(pre-Covid-19 experience) The Haley House Bakery Cafe is back into action after a period for re-envisioning and remodeling. Their mission as a non-profit and available parking lot led us to Haley House for a Saturday lunch. They close on the early side on Saturdays, turning in at 2pm, so if you are considering a visit on a Saturday, keep that in mind. This is an order at the counter and bust your own table sort of spot, serving their food on real plates and offering actual silverware for you to grab by the self-serve water station. Just listen for your name to be called so you'll know when to run on over to pick up your order. Ten tables fill their dining space comfortably and are easily reformattable for parties of various sizes. A glass case of pastries showcase their product at $3 apiece - scones, muffins, cookies and cakes (not the frosting sort, more like pound cake or coffee cake) - and tempted us as we considered our mealtime options. For the most part, we were all well satisfied with our picks. After confirming that their Red Sauce and Chimichurri were their spicy options, I went with the Thornton Street $12 (rice & beans, roasted veggies, plantains, avocado, chimichuri), swapping out the chimichurri for the Curry and Cajun Gravy on the side. In return, I received an eye-catching colorful plate. I enjoyed the firm roasted veggies with the base of rice & beans with the creamy cool sliced avocado. For once I did not feel that there was a lack of avocado. The plantains were a mix of both green and the slightly more mature sort - I think I prefer my green plantains in the form of platanos. The curry sauce was a winning taste, however, and I sampled a DC's creamy grits. Another sampling revealed that their classic chocolate chip cookies are really good. The DC who had consumed the cookie had found himself sufficiently satiated after dessert and their Chicken & Waffles $12 (homemade belgian waffles, buttermilk fried chicken thigh, habanero infused maple syrup, chimichurri, micro greens) - I had inquired as the portion of his entree seemed rather light to the eye, with the belgian waffle being but half a full round. Service was pleasant. I only wish they would have warned me that my request for smaller portions of two sauces on the side was going to cost me 50 cents for the added sauce. A unisex bathroom is available and another that is handicap accessible - just ask a worker for the code. Wifi is also available, with a password. PS - the lemon pound cake scone $3 I had at home a few hours later smelled fantastic, but was a tad dry - easily remedied with a squirt of whipped cream I happened to have in the fridge. read more

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I met Haley House during the pandemic. She was consequently doing her version of shelter-in-place which meant having truncated hours, online ordering and no customers inside. I would say "rude!" except that I understood because the 'rona is real y'all! Additionally, if she weren't playing so much peekaboo, I wouldn't have met one of their cooks (Tony) sitting outside one Thursday morning. He was friendly and kindly told me the hours. If you don't know ANYTHING about Haley House besides what's written on Yelp, I encourage you to do a little work to educate yourself. It would be inconsiderate to rate her anything less than 5 stars because of her nonprofit work. This isn't necessarily about my customer experience, it's about uplifting an entire community of vulnerable individuals. That said, my experience has been excellent. This is the best food I've had in Boston! I started with the Nubian Square Wrap which is made with jerk chicken. So much yes! If you eat on the patio, Haley gives you a bowl of goodness and a hot flatbread (chapati) to wrap it in yourself. There is WAY too much goodness for the flatbread so you'll be able to enjoy it later at home. It's amazing. It has a lot of spice without setting my mouth on fire. The flavors sing like a coordinated choir! The chicken and waffles. OMG. My wife took mine from me and then ordered some for herself the next time. The syrup has a little spice to it and the waffle (or maybe the chicken?) has a hint of coconut. Finally, the pea shoots have such a nice fresh contrast that lifts it all up. Yum yum yum! I had the Mediterranean Wrap last time and my wife stole every other bite. The hummus and roasted broccoli gave me life! It tasted so good, thorough and thoughtful. So many vegetarian wraps taste similar to one another but not this one. I loved it! It paired PERFECTLY with the salad that featured kale, squash, cranberries and seeds. So vibrant and interesting! We've also had the epic chocolate chip cookie. I don't know how to describe it except that it's the best chocolate chip cookie that either my wife or I has had in our entire lives! Finally, we're ordering from the guest chef, an Indigenous person, who is taking us into pre-colonial fare just in time for Thanksgiving. Haley House gave us literature about (basically) the genocide and general disregard of Native Americans and how we should take time to appreciate and uplift them. I can't wait to try the next guest chef menu at Haley House. We also love supporting the Black owned wines and beers that Haley features on her menu. Haley's the best! read more

