WOW!!!! I love all the positive changes they have made over the last few months! I stopped going here for awhile because I wasn't fond of the old management. I heard they made some new changes so I decided to give it a try. Let me tell you that I had great service and a wonderful meal. They made some changes to the menu recently, which made me so happy! They still have most of their classics but now there is just so much more to choose from. I had an amazing tofu sandwich special the other day along with the black bean soup....it was to die for! They are even making their own pickles now! I urge everyone to give them a try. Change is good.....especially in New Haven where most places have all the same redundant stuff. I will be back more often to see what other interesting things they have cooking! read more

I recently had Atticus cater my son's birthday party, and was beyond satisfied with the outcome. I was initially worried that the portions wouldn't be large enough, but they were the perfect size for the 30 guests. The artichoke chicken was the hit of the party, and the salad with cranberries and crumbled blue cheese was so good that both large platters were devoured. The pricing was fair and the staff was a pleasure to work with. I definitely plan on hiring their services again and highly recommend them for any event. read more

Good for some quick food done locally, not prepped in Oregon and shipped frozen. Pricey but real. Last time we were there we actually bought some books for our young nephew. The cool thing is that they have children's books (Reading 1.O) that harken back several decades, kinda like classics without the politically-motivated phrases. I'm sure you can find them on Amazon, but in a real place you can see many books and get ideas. And by not using Amazon, you might actually be helping stores survive. Pleasant place. But watch the street parking. The New Haven wardens are quick to ticket. read more

My favorite will always be the black bean soup, which comes with sour cream and onions in it. They also give you a generous portion of bread and butter with it. The salads are fresh....they keep plenty of deserts on stock..makes it a cool spot for coffee and desert. read more

Kind of "overrated". This place isn't as friendly as I would hope it to be and I get the "too cool" vibe more than I get comfortable here. They don't have many selections for vegetarians or fresh meals as they do meat sandwiches. They make a pretty good cup of coffee but theres alway a line across the room, and for what reason? read more

RUDE, RUDE, RUDE. My wife, daughter, and I spent the afternoon at the Yale Center for British Art, next door. When we arrived, I popped into Atticus for a cup of chicken soup and a meatball sandwich. $18 including iced tea and cappuccino afterwards. Delicious. Stopped in again a couple hours later, after the museum and could not believe how we were treated. We browsed books and had about $150 of merchandise in hand to purchase. My wife, who has Parkinson's, was tired and sat down at a table to look at her books while my daughter and I continued to look. A waitress aggressively asked if she was going to order food. The restaurant portion was mid-afternoon empty. My wife said she was looking at her books while her husband and daughter shopped. No dice. Order food or get up. Unaware of my wife's treatment, I sat down to review the books I was planning on buying while I ordered a cup of tea. While the tea steeped, I headed for the bathroom. A lady called out to me and asked if I had already purchased the books. I said that I wanted to review them while I had my tea. Her expression turned strained as she said no reading in the restaurant, she would hold the books. I finished the tea and left the books. They lost $150 and all future business. Not too smart... read more

their grilled mushroom and Stilton was delicious and the cappuccino holds up to the hype. but customer service (ordering, receiving said order, and the weird seating policy) was a real turn off read more

The macaroni and cheese tasted like it had been in the freezer for 2 months and then microwaved. I had to get something else to eat at a cafe down the street to get the freezer-burn taste out of my mouth. read more

I wanted to like this place. I thought it was nice, they had a nice girl with a beautiful voice singing old acoustic songs. I was however disappointed with one of the girls in the front. I am an avid writer for 3 different websites/magazines, and I am a well known artist. I have long dreadlocks, and I don't dress "spiffy" but I am clean, and I love good brands of cologne (I currently wear "one million"), I thought I was being helped at first by being asked if I needed help with anything, I am doing a series of silkscreens involving elephants, I know my way around bookstores, and I frequent them in the Hudson Valley of NY, since I don't drink or do the "nightlife" thing, but I find solace in bookstores, usually Barnes and Noble. I replied politely "as a matter of fact, I am looking for a book on elephants, I just need pictures, do you have anything like that?" I didn't quite realize it at first, but the girl with auburn hair, glasses, and nosering kind of snubbed me and just said "No" and walked away. I then ordered a coffee, a pastry, and pulled out m OWN book, that I got on my way to Conn, and I was kind of asked rather rudely "we don't allow merchandise on this side unless it's paid for", assuming I was rude enough to do that. It kind of ruined my mood, because I think she kind of looked at me like I was only going to cause trouble rather than read and drink coffee in a public place like I do every evening. I put $5 in the tip jar for the young lady singing, and left. I think I will spend my time in the Starbucks down the street and will sadly check out the other bookstores in the area. read more

It is best bookstore with a restaurant in New Haven downtown area. The atmosphere is clean and classy. I come so often this cafe is like my second home and i know more people who feel like this. If you want to spend time with books and delicious food together it is best place read more

seriously, sandwiches here are way overpriced, and they are not even that good.

BEWARE PEOPLE- YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE IN HERE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A COLORED PERSON. Congratulations for being the first place that pushed me far enough to leave a negative comment for the first time since I've used Yelp in years. I am a graduate student at Yale, I go here very often, to grab coffee, scones, brunch etc. But what happened today I will never forget and will NEVER STEP IN THERE AGAIN PERIOD. I was casually face timing my mom to wish her happy mothers day - when one of their staff interrupted my happy conversation with mom only to tell me that "I WAS TOO LOUD" and "I NEED TO TURN MY FACE TIME OF" and "USE THE REGULAR PHONE TO TALK!!?" I was between feeling embarrassed, amazed and confused that this lady just picked on me out of the 20 other people in the room all talking very loudly. Just how does this logic work? And mind you - I am an Asian woman, who according to my friends is very soft spoken. WHAY WAS I PICKED ON? To top it off she was extremely RUDE in conveying that message. I'm disgusted and never ever stepping in there again and am very much going to share this experience with everyone I know. Absolutely ridiculous! How about you stick a note on the entrance - there is a policy that we cant face time in there, especially if you are an Asian woman. Shame on you! read more

We love this place. The food is fabulous-fresh abundant salads and tasty soups. I'm not a sandwich eater but my better half loves them. Simple, good quality. Nice waitstaff too. read more

A great place to sit and study or to grab something quick. The bookstore always has interesting picks on the shelves and interesting teas, mugs, etc. as small gifts. I have been here for breakfast and also dropped by to pick up sandwiches before heading to a tasting at GPSCYs. The menu is small but everything I have gotten here was delicious. For breakfast I had gotten the cranberry pecan french toast. It was so good! The display case is always full of a wonderful selection of muffins and pastries too. Their sandwiches are expensive (~$9), but creative and filling. The first time I got a roast beef and kimchi sandwich! I was very tempted to get it again the second time but went for the grilled mushroom and stilton cheese. Mmmmm! So good, but not the most romantic sandwich. My breath was super garlicky after and my boyfriend refused to come near me for a day and a half (even after several brushings and mouthwash, etc.). It's a strong sandwich. read more

During the day this place is great with good coffee, sweets, and cafe fair but after about 5 the staff puts away most of the food as well as their smiles, they seem upset that you would want anything from them and I have given this place about 2 dozen tries over 2 years but yourself the time and if it's coffee you crave there is a starbucks right next door and if it's food then try Jojo's up the street read more

serious revision: I just found and nearly ate a very long piece of hair baked into one of their chocolate chip cookies. WEAR HAIR NETS ARE YOU SERIOUS read more

I likethis place. What's not to like books and coffee. I've taken their loaves of bread home too, which seem to be gone in 24 hours. I have to laugh at the reviewer below who complains about their no outside food policy,lol! I'll never understand why people think it's ok to bring any outside food or drink into an establishment! Why would you not understand that??? read more

This review is in response to Atticus's systemic pattern of horrible service ... while every food item I've ordered at Atticus has been very good, the overall experience is always ruined by the incredibly slow and rude service from the waiters or from the checkout guy who reminds you that "if you get something to go you've gotta leave immediately". read more

Let's see. Great location. The food is overall quite good but inconsistent - the sandwiches can be excellent but I have also been disappointed on occasion. They are also so expensive that it is out of the price range of an average daily lunch. And their staff is generally rather snobby and disinterested. It's also a little weird to have waiter service at a coffee cafe. But overall I like them. read more

Apparently I didn't spend enough to deserve a small shopping bag. Very rude clerk at the register. I'll just order books off Amazon if that's how you treat customers. read more

One of my favorite places to come to when studying or meeting a friend. The space is warm and welcoming and a musician comes in to perform on Friday nights (usually) and makes the experience even better. The employees are kind and helpful. The prices might sometimes be expensive but I usually just get a tea and get to work/reading. Would recommend for dates, small to medium groups of people, studying, and lunch. Hope this place gets a better spotlight in the future. read more

I'm sad to give Atticus such a low review. The food that I've managed to be able to eat there has been good, and I'd like to eat there again. The problem is the service. I've travelled here for business, and I dine alone at the counter. It is really hard to get served there. The first time was good since I came in during an off hour in the afternoon. Second time, someone had to go "get" my server when she felt sorry for my sitting there so long, and then the waitress was surly the entire time. Third time, I sat there for ten minutes and waitstaff were paused right in front of me, looking through me. If someone had offered me water or said anything that indicated that I existed for them, I would have waited longer. I walked out. I don't feel welcome there, and the whole experience makes me feel terrible. read more

It seems pretty clean "Ben" did not read my review nor understand what the issue that I have with the host who; ignored me, sat a party that arrived after I did before me and then mocked me for requesting that two tables that had been pushed together to make a table for 4 be separated so that two waiting parties of two could be seated. I suppose I should have expected this from a manager who leaves his restaurant to "run errands" during the busiest part of the day. It's a pity Atticus does not want my business but two new places opened up on that strip so I'll be OK. read more

Ordered a cup of their $1 coffee, had it brought to the register, and was then informed of the credit card minimum. Had no money and was told that the credit card machine would "not work." They then proceeded to throw out the coffee instead of giving it to me. read more

Horrible service, they would not provide a table when there were many available for use. I would have had lunch there but they refused to seat me at a table for 2 since they 'expected to be busier'. They have bad coffee as well - there are many better options in New Haven for students, locals and visitors alike. read more

We visited Atticus after attending an Admissions Day at Yale. The place was recommended by the Admissions staff. We definitely would not return to eat in, although the bakery goods we took with us were excellent. As for the eat in establishment, be prepared to WAIT. The host was as slow as molasses. It actually became comical to watch him walk ever-so-slowly to each recently emptied table, barely assisting the busser to clear. He then would take each part of the menu, piece by piece (again, moving at a snail's pace) and casually walk over to the waiting parties, of which there were NUMEROUS. Several parties asked him how much longer their wait would be - this is how LONG we waited to be seated. Once seated, our server was quick and efficient. The poached pear salad was awful - the pears were the most disgusting texture and the salad was dripping with dressing. It was extremely over-dressed. The rest of our lunches were fine but nothing great. All in all, stick with the bakery but it is definitely not worth the wait for the served food! read more

Great books, great food (try the black bean soup). The customer service, however, is lacking.

Ordered the famous black bean soup, which was indeed delicious. The sandwiches offered some interesting combinations of ingredients, but were a little too greasy. A bit pricey for cafe food, but overall flavorful, and loved the bookstore atmosphere. Great selection of titles in the staff picks! read more

Super cute place, but service is severely lacking and the food is just okay. Been there three times; first time, I sat at the bar, which was fine. Got the mushroom sandwich, which was okay, but could've been better. Second and third time, I sat down at a table. Both times, a couple came in after me (a few minutes later, not even right behind me), but were given water, their menu, and were asked for their orders first. That third time I was there, I got up and left after that happened. That is simply not okay. They shouldn't do a sit-down service if they can't keep track of their patrons. I shouldn't have gone again after that had already happened, but I thought it was just a fluke. If the food were amazing, I would've stayed, but it's really not good enough and there are actually fantastic places all over, so it's pretty easy to avoid this place. Bookstore is adorable though. Wish there was space to actually have a casual baked good/drink and read. read more

Quality not consistent and very poor attention to customers ... even to loyal customers! I have been working in the Yale campus area since September, in the past month I went to Atticus every week, multiple times, sometimes for lunch, sometimes for breakfast, often for a cappuccino, sometimes for a sandwich or a soup to go... At the beginning it seemed to be the perfect cafe/bookstore in the neighborhood. In fact, last Wednesday I was about to write a great review... but that is when I started having some terrible experiences... 1. I asked for a sandwich to go. When the blond lady at the counter got the sandwich from the kitchen, she looked puzzled, then she went to the back, she put some bread in my bag and handed to me. I was confused (why did she give me more bread?), but I tend to trust people (especially when they know me as a regular customer)... so I thanked her and I walked out with my bag. When I opened my lunch I was in shock: they gave me a sandwich, which was not actually a sandwich it was a joke! It was 1 inch wide, 1/2 inch thick and 6 inches long ... basically a stick! Clearly, the blond lady was aware that the sandwich was insufficient in quality and quantity and she put in my bag 3 pieces of bread and 3 portions of butter to compensate. But that is not what I paid $10 for! I wanted a sandwich not bread and butter. That stick-pretending-to-be-a-sandwich was not edible (not even sure how they generated it...). I wanted to write a nasty review right away but then I thought I should give it another try for good balance. Unfortunately they let me down again... and again... 2. I went back for a large black bean soup with cream and onions on a side. They gave me a small one and they put everything inside. It is also my fault that I did not check inside the bag before walking out of the store... But, again, I really tend to trust people... I am all for second and third chances, so I went back again... 3. Today I was feeling unwell immediately after a minor surgery. I needed some nutritious food to regain my energies and decided to go to Atticus for lunch. There were several tables available, I waited to be seated, I ask not to seat at the counter because climbing up the stool was painful after my surgery, they let me sit at a normal table with 2 chairs. I waited for 10-15 minutes (it was very uncomfortable, I was feeling really weak), they were serving the people around me but not me. Finally a girl came to my table and told me that she needed the table for a couple (they just arrived!) and that I could only be served at the counter. Clearly they were making me wait on purpose! I explained the reasons why I could not sit at the counter... she did not even listen and she took the menu from me!! I asked if - considering that I waited 15 minutes I could at least order with her and take away. She said I should go back in line at the counter and order there for take-away. How unfair! She did not even apologize for the inconvenience. How horrible! I went at the counter -- I would have walked away but I was so weak that I really needed some food as fast as possible. The guy at the counter looked puzzled to see me (he was the one who let me sit at the table). I explained my situation hoping to be allowed to sit at a table (there were 4 tables available at that point)... I was completely ignored. I asked for a black bean soup with cream and onions on a side... once more they put everything inside. I paid for a large water, I was given a small one! Seriously people!? I am now looking for another café ... very sad. read more

Sorry friends but I have to go negative for a minute. If only to get the word out how we were treated. At Atticus last night in new haven which we go to often as Hannah loves Yale new haven area. Today she wanted to eat there. Usually we just go buy books. Anyhow, We get to the counter and Hannah can't even sit still for that. She asked to go read in the book section. I said sure. The cashier says can I help you I tell her what we order which by the way is a grilled cheese, banana, soup and salad (with no meat) and it cost me $25. Which I don't care about except it needs to be said bc it was a crappy meal - the banana was the best part. Anyway she says in the middle of me speaking here or to go. I said here. She says then you have to go sit down I said ok well can I just put this order in bc my daughter is over by the books and then we will come sit down. No. Ok. Well then it's to go. After I pay and tip the cashier she said she will call my name when it's ready. I go over when my name is called with Hannah and she is holding my to go I said I am just going to go sit with her - there are plenty of empty tables / she said I can't. I said listen I just paid for my food I bought from you I tipped you and ill tip her my daughter has a hard time sitting still and waiting. She said well you have to wait either way. Well no crap. That's why I ordered it and let Hannah read while they made it. This isn't a panera she says. Ok. They get the manager he says is there a problem. I said I don't have a problem I just want to sit and eat the food I just paid for. He says that the dining area is separate and the waitress works on tips. I assured him she would be tipped. My daughter has some special needs and they're really not being understanding. I pretty much feel like I won't be going back there. Ever. No one helped us when we sat until I had to ask and no one thanked us. Rude. I tip everywhere I go. I don't want to be forced to and if a business this day and age can't help out a little girl with some attention problems they should get off their high horse because their food is as bad as their attitude!! Thx for reading! read more

Atticus is a staple. They really should serve breakfast till later in the day though. Who is up before 10AM anyway? I mean really...

Anyone that ever visits has to try the Chicken Salads from the Cafe; it is absolutely amazing! This bookstore is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon in New Haven. read more

atticus! i will always love this place. the first breakfast place i went to in new haven. aztec brownies! bread pudding (which I normally don't like). scones, oatmeal. great location. i like browsing through the books and stationaries too. i think i tried all their baked goods here. read more

Absolute worst experience I have ever had. I had been here before and loved it. Today I had the server Danielle. she was extremely rude and incompetent. She took 20 minutes to bring us our tea and had to be reminded about everything we ordered. 50 minutes after being seated she asked if we wanted the check when we hadn't even received our food yet. She said she's forgot to put the food in. There was no apology or acknowledgement that she had messed up. Then she came back and said she found the order but they were now out of what I had asked for an hour prior. She treated me with extreme disrespect that I did not deserve. That was an unacceptable experience. read more

You know, I really like most of the food I've had at Atticus. I just think it's all really over-priced! So if you need a solidly good lunch in a pinch, it's a great choice. But 9 bucks for a sandwich with no sides and nothing spectacular in it is INSANE! The soups are a cheaper option and they are typically good-- though some are better than others. Though- this is still 5-6 bucks for a little container of soup! The breadstick sandwiches, pre-made, on the counter are awesome. I love the harissa ham one. A light lunch for about $5. Coffee at Atticus is abysmal, though. All in all, I'm glad New Haven has Atticus. I mean literally that this place is "A-OK" and I don't intend 3 stars to be in any way disparaging. read more

Wonderful store & cafe. Love the soups!! Been around for ages.

The food has always been consistent - great sandwiches, great soups, nice selection of tea and now awesome truffles - but the BEST thing is the quality of the bookstore. Nice displays to choose from, great selection all around, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff has yet to steer me wrong with their recommendations. read more

great food, great place. It is hard to understand many of the workers. They really need to master English....

While the food is actually pretty decent and the decor nice, the service is AWFUL every time I have been. I would NOT recommend spending your money here. read more