Love it here!!! The food is always great! A bit pricey, but worth it!! Staff is great too!

Terrible! is an understatement 2 hour delivery was unacceptable! Food was cold and soggy. Was lied to twice about my order which made it even worse. NEVER will I eat here again. read more

My last experience there left a bad taste in my mouth. I asked the staff if I could swap out a dish and substitute it for a steak, willing to pay the extra cost of course and I was told no at first. I decided I'd go somewhere else and finally the waitress told me she'd go speak with a manager. She came back and said they client fulfill my request for an extra charge. I was a bit annoyed that it was that hard to customize a dish, but I was hungry and went for it. I paid around $20 for a plate and was disappointed. The steak was dry and not tasteful at all, The rice and beans were mediocre at best and the portions were super small. For $20 I expected a tasty decent sized grilled carne asada. Oh well. Plenty of other places to go to. read more

Coffee is surprisingly good, but the staff seems miserable. While I was drinking my coffee I heard a woman, maybe a manager or an owner, loudly berating an employee about not doing her job properly. The whole cafe could hear. I was so embarassed for the poor girl, and no wonder why she looked so angry when I ordered! It's pretty clear the staff are trying their best, but it doesn't seem to be a healthy work environment. Not sure I'll give them my money again. read more

The only that upsets me about this place is that I didn't find it sooner. I suppose I can thank Uber Eats for that. I was excited the second I looked at the menu because of all the vegan/vegetarian options. I live in Malden and there is next to nothing like that around to order from. On top of there just being options, they all looked amazing... and they were! Everything I had was delicious. I'm so happy I found this place. I've already ordered three times this week. Take all my money!!! read more

Cold brew coffee tasted awful and they don't have stevia. I should have asked for a refund.

We came here for breakfast early last week. Their drink and food menus are expansive but very descriptive and easy to understand for those, like myself, who aren't as familiar with South American fare. My fiancé ordered a caramel macchiato and my mother-in-law has a regular iced coffee. I decided to try one of their many raw juices and settled on the Merida. It was wonderfully refreshing and all the flavors worked well together. I ordered the Venezuelan Benedict and I can't recommend it enough. My only complaint was that my poached eggs were cooked well done because someone else in my party ordered hers well done. What makes it even more disappointing is that I knew they would make that mistake after ordering. My fiancé ordered the chilaquiles and said it was very good but he was still jealous of my Benedict. We ordered a Mexican chia pudding for the table to share. It had to be one of the best "healthy" things I've ever eaten. We ordered my mother-in-law the Guatamala chia pudding and for someone on the more picky side, she loved every bite. We knew it had to be good after spending so much time at their sister cafe Coffee, Tea and Me. read more

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Stopped in here today for lunch with my mom, and to say that we were both very impressed is a vast understatement! Not only is there great variety, but everything is made from scratch, fresh, filling, and so delicious. The staff is very friendly and knowledgable - another big plus! I went for the tostadas de pollo (pictured in the front) and my mom went for the Venezuelan eggs Benedict (back left). We shared an order of stuffed avocados (quinoa, chopped veggies, crema, along side a fresh slaw of some kind). Everything was awesome! As with any place that makes everything fresh to order, there was an understandable wait for a little past lunchtime, but it was so worth it to have food that was made with such care. We look forward to enjoying our leftovers and to returning to La Qchara soon! read more

La QChara - Latin American Near Me - Melrose, Massachusetts

Ate here twice recently. Food was tremendous and coffee was excellent. Staff was very pleasant.

This place is a true neighborhood gem. With a vast menu, authentic latin cuisine, and other organic healthy fare - La QChara is a refreshing spot worth the drive. We made the 25 minute trek in hopes of a fun, flavorful brunch and La QChara didn't disappoint. There is convenient parking off the side street where the restaurant is, so getting there was seamless. The seating area is a little cramped and awkwardly laid out, but ultimately it works fine. Also, La QChara does not have any wait staff, so it is a self-pace/self-order operation, which is also fine, although for those wanting a cushier experience may be a slight detractor. I will also mention, I don't think I've seen any member of the staff smile. Ever. It's definitely not the most congenial customer service. The menu is full of options fitting for almost any tastebuds, but all with latin flare. For breakfast, lunch, or dinner - the menu is seemingly endless. The tortas are good and the areopas are excellent. The sweet corn pancakes are an excellent brunch option (ask for a side of ranchero sauce!) The beverages also shine, especially the coffee drinks. The cortadito was our favorite and full of rich flavor. The smoothies are nice, but if you're not a banana fan (it seems like most are overwhelmed with banana), then try the raw juices instead. All in all, La QChara is a really great spot with menu options that will keep you coming back to try something new. We can't wait for our next trip! read more

Overpriced and Far From Authentic This place gets a crowd so somebody likes it but I think it's overpriced and the menu really stretches to accommodate American tastes. Chicken salad arepas are one example. Carne asada costs at least $6 less everywhere else including real restaurants . You order at a counter here and bus your own table but you pay sit down service prices for mediocre food. I'm not a fan. read more

Totally recommend the mole enchiladas and plantains. Visiting from CA and I can't believe there is such good Latin cuisine in Melrose!

The owner shows no respect for surrounding neighborhood area. Constantly parking vehicles in a blind spot on a one way street. Customers constantly exit the one way the wrong way. read more

First time here only got coffee w espresso for myself & an iced latte for my wife. Both were great. I like my coffee strong & it was my wife loved her latte. They have a breakfast menu that looked great also smoothies lots of stuff I can't wait to try. Will definitely be in for breakfast soon. Feels good to support a local establishment. Nice place very clean quaint seating also tables outside & I saw a couple dogs outside with their owners huge plus for me as I'm a dog owner or am I owned by a dog either way he'll be @ breakfast too read more

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The "El Toston" is one of the best things I've ever eaten. The flavors are amazing and the flattened plantains as "bread" is genius. There juices, smoothies and quinoa bowls are excellent as well. read more

Empanadas platanos are to DIE for! Sooo incredible and such good homemade Latin food.

Excellent! Cubano is wonderful. Very nice people as well. An asset to the neighborhood

I'm going to give five stars because it's obvious from reading other reviews that they have worked on staff prompt/politeness. I actually was shocked to hear people weren't nice because our visit was the opposite. The girl at the counter was very very nice, and offered suggestions/her favorites! She mentioned I should try the Isabella smoothie when I come back because I was saying how delicious they all sounded! We went in last Wednesday for a late-ish lunch and coffee for my husband. The three of us really enjoyed our meals. Two of us had Tortas (Pensil and Cubano) and the yucca fries were delicious. My friend, who is vegan, had the veggie burrito and said it was the best veggie burrito she'd ever had and it was very filling! My husband also a carmel macchiato and said it was great, not too sweet but flavorful. I can't wait to return to try the smoothies! read more

I've never had a bad meal here! Friendly atmosphere, delicious and diverse menu! Only thing that keeps it from "5-Star" is that I think it's a bit pricey. But definitely recommend! read more

Great For Venezuelan breakfast! Get the Venezuelan Benedicts so amazing!! Their smoothies and papelon con limon are refreshing.. love this place makes me feel like at home. read more

Came here for the first time last night and I don't think I'll be back for dinner. The portions were wayyyy too small for us, it didn't fill us. But I'll definitely be back for breakfast or lunch. Ordered: Carne asada, Peru quinoa bowl, Valencia, & the Brazil chia pudding Carne asada: its good but the meat to rice ratio... came with so little rice with a pretty big steak. Absolutely LOVED the Valencia & Brazil pudding, I know I will always come here for these 2 items. read more

Yum. I had a Latin avocado "toast." It was delicious. The toast was plantain. Great service and warm atmosphere. So excited to live near this spot. read more

My favorite food in all of Melrose. La QChara does a really great (mostly healthy) twist on Latin American cuisine. My family has come here many times, to sit down or take out, and it has always been consistently delicious. My grandmother, who is very picky with food, absolutely loves the stuffed avocados. They also have awesome fresh pressed juice and freshly made smoothie options, and the coffee bar is amazing. I love the casual neighborhood vibe and I've always found the service to be very pleasant. I'm looking forward to trying the tapas restaurant being opened by the same owners. Always happy to see a small business thriving in Melrose! read more

I LOVE this place! Must try : magdelena smoothie - lattes - breakfast burrito and their new celery juice! They are on Uber eats which makes it very easy to order/get addicted! I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

I love this place! We discovered it when we moved into Melrose last year and they never let us down. Some of my favorites are the tequenos, chipotle wings and the chia puddings! Tonight I ordered their Chorisqueso and even though it was a little cold (Grubhub was running late) it was still really delicious! Checkout their quinoa bowls too! read more

We love La QChara - over the years it's become a staple for our family and friends. It's a go-to for any meal and catering, the staff is always super nice and helpful. If you haven't gone here yet, you really should. Some areas for improvement: cold brew - please, please, please fix this. You use great coffee from Intelligencia but your method produces really bad cold brew (try a cold brew from Haute Coffee in Concord and beg them for their process to replicate). All other hot coffee drinks are great. Service is sometimes slow but everything is made from scratch, so I can live with that. read more

The BEST chia pudding around. They run chia pudding specials along with others, and their food is out of the park. The owners are so friendly and make for a great atmosphere. read more

La QChara - Chia pudding special with banana, strawberry, coconut, cashews, almonds + nutella - Latin American Near Me - Melrose, Massachusetts

