Awesome spot to study and meet with friends. There is a lot of seats to choose. However kind of disappointed that the iced coffee is a bit too watery. Hot caramel latte is pretty good. read more

Diesel Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

The last time I came with a friend we got tasty breakfast sandwiches, and I remember getting a turmeric latte that was pretty special. This time I just went with a standard oat milk latte. The chai is good too. I like the ambiance here, and the high ceilings. Lots of seating options- tables by the window, communal, or in the back. They have pool tables too, Updating the review- I think they were just going through some hiring changes. Still wish the WiFi were free- I would definitely just work and keep ordering food, fresh baked goods, and beverages. But the couple of hours was actually enough for a good work session. Found a new quiet spot on a big table in the back left. read more

I love this cafe so much. Beware- since it is so popular and loved, it can take an uncomfortably long time to get your items but it's worth it. The coffee is really great. They don't have almond milk, my preference, but the latte was amazing with oat milk. I adore the Mocha Slide "smoothie" and would recommend it to anyone and everyone who likes coffee. It makes it acceptable to eat ice cream for breakfast and I love it. The bagels are perfectly toasted and the cream cheese is so unbelievably fluffy. The Joplin sandwich was delicious and I can't wait to go try more. There's a ton of seating and free WiFi (except no WiFi on weekends even though everyone brings their computers anyways). There is a pool table and a photo booth that opens soon and an entire ice cream bar! read more

See all

I ordered a Turkey sandwich on focaccia bread per a waiter's recommendation (The Elm). The cafe is often very busy but the bread was fantastic and the sandwich is overall very good. It is quite pricy but I would go back again if I want to splurge! read more

Diesel Cafe - The Elm - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Cute coffee spot ! Really strong and good brews ! Enjoyed their bagel selection and decor - good for catching up with friends To read more

Expensive pastries - sandwiches are pretty good though ! Nice quality, strong coffee and decent brews Fun student atmosphere ! Gets busy early on ! read more

Far exceeded expectations. We really appreciated the no contact digital ordering system. Was great to be able to read detailed descriptions of the drinks before ordering. Iced espresso with cream was perfectly executed. Iced latte as well. The tea lemonade was DELICIOUS. Enjoyed the socially distanced street seating as well. Highly recommend. read more

Diesel Cafe - Iced Latte - 16oz - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Absolutely love it here, even if a table is hard to come by. The atmosphere is a little less lively than I expected upon first entering (most everyone was sitting on a laptop with headphones) but I imagine there are also times where patrons are connecting with friends. And they have a pool table! Seems a little odd in a coffee shop, and no one was playing during my visit, but its the right kind of quirky for me. Prices are a little higher than I'm used to, but the quality is there and the vibes were right. I'll be back. read more

Fell in love with the space, the concept, the coffee and the pastries but the wait each time I went was awfully long. Be prepared to wait at least 15 minutes for your coffee, with your pastries even being served faster despite being warmed up. The few times I came were not even peak hours so I can only imagine how much longer you'd have to wait during a rush. There's tons of seating however, and a great selection for breakfast, brunch or a mid-day snack and even a scooping station for ice cream. If they served their coffee even a wee bit faster (7 minute wait), I'd readily give Diesel 4-5 stars. read more

I went to diesel Café because it was on a list of eight coffee shops to try in the Boston area. I was not disappointed. It's in an area where there's also places to shop and get something to eat so during lunch it was pretty easy to find parking. I got a hot whole milk latte and it was awesome. Not too hot and not too much foam. Free WiFi and bathrooms inside. Ample seating along with an ice cream shop. read more

We came here to duck past the freezing cold outside and drink a hot cup of Joe. I ordered a mocha with almond milk. It cost $5 which is in theory a lot of money for a medium sized tea cup but pretty standard for a specialty coffee shops. The mocha was pretty good. The expresso itself wasn't as strong as I would have liked but I was happy with the quantity. I wanted to order a sweet treat but there was only icecream and cookies. To be fair it was the evening but I really wish there was more of a bakery selection. There was barely anything to chose from and I definitely was not ordering icecream when there was snow on the ground outside. We stalked the diner style booths in the way back until we nabbed a seat from a woman leaving. The cafe is decorated very retro. There's a large old gas station Mobile sign over the bathrooms that reads "Mobil-ize". If the Citgo sign near BU ever gets removed, it should be placed next to this sign. There is a photo booth in the cafe as well- too bad it was out of service. There was also beautiful art on display for sale. I wish the cafe didn't have as much of an old demeanor though. It needs to be more lively. I felt like it's atmosphere had a depressing vibe to it. I mean the location of this cafe is pretty clutch. There is so much potential to be wonderful but Diesel definitely falls short. read more

Diesel Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

See all

Inside, there was a huge line and a lot of people sitting down. I went Friday lunch time and it was busy. A lot of people drinking coffee but also eating there. I got a basic iced coffee for $5 and added oat milk and simple syrup. It was good but nothing to brag about. I saw they had Vietnamese coffee on the menu which I would love to try sometime. Inside is huge for a coffee shop and there is so much seating. Like I said before, it's busy so most of the seating is taken up though. I like the decorations and vibe inside. The wifi policy is weird. You only get two hours during the weekday and there is no wifi during the weekend. As someone who loves doing work in coffee shops on the weekend, that's a bummer. I understand why they did it though since it gets very busy during the weekend and they don't want people staying too long. Keep that in mind if you want to do work here! A cute place in Somerville to visit. Parking is limited and you will likely have to street park or pay in a parking lot. read more

Diesel Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Diesel Cafe is a trendy coffee shop nestled in Somerville's Davis Square neighborhood. They are one of the few places I've been to that truly shows commitment to opening early and are ready to go when you show up. And inside, it's a hip haven. There were pool tables, industry decors, and say what? Yes-- an ever-changing specialty drink menu! My kind of place! London Fog- Oh Diesel, you sure know your way to my heart. Sweet and delicious cup of early grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla sugar. Mocha Latte- Chocolaty yumminess blend with the rich flavors from the coffee latte, it was like drinking a dessert. Egg & Cheese on a Seeded Roll- It's different but in a really really good way. This was made with their own house-made roll (kind of reminds me of a brioche roll) and I asked them to add avocado into it and bam-- I can eat this every day. Chocolate Croissant- A fantastic flakey pastry filled melted chocolate. Overall Service: Outstanding customer service. The staff in front acknowledges every customer who walks through the door by greeting them as they multitask without missing a beat to get people in, out and with a smile. read more

Diesel Cafe - London Fog - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

See all

Been coming here literally since they opened and it's still my favorite coffeehouse, even though I now live a couple T stops away. Yes, it's always crowded, but the staff are always so nice and they play the best music by far of any coffee shop in the area (I've tried them all). Not a great place if you want a quick bite, but absolutely fabulous for getting work done for an hour or a day, and the menu's good, too. Bring your own personal hotspot if you plan to work or study, especially on the weekends. It IS expensive, especially if you're from out of town. Blame the high rents and the fact that they treat their employees like human beings. read more

I have a weakness for their breakfast sandwiches! I always get them on a bagel because I love their bagels (baked at Forge) And coffee of course. read more

Excellent service, so friendly and helpful! Also a lot of delicious ice cream flavor options.

Love love loved this super retro spacious cafe! I was visiting Cambridge from NYC for the weekend An old friend and I came in for a quick brunch date. The atmosphere with all the beautiful local artwork was just perfect for my bougie taste. I ordered a chai latte which was delish to go down with my egg sammie. It was a standard egg and cheese sandwich but it comes with spinach on fresh homemade bread which made the experience even more amazing. read more

Diesel Cafe - Iced Chai - 16oz - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

See all

This is a deceptively massive and trendy coffee shop in the heart of Somerville that's a great place to study and unwind. My Video Review: https://youtu.be/jB1DjvrGYpA I went on a busy Saturday morning, so there was a bit of a wait, but luckily there was PLENTY of seating so I was able to find a table with an outlet for my laptop. You wouldn't know it from looking at this cafe from the outside, but this place is huge! Speaking of huge, I ordered a cold brew (priced moderately at $4.25) and it was a full 8oz bigger than the standard 16oz for a large that you would find for iced drinks in America. Now that's what I'm talking about! The coffee was well-rounded and smooth, with notes of dried orange, molasses, and caramel (this is why I love medium roasts, you get the sweetness/fruitiness of a light roast with the richness of a dark roast). Diesel Cafe brews Intelligentsia Coffee, which I kind of have a problem with considering that Intelligentsia is pretending to be a micro-roasted artisanal brand when really it's owned by a large corporate company that also owns Peet's Coffee (JAB Holdings). However, I have to admit..... Intelligentsia's coffee beans are high quality. As much as it pains me to say this, Intelligentsia beans are as good as micro-roasted beans. There's free wifi, a bathroom, and art from local artists all across the walls, propelling this cafe to a 5 star rating. DEFINITELY visit this place if you're in the greater Boston area. read more

See all

Diesel is my favorite cafe in the area to work. Tons of space, fun drinks and food (I am such a fan of their sticky buns!!). On nice days they sometimes are just open to the street which is so pleasant. There's always a range of people there (students, professionals, families with kids, people just reading or hanging out). Very much a beloved Davis Square institution! Great place to study/work, meet someone for a date/chat, pick up a coffee, or just spend a few hours. read more

I was in Boston for a couple of days. I strolled in here randomly to work on a paper and get coffee. I was not expecting to be amazed!! I ordered a drip :) Delicious, what flavors! Yumm. They had their parfaits on display. Now I like a good parfait. I'm also a choosy yogurt and granola eater. They said it was home made everything and I decided to give this a shot. MUST HAVE. Amazing blueberry compote, creamy solid Greek yogurt, and nice almond-y granola. It went perfectly with my coffee. They have a solid sitting area. Plenty of bar stools and booths and chairs. It has a very rustic look and you feel right in your library. If i visit Boston again I am definitely coming back, no doubts! read more

Diesel Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

No wifi on the weekends no wifi on the weekends no wifi on the weekends :-( otherwise everything else is fine

Had breakfast a couple of times here during our Boston trip since our AirBnB was in Somerville and this cute cafe was a very short walk away. The bf had actually been here years ago when he used to visit a friend, and the AirBnB guy also recommended it. I tried the bagel & lox the first day (bagel from Forge Baking Co) and the egg & cheese sandwich w/ bacon on the second day. Between the two, I preferred the bagel sandwich. I originally wanted the London Fog latte but they were out of Earl Grey and then I think they were out of my second choice (which was either seasonal or matcha latte doh!) so then I opted for the turmeric latte. Very cute environment, comfortable to hang out in. I liked that they had a pool table, diner booths, and long communal tables. read more

See all

Drinks and ambiance are great. Service couldn't suck mote. Watched staff fooling around together while people were waiting in line.

Can't complain, everything was good and yummy. We ordered takeout. The sandwiches were quite large and very filling. We got the Elm and the Mason. The meat and bread were fresh as well as the veggies. Would come back. Service was pretty quick, order was ready before estimated time. I don't think they have outside seating, but there are multiple benches outside the establishment. read more

I stopped by for an espresso. It was honestly my first time trying an espresso so I have nothing to compare it to, but I like it for what it was. Theres tons of tables and I'd definitely come back if I just want to chill at a coffee shop (it looks small in the front, but it extends faaar back!) read more

I love Diesel Cafe. I come here at least once a month even though I don't live in Somerville (though I wish I did because of places like this). The cafe is huge with plenty of seating options. You'll often see college students studying, people playing pool or board games in the back, and groups meeting up just to have a coffee and hang out. The vibe fits perfectly in with the rest of Davis Square. The espresso and tea beverages are both great quality. The espresso is smooth and fresh and the tea is steeped just right so it isn't too watery or too bitter. The baked goods are delicious. I enjoy their scones and last night I tried their brown butter chocolate chip cookie. It's soft and chewy and generous with chocolate chips, and the brown butter adds a little something extra. I haven't tried any of their soups or sandwiches or anything from that menu, but they look good from what I've seen. The only reason I give Diesel 4 stars instead of 5 is the prices, which are on the steep side. Even compared to cafes I frequented while living in Alaska, where everything is more expensive. Last night I had their matcha latte with soy milk, a seasonal special, which came out to be $5 including tax. This wouldn't be so bad if you got more than 6 fluid ounces. I feel like for that price you should get at least 12 ounces. Wifi can be spotty depending where in the cafe you are. So if you're planning to do something that requires a strong Internet connection, you're better off going elsewhere. But if you're just looking for a place to read or catch up with a friend or even just people watch, Diesel is a great option. read more

Excellent coffee and a great place to vibe. They put a lot of care and attention in the food as well. I highly recommend this place.

Diesel has innovated for Covid times: opening the garage door to reveal new to go windows! Love the creativity! Same great coffee and treats. Order online through the toast app or walk up to the kiosk/tablet. Really loving the smoothies added this summer, the mocha slide is by far my favorite! read more

Diesel Cafe - Mocha Slide - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I've only had their tea and they do have a good selection of that. They have more than Tazo stuff and have real teas like Yunnan, English breakfast, Darjeeling, etc. I might give their sandwiches a try but the pastries/baked goods didn't really entice me a whole lot. Either they seemed overpriced, had too much icing, really small, or uninspiring overall. read more

I'm a Davis girl, and I dig Diesel. This place just doesn't compare to the Starbucks across the street. It oozes local goodness. And I'm a sucker for that kind of stuff. The cafe's interior is unique, with pool tables and even a photo booth. There's a wide array of seating including booths and communal tables, and although the space is big, it can get pretty crowded. Which just shows how much other people dig it too. Their offerings are diverse and tasty. I've tried the chai tea latte, matcha green tea latte, and Thai iced tea (see a trend here?), and they've all been prepared fast and well. I've also tasted a few of their cookies (I remember the peanut butter one.. not the best baked good I've had, but sometimes it's just what you need to accompany your drink), and the yogurt parfait (albeit a bit pricey for its size) is composed of deliciously local yogurt, granola, and fruit. Diesel seems to truly be a part of the Somerville community. During Davis ArtBeat, they set up a counter right at the window so attendees could speedily order, pick up their drink, and continue with the artsy festivities. We ordered ArtBeat Palmers, a perfectly blended caffeinated concoction made with fresh-squeezed lemonade and iced tea that they created especially for the event. I love their creative, entrepreneurial spirit... and judging people who walk into the Starbucks across the street. They don't know what they're missing. read more

Came here for a lazy Sunday work session with some friends. During the lunch rush, we were all packed into one booth, but the place emptied out a lot around 1 pm, so we were able to spread out a bit more. They cap the free Internet at three hours, which is kind of annoying. The internet also cuts out if you leave your computer inactive for several minutes. I would take breaks to check social media and then need to log back in to use the WiFi. I loved my lemon blueberry scone! I think this might be a seasonal item. It was very buttery and had a light blueberry flavor. Not too sweet. I asked them to warm up the scone for me, which really took it to the next level! read more

Diesel Cafe - Nice pastry selection! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

See all

It's a really spacious cafe, but good luck finding a seat because they're always so packed! My friend and I luckily grabbed a table and hunkered down for a few hours. The lighting is GREAT for studying, and the noise level was perfect for some light work. There is a base line level of noise from some conversations nearby, but nothing too distracting. There's a large menu and I opted for a Matcha Latte and an Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie. Neither was phenomenal, but they hit the spot. The down side was that the total came out to be around $8. It's not too terrible, but I would definitely characterize Diesel as being overpriced for the quality and portion size. Overall - it's not a bad place to spend the afternoon! read more

Diesel Cafe - The Matcha Latte was def on the small side. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I generally really like this place, but I get annoyed at how outrageous their pricing can be. For example, their current takeout menu will get you for $9.00 for a bacon egg and cheese on a bagel. This is a new high! I'm all for supporting a smaller, local restaurant group. But they aren't the friendliest and their food isn't the best, and also .... $9.00?! read more

One of the many quirky places in Somerville that make it Somerville. Diesel Cafe is a great cafe for a coffee, a sandwich, and to do work amongst the Somerville crowd. You will find a little bit of everyone. What I love about doing work here is that I can almost always find a seat--don't let the storefront deceive you, this place is huge. You get your coffee in a mug to save a little paper, always a plus. The tables are always a little crooked and the paint a little chipped, but it is all part of the charm of the place. You can sit in a comfy diner booth, at a large group table, on a stool at a counter, or play a little pool if you need a work break. And 3 hours of free wifi!! Definitely worth checking this place out on a free afternoon! read more

Good: coffee is always good. People are nice. Bad: now that it also has a pool area, it's no longer as cozy and there is less emphasis on providing pastries. Baristas can be incredibly slow, I got a nervous twitch just watching one of them try to accomplish a simple task absent-mindedly while also making sure to look cool. Waiting 15 mins for a cap while having people after me served first is not my thing. I used to love this place, but it's not for me anymore. read more

My absolute favorite coffee shop that I've been frequenting for over a decade. The vibe, space, and aesthetic are all perfect. Definitely one of the highlights of Davis Square. Plus the Joplin is one of the most delicious breakfast sandwiches I've ever had. It's that thick cut bacon and honey butter - unbelievable. read more

Definitely a good aesthetic inside. There's plenty of tables and also a pool table and other games in the back. Although a more social cafe, you can definitely come and do work. The food is ok, pretty standard. Drinks are pretty good. read more

A great Internet cafe for a work remote day or catching up with friends! There is plenty of seating and even two pool tables. I had the egg and cheese sandwich with tempeh bacon - VERY good. Scrambled eggs were soft and fluffy and the dijonaise sauce had great flavor. I do wish they gave us our coffee in mugs since we were eating there instead of wasting to-go cups! Food is a bit pricey ($11 for a small burrito) but definitely high quality. Definitely a great spot to check out! read more

Diesel Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I came for a quick breakky. Got a green tea latte and an orange poppyseed scone. Clearly they had no idea what they were doing w the green tea latte. They just kept scooping and scooping and scooping matcha powder into the cup. I thought, "hmm maybe they make theirs differently than other places.." .... But no. They just didn't know how to make it. It was so bitter and the powder dried my mouth. And it was almost a $5 drink, so I made myself sip it until I got to work where Rebecca's cafe came to save my drink. The scone was buttery which is fine, and you could see all the orange zest inside, but I couldn't taste the orange at all. read more

This review is a brief bulleted list of everything great here. I love this place. -veggie club sandwich amazing (I've ordered it 5 times and I usually like to venture out and try new foods) -bagel with lox, cucumber, cream cheese, tomato, onion amazing -earl grey latte amazing (I'm pretty sure it's out of season now, but you can ask them to make one for you and they'll do it. I've ordered them out of season and they've been able to make them just fine) Head on over and try it for yourself if you can! read more