I don't care what anyone says; I'm a fan. Given, I haven't been to many brunch places, and am by no means a connoisseur, so take what you will from my review. I came on a weekday afternoon with my boyfriend, and was ecstatic to know that they serve breakfast all day. We were told "anywhere you like" once we came in, and the wait staff were very accomodating to seat us next to the window. I usually stay away from the pancake/waffle/french toast options in favor of omelettes and eggs, but today I found myself debating between two of many stuffed french toast options: the peanut butter and banana or nutella and banana (I chose the latter), while my partner chose to go with a big breakfast platter with two eggs over easy, sausage, pancakes, and whole wheat toast. Our food came (with quite large portions!) and mine came with sliced banana on top, as well as butter and a little cap of maple syrup. It was quite good; there was, surprisingly, a citrus-y flavor to my french toast, I'm not sure if that was intentional, but it worked well. I tried a forkful of my boyfriend's pancakes and enjoyed those immensely. There wasn't much to RAVEEEE about but I definitely enjoyed what I ate for the price and would definitely visit again. The wait staff were friendly, in my opinion (maybe they are only nice when they are not frazzled by weekend brunch-goers) and the options were extensive and seemed extremely yummy. I was a little confused by the self-serve nature of the drinks, so I opted for water. read more

This place was definitely now worth my 30$ for breakfast I ordered 2 breakfast burritos with a hot chocolate and the burritos was very similar to tacos bells breakfast wrap that costs like 5$... if you want good breakfast worth your money go next door it's sooooooo much better and actually more affordable. I will never eat here again! Also the bacon I added tasted a lot like chipotle sauce GROSS. UPDATE: The owner of the establishment tried to harass me over my honest review so now I give you one star. I highly advise people to stay clear of this place because if they don't like your review they will harass you on yelp. This place is a joke and so are the people running it. I wasn't the only review that stated this place was bad so I'll leave it at that. Goodluck with your business! Leaving customers with harassing messages over yelp shows what type of people run business like this. And FYI I don't care what "regulars" say about yelp. Yelp is for people to go and give an honest review. I'm done here. read more

Sound Bites was awesome. After a brief hangry fight with my husband, I found Sound Bites and we had to do take out due to time constraints. I wish we had time to sit down and order although there was a line out the door and down the sidewalk. I ordered the Broadway bowl and was blown away! There was so much packed in that bowl, I had to eat it in two sittings! Eggs, cheese, avocado and english muffin! YUM! I loved how they have a coffee bar set up, prevents people from waiting for their caffeine! They were very nice and prompt in their delivery of the food and we were on our way! I hope we get to go back to Sound Bites and enjoy their food again! read more

The owner of Sound Bites is a pleasure to talk with and very accommodating! So many options - if you're torn between many, like my family was - ask for suggestions or split a few! The pumpkin waffle was delicious - nice and soft. The fruit bowl was very large and had a great variety! We also got an avocado, tomato, basil, cheese omelette that was a delight! Would highly recommend. Can't wait to go back! read more

Sound Bites was my favorite breakfast place when I lived in Somerville years ago. Just went back this morning and had the Crunchy French Toast. It was the best french toast I have ever had! Love this place! My friend got the lobster brie omelette and it was huge and filled with lobster. Also love the self service coffee bar and fresh squeezed orange juice! read more

This joint is great for a small last minute brunch. The line can be long, since there's no more than 10 tables there. No big parties please! My fave is the omelette with avocado, jack cheese and tomatoes. yum! The best part of this place is their "hash/homefries" - it's actually a wedge of mashed potatoes that's crispy on the outside. They also offer muffins, pancakes...etc...and the coffee is self serve. Be careful though, don't get too comfortable, I got yelled at for using my cell phone. read more

I will agree with the masses: Sound Bites serves good food. Yes, yes, yes. This is a fact that I will not dispute. The food is fast, it is delicious, it is affordable. I will also say that the french toast is to die for. Why? Because they use challah. This is their secret, and what a wonderous secret it is. Aside from the french toast, pretty much everything on the menu is delicious (lunch items included)...though the breakfast items are by far their specialty (don't even get me started on the STUFFED french toast). And now the reason for only 4 stars: I hate waiting. Even more so than waiting, though, I hate being rushed out after waiting. Sure, I understand the reasons behind the rushing. And yet...I still hate being rushed. I am definitely glad for the ability to grab a cup of joe while I'm waiting and even more glad for the prompt (as prompt as possible) seating. But the rushing, the pressure to leave as soon as I've sat down, really warrants only 4 stars. Bottom line: If i wasn't rushed out, I'd have given 5 stars. read more

My friend and I haven't seen each other in a while and decided to try out Soundbites. First of all for a Saturday I was able to find parking almost right away on Broadway and we got a table super fast. The menu was vast and if you can't find something on it you would like you can count yourself as picky! I got a breakfast special-Portebello Mushroom, Goat Cheese and Tomato Omlet servered with a side of delicious mashed potatoes! What a nice change from home fries or hashbrowns. They also served us a complimentary plate of fresh fruit. Since we were catching up I was very pleased that they didn't rush us. The only downside is that the gentleman who was clearing our plates at the end kept interrupting our conversation to insert "witty" comments while clearing. That was a bit annoying, but otherwise I give it 4/5 stars and would definitely go back! read more