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The special menu for Native American Heritage are amazing. Especially the benedict. If you have a chance run. I do not like turkey legs but the flavors they do are amazing read more

Everything about this cafe is amazing, from what it does for the community to the yummy food they make. I've been here a few times, from meetings to working on personal things and even attending some poetry events. Haley House is By the Community and For the Community! The poetry slams get packed quickly, so arrive early to get a seat, the cafe portion is usually open during the time so make sure to grab a head sized cookie! The most recent time I visited, I ordered the jerk chicken breakfast bowl. It contained two over easy eggs, jerk chicken, potatoes, and peppers. Its really good in flavor, so be aware that it may be a bit overwhelming for breakfast, but delicious nonetheless. That was for about $8. I also ordered their lemon ginger tea, which was delicious. (My only critique was the way the cashier served my tea. They have the loose herbs that are put in the tea bags as you order, and I wasn't comfortable with the way she was touching all over the bag after handling the money I passed to her. I'm super big on sanitation!) the teas are about $2. Overall I always have a pleasant experience there. The choice of music playing in the backroad. They have a small parking lot and a few outlets inside, but bring your headphones because sometimes it can get noisy! read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Jerk chicken breakfast bowl - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

I admire Haley House for their great quality customer service. I used to work in the area and I loved grabbing the jerk chicken plate for lunch. But I wasn't aware that during the weekend the menu is different. That is neither here nor there, I had ordered the jerk chicken with scrambled eggs and cheesy grits. Unfortunately they ran out of home fries. The grits were a bit undercooked but the eggs and jerk chicken made up for it. As for my friend she ordered the same thing with a side of greens but they forgot her eggs. The coworker noticed and was so sweet and gave her a chocolate chip cookie. They also gave our table coconut cookies which were great. Overall I would totally come back. I just wouldn't get the grits. Overall: Customer service: 5 stars Food: 3.5 stars read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Jerk chicken, cheesy grits, with scrambled eggs. - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

A great place to eat! Pleasantly surprised about the size of the Nubian Sq flatbread! It was huge! Definitely at least two meals alone. The wrap or flatbread was very crunchy. The texture and taste was like biting into a sheet if spice. Only downside was a bit if a struggle to eat due to the size alone. The Sambusa was overflowing with flavor and juices. Totally worth it. The salad I'm told was filling and delicious with the cubes of yellow tofu. Also had a small coffee which was super reasonably price around 2-3 dollars only and it tasted so good! One shot of milk only. Definitely will return given the chance! read more

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This place is everything that is beautiful on a Saturday morning... it will put soul into you even if you're convinced you don't have one anymore. The jerk chicken is amazing, coming from someone who has had authentic Jamaican jerk chicken. I'm convinced that cheesy grits are now the only way to have grits. Also, it's "pay what you can".. and they serve the community. There is nothing to dislike about this gem. read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Jerk chicken, scrambled eggs, and cheesy grits plate. - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

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During my three and a half day weekend in Boston, I managed to hit up Haley House four times. That really means something! Vegan, vegetarian, omnivore, whatever your dietary needs, this place has something for you. And chances are it's pretty darn hand/homemade. Even the hot teas, the loose teas are so painstakingly and tenderly scooped and hand wrapped into tea bags, sometimes holding up the line. I had the veggie burger, TWICE, so it wasn't the most cohesive patty, but it was magnificent, unlike the usual soy protein and black bean patties of vegan dining. That slaw y'all, perfect accompaniment to this burger. The banana nut muffin? Pretty sure I've never indulged in a more perfectly fluffy, yet moist, banana nut muffin in my entire life. Also, Haley House is huge into community involvement and events. I stopped by a free poetry slam event on Friday evening, something I've regretfully never been to, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, more than I expected to. Haley House moreover strives to employ formerly incarcerated people because come on, society is dogging these folks for not being able to get back on their feet quickly enough. Well shoot, how are they supposed to when no one will give them a chance? I can confirm that everyone I interacted with during my four visits was extremely friendly and outgoing, which I particularly appreciate with I'm in foreign terrain. Anyway, check this place out if you're ever in Boston. You can thank me later! read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Veggie burger leftovers - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

My favorite meal I ate in Boston was here. We are not from Boston and were still trying to figure out the public transportation so although we originally tried to find this place for breakfast, we ended up arriving around lunchtime and I am ever so thankful that we did! I have had some good jerk chicken in my life and being from the South, I know about some good Mac n cheese. Mac n cheese is a staple in a southern diet, unless you are lactose intolerant and then I just feel sorry for you. This place had hands down the best jerk chicken I have ever eaten, and possibly the best Mac n cheese I've ever eaten. The sweet potato mash and the corn bread were amazing as well. My sister had the roast chicken and she loved everything too. Whether you are visiting or are a local, do yourself a favor and eat here! It was well worth the extra effort to find this place! read more

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Another Bosten gem. Came here on a Sunday 12 noon, place was 3/4ths full. Appreciated the photography on the wall, the semi-open kitchen, and the rustic cafe vibe. On the menu, I spotted jerk chicken with cheese grits and scrambled eggs. At the same exact time my friend spotted a jerk chicken with grilled cheese sandwich. Easy choices for both of us. I have to tell you, both dishes were outstanding. The jerk chicken wasnt too spicy, well seasoned, excellent pairing with the cheese grits (flavorful on its own) and the scrambled eggs, (great balance of salt and pepper). The side of slice potato wedges were also exceptional..crisp ends, and flavorful. The grilled cheese with the jerk chicken was also genius. The gooeyness (not a word), plus the jerk chicken, was great creation. I could rant and rave about the jerk chicken here but you get the gist. Service at the counter was great, ambience added a special touch, and the food was out of this world. Easily 5 stars! read more

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I absolutely love the concept of this place. It's thought of a transitional workplace, hiring people who have been incarcerated in the past and offering them jobs. I absolutely loved how lively all the workers were, eager to help and very enthusiastic about their job. We more people like this in the world! I have a huge parking lot, which is a huge plus in the city. Their menu is also very reasonably priced. I came here for a meeting, and got a coffee and there jerk chicken bowl. Definitely recommend both, though the jerk chicken was definitely a little spicy and cleared your sinuses! The tables are a little close together, they definitely use the most of their space. There was one time I try to get up and use the bathroom, and the workers were so attentive that they came after me with the keys, rather than me waiting around and asking. The place was packed all morning, and I can definitely see why. Will be coming back! read more

I am very impressed by both the quality of food, their prices, and the service. The food came out 10 short minutes after ordering, and all the staff members that I talked to were super friendly and nice! We ordered the spinach and chicken omelet and the brioche French toast to share. Both the portions were enormous, so we couldn't finish either of the dishes and took the rest of the French toast to go. Something about their brioche was amazing, because it was so soft and flavorful. Every bite was like a party in my mouth. Their cookies are also bigger than my face and it was the best cookie I've had in a while. read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

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First off I love the atmosphere of this place. It's adorable, and local. It is quiet and very welcoming. The prices are amazing. I paid for myself and my friend. We got a scone, two coffees, and a full French toast breakfast that included eggs and homefries. I paid only 15.70 for all of it. The French toast was incredible! Easily the best French toast I have ever had and it the portion sizes were very extremely substantial. My friend and I sat for a couple of hours just chatting and we felt very comfortable taking our time. I will definitely be coming back here and will recommend this place to my friends. read more