Delicious coffee, fresh (in more ways than one) perspective on local Latin inspired food, and fast, friendly service. The breakfast nacho-type dish is AMAZING. Coffee is great as it's related to coffee, tea & me. Dirty tables and obnoxious people (if you see a family coming in with a stroller, maybe you can get over yourself momentarily to step out of the main entrance while blabbing / ignoring the rest of the world) made me deduct from 5 stars to 4. I guess clientele is part of the ambiance. Food / coffee will keep me coming back. Kids eat free on Tuesdays - good concept but I can only imagine what that experience would be like - and I have 4 kids! :) Love supporting a local independent business and these guys deliver with the goods - keep it up! Check it out if you're in the area - you will enjoy the food and drink. read more

My friends and I were getting mani/pedi's nearby and were getting hangry as we hadn't eaten beforehand. We don't normally come to Melrose so we didn't know where to go. Yelp has never let me down so we whipped out our phones and found this place. Also, if you check in on Yelp, you get $3.50 off your coffee/tea purchase!!! It was nearby and we were lucky to find a parking spot directly across the street, but if it weren't for the luck, it looks like parking might be tricky. They had outdoor seating which was very nice, but it was a little chilly in the shade so we decided to sit inside. We sat there for a bit not realizing this isn't really sit down restaurant where they come to take your order. The menus are in the front and then you order and then they will bring you your food. I ordered a hazelnut latte (very tasty) and the Pabellon Criollo. My order was ready super fast. I liked the latte a lot and the food was good, the rice could've been a bit better, but the rest of the plate was very delicious, I ate the whole thing! At the end of the meal we also ordered tres leches, and it was amazing! read more

Their coffee and baked goods are delicious and perfect location near the train so you can stop in on your way into work

La QChara is no longer a secret, as this seemingly out of place Venezuelan, or "Nueva Latino" as they call it joint puts out delicious South American flavors, awesome sandwiches and great coffee each day. They need to bring back the spreads they used to have though. My favorite here are the Tortas, especially the Pernil, which has roasted pork, avocado, tomato, onion and chitpoli aioli. The Yuca fries are too die for with the avocado dipping sauce. My wife loves their quinoa bowls. This was a great addition to the neighborhood a few years ago and I'm glad to see it going strong with more fans each day. read more

So disappointed to read the comment from the owner. When I review a business it isn't to piss anyone off, rather to offer suggestions. The service, quality of food and guest comfort are essential to a good dining experience. I'm not "picking" on this place, like I said, I was actually looking forward to trying it out and perhaps finding Delicious latin food nearby. The comments from the owner are so disappointing. No need to get defensive and LIE about asking me how everything was on my way out. In fact I can prove you didn't say a word to me as you were too busy setting up for your private event. ACTUALLY, I said thanks and goodnight and was not reciprocated. Again, as the owner of the establishment I suggest you heed my feedback and make adjustments (i.e.: advise patrons that after XY time you will be closing to set up for a private event, etc...). Just please DON"T LIE about what you said/did or get defensive, yelp is a tool for other diners to read HONEST reviews/experiences and decide if they take a chance on an establishment. read more

It may have been stressful to have to wait around for a table with my two little ones in tow, but I DON'T EVEN CARE now. Because the food was THAT good. It made my stress but a distant memory. I've been to Coffee, Tea, & Me (their sister restaurant) a handful of times, but for some stupid reason, I had never been to La Qchara. That had to change. Good thing it did, too, because this food was extraordinary. Among my family members, we ordered the French toast, the portobello tacos, and the periquero omelette. There were so many vegetarian options and there were lots of people behind us in line, so rather than look through everything closely, we just picked those and hoped for the best. The French toast was delicious - fluffy, cinnamony, caramely. The omelette was out of this world. Spinach, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and this outstanding chipotle aioli that really set it apart from any omelette I've had in the past. Plus it was served with yucca fries and the best black beans I've had in a long time. My husband devoured his portobello tacos. So many great drink options too! I had a very good chai tea latte. Friendly service. They were happy to answer any questions. I can't wait to return (maybe at non-peak hours) and try some other menu items. Melrose is lucky to have this place. read more

I'm shocked I haven't reviewed this place. If I could give 20 stars, I would. It's so refreshing to find something with such a variety of flavors and choices. I could eat the Venezuelan Benedict every day of my life and be happy! The sauce that comes with the fried yucca is something I would use as my dip for everything. And the coffee... The juices... The smoothies... Sigh. Yum!!!! The people are also really nice and they play great music. It's my #1 brunch spot on the east coast. I'm salivating thinking about it! Ha! read more

Love this place! It's a go to for me if I'm looking for a healthy and tasty spot in Melrose. So many options to choose from and every item on the menu tastes fresh and flavorful. They also have Mexican brunch which is one of my favorites. I have been here many times to get coffee or lunch. I especially love the quinoa bowls, smoothies, and raw juices. I normally get the Ecuador quinoa bowl which has black beans and avocado as the base. They have a lot of different coffee flavors and options, such as a Cuban cortadito! The only reason why I give this place 4 stars is because of the service. Everytime I have come here, I have experienced an issue with my order, or the person I was with's order, where it did not come out correctly by the servers. Not a big deal, but maybe their system could be improved. There is also a $3.50 off a coffee or tea if you check in deal! read more

I took my 5 and 3 year old to the Tuesday kids night yesterday and while I was grabbing some crayons and coloring books my 3 year old reached into a large hole in the seating bench and pulled out a classic mouse trap. Thankfully it was sprung and my kid was not hurt but I don't know if he sprung it and got lucky, or if it was already sprung when he picked it up. Either way I was horrified, because if it went off on one of his fingers they likely would have been broken. I brought the trap to the girls behind the counter and they said "sorry" and that they would let their manager know. I then went and checked the other large hole in the bench seats and there was another trap in there that WAS set. I let the girls behind the counter know in the hopes that they would remove it, or at the very least cover up the hole so another child could not reach in and grab the trap. Their response was "We didn't put them there, the pest control guy did.". When I pressed that they do something because that trap was very dangerous to children (as my 3 year old demonstrated) they just said "no. I called my manager and I can't do anything." Being fresh from my 3 year old being just luckily avoiding serious injury their refusals to do anything and stubbornness was infuriating as well as irresponsible. When a child's safety is in danger you should not have to wait for direction from your manager to take action. If they were afraid to touch the trap that's understandable but they easily could have covered up the hole. I let them know I would be sharing this online and with other parents they just said "go ahead". We were regular customers there. The food and service was always hit or miss but we live in the neighborhood and liked it's convenience, plus the kids liked the frequent trains going by. We heard from friends that the owner is a nice guy so hopefully this is just a case of bad employees. Also, I was so caught up in my anger over my kid almost getting hurt and the employees doing nothing that I completely overlooked how disgusting it was that they required mouse traps in the dinning room. You can see how the food is stored through the glass door around the corner so I don't want to think about the sanitation issues they might be having in the kitchen. Regardless, I was extremely angry and disappointed so we will no longer be customers. I tried emailing the owner but there was no email on their website. read more

La QChara - Latin American Near Me - Melrose, Massachusetts

I've been wanting to try La QChara out for so long, and I'm so glad I finally did. I love the vibe in there, can sit down and relax and also has a take out option. There are awesome all natural smoothies (I got the Isabella- highly recommend), coffees, teas, drinks, unique breakfast choices, quinoa bowls etc. The service was also great. I highly recommend! read more

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Owned by the same family as Melrose's Coffee, Tea and Me, Melrosians waited patiently for brown paper to be pulled off the windows and La QChara Cafe doors to open. Located across the street from the Melrose Highlands Commuter Rail Station, the neighborhood's seen three businesses close in this location in the last 6 years, including one business that moved from Melrose downtown. Open until 6pm and catering to the breakfast and lunch crowd, their menu includes a selection of arepas (corn cakes), plus a breakfast menu inspired by South American favorites. I dropped by for lunch and had the Bolivian quinoa bowl and limonada (it was a tough decision between limonana (with mint)). The salads all looked interesting, not to mention the items from the grill and 3 desserts. Plenty for the gluten free and vegetarian palettes. What a great change of pace from the usual Melrose lunch offerings! With their Marzotto espresso machine, I'm sure they'll continue to offer coffee, espresso and tea as they do in their downtown location. They've remodeled the space with a lot of energy, allowing plenty of space for the takeaway crowd to move in and out without crowding the sit down customers. One person actively cleaned tables, chairs, counters and other spaces as people got up. Considering it was their first day open, chaos seemed limited. From the looks of it, many people were stopping by for menus. La QChara will also offer catering. Welcome to the Melrose Highlands, La QChara Cafe! read more

Staff was friendly, plenty of room, food was tasty and fresh. Couldn't ask for much more. I was nervous given the recent 1 star reviews but almost feel like I ate somewhere else than they did. read more

I was there recently and had a few issues. Three of walk into the small restaurant and seat ourselves. We got our own menus and then waited for someone to come over and take our order. 15 minutes later I asked the server if they have table service and she said No. The order came out in a decent time and it was good. This another part that I don't like. I ordered an oatmeal raisin cookie only to find out that there is no raisins in the oatmeal raisin cookie but cranberries. I mention that to the person who served me well oatmeal raisin cookie and to one of the managers and they both didn't know what I was talking about. I don't like oatmeal cranberry cookies so it was a waste for me. read more