next door now . . . PS they're only open till 3 PM.
(5)Lynn D.
Very good. Took my out of town family members here based upon the yelp reviews and I wasn't disappointed.
(4)Charlie P.
Better than SoundBites in my opinion. Lots of people say the food is pretty much the same at both, so my advice is try both and decide for yourself. SoundBites is larger so the line isn't usually that long, but the food comes out pretty fast do you don't end up waiting long once you're seated. Breakfasts are pretty rich tasting, but also really good. The breakfast sandwiches are also great compliments to almost anything. Just be careful you don't end up spending too much.
(4)Luke B.
So this is hands down my favorite breakfast joint and the key is ATTENTION TO DETAIL! They kill it over here. We're not talking gastro cafe brunch, there's no micro greens & or duck hash (not that micro greens and duck hash are bad), just good old fashioned, perfectly prepared food, large portions, always hot always, cooked perfectly. The owner is always present and quick to say thanks and that means a lot. You never feel rushed to get in and out here even though they have a rather small dining area. Coffee is killer, the place is always very clean and the staff are knowledgeable & friendly every visit. I go at least once a week and will continue to do so as long as Balls Square Cafe is kickin!
(5)rose n.
I could and should eat here every day. When my boyfriend comes inside from doing yardwork, I might demand that he take me there. I got a groupon or a buywithme or something to go here so I didn't try Soundbites and now, probably never will. And I'm not sure I'll be missing out on anything. I ran into one of my friends here and she was raving about her meal and the owner before we even sat down. The menu is fairly priced and easy to read while you're waiting. It was a longish wait (20+ minutes) but the place was packed and waitresses were quick to clean tables. There were heat lamps under the line outside and the owner chatted it up and encouraged people to go for the self-serve drinks. Once in, the BF ordered some omelet with meat and things. I ordered a combo meal with eggs, home fries, meat things, and a muffin. However, I ate two bites and had it packed to take home. Why? It was delicious but I was about to explode from the insanity that is their hot chocolate. It was normal hot chocolate underneath but it was topped with pure butter frosting. The whipped cream was thick, sweet, buttery, soooo delicious. I was starving when I came in but so full when my food came and I wasn't even finished. My meal was perfectly fine for dinner when I got to finish it. ;) There were tons of other good things on the menu too, like granola with fruit, more omelets, etc. There were also super beautiful pictures in the menu of the food and the food looked pretty similar.
(5)Min T.
Sarah G and I came here for breakfast last Thursday morning. It was about 8 a.m. and there were about three other tables. I went with the Western Omelette and Sarah had the corned beef hash. The Western omelette is basically a Denver omelette with ham and lots of bell peppers. It was nice they had red bell peppers and not just green bell peppers in it. I also enjoyed the onions in it. The egg was just so thin and pristine when we got it. They really know how to flip an egg! You have a choice of potatoes with the omelettes and I went with the brick of a mashed potatoes that's a bit garlicy and grilled. I know it's not mashed potatoes but man, it sure did taste like something I'd probably enjoy more for dinner. The waitress did check with me to make sure I knew it had garlic. I had to try it so yes, go for it if you love garlic mashed potatoes. I also ate a bit of Sarah's corned beef hash. Surveying the tables around us, this was definitely one of the more popular items. It was heavy and warming. Perfect for the cold brisk day ahead of me. She got it with grilled English muffins which were definitely different. The place looks newly renovated. You are allowed to server your own water and coffee. Iced coffee refills though cost extra. What I found fascinating about the place was the people in it. I guess this is a good breakfast date place. I saw a couple on what seemed to be on their "morning after" date complete with rumpled clothes from the night before. As well as a young single mom with a small toddler in tow on a date. The boy spent most of the morning running away and crying. The mom explained he wasn't used to strangers. Aw, hope love comes to both these couples. If not, there are always fluffy omelettes and wonderful corned beef hash!
(3)Laura M.
Get the fruit plate. Seriously. It's so fresh and big and delicious. All the other food is to die for too, but the fruit plate really impressed me. If you go on a weekday, there's no line for breakfast, even at 10am :)
(5)Sarah G.
Mashed potatoes for breakfast??? Ya....Shauna D. and I tried it, but really more of a dinner item I would say.... That would really be my only real negative aspect for this small, local breakfast joint. We went here on a Thursday morning and there were only a couple other tables with people at them, so we got to sit right away. The beverages are self serve, which you don't see every day, but hey I guess it makes the job easier for the servers? This place is pretty small, so not sure why the servers need extra help, especially when they don't find the time at the end of your meal to pick up your credit card to pay!! ha ha BUT food wise, my corned beef hash was pretty darn tasty. And after I started eating it, complete with my eggs over hard on top, I saw that almost every person around me had some version of the corned beef hash as well! I almost felt like I was part of a secret corned beef hash cult!! It was some of the freshest tasting corned beef hash I've had, and for only bout $8-9 it was a steal for how full I felt the rest of the day! Oh and get your english muffin grilled if you get one here. Never actually thought about doing that before, but it was awesome!! Definitely stealing that trick for home :-) Shauna D. got the Western Omelette, which we thought was funny because it really was like a denver omelette, but maybe now that I live all the way over in Boston, anything Denver distance and over is considered Western ha ha The eggs were not overcooked, which is always a plus for me, but that brick of grilled and there were plenty of peppers inside, so definitely an egg party!! All in all, skip the brick, even though I guess if you come here for the first time someone in your group should order it, but you should all share it because the garlic in that bad boy will definitely attract some attention!!!
(3)Laura G.
I loved this place! Delicious breakfast, friendly staff and I love the serve yourself coffee. Get here early before the rush or you'll be waiting outside. But they do have heat lamps in case you have to wait.
(5)Kristin S.
An amazing breakfast experience! I told my sister I wanted to take a visiting friend to brunch, and she and her husband insisted we all go to Ball Square Cafe. The food was so fantastic that when my friend's flight was cancelled this morning, she asked if we could go back for breakfast. Yesterday we got there around 10:15, and had to wait in line, as expected. However, the owner came outside and served us complimentary hot chocolate (with real whipped cream!) to drink while we waited. We were also told that we could go inside and get our coffee/tea before being seated, as the beverages are self-serve. Once we were seated, the service was fast and friendly. The food came out very quickly, and all our meals were awesome. I had one of the specials; challah french toast stuffed with bananas and nutella. When we returned today, my friend got that same special, but added carmelized strawberries and whipped cream to it. I had the asparagus and prosciutto omelet, which was also fantastic, as were the grilled mashed potatoes it came with. The coffee was fresh and delicious, and the bathroom was spotless. I will be back as often as I can afford it.
(5)Paul C.
I came here for two reasons: 1. A friend told me that it was good 2. and another friend saw it on yelp (and he drove here). The restaurant itself is pretty nice and the food is really good. I heard that the hash browns grilled and mashed were good, and THEY WERE! I would say that everything on the menu is safe to get, and would definitely recommend a visit here
(4)Christina P.
SO many things on the menu that it's hard to choose. Street parking which is kinda tough but well worth it. Dont be overwhelmed by the line at the door either - moves fast! Go in and tell them how many people you have before you stand in line and grab yourself a coffee or tea for the wait.
(5)Will R.
One of the best breakfast places in Somerville. Unique breakfast potatoes are fried-mashed potatoes. Strong menu of both sweet and savory dishes. Coffee is self-serve and good. Location is clean and modern but has a lot of tables jammed into a small space making it an 'eat with your neighbors' experience. Given the size I am guessing that they try to turn the tables ASAP (no reading/laptops/etc). Vs Sound Bites If you've eaten at Sound Bites (next door) then you've pretty much eaten at the BSC. This shouldn't be a surprise as the owners were once part of Sound Bites. The food is very good but the menu isn't as big / interesting as Sound Bites. The interior is more modern than Soundbites but it is much more cramped/smaller (like the old SB location). Because SB is larger, they have relaxed the no reading/laptops policy.
(4)Rachel W.
Best brunch ever. I went last Saturday.. and it was pretty chilly out and there was a line. However. They have those overhead heaters, which is a nice touch. And the owner, Mike (who introduced himself) brought out little hot chocolates with whipped cream to everyone in line. This made the wait very tolerable. My friend and I decided that we needed one and a half entrees each, because we couldn't pass on the seasonal waffles. That being said, I had a corned beef hash benedict and a side of pumpkin waffles with caramelized apples... YUM. The eggs benedict was HUGE. And had the best "homefries" ever on the side, which were actually grilled mashed potatoes.. Seriously. Get them. I can't even begin to describe how delicious the waffles were. Needless to say I didn't successfully finish either of the entrees I ordered.. as much as I tried to. Seriously. It was the best brunch I've ever had. Ever. Huge portions, deliiiicious food. The service was great. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Totally worth the trip. I only wish that one of the T lines extended right to the outside of Ball Square Tavern.
(5)Ann G.
If you read my other reviews you'll see that my heart lies with Sound Bites Cafe. However, Ball Square Cafe is still a really great place for breakfast. I'm not too into omelets but my roommate says that Ball Square's omelets are less greasy than Sound Bites. They have tasty breakfast that is reasonably priced. The owner is extremely friendly and inviting. The place is small, clean, and well-organized. The line does get long and because of space it can move slowly. A great place for breakfast. I personally prefer Sound Bites, but I go to both places really frequently and there isn't a bad dish between them.
(4)Ryan R.
Definitely a fan...especially compared to Soundbites next-door. Great omelets, awesome staff, lots of interesting coffee and the fruit is the bomb! Sweet potato pancakes are also excellent...be sure to try them! They also load up on the avocado in their dishes, which is always pleasant. Only downside is the cost. Yea, the coffee is unlimited, but 4 bucks for it? Asking for an english muffin instead of potatoes, 50 cents? Every request comes with a price here, and dishes themselves aren't cheap. I came with a friend and for 2 omelets, 1 pancake (just a side) and 2 coffees it came out to $35 bucks. Their new menus (from just last week) are more pricey than the last one. This place is great and price is not a reason to dock the star rating...just a bit misleading in terms of racking up unexpected charges. I think this is the best breakfast joint in the Tufts/Davis/Medford region.
(4)Nilda G.
LOVE! First visit we waited in line for about 30 minutes, granted it was a very busy Sunday and I had three children tagging along. The staff was wonderful, I heard no noise from the kids who were to busy chewing and I have never had french toast as wonderful as the ones here. I'd gladly wait an hour anytime.
(5)Mike T.
Great breakfast place whip cream is really good. Only downside is the wait. Expect to wait at least 30 mins on a weekend for a group of 4+.
(4)Ki G.
****3.5**** I like breakfast. I really do, it's my favorite meal. Having waffles with berries and whipped cream for lunch sounds heavenly and I can have hash browns and eggs for dinner if need be, not a problem. Came here on Sunday in search of breakfast/brunch because a) I was hungry and b) it was fast approaching lunchtime and see (a). So after wandering briefly around Ball Square we settled on breakfast here. I have to say, the eggs (I had the mushroom and boursin) were pretty good and I liked the diced potatoes. The coffee is self-service and freshly brewed and the service is friendly and prompt. All in all a pretty decent breakfast experience. A-OK and then some.
(3)Elaine A.
This place is AMAZING. The food is great, the service is great. I can't say enough about it. Mike, the owner, greats everybody at the door. Anything that comes with fruit comes with MOUNTAINS of it, all fresh. The grilled mashed potatoes are to die for. The eggs benedict is amazing. My friend ordered the french toast with goat cheese and pear, and I got the french toast with bananas and strawberries. Both were heavenly. The place is small, and sometimes you have to stand outside to get a table, but it is TOTALLY worth it. A-Plus guys!
(5)Sarah M.
I love the breakfast here, you can't go wrong. However, I went in for lunch and just as GOOD! The sweet potato fries are to DIE FOR. The middle eastern flavors/offerings are oustanding. Try the Fallafel if you ever get in for lunch. So tasty.
(5)Brittany H.
This place is unbelievably tiny & cute. Refreshing in a modern kind of way. I am a healthnut, so immediately I noticed all the different array of offerings for those that are health junkies to those that are well, dare I coin the term, "hearty breakfast" junkies. I define hearty as anything that can potentially set your arteries and heart on fire.... heavy on the carbs. bacon, sausage, syrup, hollandaise.... you get my drift. I settled for one of their specialty omelette, portabella, red peppers, basil & mozarella and for $.50 you can substitute for egg whites only. Considering that breakfast is suppose to be your biggest and most important meal of the day, the portions here don't disappoint. My omelette was absolutely gimongous ... big sized pieces of portabella and red peppers-- left me having to cut, cut, and cut every single bite I took.... but such enjoyable bites they were.... all that work was worth it. Coupled with my side choices of grilled english muffin (wheat of course), and grilled mashed potatoes. Talk about being pressured under spot with so many choices. Luckily, they turned out to hit the spot. They don't kid around with their fruit as well.... a side fruit dish, could have partially covered a meal. So fresh, the huge portions of the fruit and overall, were unreal. Coffee was average.... not enough for me to remove a star rating.... they offered flavored coffees... was going to get the usual hazelnut, but was in the festive mood for pumpkin spice. Yum, why the hell not. Overall satisfying brunch and great service.. it's times like these that I wish I lived in Boston again. Home sweet, oh.......
(5)Adam E.
Soon after they opened, I checked this place out with my gf, not knowing about the drama surrounding it. I figured it was pretty weird that they opened a breakfast place in the old Soundbites spot, but didn't think much about it. Then, like Sydney A. said before me, I read the menu. But we were already seated, so whatever. We wanted lunch anyway, and that part of the menu is pretty different from Soundbites. My gf got the chicken soup, which was homemade and fresh, but needed a good deal of salt. We both got grilled sandwiches, which really tasted great. The waitress wasn't the best, despite us being the only ones in the place. Still, I can't get over the drama, and I won't go back. I don't know who is the crazy one, but Soundbites was there and thriving long before this place opened. And it's just not classy to try to beat someone by taking their chef and menu.
(2)T B.
I went with a friend on Saturday morning. It wasn't as good as Sneakers in Winooski, VT but it wasn't bad & it was reasonably priced. I don't see it as anything more than 3 stars. It wasn't a mind blowing experience but I definitely would suggest it to a friend.
(3)Grace Y.
A great no nonsense breakfast place with a good selection of great brunch items, large portions, and accommodating service. The place is smallish and it's not fantastically cute or anything, but they do want to serve you a good brunch in a timely manner. There's self serve coffee and tea in the back, a fun perk when you're waiting outside to be seating. There are heat lamps when you wait outside too. The food was pretty delicious. A variety of omelette's, french toasts, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches available for about $10 or less. I recommend the grilled mashed potatoes as a side, it has a wonderful crust to it. I also got a grilled corn muffin instead of normal toast.
(4)Jeannie H.
I was in the area and decided to have some breakfast with my father. He ordered the Banana and Nutella French Toast despite my misgivings and this time, they were more generous with the nutella. It's still not ooze-out-of-the-toast kind of deliciousness but good. I forgot how yummy their super dense whipped cream is. I ordered the Asparagus and Prosciutto Omelette with a side of what is essentially fried mashed potatoes in the form one giant cake. The potatoes were supper yummy but the omelette was unnecessarily grease laden. We also ordered a side of corned beef hash (this is what happens when you have to meet the groupon value) and it was dense and dry like an overcooked meatloaf. Still a solid 3.5*.
(3)Laura G.
After going to Ball Square Cafe numerous times with all sorts of people I can say with 100% certainty that there is something delicious for people of all sorts here. It is really the perfect spot to have a casual brunch that delivers with high quality options. There's usually a line, but let's face it. Where isn't there a line at a place that's worth going to? With a no reservation policy, expect to wait in line. You can also expect Mike (who I presume is the owner) to be friendly and welcoming. Expect heat lamps in the winter. Expect to be able to go inside while waiting in line and get yourself a cup of coffee or juice. A couple stand out items: I have ordered the fruit plate every time. This is not your Grandma's fruit plate. Artfully designed and filled with the likes of kiwi, pineapple, apples, grapes, melons, mango, black berries, raspberries, strawberries, etc. This fruit plate puts any I've had previously to shame. I mean who doesn't love a bowl o' fruit in the morning? Grilled mashed potatoes. Whoever thought of this is a freakin genius. Add in a little sour cream and garlic and you may have a new religion brewing here. Everything I've had here comes in large portion, is executed well and tasted delicious. Next time I go I'll give lunch a whirl. Minus one star for not boxing up my entire order when I said I wanted to take it home. Regardless of whether or not you think it's going to heat up well or whatever the reason may be that you omitted half the food on my plate, I paid for it and you have no right to throw it out. /endrant
(4)Naini G.
Long wait :( this place got super popular, but oh what heavenly breakfast! This place is exactly like the pictures promise, fresh delicious fruit on wonderful pancakes and eggs benedict that deserve genuflection. Hope it stays the same forever! The orange juice was fresh and pulpy, excellent!
(5)Christopher B.
I dined at Ball Square Cafe in Monday, September 10, 2012 at approximately 12:00 PM. The dining room and tables were spotless and are clearly cleaned quite well between diners. Naomi, my server, quickly explained that I should help myself to drinks. She was extremely friendly and pleasant throughout the meal, always had a smile and made some recommendations that panned out. She made me feel quite welcome. The food is both delicious and plentiful. I had one of the specials, chicken fajita omelette. It was even better than I had envisioned. The Ball Square Cafe doesn't skimp on the quantity of food, either. I would recommend the grilled mash potatoes. They're unique and delicious with breakfast. You'll enjoy your meal here (and be served by friendly staff who know how to treat customers).
(5)Marcella K.
Two words YUM YUM! Where do I begin??? The owners are so polite and welcoming, and if your lucky they will probably sit down, and eat with you! This Place does breakfast, and lunch. They do it well, and if they did dinner I'm sure they would knock that out of the park too. The place isn't the biggest, and I'm not complaining I like that. So get there early because they close at 3pm. Sad I know! Here's my story.... I just recently moved to Somerville a year ago, and in the act of finding good food in my neighborhood I came across Ball square cafe. I'm not much of a breakfast eater, but I thought I would give it a try. My boyfriend and I went and upon arrival we were told we could choose our own seats, and that we could choose our drinks from the fridge in the back. Looking at the menu the had your regular breakfast and lunch foods. Your french toast, reuben, etc, etc. The waitress was friendly, but I think she was more interested in my boyfriend than taking our order. Anyway, I ended up ordering the fit for a king (or queen) which consist of french toast or pancakes, eggs any style, bacon or sausage, toast, and something else I can't remember. As for my boyfriend he ordered a vegetable omelette with toast. When the food arrived we were both a little embarrassed because the plates were so big and full of food. I must say when it came to the table I did drool inside my head because my french toast smelled delicious. I took my first bite and it was like I was in a dream. I think it was the best french toast I ever had. They used challah bread that had a great crust that was just toasted and the inside was soft and melted in you mouth. Did I mention I had caramelized bananas on top? There's not much more I can tell you about this place, but TO JUST GO THERE AND TRY IT!!!! if you think I'm wrong comment on my review. Nothing but the truth I swear....
(5)Michelle K.
Lobster Eggs Benedict yesssssssss. With those delish grilled mashed potatoes! Sign me up. When we went to brunch last Friday morning, my boyfriend got the Our Grill Special, which came with a grilled corn muffin. I can't adequately explain how something as simple a grilled corn muffin could be so addictive, so you're just going to have to get it yourself. Is the menu suspiciously similar to Sound Bites? Well, yeah. You probably already know the history. I pretend like these restaurants are estranged twin brothers or something...alike in some basic ways, but ultimately two distinct individuals. I like Sound Bites, but I have to say, I prefer the ambiance of Ball Square Cafe - it's smaller and more intimate, and I like that the owner is always out and about, greeting people. I've never gotten this level of friendliness next door. Go BSC!
(4)Lola S.
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!! We came in on a saturday afternoon expecting to wait, but we got seated in 5 min (party of 5). He immediately brought us a free belgium waffle full of fruit that was amazing!!! The food was to die for and the service was even better! MUST GO. I will def be back
(5)Tani S.
Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, isn't it? I read some of the reviews that Ball Square Cafe is an imitation of it's neighbor but we ended up going this morning and had a good breakfast. The omelettes were light and fluffy (the asparagus and prosciutto one was delicious) and the mashed browned potatoes were so well seasoned, I didn't want to stop eating them!
(4)Wendy K.
I ate brunch here for the first time a few days ago despite living in the Davis/Teele/Ball area for over two years. The coffee smelled soooooo good, but was incredibly weak - grrr... I ordered the chocolate chip pancakes and a small fruit bowl, which were both fantastic. The pancakes were fluffy and the chocolate was melted and yummy. They left off the whipped cream (which was cool whip, essentially) and powdered sugar, as I had requested, and the stack of three cakes left me really really satisfied to the point of no return. The small fruit bowl, which was not very small, was full of colorful varieties of ripe berries, melons, and tropical fruit. The mango, however, was not ripe at all, which was disappointing. :( My friend ordered the Banana and Nutella filled French Toast, and while it was chock-full of that delicious combination, it was surprisingly not too rich to eat, as both of us assumed, and she was able to eat most of the large serving. Service was good, and food came quickly, but when a girl has had coffee and water, a bathroom would be a useful thing. And there was not one. Sad for me.
(4)Robert B.
Love it. Went in the afternoon to grab brunch/lunch on a Saturday and I think we had some sort of unusual cosmic luck or something. Parking was easy, we found a spot right around the corner. And there wasn't much of a wait when we got there. We were second in line and literally right after we showed up, so did about ten other people. Whew! I really appreciated that the owner took the time to come outside and chat with people in the line. Nice touch. It was a short wait and we were seated quickly. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, and the inside was clean and cozy. While we were waiting for our food we helped ourselves to some beverages. The food came out shortly after and was great, really hit the spot. I will definitely be back and am looking forward to trying something else. The menu is fairly big and want to try one of their tasty sounding omelets!
(4)Amara M.
Had breakfast here today: Broadway Blues: Awesome. Grilled blueberry muffin, amazing. Hot and crusty great with butter. Cheese omelet. Perfectly cooked bacon and lots of it. Grilled garlicky mashed potatoes. Bagels + Lox - Bagels were huge, a little too doughy, but work for a lox plate. Lots of lox, again not the best, too salty but tasty. Served with tomatoes, onions and capers. Portions are huge, prices are fair about ~$9 for most dishes. All drinks are self serve - which is actually kind of nice, since you can get more water or coffee whenever you want. Menu was extensive- all the breakfast categories are covered with many varieties and some surprising (Moroccan Eggs) Looking forward to heading back there soon!
(4)Syon B.
Long line on Sunday morning at 10:15 AM. Our group of four waited 25 minutes to get in but it was a very pleasant wait! Couples get in quicker too. They let you come in for self serve coffee and they are really friendly. Owner was there and was nice enough to come over to our table to say hello. Very pleasant atmosphere for sure. The food was exceptional. Low prices, and high quality. I got the French toast stuffed with nutella and banana. The FT was really top notch and the side of turkey bacon was very tasty as well. All in all, I left stuffed and happy. Would recommend to anyone for weekend brunch. The best I've had in the area for years.
(5)Lauren E.
Im not a huge breakfast fan. I love going out for brunch more for the experience, but the food isn't always my favorite. Most places tend to have fair-to-poor quality ingredients, and that bums me out. But my caramelized strawberry and banana belgian waffle was delicious! There was a brown sugar-type glaze on the fruit, and everything was flavorful and didn't leave me with a heavy feeling in the stomach afterward. The hot chocolate I ordered was beautifully presented, with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa on top, but the drink was a little underwhelming. I'm a pretty picky hot chocolate drinker, though, so maybe you shouldn't judge too hard on that. The Eggs Benedict my dining partner had was apparently also quite good. The coffee was pretty run of the mill drip coffee, but I think they also had espresso on the menu. We found street parking on a side street, though needed quarters for a meter (perhaps a good reason to do sunday over saturday brunch!). The wait outside wasn't too long, despite the prime time. There were little electric heaters which made things much better! I saw the very friendly guy serving tiny cups of hot chocolate to people, but not until we were already done with our short wait. The atmosphere was pretty nice. The wait wasn't too long. The breakfast was tasty and the food seemed to be of pretty high quality. The food came in incredibly little time, and we were happy to get started right away because everything looked so good. In short, I'd highly recommend this place. I'm already wondering when we'll have time to go back next!
(4)S G.
Fav brunch spot in Somerville. I always take my family here when they come to visit and good for housemate bonding too. Impeccable service and heavenly food. Both their sweet and their savory dishes shine. It's easy to feel a sense of loyalty to this place.
(5)J K.
I don't miss a lot about Somerville, but I really, really, really miss the marble topped tables and fried mashed taters and HUGENORMOUS waffles at Ball Square Cafe. Holy mother of god, the food here is awesome. The eggs benedict with asparagus is amazing. LOVE YOU, BSC.
(4)Lauren L.
Feud aside, this place beats Soundbites in the food department. Having been a faithful customer of Soundbites for years, I finally made the switch over to Ball Square Cafe a few months ago and I must say that I don't regret it at all. Sure, their menus are almost identical but I just find Ball Square Cafe's food so much fresher and less greasy tasting. There is never an unappealing pool of oil on the bottom of the omelet/egg plates and the fruit is always super fresh. I actually also prefer the diced homefries over the mashed ones, the mashed can sometimes be a bit bland. My favorite dishes here: Tijuana omelete- Amazing! A little spicy, super savory, and great mix of flavors. Caramelized Banana French Toast- So sweet it could pass as dessert, but I wish I could bathe in their secret syrup (not maple, just caramel/brown sugar goodness). Fruit Bowl- generous portion (even the small size) of fresh fruit, strawberries, mangoes, kiwis; more than your standard banana/apple/orange fruit. I once ordered 'Omar's Eggs' from here and it's been the only disappointment I've had with this place. The clumps of powdered cumin sprinkled on top of the eggs was a little off-putting. While I was eating the eggs I felt like I was partially inhaling the spices, it wasn't too fun.
(5)Candice M.
I am giving this 4 stars because the waffle I had was amazing!!! I was less impressed with the fruit bowl my fruit was BLAH! My girlfriends got the Fresh Fruit Bowl with Homemade Granola and Yogurt that had a lot more fruit and a way better presentation. Anywho I went here sunday for brunch which turned to a late lunch! Now I have read so many yelp reviews about this place I clearly bypassed the whole wait outside in a long line review. After standing in line from 12 to 12:30 we leave and coming back around 2 pm I must say I was glad we didn't eat anywhere else! Waffle was amazing and the homemade hot chocolate was heaven sent! Only gripe I have with this place is they don't serve you drinks ( Unless they are specialty drinks) you have to get up and get your own!! I like to think that when I go out I am gonna be able to relax! Thats what I am paying for you to serve me! I will most certainly eat at here again after 2pm of course because that waiting in line for hours is not for me! My boyfriend had a wrap that he woke this morning wanting another one ! Needless to say we were impressed :)
(4)Scott S.
After my previous review with complaints about meat in the food and some service issues, the owner contacted me to apologize and make things right. I believe he was sincere, and, to his credit, he never asked me to change the negative review. As for the food, I _highly_ recommend the vegetarian breakfast sandwich they sometimes have on special. It is by far my favorite breakfast food there. They also have a greek plate which is delicious, if lunch is more your thing.
(4)Marie R.
So good! Big menu! I had the asparagus eggs Benedict and the house home fries - delicious! Only downside is the line around the block. But they will let you go in and get coffee to drink while you wait which is a nice touch.
(5)Katie K.
My boyfriend and I just moved into the neighborhood and decided to check out ball square cafe for his birthday brunch. Now, I went to college for restaurant and institutional management, so I'm usually a pretty tough critic. I can't even tell you how long it's been since I walked away from a restaurant wanting to skip all the way home. I was literally on a high when I left because this restaurant does everything that an excellent restaurant should do...fabulous and friendly staff, a beautiful menu with an array of options and the right prices, and just the right touch of that "above and beyond" attitude. I absolutely love seeing places like this doing things right and succeeding. It make my little foodie soul happy! I will definitely be a regular here...good thing I actually do live close enough to skip all the way home!!!
(5)Brita F.
Love, love, LOVE this place! It's my favorite breakfast joint in Boston. The owner always says hello whenever I'm in, even though he never recognizes me. The atmosphere is comfy; it's a small place, and you serve yourself beverages (although be sure to ask your server for their fresh squeezed orange juice!). And the food is always a solid experience. Quality ingredients, quickly served, just plain old delicious. I'd liek to recommend something specific, but you just can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I *always* chose this place over their next door neighbor, Sound Bites.
(4)Morgan R.
Went here this morning and everything was great!! Get here early because I here the line is crazy and you have to wait outside (they did have overhead heaters which was great!) Once seated, the service was very quick. At this place you get your own coffee and water at a station set up in the back. I've never seen this before and thought it was a great idea!!! Definitely makes the place able to turn over very quickly. I love that they have whole wheat and multi grain pancakes and waffles. I had the whole wheat waffle with apples and cinnamon on top. So good! I also had the diced hash browns which were great too. MmMm I want to go there right now. Overall, this place was wonderful (good service too!). I would most definitely go here again.
(5)Tyler A.
I love this place. I have come here a bunch of times, the food is always great, the service is dependable and I will continue to come here as long as I live in Davis. My only complaint is that the owner is kind of a "good ol' boy" and practices nepotism passionately, I have seen his acquaintances get bumped ahead of the line at least half the times I have been here. I don't really care too much because their food is the best around Ball Square. However, I will not be going here as much nor going to Sound Bites again because I discovered Alfresco's which is less expensive, no wait, better food, but unfortunately, no grilled mash and less selection, but hey, when I crave some grilled mash, I will be waiting in line with the rest of you.
(4)Jamie L.
Shell pieces on my over-poached eggs, over-dry hash squares, under a tiny dollop of hollandaise. I might not have noticed how dry (and square-pattied?) my hash was if there was any egg yolk or hollandaise to dribble over it. The pancakes were okay. What intrigued me most was the variety of pancakes and french toast offered... for this I will give them another chance someday! Having heard all the local intrigue, I was hoping their fried mashed potatoes would equal Soundbites (the only thing I ever enjoyed there). Alas, they were also dry and barely tasted like anything save for a hint of pepper (McCormick's, not fresh ground). Since it was a Monday, I could only suspect that everything on my plate was Sunday's leftovers microwaved. Also, I hate getting my own drinks. It is confusing finding your way around an unfamiliar set-up, so maybe if you went here enough this might not be so bad. I really go out to be served and chat with my friends, not to be distracted and getting up every two minutes realizing there was something I missed or forgot.
(2)Silas S.
Usually in here at least a couple times a month and I am never disappointed. The owner is the best too. Last time we were in we were greeted with mini hot cocoas to drink while we waited for a table. Now that is what hospitality is all about. I usually get the corned beef hash eggs Benedict. The corned beef hash isn't the best but they do jazz it up a bit with some sweet peppers. Can't go wrong with most everything on the menu and the specials are pretty good.
(4)Cashmir D.
Dear Mike and the Ball Square Cafe Team, Your enthusiasm and your ability to motivate your employees has resulted in a significant increase in productivity and great customer service. I can't say how much I enjoy coming to Ball Square every weekend with my family. We always look forward to the restaurant, the staff, the customer service, and most importantly the food :-)!! Your customer service is outstanding and it shows from when I stand in line and hearing cars beeping and waving to thank you or with someone walking by and giving you a hug and thanking you for your great service and personally! You know your customers by name and always make sure that they are comfortable and satisfied! I would like to say that while I appreciate everyone in your team however "Becky" stands out! She's wonderful, always smiling and know exactly what I want when I seat on that # 12 table with my family's name on it for the month of July :-) and this is one of the great ways YOU win your customers. I appreciate your efforts and the attention you provide not just to me and my guets but also to everyone waiting in the line for a table. If I had an award to give, you would be the key contender and "Restaurant of the Year". Please accept my sincerest gratitude for the superior job youa dn your team are doing in the restaurant industry!! Best, Casimir Deronette "The Yankees Fan" CDeronette@Gmail.com
(5)cassandra L.
My new favorite breakfast place! There is a line at 9am on Saturday! The line moved fast so don't turn around or go next door. It's a nice touch to hv the owner at the front door greetings everyone and keep us posted on the wait. We had the Mexican omelette and Asparagus and prosciutto egg Benedict. It was amazing!!! We saw someone order the French toast. It looks incredible! We were in a hurry. Our waitress was so accommodating. Good food, friendly service and great coffee ( self service). The perfect place for breakfast. There are plenty of meter parking. Another plus!
(5)Brian L.
Came here for breakfast a couple of weeks ago. The tables were full but the owner came and greeted us and let us know that one would be available shortly. While we waited he made pleasant small talk and directed us to the drinks in the back of the restaurant. The food was unbelieveable. I ordered the steak and cheese omelet, which was incredible. The fruit plate was fresh and declicious as well. My only complaint is that the restaurant should be bigger
(5)Juju K.
Ive been here at least nineteen dozen times and still havent tried everything on the menu. Granted, i usually only get the same three things. Ball Square Cafe is a solid 5 star experience. Dont mind that you may have to wait in the awning-heat lamped cold. Or that the owner might give you orders to keep a straight line when trying to get coffee. Or that he asks you not to turn your legs into the aisles. This guy runs a tight ship!! Try to overlook the cold and Mikes big brotherly/ dont eff with me attitude and instead focus on the quality service. The very clean atmosphere. The quality coffee. And most important is the DEEEEEELICIOUS food.
(5)may l.
It looks better than its taste....the overall environment is good.. But the food just ok..... The banana French toast is a bit hard, a bit disappointed...
(3)Morgaine G.
We started out to go to Sound Bites (708 Broadway), but with the line around the block, we started to head home. On the way, we stumbled across this small place with a grand opening breakfast sign (they've only been open a week or so) and headed in. The menu is fun, with many options for me (as a vegetarian) and my friends. We ordered french toast, waffles, and their "Broadway Blue", all of which were amazing. Even my friend, who is a chef, couldn't get over their cooking and extensive menu. There were mistakes (as are common with any new restaurant) in the service, but we were able to forgive pretty much anything when the food came. If I were able, I might take off 1/2 a star for that. However, if you're looking for good food, lots of options, friendly atmosphere, and little to no wait in the Ball Square area, check this place out. You won't regret it.
(5)Lina G.
Since I put major trust in my fellow Yelpers I decided to try the Ball Square Cafe. We went pretty early, 8:30am (yes we're parents) and there were a few tables available and we didn't have to wait. Mike (?) the owner was super friendly and accommodating. The food was really good, not great but better than Sound Bites. The coffee was strong and aromatic. The only thing I didn't like is that the menu was almost identical to Sound Bites. That is so not cool but whatever, I'm not getting involved in their war. There are plenty of other wars I have to worry about.
(4)Josie M.
i was in MA for a weekend and discovered ball square cafe through yelp. glad to know yelp is going strong in somerville, ma because this is easily my favorite brunch spot in the entire united states! SIX things i love about you ball street cafe: 1. friendly service where everybody knows your name and speaks to you with the warm MA twang. when i asked for my food to go because i was about to get on a plane, the waitress helped me pack it and suggested a a fruit plate intsead of fries for better traveling (they have sweet potato and they are HUGE) . 2. huge piles of fruit for the waffle & pancake delight that include kiwi, papaya, and mango. 3. two types of hash browns including mashed that is then fried for a crispy shell. 4. corned beef hash with texture and flavor like the kind from a can (but it's fresh so much better - i hate cubed corned beef hash!) 5. really great prices, esp if you come from SF, the portions and prices can't be beat! 6. they serve breakfast all day! the only thing i didn't like was their iced coffee, which was a bit sour. great coffee across the street tho! now if only all my dreams would come true and they would have something like this in SF.
(5)Christian P.
This place rocks. The food is always amazing and the service is top notch. If you don't mind waiting I definitely recommend it.
(4)Peter W.
Maybe the best breakfast place in greater Boston! Try a black pastrami, tomato, and Swiss omelet or any of the waffles... Amazing!!
(5)Yoli D.
I checked this place out for the first time a couple months ago. I heard about it via groupon.com . When my friend and I arrived, there was a long line and I knew that was a good sign. The line moved quickly and the folks in it with us were friendly so we didn't mind the wait at all. The owner, Mike, who was extremely warm and friendly, came out and told us to help ourselves to the self-serve coffee/tea inside. My friend and I liked him right away. Once seated, I ordered the Tijuana which was Mike's favorite omelette. It quickly became mine also. My friend ordered a sweet potato waffle that had mangoes and a ton of other fruit on it. It was definitely the prettiest waffle I'd ever seen. It was soooo delicious too. So glad she shared! I also had the grilled mashed potatoes which was a weird concept to me, but it also quickly became a fav. In the first month I came back 1-2 times per week and each time I dined there the food, as well as the overall experience, was amazing. I've told all my friends about this restaurant, now I'm telling Yelp. The only downside is that I've ordered take out from there twice and neither experience was favorable. I won't go into detail b/c I'd rather chat with Mike directly about it and I know he's all about receiving feedback and he won't mind. I'm still giving 5 stars b/c this is my favorite brunch place. It's been too long now since I've been there and I'm having withdrawals. I'll have to fix that this week!
(5)L B.
Omelettes are great, banana french toast was amazing, and the grilled mashed were awesome. Definitely go, but get there before 11!
(5)Laura K.
I had one of the best customer service experiences ever at Ball Square Cafe this weekend. We tentatively approached as a party of 7, expecting that there was no way we'd be seated in less than 20-30 minutes, and were pleasantly surprised to find that we were seated nearby in the owner's parents' deli (closed on Sundays). Our orders were taken promptly, with each one being read back to us to check accuracy, and were delivered very quickly, even covered in foil since they had to be transported a few feet down the sidewalk. The food was superb, as usual, and the out-of-towners among us were very pleasantly surprised at the quality of our brunch for the excellent low price! The owner (our server) was extremely professional and pleasant, truly making this a wonderful brunch experience - on my and my best friend's birthday, no less!
(5)bernie a.
i just have too say that ball sq cafe is one of the best places on the planet!! the owners are great guys especially mike m love ya bro... service is awesome staffs very friendly! but the best parts the food and i suggest the burger with fries mmm hmm best around!!
(5)Toni M.
Ball Square Cafe is definitely my favorite spot for breakfast! It's rare that I yelp but I had to because it's such a great place. I went on a Saturday morning and it wasn't busy at all. It was clean, and the staff was very friendly. Most importantly, the food came quickly but at high quality! It was so delicious, mmhmm!
(5)John M.
Basically the same food as Soundbites (next door), but more consistent. I've had good and bad days at Soundbites, but not here. Most everything is fresh and quite good -- from the fruit bowl (huge and always an impressive selection of fruit) to perfectly done omelets. Pancakes and such are typical diner style, nothing special, but better than most breakfast places. Same thing with the eggs benedict -- they're fine, but not what you'd get at an upscale restaurant for brunch. Go with the grilled mashed potatoes as a side (a.k.a. "homefries" -- these aren't anything anyone else on the planet calls homefries, but they're tasty); the diced potatoes are the one thing on the menu I find unnecessarily bland. While it's a decent moderately-priced breakfast joint, the actual recipes are only slightly better (and definitely less greasy) than typical diner fare. But, as I said, the actual servings of these recipes are consistently good, so I'd give the place 4 stars for the food. Where it excels, however, is customer service. After you order, you barely have time to go get some self-serve coffee before your food arrives, hot and fresh. The manager is generally around, checking in with people, making sure everything's going well -- and, if he sees you there more than once, getting your name. Contrast that with Soundbites next door, which used to be at the Ball Square Cafe location and was notorious for gruff waitstaff as well as kicking out customers who were half-finished with their meals just so they could pack more people in and get a few more bucks. Now that Soundbites is in a much larger location, you'd think they'd calm down a bit. They do on weekdays somewhat (though service is generally too hands off then), but at busy times, you constantly feel like you're being rushed so they can turn your table over. Since this is a review of Ball Square Cafe, it may seem odd to mention so much about a rival, but since they serve a very similar menu, it's important to appreciate why one is better than the other. About 18 months ago, I finally had it with Soundbites after yet another stressful meal where I felt like I was in the way. I'll never go back there. Even on a busy weekend morning, where the place is bustling and lines are out the door, Ball Square doesn't feel rushed. You move on quickly because you, personally, want to make room for the next guests to experience good food, rather than feeling like you're being pushed out the door 10 minutes after you get your food.
(5)Kristen C.
Let me lead off by saying the mashed grilled potatoes are AMAZING. I've been to Ball Square Cafe twice and both times have been quite tasty. There is a wait but people are a bit touched in the head when it comes to breakfast in the area so there is a wait everywhere. It's also always worth the wait so just bundle up b/c I'm pretty sure it's always shady and windy on this side of the street. And just to be clear that's not a dig on the feud between the owners of this place and the place next store... I'm talking about the position of the sun in the sky, people. I reaaaaaaaaally wish they had a liquor license b/c a bloody mary would go wonderfully with... um everything. And I would have taken a star off for that but the I think the owner has tried to make sure everyone feels welcome and a received like locals which I respect so back up to 5! Below it's telling me on the review it tells me 5 people seem to think it's BYOB and 3 seems to think it's not- anyone know for sure? And lastly (I can't believe I'm saying this since it's my parking space you'd be taking up BUT) if you go on Sunday you can park in the surrounding neighborhoods but Saturday it's permit parking and they LOOOOOOVELOVELOVELOVE to ticket around here.
(5)Tanvi D.
Went there this morning at 10:00 am, on a recommendation from a friend. Hmmm.. it was an OK experience.. I had dropped my friends off and had gone looking for parking (which fortunately for a sunday wasn't so bad..), so, as I was walking to the restaurant, I accidentally entered soundbites thinking it was BSC and was looking for my friends there.. After a few minutes of being ignored by the hostess, I realized that I was in the wrong place.. So, anyway, I did finally make it to BSC. When I got there, I was told by my friends that there was a "little bit of wait". Which was OK. We were 7 of us, so, we knew that seating was going to be a challenge. After some 10 minutes or so, we were seated at this round table, which should theoritically only hold only 5 people.. Once we were squeezed in, the waitress came by to tell us that the coffee and juice was self serve.. Seriously, whats up with that??? I've never seen that before.. And, it was a challenge for me to get coffee, cos, I was jammed on the inside most corner of this small table with no way out.. Oh well, someone in our group took pity on me and got me some coffee.. As we were going through the menu, we noticed a lot of "banana" items.. Interesting!! We got our food quite promptly. And everything looked really pretty, but, there was just "something" missing with all the dishes.. My Dish - carmelized banana and walnuts belgian waffle with Whipped cream on the side and a size of home fries : I'll write about the homefries first. These were not breakfast potatoes.. This dish was grilled mashed potatoes with garlic and sour cream. I felt that it had too much garlic for my taste. It might have been OK for dinner, but was a bit much for breakfast. And, my waffle was very pretty topped with the carlemized banans and walnuts. Not bad at all.. I would order this again.. The whipped cream on the side was a bit over the top.. No one needs this much quantity!! Jacuqelyn and Heather's dish - strawberry and banana french toast : Again a very pretty presentation. And the food was tasty too.. I tried a bunch from their plates and I would order this again too.. Rina and Aftab's dish, Moroccan omlette -- Hmm.. Now this one is supposed to be a speacialty, but, we were very disappointed in this. We actually had to look for eggs in this dish. Looked like most if it was just veggies. Aftab also got their breakfast potatoes, which are like homefries every place else. They were pretty bland. I've had better at other places. Jared's dish stuffed banana french toast : Also nice but, had too much cheese. He also ordered a side of maple syrup. It came in a nice little bottle that all of us shared. Anne's dish, Fruit Bowl : Now this was the prettiest of them all.. The fruits were nice and fresh. We paid $10 each for all the food and drinks we had. Not bad.. Not bad.. By the time we were done, there was huge life forming outside the cafe, but we NEVER felt rushed by the waitress.. I like that a lot. And, as we were leaving the owner Mike, shook hands with all of us and thanked us for stopping by for breakfast. All in all, not bad, definitely worth a second visit.
(4)Sarah G.
Ball Square Cafe has the best breakfast in Somerville. The portions are large, which is especially great because the place is fairly inexpensive. Everything I've had there has been totally delicious, especially their omelets. The service is great and the staff are all very friendly, especially once you've been there a few times and they start to recognize you. If I could eat here every morning, I would.
(5)Lauren S.
By far my favorite brunch place! I have never had a bad meal here and I go here alot. I was going every weekend for a few months and now at least once a month. My boyfriend and I eat brunch on the weekends, it's just what we do. Unlike its neighbor and chief competitor, Soundbites, they do not rush you through your meal and out the door as soon as you finish. You can relax and enjoy your coffee in peace. Sadly, the coffee is not very good, but you can still relax. My Favorite meal: Athenian omelet and tunisian omelet (special) Boyfriend's favorite meal: Pepperoni and mozzarella omelet (special -- not on the menu, but order it anyhow -- if you order it, they will make it for you. Order it) Also super good: Fruit/ granola and yogurt plate. They use only the freshest fruit and it's always a delicious, healthy option for breakfast. Only bad thing: If you go in the later morning (after 930), there is usually a line outside. This makes eating here in the dead of winter challenging. The wait averages 15-20 minutes, but we've waited 45. It's definitely worth it, but bring an umbrella if rain's in the forecast. Mike, the owner, says there will be heaters installed outside for this winter, so maybe it won't be too bad. Overall: My favorite brunch place! Ther service is the best we've had and the food is always super fresh and delicious. It's a bit more expensive than other places we've gone, but worth every penny. The portions are enormous, so you will have leftovers for sure.
(5)Pieta B.
This was almost my new favorite brunch place. The food is excellent and the service efficient. In the end, though, too efficient. Our food came up really quickly, our check came before we asked for it and finally we were asked to leave before we'd finished our coffee. I just can't forgive that. Fantastic food so maybe I'll give it a second chance at a less busy time.
(3)Trevor J.
This is by far my favorite breakfast place. The prices are great and the food is better. The portion sizes are bigger then one person could ever eat. I've never ate off their lunch menu but I saw one of their hummus platters and it looked great. The owner is always around and is one of the friendliest guys he even offered us free fruit last time I ate there. The drinks are all self serve which is nice because if you have to wait in line you are free to go and help yourself.
(5)Hugo R.
Excellent breakfast! Phenomenal. Shhhhhhh, don't tell anybody about this place, we had to wait 40 minutes in line for breakfast. WELL WORTH the wait!!! Loved it.
(5)Jonathan S.
A fast, hot, and delicious breakfast sandwich to go, AND super friendly waitresses. Quite a contrast to the atmosphere next door. Don't stand by the register while you're waiting, though. The owner will freak out, then start cleaning the coffee area compulsively while explaining that you are about to get knocked dead by a speeding and steaming plate of french toast.
(4)Lesley R.
A bright star shone down on this rainy Saturday morning and graced it's light upon the Ball Sq. Cafe! I knew I'd be in the area and hunted on Yelp for a breakfast joint the night before. I try my best to just skim the reviews, so I can really try to draw my own opinion. I'm looking mostly for location. I had also read about Sound Bites, but didn't realize til I got off the bus that two places are right next to each other in direct competition! The lines ran just out the door for both establishments. Yes, Sound Bites is physically larger and had the open-air thing going on, but I was sticking with my original choice. I did ask a few folks in line that had been to both places. I was actually told that there might be less of a wait due to the size of the competitor. Again, I was glad I stuck to my guns. Mike, the owner, realized that I was dining alone, and I got my pass directly to a table within 5 mins! A very nice waitress immediately took my order and referred me to the beverage area in the rear of the restaurant. There seemed to be plenty of coffee, varied teas - I believe there was an espresso machine. I grabbed a Naked Juice from the fridge. Less than 3 mins later, golden fluffy pancakes and a very crisp order of bacon had arrived! As I ate, I noticed some fellow patrons had fresh fruit that had a fancy plating arrangement. Another nearby table received a fresh (huge) blueberry scone on the house. Maybe Mike felt bad for them having to wait in the rain. I finished up and got the check. If you take off the Naked Juice, my meal was $6!!!! $1.95 for almost SIX pieces of bacon. LOVING IT! After my meal I took a few minutes out to speak with Mike. He's quite a jolly fellow. I saw his true appreciation for customer satisfaction during my entire visit - helping to greet and seat, helping his staff clear down tables, processing checks - all with great enthusiasm and a friendly smile. I almost felt like I was watching the second half of Kitchen Nightmares - the part after Gordon Ramsey whips a restaurant into shape and gives it the wings to fly. Nicely done, Ball Sq. Cafe. See you next time!
(4)Austin R.
Strawberry nutella fench toast was very well made. Homefries were okay but slightly burnt on the bottom. The manager is extremely accommodating and dealt courteously with my group of 8 college kids and managed to get us two tables right next to each other, a very impressive feat in such a small venue. Service was nice and overall experience was very pleasant. Will probably come back in the future and try some sort of egg breakfast.
(4)Sheryl L.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in all of Somerville and Cambridge. Excellent breakfast spots are difficult to find - I am happy to live so close to the best one around. The menu is filled with great dishes. I especially like the salmon omelette and their fruit bowl (it is not filled with just honeydew and cantaloupe - there are strawberries, blackberries, apples and papaya) The service is exceptional.
(5)Kaitlin B.
Finally a good breakfast menu in Camberville! Expect to wait in line on the weekends but we only had to wait 10 minutes or so on a Sunday at 10am. Portions are generous and the food is good. Friendly staff.
(4)Anonymous N.
INCREDIBLE! It's like a breakfast restaurant heaven... First of all there aren't enough places to go out for breakfast to begin with, and when you usualy find a place it's nothing to talk about... This place is something to talk about! I have been only once (so far) and it was the most glorious experience I've ever had for breakfast. I discovered the cafe on 'groupon' and went on a weekday morning with a friend to give it a try - we enjoyed omletts, potatos, bagels, english muffins, coffee and juice... everything was SO fresh! and impressively tastey... The restaurant spotlessly clean and tidy which made it a very comfortable and enjoyable experience to eat there. The waitstaff were remarkabley pleasent and also made the atmosphere homey. I have pretty much told everyone I know about this place because I'd love to share the experience with everyone I can... When my friends come to visit Boston from Florida in June and July - Breakfast at the Ball Square Cafe is on the top of our list! I'm glad someone has stepped up and created an amazing breakfast restaurant that is both perfection and affordable while food quality is outstanding!!! BRAVO!
(5)S V.
So last sunday after noon...my boyfriend and two of our friends decided to go to sound bites. Outside there was one awesome dude (who happens to be the owner of ball square cafe) who greeted us and asked which diner we were going to. We decided....sound bites is a little rush rush on their costumers and this place looks friendly enough to try out. Best decision of our day. We were so happy with every order of food we received. Waitress (lauren), effing awesuuum. Got everything right, and 2 crushes out of it. The owner was the coolest, down to earth person who made friends with every costumer that walked through the door. He made every one of us feel comfortable and even sat with us after the meal to exchange a few words, made sure everything tasted good and was open to any criticism we had to offer. There is not one bad thing I can say about this place, except for the addicting coffee. I had 3 cups there and took one to go. So now it looks like I'll have to go out of my way to get their coffee. Bummer. I live in melrose. It's gonna be a bit of a hike. But we're so going back.
(5)Derek W.
I've gotta be honest, I was very excited to try this place when I snagged a groupon for it. When the girlfriend and I got there for a late breakfast one day, we found a line extending well down the street. Fortunately these were mostly large parties and after about five minutes, the owner came out to personally show us to a two-person table. I ordered the avocado and tomato eggs benedict and freshly squeezed orange juice (it actually is freshly squeezed that day, which is a really nice touch that is pretty hard to find), while my girlfriend ordered the banana and nutella stuffed French toast. When our food came was when the meal fell apart. The eggs in my benedict were definitely overcooked, not runny at all. The tomato didn't taste very fresh and the subtle flavor of the avocado was completely lost under a blanket of merely adequate hollandaise. The girlfriend's French toast was no better. It was one note: sugar. You could taste the banana a little, but the hazelnut and chocolate flavors of the nutella were completely absent as the palate was coated with sweetness and the brain went into shock. I'll probably give this place another shot (or, more likely, try Soundbites) because the menu is just too appealing to give up on. But, one more bad meal and my patience will most certainly run out.
(2)Jamie N.