One of my favorite places to eat breakfast on the weekend that is close by. I like the option of being able to get coffee in line while you wait. They have a good selection of coffee and it has good turnaround that it is always fresh. They also won't ask for you to move tables once you've been seated and waiting for a larger table like Ball Square Cafe will. Let's just say I've never been back to Ball Square because of that. Not worth it. Last time I was here I had the Tuscan omelette and it was tasty! They give a lot of fillings with the omelette so you don't feel cheated. The home fries are really good with some Tabasco sauce. Mmmmmm. The menu is extensive with a variety of options. If you like breakfast sandwiches, their deluxe sandwich is good too. Get ready to wait and to get kicked out so that others can get in. read more

The quality of food here is amazing, considering a pretty substantial menu. One of the best places to get breakfast in Boston. I'm always astounded by the fruit bowl - so much variety and so fresh. One downside is that a seat at Soundbites is in such high demand, the wait can be long and the staff (understandably) rushes you out once you get your check. read more

I went for breakfast on a weekday. No lines. No crowds. No problem getting an awesome table by the window. I ordered the Wonder Waffle with a side of bacon. Probably one of the best waffle I've ever had. Nice golden color and very nice malt flavor. I was very satisfied with my dish. Beverages are self serve so that was great not having to wait for someone to refill my coffee or juice. This will be my standard order from now on. Just a great place on the weekday. I hear that the lines are crazy during the weekends. read more

Open on the fourth of July! Awesome. The host not allowing me to sit until my friend got there not so cool. The lady continually hovering and bumping into me, annoying. The noise level, which included the screaming 3 year old beside our table, awful. But as always, the coffee was great (free refills too), the fruits and vegetables are fresher than most breakfast places and they offer veggie sausage. The service was slow, but hey, it's a holiday. Also, their home fries aren't really fries, they're mashed potatoes with just a little bit of crust. I like sound bites, but won't go on a holiday again. read more

I like Sound Bites because I get to meet my friends here, who just love the place. I'm a basic coffee first, then some eggs and toast. They just do these things ok. With what is going on with food, I think a shake up is needed. More variety, a little more pepper and salt, a different take on coffee. A good greasy spoon! read more

Soundbites brunch is always tasty, but not somewhere you want to go to have a leisurely meal. There is always a line on the sidewalk but it moves quickly. The downside to this is when you finally get a table, it's very rushed. They don't have time to take you drink order so you get it yourself. I think the menu might make up for it though! The scoop: Yummy food Fresh squeezed OJ You won't be here all day Know what you want and eat it Then get the heck out read more

We met my son and his roommate there for brunch on a Saturday. The staff were all very friendly. Prices are reasonable for the large portions they give you. I would definitely recommend and go back again read more

Amazing brunch place in Somerville !!! Was there for the first time and was so impressed. The staff was fast and friendly. The self serve coffee is a plus! The food fantastic! Definitely going back! read more

This is my favorite place to have breakfast in Somerville! Totally worth the wait if you have to stand in line. The food is delicious! The staff are super friendly. Try the fresh squeezed orange juice and really anything on the menu, but the French toast is amazing!! You won't come just once :) read more

Gabriel was more than polite. He knows the menu inside and out; also guided me to order what made most sense and was most cost efficient. This was my first time here and I will definitely be back again. The service here is awesome and I love the atmosphere. read more

Sound Bites Cafe - Sound Bites menu! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Now I know why this place is rated SO HIGH! They are so great. Kind and speedy service. Big portions. Lots of seating. It really is the best brunch spot! They also have a serve-yourself coffee bar which is awesome. read more

The ONLY thing keeping me from giving this place a full five stars is the fact that there are literally signs on the walls telling you that your table is a hot commodity, so you better chow and get out. Otherwise, this place ROCKS and there is a very good reason that you have to wait in line for a LONG time on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The funny guy who owns it is a huge plus too. I enjoy patronizing the establishments of those I find quirky. read more

Me versus: 3 large apple-cinnamon pancakes, a slice of orange and a bottomless cup of coffee, $8.36 Who wins? me and my pangs for a traditional American breakfast of sugar and fat (which is a good thing!) So I fulfilled my sudden desire for a sweet start to my Sunday morning. Initially, I wanted to go to Simon's or True Ground but they weren't open so I hopped across the street to try Sound Bites, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Arrived here at ~7:30 AM and there were maybe 4 other people in the place (mainly seniors). Not surprisingly, the place got much busier as the morning wore on. Apple cinnamon pancakes = not the best pancakes I have ever had but they did the job, plenty of sliced apples, tons of cinnamon, not very fluffy but not completely flat either, didn't have much flavor but loads of butter and syrup helped. Coffee = pretty good for a diner plus they have mugs and take out cups so you can fill up to go after you're done with your meal since they're BOTTOMLESS! Grab your silverware and coffee before you sit down cuz they don't bring it. Service was brisk and effective. While it wasn't exactly a cheap greasy spoon breakfast, I'll probably return to try their extensive breakfast menu (maybe something savory next time) read more

Soundbites... not much more to be said, 100+ reviews, everyone knows about it, yadda yadda yadda. If you don't mind the bustling atmosphere and the possibility of a wait (dress accordingly for the weather, you could be waiting outside), it's a great breakfast spot. Now that they've moved into a larger area, the line is shorter and moves faster than it used to. The larger space also allows diners to actually swallow their food after eating rather than being rushed out with the food still in their throats. I really like the self-serve beverage system, you don't have to rely on anyone else to refill your coffee or water, and you can take a minute to decide what to get. