I've tried a couple different coffee shops in the Southie and have always enjoyed myself but nothing rocked my world. While we were looking for houses my realtor always pointed out this spot mentioning the line. He said there is always a line and in this part of town that is key to success. We passed it so many times that I couldn't resist walking down the first day we were in the house. Couple things to note when going: -expect the line there is usually only one person working the counter. -know what you want it's a coffee place people want to be in and out. There are a TON of choices so this is key. - this like many Southie institutions is cash only. read more

You have to wait a long time for your breakfast if you just walk up, however it will be worth it regardless of what you order. The coffee options are endless, as you can choose to customize your order with tons of flavor shots and combinations. My favorite thing to order is a bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast burrito. They are so good. Seriously superior to other breakfast burritos, though they just come wrapped in aluminum foil. I suggest calling ahead of time and just going to pick up your order. It's not a sit-down kind of place so you save a lot of time that way. Parking nearby is iffy and I think most patrons arrive on foot. The prices are good and they stay organized even when super busy. One other thing to note is that it's cash only so plan ahead! read more

Tucked away in a random side street in southie you'll find the sidewalk café. 5 stars when it comes to coffee and sandwiches. They have so many coffee flavors! At least 1/3 of them are brewed the rest are flavor shots. Snickerdoodle and marshmallow are my go to. Remember cash only. read more

I only live a few blocks away from Sidewalk and it's pretty good. Sidewalk really only deserves 3 stars (as far as food and service) but the convenience to my apt is worth the 4th star. The iced coffee is really yummy. Try the snickerdoodle, it's gooood! The breakfast sandwiches are good too. But beware, for some reason the service can be as slow as molasses. I usually call in my order and wait the 10 min in the comfort of my living room. It also can get packed really quick because there isn't a lot of waiting room. Another reason to call ahead people. The russian woman who works weekday mornings is always friendly and helpful. read more

This review pertains strictly to their Calzones. The bottom line: don't order them here unless you like them BURNT TO A CRISP. My company orders Calzones from Sidewalk every month or two, for a catered lunch for around 75 people. This means at least 15 large calzones, plus huge salads and sides, and they BURN them all EVERY time. I've been meaning to Yelp about this for months, but today they were even more "extra crispy" than usual. I'd like to be able to say that i like their calzones -- their "Sidewalk Stuff" turkey calzones in particular could be awesome -- if only I could taste them under all that charcoal-flavored crust. Unfortunately, these guys manage to screw it up every time. Update (summer 2012) Still true. I see I'm not the only one to have complained about the burnt food and couldn't-care-less customer service. Believe it. read more

Key spot for iced coffee, though lines tend to get long after 9:30 a.m. on the weekends - and if it's a great day out, prepare to wait for a good 20 minutes. But it's the closest to my house, so I deal and try walk over there early. Some of the morning ladies are great, some of the younger ones makes you feel like you're living in a scene out of "Mean Girls." Pizza is great, one of my favorites in Southie, though overpriced. I've gotten the Chicken Marsala a few times which is pretty tasty and can definitely get two meals out of it. So why only 2 stars? As some of the other reviewers have mentioned: indifference and/or attitude on the phone when placing orders which tend to get messed up. Tonight the attitude wasn't actually so bad, but when I picked up my sandwich, which I had ordered with "everything but hots" - well, so I didn't get attitude but I didn't get any toppings either. Also, I asked for oil and vinegar (important for a good Italian sub!) and got balsamic. Uh, not quite guys! Such a let down to get home and miss out on the accoutrements! They weren't overly busy either - 3 girls behind the counter, couple guys in the kitchen and I was the only customer in there at the moment. Just TRY to get it right! read more

I admit - I am a very picky food reviewer, but not a picky eater. I eat anything and everything, but am constantly judging and comparing dishes. I have expectations and when they are not met, I simply get mad. I am that person who grew up in New York and therefore will not spend a dime on a slice of pizza in anywhere other than NY - just plain not worth it. I can make an english muffin and throw mozz cheese on it and its probably more satisfying than any pizza slice you'll find in Boston. That is why I am going to trump all of these negative reviews and just acknowledge that Sidewalk makes some darn good food. Whether you like the owners or not, or its walking distance or not from your apt (relevnt?), the food is just great. Panini's are always cooked to perfection- buttery faccacias that dont feel greasy, but are seasoned enough to give that little extra to the already great combination of whatever it is you ordered in between. Its just really darn good. I also love their variety and creative combos. Recommendation: Goat cheese and mushroom panini- they do not skimp on the goat cheese and its wonderful I ordered mozz sticks with my order today just because I reallyyy wanted something comforting but not at all expecting them to be good. By the time I got back to my apt, the breading was still crispy and cheese just as stringy/melty as you see in the commercials. I was waiting to open the bag to see a soppy grease fest of limp sticks with cheese potruding out the ends. I was so pleasantly surprised to get exactly what I hoped but did not expect. How did such melty cheese stay so well contained, I asked my friend. Our mouths were too full to answer. The bread on the panini's hold up well to a decent walk home and the goodness inside is just as melty or not as melty as you expected. Their menu descriptions are on par with what you expect. This place does simple just so well. The four stars is a result of the prices (and because being 5 stars is alot of pressure)- The prices are high, yes, but ya know what, it's a business and every time I leave in a 4 star mood. The line is there becuase they must be doing something right (line moves surprisingly quickly). If you put the food on a fancy dish, threw parsley on top and told me it was from that new swanky place "Wolfie's" down the street, I would believe it. They are high quality sandwiches. Oh yeah- and the iced coffee. Such a treat - recommend the Chocolate mocha mint... and I don't even like MINT! read more

Hands down the BEST coffee and breakfast sandwiches in Southie. I left the area 3 years ago, but always stop in when I'm in the neighborhood. Definitely recommend the Banana Hazelnut or Snickerdoodle coffee! read more

Cute little corner cafe serving breakfast sandwiches, salads, paninis, smoothies, coffee and the like. Cash only but they have an ATM by the register. The cashier was unfriendly and looked bored. I got a smoothie and and a breakfast sandwich. The smoothie was artificial tasting and very sweet. The breakfast sandwich was extremely salty -- even the bread seemed to have extra salt in it. read more

great little neighborhood spot in south Boston, fantastic and quick service! great brewed coffees and delicious bagel sandwiches!

Crazy good coffee and panini! Ate that shiz up! Apparently this review needs to be longer so I just made it longer. read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Long lines so people come for a reason. I got a bagel with butter and there was barely any butter on it and the bagel wasn't great, but I guess that's my fault for just getting a bagel with butter. The sandwiches look good and the coffee is fine. read more

Coffee is wicked good , freshly brewed and always have a gazillion flavors to choose from , would definitely recommend . read more

Sidewalk Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Cash only. Big fan of their flavored iced coffees- the closet thing Boston has to Mary Lou's! FYI-the large is HUGE. read more

Quick service, lots of coffee flavors and the portobello and goat cheese panini was very tasty

The other day I ordered a chicken cutlet sub with lettuce, tomato, american cheese and mayo. When I got home I found a chicken cutlet sub with mustard and mayo on it. A. Who would even order something like that? B. Check your orders before you leave this place. Iced coffee is good but overpriced. Ask for less ice in the large, you could build an igloo with the amound of ice they put in there and the coffee might evaporate on your way to work there is so little inside. read more

Cash only. Amazing breakfast sandwiches! I'd recommend calling ahead on the weekends to avoid any lines. The bacon, egg, and cheese is fabulous. The panini's are also a great choice for lunch. read more

Not the best bagels or anything but the coffee is great. Quick service, small location, makes it easy to stop in for a quick bite.

Fast friendly service and good eats for a reasonable price. Order ahead or expect 10 min wait to order. I am not a fan of the coffee but if giant vat of coffee is your desire, you will love this place. read more

So after my previous review my friends told me how they got awesome iced coffees from this place multiple times. I went back on a Saturday at 11am. Line out the door, people in front of me said they had been there 30 minutes. For a 30 minute wait that iced coffee better come with something more than cream and sugar. Also, for the record, MIchael M with the 5 star review is the owner. He sent me a private message telling me that he was the owner, and that I should get a life. Sorry pal, Bailey's has better coffee, better food and better service, and apparently classier owners too. read more

How hard can it be to make decent coffee? Grind beans, poor hot water on them. Someone needs to give these guys some training. First of all they use styrofoam cups (big opponent of those) and then the coffee has to be the most watered down anywhere in South Boston. Service is absolutely horrible. I've tried to grab something on the go before jumping on the 7 bus a couple of times and for some reason it seems impossible to get that done in under 5 minutes. Haven't had their pizza, but a luke-warm Italian sub served by a bitchy woman sometime last fall has made me walk circles around this place. read more

I've been in Southie for a year now and only recently discovered Sidewalk Cafe. Working from home, I frequently suffer from extreme cabin fever and venturing out for lunch has become a good way to get out of the house. Southie seems to lack a truly great sandwich spot, so Sidewalk Cafe it is... I am a fan of the Grilled Pesto Chicken sandwich, have tried a few calzones and liked them, and have done some of the pastas and salads for dinner. The Tuscan Saute was good - but once you add in a salad you end up spending a good chunk of change it seems. Definitely call in your order before going over, because sometimes the wait for a sandwich can be tediously long, especially if its 2 in the afternoon and you're the only one in there awkwardly watching NECN on mute. read more

I used to live in Southie down the street from this cafe about 2 year ago and decided to get food there today. The food used to be soooo amazing, but that was 2 years ago! The food SUCKS now! The subs are tiny, the chicken tenders are soggy, nothing is fresh AND its EXPENSIVE!! Never go here for the food. The food and service SUCKS!!!!! read more

I have been to this establishment many times. The only reason it is still in business is because the east side historically had no competition. The coffee is overpriced, weak, and in ridiculously wasteful styrofoam cups (get with the times). The staff is rude and unhelpful. The baked items are nothing more than mass-produced junk from a big retail store, also overpriced. The physical 'restaurant' is cramped and has absolutely no real seating. You can't even get in the door with a stroller, and it is definitely not handicapped accessible in any fashion. If you are able-bodied, walk another block to the bagel shop, Dunkins or the Cranberry Cafe. Or make your own coffee (gasp) in the time it takes to get to the front of the stupid line on a weekend morning! read more

My husband and I walked into sidewalk and ordered 2 egg sandwiches and coffee. Coffee came out quickly but we had to wait for the sandwiches. 10 mins goes by, 15 mins, 20 mins and finally 25 minutes go by so we started to ask questions. As it turns out, the young lady behind the counter lost our ticket and it never got to the kitchen. They made 2 sandwiches on the fly and sure enough the egg is completely undercooked and basically inedible. Poor performance, sidewalk. read more

I come here ALL the time and everyone is sooo nice and the food is delish. but...what the fug is wrong with the blonde chick that works evenings? The chicks are all SUPER sweet( and the guys in the back are cool), but she is a total stand out with her rudeness and mismanners. must be family...? heh! I cant let one person mess up my many many years of 5 star food. read more

Best iced coffee ever. Stayed a few blocks away from Sidewalk Cafe this weekend, and now I want to move to Boston. Friendly and quick service. Cash only! read more

Best ice coffee in the city, hands down! Not the only thing the Sidewalk has going for it though... Great breakfast sandwiches and delicious pizza too. We order the Sidewalk a ton for delivery - reasonably priced, HUGE menu, consistently good food... You can't go wrong. read more

Worst coffee in Southie - it's like drinking water. Every time I come here, I immediately regret my decision.

Best coffee on the East side of Southie. This is evident by the line you see when you drive by, that spills out onto the street. Also the big white Styrofoam cups you see all over southie! If you like thin mints, try the Thin Mint iced coffee. It's awesome. They also have milky way, twix and butterfinger! It's more of a desert coffee place, than a diesel 'i need me some caffeine' coffee place. The pizza is excellent also! read more

The breakfast sandwiches here are great. Be prepared to wait a while for your order because the line is always long and they make each order fresh. You won't find any microwaved eggs here! read more

Upping my review to 3 stars because of customer service. The owner sent me a msg and was very nice and concerned about my experience. Everyone has an off day and I plan on trying a sandwich for there. My roomie swears by their coffee and also said they have some great sandwiches and snacks. read more

Food and coffee is okay but not worth the giant line every time I go. Prices are fine but they are cash only... Customer service is merely okay. read more

Sidewalk Cafe has amazing bagels and a great chive bacon cream cheese! It was delicious. However, the service was terrible. I ordered a white chocolate chip coffee. They asked if I preferred hot or cold. When I asked for hot, they said they only made it iced. I was ok with iced, but then they said it was an extra 90 cent charge to get it iced. I didn't really mind, but I was a little annoyed that they even asked me what I preferred. Additionally, a man came in with his daughter, who looked to be 3 or 4 years old. He asked if she could use the bathroom and they said it was only for employees. This was during the St. Patty's day Parade and there was nowhere to use the restroom nearby. read more

"Oh, our chef doesnt come in until...". This is not a helpful statement from a purported breakfast restaurant. You are either open or you are not, don't waste customers time. read more

The only thing I have ever ordered here is a breakfast sandwich and coffee because once you have had a breakfast sandwich at Sidewalk that is all you can think about getting. I am not a fan of English Muffins but somehow the bacon, egg, & cheese on an English here is literally the best breakfast sandwich I have ever had. I used to walk 20 mins one direction for this thing even in a hungover stupor. I moved out of Southie a year ago and the saddest part for me is the fact that I can't walk to Sidewalk on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Sure there is sometimes a line here but its well worth the wait and they move so quickly it's not even an issue. Not a good place to sit down since there are only few chairs against the window and its pretty cramped but it's more of a take out place anyway. Hoping that next time I am in Southie I can swing by Sidewalk Cafe! read more

This is a little joint that is mainly for take-outs. Food are made fresh. Heard that their breakfast menu and coffee are what everyone likes. We ordered a pepperoni pizza and meatballs with pasta. It was pretty good. Staff is not servers but they just take your orders. Prices are fair. Please note they only take cash, thus I only gave them 3 stars. read more

I only get this coffee when I dog sit for my sister but it is great. The cups for ice coffee are huge and last all day which is perfect after along night of drinking. I had a pizza from here once that was great but kind of runny. I am looking forward to trying the sweet potato fries next! read more

Four stars for quick, fresh, and filling breakfast sandwiches. The English muffins are as large as the bagels.

Love grabbing breakfast at sidewalk cafe, their breakfast sandwiches are made with real eggs, big fluffy bagels, and they listen to all requests (bacon crispy, eggs scrambled, no cheese) whatever your like...great selection of coffee, and fast service...only downside is the line really builds up, expecially on weekend mornings, but its understandable with such a small spot read more