Really the NU Cafe is a perfect place! Here you goes find good coffee and tea, juice ans smoothies and sure, delicious foods (the muffins are perfects). If you beed a plate to study this is a good place for you! Fast internet but sometimes may have a little noise because people talk a lot and the sound (music) sometimes is loud.
NU Cafe came through for us in a pinch because we needed a place that served gluten-free breakfast options. While not in need of gluten-free food myself, I enjoyed my daily special bacon sandwich on ciabatta with tomato, pear and cheese. Problems with the meal were an overly liberal application of fig jam, insipid, seemingly store-bought tortilla chips, and mushy pico de gallo. Their dark roast cafe au lait was pretty good and there was plenty of seating both outdoors and indoors. The cucumber-infused water at the coffee pickup counter was a nice touch.
(4)
Nicole L.
The prices are reasonable. I hate that the only menu is overhead with minimal to no lighting. I had the turkey apple sandwich. It was in the dry side and not very flavorful. The bread was super fresh. All sandwiches come with chips and salsa. The chips are way too salty and the homemade salsa was essentially just tomatoes and super watery. The strawberry banana smoothie was awesome. The buffalo chicken sandwich tasty. The pulled pork sandwich was super juicy and messy but tasty. The chicken Caesar wrap was the easiest to eat and well stuffed. The place has bad acoustics. Very loud when it was not crowded. Staff was friendly, food and drinks were slow.
(3)
Jessica Z.
My favorite place for lunch (my favorite place for dinner is Armsby Abbey). It's not your average coffee and sandwich joint. The place is comfortable, clean, calm and spacious. You couldn't tell how good the food and juices are by the low-key setup. I realized how much they work on the quality of their produce until I tried this green smoothie Mean and Green. It does not compromise flavor for healthiness, nor does it compromise its paleo-ness for taste. I love the Porto-pesto chorizo sandwich and Eggs and avocado sandwich. The service is friendly most of time, depending on who you get.
(5)
Warren L.
Everything was AOK. The building was loud, and a bit bouncy, but other than that everything was great. Food was great, kitchen speed was average, was clean, average to a bit above average prices.
(4)
Tracy S.
Relaxed atmosphere and healthy food. NU Cafe is a favorite among college students and creative Worcester-ites. It is "Panera" style, so you order at a counter, receive a buzzer, find your own seat (or couch) and wait for your buzzer to tell you that your food is ready. This is a great place to go with friends or alone to study. The noise level is low when there are no events going on, but other times they have events such as musicians, poetry readings, speakers, and Paint Nites. They have soups, sandwiches, smoothies, and my personal favorite- quinoa bowls. The Aztec bowl is delicious. The food is made to order so you can generally modify it to fit your needs. This is a decent place to go if you have dietary restrictions or food allergies. The prices are definitely moderate, however the food all feels healthy so overall that would make me feel ok with spending a bit more. They do breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
(4)
Paul R.
There are very times when I feel like I have received fair value for the money I spend at restaurants. What a great place to visit between meetings. The Turkey apple sandwich and The Zinger were fantastic. The ambiance was very unique and the service was on point. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
S.E. H.
I love this place! I used to work right near here and would come all the time. All of the food is great and priced right. The coffee is delicious and flavorful. The smoothies are awesome and so are the big cookies. They take a while to make the food, but it's totally worth it. I wish I still worked nearby to enjoy their food every once in a while. I've never tried their breakfasts, but I think next time I will. Their pick 2 combo is my favorite, you get to try a little bit of everything. Gotta say my favorites are definitely the turkey avocado panini, the beet salad (which they don't have on their menu anymore, but still make for me!), and the almond joy coffee. YUM!
(5)
Roland H.
I'm a "more than regular" at NuCafe. Usually four times a week for lunch and coffee. Plus the odd protein shakes which are insanely good. The place itself is well run and very clean. They recently updated the bathrooms which really makes a big difference. The seating areas are wide open and comfortable with a mix of large booths and many different sized tables. Plus there is a nice area in the back with comfortable booths and a couch. The food is much better than most people might imagine coming from what is essentially thought of as a coffee shop. All of the ingredients seem very fresh. Im a vegetarian so I can only speak to the veggie options. There are several options on the menu for non-meat eaters, probably more than anywhere else in the city besides Belmont Vegetarian and the like. My personal favorite is the mozzarella and basil sandwich but honestly, all the veggie dishes that I've had are very, very good. Like any coffee shop, you live and die by your java. I've had everything from straight up espresso to smoothy and perfectly blended cappuccino to basic house blend and they are all consistently fantastic. Better than Starbucks, Better than Dunkin Donuts...less convenient but much, much better. Some days I look around and I see people spending hours in a booth with their laptops drinking nothing but the free water that the place makes available in a large dispenser with lemons. This isn't on NUCAFE as I've seen them try to balance the line between policing their clients and being good hosts. But seriously people, don't bring in your OWN chips and dip (true story). The only thing keeping my review from going a full five-stars is the fact that the staff tends to be a bit on the cold side. If you push for it a bit, they will crack a smile but it takes some work. They are all wonderful and great at their job but its a noticeable deficiency. All I'm looking for is a big smile and "hello" when I order and a "enjoy!" when the hand me my coffee. There is a very negative tendency for the staff to slide the beverage across the counter without even looking up at you. It is a nasty habit and I've personally watched people from my seat as they react to it. Lots of eye rolling and suppressed complaints. Just two-cents from a loyal customer! UPDATE- MAY 15 2015 It has been over six-months since I wrote my original review and the coaching and training performed by the management team have been extremely obvious. EVERY time I go in now I get a smile and a warm welcome. The engagement at the counter when coffee and smoothies are ready is much better and it really shows that everyone is trying to be "in the moment" when interacting with a customer. Congratulations to the entire team at NUCafe for a job well done and in my mind, for creating the best coffee house environment in Worcester.
(5)
Dan S.
I eat at Nu about once a week. I used to eat at a local spot that served all organic and healthy food but they had to close their doors so Nu was a great substitute. The atmosphere is great, always busy and with people just doing their thing and on their computers. Everyone there (Staff) is really nice and friendly. They serve a few drink items I enjoy that are really hard to find and not found anywhere else in the city. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for some good food in a relaxed/chill atmosphere.
(4)
Ted J.
Delicious food, fast service, mostly vegetarian dishes, and great coffee too at the right price. On top of it all free WiFi. Lots of college kids hang out here and they also have cool activities like Paint Night and Open Mic on Saturdays (call ahead)
(5)
John B.
I love coming here. They have some vegan choices and they now have a great vegan or vegetarian burger (your choice) available. There is plenty of outside seating at their patio. Lots of live music nights scheduled and other events like painting nights.
(5)
Dave P.
great place to eat lunch and relax. I always get their pulled pork panini with tortilla chips. Make sure to get extra salsa for .50 cents. It's worth it. Free wifi too. And they serve alcohol. Parking here can be difficult on some days despite the large lot. My go-to place for lunch in Worcester.
(4)
Dee H.
I like this place. The menu appeals to my taste. Great fruit smoothie selection, great salads that are not of the run-of-the mill variety. And yes of course they have sandwiches, wraps and other good food. I like that they try to have a policy where if you are going to hunker down all day in there and use their wifi, to not hog their booths. It is a great space. Please support this business by buying great food every couple of hours while you do your work there. These are super nice people, and I would like to see them stay in business for a while.
(5)
Matt F.
Great atmosphere, great coffee. Do yourself a favor, skip dunkin donuts, and head over to nu cafe.
(5)
Amanda R.
I have been coming here every Saturday for open mic night for about a month now and it's now what I spend my workweek looking forward to. Great atmosphere- I can read comics, browse the web or do reading for school. The food is awesome! I was a little skeptical at first but I can't stay away from the pilled pork panini. I also love the modest draft beer selection. I am so glad I found this spot and I consider it perfect for my mid-20's style where I want to be out but not OUT on a Saturday. The boyfriend loves it, too!
(5)
Samantha R.
Cute interior. But let me put it this way. No cheese in my soup: there's cheese. Sandwich = 1 piece of turkey. Fair?
(2)
Chris W.
Love this nu cafe. Staff is so helpful and attentive. Great drinks and food. Lots of vegan options. Veggie burger is one of the best ones I've had. Just need to turn up the AC a little.
(5)
Lindsey O.
My absolute favorite place to eat in Worcester. You can't go wrong here. The smoothies, salads and sandwiches are amazing. The service is great and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Outside seating is great this time of year too.
(5)
David B.
