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    Rooted Cafe

    3.6 (31 reviews)
    InexpensiveCafes, Sandwiches, Soup
    Closed 12:00 pm - 7:30 PM

    Rooted Cafe Photos

    ROOTED CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for kids

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    a piano in the middle of the room
    Amy K.

    I was so excited when I discovered this place right down the street! As a coffee shop, it was wonderful, and the events they host look really cool, though I have yet to attend one. My only reservation lay in the fact that on my first visit the woman behind the counter seemed flustered when I asked for a recommendation. I love taking recommendations from people wherever I go and especially at coffee shops because there is always something different to try. Maybe she was new or in the middle of something but she was taken aback when I asked her to recommend a drink and she told me to just get a cappuccino or latte, which I did, and it was very good. So maybe that was what she liked. I will definitely be going back to try different things, especially for an art show or concert, I'm excited they have beer and wine and are open later!

    smoked salmon sandwich
    Te R.

    i really wanted to like this place because it's in a cool building and close to my place. i got a sandwich for lunch, which was kinda average. and the tables are small and not very stable. the staff talked to each other way too loud, and it didn't help that they didn't put on good music. i moved to the couch and found that the staff put their stuff all over (they were trying to put some new paintings on the wall). i know it's a low time of the day, but it doesn't mean that they can be skimpy on their service. but overall it's pleasant enough to hang out in there. the wifi was quite reliable. i'm willing to give them another chance. it might have been their off day...

    T S.

    I love the armory and the Cafe, There is always something cool going on at the cafe. You can catch some live music or even a live podcast getting recorded. They have great coffee, food and Beer. I like a cafe that I can go and get a Guinness at.

    lunch time entertainment

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    11 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Very nice indoor cafe. It's a nice place to go with friends and play board games. They have a ton of them.

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    14 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Only had the soup (apple butternut squash). Took them 20 minutes to serve it and it was watery with little taste.

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    Ask the Community - Rooted Cafe

    Review Highlights - Rooted Cafe

    The Armory Cafe is a great little coffee and sandwich shop and a performance space.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Faro

    Faro

    4.2
    (65 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    THEY DON'T ALLOW LAPTOPS…read more I didn't actually get any coffee here... but putting this review out so you don't make the same mistake I did! I was thoroughly disappointed when I learned this, because it's the cutest shop with the best vibes. I'll try sometime when I don't have to lock in, I guess.

    Faro Cafe is a small cafe operating as both a coffee shop and a neighborhood gathering space tucked…read moreaway in Harvard Square. We walked into a cozy, bohemian atmosphere filled with eclectic décor, photos, artwork, books, puzzles, chess boards, and an overall sense that people are encouraged to slow down and stay present. Despite the relatively small footprint, the space manages to feel welcoming rather than cramped, with indoor seating that supports conversation and outdoor seating that becomes especially popular during warmer months. Coffee is clearly the centerpiece here. We ordered espresso based drinks, including a flat white and a seasonal Juniper Latte, both of which were prepared with care and a clear emphasis on quality. The café leans into a more thoughtful coffee program, and that attention shows in the cup. Beyond the drinks, the pastry selection is good, particularly the croissants and scones, which paired naturally with the coffee menu. The experience is helped by friendly, engaged staff who contribute to the café's welcoming personality. Conversations with the baristas and small community touches helped create an environment that felt more personal than transactional. The laptop free policy can catch first time visitors by surprise, but for many regulars it is part of what gives Faro its distinctive identity and helps preserve the social atmosphere that sets it apart from more work focused cafés. For a coffee stop in Harvard Square that prioritizes human connection over productivity, Faro Cafe delivers a warm, intentional space worth slowing down for.

    Photos
    Seating area
    Seating area
    Cappuccino / 2 scones / croissant
    Cappuccino / 2 scones / croissant
    Exterior

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    Exterior
    Cicada Coffee Bar

    Cicada Coffee Bar

    4.4
    (255 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Delicious coffee, super cute space, and refreshing food…read more It's a bus yourself restaurant with an unassuming outdoor space in the back for additional seating. They generally require you to order before sitting given the small space so keep that in mind when you arrive. Service is friendly and very quick. Their food is delicious and refreshing, however I'd say the star of the show is their coffee. I really enjoyed the Saigon latte especially paired with the DELICIOUS pastry. Definitely want to come back to try their dinner menu!

