Service has been deteriorating, the server who seated us was very rude. The guy who gave us our check was pretty rude to my mom who is an elderly lady. I know there's a line outside almost consistently but I am telling you after having gone at least 4 times it is not all that special. Food is average, service isn't great. Spend your waiting time elsewhere! read more

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You're only allowed to read this review if you're already in line for breakfast. If you're not I suggest you hightail it over to Ball Square and queue up for one of the best breakfasts you'll ever have. You'll find me here almost every Sunday having "A Meal Fit for a King (or Queen)" I haven't frequented enough to be known by name by Mike, although I'm sure he'll get it soon. Either way he's a sweetheart and greets every guest like family. read more

My friends and I came here at 8am, there've already full of people!!! But luckily we didn't wait too long. The food was so delicious and worth the price. I like the free beverage bar that u can refill again and again. Also, the employees are friendly and polite as well. I will definitely come back again and again. read more

Ball Square Cafe - Traditional American breakfast. So yummy~ - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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Best GF pancakes ever! Large portions, delicious food & attentive/friendly staff. Love the bigger dining area & the bathrooms. Great for breakfast or lunch. Always amazing! read more

Best place to go for breakfast in Somerville on Broadway. I don't go anywhere else. This is the only place I will eat !!

The other reviews were not lying, this places fills up FAST. We came on a cold Saturday morning before most of the city is alive and presentable, and there was still already a line outside waiting to be seated. Notice I said line OUTSIDE. They should really put a sign on the door or something explaining to wait outside, because every single person who would show up would come in and then be told to go back out and the constant opening of the door kept all the nearby tables from being a comfortable temperature. There is no list to put your name on, just a line. The good news is the food comes out within minutes of ordering, so it a very fast process. I got the banana stuffed French toast and was very happy with it. Girlfriend got the shaved steak eggs benny and was less pleased. While it was good, it wasn't shaved steak, it's was ground beef, so a bit of a stretch. Staff was quick and very friendly. Correction to some other reviews: Coffee is NOT free. It's self service drinks, but they do charge you for it. I think it was $2.50 for a small coffee. read more

Ball Square Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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Me and my girlfriend really enjoyed this place, this was by far the best breakfast food I have ever eaten in my life, my only regret is that it is not closer to my house so I could go back and eat it every morning. I was Skeptical and intimidated by the design of the entryway outside, it looked like any other business/restaurant. But when I went inside and was served the food came out absolutely delicious and the service was great. I would highly recommend this place to anyone in the area read more

Great spot. Very clean and following all distance and mask protocols. Mike was a great host letting everyone know the process and the line configuration and the wait time. Todd was a fantastic waiter with a great personality. Food was hot, fresh and delicious. Will definitely return soon. Bonus info= Spotless Bathrooms. read more

The place is amazing!!! Small personal and packed!! So be sure and ready to stand I line a bit! Must go!

This place is the best hands down!!!! I come here all the time, and no matter what the service and the food is always spectacular. 10/10 best breakfast place in Somerville! read more

This is a great brunch spot to go or with your fam or friends. Noise level is good you can have a comfortable conversation. Staff is friendly, get as much refills on coffees as you like. I wouldn't say it's the healthiest choice but defiantly delish. I recommend the artichoke omelet. It's a good choice and fruits on the side. I ordered coconut French toast (which was delish but not healthy at all) and avocado tomato Benedict...the Benedict was ok not amazing, I was told it was their signature dish, the sauce on top seems artificial in color and taste (I wasn't impressed) because i expected more Since its their most popular dish.. but over all it was average read more

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30 minute wait for a table of 7 at 9:30AM on a Sunday morning. Everyone has to be there to be seated. Mike, the owner, was nice and informative. He sporadically came out, only in his T-shirt in 20 degree weather, to take seating orders, there was a hostess that did as well. Going out for breakfast/brunch is a big iffy for me because you can make all this at home. Around the table were orders to Broadway Blues (grilled blueberry muffin, cheese omelette, bacon, grilled mash $11.95), Fit for a Queen (two eggs, bacon, french toast, toast $12.50), coconut macaroon french toast ($11.95), Western Omelet ($13.95). Self serve drinks (coffee, tea, juice, water), but not free! Service was prompt and friendly. Food was cooked up perfectly. They open up the deli next door for more seating on the weekends when the line is long enough. Great place for breakfast if you're in the area. read more

Showed up at 10 on a Saturday - got seated within 10 minutes as a party of two. Service was fast. Self serve coffee station is cute. Their take on home fries us unusual but very yummy. Omelet is pretty standard. French toast was so delicious - their whipped cream is out of this world. They do a good job at keeping things running and doing their best to seat patrons as quickly as possible. read more

Ball Square Cafe - Omelet, triple berry French toast, breakfast sandwich. First two were delicious, sandwich was forgettable. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Delicious breakfast. My table got the omelet and pancakes. Great portions and ingredients tasted fresh. The outside seating was nice and their Covid safety precautions were good. Super friendly staff too read more

I highly recommend trying Ball Square Cafe. I highly recommend the traditional eggs benedict , french toast, and everything else on the menu! read more

I've only ordered online from here...... their food is DELICIOUS. I have to definitely dine in one day!