Wow this spot is a winner! Really glad we stopped through. They use organic and local ingredients, the juices and smoothies are reasonably priced and they have 24 ounce sizes, which I love. I need my juice! They also have quinoa bowls and burrito bowls that look great. Also big up for the gluten free vegan muffins!
(4)
Jen B.
Great coffee, tasty baked goods and a great atmosphere. I can't wait to go back for another razzmatazz latte!
I just happenned upon NU Cafe by chance for Paint Nite - but I got there early enough to see what it's all about. First, there is a walk up counter for tea and drinks - and they even serve wine which is nice.. especially when using the free wi-fi to catch up on work emails. The food is surprisingly good. We started with the Thai lettuce rolls, which were fresh, and with just enough spice. For my meal, I had the Grilled chicken, pesto, sliced tomatoes, and melted mozzarella grilled on flatbread. It was a panini, with some greens on the side, and very good. The service is a bit confusing - once you want to get food, you get a waitress, but most of the people around you will be having just coffee that they get at the counter. There's also a water station, which is nice to serve yourself from. All in all, great pre-Paint Nite meal. And, they kept the wine coming during the painting, which was much appreciated, to help me find my inner Picasso.
(3)
David P.
Great coffee. Sometimes you might wait 20 minutes for an espresso-based drink on the weekends. Who cares though? Just take a seat and enjoy the atmosphere.
(5)
Nate R.
Great place for an afternoon sandwich and coffee. Too many smokers on the patio. May as well put ashtrays on the tables. Food for thought.
(4)
Lauren S.
lots of organic/vegan options sometimes featuring local ingredients and the staff is always friendly
(5)
Dinara E.
I can come here any day. Their drinks can be made with almond milk, soy milk, or regular milk! I especially love their blended coffee drinks.
(4)
Emma S.
Ordered their vegan chili (that someone had JUST made) and a sweet potato salad... I couldn't decide which one I wanted until I realized that I could get both! Both tasted amazing, like, really really amazing. Quality ingredients and perfect fixed servings. Not to mention the atmosphere here. I came in on a Sunday to get work done (boo) and there was live music and great food. I ended up not wanting to go back home! Thank-you Nu Cafe, you're truly a coffee shop model that other business should embrace!
(5)
Grace S.
Food is awesome! The turkey avocado panini is great. Chips and homemade salsa on the side are a must. Atmosphere is a little loud, but fun, full of wide range of people.
(5)
Jack R.
I came to get a bacon egg and cheese, quite possibly one of the most simple things to make and somehow they managed to butcher my order. I've gone here before and gotten it and noticed that they only used 1 egg and very uncooked bacon (it was basically raw which is highly unsanitary as it is probably sitting out at room temperature collecting all sorts of bacteria). The next time my girlfriend asked me to go, I said fine. I asked for two eggs and my bacon fully cooked. For $5 I received not one strip of bacon, one egg and unmelted cheddar cheese on a dry croissant. Also if you go here to get smoothies you are better of making them yourselves... Every smoothie that I've ordered here tastes like they mix pre-made watered down juices that are loaded with sugar. I'm not sure if it is artificial crap that they put in this but I am certain that this food is not fresh. Today when standing waiting by the bar for my failure of a sandwich, I noticed a staff member using an uncleaned blending container pulled from the sink to make someone a smoothie. I'm rating it so poorly only because I have been to this establishment on multiple occasions ordering different dishes and have not yet once had a "quality" fresh meal. For the yuppy hipsters that enjoy hanging out at the Nu Cafe because everything is marketed as "organic" "sustainable" and "healthy, I would recommend not wasting your time coming here.
(1)
Heather V.
This place was pretty awesome. I had gone with a few friends for a painting class and had an amazing Southwest salad. the salad has all the right toppings and the creamy and flavorful dressing pulled it all together. if I ever found myself in the area again I would stop in.
(4)
Yenni B.
Their smoothies are fantastic, and the sweet potato panini is delicious! I love coming here so much that I actually miss it when I'm away for too long. The atmosphere is great for a working lunch or if my internet goes out. And I love hanging out with friends there to play board games on Wednesday nights.
(5)
Peter G.
A nice place. Good coffee. But it shouldn't take 5 minutes to get a cup of coffee handed to you.
(2)
Stephanie M.
Love this place! Cozy ambiance, live music while you meet with others, study, read, etc. Coffee drinks are delicious, as are the sandwiches and salads. Very vegetarian friendly and committed to healthy eating.
(5)
William F.
It's one of the best coffeeshops in Worcester, but that's not saying much. They do have beer and the food is decent. I haven't sworn this place off like some of the others in the city.
(3)
Isis O.
I really like the atmosphere in this place, their smoothies are awesome but their quinoa bowls are to die for! Very friendly service ....
(5)
Bob T.
I've been visiting nu cafe for over four years and have never been disappointed in the food it drinks. The staff is friendly and work hard everyday. I've even enjoyed a beer in the evening watching free entertainment. My favorites are the mocha latte and any of their wraps... Seriously can't recommend this place enough.
honestly, most stuff here is okay. that's all. the smoothies are amazing, but the coffee and tea is just alright. the chai lattes are terrible. but they have a good beer selection!
(3)
Bridget B.
Nice relaxing atmosphere. I have been to the open mic night and it was great. I like to come here grab a bite to eat and do work.
(5)
Krissy H.
I come here all the time! It's the best coffee and an awesome environment! There is free wifi and light music that provide the perfect amount of background noise when I need to work on homework. The workers are awesome and they are one of the few places that offers almond milk to put in your coffee. I've never had anything I didn't like here but the smoothies, particularly the snickers smoothie and tropical iced green tea are two of my favorites! It's a great place for a casual cup of coffee, lunch or dinner and they also throw amaze paint nights! Love that they offer wine and beer so I can reward myself after a long day of work for classes. By far one of my favorite spots in Worcester! I'll be coming back for a long time!
(5)
Danny T.
super friendly staff, and the breakfast sandwiches and milky way smoothies are amazing!!! love this place!!
(5)
Rich B.
breakfast sandwiches are awesome and the Milky Way smoothie is amazingly good. I get one at least once a week
(4)
Kevin A.
It isn't fair that one person's mostly anecdotal experience can have a broader impact on a business, so I am a hesitant yelper (obviously). But quickly after my review I was contacted by the business and was more than impressed and satisfied with the response. Nu Cafe is back on my itinerary.
(4)
Wendell W.
I visited this place once before but it was right before closing so I didn't feel comfortable making an assessment based upon that visit. Now I have been coming on a daily basis for a week and can make a fair assessment. Let's start with the space. The decor is young but rustic. So its perfect for the college folks and those that like being in style without looking like they are trying too hard. There is always plenty of seating and the tables are always clean. The restroom has been clean and fresh on every visit. If it were filthy I would have stopped coming here and certainly would have never order any type of food. The restrooms can use some updating however. As far as the food is concerned, I've only had the Green and Lean smoothie b/c I'm watching my calorie intake. So I really can't help you with the hot food items. The staff overall is friendly. However there was this thin, blonde young lady working Monday 3-18-13 who seemed not to pleased. There was no attempt from her to force a smile. Which I would rather get none, than a fake one. On today (3-21-13) Stephanie was the first person to offer me a rewards card. She was genuinely friendly. Word of advice to the owner(s), she is the type of people you want working for you. Aside from being friendly she was patient and efficient. I think the music is a little too loud so it causes everyone to speak louder. Consider bringing that volume down a little. [FYI there is a HOT guy that I wouldn't mind seeing in some Andrew Christians. Tall, buff and knows how to accent his assets (might be the manager or owner)]. Good thing my husband is secure.
(4)
Vlad C.
I have had plenty of their smoothies. I am not much of a connoisseur of smoothies but I do enjoy having a tasty one made for me and sitting in the sun enjoying it. They service is fair. I have gone in and had very friendly and involved staff and other times not as much. Though smoothie making time is fine sometimes you go out and want more energy from employees. I have only eaten the food once and it was a-ok no complaints there. Overall it is a nice location and has quality stuff. Will keep going there!
(4)
Cindy N.
(3.5) I come back for the food and smoothies, but not so much for the service and consistency. I definitely miss when it was Jumpin Juice and Java. I understand that the change to convert it to be a more restaurant style at night takes time; however, it lose the vibe of the lay-back cafe it used to be. Not only are the service in the evenings keeps me away, but lunch time is ridiculous sometimes. The cashier/barista I had the last couple time seems like a walking zombie. She appeared angry when I was not ready to order( there was no one behind me and it was extremely slow that day). I wanted to try something different and I stood further back from the front in case someone walks in. I didn't mean to be rude, but her attitude was just awful. Consistency is also key. I never had a problem until the last few months. Sometimes they run our of their soup of the day (on a weekday afternoon!) Their lattes and smoothies tasted different every time I order it. I dont want to give up on this place because I have always loved the concept and the place before it was Nu Cafe, but I have noticed myself from wanting to come back as often.
(3)
Kit F.
I eat here fairly regularly- the atmosphere is fun and comfortable, and I like the creative variety of food. The smoothies and soups are great! The lattes are hit or miss- sometimes they're great, sometimes they have way too much foam- but I have found them to be responsive if you point out any problems. I would have given 4 stars, but the service can be super slow... sometimes I joke that they must be out back slaughtering the chickens when my yummy chicken wrap takes forever.... Still, I like the food :)
(3)
Allen G.
The owner contacted me and let me know that they had revamped a bit - I'd give NuCafe a 8.5 out of 10 easily - their food quality and preparation has gone right back up to top-notch and they kept their same great atmosphere! I've been back several times since my last review and their consistency has been great.
(4)
Nicole F.
I went to school in Worcester for a few months and attended a program in the same building as NU Cafe, so I ended up in there a few times for coffee. The coffee itself was just okay, but I really liked the atmosphere. It's been a while since I've been there but I just remember it as being very open and roomy. The staff was friendly but kind of clueless (not sure what they had for bagels, forgetting a drink, putting in the wrong order, etc....something wrong almost every time I went there). If not for that, I probably would have given it 4 stars based on the atmosphere and accessibility alone. Pros: cheap, big parking lot, roomy, nice atmosphere Cons: clueless staff, meh coffee
(3)
Kristin X.
I like the atmosphere. It's very cozy, plenty of seating areas, sort of reminds me of someone's house. The music wasn't too loud. Crazy Cran Smoothie: wanted it to be slightly tart but it was too sweet Berry Boppin Smoothie: very good, slightly tart the way I like it, full of antioxidants Pesto Chicken Flatbread: chicken was moist, bread was hot and slightly crispy Santa Fe Chicken Wrap: ok, was not impressed with the dressing, wish it had guacamole or mole sauce, cilantro, sweet corn, and a mexican cheese Very nice place to study or get some work done.
(4)
Leigh S.
Big coffee-shop hang-outs are not easy to find. Usually the best coffee spots are itty-bitty, intimate and tote weird hours (sorry Acoustic Java, I love you--but it's the truth!)...but NU Cafe is none of these things. Big, open and vibrant-- this place is really something else. Friday night open mics, wide open spaces, lots of tables and chairs, lots of COMFY couches, books all over the place (in piles, not on shelves!)...it's such a nice place to lounge. AND the coffee? Way good. AND THERE'S SOY. So. It's a winner. Go to there. You'll be glad you did.
(4)
Laura D.
We have only been here for breakfast so I have never seen a waitress as another reviewer mentioned and it has always been pretty mellow and quiet. It is kind of a typical coffee shop with photos, a tv and simple decor. They do have outlets at every booth! YAY! The coffee is the best part. They have so many latte options. I have had both the milky way and the peppermint patty both have been great! The food is ok. Nothing fancy and by 10 am they are usually out of most every kind of bagel which is a little disappointing. My husband likes the breakfast wraps. It has a fireplace and books. It has free wifi and seems like a cool spot to do some work or study. They do have sandwiches, beer and wine at night so we will have to check it out.
(4)
Liz T.
Awesome place. Good food on the menu and they'll usually let you change out several ingredients to get exactly what you want. Also, it's a great place to meet up with friends or colleagues. Good location. Always parking.
(4)
Natasha A.
I liked it a lot before they introduced a waitstaff. It was comfortable, well mannered, and neat. Now there is complete chaos with the waitress' and their lack of experience and knowledge of coffee, sandwiches, food, everything. Also, having beer and wine completely killed the whole college-y/hipster feel. Now I definitely do not want to go sit and do homework at a table while sipping on a decent smoothie and people watching. Also, the salsa bowls suck.
(1)
Elizabeth R.
Smoothies are good, salads are good (really liked the sweet potato one!) and love that they can make a delicious almond milk latte for you!
(4)
Sarah B.
I often go to Nu Cafe to pick up a takeout lunch. The sandwiches and salads are tasty, and I also love their breakfast sandwiches and muffins (mmm muffins). The coffee is good. Haven't had any juices or smoothies yet. The staff is friendly, and helpful. They also take the Woo card, which gives you $1 off for purchases over $7, I believe. And gives you a Woo point. When I first started going there about 2 years ago, it would be semi-busy at times, but I could usually easily find a seat. Now when I go to eat in, it's usually very busy, with lots of tables taken. A good sign, I guess! It does have a large seating area, so I usually don't have a problem. I like the choice of couches and reclining seats too, for when I feel like just having a coffee, and reading my book. My workplace has ordered from them for catered lunches, and the food and delivery was great for that, too!
(4)
Veronica F.
You know, I gave it 4 stars last time, but I have to up it to 5 I've had most of the menu by now, and I have to say it's all good. Like it's really - ALL of it - is great Fresh ingredients and perfect portion sizes - it's wonderful to have a healthy lunch alternative!
(5)
Abe T.
Excellent Atmosphere! Kind of has a collage hip feel to it. The couches on the far end are all ripped up and need to be cleaned. The food was excellent but about average price. Wifi was free. This place was the former Tatnuck bookstore but it's a lot better now I went back there a couple of days later and their wifi was down? They were friendly and apologetic about it though.
(4)
Phil G.
Josh runs a great business. Everyone is very friendly=always a smile on their face. My parents eat at some of the best restaurants and have eaten several items on the menu and they tell me it is as good if not better then some of the high end restaurants. Their Lobster roll is as good if not better then the Sole. Plenty of table space, unlike Starbucks. Everyone speaks English, unlike DD. If you happen to be in when Issac is working=he makes the best Lattes in the Universe. Also, why not support a local business owner and not some Corporate Fat Cat. Please leave a big tip, these guys do a great job.
(5)
Crystal L.
Great coffee shop. Fireplace. Lot of seating area. Free internet.
(4)
Danielle T.
I'm in love with their almond joy (iced coffee or smoothie). So much that I've gone out of my way to get one. However, I'll probably only order from the drink menu there. One of the reviews below complained about the mozzarella and basil "panini," and I have to agree with that person. Not too great. Cheese wasn't even cooked--just a big, cold blob. And it definitely wasn't a panini at all. The furniture IS gross. Very badly needs to be replaced. To summarize, I'll only make a quick stop here for a drink--in and out.
(3)
Beth L.
Jumpin Juice Java is AWESOME!!! Great smoothies!!! Excellent service!! Great atmosphere, what more could you ask for?? I have been there for meetings and such and I love this place!! So accommodating! Would recommend to anyone!! It is tucked away off of Chandler Street in Worcester! Prices are great for the quality!!!!
(5)
Stephanie M.
Stumbled upon this place when I was actually heading to a different breakfast spot. Loved everything about it! Had a pumpkin latte and the spinach and egg bfast wrap.. They were even able to accomodate my request for hot sauce, offering me both siracha and frank's. Atmosphere was great and it was busy but didn't feel crowded. Wish I lived in the area to visit more
(5)
Victoria M.
I love going here, the smoothies, coffee and sandwiches/wraps are great.
(5)
Mike D.
My wife and I stopped in for a sandwich and we were impressed with the food and atmosphere. My wife, however, was very put off by the condition of the bathroom; toilet paper all over the floor and feces smeared on the toilet. The bathrooms appear to have not been renovated with the rest of the cafe and are not kept up very well at all.
(4)
Leah M.
I love this place for the atmosphere. Senior year it became my place to study when I was totally sick of the library. There's all sorts of seating, tables, couches, booths, most with easy access to outlets (important for paper writing). I've easily spent hours working here, taking an occational break to people watch the other students, business people, and just friends enjoying the space and drinks as well. The smoothies are really great, and the people are wicked nice. I've only eaten food there once, but the sandwich that I had was good, but nothing that blew me away. The atmosphere is worth it.
(4)
Kristen R.
Really liked the atmosphere here. Very comfortable and a nice change from Starbucks (the only other decent option for coffee shops in the area that have WiFi and lots of space). It is a great place to study when you need a break from the library environment and is generally pretty quiet. The staff was very friendly and the menu was more extensive than I expected. I just got a muffin and a chai tea which were both pretty good. I would say overall, the strong point of NU is its atmosphere though. Definitely will be coming back in the future.
(4)
Andy F.
Stopped by late (if you call 815 late) to use the Wi-Fi and grab an iced coffee. The Iced Coffee-- regular house blend-- was outstanding. Easily the best I've had in a long time. The place was about half full-- no mallrats (Past their bedtime or they've chased them away) but there was music. It was good Dave Matthews style Jack Johnson ish stuff but I think with a place this size acoustic is the way to go instead of percussion and speakers. It was impossible to hear my wife who was three feet away from me. Still a great place that's getting better.
(4)
David D.
The food, smoothies, and coffee here are pretty good. However, I have a major gripe about the service. Twice recently I stopped by after 5 PM when you are supposed to seat yourself and they have table service. Both times I waited 15-20 minutes and nobody came to my table. The first time after waiting so long I went and placed my order at the counter. The second time I watched a waitress circle the restaurant to check on her tables then go back behind the counter to socialize with her coworker (the place was dead on this occasion btw.) I left without ordering anything the second time. Not sure whats going on here, but something needs to be fixed. Not sure if I'll return.
(2)
Elizabeth M.
I went to the NU Cafe last night for the first time at the suggestion of a co-worker. I was looking for a nice place to take one of the teens I worked with. The ambience was awesome and I had high hopes for this place. With shelves of books, outlets at every booth and what looked like a promising menu, this bookworm/nerd thought she had reached Nirvana. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed. I ordered the artichoke and spinach dip and got a luke warm bowl of cream cheese sprinkled with spinach. The waitress was not helpful and honestly seemed annoyed to have to do anything other than chat up her friends behind the counter. I had to leave my table twice to track her down and it was not busy. I really wanted to like this place and maybe in the future I can give it a try but for now I could not see myself suggesting this place to any of my friends or colleagues.
(2)
Alex G.
This cafe is decent. I like their coffee, their smoothies are great and I have had some of the muffins here and they are taste great. Overall, a good place to sit down and have a meal or have coffee.
(4)
Suzy L.
I work right near by and have stopped in a few times. I love the old mill feel to the inside, and they display work from a local photographer on the walls. Seating is plentiful and comfortable. I had a grilled cheese and tuscan tomato soup my first time there, and neither were what I was I expecting, but both were delicious! The "grilled cheese" is really a cheese panini, and the tomato soup wasn't creamy and bisque-like, but a vegetable soup with a tomato-y broth base. All the bagels are tasty, and the coffee is awesome. I've heard wonderful things about the smoothies, but haven't had one yet. Staff are really efficient and friendly. I'm glad I'm close by!
(4)
Maggie S.
I always stop here when in "Woosta" for a delish coffee drink or smoothie. Great sandwiches too. Nice atmosphere to spend time in -- free wifi. I do agree that it's taken a backslide since transitioning from Jumpin' Juice & Java. The food and drink menu is the same but it does seem a bit grubbier.
(3)
Kay L.
Laid back casual place. Friendly workers and decent food. Been coming here for years and their quality of food has improved a lot and so has the place itself with new furnitures and decors. Very nice owner, you can tell he cares a lot about his business and his loyal customers. Thank you Nu Cafe!
(3)
Erika H.
I like this place. It is a large enough cafe that I can go and get lunch and not feel rushed because someone wants my table. The art work is nice. For a little while after dropping the franchise i think the owners let their 8-year-old daughters decorate (glitter/tissue paper covered vases, painted quilts etc) but if you have not been back since I am happy to report they have changed back to a typical cafe decor with local photography on the walls. The food is good and there is a wide variety (the soups could use some work but the sandwiches are very good). The staff is friendly. The couches are falling apart and not in a nice rustic way. Since dropping the franchise they have started selling used books. The books for sale are pretty eclectic; I almost always find one that I want to pause and flip through for a while. They have live music in the evenings sometimes. Overall a very nice cafe.
(4)
Matt M.
Great little hole in the wall coffee joint! Situated in an old mill, great character. Full Coffee bar and lots of comfortable seating. They also offer a full variety of panini's, sandwiches and soups. Yogurt muffins! There is a great fireplace in one corner with big leather couches around it. There is also a conference room available if you need some space to talk for a group.
(4)
Kristofer P.
The owner (Josh) is amazingly thoughtful of his customers. Josh does what is possible to make your stay a positive one. The food is beyond delicious, even when I got full, I still wanted more of the item I had not yet finished. The Smoothies are actually made with actual fresh fruits and ingredients, a rare find in most cafes. The waitstaff is always helpful and courteous, asking if I need more when I actually need it. They experiment with new creations and use their customers as the perfect guinea pigs to positively test a new product for consumption. This place is a must go to. Today was my first experience visiting NU Cafe and it was most certainly the most positive experience I have ever had. I will definitely come here more often when my time allows it. I would give this Establishment 15 Stars if it was available as an option, But I will settle for the 5 stars limit Yelp has set. The WiFi is Fantastically fast and convenient for Heavy Data users like myself. I was able to run Skype (Video call), IMVU.com Software, Mozilla FireFox with 14 tabs Open, Use my iPhone 4S and download 17 Items on iTunes Simultaneously without a blip or interruption to the use of my devices and software. I am very impressed with NU Cafe. I will recommend this Establishment to all of those I know.
(5)
Andrew C.
Tons of options for drinks and food. Nice atmosphere, in old Tatnuck Bookseller building (old factory loft-like atmosphere). Plenty of comfortable seating. Fireplace adds to the atmosphere in the winter. Outdoor seating in good weather too. Drinks are tasty. Had a salad that was not fresh, but they replaced it with something fresher for free. There is live jazz on one of the weekend days (I can't remember which) and poetry reading on Sunday evening (I think), so that can be a little distracting for some people. Overall, a comfortable place to grab a caffeinated drink or smoothie, dinner, snack, study, meet up with a friend.
(4)
Debora C.
Found this place using yelp. Call ahead for a bacon egg and cheese sandwich. They sounded pretty friendly in with it. I was disappointed. It was a pre formed egg patty with 2 little bits of bacon. Not what I expected at all.
(2)
Karie C.
good coffee, smoothies and sandwiches. Bathrooms are not the cleanest!!
(3)
angela k.
Very spacious and clean with lots of sunlight. Most tables have power outlets for your laptops (no more walking around the store to find power outlets!). Lastly make sure to try their delicious chocolate muffin!
(5)
Zoe D.
They have everything, and such a positive, nice environment! They have every type of coffee- plain black, americano, latte, etc. and then fancy coffees such as a snickers with mocha, caramel, and peanut butter, or almond joy with mocha, coconut, and almond. You can order these as hot, iced, frozen, or as a smoothie. I had the caramella which is coffee, milk, caramel, and vanilla ice cream. It was AMAZING. The medium size filled me up for a few hours, not needing lunch. For non-coffee drinkers there is chai tea, chai smoothie, milk steamers, and then the juice menu. Ah yes, the smoothies. Cool flavors like sour blast with grapefruit, strawberries and banana, and sweet dream with peanut butter, chocolate, milk, and banana. They also have a full food menu with delicious looking pizzas, salads, and paninis. There is outside seating, or inside with free WiFi, and every Sunday they have poetry slams. A very hip place!
(5)
Kevin K.
Been 2 years since I first started going to NU cafe. The place was great to start with and it keeps getting better! Foods are always super fresh and staffs are always friendly. WiFi is complimentary and the temperature inside is always perfect. My only complain for the place is that the ordering process can be slow sometimes. Foods and drinks always come out well made and fast after order gets in though. Leaving the city for good and enjoyed my time at NU cafe, highly recommend it to everyone who wants fresh food and coffee! P.S. Their smoothies are delicious too!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes Good for Working : Yes
Alexandre P.
Really the NU Cafe is a perfect place! Here you goes find good coffee and tea, juice ans smoothies and sure, delicious foods (the muffins are perfects). If you beed a plate to study this is a good place for you! Fast internet but sometimes may have a little noise because people talk a lot and the sound (music) sometimes is loud.
(4)Jeremy L.
Upon arrival at this "NU Café," Three maidens faire called to me with good cheer. They asked me if I fancied a latté, Or maybe tea, a smoothie, or some beer! My order placed, and armchair as my seat, My neighbor, turning, started to schmooze. She sipped on a juice they called "Mighty Beets" And mentioned Nu's books, which she oft perused. My scrumptious sandwich, with its toasted bread Anne gooey cheese, did fill me with such delight That I departed feeling quite well-fed (Although the coffee kept me up all night!) For sandwiches, drinks, and pastries to taste, Go to NU Café, and do so with haste!
(5)C.C. H.
NU Cafe came through for us in a pinch because we needed a place that served gluten-free breakfast options. While not in need of gluten-free food myself, I enjoyed my daily special bacon sandwich on ciabatta with tomato, pear and cheese. Problems with the meal were an overly liberal application of fig jam, insipid, seemingly store-bought tortilla chips, and mushy pico de gallo. Their dark roast cafe au lait was pretty good and there was plenty of seating both outdoors and indoors. The cucumber-infused water at the coffee pickup counter was a nice touch.
(4)Nicole L.
The prices are reasonable. I hate that the only menu is overhead with minimal to no lighting. I had the turkey apple sandwich. It was in the dry side and not very flavorful. The bread was super fresh. All sandwiches come with chips and salsa. The chips are way too salty and the homemade salsa was essentially just tomatoes and super watery. The strawberry banana smoothie was awesome. The buffalo chicken sandwich tasty. The pulled pork sandwich was super juicy and messy but tasty. The chicken Caesar wrap was the easiest to eat and well stuffed. The place has bad acoustics. Very loud when it was not crowded. Staff was friendly, food and drinks were slow.
(3)Jessica Z.
My favorite place for lunch (my favorite place for dinner is Armsby Abbey). It's not your average coffee and sandwich joint. The place is comfortable, clean, calm and spacious. You couldn't tell how good the food and juices are by the low-key setup. I realized how much they work on the quality of their produce until I tried this green smoothie Mean and Green. It does not compromise flavor for healthiness, nor does it compromise its paleo-ness for taste. I love the Porto-pesto chorizo sandwich and Eggs and avocado sandwich. The service is friendly most of time, depending on who you get.
(5)Warren L.
Everything was AOK. The building was loud, and a bit bouncy, but other than that everything was great. Food was great, kitchen speed was average, was clean, average to a bit above average prices.
(4)Tracy S.
Relaxed atmosphere and healthy food. NU Cafe is a favorite among college students and creative Worcester-ites. It is "Panera" style, so you order at a counter, receive a buzzer, find your own seat (or couch) and wait for your buzzer to tell you that your food is ready. This is a great place to go with friends or alone to study. The noise level is low when there are no events going on, but other times they have events such as musicians, poetry readings, speakers, and Paint Nites. They have soups, sandwiches, smoothies, and my personal favorite- quinoa bowls. The Aztec bowl is delicious. The food is made to order so you can generally modify it to fit your needs. This is a decent place to go if you have dietary restrictions or food allergies. The prices are definitely moderate, however the food all feels healthy so overall that would make me feel ok with spending a bit more. They do breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
(4)Paul R.
There are very times when I feel like I have received fair value for the money I spend at restaurants. What a great place to visit between meetings. The Turkey apple sandwich and The Zinger were fantastic. The ambiance was very unique and the service was on point. I'll definitely be back.
(5)S.E. H.
I love this place! I used to work right near here and would come all the time. All of the food is great and priced right. The coffee is delicious and flavorful. The smoothies are awesome and so are the big cookies. They take a while to make the food, but it's totally worth it. I wish I still worked nearby to enjoy their food every once in a while. I've never tried their breakfasts, but I think next time I will. Their pick 2 combo is my favorite, you get to try a little bit of everything. Gotta say my favorites are definitely the turkey avocado panini, the beet salad (which they don't have on their menu anymore, but still make for me!), and the almond joy coffee. YUM!
(5)Roland H.
I'm a "more than regular" at NuCafe. Usually four times a week for lunch and coffee. Plus the odd protein shakes which are insanely good. The place itself is well run and very clean. They recently updated the bathrooms which really makes a big difference. The seating areas are wide open and comfortable with a mix of large booths and many different sized tables. Plus there is a nice area in the back with comfortable booths and a couch. The food is much better than most people might imagine coming from what is essentially thought of as a coffee shop. All of the ingredients seem very fresh. Im a vegetarian so I can only speak to the veggie options. There are several options on the menu for non-meat eaters, probably more than anywhere else in the city besides Belmont Vegetarian and the like. My personal favorite is the mozzarella and basil sandwich but honestly, all the veggie dishes that I've had are very, very good. Like any coffee shop, you live and die by your java. I've had everything from straight up espresso to smoothy and perfectly blended cappuccino to basic house blend and they are all consistently fantastic. Better than Starbucks, Better than Dunkin Donuts...less convenient but much, much better. Some days I look around and I see people spending hours in a booth with their laptops drinking nothing but the free water that the place makes available in a large dispenser with lemons. This isn't on NUCAFE as I've seen them try to balance the line between policing their clients and being good hosts. But seriously people, don't bring in your OWN chips and dip (true story). The only thing keeping my review from going a full five-stars is the fact that the staff tends to be a bit on the cold side. If you push for it a bit, they will crack a smile but it takes some work. They are all wonderful and great at their job but its a noticeable deficiency. All I'm looking for is a big smile and "hello" when I order and a "enjoy!" when the hand me my coffee. There is a very negative tendency for the staff to slide the beverage across the counter without even looking up at you. It is a nasty habit and I've personally watched people from my seat as they react to it. Lots of eye rolling and suppressed complaints. Just two-cents from a loyal customer! UPDATE- MAY 15 2015 It has been over six-months since I wrote my original review and the coaching and training performed by the management team have been extremely obvious. EVERY time I go in now I get a smile and a warm welcome. The engagement at the counter when coffee and smoothies are ready is much better and it really shows that everyone is trying to be "in the moment" when interacting with a customer. Congratulations to the entire team at NUCafe for a job well done and in my mind, for creating the best coffee house environment in Worcester.
(5)Dan S.
I eat at Nu about once a week. I used to eat at a local spot that served all organic and healthy food but they had to close their doors so Nu was a great substitute. The atmosphere is great, always busy and with people just doing their thing and on their computers. Everyone there (Staff) is really nice and friendly. They serve a few drink items I enjoy that are really hard to find and not found anywhere else in the city. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for some good food in a relaxed/chill atmosphere.
(4)Ted J.
Delicious food, fast service, mostly vegetarian dishes, and great coffee too at the right price. On top of it all free WiFi. Lots of college kids hang out here and they also have cool activities like Paint Night and Open Mic on Saturdays (call ahead)
(5)John B.
I love coming here. They have some vegan choices and they now have a great vegan or vegetarian burger (your choice) available. There is plenty of outside seating at their patio. Lots of live music nights scheduled and other events like painting nights.
(5)Dave P.
great place to eat lunch and relax. I always get their pulled pork panini with tortilla chips. Make sure to get extra salsa for .50 cents. It's worth it. Free wifi too. And they serve alcohol. Parking here can be difficult on some days despite the large lot. My go-to place for lunch in Worcester.
(4)Dee H.
I like this place. The menu appeals to my taste. Great fruit smoothie selection, great salads that are not of the run-of-the mill variety. And yes of course they have sandwiches, wraps and other good food. I like that they try to have a policy where if you are going to hunker down all day in there and use their wifi, to not hog their booths. It is a great space. Please support this business by buying great food every couple of hours while you do your work there. These are super nice people, and I would like to see them stay in business for a while.
(5)Matt F.
Great atmosphere, great coffee. Do yourself a favor, skip dunkin donuts, and head over to nu cafe.
(5)Amanda R.
I have been coming here every Saturday for open mic night for about a month now and it's now what I spend my workweek looking forward to. Great atmosphere- I can read comics, browse the web or do reading for school. The food is awesome! I was a little skeptical at first but I can't stay away from the pilled pork panini. I also love the modest draft beer selection. I am so glad I found this spot and I consider it perfect for my mid-20's style where I want to be out but not OUT on a Saturday. The boyfriend loves it, too!
(5)Samantha R.
Cute interior. But let me put it this way. No cheese in my soup: there's cheese. Sandwich = 1 piece of turkey. Fair?
(2)Chris W.
Love this nu cafe. Staff is so helpful and attentive. Great drinks and food. Lots of vegan options. Veggie burger is one of the best ones I've had. Just need to turn up the AC a little.
(5)Lindsey O.
My absolute favorite place to eat in Worcester. You can't go wrong here. The smoothies, salads and sandwiches are amazing. The service is great and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Outside seating is great this time of year too.
(5)David B.
Wow this spot is a winner! Really glad we stopped through. They use organic and local ingredients, the juices and smoothies are reasonably priced and they have 24 ounce sizes, which I love. I need my juice! They also have quinoa bowls and burrito bowls that look great. Also big up for the gluten free vegan muffins!
(4)Jen B.
Great coffee, tasty baked goods and a great atmosphere. I can't wait to go back for another razzmatazz latte!
(5)Idy T.