My mate and I look for very specific things in a brunch place, and Ball Square Cafe provided a number of them. Typically, I eat out for brunch once a week or so, and I'm no stranger to the Somerville breakfast scene. Yet, for some reason, could be the crowded popularity of this place, aforementioned mate and I have been totally reluctant to check out BSC. Which brings me to Presidents' Day, 2009. On a whim, and starving, we entered the cafe. A gregarious, large man in a black button-down greeted us immediately and we were seated. "Hey, guys. Is this your first time here?" He was so welcoming. I felt like I entered a friend's house. Our waitress was less than thrilling (I don't think she cracked a smile once). I was willing to forgive her when I had my first bite of yum-yums. I ordered the "Fit for a King (or Queen)." I loved the addition of "Queen" in the menu, in pink font. Eggs, over medium, cooked to perfection, just the way my mama makes 'em. Sausage, like perfectly shaped poo with the appropriate meat taste. Pancakes, chocolate chips added, worthy of taking the remainder home. Tasty bagel. Boyfriend's Corn beef hash benedict was scarf-worthy with a nice amount of Hollandaise. The food here is plentiful. I noticed sandwiches at nearby tables that took up an entire plate. The french fries were like bricks! Coffee is self-serve, which I am led to believe saves me from caffeine overdose (wait-staff constantly filling my cup and luring me into a bad ADD hyperactivity zone), and allows me to mix the different flavors. End of story - eat here.
(4)dave m.
Incredibly delicious with exactly the kind of customer service you want for a weekend brunch - friendly, attentive, and happy. The owner is great and has a good time talking with all the customers. If you're looking for good french toast, I can't recommend the Apple Cinnamon French Toast enough; it's incredible. It's like apple pie. I don't even add syrup - the syrup from the apple topping is perfect.
(5)Maria D.
aah.. the never ending ball sq vs. soundbites debate. I love everything about ball sq besides its "home fries". Their specialty home fries are these weird grilled mashed potato things that need to be drenched in ketchup prior to eating. Other than that, I truly love this place and have proudly stood in line for a good half hour to eat there. Of course if there were more than two of us I'd probably head next door. The owner who runs the show is the man. Smart guy who makes sure everything is running efficiently. Keeps track of how many parties are in line and encourages people to go in a grab a coffee while they wait. (although 2/4 times i've been waiting in line, randoms will run in, grab coffee, and peace out). The service is great. I don't mind getting up and getting my own coffee, but I wish they had a bit more of a selection for a self service place. And its kind of a pain sometimes to get a server's attention when you need some ice for an ice coffee. It would be really beneficial if they had some sort of ice machine, and a large space for that whole area. If you haven't been here, you definitely need to try it out!
(4)al e c.
I'm so disappointed about Ball Square Cafe. If you are going to steal the menu and head chef of your former tenant, *at least* have the balls to move to a new neighborhood. Admittedly, the food here is good (although the service is slow) but it would be difficult for it not to be when, as i just pointed out, the menu, chef AND location were stolen from former tenant, Sound Bites. And with the embarrassingly similar menu, non-existent atmosphere (unless cold and uninviting qualify as "atmosphere") and terrible coffee (no, it sucks and that's a deal breaker) I can't respect the place. While not completely unfortunate I liked it better the first time around--with atmosphere, character and a reason for the ridiculously long wait--as Sound Bites. If you don't want to wait in the (well worth it) line for Sound Bites or you aren't' looking for atmosphere, this is a fine runner up. but personally, I'd recommend the original.
(2)R F.
The caramelized banana and strawberry french toast is the best thing I have ever eaten. Seriously. We moved further away, but I'd make the trek for this meal any day. I actually don't know how anything else on the menu is, because it's so good that I can't convince myself to order anything else!
(5)David X.
I don't know who's side I should be on. I think Yassir is a great guy and I love the old Soundbites. I also think Omar is a great chef, and that the food at Ball Square Cafe is even better than it was at Sound Bites - primarily because there are new items on the menu. Obviously, since the old Soundbites and Ball Sq have almost identical menus created and cooked by the same chef - Omar - there really isn't that much of a difference there. But Omar has added some extra items - like the caramelized apple cinnamon waffle which really is not a waffle, but more like a light airy souffle drenched in hot caramel sauce and fresh apples. I am drooling just thinking about it. I don't know the dirt on why SoundBites moved and frankly would love to hear the details. From the face of it, it sounds like the landlord wanted to raise soundbites' rent since they saw what great brunch business they did. Yassir refused, moved next door, and so the landlord opened a restaurant in soundbites' place with the identical menu and soundbites' chef as his partner. Slimy in some respects. In other respects, I think it is only fair that great chefs own at least part of the restaurants they work at, whose reputations are built on their skills. So there you go. I guess I will frequent Ball Square Cafe since I liked the vibe of the Old Soundbites a lot more than the new one which has a giant bar in the middle of it. And really, Ball Square is essentially the old Soundbites. The only difference is instead of yassir owning it, someone else does. Oh the drama.
(5)Nichole M.
I have been here several times now and every experience has been as great as the first time. Mike, the owner, is wonderful about getting to know his customers and keeping them happy. On a busy weekend he can be found by the front door helping seat people in an orderly and efficient manor. The place is pretty small, but the wait usually goes by pretty fast. It doesn't hurt that the drinks are self-serve, so you can grab yourself a cup of joe while waiting to sit down. The menu options are great and everything that I've had here has been delicious. A lot of my West Coast friends take the red-eye to Logan, so after I pick them up we head straight to Ball Square Cafe and it is always a winner :)
(5)josh m.
Had a great meal at the cafe today. Was intrigued by the similarity to Sound Bytes in the area of food and coffee station. Told the waitress I was from the state and demanded to know the official affiliation with Sound Bytes. After being goaded, the waitress finally spilled the beans (no pun intended). Apparently Ball Square Cafe usurped the head chef from Sound Bytes, this is very obvious considering thier creamy hash browns are the same exact thing! I was hoping to obtain a free meal, I mean I did tell the waitress I was from the state. No dice though, I guess I didn't look like I was from the state, but I sort of look like I could be from the legendary show The State. I did fail to mention this to her, oh well. I will return to this establishment and consume food in the future, you can bet on that. Also the coffee was amazing, deep and thoughful like sermon on the mount.
(4)nicole p.
breakfast is my favorite meal and this place never lets me down. i have been here 4 times now and always take my friends there when they come to town because i know they will like it. food is well prepared, plentiful, fresh, tasty. the place is clean, the service is friendly and good. the owner is ALWAYS there and genuinely concerned that you are having a good meal. pancakes are wonderful, the omelets fluffy and full of great fillings. the corned beef hash is really tasty (though if you are a big hash fine, try this place called The Restaurant in Woburn. The best corned beef hash I've ever had). the muffins are really good - I actually haven't had anything there that I didn't like and I have tried almost everything. I must say, however, I did like the traditional hash browns to their version of hash browns which essentally felt like eating mashed potatoes. Just a personal taste thing, not a criticsm. so, overall, i am really glad it's here and it's a nice addition to ball sq. the place next door, you all know who i am talking about, does nothing for me. again, maybe just a matter of personal taste.
(4)Jen H.
This past Sunday a friend took me to Ball Square Cafe for breakfast. Mind you, it had snowed, freezing rained, and was currently raining outside..... and yet we still took the normally 5 but now 10 minute walk to Ball Square Cafe. By the time I sat down I was cold and wet - but the prompt service, friendly attitudes, and yummy eats soon made me forget how crappy it was outside, and what I was going to have to walk through to get BACK to my friend's place. Surprisingly, there were a good number of people inside considering the weather. The service was top notch, and as I said.. the food was yummy. In addition to the yummy factor, I got so much for my $$! I ordered the Celtic Omelet which I got with the home fries (mashed/grilled potatoes of sorts) and your choice of bread/bagel/etc so I got an Onion Bagel. Needless to say I couldn't finish everything, and I totally wrapped up the bagel and ate it on the T later that day! My ONLY complaint, (and it is a small one) was with the Omelet. It was like they cooked the eggs and veggies separate and kept them separate the entire time, and just kind of folded the eggs around the veggies after the fact..... and the veggies were cooked with a good amount of oil and it made the omelet a tad oily. I like my veggies intermixed with the eggs - but like I said... small complaint. If I'm in Somerville and find myself hungry for breakfast.... I'd totally go back. yummmm, making my tummy growl just thinking about it!
(4)ChianWen T.
Average. I am spoiled by all the more decent place on the Left Bank (by that I mean the Boston side), everything else is just average by comparison.
(3)Elizabeth F.
This place was fabulous. We were greeted at the door by a man ( the owner?) who graciously welcomed us and directed us to the self-help coffee and tea selection. The waffle I had was topped with a mound of fruit--incredible. I want to try everything!!! Great fast and friendly service and GREAT options.
(5)Jill C.
Excellent food and service. One of the best breakfast places in town!!
(5)Liz T.
I have to admit this was one of my favorite places to sit down and have breakfast! The food was delicious, well prepared and great presentation. I love the menu and found all the food to be quite fresh and YUMM! Thanks Mike for a great experience. I definately will be back and with friends. BTW, the coffee...exquisite! Ive had the coffee at Sound Bites and the coffee at Ball Square Cafe is much smoother!
(5)Cathleen C.
The best place to have breakfast in the Boston area. The food is amazing and the plates are heaping. One meal here and you won't have to eat the rest of the day. My favorites are the omelettes and apple cinnamon french toast. I love the fact that you can make your own coffee and tea. Mike, the owner, is probably one of the nicest guys you can ever meet, and he keeps the (long) lines moving quickly. If you go on the weekend, get there early, or else you'll wait in a line that wraps around the block!
(5)buckminster f.
we just got back from ball square cafe. mike is a super host, and our server (didn't get her name) was also very gracious. the food is tasty and generously portioned. we ordered their portobello mushroom, roasted pepper, basil, and ricotta omelette, with a side of their mashed potato home fries, and cinnamon toast. we also added two sausages (one pork, one turkey) and a mini portion of their pancakes topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream (not the kind that comes out of a can). this was not mini at all btw. all the ingredients were top notch, and the food came together nicely. as the bf pointed out, this isnt the kind of place that has a chef designing and tasting the food in the kitchen, but the food is prepared with care and effort. next time, i'll probably stop in for lunch and try one of their grilled cheese sandwiches.
(4)Yana K.
Terrific place, once you get there - you going to get hooked! I bring all my friends there and they LOVE it. The place is modern, great service and the food is simply outstanding. You can not get better on Newbury or South End (cant even come close - I tried). Egg benedict is to die for (my favorite) and French Toast with challah bread and caramelized strawberries - simply addictive. Service is quick, courteous, choice of 5 different types of coffee and same for tea, freshly squeezed juice, fruit salad with 6 different fruits (does not get better than that). I wish I could go there every day - dont we all - and not to gain 100 lbs. Its that good. Highly recommended. Yana K
(5)Kathryn M.
Wow. Truly the best breakfast I have had in years. I ordered the tri-berry belgium and my boyfriend ordered the asparagus and prosciutto omlette (with ricotta and basil). The coffee was the best I've had around somerville (that was the first thing we noticed). Way to give soundbites a run for their money! We hope to become regulars.
(5)M D.
My husband and I went for the first time today and it was wonderful! The people were super nice, there were lots of great menu options, the server was knowledgeable and patient, the place was clean. We are definitely going back.
(5)Cathy Z.
Had breakfast today at Ball Square Cafe. The best fresh fruit I have had anywhere. Not the usual offering. Papaya, Mango, Apple, Strawberries, Blueberries, Banana, Raspberries, Orange, Kiwi, Grapes! All fresh and at the perfect ripening stage. We had to wait 10 minutes but was offered a cup of coffee or beverage while we waited. The restaurant was immaculate including the restroom. The service was fantastic. I received the wrong breakfast and it was immediately remedied. Best whole wheat blueberry pancakes! You can even get "real" Maple Syrup! And the owner was open to talking about offering gluten free items. Congratulations Mike on a great restaurant with lots of fabulous choices.
(4)Shawna H.
It's all about the service baby. After a recent altercation at Sound Bites (I wrote a review about their terrible service (to say the least) under Sound Bites) I decided that I would never go back there and would encourage others to think twice about going there as well. As an alternative I decided to go to the Ball Square Cafe and check it out. It was delicious and the service was excellent -- definitely something you can't find at Sound Bites. I could care less that they "stole" the Sound Bites menu. It actually works out quite well, because I basically get the same type of food you get at Sound Bites, just in a different restaurant and I don't need to worry about getting verbally attacked and feel like I'm a burden to the staff. The owner was friendly and made me feel welcome -- a true service professional. He seems like an extremely hard working person and also mentioned that his family owns Victor's Deli next door which is also delicious. I'm happy to support this business because they've been in Somerville for years, work hard and most of all have class, which I definitely can't say for the folks at Sound Bites.
(5)Brian C.
Ok, as far as I can tell, no one has yet mentioned the sweet potato pancakes. Now, the first few times I ordered them, they were a little strong tasting (maybe tart even), but lately, they seem to have figured out that that sweet potato-y flavor blends perfectly with a spoonful of cinnamon. So, if you want the best breakfast deal in the world, you can get an egg and cheese and meat (or meatless meat) sandwich on what appears to be fresh-made croissant, WITH a side of 2 sweet potato pancakes, AND a bottomless mug of coffee for I believe $8.50 at last count. Hard to beat that. I will make the commute all the way from Brookline whenever I get the chance. No offense, Martin's.
(5)Nicole M.
awesome caramelized fruit french toast. good coffees. nice atmosphere....i will be going back.
(4)Dic D.
Best breakfast spot in Somerville.... which says a lot. Cozy location, so get there early on the weekends. Food is great, but I tend to stick with one plate there almost every time (corned beef hash eggs benedict). My friends/family tend to go as well and they all love it. JUST GET THERE EARLY! Portions are great, I usually can skip lunch after a big breakfast there! And for my money... I would wait in line for Ball Sq Cafe before I ate in Sound Bites.
(5)Michelle C.
Kind of dreary Saturday, late morning. My boyfriend and I decided to walk the short distance from my apartment to Broadway for some breakfast. I've eaten at Kelly's before, and I'm a fan (complete sucker for diners, no matter what the food tastes like), but there was quite a line there, as well as at the ubiquitous Soundbites, and grey clouds looked like rain so I was not in the mood to stand around outside waiting to be wet. So we headed back to Ball Square Cafe where the owner greeted us at the door and we were seated immediately at an open table. I'm not sure how I feel about the self-serve drinks in a breakfast joint situation, but it's no real skin off my back. I ordered the poached eggs with standard potatoes and bacon. They were good, but not as good as Danny's Diner (sadly no longer walking distance for me). My boyfriend had some sort of Southwest style omelet, which was quite tasty. He also got the fired mashed potatoes that they do, which I would definitely get next time, as they are far tastier than the unmashed kind. The service was prompt, and the food was tasty and filling all at a pretty low price. I can't ask for much more from a breakfast place. I'm sure I'll be back again to try something else on their menu (the Belgian waffle selections were very tempting!). If I could, I'd probably give 3 1/2 stars, but the slightly over-runny eggs and mediocre potatoes pull the score down again. Still, I'll go again!
(3)alice m.
have never had such a fantastic breakfast.mike,one of the owners greets each and every patron,and omar uses the freshest ingredients in everything he makes.omelets are jam packed ,the grilled mash are to die for,and my favorite,the fruit bowl is filled w/mango,blackberries,fresh bananas,sliced apples,my mouth is watering just talking about it.the help yourself coffee bar is the best,and the place is immaculate.do yourself a favor,you will never go any where else.have not tried their lunch,but i'm sure it is great also.ENJOy !!!!!!!
(5)Nat S.
The Ball Square breakfast war continues with the opening of Ball Square Cafe (BSC). There is a huge back story about their relationship to Sound Bites next door. I won't bore you with details that can be found on Chowhound.com . I waited a week or so before trying to give them some time to work out their bugs. Most Sound Bites patrons will immediately notice similarities in the fare- potatoes prepared the same way, Moroccan Eggs... BSC is great for breakfast and they have fixed some of the Sound Bites issues from when they were in that space: coffee is served, the Canadian bacon is really good- not the super salty particulate tube that is served next door. The fruit seemed just as fresh as Yasser's (Sound Bites)- that one thing he's got nailed, but BSC does better. I encountered a lot of older locals dining at BSC on a weekday - police, a priest, an alderman... BSC and Kelly's will probably win over the non-student population, while Sound Bites keeps the bulk of the students. BSC's Owner was quick to introduce himself and was constantly checking to make sure I had what I needed. Coffee was great, food was great and prices were good. I only have two suggestions- the decor was a little sterile. They may want to put a bulletin board by the door to give the place some local flavor and get some Somerville imagery on the walls- I am sure this will occur as time goes on. I want to feel like it is my hometown breakfast joint. I will still go to the Broken Yolk and Kelly's feels like a part of me. I'll eat at BSC a lot, but never after 9:30am on a weekend. Don't forget True Grounds-the only true "coffee house" in Ball Square- not just a breakfast place. Update one day later: I had to get my own cup of coffee today... Maybe it is a weekday / weekend thing? Given that I live within 18 seconds of the 5 most popular breakfast joints in Somerville, why can't I get Heuvos Rancheros??? The kind with green chile, not red! Update: Sunday 10/6/07- The Sunday Globe led the City Weekly section with a full page+ story on the 5 breakfast places in Ball Square. They discussed in great detail the friction between Sound Bites and Ball Square Cafe. BSC won that round hands down, with Kelly's, True Grounds and Broken Yolk somewhat on the sidelines. I wonder about the timing of my review and the Globe article, but I also wonder if anyone reads my reviews at all. Update 4/7/08: The Somerville Snooze ran an article about Mike from Ball Square Cafe sending Yasser a "let's bury the hatchet apology" letter. Yasser did not accept and the feud continues. There was mention that even the Mayor was getting involved.
(5)shana c.
stop waiting in the line at soundbites and try ball square cafe. as other reviewers mentioned, it's the same food-- apparently the owner/head chef previously owned soundbites, at least that's what the waitress told me. only 4 stars because they messed up my order (wrong cheese in the omelette) and ran out of rye bread but i was so hungry and it was so good i ate it anyway.
(4)lolo s.
i've been coming here about once a month since i first tried it in july with my boyfriend and his parents. we now make the block or so walk over monthly. i've never once had a problem. never once felt rushed to get out and stop drinking cup after cup of tea. everything i've ever had has been just lovely.
(5)Bob S.
Three thumbs up! Great breakfast...try the omelets with grilled mashed taters...or the berry sweet potato pancakes!
(5)Erin M.
Once upon a time, an out of town friend and I went to Ball Square Cafe. There was wait for groups, but the owner shuffled us right on in, happily getting us a waitress and menus. She was lovely and attentive throughout our entire stay and never rushed us out as my friend and I caught up on life. She explained the coffee bar was available for drinks. I guess she saw the coffee-craving glisten in my eyes (it's always there). After figuring that out and getting a touch of coffee in a TINY mug, we were ready to order. For me, tri-berry pancakes. My friend had an omlet. They both were wonderful. I was served three large, berry-filled pancakes. The fruit was tart and packed an indescribabbly delicious punch to the pancakes. I dream of these pancakes. I try to replicate their fluffiness and tartness at home. Usually, I come close, but not close enough to stop my pancake fantasy. My friend enjoyed her food. She didn't rave, but she seemed pretty happy with what she had. Fluffy, fruity, tart pancakes are five star worthy. A clean, well laid out establishment is also five star worthy. But a coffee bar that gets big crowded, only had little mugs, and runs out of hazelnut coffee on me has to take off a star... Ball Square Cafe, I am absolutely coming back...probably with my own big mug though (and a big appetite).
(4)Steve L.
Great breakfast, the bes! I take everyone and anyone who visits me here and they all love it! Keep up the good work Mike/ Omar!
(5)Gaven C.
Pros: Affordable, high quality food, great management, clean, great service Cons: Extremely limited seating
(5)Simone P.
I can say that this spot has the very BEST FRENCH TOAST I've ever had in my life. It's amazing! Order the: French Toast with strawberries. It's a beautiful couple of pieces of challah served with a brown sugar reduction and sweet, fresh strawberries. It's fantastic and wayyy better than any of the brunch spots you'll find even in the South End, Boston. The Chef at Soundbytes left to start Ball Square Cafe - and I must say the quality of food at Ball Square is absolutely wonderful! The ingredients are fresh, the omelettes are well-cooked and fluffy and the personalities/people watching opportunity is fantastic. Soundbytes is an annoying, crowded place compared to Ball Square which has bigger portions, better prices and much better prepared food! Stop into this fabulous joint.
(5)Dominique N.
Where do I even begin? With the to-die-for carmerlized fruit french toasts? The delicious berry + whipped cream waffles that rival the ones I just had in Belgium? This place does breakfast, and it does it amazingly well. Even its less decadent dishes (which my sister ordered) like fruit and yogurt and granola really shine...homemade granola, piles of fresh fruit (and not the lackluster apple and pear cubes you find at some places...here there's kiwi and mango and pineapple). All I can say is that this place does the "all-American" brunch (with its own unique twist) better than anyplace I've eaten at. As an added bonus it has a super friendly owner that treats everyone like a regular and reasonable prices (considering the quantity and quality of food). Just go already!
(5)The K.
Ball Square Cafe: We were minutes from being seated at the juxtaposed Soundbytes but we peered into its former space to find the exposed brick walls, the tempting breakfast dishes, and we questioned if we were missing out and had dismissed this imposter. Several times over the past few years we had passed over this infamous neighbor for our long established breakfast love. We were devoted to the name that we long-associated with the pushy but respectful owner urging his customers to move on after eating so that the long line of hungry patrons could get their breakfasts on. And on this particular morning we wondered if we had given short shrift to its neighbor and we had heard the rumors about the neighborhood disputes, the chef who had stayed on at BSC, that the food might even be better at BSC than at Soundbytes. So that morning we took the risky move of giving up a minutes-away table to wait for a table at BSC. The waiting experience was not the same. Take away the urgency of service and you just have hungry people waiting 30 minutes for a table. Does the more relaxed experience of eating without a hovering owner make up for the wait? Close call, but probably not. Without the urgency of service, the charm of that space has been removed, which has unexpectedly made the waiting experience much less enjoyable. Don't get me wrong - the food is quite good, equivalent to the former Soundbytes (which I had begun to question of late if the quality had declined somewhat). But something about this unamicable divorce has taken something out of both descendent breakfast restaurants. In this case, the sum of the divided parts is not as good as the original. It made me miss the old Soundbytes, the experience of waiting in line, coffee cup in hand, winter, summer or fall. Waiting for the bowl of fresh fruit, the chocolate chip pancakes, knowing that we had to be efficient with our ordering and with our eating. I wish I could go back but I will have to settle for one of these two and on most weekend mornings, I'm not sure either capture my heart the way my memory wishes they would.
(3)Rupert H.
We just went there for breakfast last weekend and I got the corned beef hash and poached eggs. I am a fan of homemade hash, but this really wasn't very good...way WAY too many peppers in it, so it was really sweet. Hash is supposed to be salty and delicious, not sweet. I tasted someone else's grilled mash (their answer to homefries) and it was good--grilled garlicky mashed potatoes. We went early--maybe 9am, and there was already a line outside. They do self-service coffee, which I like--and you can get a cup and bring it outside while you wait. I guess I just think there are a lot of breakfast options in the area, so I probably won't go back to the Ball Square Cafe.
(2)Ellen M.
Ended up here on a Saturday morning/afternoon. I was with a group of 8 people, and our wait was only about 10-15 minutes. The gentleman that owns the place is amazing. Turned on the heaters for us (we had to wait outside) and brought us hot chocolate with some of the best whipped cream I've ever tasted. Once we were seated, everyone decided quickly on their orders. With a fabulous menu, everyone was pleased. I ordered a grilled cheese on rye with sweet potato fried, and was I in heaven. The portions are massive, definitely took home an entire meals worth of leftovers. The food was inexpensive as well.... only $6 for a massive grilled cheese and plate of fries. The service was fast, and everyone made sure that we were helped. Our food came out pretty quickly, considering the place was packed and we had 8 people in our party. If I lived in Somerville, Ball Square Cafe would be my go-to breakfast place!!
(5)Matt C.
Ok, for a place that advertises itself as a breakfast spot, their true delicacy is lunch. I'm going to say this and men it: Ball sq Cafe may be my favorite lunch spot in the Somerville/Medford area. I have gotten the club a few times and its amazing, Bread was toasted perfectly, just enough mayo, filled perfectly. Breakfast is still a stay away for me. My GF got an omelette and, like me, she found it a bit too runny and greasy. So to review: Lunch: 5 stars. Breakfast: 2.5
(4)Ak D.
First I'll tell you - i am NOT a breakfast person... however I had a great great breakfast here with my boyfriend last weekend. The owner, Mike, was honestly one of the best parts of the experience. It's so nice to have an owner who cares so much about how satisfied his customers are as well as getting to know people.. NOW .. onto the food. Had an Celtic omelet (no cheese) made with egg-whites. It was unreal. The fresh fruit alternative to the mashed potatoes was a great choice. It was so clean, fresh, and filling! The restaurant has a great homelike appeal and I'm definitely planning to go back. I had gone to soundbites once before (much to my dismay) and it does not even semi compare to the overall experience at Ball Square. A big thank you to Mike as well - you have a great restaurant :)
(4)Erin B.
Very friendly and quick service, delicious food, great value. There is almost always a wait on the weekends for brunch.
(4)Ryan A.
Unimpressed. My "Tijuana" omelette was just an omelette filled with about half a jar of cheap salsa. I couldn't eat most of it, and I love a good omelette. My toast was rubbery and was probably sitting out for a day before it got to my plate. The service was decent but I seriously don't get the whole DIY vibe of the place. Making patrons get their own drinks just unnecessarily adds traffic to an already busy and cramped space. Waitress was nice enough but didn't seem to care how we liked our food. One star is for the heaters for those waiting on the sidewalk. Why people line up outside this place is beyond me. I won't be back.
(2)Christel J.
Um, hellllooooo.....if you haven't been to this place yet in Somerville for breakfast, you are clearly missing out people. Even if you are the type to sleep in until 3 p.m. on a perfectly good Saturday (losers) you can still make it here for b-fast cause they serve it all damn day. I saw the reviews on here before...which is what prompted me to go here. And my fellow yelpers did not disappoint! As soon as my roomie and I got there, the owner came up and greeted us personally. But, pffttt....no big deal....cause you know, us gals always have random dudes just coming up to us offering us coffee and asking our names on the streets of Somerville. I mean, c'mon. Ha ha...j/k...sorta. But anywho, then we realized that he greeted everyone like that who came to eat at his little establishment...and uh, even some that weren't coming to eat. And, alas, the wind was sucked out of our sails. Ha, but the food and excellent service more than made up for our bruised ego's and the Donut Shoppe coffee was so insanely good that I actually contemplated for a split second on how to reroute my work commute to get this every morning. And I'm pretty sure that my roommate had a mini orgasm when she tried the fried or grilled muffin - whatever the hell it was (I was too busy trying to figure out how "not" to be present for that little show again...little appaling). So needless to say, the food and service were awesome and he even remembered me a week later when I came back in again for round 2. I will be back peeps!
(5)Jasmine M.
Great food! Cute and clean place with a great menu, grey service, and good coffee. The fruit was great quality compared to other Boston restaurants, and the eggs Benedict and French toast was some of the best I've ever had. Really pleasant experience. Good prices. No complaints. :)
(5)Dorothy T.
We think they served the best egg benedicts we ever tasted! The meal was very filling but very delicious. We stayed at a hotel for a nite within 6 miles from the restaurant and moved to town for the next 3 nites. That breakfast meal was so unforgettable for us and kids that we will definitely visit the restaurant again should we visit Boston in the future.
(5)Jungmin L.
I wouldn't use any superlatives to describe the brunch here. It's just reliable, friendly, considerate service that can make you instantly comfortable, along will well-portioned plates and prices + taste up-to-par. I got exactly what I expected (ie. didn't disappoint, but didn't blow my mind away) with the french toast, the omelette, and the waffles. In my opinion, the french toasts are better than the waffles because the waffle (as expected) became tough as it cooled down. But the french toast was sweet, moist, it was just really good french toast. Line isn't all that bad, either.
(4)S. J.
If you want to experience authentic, rude and crude, Boston-style attitude while dining in Somerville, then Ball Square Cafe is your place. It's almost immediately obvious that the owner and his stressed-out waitstaff feel their venue is so popular that they don't need to treat their customers with respect or a level of customer service any better than you'd expect from an outdoor parking lot attendant for a Red Sox/Yankees game. Get in, get out of the way -- you got a problem with something, then tough luck. Stay and sit silently in your corner, and do what you're told, or get lost. I've been here twice -- the first time only hinted at the problem, and amazingly that was when the line was literally out the door and waited 30 - 45 minutes just to get a table. Ball Square Cafe showed its true colors on my second visit, when the line was only 4 people -- but unfortunately there was only room for 3 people to stand inside without getting in the way of the stressed-out waitstaff and the hard-working owner. Everywhere I moved, I was in somebody's way. The servers' remarks and tone kept getting ruder and ruder. But hey, it's not my fault your restaurant is split across two buildings, forcing you to walk outside, down the sidewalk, and into a neighboring building to deliver food for half the patrons. That's how it is -- you have to deal with that all the time. Don't take it out on me. We waited about 10 minutes -- this whole time there is 1 table right in front of us, fully set and ready to take guests. After all this hassle, I was getting tired of being pushed around so I took a seat at that table, turning the chair around to face the line to make it clear that I wasn't claiming the table, but just using the chair to wait. This infuriated a passing waitress and she let me know it. That was the last straw. I don't need to be treated like a 5-year-old when I go out to eat. I suggested to my girlfriend that we just leave, and the owner was walking by and heard this. His response? "Sorry, that's just the way out policy works here, folks. You can't get in the way of our servers -- you have to wait by the door." Of course, as I pointed out earlier, there wasn't room for a 4th person to stand by the door without getting in the way of the servers running in and outside. So we just left. So if you don't mind terrible customer service and being treated as nothing more than some loose change found between the sofa cushions, please enjoy the tasty breakfast food here. Ball Square Cafe may have been the inspiration for that notorious soup cook on Seinfeld. If you're a tough guy or just don't care about being treated like you're crashing a private party, you'll have a great time here.
(1)Elizabeth K.
So the food is pretty good and the portions are huge, but the service is awful. They have a huge chip on their shoulders as if they are some swanky nightclub. Yes, the enforce the 3 or more at large table rule on weekends, which I 100% understand. However, they also have their "favorites" who get to cut the long lines and/or get to be a twosome seated in a four person table - even with many many two person parties waiting in line. I've now seen this happen 4 times. I should have stopped at 3 strikes.
(2)Maps P.
I love, love (love) this place. Where in town can you get an overwhelming helping of delicious, yummy, and heaping amounts of wonderful breakfast food, and have it be inexpensive? Well- I can tell you, Ball Square Café. As I am new to the area, I am quickly finding the places that I love, find tolerable, or undesirable. This place though, it's all good. The staff is kind, quick, and thorough...the owner personable, and always makes you feel like you're eating in the comfort of your own home. Did I mention the coffee selection they have there as well? I'll keep going there for my afternoon pick-me cup of joe. They have a good variety of coffees, and it's quick- you're in, pay, oh, and with smile. It's ideal, as it is just a block or two from an office that I volunteer at weekly. It's a must, no matter where you live in Beantown...
(5)Myra M.
The food is the best I have ever had for breakfast, (Mom I'm sorry its true). The place is nice and comfortable, the owner access able and friendly. Get here early or wait in line, but they let you get coffee while you wait so I can deal with it.
(5)Julia M.
One of the best breakfasts I've had in Boston, without a doubt. Don't be discouraged by the line, Ball Square is well worth the wait. Self-serve drink stations lets you get your caffeine fix while you wait to be seated and fast kitchen service makes this a quick experience once you are in the restaurant. Big portions at a great value. I had an avocado, bacon, and American cheese omelet and it was terrific. The fruit is extremely fresh. And the benedicts and pancakes elsewhere at my table looked delicious. I will definitely come to Ball Square again.
(4)Sarah M.
We have breakfasted all over the area and I am a huge fan of BSC. The owner (manager?), "Mike" is incredibly friendly (once he even ran out to put a quarter in my meter without me asking) and makes you feel at home, the place is immaculate, and the omeletes are incredible - fluffy and completely nongreasy. I am surprised some people prefer soundbites, which I think is good, but not as good or fresh feeling. My kids love the hot chocolate too. We go early, no waiting! If I have one critique it's the lousy bagels.
(5)Jenna F.
I am a breakfast fanatic. This place impressed me! Best French toast I've ever had. It was on the specials for pumpkin French toast. The fruit was fresh and included kiwi. My boyfriend had an egg sandwich and said its one of the best he's had in a while. Only complaint there is no waiting area when there is a wait. But the owner kindly let you wait next door in a neighboring establishment which he came to find you when your table was ready.
(5)Sophie R.
Home sick, decided to bundle up and go get a delicious breakfast. Definitely picked the wrong spot. Shared the caramelized banana walnut belgian waffles and the regular eggs benedict. The waffles featured "our special homemade whipped cream," intriguing... at first I was pretty sure it was cool whip as this squirt of white fluffy stuff stayed totally immobile, no melting or slipping around on the plate. I swear could taste the trans fats. Getting the check I asked our waitress what was in the "special homemade whipped cream" and she relayed (almost proudly?) that it was made from a mix and was in fact a non-dairy substitute. GROSS. How does that at all qualify as homemade? We mixed water into a packet of fat and sugar. Confirmation of my transfat inkling. The waffle was fine but the "Caramelized" aspect meant drenched in a thick syrup that tasted of nothing but sugar, not just some browned sugary bananas as I was imagining. The eggs benedict was grosser. The "homemade hollandaise" I am pretty sure had come out of some sort of squirt bottle. It was bright scary yellow in color and had covered the eggs in a thin layer like paint, totally unlike a blob of the real stuff. My boyfriend and I agreed the texture was mealy for lack of a better word, not smooth or creamy at all. The egg was overcooked. And the english muffin was totally soggy. The potatoes weren't crispy. Will not return. Will go to Renees next time as I should have done today.
(1)SD J.
The owner is kind and on top of his game. Even though there was a line outside when we showed up for breakfast on Saturday morning, he found a place for me to sit and wait since I'm 9 months pregnant and couldn't stand in the heat. Really nice. We had a standard breakfast - eggs, pancakes, omelets, toast, breakfast potatoes, etc - and the coffee was tasty and fresh. The food was great; we cleaned our plates! The place itself had a great vibe, and service was fast, but they didn't rush you when you were done. We really loved this place, and we'll definitely go back!
(5)Matt L.
Best breakfast ive had in a long time here! Well worth the wait, the host is friendly and inviting and service terrific. Food was absolutely awesome and the French toast is probably best I've ever had. Fruit platter is delicious, just like the previous posted images. "Eat like a king" is a huge portion and will keep you filled up all day. Can't wait to go back soon!
(5)Chris W.
Been here quite a few times with the lady friend, and we have always had a great experience. The staff is super friendly and laidback even when the place is packed and things can seem a bit hectic. The owner is always checking in on everyone and always in the middle of doing something, but I think its great that he is always around and interacting with patrons and people in the community. BSC is a great breakfast spot where the food is simliar to your local diner, with a self serve coffee area so you're never left waiting to refill your cup! Definitely a great spot for a good meal, and my advice is to come with just a friend on the weekends bc the wait for a table can be quite a while if you're in a big group.
(4)K.P. M.
I came here Easter morning for some hangover breakfast. I got there around 12pm and there was a line out the door. I did have to wait about 20 minutes, and may have had to wait longer if I was not by myself. (There were other groups that got there before me but were only ordering when I got up to leave) The staff was friendly and quick. The food was good but not mind blowing. I got cornbeef hash eggs benedict with the mashed and grilled home fries. Delicious but not enough to become a favorite or standby. Self serve drinks, quick and friendly wait staff, a relatively small space (so watch out big groups. I saw some awkward table formations happening to accomodate bigger groups) and about $10-15 a person. I think after tax my meal was $13.50 and I only had water. I would definately recommend this place, HOWEVER, there were about three other breakfast/diner places on that one block that I could see that had no waiting. I have never tried these other places, so maybe they're crap. But if you go and dont want to wait in line, there are other options that might be just as good and/or a bit cheaper. Happy eating!
(4)Nida I.
I went here for brunch for the first time two Sundays ago. There was a line outside the door when my boyfriend and I got there, but there's an awning with heaters up top, which I thought was a nice touch. Being just a party of 2, we got a table fairly quickly, and our waitress was very nice. I ordered a mushroom omelet with the grilled mashed potatoes and my boyfriend got the Fit for a King breakfast platter with french toast and extra berries, and we were both extremely pleased. The food was absolutely delicious! The price of our meal was reasonable as well. Definitely coming back! The one negative to this place (which isn't really their fault) is that parking can be difficult to find.
(5)Liz B.
It's Tuesday and I'm already dreaming of Sunday when I can make my next trip. The boy and I first tried this place out on Valentine's Day and couldn't wait to go back this weekend. Great omelets (only $.75 for egg whites too!), Amazing french toast -- I totally recommend the caramelized banana and strawberry (this week's apple cinnamon while great just wasn't the same). Super home fries -- they actually taste like potato, not weird spices, not grease or butter, potato! Table service is friendly and the kitchen is super quick. Coffee is self service so your cup is never empty or cold. What makes us want to go back (yes even more than the amazing french toast) is the owner who is one of the most personable people in what must be a very stressful job situation that I've ever seen. We waited maybe 20 minutes out in the cold for our table this weekend. He brought out hot chocolate with fresh whipped to the waiting masses at least 3 times during that time frame! Be prepared to wait if you go on the weekend, but it's completely worth it! (On a side note I heard the owner say that they're installing a heated awning soon so the wait won't be quite as cold!) Is it Sunday yet?!?
(5)Gaven C.
The good: Great food, high-quality ingredients, great manager, great staff The bad: Small restaurant with long lines at peak times You'll probably see me waiting in line on Saturday or Sunday!
(4)Hilton M.
Great food, friendly service
(5)Susannah W.
I love breakfast food. I had been searching for a breakfast place on Yelp for the last couple of days, thinking it would be a nice weekend to explore the options in our relatively new neighborhood. But when my husband decided to cook breakfast, I couldn't turn it down (he's really good... seriously - many of our friends keep telling him to open a restaurant)! Anyway, around lunch time my husband suggests trying Ball Square Cafe. His suggestion was based on their lunch menu, but I remembered coming across the place in my search for breakfast food. Score! Our conversation on the way to the restaurant: Me: I'm definitely ordering breakfast food! Husband: I just cooked you breakfast food a few hours ago. Me: But I want *more* breakfast food! We managed to find a parking space and walk in just as a table opened up... which in and of itself is so amazing that I just knew this would be a good experience. We were seated by Mike, who quickly told us about the drink situation. Even though the coffee bar is self-serve, I think the staff asked at least three times if we needed anything while we stood there figuring out what to drink. We definitely didn't feel neglected! Once we ordered, our food came out pretty quickly, and nothing disappointed! My pancakes had a light, spongy texture (perfect!), the pork sausage was juicy and flavorful (could have been heated more, though - 'twas a little lukewarm), and the mashed "home fries" were delicious. My husband's pastrami sandwich was out of this world! He got to choose his bread, which proved to be more of a feat than one might think (it took a while for our Texan brains to translate the waitress's question of "Light or dark rye?" from Bostonese... a constant struggle for us). The result was a stack of warm, perfectly cooked pastrami surrounded by buttery, toasted dark rye and I don't know what kind of melted cheese. It was GOOD. Almost made me rethink my order of breakfast food. *Almost.* We left feeling completely stuffed and satisfied, and we didn't even finish all the food. I look forward to going back and trying other items. When I go out, I tend to look at what other people are eating, and those omelets look delicious and HUGE! Or maybe next time I'll *gasp* forgo the breakfast menu and order a sandwich. I bet their tuna melt rocks!
(4)Whitney R.
A-mazing! The food I had was nothing extraordinary, but it was perfectly done breakfast food without too much grease and at a good price. I appreciate the coffee bar and the ridiculous friendliness of the owner. There was really no need to give us a free fruit plate for moving to a smaller table, but it was nice. I have eaten at Sound Bites before and there's nothing wrong with it, but it is lacking the friendly spark of Ball Square Cafe. I had plain pancakes with the home fries, and at first, I didn't appreciate being served mashed potatoes for breakfast (i am used to southern style!) but they grew on me. My bf's sausage omelette was delicious, or so I heard in between bites. Portions are huge, go hungry.
(4)Angband A.
The first time I came here, I thought this place was amazing. Then I came here again, and ordered a few more dishes, and decided that the only can't -miss item is the french toast. The omelette featured this really thick layer of egg, and the eggs benedict, while good, was nothing special. The pancakes are actually quite terrible; worse than the kind I make at home. I have to admit, though, the not insignificant type-A part of my personality gets great joy from seeing how efficiently this place is run.
(3)Charlene D.
Who needs Times Square when you've got Ball Square Cafe? This place serves up an amazing breakfast/brunch at a steal of a price! The location is cozy and intimate so if you want to avoid waiting, get their early -- especially on weekends! If you get there by 10, you probably won't have to wait. If you do find yourself in a line, no worries! It's well worth the wait. And to pass the time, enjoy a bottomless cup of coffee from their coffee bar! You can help yourself to the coffee (if you want skim milk, simply ask one of the waitstaff and they'll take some out of the fridge for you) before you even get a table. Now once you are seated and reviewing the menu, keep portion size in mind -- they are VERY generous! Do yourself a favor and order a fruit topped waffle for the table. Think of it as an appetizer -- you'll definitely want some. Their Mediterranean Omelet is very good as is Omar's Special. Whatever breakfast food you order, be sure to get the GRILLED MASHED potatoes! It's got a hint of a garlicky flavor to it and it's sightly crisp on the outside and warm and mushy inside. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water....
(4)D M.
- Long wait (but you can go in and help yourself to some coffee), which is cool if your with 1 or 2 other people. Large parties def wait even longer. Parking is tough to find Service wasn't horrible, but keep in mind they're trying to get you out asap so
(4)Raghav N C.
One of the best egg breakfast..
(4)Stephanie F.
My friend & I had to wait in line on a Sunday morning, but the wait wasn't too long. We got some coffee at the self-serve coffee/tea area. Everything sounded delicious on the menu so we asked the waitress for her recommendations. I got the Tiajuana omelet which was good! The grilled mashed potatoes were different and I liked them. It was a different twist from the regular home fries. I'm looking forward to going here again! I'm all about good service and they were very friendly here.
(4)Lauren B.
Ball Square Cafe, you ruined all other breakfast places for me. Take that as a compliment because I love you. I love you and your waffles, eggs, mashed potatoes, self serve coffee, and so friendly its almost fake staff members. My first time I was impressed/blown away. Then, we discovered the little story behind Sound Bites and the Ball Square Cafe. That only made me like it more because of the ridiculousness of one stealing another business. As terrible/messed up as it is, it is semi hilarious to an outsider. Whateva, I'm in it for the food. The owner literally bends over backwards to keep his customers. Whatever his motives are (to screw over his neighbor or to keep em coming) its a pretty good plan. Other business owners should pretend all other businesses are their enemies to keep em coming. I dream about you Ball Square Cafe. Sometimes when I'm drunk I promise to take people to see you in the morning. Then I wake up and regret my decision to foot the bill, but I go anyways because I cant break a promise (to myself) to see you when I wake up. Sweet dreams Ball Square Cafe!
(5)Meghan A.
I'm not one to throw around the five star rating, but this place absolutely deserves it. After walking around Cambridge for over an hour, my sister and I finally decided to go to Uno's in Porter Square. I was grumpy, though, because I really wanted some breakfast, so I asked our waiter if he knew a place where we could go. He gave us directions to Ball Square and said, "This place is bomb." I had to try it. Anything for bomb breakfast. We followed his wonderfully scaled, easy-to-read map, and we just about rejoiced when we arrived to Ball Square. We were seated immediately and we nearly cried at how amazing the menu was. We ordered, and the food was presented to us as though they were Christmas presents. We devoured our meal, only coming up for air to tell the owner, Mike, how much we love BSC. My sister and I were eating off each other's plates, laughing at how amazing the food was, and celebrating the fact that we didn't just settle after searching for great breakfast for, at this point, an hour and a half. BSC made our breakfast dreams come true. Fantastic menu. Great portions. Wonderful people. It's really unfortunate I don't live in Cambridge, otherwise I would go there every single day. I'll probably going tomorrow, though. It's totally worth the travel.
(5)Shelley D.
This place is fantastic. It's funny, because they are right next to Sound Bites and they have pretty much the exact same menu. But somehow, Ball Square got it right and Sound Bites is pretty awful in comparison. The guy who seated us was incredibly nice, and he ran this tiny little cafe very efficiently. I liked the ambience, the easy decor and the food had large portions and tasted better than it's counterpart at Sound Bites. I'm a fan and will definitley be going back soon.
(4)David S.
Good eggs benedict! I don't mind the crowdedness, as the bustle is one thing I enjoy in a breakfast place.
(5)Katelyn M.
Finally a brunch place that delivers. After multiple attempts to love my neighborhood Sorella's...I was happy to meet good friends for a Somerville brunch at Ball Square. The only thing a bit frustrating: parking. Lines I can deal with. And, boy, was it worth the wait!! The omelettes are fantastic -- I had the Athenian with the grilled mashed potatoes. I took it home and finished it for dinner and it was still yummy. Had a taste of my friends' waffle with caramelized bananas and walnuts, and while a whole plate would give anyone a sugar rush it was so delicious that next time I visit I am going for the unhealthy carb-loaded pancake, french toast, or waffle option. Service is outstanding and memorable. I can't wait to come back!
(5)Jose L.
What a great spot! Great menu and better tasting food. Mike was an awesome individual! Loved the personal attention. Feels like a place you've been going for years after the first 10 min. Hands down my favorite brunch place, can't wait to go back!
(5)Aya S.
I love breakfast foods. Love it love it. And going out for brunch is one of my favorite things to do on the weekends. After reading the great reviews about Ball Square Cafe on yelp, I decided to try it out with my little sister and her bf. I give my experience here a perfect 10. First of all, as a former Tufts student, I frequently ate at Soundbites back when it was in this same small spot. As many of us know, the owner of Soundbites is cranky and mean & love making the customers feel rushed and uncomfortable. Ball Sqr Cafe is the exact opposite. After we finished our meal, Mike came over to greet us and chat with us. Hell, we even talked about Yelp!! I don't care how much he was trying to just shmooze and get brownie points.....it was just overall pleasant. Now the food....it was amazing. The menu looked amazing and I had to force myself to put down the menu so I didn't change my mind for the 20th time. Everything on the menu is very inexpensive and the portions are big. Can't complain. The atmosphere was relaxed and bright. No one was being chased out of the store & the owner wasn't picking fights with anyone. The space was well-used, the store looked clean & sunny & welcoming. Everyone just looked like they were really enjoying their brunch on a cold Saturday morning. I would definitely come back here!!!
(5)Emilie P.
Must update to say that this is my favorite restaurant. Yes, that is right. My fav is a diner and I never thought I'd say that. I love the prices, the ability to order any combo you want, the food is always fantastic and I really like being able to make my own coffee and get an orange juice when I please. The breakfast sandwiches are damn cheap and delicious. Try the egg, cheese, and sausage on an english muffin, a great classic. The delight waffle and the lunch sandwiches are great too. I have been to Sound Bites and hated it. The staff was grumpy and inattentive, the food was blah and the prices weren't nearly as good as the BSC. Mike the owner trumps his old employer hands down and I would not be sad to see Sound Bites go out of business because of it. Competition is healthy people, BSC is just plain better.
(5)Tom B.
Went to the cafe today with a few guys and the food was fantastic! Omelette's, fresh fruit and great chicken sandwich. The service was great and the owner Mike is always there to make sure you have everything you need!!!
(5)Billy O.
Gotta love breakfast! I stopped by for the first time with a few friends and we ate family style. This is always good with new places because you get to try so many different things and Ball Square was terrific! I tried Waffles, Pancakes, and Omelets and they were so good. My poached egg was cooked to perfection and the self serve coffee is really really good! I took home a cup of the house blend cause I couldn't get enough. Service was spectacular and I found myself cracking jokes with the really nice staff. Can't wait to go back there for a nice weekend brunch again.
(5)Ashley F.
We came here for brunch on a Sunday morning. It was early enough that we got to sit right down. The server came by and dropped off the menus, and as we sat and decided on our meal, people started showing up at the door. The owner or the waitress would come up and tell them that they couldn't wait at the door. The staffers would put those people's names down on the list and tell them that they could wait at the deli/pizza place next door. A warm place to sit and wait was the ONLY thing this place had going for it. The staffers tried to sound polite when they asked people to wait next door but it came off forced and fake. Let's start with the server. Our server was rushed and never polite or friendly. She didn't check on us once to see if we were ok with our meal. She also dropped off the check before we asked for it--a sure sign that she was pushing us to leave so that she could flip the table. Not a pleasant atmosphere to eat in. And then there's the self service drinks. You have to go up and get all of your own water, juice, or any other drink that you want to have. Fine, whatever, except that those drinks go on your bill, which then most people TIP off of. So you're tipping the waitress for drinks that you had to fetch yourself. Charming. People, be sure to deduct the price of the drinks from the tab before tipping, and remember to always tip before tax. Finally, the food. I always get pancakes the first time I eat at a brunch place. They're a simple dish, and if you can't get pancakes right you're a shitty place to have breakfast. I was very disappointed to receive meh pancakes. When they cooled off a bit they started tasting so bad that I couldn't continue eating them. To top it off, they charge you $1.25 for "real" maple syrup. Ok, I get charging more for maple syrup--it's expensive-- but we only got these itty bitty little jars of syrup that wasn't enough for a single pancake. Rip. Off. This place blew and we're not coming back.
(1)kim k.
I often dream of my "go to" meal at BSC, which is eggs Benedict with avocado and tomato instead of the typical ham. then the grilled mashed well done, if i don't get it at least twice a month, well, it gets a little unpleasant this restaurant has it all - delicious breakfasts and the best fresh fruit in the world - seriously better quality than you would see at a 5 star restaurant -. as well they have sandwiches - more whats considered "lunch food" - honestly i have never had an even marginal meal here, it has always been outstanding. i am torn because i want them to be successful and spread the word about the fantastic food but I also dread everyone finding out about it. i have opted to be selfless.
(5)Erin M.
Excellent, cozy breakfast place. The owner and waitress were both very nice, except for a minor scuffle surrounding me waiting in the "wrong place" for the decaf coffee to finish brewing. (There is no other place besides in the way... the place is tiny!) We got here at 11 on a Sunday and waited about 45 minutes, not a bad wait considering the massive line. We were allowed to grab coffee while waiting, and the owner updated us a lot on the wait status. It was a little hectic outside but once we got in, we were not at all rushed and were waited on attentively. We were of course starving by then, which just made breakfast taste even better. I got the "Broadway Blues" plate, which has a blueberry muffin, cheese omelet, grilled potatoes, and bacon, all for about $7. A friend of mine got a waffle with strawberries and whipped cream, which was so thick and homemade it was practically butter (yum). A great value for the money and DELICIOUS.
(4)Manfred S.
Ball Square Cafe would get six stars if they were open late and had a liquor license. I go there now about once a week for breakfast at lunch. My new favorite are the Moroccan Eggs! Yummy...
(5)Robert J.
Stopped by this cafe and treated a special lady to some breakfast here. She'd suggested it since she is from the area and I'm new to the Boston. Man oh man, was it a great choice. Breakfast was delicious. I'm a huge french toast fan so I had the Banana Stuffed French Toast. It was topped with homemade whipped cream, filled with bananas and cream cheese. And it was just amazing. My lady had the "Broadway Blues" which consisted of a cheese omelet, a toasted blueberry muffin and hash browns. I was of course picking food off her plate. It was too good to pass up. All in all a great little place to eat, I'm definitely going back. Highly recommended for breakfast.
(5)Kaitlin C.
Love to come here for breakfast / brunch. Amazing grilled mashed potatoes, and a great selection of breakfast and lunch items. Fruit dish is amazing and everything I have gotten since starting to come here has been wonderful. Really cute spot, although I have seen some crazy lines! Looks like everyone knows they're amazing :)
(4)Lance T.
THE BEST BREAKFAST IN THE GREATER BOSTON!!! From the time I moved out to Boston, I have been looking for a great spot I can always fall back on for great food. I have found my spot. Mike is a great guy and it shows in how he runs this cafe. He always greets his guests and as I have become a regular, he took the time to get to know me and my needs as a patron. The food is always served fresh and by a friendly staff. Its a busy spot, so don't expect to be allowed to sit and chat too long after you are finished with your meal (but only if there is a big wait). But I don't mind, because I want people to leave when I'm waiting for a table myself. The food can only be described as amazing. Amazingly cooked, seasoned, and presented. The coffee is great and I love the self serve bar. Enjoy their freshly squeezed (and it really is freshly squeezed, I see them squeezing it!) OJ every time as well. The servings are plenty and right on every time. I couldn't ask for more, well maybe have it open all day. I am the type of person who can eat breakfast for any meal.
(5)Erin E.
Sweetest ladies ever serving you robust, flavorful omelets, and inventive french toast specials (pear and goat cheese stuffed please I'm ready to die now thanks). I want to go here every weekend, and it's the only place in Somerville that I don't mind the wait (at peak times on Sunday can be 45 minutes). Fresh fruit does not mean apple, banana, and grapes. It means PAPAYA and KIWI and BLACKBERRIES OH MY! I wish they served breakfast at dinnertime.
(4)Kimberly W.
I've been to BSC only once, but I LOVED their waffles. They were well-made, fresh ingredients, and hearty portions. Not too pricey, and you walk out full and feeling like you spent your cash on a good meal. Oh, and I loved the self-serve coffee! I went on a weekday morning, so there was virtually no wait. However, I drive by all the time on weekends and it's pretty crowded. I've yet to come back, but it's on my list.
(5)Lenny S.
Found this place on the Foodspotting app, nothing against using the Yelp app, but the pics on that app of the food here were so good, it demanded a mention. We do not know Somerville. But I assure you, it is a real breakfast town. There are 3 cafes in a one block area and a bakery or 2 to round it out. Choices and waiting on line are guaranteed. The owner was quite nice, kept the line in check and updated the wait status back out to the line regularly. Will not seat a group unless EVERYONE is there. Right way to do it. Coffee is self serve, not a bad way to handle it, waitresses don't waste time asking, filling and pouring. I think it's an interesting business decision. And the coffee is good. Real mugs or to go cups, which you can have while waiting on line. Great idea. Menu is great, choices and portions were excellent. And service was FAST. French toast with caramelized bananas was a winner. And looked like a winner. Poached eggs with bagel and home fries were not. The bagel was what appeared to be a Thomas's or Dunkin Donuts bagel. And the home fries are quite bland. Disappointed. Maybe they don't know from bagels in MA? The place has a great sound system, if anyone notices things like that, a Bose ceiling system, subwoofer and all. Again the owner came over, to see the Foodspotting app, very attentive to the details. All the items we saw being delivered looked great, the Eggs Benedict were a picture to be seen! No idea about rivalries or the other places, but they were all BUSY. But the Ball Square menu items looked the best! If you've been to Zaftig's back in Boston, you will understand waiting on line for a great looking & tasting breakfast!
(4)Tammy H.
#NAME?
(5)Lauren H.
Great food, great service and the owner is a doll! Love that everything is fresh, esp the fruit. I will return.
(5)steve g.
The food is decent, but it is just a carbon copy of Soundbites. Go for the real thing.
(2)Kylie S.
I came here early on a Sunday, thrilled that they were open so early. I ordered the veggie eggs bennedict. My breakfast was obviously made with high quality ingredients, but the end result was a little bland. Next time I would order something different. The lattes were good. Atmosphere-wise, I prefer a more casual place where waiters treat you with benign indifference--this is more of a full-service joint.
(3)David J.
This is by far my favorite breakfast place in the Boston area. Beats out any diner I've tried. The menu is good, a little pricier for breakfast/brunch but its totally worth it. Love getting the fruit plate (small is big enough to share if wanted). The stuffed french toast is amazing, as well as all the typical breakfast foods (eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes etc). I go here whenever I go out for breakfast. Don't be surprised to find a line out the door on weekends.
(5)Carly I.
Being a long time resident of Somerville, I can hardly keep up with the new restaurants opening all over the city. Today I decided to take my 2 year old son to brunch and searched feverishly for the new up and coming breakfast restaurants with good reviews. Lo and behold, Ball Square Cafe came up consistently with happy customers. Being in the customer service industry for 15 years, reviews are a staple of my decision; so I packed my son up and left. I ordered the "Fit for a King (or a Queen)" breakfast with a side of eggs for my son. The food came out very quickly, but once the server set the food on the table I didn't see her again until I flagged her down. Why did I flag her down you ask? As I was cutting up my pancakes I found a long, white hair baked into them. I quickly looked up from my food and noticed the kitchen staff do NOT wear hairnets or hats and do not use gloves. When I called the waitress over, she apologized profusely and asked if I wanted another plate. I told her I wasn't sure... mostly because the pancakes are obviously made with batter and if there was hair in that pancake there may be others. She took the dish away and replaced it a few minutes later. By this time my son was done eating and started to make a fuss. After leaving the table, I didn't see the waitress again for another 10 minutes when I had to flag her down again. By that time my son had dropped his fork and I needed extra napkins, but I couldn't find anyone to help me. I got frustrated, decided to leave, and asked her to box up the food. To my surprise, as she brought back the food she placed the full-priced bill on my table. By this time, I was hungry, my son was fussy, and I hadn't gotten to eat anything. Infuriated, I walked up to the owner Mike and told him as nicely as possible that there was a hair in my food, hoping he would compensate me somehow. His response to me: "Hair happens. That's what happens in restaurants." I said, "Well she gave me a new plate but I didn't really want it." He said, "Okay. Well thanks for understanding" and turned his back to me. Bottom line is this: this restaurant has terrible customer service and ignores health codes. If you eat there, check your food because they certainly will not.
(2)Armando C.
Another great breakfast place in my neighborhood. I love the food here. I think the sweets (pancakes, waffles, french toast) are better than the egg dishes, but they are all good. Mike, one of the owners, is a nice guy but sometimes is a little over the top. He really wants to provide good service, and it shows. But sometimes, too much service starts to get annoying. You know? Sure there's a "breakfast war", but who cares? That's between the owners if you ask me. I ate once with some friends at Sound Bites, when they used to be where Ball Square Cafe is, and it was a bad experience. Good food, but terrible service. They wouldn't let us enjoy our food or time there. The owner would keep saying "are you guys done yet? come on, it's time to go". Anyway, sorry I got side-tracked.... BSC let's you relax and enjoy your morning meal. it's a little strange that the drinks are self-serve, but honestly, if you just ask them to bring you your drink, they will. Also, you can pretty much ask them to customize anything, and they will. They're pretty flexible. Pros: good food, good service, clean & cozy, not too pricey Cons: small space (better for small groups)
(5)Meredith K.
Well I can't tell if I want to give this place a 3 or a 4.. it's kind of a 3.5 for me. First it's small and a little cramped (not too bad though), but all brand new inside - so it's pretty cute. There is usually a line here, and unlike sound bites - it doesn't move fast. I guess the upside of this is you actually get to sit down and enjoy your breakfast without being shoved out the door. Which is kind of nice on a weekend morning. The owner let us get self service coffee while we waited in line - so that's always good. The food is good here and in fact I liked some of the breakfast choices I've had here more than Sound Bites. So I think they are worth checking out. But like I said in my Sound Bites review - I am sick of the stupid feud between these guys and Sound Bites. Enough already! Keep it to yourself! When I ate here the owner was really really nice to us and talked to us a lot, but more than 50% of what he talked to us about was telling us how much the other guy sucked. It's just unprofessional. I'm here for breakfast. I don't care who said what - that's their issue and they should both stop trying to bring the customers in the middle of it.
(4)Mindy C.
Ahhh...Breakfast...I love Ball Square Cafe for their huge mound of fresh fruit and scrumptious sweet potato waffles. I have taken many of my friends here and they all love it. Now, if you decide to go on a Saturday or a Sunday expect a line down the side walk. ( The owner installed heaters out side by the way) So go really early or really late if you want to get in quick. Or do as I do and go during the week. The owner is awesome because he gives you a warm welcome and recognizes you if you go there more than once. Go and enjoy!
(5)Sarah R.
Great service, AMAZING food, this is the best brunch I've had since moving to Boston. Must try the belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream. Sooo good! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Naomi U.
We had a great breakfast this morning. This is the kind of place where there are lots of choices. We were hungry; we got confused (about what we Really wanted to order :-) ) watching other people's food being delivered while waiting to order. Coffee was strong, juice was fresh, eggs were nicely prepared. The fruit salad was very fresh, attractive; a mixed medium sculpture of sorts; none of that 'mostly watermelon and dead bananas' or 'sorry your cup somehow has a clump of mainly one kind of fruit in it' going on here. Everything was clean...REALLY clean, lots of wiping , re-wiping of tables, nothing sticky, and a tremendously clean bathroom. The service was good, with a 'front of the house' man watching and working every station, and that is what it really seems to take to make a place tick. An extra bonus: If you or your dining companions does not eat beef, chicken, or pork it is actually possible to have an egg breakfast or even a non egg; vegan breakfast here. This is VERY unusual in the area... To address the apparent controversy: This morning both establishments were stuffed to the gills; with lines out front...so, I think there might be enough business to go around for everyone. If a valued Chef under contract was indeed stolen there would be legal remedies....Maybe everyone is happier this way, AND locals get the benefit of more places to eat a good breakfast, and competition to keep them all on their toes.
(5)Rico S.
I didn't want to like this place. I really didn't. But i did. There can be long lines to get in, militaristic ownership, and unfriendly people, but the food is fantastic. They have serve yourself style coffees. A great breakfast menu, with good lunch selections as well. Reasonable prices. The Broadway Blues is my favorite. 2-egg omelet, homefries, bacon and a grilled blueberry muffin. Unbelievable. The grilled muffin is the best around. The fresh fruit plate is amazing as well. The biggest downside is the long wait. And they can't really fit groups more than 5 or so easily, but they do make accommodations for you, which is really going out of their way. At least they have heated lamps for when it's cold, too
(4)Melissa T.
When my party walked into this place this morning (well, who am I kidding -- at 1:30 in the afternoon) for brunch, the owner (Mike?) made it a point to introduce himself to us and asked us our names. A friend I was with made the comment that he seemed like the kind of guy that would be really good remembering faces and would probably remember us the next time we visited. After watching him walk around and personally check to see how everyone liked their food, I was bound to agree. We both had one of the specials, which was french toast with either pears and goat cheese (which my friend ordered) or strawberries and cream cheese (this, I couldn't resist). Absolutely fantastic. Also a plus is the refillable cup of coffee (you serve yourself, so you can drink coffee while you're waiting for a table). It's a bit of a commute for me, and Zoe's is a bit closer, but I will definitely be making the trek deep into Somerville for many a Sunday brunch from now on. On our way out to the car, the owner was just leaving but made it a point to roll down his window and ask us how our meals were. The answer: five stars.
(5)Deborah S.
Excellent service. This place will never rush you. If you are in Ball Sq don't eat at Sound Bites. The food is better here. you can't go wrong with this place.
(5)C.M. M.
Fried Sweet Potato Fries. Need I say more?
(4)Jaime N.
I've tried lots of breakfast places in Somerville and beyond- but BSC is my favorite! Great food and great coffee- yes, there probably will be a wait if you come late morning/early lunch; but it's totally worth it!
(4)Joseph G.
Yay, I'ma fan! Awesome stuffed french toast. Layla, you were totally right, stuffed french toast w/caramelized banana and strawberries is really morning sugar high. Who needs coffee when this gives you all the jolt of an electric chair. We also had the stuffed french toast with pears and goat cheese, another winner. My sister and I fought over the leftovers. Great prices, friendly staff, cofee ehh? but who needs coffee anyway.
(4)Katherine I.
Two of Ball Square Cafe's best offerings are friendly service and a relaxed environment. No worries. You can rest your spine on your chair back, eat your meal, and read the paper. No host will urge you to feed your meter and while you're outside digging for that elusive quarter, clear your table, seat another customer then upon re-entry hand you the check with attitude. A fictional story but any one of Sound Bites' regulars could attest to its plausibility. After a decade of often regrettable patronage to Sound Bites and nearly a dozen visits to Ball Square Cafe, I say confidently, there are differences. While SB and BSC share some of the same menu items, their food is not equal. When it comes to French toast, Ball Square Cafe has Sound Bites beat. The grilled, challah, French toast reminds me of homemade fried dough. It's buttery, crisp, and dusted with powdered sugar, is warm, downy and the color of butter on the inside. After sampling five of the eight French toast selections, all are outstanding and better than any ever eaten in the 'ville. Those most worthy of mention are the tri-berry, which is dotted with three kinds of fresh berries and homemade whipped cream, the banana stuffed, stuffed with cream cheese and bananas (so good), and the caramelized banana and strawberry. After sampling the savory steak and cheese or the asparagus and prosciutto omelets, an agnostic could think they're worth recalling grace. The corned beef hash tastes like the one made in a Jewish kitchen. The turkey bacon looks and tastes like a favorite brand I buy at Whole Foods. Even the veggie sausage is good. What Ball Square Cafe does better than Sound Bites is food, service, and cleanliness. I hate their hard chairs, but maybe I've a touch of Goldilock's Syndrome. All things considered, I'll be back next week, sitting in the same hard seat because I like it here.
(4)Loan V.
I love me a place that serves breakfast all day! Cause let's face it who eats breakfast on a Saturday @7am anymore. Service is great, people are really friendly...don't let the long lines sway you from waiting. Trust me its worth the wait! The portions are more than generous and you'll leave happy, full and with your wallet still heavy! :)
(4)Emily C.
This place is amazing! The service is fast, the breakfast is always delicious and the ingredients are always fresh! The also have a great coffee that is self-service which is great when you need your coffee fix while you're waiting to be seated! There omelets are prob the best I've ever had!
(5)Claire M.
Food was tasty, decor was tasteful, service was quick. No wait at 8am on a Saturday. Beverages were self serve. When offered "fried mashed potato homefries with sour cream and garlic" or "diced potatoes" it's pretty obvious what you're going to choose.
(4)Alicia G.
I love breakfast. I love Mike, he reminds me of Italian cousins--big, burly, always tan and very welcoming. He's probably not Italian, but I like to think he is. Let me dream. My fiance has had the same breakfast from here two weekends in a row he loves it that much, the eggs benedict with sweet peppers and hash. I also think it's pretty damn tasty. I'm a little different and enjoy changing it up. Last week I had the banana and cream cheese stuffed french toast...it was wonderous. Whoever started the stuffed french toast trend gets a high five from me. Ball Square Cafe took it to another level by changing the fruit from strawberry to banana. My belly was happy and full. This week I had the Moroccan...it was so fresh and tasty with sweet peppers, onions, eggs over easy and a side of mashed potatoes. Yum. Next time I'm getting an omelet. And one of these days I have to get that crazy fruit covered Belgium waffle. MMM...hungry... Customers should expect to wait in line on the weekends. It's the small price you pay for a delicious breakfast. It's all about the food here, oh and Mike too. He's pretty fun.
(4)Andrew E.
This is a fantastic place to go for breakfast. The very simple reason is the food is excellent - fluffy pancakes, tasty and stuffed omelets, and the seafood eggs benedicts are really something special. Even for those who are picky will find something they enjoy on the menu. Being someone still fairly new to the area, I had no clue about the restaurant war between Soundbites and Ball Square. I simply saw two lines out the door, stood in the middle and was greeted by Mike from Ball Square Cafe as my group and I were trying to make a decision. Mike is extremely friendly and personable, and because of this small gesture (and the food), I am now a regular at Ball Square.
(5)Sammi N.
First off, my opinion may be a bit biased because I LOVE breakfast! I could have breakfast everyday all day and never ever get sick of it. Ball Sq. is the place I go to frequently (okay, I am obsessed) for the best breakfast! Everytime I've gone here, there has always been a wait outside, but I don't mind waiting because it's that good! Everything on the menu is fresh and you can have your eggs, your omelets, you pancakes, waffles, blah blah blah done however you like it with several healthy options as well. I always get egg white omelets with whole wheat pancakes or waffles - YUM! And the fruit that's served with their pancakes and waffles are unreal fresh - like it was "plucked-right-out-of-the-field" fresh! We go here several times a week, and without it, my week is not complete. Also, Mike, who you cannot miss is super friendly and remembers every customers' names. I love this place and I can't say enough. The only downside is that they close at 3PM everyday. Okay, granted most people don't eat breakfast after that time, but there are some people like myself who actually would LOVE breakfast for dinner. Oh well, can't have it all.
(5)BostonBeeEstee D.
So I would say this place is ok except the two times I've been in there the owner was barking loudly at his super friendly waitress about nothing important at all....employee harassment = not a place a want to support. Thanks but no thanks, I'd rather have Eggo's.
(1)Desiree D.
I LOVE Ball Square Cafe! Every time I come here, I try to get something different because there's so many tasty items on the menu. Now, it's in the middle of a college town in a popular breakfast area, so weekends can get hairy unless you know exactly when to go (which is not 9-11, trust me). But, I've also wandered by there at 10 expecting a huge wait and been seated within 10 minutes. I guess it's hit or miss depending on the weekend. Either way, the owner bounces around the line, getting group numbers and updating everyone on their wait time, offering for anyone waiting to go on in and get themselves some coffee or water (which is always the worst part about waiting for a seat!). I've never had a less-than-stellar experience here and always bring anyone who visits me here for breakfast/brunch- no one's had a bad meal yet!