Haley House Bakery Café - French toast - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

Why is there not a line out the door like the one at Flour? I guess I shouldn't ask, because it's why I'm able to go so often and hang out for a while with delicious food and fair trade coffee. They care about the community, about the environment, about delicious local food. This is where I bring out-of-town guests, and they are always impressed. So much better than clam chowder in a bread bowl at Faneuil Hall. We had our Valentine's brunch here. It was not crowded, reasonably priced, and delicious. We had delicious food and great dessert (coconut passion fruit cupcakes and a panna cotta parfait with hazelnut, espresso, and vanilla). Desserts were just $2.50! How can you beat that? YOU CAN'T. Man, I love this place. read more

"I had the Pancake breakfast". I was invited here by one of the staff members. I have been in Boston for 2 years and find myself very disappointed with the lack of homemade- cozy breakfast spots. OMG! boy am I glad I accepted my invite. The atmosphere is a slice of home (San Francisco). Once I walked in I felt right a home... The workers are incredibly friendly (Not the norm here in Boston) and the Patron- mostly seem to be regulars. Did I mention they have music playing in the background- perfect for you to nod your head to and dance a little in your seat as you inhale the delicious food! perfect volume- not too low and def. not too loud. Ok, here is my takeaways: Pros: -A hidden gem for sure! -Cool San Francisco vibe -Yummy Mango/ Raspberry herb tea -Chicken apply sausages are to DIE FOR! -The chocolate cookie is the BOMB -Loved the Pancakes (Almost as good as my daddy's) :) -Price not too bad (More than chain breakfast places BUT worth every dime) -FREE Wifi -No pressure to finish eating or give up your table -Nice work atmosphere -Not pricey In MY opinion but I do see members of the Roxbury community not able to afford eating here especially if it's a family. Con (Only because I am VERY picky) -My food was a bit cold (BUT that was easily fixed with a new batch) -The Home fries were a little under cooked -The eggs were bland -The average Patron was NOT a person of the neighborhood which is sad... Haley House in in the Roxbury. Dudley Square area and VERY few locals frequent here. -My pancakes had a slight burnt grill taste BUT they were so delicious, I didn't complain. Needless to say I will be returning to Haley House soon. This will be my Breakfast spot. read more

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Haley House gets a five star review because not only are they committed to local food, this place truly has a heart for the community. I wish more business's would follow their model. If you're over by Dudley Station you would honestly do the city a disservice by purchasing your morning joe anywhere else. I came in with my sister on an early morning and wasn't hungry but she insisted so I got some tea and a blueberry muffin. My sister ordered coffee and a scone. My muffin was moist, fresh and delicious. My tea was hot and I appreciate that they have all the extras for you to add on your own... Sugar, honey, etc. My sister wasn't happy with her scone but I assume the problem is just scones themselves... Yuck I hate them lol no fault of the Haley House though... I definitely have to come back and support the Haley House and try some more of the food they have to offer! read more

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I drive out of my way to patronize this spot. It wasn't my first time. I grabbed a scone and coffee to go. The scone that was supposed to be lemon was a plain whole wheat (?) and it was DRY and drowned in lemon frosting. It was more like dessert than a breakfast pastry. The egg dishes are really good. Pastries? Not so much. read more

Good food and even better cause. You can eat out and spend your money on something that gives back to the community. Came for lunch/brunch and was very pleased. Food made with fresh ingredients, made from scratch. Shared some jerk chicken that came with a side salad, poutine with eggs, and a cookie. Definitely try their baked goods. Their big cookies are awesome...crispy crunchy yet moist and gooey at the same time! They have local art on the walls, many community events, and live music too. Support Haley house! read more

I absolutely love it here and I am pretty upset I have waited SO long to give Haley House a review. The food is amazing, the staff is great + super friendly, the atmosphere is extremely chill, and the place overall is very cozy! At my most recent visit, I dined in and got jerk chicken, sweet potato mash, and mac&cheese with a side of corn bread. Let me just say I am extremely OBSESSED with this place. Have you ever eaten something and just thinking about it you can still taste it? Well the food here definitely gives you that feeling. Lots of options - I hope to return soon. So stay tuned for an updated review. read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Jerk chicken with sweet potato mash + mac&cheese with a. Side of corn bread. - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

An artsy, energetic coffee house in the heart of Dudley, this establishment is more than just an energy stop - it's a community center. An organizer of co-ops, community dinners, and local business support, Haley House fosters a sense of togetherness by hiring local residents and serving locally-brewed, equal exchange coffees. Teas are international but free trade. From an ethical standpoint, I'm already in love with this place. The coffee is great. Strong, but the strength is perfect for an iced coffee, which will mellow out as the ice melts. The Love Buzz is a delicious dark brew, with warm dark chocolate notes. The French Roast is decaf, but also tasty. I highly recommend a warm chocolate chip cookie to go with your coffee...they're huge and delicious. As for the physical location, I get great vibes here. Upbeat music, bright lighting and colorful decorations make this a great hang out space, yet the rather secluded bar also makes for a good work spot. The outside seating area has beautiful plants surrounding the benches. Overall, Haley House is a great local business to support, with prices that rival that of corporate chains and quality that surpasses. read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Love Buzz 3 - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

I want to specify that the food here is okay but the customer service makes me hesitant to go back here. Whoever made Haley House has a great eye for cuteness and the menu is pretty extensive. I was excited to order a vegan muffin and get a good iced coffee. But getting an order in was so difficult. The lady behind the register had no idea what was on her menu. She kept stopping to yell for clarification to the chef. She nearly gave me the non vegan muffin. She had to input my order 3 times, and in the end put the order in wrong so I paid and received two French toasts instead of one. I noticed it immediately but going back to explain the mistake to her was actually such an exhausting thought that I took the two toasts. The food itself was good, but I ordered a hot chocolate which came out of a mix packet and the lady didn't check if the cup was clean. Basically there was stuff floating in the drink. But again it wasn't worth going to complain because our order took over 15 minutes. read more

This place is SPECIAL AND IMPORTANT. The food is DELICIOUS, fresh, generously portioned with great vegan and vegetarian options. It is also SO SO well priced, especially for somewhere that uses mostly and occasionally all organic and local produce. They make an amazing from-scratch veggie patty/burger; my favorite dish is the veggie cutlet plate with harissa and cornbread, which comes with two sides (collard greens and mac and cheese are so good that I haven't tried any others though!) This plate is dinner-sized; if you are a light lunch eater, you will have leftovers. Delicious leftovers. And it's only $6.95. $6.95!!! All vegan and vegetarian options are super clearly labeled and differentiated, even from each other. There's consistently delicious vegan baked goods offered, and the coffee is good and strong. The ambiance in this place is wonderful and positive - local art on the walls (changes every few months I believe), good cozy lighting, plant life, regular customer base and lots of folks having conversations rather than staring at their phones, GREAT MUSIC, access to self-serve water refills, fast WiFi, tons of outlets, lots of seating (quite tightly packed for maximum seats but that means you can almost always find a seat), an outdoor patio area, lots of off-street parking. The staff are super friendly and answer whatever questions you may have. Perhaps most importantly, though, is the mission and M.O. of this place - it's a nonprofit that focuses on providing work experience and training to previously incarcerated people and helping kids learn about nutrition and cooking from scratch. Haley House makes amazing food, AND provides an amazing community space for customers, staff, artists, kids, and the community as a whole. I love this place. read more

Just here for the weekend, but got a cup of fish chowder, which was delicious. Buttery, hot, well spiced, and a good level of thickness. Also, since it's my first time here, got a delicious crunchy chocolate chip cookie!! Update: Got the Haley hash, DELECTABLE! Also, brought my fiancé and she got a free cookie that I ate hehehe read more

Haley House, you know I love you, but things are started to slip. Running out of biscuits at 1:30pm on a Sunday; mislabeled baked goods, fruit flies around the coffee area, watered down iced coffee, food taking 20 min when there are few customers. Please get back on track! Food is still excellent. read more

I love this place!!! My friend worked here and told me about this hidden gem and boy was I happy to find it! The purpose is a second chance place for many and it's amazing what they do. And the food is even better! I think I've tried everything on this menu and haven't had one complaint. The portions are filling, the food is affordable and they have this cool patio outside. You HAVE to try the jerk chicken with the mac and cheese. It will make you cry tears of joy. It so spicy and so flavorful. Also always end your meal here with a cookie, the cookies are to die for. read more

Great food. Tasty drinks. Delicious cookies. Chill music. Cool people. Awesome mission. I was just visiting a friend in Boston and stumbled upon this place, and I can't rave about it more. I only wish I lived in the area so I could try all their dishes! The produce is all locally grown. The staff are super friendly and hospitable. I had the jerk chicken with house salad and brown rice. The chicken was so tender it was literally crumbling into pieces in my mouth. The house salad came with this perfectly tangy, creamy, yet light vinegarette dressing on the side - I loved it and even dabbed it onto my brown rice and cornbread. And you get a free cookie (they're the size of your face) if it's your first time there! It's a beautiful place that brings people together from all different backgrounds and walks of life. Check it out - you won't regret it. read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Jamaican jerk chicken plate with side of house salad and brown rice, along with corn bread - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

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Haley House is a model for what businesses should be like. The place has a program in which those who were previously incarcerated are hired, trained for hard and soft skills, and offered other support. I had the opportunity to attend one of the program graduations and it was really awesome seeing the great work that is being done through it. A few people shared how the program was a turning point for them and offered an opportunity to move forward in their lives. Many of these graduates attained several job offers after graduating. Not only does Haley House have a great mission, but it also has great food! I've only tried the banana muffin and the oatmeal raisin cookie, but both were delicious. The muffin was moist and fluffy with dried banana pieces on top. The cookie was crunchy, which I'm normally not a fan of, but this one was to die for! Unfortunately, I finished both of them alone.. The interior is very cozy. The walls are plastered with quilts and the place is filled with both long tables and small individual tables. Finally, the staff is friendly! If you want to support a business that directly betters the community and try some great food while you're at it, come check out Haley House! read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Interior - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

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Haley House is a very chill place to get healthy eats. I visited on a Wednesday, there was open mic poetry and the staff was very friendly. I ordered the jerk chicken grilled cheese and steak fries, and it was amazing. I wanted to try something I never had before and I'm so glad I chose it. The menu is very affordable, I don't think there's anything over $15. There is ample parking available, and there is a T station down the road. I would definitely visit again! read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

What a great find! My boyfriend took me to the Haley House the other day for dinner. I used to live right around the corner - i wish I knew about this place a few years ago I would've gone there all the time! Any who, i got the jerk chicken plate with a side of macaroni and cheese and mashed sweet potato. It was all so delicious I even tried my boyfriends collard greens (first time having them) and couldn't believe how tasty they were. The prices are really affordable too. I definitely will head back it ever in the area again. read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Jerk chicken, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

1st time coming to this place Got the grill jerk wrap and let me tell you it blew me awayyyyyy so filling so hearty sooo bomb great service .. thank you read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

Lets put it this way, I'm working an event in Cambridge where Haley House is catering. Even on a paper plate in the middle of a softball field, this is easily the best meal I've had this year!! Loved it! Jerk Chicken, Collards, Salad and Rice!!! OMG. So good! I'll be seeking out the mothership in Boston soon! read more

Way better than we expected Great atmosphere Good food - one of very few places that makes in-house veggie burgers instead of a frozen Morningstar bran Good music Free giant cookies for first time customers ^_^ read more

Easily one of my favorite local places. Haley House not only has a great vibe that leaves you relaxed it has some of the friendliest staff. The best part of Haley House is obviously their food, whether your there for brunch, lunch or just swinging by for a coffee or pastry it won't disappoint. There is literally something delicious for everyone! One of my personal favs is the hot hash for brunch!!! Haley House is a tucked away gem!!! read more

Haley House Bakery Café - Bakeries Near Me - Roxbury, Massachusetts

I want to use words like 'rhapsodize' and 'judiciously appointed' when talking about sugar crystals on top of the toasted banana slices on my muffin... I think I actually just sighed when I was revisiting the moist-ness of the corn muffin moistmoistmoist that came with my soup. And the soup, this thai coconut milk tomato broth... the salad with its gingery dressing. I feel like doing a Homer Simpson 'uuuuuhhhh' and letting my tongue hang down my face. The sh*t here is GOOD! And all of that orgasmatronic good stuff for $6.00! This place is pretty amazing, trying to do anti-gang work with bread and providing jobs to folks who might not otherwise be able to get them- homeless, folks screwed over by the CORI system. Well worth supporting some good healthy food in Dudley Sq. read more

Picture a giant, sweet, chewy chocolate chip cookie overflowing with milk chocolate chips. Imagine stuffing the whole thing in your mouth... feeling guilty yet? Here's where the magic of Haley House comes in. Now we know the cookies are made fresh daily, from scratch, sans preservatives of chemicals. But, what if they were made by ex-convicts getting back on their feet, traversing the road to righteousness via delicious baked goods? And what if the coffee you ordered with it was fair-trade and organic? Oh, and if it was all really, really affordable? And if there was free wi-fi so you could actually get some work done and make the trip worthwhile? That's what I thought. And that's just one cookie. Haley House also serves up a mighty impressive array of muffins (vegan banana has my vote), scones, bars, tarts, and other cookies, depending on the day. Their selection of loose leaf teas is virtually infinite, since you can combine any of the dozen flavors to make your own custom brew. Chef Mills's signature jerk chicken has a cult following, especially when in quesadilla form, and for the meat-less crowd, the veggie cutlet plate with collards packs one impressively spicy, vegan punch. Though Haley House is usually only open through lunchtime, you can grab dinner on Thursday nights when the kitchen is open until 8:30. HH hosts a weekly performance series then, called Art Is Life Itself, which starts around 7 (but let's be real... 7:30), and is followed by an open-mic night. Seriously, chowing down on a thai chicken salad or classic soul food plate while listening to interesting, passionate speakers with a community emphasis is no poor way to spend a Thursday night. Plus, if you're feeling thirsty (or are just shy about getting involved in the funny, often heated audience discussions) Haley House offers organic beer and wine all night. More of a breakfast person? Haley House serves up a mean egg sandwich and an even meaner brioche french toast in the mornings. The side of home fries put everything over the top, and of course you can add bacon to anything for that extra oomph. Can't get your ass out of bed before noon? No problem, me neither! Brunch is served late on the weekends, so take your sweet time. As long as you make it down to Haley House at some point, you'll be mighty glad you did. read more

I think this might become my new spot. Not only is this place dope because of its artsy vibe it backs it up in all the right ways. The conversation at my table was fractured as we all stuffed our faces. Man the cole slaw was delicious. It was unlike any I've ever hard and had tons of red cabbage mixed in. I had the Jerk Chicken Grilled Cheese. The jerk seasoning was perfect, not to spicy not too weak. The chocolate chips in the cookie were delectable, and melted in my mouth. I even grabbed a pumpkin cupcake to go. I can't help it that I have a sweet tooth! Beyond the food, and the good energy, Haley House is changing the community. They train over six homeless individuals every year in the bakery department. They are an active part in the revitalization of the Dudley area. read more