This was the first time that i ventured out to Worcester. In a suburban city with mostly houses and barely any restaurants and commercial places, I was glad to find NU cafe. I came here for breakfast. I ordered the classic breakfast sandwich, which comes with egg, cheese, sausage on croissant. With an iced coffee It is made fresh to order. The croissant was buttery and flaky! The egg was cooked perfectly. It was light and fluffy. And my favorite breakfast meat is sausage! In combination, it was a perfect breakfast sandwich. The staff was also really friendly. The café is pretty big with a lot of tables. There are panels on the ceiling so the restaurant has a lot of natural lighting. It is located near universities so there are a lot of students around on their laptops. I think this is a good place for studying!
(4)Jennifer N.
I just happenned upon NU Cafe by chance for Paint Nite - but I got there early enough to see what it's all about. First, there is a walk up counter for tea and drinks - and they even serve wine which is nice.. especially when using the free wi-fi to catch up on work emails. The food is surprisingly good. We started with the Thai lettuce rolls, which were fresh, and with just enough spice. For my meal, I had the Grilled chicken, pesto, sliced tomatoes, and melted mozzarella grilled on flatbread. It was a panini, with some greens on the side, and very good. The service is a bit confusing - once you want to get food, you get a waitress, but most of the people around you will be having just coffee that they get at the counter. There's also a water station, which is nice to serve yourself from. All in all, great pre-Paint Nite meal. And, they kept the wine coming during the painting, which was much appreciated, to help me find my inner Picasso.
(3)David P.
Great coffee. Sometimes you might wait 20 minutes for an espresso-based drink on the weekends. Who cares though? Just take a seat and enjoy the atmosphere.
(5)Nate R.
Great place for an afternoon sandwich and coffee. Too many smokers on the patio. May as well put ashtrays on the tables. Food for thought.
(4)Lauren S.
lots of organic/vegan options sometimes featuring local ingredients and the staff is always friendly
(5)Dinara E.
I can come here any day. Their drinks can be made with almond milk, soy milk, or regular milk! I especially love their blended coffee drinks.
(4)Emma S.
Ordered their vegan chili (that someone had JUST made) and a sweet potato salad... I couldn't decide which one I wanted until I realized that I could get both! Both tasted amazing, like, really really amazing. Quality ingredients and perfect fixed servings. Not to mention the atmosphere here. I came in on a Sunday to get work done (boo) and there was live music and great food. I ended up not wanting to go back home! Thank-you Nu Cafe, you're truly a coffee shop model that other business should embrace!
(5)Grace S.
Food is awesome! The turkey avocado panini is great. Chips and homemade salsa on the side are a must. Atmosphere is a little loud, but fun, full of wide range of people.
(5)Jack R.
I came to get a bacon egg and cheese, quite possibly one of the most simple things to make and somehow they managed to butcher my order. I've gone here before and gotten it and noticed that they only used 1 egg and very uncooked bacon (it was basically raw which is highly unsanitary as it is probably sitting out at room temperature collecting all sorts of bacteria). The next time my girlfriend asked me to go, I said fine. I asked for two eggs and my bacon fully cooked. For $5 I received not one strip of bacon, one egg and unmelted cheddar cheese on a dry croissant. Also if you go here to get smoothies you are better of making them yourselves... Every smoothie that I've ordered here tastes like they mix pre-made watered down juices that are loaded with sugar. I'm not sure if it is artificial crap that they put in this but I am certain that this food is not fresh. Today when standing waiting by the bar for my failure of a sandwich, I noticed a staff member using an uncleaned blending container pulled from the sink to make someone a smoothie. I'm rating it so poorly only because I have been to this establishment on multiple occasions ordering different dishes and have not yet once had a "quality" fresh meal. For the yuppy hipsters that enjoy hanging out at the Nu Cafe because everything is marketed as "organic" "sustainable" and "healthy, I would recommend not wasting your time coming here.
(1)Heather V.
This place was pretty awesome. I had gone with a few friends for a painting class and had an amazing Southwest salad. the salad has all the right toppings and the creamy and flavorful dressing pulled it all together. if I ever found myself in the area again I would stop in.
(4)Yenni B.
Their smoothies are fantastic, and the sweet potato panini is delicious! I love coming here so much that I actually miss it when I'm away for too long. The atmosphere is great for a working lunch or if my internet goes out. And I love hanging out with friends there to play board games on Wednesday nights.
(5)Peter G.
A nice place. Good coffee. But it shouldn't take 5 minutes to get a cup of coffee handed to you.
(2)Stephanie M.
Love this place! Cozy ambiance, live music while you meet with others, study, read, etc. Coffee drinks are delicious, as are the sandwiches and salads. Very vegetarian friendly and committed to healthy eating.
(5)William F.
It's one of the best coffeeshops in Worcester, but that's not saying much. They do have beer and the food is decent. I haven't sworn this place off like some of the others in the city.
(3)Isis O.
I really like the atmosphere in this place, their smoothies are awesome but their quinoa bowls are to die for! Very friendly service ....
(5)Bob T.
I've been visiting nu cafe for over four years and have never been disappointed in the food it drinks. The staff is friendly and work hard everyday. I've even enjoyed a beer in the evening watching free entertainment. My favorites are the mocha latte and any of their wraps... Seriously can't recommend this place enough.
(5)Matt R.
I'm due to try this place out again, so I'll write this prepared to update. I went on a Sunday afternoon to pick up dinner around 5, so it wasn't very crowded. I was really antsy because it took me so long to get to the damn place which wasn't their fault, it was just Worcester's fault. I ordered the Mayan Bowl, which is quinoa with a bunch of other stuff in it. The place wasn't crowded, and yet it took 20 minutes to get the food. For takeout at a small cafe, this was way too long to me. The container was super tiny and I was not happy about it. But when I poured it out into a bowl there was way more than it seemed since it was packed into a tiny container. I wanted to be so mad at NU Cafe, but the food was absolutely delicious. Touché. It was a cute place inside, so next time I'll be sure to hangout and eat there. Especially because driving in and out of Worcester for takeout is a crapshoot.
(3)Grace S.
honestly, most stuff here is okay. that's all. the smoothies are amazing, but the coffee and tea is just alright. the chai lattes are terrible. but they have a good beer selection!
(3)Bridget B.
Nice relaxing atmosphere. I have been to the open mic night and it was great. I like to come here grab a bite to eat and do work.
(5)Krissy H.
I come here all the time! It's the best coffee and an awesome environment! There is free wifi and light music that provide the perfect amount of background noise when I need to work on homework. The workers are awesome and they are one of the few places that offers almond milk to put in your coffee. I've never had anything I didn't like here but the smoothies, particularly the snickers smoothie and tropical iced green tea are two of my favorites! It's a great place for a casual cup of coffee, lunch or dinner and they also throw amaze paint nights! Love that they offer wine and beer so I can reward myself after a long day of work for classes. By far one of my favorite spots in Worcester! I'll be coming back for a long time!
(5)Danny T.
super friendly staff, and the breakfast sandwiches and milky way smoothies are amazing!!! love this place!!
(5)Rich B.
breakfast sandwiches are awesome and the Milky Way smoothie is amazingly good. I get one at least once a week
(4)Kevin A.
It isn't fair that one person's mostly anecdotal experience can have a broader impact on a business, so I am a hesitant yelper (obviously). But quickly after my review I was contacted by the business and was more than impressed and satisfied with the response. Nu Cafe is back on my itinerary.
(4)Wendell W.
I visited this place once before but it was right before closing so I didn't feel comfortable making an assessment based upon that visit. Now I have been coming on a daily basis for a week and can make a fair assessment. Let's start with the space. The decor is young but rustic. So its perfect for the college folks and those that like being in style without looking like they are trying too hard. There is always plenty of seating and the tables are always clean. The restroom has been clean and fresh on every visit. If it were filthy I would have stopped coming here and certainly would have never order any type of food. The restrooms can use some updating however. As far as the food is concerned, I've only had the Green and Lean smoothie b/c I'm watching my calorie intake. So I really can't help you with the hot food items. The staff overall is friendly. However there was this thin, blonde young lady working Monday 3-18-13 who seemed not to pleased. There was no attempt from her to force a smile. Which I would rather get none, than a fake one. On today (3-21-13) Stephanie was the first person to offer me a rewards card. She was genuinely friendly. Word of advice to the owner(s), she is the type of people you want working for you. Aside from being friendly she was patient and efficient. I think the music is a little too loud so it causes everyone to speak louder. Consider bringing that volume down a little. [FYI there is a HOT guy that I wouldn't mind seeing in some Andrew Christians. Tall, buff and knows how to accent his assets (might be the manager or owner)]. Good thing my husband is secure.