(5)Jocelyn M.
Like the self-serve coffee, dislike the over-cooked english muffin with my traditional eggs benedict that required a steak knife and more elbow room to cut through. The side of fruit was exquisite, though, and saved this review. The full apple slices looked like apples, the berries, mango and citrus were perfectly ripe. I wish I had gotten the fruit, yogurt and granola bowl! A side of one pancake was delicious! I'll go back to try the French Toast. Large parties wait longer to get a table than parties of 1 or 2....significantly longer.
(3)Allison S.
Decent menu and very friendly waitresses - and owner (Michael). The few times I went there, I got my fresh squeezed orange juice after I had finished my breakfast - which took forever to get to me. The food was definitely similar to Sound Bites, especially the "hash browns", which looked more like mashed potatoes, but is a a decent alternative. They need to work on managing their kitchen and their owner - he was out around the tables, politicking, while the kitchen was drowning in orders and severely back logged. Although I've been numerous times, and do offer a take-out service, it's highly unlikely that I go back. In the time it took for me to get my breakfast at Ball Square Cafe, I could have bought ingredients for eggs, hash browns, sausage and toast, cooked my meal and eaten my meal - all while not having to worry about when I would be able to drink my OJ.
(2)Neeraj D.
The quaint and cute interior is small and cozy. This is the atmosphere I look for when I go out for breakfast or brunch. The service is very friendly and helpful. The food matches the service and is tasty and comparable in value to the other breakfast joints I like. A key is that they have good coffee, because without that, all would be lost. Parking can be a slight issue and the line to get a table can also be 20-40 minutes, but a Sunday paper helps pass the time.
(4)Linda O.
I would give them higher stars because I love the food, but I'm so disturbed by the fact that the chef here used to be the primary chef at Sound Bites, that I'm at a loss for words. The rivalry between the two restaurants is sad but stealing/luring staff makes the experience a bit sour.
(3)David F.
After spending many weekend mornings getting my breakfast served with a side of sarcasm at a nearby diner, I finally decided on the advice of a friend to try Ball Sq Breakfast Cafe. Boy am I glad I did. Located on Broadway with several other breakfast choices a stone's throw away, BSBC is now my go to breakfast place. The place itself is small but comfortable and tastefully decorated. But who cares if the food isn't worthy right? Well I'm happy to say it's better than good, for the most part. To start with the presentation of the food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable, nothing more than $9. It's a very good bang for the buck. I'm a very basic breakfast type of guy so I usually order the Fit For A King-2 eggs, bacon or sausage(including turkey options) French toast or pancakes and toast/bagel/english muffin. The French toast is tremendous and I usually opt for the turkey sausage but all the meats are good. You'll need a 2 wheeler to roll you out when you're done but it's so worth it. They have a very varied menu though including many eggs benedict options and a delicious sweet pepper hash. The fresh fruit plate is huge and is a really nice mix. They offer fresh yogurt and granola since we're talking healthy options. Many of the plates come with your choice of home fries or a garlic mashed. The garlic mashed are great but for me it's more of a lunch/dinner option. The home fries are good too, nicely seasoned. One thing I can't recommend here are the muffins. They're not terrible but nothing special and not worth wasting money or calories on IMHO. The coffee on the other hand is excellent and one of the nice touches offered here is the ability to grab a cup while waiting to be seated, the beverages are self service here. It's a bottomless cup and I tend to get my money's worth. The service is good if not great. The servers are all very pleasant but occassionally need to be reminded of a request made. Mike is a great host, very personable and he seems really grateful you've paid his place a visit. In terms of a wait, it varies. Most of the tables are for 2 people with 4 or so that seat 4 and one round table for larger parties. I've never waited more than 15 minutes no matter what time I've arrived. Street parking only and on Saturdays the meters must be fed.
(4)Noelle K.
Ball Square Cafe - where do I begin. I went here with a friend of mine on a whim and have never had a better breakfast since. I would HIGHLY recommend the asparagus and prosciutto omelet - oh my GOD is it unbelievable. When we got there the owner sat us right away and even gave us a large complimentary fruit plate before we even ordered our meals. Also hear they have ridiculously good french toast. Went back with the boyfriend and now he's hooked too.
(5)sydney A.
I have been to the Ball Square Cafe only once. I should have left as soon as I realized that for the love of God, they stole the Sound Bites menu. I mean 'Broadway Blue' instead of 'Boston's Best Blue'. C'mon, are you kidding me? Part of entrepreneurship is creativity. I cannot respect a business that did not put in the effort to add value to the community through competition WITH variation. If the line at Sound Bites is too long, try True Grounds, or even the White Hen Pantry before this place. Unless you have kids, then by all means let them be entertained by the neighborhood clown.
(1)Erica S.
Ball Square Cafe gave me exactly what I needed last Sunday morning (ahem, afternoon...) after a long night of Halloween partying. I cruised up with some friends with the intention of going to Sound Bites around the same time as everyone else and their mama. The Sound Bites line had at least 40 people in it, waiting all the way down the block. Kelley's Diner down the street also had quite a crowd. Ball Square Cafe, despite the fact that we were a group of 8, got us 2 tables pushed together within 15 minutes. And as a bonus, the host spent all 15 of those minutes cracking jokes to us as we waited. Frankly, I could care less about the "restaurant war." When I'm hungry and hungover, all I care about is fast and friendly service, yummy food, and unlimited coffee. I commend the staff at Ball Square Cafe for leaving the drama at the door and just giving me what really mattered: Awesome food! I'm really impressed by the interesting selection of breakfast dishes. They have all the usual stuff, omelettes, waffles, french toast, huge delicious bowls of fresh fruit, etc, but with a lot of fun varieties, and plenty of vegetarian options. I appreciate choices like eggs benedict with avocado and tomato, pumpkin spice pancakes, or omelettes that come with eggplant and roasted red peppers... you know, breakfast with a gourmet twist. I also always enjoy the potatoes (yeah, the same ones Sound Bites has, yadda yadda), which are basically garlic mashed potatoes that have been pan fried. Delicious! The place feels clean and comfortable, the vibe is friendly and homey, and my waiter was attentive and didn't rush me out of the place the way Sound Bites always used to. I think I was done eating before some of the people waiting at Sound Bites even got seated. All in all, I think I am now a Ball Square Cafe loyalist. Yum!
(5)S M.
This is by far the best breakfast ever!!!!!!!!!!!! I love love love the avocado benedict and stuffed french toast, everything on the menu is unbelievable, If you haven't tried it then you really need to :)
(5)John C.
ball square cafe is soundbites2.. former chef.. some beef happened and they opened up next door.. the food is EXACTLY the same.. don't let anyone fool you from either place.. nothing is different.. quality is the same.. big ups to the heaters for waiting outside... i don't have a huge preference when it comes to eating here or at sound bites.. the line determines where i eat.. if there is no line i usually take turns since i like both. the one thing i do like is the owner, he's very friendly, always in line, taking names. it's the kind of service that brings people back.
(4)Laura T.
Absolutely incredible! We were greeted at the door my Mike, who I can only imagine is the owner given the time he spent sitting us down and chatting. And from here, things only got better. Thanks to very attentive service, my party of three got our waffle w/ berries and whipped cream, challah french toast with caramelized bananas, and a massive plate of assorted breakfast goodies in no time. The food was truly incredible and really filling, and everything was unbelievably fresh (especially the berries on my waffle). I really can't wait to go back!
(5)Mike H.
The owner was super friendly he went to every table and spoke to all his guest. The food was good. we enjoyed everything we ordered. We kind of walked right by it and went into the wrong restaurant. It is a hidden gem.
(4)Angela C.
Where to begin with this cute little breakfast nook, which is giving SoundBites a run for their money (talk about fun breakfast competition, they are literally right next door to each other!). I'll start with the whole experience from last weekend, the first thing that happened was that my girlfriends and I parked across the street and weren't quite sure if we had to pay the meter or not since it was Sunday. All of a sudden, I see the owner of Ball Square Cafe & Breakfast, his name is Mike, warning us from across the street to tell us that we don't have to waste our money on the parking meter. So we thanked him, crossed the street and waited in line where Mike was chatting it up with everyone and really making it a fun experience to wait in line for their food (which only took a few minutes anyway since it was around 9). Once a table was ready for us, Mike brought us in and sat us down, asked us if we had been there before (I was the only one who had experienced the magic of their kitchen) and then told us that we can help ourselves to coffee, juice, and water in the corner of the restaurant. He then with a big smile told us to enjoy our breakfast and gave us all fist pounds. We all sat there talking about what a nice guy he was and how excited we were to order from their expansive menu. The waitress we had, which the whole waitstaff is so friendly as well, totally accommodated us with the specialty coffees we wanted and had to come back a few times since we just couldn't choose what to eat (which, not to knock SoundBites or anything, but their waitstaff tends to rush you out the door and take your food from you when you're still picking towards the end of the meal). The three of us decided all to get something different, one got an omelet and substituted the home fries for fresh fruit, one got the mixed berry Belgian waffle, and I got the caramelized banana and strawberry french toast (which on the menu says is a secret recipe). Not only were all of our plates amazingly delicious, but they came out of the kitchen in a matter of minutes. The omelet was packed with goodness and cooked perfectly and the fruit that was substituted for the home fries was fresh, fresh fruit, crisp and full of flavor. The waffle was topped with the same great fruit and had the nice crunch a waffle should have, with the softness and warmness inside as well. Lastly, the caramelized banana and strawberry french toast...I have been to Ball Square Cafe & Breakfast quite a few times and it took me a few times in going there to finally order this dish. The first time I ever tasted it, it was literally love at first bite. Words can't even begin to describe how good this dish is. It's a big helping as well, and I have never taken home my leftovers from brunch before, but if you can't finish this meal, it's so delicious you just have to take it home with you anyway because you don't want it to go to waste. All in all, Ball Square Cafe & Breakfast is my favorite brunch experience that I've ever had. I promise you won't be disappointed (especially if you order any of the waffles, french toast, or pancakes with their special recipes).
(5)David D.
OK, this restaurant war is a little fucked up. My friend and I were trying to go to that diner at the end of the block, but it was closed. NO WAY IN HELL was I going back to Sound Bites. I H8ED Sound Bites, because the owner was an asshole, made fun of other customers in front of us, service took IV-EVA, the owner's kid is pretty ugly and he was acting as the host, the prices were uglier than the owner's son, and I found a hair in my potatoes. When my friend and I went into Ball Square Cafe, the owner tried to sweep us off our feet. He was too nice, it was starting to piss me off. I thought he was going to sit with us. The menu is basically the SAME as Sound Bites. It's the SAME chef! and the prices seemed to be a little cheaper, especially on the lunch menu. Is this even legal? Certainly unethical, but I don't fuckin' care! I'm going back!
(4)Shannon F.
I love this place. Mike, the owner, is a great guy and makes a point of saying hello to everyone. He usually recognizes you too the next time you come back. Their grilled mashed homefries are amazing. Everything on the menu is great--especially their corn muffin. The line is usually long on the weekends but there are heaters built into the awning and you're welcome to grab a big cup of coffee while you wait. I definitely recommend!
(5)Ryan R.
Just had another awesome breakfast at Ball Square Cafe. Mike, the owner, always greets you out front and moves the line along as fast as possible... there usually is always a line. The food is always fresh and delicious. My personal favorite is the french toast. In short.. amazing food, good prices, nice environment, perfect place to eat.
(5)Amanda B.
This place serves up a great breakfast with decent prices. People are bitching about how the menu is ripped off from Sound Bites and that it's unoriginal, blah blah...that's business, baby. At least here they won't give you the evil eye if you want to enjoy your food instead of inhaling it. I was waiting outside with my family, and the owner came out to tell us to stand inside, even though we were crowding the people eating a bit. He's accommodating, maybe a little too much, although I won't complain because he sent a plate of fresh fruit to our table to apologize for the wait. The place def. needs more space, and you're much better off going with a group of 2 or 3, then four. More than that, prepared to be uncomfortably squished. Of course, I tried every body's food. I got an omelet with kalamata olives and feta, and it was awesome. Bacon was not undercooked, which can be a gross distraction to any breakfast. Muffin was sweet but not too heavy. The pancakes are great, and the hash browns have a slight garlic taste to them, which is unique. The only thing I didn't like was my hot cocoa, which tasted too milky and not chocolaty enough for my liking. It's hard to find a place where there's more than the usual eggs and bacon, and the food is fresh and delicious, but I am totally going back next time I go out for breakfast.
(4)Katie M.
I feel sort of bad saying this, but I don't understand Ball Square Cafe's cult following. To wait for way too long on a hungry stomach to be packed in like a sardine does not appeal to me particularly, nor does trying to battle my way to and from the coffee/juice/water area without spilling my coffee since it's so crowded and busy. What's so wrong with beverage table service? Then I've been at night when there was absolutely no one there, and that was just WEIRD. The food is fine, though. But what's up with the mashed potatoes in lieu of hash browns? I left confused as to why everyone's so charmed by this place. Even if waiting in line for brunch at Ball Square is like a rite of passage, part of the Davis Square experience, I'd rather skip the crowds and check out any number of more accessible & tasty options.
(2)Jim B.
I avoid at the weekend as it is obviously the busyest time. I go weekdays. During the week breakfast is amazing, fast, and served by very nice (and nice looking) waitresses. Great, interesting and different selection, and not greasy food. 5 stars every time.
(5)S D.
When there's a wait you know it's good - anything with the garlic smashed homefries is perfection. The omelets are huge and the pancakes are delicious. Brunch perfection
(4)Danielle W.
I like this place but am not in love with it. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. The food is good, don't get me wrong. The owner makes sure to float around to each table and check up on all of his customers, which is all nice and good but it's downfall is in it's size and the wait. Usually the storefront is teeming with hungry faithful patrons every morning and you almost always have to wait. The tables are small and somewhat cramped and a table for 2 gets super small super quick. The drama between BSC and SB is frustrating and slighty odd. Each has their own respective patrons, good food and a history that attracts the front page of the local paper from time to time.
(3)Danielle H.
This place is AMAZING! I had the nutella and banana stuffed french toast and it was literally the best french toast I have ever tasted. Also tried the bacon, which was thick and crisp, as well as the home fries which are basically grilled mashed potatoes! I went for Sunday brunch and there was a line...but since I had 2 people in my party we were seated pretty quickly. Great food, great service...definitely check this place out.
(5)Kate F.
Don't eat here because you hate some other breakfast place and want to contribute to a pointless feud that's fueled not by any claims of culinary greatness, but by a turf war. Eat here because it's just plain good. The omelettes are nice and thin and stuffed with delicious, fresh ingredients. The breakfast potatoes - mashed or cut - are great. And the service? Super friendly. Also very kind on the wallet. And another note on breakfast joints: "Aw MAN we have to wait AGAIN?!" Quit yer whinin' and use yer head. Suck it up and get there before ten to beat the crowds. Not an early riser? That's what the bottomless coffee is for.
(4)Jenny G.
Rude service, hair in my hollandaise sauce, long wait that WAS NOT worth it. I'll be sticking with Sound Bites from now on.
(1)Raymond W.
Took some out of towners here for brunch and luckily there was heating outside as it was cold as f. We were told the wait would be 20-25 minutes, but it was more like 40. Thankfully we were offered free coffee, even though I opted to save my calories for food. The space was a lot smaller than Sound Bites and they even used Victor's Deli for extra seating. For my entree, I got sweet peppers and corned beef hash Eggs Benedict, only I don't recall any sweet peppers. It was the first time I had Eggs Benedict so I was satisfied, but had nothing to compare it to. my friend said the color of the hollandaise was too neon yellow in color and it wasn't smooth, but I was still ok with it. The small fruit bowl was one of the more impressive fruit bowls I've seen both in quality of juicy fruit and size. The caramelized banana and strawberry french toast was also rich and decadent for sweet breakfast lovers. Definitely a must try in Ball Square.
(4)Beth S.
I've been here twice, once with a huge line and more recently with barely any line. This time, we waited in line for about 10 minutes for no reason. (We were there on a Friday around 1pm with no crowd.) There was one couple waiting in line in front of us with 2 four-seaters cleaned and opened, and 3 two-seaters clean and open, and we still waited. It really made no sense. Our food was quick to come out, though. I ordered the Nutella and Banana French toast with whipped cream. What a disappointment! There were barely any bananas in it and a smidge of nutella. The bread was dry and I had to ask for syrup cause I just couldn't eat it. My sister, on the other hand, ordered the corned beef hash eggs benedict with grilled mash. Now that was pretty yummy. The hollandaise was delish and she really loved their homemade corned beef hash. The eggs, however, were not poached right and just ran and made a completely gooey mess (they should be slightly cooked - this practically seemed raw). The grilled mash is like a brick of leftover mashed potatoes grilled with a TON of extra garlic added. Pretty yummy. Anyways, the service wasn't that great, food was so-so, and it definitely wasn't worth the ten minute wait to sit in an empty place. Anyways, really not a place to make the trek to if you've got a local brunch place that is reliable. We went because she had a groupon thingie and she wanted to try it. We both agreed that we never really have to go there again. Parking is bad around that area. There are a few metered spots, but most is residential. Go on a Sunday (if you want to brave the crowds), since Resident Parking in Somerville doesn't count then. Before you head out, make sure you stop in at Lyndell's Bakery and grab a black and white cookie. They're delicious! You'll be glad you did.
(2)Judy P.
Excellent food at great price! Eveything looked super delicious so we had a hard time choosing. I want to go back soon to try their waffle. The service was fantastic too!
(5)