Great place to stop before catching the amtrak train. Pre-prepared baguette sandwich was delicious and fresh, soup was tasty without being overly salty. Quality is much better than the Cafe cart of train. Food order seem to be fast and efficient. There was a good variety of snacks, food and drink selections. Very friendly service. Highly recommended!
(5)
Judy M.
I have been at the train station several times to pick up or drop off my daughter. Never paid much attention to this little place but today I did and I am happy I did. Brought my daughter to catch the train to New York this afternoon. Crazy day with work and drop off that I had not eaten lunch. So after her train departed and I was heading out of the train station I decided to grab a bite here and head back to work. Well I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the Club I believe it was called with the ham. My goodness, one of the best sandwiches I have had. I might just take a ride over for lunch without having to drop anyone off to catch the train. A must try if you are in the area.
(5)
Sarah C.
Awesome little cafe--I would give it 6 train station stars if that were an option. Cafe La France serves real deli food and breakfast and puts Penn Station's various food options to shame. I may have intentionally skipped breakfast so I could grab something here on the way out.
(5)
Jordan D.
One does not usually associate a good breakfast experience with a train station but I'm happy to let you fine folks know that Cafe La France has indeed figured it out! Taking a up a nook between the two main tracks and across from the ticket booths, Cafe La France runs a mean morning grill, I usually opt for a bacon, egg and cheese and they are always above average and use fresh bread and get the perfect meltation on their cheese (yes, meltation is a word!). The lean machine, which is egg whites with pesto and tomatos is equally on point and recommended. Haven't tried their pastry selection, but everything always look fresh and tasty. The seating area is nothing special and does the trick. The staff here is great; almost too friendly for it usually being so early in the morning and they move fast so you don't miss your train. Definitely worth a visit before getting on your Amtrak/MBTA train.
(4)
Mark J.
Awesome sandwich, cafe, coffee shop, snack place located inside the Providence Amtrak station. Great sandwich menu, friendly staff and well priced! What a pleasant surprise. I must say this is one of the best food places I have ever been to inside a train station. I loved my roast beef, avacodo, horseraddish sandwich on toasted seven grain bread. Cafe La France is a standout option!
(5)
Ron C.
Just arrived via Amtrak from the big Apple. Decided not to eat on Amtrak train. This little cafe was absolutely wonderful. If I worked downtown I would come here for lunch! I had corn chowder and a baquett. The chowder was terrific. I saw a lot of folks ordering their sandwiches which all start with your choice of a large selection of breads. They had a nice selection of breakfast sandwiches also; just starting with a few slices of tasty French bread and the whole experience is bound to be good. This is one of those places that you get wonderful fresh foods in an odd, unexpected location.
(4)
Shel D.
Sooooo, yeah. Here I am reviewing the cafe that is located at the Providence train station. I know. I know... contain yourself. I know you're thinking " WTF IS THIS FOODIE DOING?!?!?!" well first of all I can appreciate a food cart as much as fine dining and this lil cafe is pretty damn good. The queer-o-meter is a 10. no issues at all being "a gay" here. :) I don't have much interaction with the late day staff, but I do with the morning staff and the manager. ALL OF WHO ARE FAB U LOUS! I really enjoy as much going there as I do the food. My staple is a blueberry muffin and an egg sammich (usually the lean machine - the pesto is slammin) on a bagel. I keep them guessing on the kind. Y'all know I like to keep on edge like that. I usually don't even have to order, they have it all ready in the making by the time I reach the counter. Their dark roast coffee is dee-lish too. I've has other basic sandwiches, like the basil mozz and tomato panini, ham n swiss on rye panini and one or two others. all very good. I enjoy this place. The prices are reasonable for a "captive audience" and the staff is great. Keep it up guys and thanks for making my morning nicer. Cheers!
(4)
Amy A.
Delicious salads and grilled cheese. Best food in a train station, ever. Friendly staff, fresh and healthy ingredients. This place has it right. Try the California Grilled Cheese! Took our food on the train an enjoyed. Service is super quick too if you gotta run. I may stop in even if I'm not taking a train!
(4)
Lisa L.
I am a new commuter from Providence to Boston. I go to this cafe almost everyday in the morning. They are always conscious of the train times and that people want to get in and out. Their food and coffee are very good, although I stick pretty strictly to their pastries and yogurt cup (with fresh berries and granola). Their sandwiches do look delicious, so maybe sometime when I take an afternoon train I'll try something. Today I spilled my coffee, one of those spills where the coffee flips and sprays everywhere and lands on the floor, as I was heading to my train. One of the people working there offered me a new coffee and to clean up the one I spilled so that I could get to my train which made my day. It's the little things in life! So overall really nice customer service.
(5)
Jamey B.
As I read other reviews and thought to myself "this is really good for a train station cafe I stopped and thought, no, not just for a train station cafe. I am generally a breakfast customer though by no means a regular. These are the wins for me: 1) the food is fresh, tasty, and local. I love buying local! Accounts for the prices. 2) you can get through a line of 4-7 people and get a hot sandwich in 5-6 minutes. I've timed it multiple times. This is scientific fact. 3) teas are good. The shortcomings: 1) logistics very clearly do not come naturally for the owner 2) staff changes are horribly obvious 3) bit pricey but not over done Breakfast sandwiches I recommend: Sausage egg and cheese, Tijuana (avocado, spinach, egg, Colby jack), anything on an English muffin. Could you get through a line in 3 minutes with a cheaper sandwich somewhere else? Sure. But then you would have to be at McDonalds or in New York, and who wants that.
(4)
Greg E.
Catching a early morning train to Philly this morning and what a perfect place to grab a coffee and breakfast sandwich is at cafe la France. The service is wonderful and hearty and they make the perfect breakfast sandwich with egg sausage ham and bacon. And you can get it on different kinds of buns. I got mine on a corrsant and it was just perfect. They also have a variety of coffee and the best on I thought was the breakfast blend. I highly recommend this place especially if you have a early morning train
(5)
Meelynna L.
Everything here is great! The service is great and the staff is attentive! Liz is wonderful running everything and the lines go by quick. I'm always satisfied here when I stop before hopping on the T to grab a quick bite!!
(5)
Alex G.
I just finished my "Malibu" wrap at the cafe. The Malibu wrap was on whole wheat and including turkey, banana peppers, lettuce, tomato and avocado. The ingredients were so fresh. I especially enjoyed the wrap because it was prepared right in front of me! The staff was quick to make my food. Lucky, my train isn't for an hour, so I wasn't in a rush, but I was still taken care of quickly, which would have been beneficial if I was pressed on time. The prices aren't bad for what you are getting, I'd compare them to the prices at Starbucks. I will definitely come back to this cafe when I am here again.
(4)
Hilary H.
For a train station cafe, I gotta say - I'm impressed. Red pizza, fresh bread and delicious cupcakes? Don't mind if I do. I've often purchased cold drinks from Cafe La France, but until recently had shied away from their food items. Jump to a 12pm train to NYC and no food in my belly, and Hilsies needs a snack. I was pleasantly surprised by the small selection of thoughtful (train-friendly) items and friendly service. Everything I ate was fresh and tasty, and I was able to get lunch for 2 people for less than $10. Plus, I saved my husband from my hanger. Well done! A cute spread of cafe tables and large coolers of bottle beverages before a window make this a pleasant place to wait for your train. Though I didn't have a coffee drink, they sure smelled good and I am sure they tasted the same. Bon appetit!
(4)
Matt E.
This is one of the best places to get a fast, fresh, healthy meal in the city. They have a very imaginative menu, friendly staff and most importantly awesome food. I've been going here every week for years and will continue to do so.
(5)
Matt L.
Benefits by being the only place for food in the train station. The bottom line is the food here is really expensive (for what it is), and the service is very, very slow. They also close pretty early, so there's not a whole lot of convenience or anything (I believe they close at 5:00 PM). Usually not too many people working the counter, so that contributes a lot to the whole slowness problem. I see a lot of people below me giving this place reviews on the grounds that it 'does well for a train station cafe'. Frankly, I don't think this is a necessarily applicable caveat, considering the fact that with so much food available in 2014 at different places, there's no reason to settle for sub par food (unless you can't afford it of course- but this place is expensive to begin with, making it moot). I suspect a lot of the commenters are people who work at the joint... Would strongly discourage buying food from here.
(1)
Toni M.
Convienent downtown location, but the coffee is terrible super watery. There are plenty of other better coffee locations downtown.
(1)
T N.
Great find at the train station. Good coffee, great sandwiches and pastries. Cool music playlist too.
(5)
Pavel R.
Quality food and great service. Located at the Providence train station, the cafe offers a great variety of artisan food, which is uncharacteristic of a stereotypical food vendor. I am not a daily commuter, but take the Amrak from that station at almost weekly basis and this spot always begins my journey.
(5)
Scott W.
Don't let the train station fool you, this isn't a run of the mill sandwich & coffee shop. Delicious food and friendly service keep me coming back here 3-4 times a week for lunch. Forget the chains in the mall, this is hands down the best spot in the neighborhood. Try the buffalo chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, tomato, bacon and avocado toasted on brioche.
(5)
Sarah T.
So in terms of quality I would give this place 5 stars easily, but after the umpteenth time when I arrived at the station hoping to buy a snack and beverage for the train and find that they're closing, I have to put in an appeal for extended hours! I love the food and drink selection is great, but 6pm seems so early... I know it's a cafe and not a dinner joint, but I've seen them turn away at least 10 people in the ten minutes since six, and between 6 and 7pm there are 2 amtrak trains and 2 MBTA trains so I can't imagine there wouldn't be profit to be made, especially since most people would prefer a wholesome sandwich to the fare offered on the train. In short, great place just wish I could actually get something there!
(3)
Andrew F.
Delicious and lovingly made, my bacon avocado LT was near perfection. This is not just a "train station" 4 stars, they earned it strait up. Beats any fast food option (although they are very fast) and is a great stop before getting on your train. Very sweet counter staff too who gave me preparation time estimates for every sandwich so I wouldn't miss my train. I also ordered a cannelle. One of the best I've ever had!
(4)
Christian V.
Cafe La France is located in the Providence Amtrak Station. As a frequent user of the MBTA's train services, I have found that Cafe La France's breakfast servings are a great way to start my hectic travels. Their coffees have just enough smoothness and bite to wake you up. Their pastries are delicious and well-made. This is even more admirable given their limited kitchen space (They literally make your paninis, wraps, and sandwiches in front of you). For MBTA riders, they also sell MBTA tickets, though it is cash only. Speaking of payment methods, they accept debit and credit cards but you have to purchase at least $8. This is a pretty easy task considering their delicious and filling wraps, paninis, and sandwiches, vary between $7.99 and $8.99. Overall, it's a great breakfast place and their service is some of the best, and most friendly I have ever experienced. I highly recommend them.
It is such a surprise to find a tasty little cafe in a train station! It is local, not a chain and has a good selection. They have delicious sandwiches for both breakfast and lunch. They serve them quickly and have plenty of seating. You really couldn't ask for a better eatery in a station. My only wish is that they expand their hours!
(5)
Patrick F.
Don't judge this place by it's location! You wouldn't guess you could find an awesome sandwich shop inside an Amtrak station, but I did. I grabbed a panini before getting on my train. I'm pretty sure it was called the North Boston. I was in a hurry so I might have that slightly wrong, but they were super prompt in making my food which was awesome so I didn't miss my train! The sandwich had just the perfect amount of each ingredient: juicy grilled chicken, sweet roasted red peppers, savory black olives, perfectly melted provolone all pressed into a multigrain bread. And it held together too! Always a good sign of a perfectly made sandwich, and critical for mass transit dining. Definitely get food here before hopping on the train. Solid 5 stars for this sandwich shop.
(5)
Thomas W.
This little cafe in the Providence train station is a little piece of Cape Cod. The Cape Cod chips and the bottled local root beer, and cream soda are both nice treats. The Boar's Head meets, wraps, and grilled panini sandwiches are worthy of Pennsylvania Avenue. I really loved my ham and cheese sandwich--made with care and a wonderful French bread roll. Sandwiches are about the bread very often. Just ask anyone from South Philly!
Picked up an Urban Cowboy to avoid the Amtrak fare. Great sandwich - Roast beef, avocado, arugula, etc on 7 grain bread. Yum.
(4)
shopper g.
I ordered the garden wrap- it was made quickly and was delicious! They had two vegetarian wrap options and two vegetarian options in their seasonal menu which was a pleasant surprise. They also serve RI's own Yacht Club soda which I love! The weather was still nice enough so I sat outside. Overall this is a great little hidden gem tucked away inside the Providence Amtrak Station.
(4)
Alma C.
Cafe La France consistently scalds the milk in whatever coffee drink I order, but since this is the only place you can buy food in the train station, it's a captive audience situation. For coffee, this place is 0 stars for me, but at least the pastries are decent. If you know you're coming to the train station and need your morning coffee, bring your own or budget some time to stop over elsewhere, unless you actually do like to burn your tongue. $5 minimum for credit cards.
(2)
Santiago V.
This place would be impressive even if it was not in an Amtrak station. Great coffee and baked goods. They also have a variety of healthy sandwiches and smoothies that I've never tried but look delicious. Hopefully other train stations will take notes.
(5)
Virginia S.
This cafe is the only place to buy food at Providence Station and they take CASH ONLY!! I mean, who the heck uses cash anymore? Anyways, that being said, you can have your choice of overpriced pastries and coffee (as long as you pay cash for them... Don't forget that!) while you wait for the train to arrive. This is also the place where you buy your tickets to take the Mbta (they actually call it the MBTA here... As opposed to The T) to Boston for about 7.75 each way. Yes, you guessed, cash only. ):-(
(2)
Jason B.
Ah, good old Cafe La France. It is the MBTA ticket counter and a coffee/breakfast shop. The coffee has free refills from the thermos containers out front, and I've definitely made use of that when waiting for the train. Also, look out for the two different cash registers: one for food, and one for MBTA tickets. If you want to buy both, buy the tickets first, then buy the food.
(3)
Jefferson L.
Boo! Was very hungry. Looked like they made good sandwiches. But Cafe La France does not take credit cards, I had no cash, so had to take my business elsewhere.
(2)
Erick H.
As the only food service within the Providence Amtrak Station, Cafe La France essentially faces no competition. While the cafe could take advantage of its exclusivity, providing food that is mediocre at best knowing that many travelers have no alternative, the cafe instead makes an effort to provide palatable options to its patrons. The breakfast menu is basic, consisting of a typical selection baked goods as well as egg sandwiches. The sandwiches, served on rich, buttery croissants, are filling but otherwise unremarkable, a characterization I recall particularly because I found the croissant to be rather greasy. In contrast, I found their non-breakfast sandwiches to be surprisingly good. Built around generous portions of Boar's Head meats, the sandwiches are simple but satisfying. Their wheat bread was flavorful but not unpleasantly dense as such bread can be, the accompanying vegetables fresh, and the mayonnaise applied lightly enough as to impart a bit of flavor without overwhelming the entire sandwich. Overall, while my breakfast sandwich left me apprehensive about trying Cafe La France again, their other sandwiches redeemed this location, making it a viable place to get food before catching a train. One important thing to note (and a bit of a detractor overall): credit cards are not accepted. An ATM is, however, available in the station.
(3)
Andrew S.
I'm sorry to give such a low review since the staff seemed very nice, but they just couldn't pull it together to make a cup of coffee within a reasonable time frame. Food looked good, but the service really needs work.
(2)
Andi P.
I am not impressed with this place. The staff is not friendly to out-of-towners and they tend to cater to the regulars. Unfortunately as I'm traveling for work I needed to pick up a coffee and a breakfast sandwich before my meeting and I was not happy with the service. The staff is rude and it's too early in the morning (6:30am) for all of that. Not to mention the cashier/owner got an attitude when I asked for a receipt when she didn't have a problem asking the customer before me if she wanted one. And yes...you're damn right I'm going to ask for one because my company is going to reimburse me for this crappy coffee and sandwich these people overcharged me for. As a New Yorker, I can get a better cup of coffee and egg & cheese on a roll from a street vendor on any corner. This place also plays a weird array of loud music that makes me want to hurry up and jump into a cab to my meeting. It's not worth the pit stop so I'll keep that in mind next time.
(1)
Keri S.
I stopped by Cafe La France while I had a bit of a wait at the train station, and I was pleasantly surprised! I am so used to Dunkin Donuts or McDonalds in the bus and train stations around New England - I was expecting some prepackaged fast food. The yummy sandwich I had - the Cali, a bacon and avocado grilled cheese - was absolutely delicious. The bread was fresh and the the cheese was nice and melted. Definitely made to order with good ingredients. It's not totally earth-shattering - it's still in the train station, after all - but their food felt much more like a normal meal than standard travel fare. I'd definitely stop there again when I'm on the road!
I definitely agree with the other reviews. 4 "train station" stars but the sammiches are solid. Unless you're bringing something from home, this beats the vending machine or the bar car.
(4)
Sarah E.
I have never eaten something I didn't like at Cafe la France. The breakfast sanwiches, clubs, wraps, even the coffee, are all delicious. Today, I actually tried something new. I got adventurous and tried a panini on sourdough bread. It was delicious! Seriously, if you're skipping this place because of its locale, you are missing out. The ingredients are fresh and LOCAL (which is an even bigger plus for me) and the staff here are super friendly.
(5)
Colleen C.
We must speak in relativity here, my Amtrak-station-dwellin' friends. Relative to Amtrak food, Cafe La France is FIVE STARS. (Amtrak food = zero, it's horrible even in dire circumstances) Relative to all other cafes at some price point, Cafe La France is AOK/THREE STARS, bordering at 4 stars. Average = 4 stars here. And that shall be my rating, especially because given the relative terms I just don't think this is a 2.5 star (current rating) spot. I almost didn't eat here! I would've been starving pulling into Penn Station and gorged on some crappy falafel or 7-11. As Cafe La France is the only real food option in the PVD Amtrak station, there isn't much in the way of alternatives. Luckily, it's pretty cute/quirky/fresh with a nice little chalkboard menu and cheery people behind the counter. It could be so much worse. For $10 (CASH) I got a very freshly made California turkey wrap and a big ol' bottle of water to last me from Providence to NYC. They wrapped it up to go and I was on my way in under 5 minutes. The cashier was super friendly, and I'd certainly venture to guess that their breakfast goodies are solid as well. Fully stocked drink coolers to keep y'alls hydrated and I'd say this is actually a very nice little stop to make before hopping on a train to somewhere else. It could be oh, so, so much worse. You could have to eat on the train, and you only make that mistake once. I made it, I won't do it again. *CASH ONLY *They sell MBTA tickets (separate register) - Also cash only. *A few small tables to sit and enjoy, should you have the time. *Easy viewing access to train schedule board from the shop
(4)
Annamarie T.
Super convient right in the Providence Amtrak station. Great place to grab a quick meal or coffee before hopping on the train. Also, if you are going to take the MBTA to Boston to grab your train ticket before hopping aboard to save yourself a dollar or so. Heads up it is cash only. Oh you can also pick up the free wifi from the station here too.
(4)
David P.
All the grumpy-heads on here hatin' on Cafe la France need to take a little nap. Yes, it's a bit pricey. Get over it. Yes, it's nothing like France; there are no beautiful intellectual women drinking wine, smoking cigarettes and planning their new sexual conquests while the men--mostly bald and desperate, try and impress the women with their worldliness and cultural sensitivity. No, just a counter with friendly 20 somethings who will make your farmhouse panini (Dijon, turkey, ham, imported cheese, basil, arugula in ciabatta) with a frickin smile, and yes, they have soy milk and they play American 1920s jazz on the speakers, and you can wait for your train in style.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Garage Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes Good for Working : Yes
Danny J.
Great place to stop before catching the amtrak train. Pre-prepared baguette sandwich was delicious and fresh, soup was tasty without being overly salty. Quality is much better than the Cafe cart of train. Food order seem to be fast and efficient. There was a good variety of snacks, food and drink selections. Very friendly service. Highly recommended!
(5)Judy M.
I have been at the train station several times to pick up or drop off my daughter. Never paid much attention to this little place but today I did and I am happy I did. Brought my daughter to catch the train to New York this afternoon. Crazy day with work and drop off that I had not eaten lunch. So after her train departed and I was heading out of the train station I decided to grab a bite here and head back to work. Well I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the Club I believe it was called with the ham. My goodness, one of the best sandwiches I have had. I might just take a ride over for lunch without having to drop anyone off to catch the train. A must try if you are in the area.
(5)Sarah C.
Awesome little cafe--I would give it 6 train station stars if that were an option. Cafe La France serves real deli food and breakfast and puts Penn Station's various food options to shame. I may have intentionally skipped breakfast so I could grab something here on the way out.
(5)Jordan D.
One does not usually associate a good breakfast experience with a train station but I'm happy to let you fine folks know that Cafe La France has indeed figured it out! Taking a up a nook between the two main tracks and across from the ticket booths, Cafe La France runs a mean morning grill, I usually opt for a bacon, egg and cheese and they are always above average and use fresh bread and get the perfect meltation on their cheese (yes, meltation is a word!). The lean machine, which is egg whites with pesto and tomatos is equally on point and recommended. Haven't tried their pastry selection, but everything always look fresh and tasty. The seating area is nothing special and does the trick. The staff here is great; almost too friendly for it usually being so early in the morning and they move fast so you don't miss your train. Definitely worth a visit before getting on your Amtrak/MBTA train.
(4)Mark J.
Awesome sandwich, cafe, coffee shop, snack place located inside the Providence Amtrak station. Great sandwich menu, friendly staff and well priced! What a pleasant surprise. I must say this is one of the best food places I have ever been to inside a train station. I loved my roast beef, avacodo, horseraddish sandwich on toasted seven grain bread. Cafe La France is a standout option!
(5)Ron C.
Just arrived via Amtrak from the big Apple. Decided not to eat on Amtrak train. This little cafe was absolutely wonderful. If I worked downtown I would come here for lunch! I had corn chowder and a baquett. The chowder was terrific. I saw a lot of folks ordering their sandwiches which all start with your choice of a large selection of breads. They had a nice selection of breakfast sandwiches also; just starting with a few slices of tasty French bread and the whole experience is bound to be good. This is one of those places that you get wonderful fresh foods in an odd, unexpected location.
(4)Shel D.
Sooooo, yeah. Here I am reviewing the cafe that is located at the Providence train station. I know. I know... contain yourself. I know you're thinking " WTF IS THIS FOODIE DOING?!?!?!" well first of all I can appreciate a food cart as much as fine dining and this lil cafe is pretty damn good. The queer-o-meter is a 10. no issues at all being "a gay" here. :) I don't have much interaction with the late day staff, but I do with the morning staff and the manager. ALL OF WHO ARE FAB U LOUS! I really enjoy as much going there as I do the food. My staple is a blueberry muffin and an egg sammich (usually the lean machine - the pesto is slammin) on a bagel. I keep them guessing on the kind. Y'all know I like to keep on edge like that. I usually don't even have to order, they have it all ready in the making by the time I reach the counter. Their dark roast coffee is dee-lish too. I've has other basic sandwiches, like the basil mozz and tomato panini, ham n swiss on rye panini and one or two others. all very good. I enjoy this place. The prices are reasonable for a "captive audience" and the staff is great. Keep it up guys and thanks for making my morning nicer. Cheers!
(4)Amy A.
Delicious salads and grilled cheese. Best food in a train station, ever. Friendly staff, fresh and healthy ingredients. This place has it right. Try the California Grilled Cheese! Took our food on the train an enjoyed. Service is super quick too if you gotta run. I may stop in even if I'm not taking a train!
(4)Lisa L.
I am a new commuter from Providence to Boston. I go to this cafe almost everyday in the morning. They are always conscious of the train times and that people want to get in and out. Their food and coffee are very good, although I stick pretty strictly to their pastries and yogurt cup (with fresh berries and granola). Their sandwiches do look delicious, so maybe sometime when I take an afternoon train I'll try something. Today I spilled my coffee, one of those spills where the coffee flips and sprays everywhere and lands on the floor, as I was heading to my train. One of the people working there offered me a new coffee and to clean up the one I spilled so that I could get to my train which made my day. It's the little things in life! So overall really nice customer service.
(5)Jamey B.
As I read other reviews and thought to myself "this is really good for a train station cafe I stopped and thought, no, not just for a train station cafe. I am generally a breakfast customer though by no means a regular. These are the wins for me: 1) the food is fresh, tasty, and local. I love buying local! Accounts for the prices. 2) you can get through a line of 4-7 people and get a hot sandwich in 5-6 minutes. I've timed it multiple times. This is scientific fact. 3) teas are good. The shortcomings: 1) logistics very clearly do not come naturally for the owner 2) staff changes are horribly obvious 3) bit pricey but not over done Breakfast sandwiches I recommend: Sausage egg and cheese, Tijuana (avocado, spinach, egg, Colby jack), anything on an English muffin. Could you get through a line in 3 minutes with a cheaper sandwich somewhere else? Sure. But then you would have to be at McDonalds or in New York, and who wants that.
(4)Greg E.
Catching a early morning train to Philly this morning and what a perfect place to grab a coffee and breakfast sandwich is at cafe la France. The service is wonderful and hearty and they make the perfect breakfast sandwich with egg sausage ham and bacon. And you can get it on different kinds of buns. I got mine on a corrsant and it was just perfect. They also have a variety of coffee and the best on I thought was the breakfast blend. I highly recommend this place especially if you have a early morning train
(5)Meelynna L.
Everything here is great! The service is great and the staff is attentive! Liz is wonderful running everything and the lines go by quick. I'm always satisfied here when I stop before hopping on the T to grab a quick bite!!
(5)Alex G.
I just finished my "Malibu" wrap at the cafe. The Malibu wrap was on whole wheat and including turkey, banana peppers, lettuce, tomato and avocado. The ingredients were so fresh. I especially enjoyed the wrap because it was prepared right in front of me! The staff was quick to make my food. Lucky, my train isn't for an hour, so I wasn't in a rush, but I was still taken care of quickly, which would have been beneficial if I was pressed on time. The prices aren't bad for what you are getting, I'd compare them to the prices at Starbucks. I will definitely come back to this cafe when I am here again.
(4)Hilary H.
For a train station cafe, I gotta say - I'm impressed. Red pizza, fresh bread and delicious cupcakes? Don't mind if I do. I've often purchased cold drinks from Cafe La France, but until recently had shied away from their food items. Jump to a 12pm train to NYC and no food in my belly, and Hilsies needs a snack. I was pleasantly surprised by the small selection of thoughtful (train-friendly) items and friendly service. Everything I ate was fresh and tasty, and I was able to get lunch for 2 people for less than $10. Plus, I saved my husband from my hanger. Well done! A cute spread of cafe tables and large coolers of bottle beverages before a window make this a pleasant place to wait for your train. Though I didn't have a coffee drink, they sure smelled good and I am sure they tasted the same. Bon appetit!
(4)Matt E.
This is one of the best places to get a fast, fresh, healthy meal in the city. They have a very imaginative menu, friendly staff and most importantly awesome food. I've been going here every week for years and will continue to do so.
(5)Matt L.
Benefits by being the only place for food in the train station. The bottom line is the food here is really expensive (for what it is), and the service is very, very slow. They also close pretty early, so there's not a whole lot of convenience or anything (I believe they close at 5:00 PM). Usually not too many people working the counter, so that contributes a lot to the whole slowness problem. I see a lot of people below me giving this place reviews on the grounds that it 'does well for a train station cafe'. Frankly, I don't think this is a necessarily applicable caveat, considering the fact that with so much food available in 2014 at different places, there's no reason to settle for sub par food (unless you can't afford it of course- but this place is expensive to begin with, making it moot). I suspect a lot of the commenters are people who work at the joint... Would strongly discourage buying food from here.
(1)Toni M.
Convienent downtown location, but the coffee is terrible super watery. There are plenty of other better coffee locations downtown.
(1)T N.
Great find at the train station. Good coffee, great sandwiches and pastries. Cool music playlist too.
(5)Pavel R.
Quality food and great service. Located at the Providence train station, the cafe offers a great variety of artisan food, which is uncharacteristic of a stereotypical food vendor. I am not a daily commuter, but take the Amrak from that station at almost weekly basis and this spot always begins my journey.
(5)Scott W.
Don't let the train station fool you, this isn't a run of the mill sandwich & coffee shop. Delicious food and friendly service keep me coming back here 3-4 times a week for lunch. Forget the chains in the mall, this is hands down the best spot in the neighborhood. Try the buffalo chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, tomato, bacon and avocado toasted on brioche.
(5)Sarah T.
So in terms of quality I would give this place 5 stars easily, but after the umpteenth time when I arrived at the station hoping to buy a snack and beverage for the train and find that they're closing, I have to put in an appeal for extended hours! I love the food and drink selection is great, but 6pm seems so early... I know it's a cafe and not a dinner joint, but I've seen them turn away at least 10 people in the ten minutes since six, and between 6 and 7pm there are 2 amtrak trains and 2 MBTA trains so I can't imagine there wouldn't be profit to be made, especially since most people would prefer a wholesome sandwich to the fare offered on the train. In short, great place just wish I could actually get something there!
(3)Andrew F.
Delicious and lovingly made, my bacon avocado LT was near perfection. This is not just a "train station" 4 stars, they earned it strait up. Beats any fast food option (although they are very fast) and is a great stop before getting on your train. Very sweet counter staff too who gave me preparation time estimates for every sandwich so I wouldn't miss my train. I also ordered a cannelle. One of the best I've ever had!
(4)Christian V.
Cafe La France is located in the Providence Amtrak Station. As a frequent user of the MBTA's train services, I have found that Cafe La France's breakfast servings are a great way to start my hectic travels. Their coffees have just enough smoothness and bite to wake you up. Their pastries are delicious and well-made. This is even more admirable given their limited kitchen space (They literally make your paninis, wraps, and sandwiches in front of you). For MBTA riders, they also sell MBTA tickets, though it is cash only. Speaking of payment methods, they accept debit and credit cards but you have to purchase at least $8. This is a pretty easy task considering their delicious and filling wraps, paninis, and sandwiches, vary between $7.99 and $8.99. Overall, it's a great breakfast place and their service is some of the best, and most friendly I have ever experienced. I highly recommend them.
(4)Cathy Z.
Although the Providence Amtrak station is lacking in food options compared to larger hubs like South Station, all you really need is Café La France. Plenty of reasonably priced and portable options, prepared quickly and with a smile! The breakfast sandwiches really hit the spot, with plenty of scrambled eggs, gooey American cheese, and crispy (not limp) bacon. Plus, they're only about $4. One note, though: the bagels are fluffy, NOT chewy, so if you're a NY bagel snob or even a die-hard Bagel Gourmet fan, you may be disappointed. I actually liked the fluffier bagel, because it made the sandwich easier to eat, and with a nice crust from the toaster oven, it still stood up to the ingredients. You can also get a sandwich on a croissant or toast! And if you're in even more of a hurry, Café La France also has a pretty wide selection of bottled drinks, snacks, and pastries.
(4)Lisa O.
It is such a surprise to find a tasty little cafe in a train station! It is local, not a chain and has a good selection. They have delicious sandwiches for both breakfast and lunch. They serve them quickly and have plenty of seating. You really couldn't ask for a better eatery in a station. My only wish is that they expand their hours!
(5)Patrick F.
Don't judge this place by it's location! You wouldn't guess you could find an awesome sandwich shop inside an Amtrak station, but I did. I grabbed a panini before getting on my train. I'm pretty sure it was called the North Boston. I was in a hurry so I might have that slightly wrong, but they were super prompt in making my food which was awesome so I didn't miss my train! The sandwich had just the perfect amount of each ingredient: juicy grilled chicken, sweet roasted red peppers, savory black olives, perfectly melted provolone all pressed into a multigrain bread. And it held together too! Always a good sign of a perfectly made sandwich, and critical for mass transit dining. Definitely get food here before hopping on the train. Solid 5 stars for this sandwich shop.
(5)Thomas W.
This little cafe in the Providence train station is a little piece of Cape Cod. The Cape Cod chips and the bottled local root beer, and cream soda are both nice treats. The Boar's Head meets, wraps, and grilled panini sandwiches are worthy of Pennsylvania Avenue. I really loved my ham and cheese sandwich--made with care and a wonderful French bread roll. Sandwiches are about the bread very often. Just ask anyone from South Philly!
(4)Peter D.
Have you ever eaten the "food" that you can buy aboard an Amtrak train? It's not a great idea. After all, no one should ever have to eat a sandwich that, in order to make it palatable, you microwave it inside the plastic bag it comes in. Ever. And that's why Café La France is so very, very necessary. I'm not going to pretend like the chicken pesto panini was the best thing I've ever put in my mouth. But it beats the sad, sad Amtrak food by several hundred miles.* I would rather buy that panini in the morning and eat it for lunch than ever eat Amtrak food again. _____________ *Which, aboard an Amtrak train, could take anywhere from a few hours to three days.
(4)Steven C.
Picked up an Urban Cowboy to avoid the Amtrak fare. Great sandwich - Roast beef, avocado, arugula, etc on 7 grain bread. Yum.
(4)shopper g.
I ordered the garden wrap- it was made quickly and was delicious! They had two vegetarian wrap options and two vegetarian options in their seasonal menu which was a pleasant surprise. They also serve RI's own Yacht Club soda which I love! The weather was still nice enough so I sat outside. Overall this is a great little hidden gem tucked away inside the Providence Amtrak Station.
(4)Alma C.
Cafe La France consistently scalds the milk in whatever coffee drink I order, but since this is the only place you can buy food in the train station, it's a captive audience situation. For coffee, this place is 0 stars for me, but at least the pastries are decent. If you know you're coming to the train station and need your morning coffee, bring your own or budget some time to stop over elsewhere, unless you actually do like to burn your tongue. $5 minimum for credit cards.
(2)Santiago V.
This place would be impressive even if it was not in an Amtrak station. Great coffee and baked goods. They also have a variety of healthy sandwiches and smoothies that I've never tried but look delicious. Hopefully other train stations will take notes.
(5)Virginia S.
This cafe is the only place to buy food at Providence Station and they take CASH ONLY!! I mean, who the heck uses cash anymore? Anyways, that being said, you can have your choice of overpriced pastries and coffee (as long as you pay cash for them... Don't forget that!) while you wait for the train to arrive. This is also the place where you buy your tickets to take the Mbta (they actually call it the MBTA here... As opposed to The T) to Boston for about 7.75 each way. Yes, you guessed, cash only. ):-(
(2)Jason B.
Ah, good old Cafe La France. It is the MBTA ticket counter and a coffee/breakfast shop. The coffee has free refills from the thermos containers out front, and I've definitely made use of that when waiting for the train. Also, look out for the two different cash registers: one for food, and one for MBTA tickets. If you want to buy both, buy the tickets first, then buy the food.
(3)Jefferson L.
Boo! Was very hungry. Looked like they made good sandwiches. But Cafe La France does not take credit cards, I had no cash, so had to take my business elsewhere.
(2)Erick H.
As the only food service within the Providence Amtrak Station, Cafe La France essentially faces no competition. While the cafe could take advantage of its exclusivity, providing food that is mediocre at best knowing that many travelers have no alternative, the cafe instead makes an effort to provide palatable options to its patrons. The breakfast menu is basic, consisting of a typical selection baked goods as well as egg sandwiches. The sandwiches, served on rich, buttery croissants, are filling but otherwise unremarkable, a characterization I recall particularly because I found the croissant to be rather greasy. In contrast, I found their non-breakfast sandwiches to be surprisingly good. Built around generous portions of Boar's Head meats, the sandwiches are simple but satisfying. Their wheat bread was flavorful but not unpleasantly dense as such bread can be, the accompanying vegetables fresh, and the mayonnaise applied lightly enough as to impart a bit of flavor without overwhelming the entire sandwich. Overall, while my breakfast sandwich left me apprehensive about trying Cafe La France again, their other sandwiches redeemed this location, making it a viable place to get food before catching a train. One important thing to note (and a bit of a detractor overall): credit cards are not accepted. An ATM is, however, available in the station.
(3)Andrew S.
I'm sorry to give such a low review since the staff seemed very nice, but they just couldn't pull it together to make a cup of coffee within a reasonable time frame. Food looked good, but the service really needs work.
(2)Andi P.
I am not impressed with this place. The staff is not friendly to out-of-towners and they tend to cater to the regulars. Unfortunately as I'm traveling for work I needed to pick up a coffee and a breakfast sandwich before my meeting and I was not happy with the service. The staff is rude and it's too early in the morning (6:30am) for all of that. Not to mention the cashier/owner got an attitude when I asked for a receipt when she didn't have a problem asking the customer before me if she wanted one. And yes...you're damn right I'm going to ask for one because my company is going to reimburse me for this crappy coffee and sandwich these people overcharged me for. As a New Yorker, I can get a better cup of coffee and egg & cheese on a roll from a street vendor on any corner. This place also plays a weird array of loud music that makes me want to hurry up and jump into a cab to my meeting. It's not worth the pit stop so I'll keep that in mind next time.
(1)Keri S.
I stopped by Cafe La France while I had a bit of a wait at the train station, and I was pleasantly surprised! I am so used to Dunkin Donuts or McDonalds in the bus and train stations around New England - I was expecting some prepackaged fast food. The yummy sandwich I had - the Cali, a bacon and avocado grilled cheese - was absolutely delicious. The bread was fresh and the the cheese was nice and melted. Definitely made to order with good ingredients. It's not totally earth-shattering - it's still in the train station, after all - but their food felt much more like a normal meal than standard travel fare. I'd definitely stop there again when I'm on the road!
(4)Thomas D.
I have been going to this café for years and will keep on going. You have to check out their new "Winter Menu" . Fantastic! Keep it up.
(5)Jeff M.
I definitely agree with the other reviews. 4 "train station" stars but the sammiches are solid. Unless you're bringing something from home, this beats the vending machine or the bar car.
(4)Sarah E.
I have never eaten something I didn't like at Cafe la France. The breakfast sanwiches, clubs, wraps, even the coffee, are all delicious. Today, I actually tried something new. I got adventurous and tried a panini on sourdough bread. It was delicious! Seriously, if you're skipping this place because of its locale, you are missing out. The ingredients are fresh and LOCAL (which is an even bigger plus for me) and the staff here are super friendly.
(5)Colleen C.
We must speak in relativity here, my Amtrak-station-dwellin' friends. Relative to Amtrak food, Cafe La France is FIVE STARS. (Amtrak food = zero, it's horrible even in dire circumstances) Relative to all other cafes at some price point, Cafe La France is AOK/THREE STARS, bordering at 4 stars. Average = 4 stars here. And that shall be my rating, especially because given the relative terms I just don't think this is a 2.5 star (current rating) spot. I almost didn't eat here! I would've been starving pulling into Penn Station and gorged on some crappy falafel or 7-11. As Cafe La France is the only real food option in the PVD Amtrak station, there isn't much in the way of alternatives. Luckily, it's pretty cute/quirky/fresh with a nice little chalkboard menu and cheery people behind the counter. It could be so much worse. For $10 (CASH) I got a very freshly made California turkey wrap and a big ol' bottle of water to last me from Providence to NYC. They wrapped it up to go and I was on my way in under 5 minutes. The cashier was super friendly, and I'd certainly venture to guess that their breakfast goodies are solid as well. Fully stocked drink coolers to keep y'alls hydrated and I'd say this is actually a very nice little stop to make before hopping on a train to somewhere else. It could be oh, so, so much worse. You could have to eat on the train, and you only make that mistake once. I made it, I won't do it again. *CASH ONLY *They sell MBTA tickets (separate register) - Also cash only. *A few small tables to sit and enjoy, should you have the time. *Easy viewing access to train schedule board from the shop
(4)Annamarie T.
Super convient right in the Providence Amtrak station. Great place to grab a quick meal or coffee before hopping on the train. Also, if you are going to take the MBTA to Boston to grab your train ticket before hopping aboard to save yourself a dollar or so. Heads up it is cash only. Oh you can also pick up the free wifi from the station here too.
(4)David P.
All the grumpy-heads on here hatin' on Cafe la France need to take a little nap. Yes, it's a bit pricey. Get over it. Yes, it's nothing like France; there are no beautiful intellectual women drinking wine, smoking cigarettes and planning their new sexual conquests while the men--mostly bald and desperate, try and impress the women with their worldliness and cultural sensitivity. No, just a counter with friendly 20 somethings who will make your farmhouse panini (Dijon, turkey, ham, imported cheese, basil, arugula in ciabatta) with a frickin smile, and yes, they have soy milk and they play American 1920s jazz on the speakers, and you can wait for your train in style.
(4)