(4)Vlad C.
I have had plenty of their smoothies. I am not much of a connoisseur of smoothies but I do enjoy having a tasty one made for me and sitting in the sun enjoying it. They service is fair. I have gone in and had very friendly and involved staff and other times not as much. Though smoothie making time is fine sometimes you go out and want more energy from employees. I have only eaten the food once and it was a-ok no complaints there. Overall it is a nice location and has quality stuff. Will keep going there!
(4)Cindy N.
(3.5) I come back for the food and smoothies, but not so much for the service and consistency. I definitely miss when it was Jumpin Juice and Java. I understand that the change to convert it to be a more restaurant style at night takes time; however, it lose the vibe of the lay-back cafe it used to be. Not only are the service in the evenings keeps me away, but lunch time is ridiculous sometimes. The cashier/barista I had the last couple time seems like a walking zombie. She appeared angry when I was not ready to order( there was no one behind me and it was extremely slow that day). I wanted to try something different and I stood further back from the front in case someone walks in. I didn't mean to be rude, but her attitude was just awful. Consistency is also key. I never had a problem until the last few months. Sometimes they run our of their soup of the day (on a weekday afternoon!) Their lattes and smoothies tasted different every time I order it. I dont want to give up on this place because I have always loved the concept and the place before it was Nu Cafe, but I have noticed myself from wanting to come back as often.
(3)Kit F.
I eat here fairly regularly- the atmosphere is fun and comfortable, and I like the creative variety of food. The smoothies and soups are great! The lattes are hit or miss- sometimes they're great, sometimes they have way too much foam- but I have found them to be responsive if you point out any problems. I would have given 4 stars, but the service can be super slow... sometimes I joke that they must be out back slaughtering the chickens when my yummy chicken wrap takes forever.... Still, I like the food :)
(3)Allen G.
The owner contacted me and let me know that they had revamped a bit - I'd give NuCafe a 8.5 out of 10 easily - their food quality and preparation has gone right back up to top-notch and they kept their same great atmosphere! I've been back several times since my last review and their consistency has been great.
(4)Nicole F.
I went to school in Worcester for a few months and attended a program in the same building as NU Cafe, so I ended up in there a few times for coffee. The coffee itself was just okay, but I really liked the atmosphere. It's been a while since I've been there but I just remember it as being very open and roomy. The staff was friendly but kind of clueless (not sure what they had for bagels, forgetting a drink, putting in the wrong order, etc....something wrong almost every time I went there). If not for that, I probably would have given it 4 stars based on the atmosphere and accessibility alone. Pros: cheap, big parking lot, roomy, nice atmosphere Cons: clueless staff, meh coffee
(3)Kristin X.
I like the atmosphere. It's very cozy, plenty of seating areas, sort of reminds me of someone's house. The music wasn't too loud. Crazy Cran Smoothie: wanted it to be slightly tart but it was too sweet Berry Boppin Smoothie: very good, slightly tart the way I like it, full of antioxidants Pesto Chicken Flatbread: chicken was moist, bread was hot and slightly crispy Santa Fe Chicken Wrap: ok, was not impressed with the dressing, wish it had guacamole or mole sauce, cilantro, sweet corn, and a mexican cheese Very nice place to study or get some work done.
(4)Leigh S.
Big coffee-shop hang-outs are not easy to find. Usually the best coffee spots are itty-bitty, intimate and tote weird hours (sorry Acoustic Java, I love you--but it's the truth!)...but NU Cafe is none of these things. Big, open and vibrant-- this place is really something else. Friday night open mics, wide open spaces, lots of tables and chairs, lots of COMFY couches, books all over the place (in piles, not on shelves!)...it's such a nice place to lounge. AND the coffee? Way good. AND THERE'S SOY. So. It's a winner. Go to there. You'll be glad you did.
(4)Laura D.
We have only been here for breakfast so I have never seen a waitress as another reviewer mentioned and it has always been pretty mellow and quiet. It is kind of a typical coffee shop with photos, a tv and simple decor. They do have outlets at every booth! YAY! The coffee is the best part. They have so many latte options. I have had both the milky way and the peppermint patty both have been great! The food is ok. Nothing fancy and by 10 am they are usually out of most every kind of bagel which is a little disappointing. My husband likes the breakfast wraps. It has a fireplace and books. It has free wifi and seems like a cool spot to do some work or study. They do have sandwiches, beer and wine at night so we will have to check it out.
(4)Liz T.
Awesome place. Good food on the menu and they'll usually let you change out several ingredients to get exactly what you want. Also, it's a great place to meet up with friends or colleagues. Good location. Always parking.
(4)Natasha A.
I liked it a lot before they introduced a waitstaff. It was comfortable, well mannered, and neat. Now there is complete chaos with the waitress' and their lack of experience and knowledge of coffee, sandwiches, food, everything. Also, having beer and wine completely killed the whole college-y/hipster feel. Now I definitely do not want to go sit and do homework at a table while sipping on a decent smoothie and people watching. Also, the salsa bowls suck.
(1)Elizabeth R.
Smoothies are good, salads are good (really liked the sweet potato one!) and love that they can make a delicious almond milk latte for you!
(4)Sarah B.
I often go to Nu Cafe to pick up a takeout lunch. The sandwiches and salads are tasty, and I also love their breakfast sandwiches and muffins (mmm muffins). The coffee is good. Haven't had any juices or smoothies yet. The staff is friendly, and helpful. They also take the Woo card, which gives you $1 off for purchases over $7, I believe. And gives you a Woo point. When I first started going there about 2 years ago, it would be semi-busy at times, but I could usually easily find a seat. Now when I go to eat in, it's usually very busy, with lots of tables taken. A good sign, I guess! It does have a large seating area, so I usually don't have a problem. I like the choice of couches and reclining seats too, for when I feel like just having a coffee, and reading my book. My workplace has ordered from them for catered lunches, and the food and delivery was great for that, too!
(4)Veronica F.
You know, I gave it 4 stars last time, but I have to up it to 5 I've had most of the menu by now, and I have to say it's all good. Like it's really - ALL of it - is great Fresh ingredients and perfect portion sizes - it's wonderful to have a healthy lunch alternative!
(5)Abe T.
Excellent Atmosphere! Kind of has a collage hip feel to it. The couches on the far end are all ripped up and need to be cleaned. The food was excellent but about average price. Wifi was free. This place was the former Tatnuck bookstore but it's a lot better now I went back there a couple of days later and their wifi was down? They were friendly and apologetic about it though.
(4)Phil G.
Josh runs a great business. Everyone is very friendly=always a smile on their face. My parents eat at some of the best restaurants and have eaten several items on the menu and they tell me it is as good if not better then some of the high end restaurants. Their Lobster roll is as good if not better then the Sole. Plenty of table space, unlike Starbucks. Everyone speaks English, unlike DD. If you happen to be in when Issac is working=he makes the best Lattes in the Universe. Also, why not support a local business owner and not some Corporate Fat Cat. Please leave a big tip, these guys do a great job.
(5)Crystal L.
Great coffee shop. Fireplace. Lot of seating area. Free internet.
(4)Danielle T.
I'm in love with their almond joy (iced coffee or smoothie). So much that I've gone out of my way to get one. However, I'll probably only order from the drink menu there. One of the reviews below complained about the mozzarella and basil "panini," and I have to agree with that person. Not too great. Cheese wasn't even cooked--just a big, cold blob. And it definitely wasn't a panini at all. The furniture IS gross. Very badly needs to be replaced. To summarize, I'll only make a quick stop here for a drink--in and out.
(3)Beth L.
Jumpin Juice Java is AWESOME!!! Great smoothies!!! Excellent service!! Great atmosphere, what more could you ask for?? I have been there for meetings and such and I love this place!! So accommodating! Would recommend to anyone!! It is tucked away off of Chandler Street in Worcester! Prices are great for the quality!!!!
(5)Stephanie M.
Stumbled upon this place when I was actually heading to a different breakfast spot. Loved everything about it! Had a pumpkin latte and the spinach and egg bfast wrap.. They were even able to accomodate my request for hot sauce, offering me both siracha and frank's. Atmosphere was great and it was busy but didn't feel crowded. Wish I lived in the area to visit more
(5)Victoria M.
I love going here, the smoothies, coffee and sandwiches/wraps are great.
(5)Mike D.
My wife and I stopped in for a sandwich and we were impressed with the food and atmosphere. My wife, however, was very put off by the condition of the bathroom; toilet paper all over the floor and feces smeared on the toilet. The bathrooms appear to have not been renovated with the rest of the cafe and are not kept up very well at all.
(4)Leah M.
I love this place for the atmosphere. Senior year it became my place to study when I was totally sick of the library. There's all sorts of seating, tables, couches, booths, most with easy access to outlets (important for paper writing). I've easily spent hours working here, taking an occational break to people watch the other students, business people, and just friends enjoying the space and drinks as well. The smoothies are really great, and the people are wicked nice. I've only eaten food there once, but the sandwich that I had was good, but nothing that blew me away. The atmosphere is worth it.
(4)Kristen R.
Really liked the atmosphere here. Very comfortable and a nice change from Starbucks (the only other decent option for coffee shops in the area that have WiFi and lots of space). It is a great place to study when you need a break from the library environment and is generally pretty quiet. The staff was very friendly and the menu was more extensive than I expected. I just got a muffin and a chai tea which were both pretty good. I would say overall, the strong point of NU is its atmosphere though. Definitely will be coming back in the future.
(4)Andy F.
Stopped by late (if you call 815 late) to use the Wi-Fi and grab an iced coffee. The Iced Coffee-- regular house blend-- was outstanding. Easily the best I've had in a long time. The place was about half full-- no mallrats (Past their bedtime or they've chased them away) but there was music. It was good Dave Matthews style Jack Johnson ish stuff but I think with a place this size acoustic is the way to go instead of percussion and speakers. It was impossible to hear my wife who was three feet away from me. Still a great place that's getting better.
(4)David D.
The food, smoothies, and coffee here are pretty good. However, I have a major gripe about the service. Twice recently I stopped by after 5 PM when you are supposed to seat yourself and they have table service. Both times I waited 15-20 minutes and nobody came to my table. The first time after waiting so long I went and placed my order at the counter. The second time I watched a waitress circle the restaurant to check on her tables then go back behind the counter to socialize with her coworker (the place was dead on this occasion btw.) I left without ordering anything the second time. Not sure whats going on here, but something needs to be fixed. Not sure if I'll return.
(2)Elizabeth M.
I went to the NU Cafe last night for the first time at the suggestion of a co-worker. I was looking for a nice place to take one of the teens I worked with. The ambience was awesome and I had high hopes for this place. With shelves of books, outlets at every booth and what looked like a promising menu, this bookworm/nerd thought she had reached Nirvana. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed. I ordered the artichoke and spinach dip and got a luke warm bowl of cream cheese sprinkled with spinach. The waitress was not helpful and honestly seemed annoyed to have to do anything other than chat up her friends behind the counter. I had to leave my table twice to track her down and it was not busy. I really wanted to like this place and maybe in the future I can give it a try but for now I could not see myself suggesting this place to any of my friends or colleagues.
(2)Alex G.
This cafe is decent. I like their coffee, their smoothies are great and I have had some of the muffins here and they are taste great. Overall, a good place to sit down and have a meal or have coffee.
(4)Suzy L.
I work right near by and have stopped in a few times. I love the old mill feel to the inside, and they display work from a local photographer on the walls. Seating is plentiful and comfortable. I had a grilled cheese and tuscan tomato soup my first time there, and neither were what I was I expecting, but both were delicious! The "grilled cheese" is really a cheese panini, and the tomato soup wasn't creamy and bisque-like, but a vegetable soup with a tomato-y broth base. All the bagels are tasty, and the coffee is awesome. I've heard wonderful things about the smoothies, but haven't had one yet. Staff are really efficient and friendly. I'm glad I'm close by!
(4)Maggie S.
I always stop here when in "Woosta" for a delish coffee drink or smoothie. Great sandwiches too. Nice atmosphere to spend time in -- free wifi. I do agree that it's taken a backslide since transitioning from Jumpin' Juice & Java. The food and drink menu is the same but it does seem a bit grubbier.
(3)Kay L.
Laid back casual place. Friendly workers and decent food. Been coming here for years and their quality of food has improved a lot and so has the place itself with new furnitures and decors. Very nice owner, you can tell he cares a lot about his business and his loyal customers. Thank you Nu Cafe!
(3)Erika H.
I like this place. It is a large enough cafe that I can go and get lunch and not feel rushed because someone wants my table. The art work is nice. For a little while after dropping the franchise i think the owners let their 8-year-old daughters decorate (glitter/tissue paper covered vases, painted quilts etc) but if you have not been back since I am happy to report they have changed back to a typical cafe decor with local photography on the walls. The food is good and there is a wide variety (the soups could use some work but the sandwiches are very good). The staff is friendly. The couches are falling apart and not in a nice rustic way. Since dropping the franchise they have started selling used books. The books for sale are pretty eclectic; I almost always find one that I want to pause and flip through for a while. They have live music in the evenings sometimes. Overall a very nice cafe.
(4)Matt M.
Great little hole in the wall coffee joint! Situated in an old mill, great character. Full Coffee bar and lots of comfortable seating. They also offer a full variety of panini's, sandwiches and soups. Yogurt muffins! There is a great fireplace in one corner with big leather couches around it. There is also a conference room available if you need some space to talk for a group.
(4)Kristofer P.
The owner (Josh) is amazingly thoughtful of his customers. Josh does what is possible to make your stay a positive one. The food is beyond delicious, even when I got full, I still wanted more of the item I had not yet finished. The Smoothies are actually made with actual fresh fruits and ingredients, a rare find in most cafes. The waitstaff is always helpful and courteous, asking if I need more when I actually need it. They experiment with new creations and use their customers as the perfect guinea pigs to positively test a new product for consumption. This place is a must go to. Today was my first experience visiting NU Cafe and it was most certainly the most positive experience I have ever had. I will definitely come here more often when my time allows it. I would give this Establishment 15 Stars if it was available as an option, But I will settle for the 5 stars limit Yelp has set. The WiFi is Fantastically fast and convenient for Heavy Data users like myself. I was able to run Skype (Video call), IMVU.com Software, Mozilla FireFox with 14 tabs Open, Use my iPhone 4S and download 17 Items on iTunes Simultaneously without a blip or interruption to the use of my devices and software. I am very impressed with NU Cafe. I will recommend this Establishment to all of those I know.
(5)Andrew C.
Tons of options for drinks and food. Nice atmosphere, in old Tatnuck Bookseller building (old factory loft-like atmosphere). Plenty of comfortable seating. Fireplace adds to the atmosphere in the winter. Outdoor seating in good weather too. Drinks are tasty. Had a salad that was not fresh, but they replaced it with something fresher for free. There is live jazz on one of the weekend days (I can't remember which) and poetry reading on Sunday evening (I think), so that can be a little distracting for some people. Overall, a comfortable place to grab a caffeinated drink or smoothie, dinner, snack, study, meet up with a friend.
(4)Debora C.
Found this place using yelp. Call ahead for a bacon egg and cheese sandwich. They sounded pretty friendly in with it. I was disappointed. It was a pre formed egg patty with 2 little bits of bacon. Not what I expected at all.
(2)Karie C.
good coffee, smoothies and sandwiches. Bathrooms are not the cleanest!!
(3)angela k.
Very spacious and clean with lots of sunlight. Most tables have power outlets for your laptops (no more walking around the store to find power outlets!). Lastly make sure to try their delicious chocolate muffin!
(5)Zoe D.
They have everything, and such a positive, nice environment! They have every type of coffee- plain black, americano, latte, etc. and then fancy coffees such as a snickers with mocha, caramel, and peanut butter, or almond joy with mocha, coconut, and almond. You can order these as hot, iced, frozen, or as a smoothie. I had the caramella which is coffee, milk, caramel, and vanilla ice cream. It was AMAZING. The medium size filled me up for a few hours, not needing lunch. For non-coffee drinkers there is chai tea, chai smoothie, milk steamers, and then the juice menu. Ah yes, the smoothies. Cool flavors like sour blast with grapefruit, strawberries and banana, and sweet dream with peanut butter, chocolate, milk, and banana. They also have a full food menu with delicious looking pizzas, salads, and paninis. There is outside seating, or inside with free WiFi, and every Sunday they have poetry slams. A very hip place!
(5)Kevin K.
Been 2 years since I first started going to NU cafe. The place was great to start with and it keeps getting better! Foods are always super fresh and staffs are always friendly. WiFi is complimentary and the temperature inside is always perfect. My only complain for the place is that the ordering process can be slow sometimes. Foods and drinks always come out well made and fast after order gets in though. Leaving the city for good and enjoyed my time at NU cafe, highly recommend it to everyone who wants fresh food and coffee! P.S. Their smoothies are delicious too!
(5)