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There's no need for me to add my two cents as most of these reviews already attest to what I am about to say. As Barney Stinson would say, Haley House Bakery Cafe is "LEGEN-WAIT FOR IT BECAUSE I AM ABOUT TO MILK A COW AND GET ALL OF ITS-DARY!" Service: A+ Service is always A+ and the staff are always incredibly friendly and kind. They are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Wait Time: A+ You will wait for the food for a while, particularly if you go in during a busy hour. But that's because they make EVERYTHING from scratch using fresh local ingredients. So slow the heck down, grab some coffee, tea or free water, sit down and just chill. You can wait, can't you?! Food (Non-Baked Goods): A+ I have gotten many things at Haley House but here is what I recommend. For breakfast, make sure you get "THE FIRECRACKER". OH MY GOSH. I HATE TURKEY BACON BUT THEY MADE IT AMAZING TO CONSUME HERE. GET THE FIRECRACKER. For lunch get the "CHICKEN CLUB". I HATE GINGER BUT THE GINGER SLAW IS DELICIOUS. GET IT. Baked Goods: A+ I first experienced Haley House Bakery Cafe cookies as a student at Boston College. Believe the hype, the cookies are even more LEGEN-DARY when you get them straight from Haley House. Plus, if you mention that it's your first time they will give you a free cookie! But, if you've been there before don't lie. God's watching. Overall: A+ Look at my reviews. I am admittedly a cynic and a pessimist by nature and I don't just hand out 5 star reviews but this place is more than worthy based on its merits as a bakery and cafe alone. But if you also take into consideration the fact that Haley House is a champion of the Roxbury community and a real blessing to everyone in the neighborhood, it makes you feel even better about eating here. I'd like to give a huge shoutout to every single politician that ever ran for office in Boston because they PRACTICALLY LIVE HERE DURING ELECTION SEASON. PEACE! read more

What an amazing, amazing part of our community. I've both volunteered and had a chance to enjoy this lovely cafe and I just adore what they do. As a volunteer, I've done helped make cookies, decorated them, cleaned out the kitchen, and done dishes. We even prepped the cafe for a wedding/reception last summer! Because they run on a pretty meager budget (and strive to keep the prices affordable for the area), they have volunteers help on days when they don't have enough staff. They also provide job training to those folks who are having difficulty finding jobs due to obstacles from their past. The food is affordable and they have delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, and specials. The meal portions are large and most everything is made from scratch. You can definitely taste the love. I could probably eat about 20 of their ginormous gooey chocolate chip cookies in one sitting. During the year (especially the summer), they have different food events, soup-offs... dinner and a movie... etc. They always have amazing local art on the walls. And to top it off, they go for the green by using biodegradable wares, recycling, and buying local ingredients when they can. The cafe is a short walk from Dudley Station and there are also a few buses and the silver line that go past. They've also got lotsa parking. Go, go, go! read more

Good food & good karma! The Haley House Bakery Cafe in Dudley Square is part of a larger non-profit, Haley House, and is part of a job training program. The food here is incredible. I'm hooked on the Dade Street Grilled Cheese, which is tomato, mozzarella, & pesto. It comes with a generous garden salad, and is always satisfying. They have a great selection of sandwiches, hamburgers, and I think they also always have soup & pizza, as well. On top of the great lunches, they also have delicious baked goods. I've picked up cake, muffins, and other various goodies there, and again am always happy. It's a little pricey compared to other places in the area, and definitely not great for those on a diet, but the good karma of helping out a local non-profit and helping others build job skills cancels out these considerations in my mind. read more

Our experience here was amazing. The service was incredible and they made us feel right at home the second we walked in. They are really trying to spread equality and love and you can tell it's genuine coming from the people working there. Alright, onto the food. My chicken, biscuits and gravy was incredible, and my wife's French toast was so flavorful and was a perfect consistency - just the right amount of "mushy". Haley's House will probably be the first place we go back to when we return to Boston. So good. read more