    Came here on a sunday evening around 7:45 PM without a reservation, and were quickly seated at the…read morebar. The restaurant had a really great ambiance, and I enjoyed being able to watch the chefs prepare the food. We ordered the ginger cabbage salad, the coconut eggplant, and the duck noodles. I would have loved to have tried their sushi grade salmon, but they were unfortunately sold out for the night. So I would recommend arriving earlier if you would like to try it. My favorite dish was the duck noodles. I liked the freshness of the basil in the pesto, and the tenderness and juiciness of the duck. The coconut eggplant was a close second favorite. The coconut flavor was delicious, and I liked the nuts on top for crunch. I also found the ginger cabbage salad to be yummy, but not as much as a standout as the other two dishes. Overall, I really enjoyed this spot for dinner. I liked how fresh everything was, and how the dishes felt very light and healthy. It's definitely a bit on the pricier side, but I found it to be very worth it. I definitely come back and try their lattes and other dishes.

    Photos
    Coffee bar
    Coffee bar
    Mushroom spring rolls
    Mushroom spring rolls
    Decor

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    Decor
    Zinneken's - Harvard Square

    Zinneken's - Harvard Square

    3.9
    (666 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $

    TLDR: You can't go wrong with a warm, freshly made waffle…read morehere, but people definitely have their individual preferences. My recommendation is to go with the Liege waffle with berries and your pick of any other toppings. With a cozy atmosphere and the smell of warm waffles, this is an especially good spot during the colder months, but still a favorite in the warmer months too. ------ FOOD: THE LIEGE (5/5) The Liege waffle is the classic here and the one I'd recommend. Sweet, thick, and a richer snack (i.e. the satisfying treat you're probably looking for if you're stopping by a waffle shop). All of the topping combos are classic, and the berries they use here are high quality. Waffles come out hot and fresh after just being made, so if you order ice cream or whipped cream, know that you'll have to eat quickly if you don't want it to melt into the waffle. THE BRUSSELS (4.5/5) Besides the Liege, the Brussels waffle is an interesting choice and very different from the Liege. As the menu describes, it's definitely significantly lighter, and it's crispier in a different way (not from the caramelization of the pearl sugar but from crisped up batter similar to an Ego waffle). It's extremely delicate, so I'd recommend just doing some powdered sugar and maybe a chocolate drizzle or some whipped cream. ------ ENVIRONMENT / AMBIANCE: * Small shop on the edge of Harvard Square. Some window seating and a few small tables best for groups of 2 - 4. * Given how small it is inside, finding a seat during peak hours can be particularly challenging, and lines can be out the door too. ------ SERVICE: * Order at the kiosk and then find a seat (if you can). When a waffle is done, they'll call a name and come to you once you indicate that it's for you. * Water and utensils are self-service, and the expectation is that you put your plates, utensils, and cups away in a bin inside by the counter.

    Perfect for sitting quietly on a sunny afternoon, especially when you're feeling down…read more Gourmand Waffle: Liege waffle/banana/whipped cream/caramel. The ultimate sweetness is evident from the ingredients. The waffle was light and crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside; the sweetness of the banana and caramel is mellow and rich, the pearl sugar was slightly caramelized, and the sweetness of the cream was natural and light. Every bite offered a different layer of flavor. But most importantly, it was really sweet, and sweetness is the most soul-stirring enjoyment. It was sweet enough to bring peace, allowing you to temporarily escape the world and focus on this plate of beautiful fairytale. Café au Lait (Latte): Beautifully layered, with a natural milky aroma. But what does the menu mean by confusing café au lait with latte?

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    The Sin Waffle, add whip cream and Caramel Macchiato
    The Sin Waffle, add whip cream and Caramel Macchiato
    Banana/ strawberry/ chocolate waffle

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    Banana/ strawberry/ chocolate waffle

    Rooted Cafe - cafes - Updated August 2026

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