Their french toast is a must try! The food took a while to get to the table but it was a really busy day. read more

Ball Square Cafe - Caramel iced strawberries and banana french toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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Hospitality was amazing from the moment you walk in! The service was fast and quality. The food was really good!!!! Everyone I was with ordered something different and it tasted great. No complaints. When we left the line was out the door, that shows how great this place must be for locals. read more

Decided to check this place out for breakfast after reading many great things about it online. We arrived around 10:45am and were seated within 10 minutes of our arrival. We were pretty hungry, so we decided to start off with a grilled blueberry muffin--which was not super sweet, but tasty. For the rest of the meal, we decided to split an order of the asparagus and prosciutto omelette and the banana and nutella stuffed french toast. First off, the amount of food in these two dishes was tremendous. The omelette may be the biggest omelette I've ever seen. The omelette was good--cooked asparagus with prosciutto and swiss cheese. The house made potatoes were an interesting take on a classic and had great flavor, especially around the burnt edges. The banana and nutella french toast was just about what you might expect and was very tasty and rich. Not surprisingly, we were not able to finish the dishes and probably could have been satisfied with just ordering one of those dishes and splitting it. Overall, this place is well-run and food comes out quickly. In addition, the service is top notch and the food is delicious and priced well. Definitely worth a look for breakfast if you're in the area. read more

Amazing food and service was spectacular! Definitely coming back next weekend! Steak and eggs and berries french toast were delicious! read more

I've been to this place a couple of times and it's always been great! However, the last time I went the service was horrible! Our server was always rushing around and we had to ask her for every little thing including utensils. We were celebrating my brothers birthday and decided to bring him a small cake (there were only 5 of us there). The server actually told us to leave before we had been sitting for over 45 minutes now! I have never been to a place where they actually tell customers to leave! I can understand that it was busy, but that's very disrespectful and uncalled for. Even upon speaking with the owner, he didn't apologize and just said that because they are busy they can't make everyone happy. It's going to take a lot of convincing to go back here. read more

Small locally run breakfast place with amazing food! There was a bit of a wait with people out the door but the owner offered us coffee and drinks as we waited and let us peruse the menu. When we were seated service was quick and the food was delicious. We had the fruit bowl which is very fresh and French toast to die for. I highly recommend for someone who has a bit of time for breakfast and wants to me amazed. read more

Five-star experience only reason why give it a four-star is it because you have to get your own coffee which is smart but still a restaurant. I went with a combo plate God pancake everything was delicious Services great will definitely coming back. There is none could parking on the street and I can only imagine on the weekend displacement be packed so I will be returning during the week only. Good selection of coffee fresh hot read more

Ball Square Cafe - Big boy plate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Fresh, fresh, fresh and cooked to perfection (waffles and omelette). Nice quiet restaurant. The best breakfast in New England, period! read more

Delicious, very friendly environment. I'm taking one star off because their coffee is not great, but overall very good food!

My boyfriend and I traveled here from Chicago and found this cute diner on google. Mike, the owner was so friendly & gave us some good places to go for other food and activities. The food was great & the service was even better. Thanks! read more

Love this place. Whenever I come to the Boston area I eat here. Any breakfast item I have ordered has been fantastic and at a very reasonable price. The staff is lovely and I especially love the owner who greets everyone with a big smile. It is a a very special place! read more

Food was delicious; service was attentive great coffee as well. Got there earlier enough before a line started to form but staff moved everyone along without feeling rushed. They were working on expanding when I went which I think it's open now. read more

Ball Square Cafe - Coconut raspberry French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Delicious breakfast spot!! Worth the wait outside. Came on a Saturday morning around 10am and waited maybe like 25 minutes. There's usually a line because there are limited tables. But worth it. Plus you can go inside, grab a mug and coffee, and then go back to standing outside. Ps- tons of coffee to select from. Staff is soooo nice too. Food is amazing!!!! Large portions with lots of flavor. Everything cooked to your liking. Pancakes are so fluffy and you can add fruit to it. Fresh squeezed OJ is worth it 100%. Be sure to make it out here. Parking isn't bad either so find a spot on a nearby street and eat here for sure. For sure one the best breakfast/brunch spots in the greater Boston. read more

Absolutely the best breakfast place around hands down. Got eggs Benedict with grilled garlic mashed & order of banana & cream cheese stuffed French toast my wife got fresh fruit & yogurt and a Belgian waffle. Everything cooked perfect so fresh & delicious service also great top notch place read more

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Matt and I made a pact to try new places and experience life near and global. So first stop right down the street for brunch at Ball Square Cafe, Somerville (yes crazy we have not been here yet). It was a busy 40 minute wait but they own a deli shop next door which was being used as a warm waiting room and menu pregame, so it was perfect and easy Sunday street parking. Once in they have a full self serve coffee station, so you can fill up as you like and frees up staff to focus on food and clearing tables. Smart biz move to keep things fast! Loved the coffee, the service, and the food. 100% recomended! read more

This is what all hot chocolate should aspired to be. My mouth is watering. Haven't been here since dec 2016 and I'm so excited to be back! I don't care it's summer!! Great service and same server after 6+ months from my first visit. Accepted to serve regardless to the fact I walked in 5 mins prior to 3. (I was rushing to make it here- I'm not usually THAT customer. Anyways, I approve!!! read more

Ball Square Cafe - This is what all hot chocolate should aspired to be - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Sadly, I didn't get to eat at Ball Square Cafe today because of a very angry waitress who shocked and embarrassed my fiance and I. We we the second in line for a table... and an open table stayed open for at least 10 minutes with either the party ahead of us or our party being seated. We kept having to move out of the way of the servers, who don't seem like they have the easiest job ferrying food between two small rooms between people; anywhere we stood, we were constantly asked to move. It would have been easier had they simply asked us to wait outside against the window or something. My tired fiance sat down at the open table (apparently it was being reserved??) just to read the paper and be out of the way while we waited. He didn't think it'd be an issue since it seemed like he was finally out of the way, at a seat. However, 20 seconds later a waitress came running over and asked him to get up and move. He said he'd been moving all over the place. She suddenly snapped and said that he could leave if he "didn't like it and DON'T GET WISE! You gotta problem with the policy, the owner's right there!" HOLY HELL, woman. We've never been treated so badly at any dining spot. Just the way you snapped was terrifying and I thought you were going to start swearing and screaming. We decided to leave right away. On the way out, the owner seemed to apologize to me. So, so odd. And I really wanted to eat your lobster sandwich and sweet potato fries today, but we went to Soundbites instead. You can keep your scary waitress. read more

I 'll admit it. I'm addicted to Food Porn. And man, Ball Square Cafe is definitely easy on the eyes. The pictures of their fresh fruit waffles and french toast, different takes of eggs benedict, and breakfast plates lured this puppy right in. I've been to Ball Square Cafe a handful of times and it all tasted as good as it looks in pictures. A few tips and note-worthy points: - The waitstaff is awesome and will always ask if it is your first time here. The manager/boss man also walks around often and definitely makes sure he says hello to every single person. - The drinks are self service: go up to their drink area for do-it-yourself coffee with a range of brews, teas, and water. If it's more comfortable, refrigerated bottles of drinks are available as well. - The only exception is their freshly squeezed orange juice: the staff will assist with this. - There is a rotating list of specials located on their large television marquee display, which are always sure to please. - The portions are pretty hefty! A friend and I ordered a triberry french toast and a Broadway Blues breakfast plate with enough left to take in a doggy bag to go. - On weekends, this place gets packed! Get here early at around 9AM to ensure prompt seating. - Metered parking can be found up and down Broadway St. Ah, and final tip? Get the grilled mashed potatoes rather than the traditional home fries. You'll thank me later. read more

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I came here completely impartial, but with full knowledge of the drama that ensued between Ball Square Cafe and Sound Bites. I was excited to try the food here, write a review, and then later try sound bites to decide whose breakfast reigns supreme. Unfortunately, a long blond hair in the hash of my eggs benedict foiled my plan. It immediately turned my stomach, and the apathy of the waitress when I pointed it out further turned me off. She hardly apologized for it, acted as if it didn't happen. To make matters worse, I found TWO other reviews on here that describe hairs baked into the food. One of which was a long blond hair, like I found. Um, maybe fire the blond prep cook, or make her wear a hair net??? So gross. Sadly, I won't be returning. read more

Ball Square Cafe has the EXACT same menu and dishes as Soundbites. Rumor has it the owner of Ball Square used to be the chef at Soundbits... They had a fallout... he left Soundbites and took the menu with him. The unfortunate thing for Ball Square is that Soundbites executes the fantastic menu much better. The service at BSC is lacking, and the food just isn't as good. The space is smaller, and the ambiance leaves much to be desired. When choosing between these rivaling neighbors, walk past Ball Square Cafe, because Soundbites has much more to offer. read more

OK, this restaurant war is a little fucked up. My friend and I were trying to go to that diner at the end of the block, but it was closed. NO WAY IN HELL was I going back to Sound Bites. I H8ED Sound Bites, because the owner was an asshole, made fun of other customers in front of us, service took IV-EVA, the owner's kid is pretty ugly and he was acting as the host, the prices were uglier than the owner's son, and I found a hair in my potatoes. When my friend and I went into Ball Square Cafe, the owner tried to sweep us off our feet. He was too nice, it was starting to piss me off. I thought he was going to sit with us. The menu is basically the SAME as Sound Bites. It's the SAME chef! and the prices seemed to be a little cheaper, especially on the lunch menu. Is this even legal? Certainly unethical, but I don't fuckin' care! I'm going back! read more

Came here for Sunday brunch with friends and family. It was a little crazy, probably because the restaurant itself was extremely busy and a lot of ppl were running around... Positives: -waiter (Brad) was very friendly and attentive -food was tasty -hazelnut coffee was delish Negatives: -food came out wrong (2x) -was very slow getting the food -owner seemed a tad brash with us when the food runner brought the wrong food, he said that "she only has what she has in her arms, she'll go back and get more"...wasn't the best customer service; at least the way he said it... I would give it another try, though. read more

Ball Square Cafe gave me exactly what I needed last Sunday morning (ahem, afternoon...) after a long night of Halloween partying. I cruised up with some friends with the intention of going to Sound Bites around the same time as everyone else and their mama. The Sound Bites line had at least 40 people in it, waiting all the way down the block. Kelley's Diner down the street also had quite a crowd. Ball Square Cafe, despite the fact that we were a group of 8, got us 2 tables pushed together within 15 minutes. And as a bonus, the host spent all 15 of those minutes cracking jokes to us as we waited. Frankly, I could care less about the "restaurant war." When I'm hungry and hungover, all I care about is fast and friendly service, yummy food, and unlimited coffee. I commend the staff at Ball Square Cafe for leaving the drama at the door and just giving me what really mattered: Awesome food! I'm really impressed by the interesting selection of breakfast dishes. They have all the usual stuff, omelettes, waffles, french toast, huge delicious bowls of fresh fruit, etc, but with a lot of fun varieties, and plenty of vegetarian options. I appreciate choices like eggs benedict with avocado and tomato, pumpkin spice pancakes, or omelettes that come with eggplant and roasted red peppers... you know, breakfast with a gourmet twist. I also always enjoy the potatoes (yeah, the same ones Sound Bites has, yadda yadda), which are basically garlic mashed potatoes that have been pan fried. Delicious! The place feels clean and comfortable, the vibe is friendly and homey, and my waiter was attentive and didn't rush me out of the place the way Sound Bites always used to. I think I was done eating before some of the people waiting at Sound Bites even got seated. All in all, I think I am now a Ball Square Cafe loyalist. Yum! read more

No stars. The atmosphere and service may be good but it all went downhill when I ordered their home made hot chocolate. The server asked if I would like whipped cream to which I replied yes. The hot chocolate looked beautiful when it arrived. Tasting the whip cream I felt it was a bit thick. My husband also tasted it and we bugged the server to find out how they got it so thick. I was thinking super heavy cream. But no, it turns out my whipped cream isn't cream at all. It's a non dairy substitute called super 50. I felt so betrayed. If I order and am drinking hot chocolate and asking for cream so why leave out the dairy? Why not ask me if I want 'whipped topping' which is what this is? If this is home made then why the fake topping? Seriously, I felt like someone had spat in my food. When my poached eggs arrived I eyed them suspiciously. Are these real eggs? What have they put in the hollandaise sauce? To be honest the meal was too salty. The proscuitto which is already salty just overwhelmed all else. But worse, the whipped topping that I had enjoyed when first tasted left a greasy taste and feel in my mouth. This is a betrayal. I go out expecting clean and delicious food... From now on, if I have a choice - I'm sticking with sound bites their competitor next door. At least their food is the real thing and I can get a nice fresh bowl of fruit salad to accompany it. Really, I was wondering what all the hype was for Ball Square Cafe... but in the end, I will never trust this establishment. BTW, what's in Super50? It's an emulsion probably containing corn syrup amongst other things. It's used to make icing on cakes. What's in cream? Dairy. K.I.S.S. read more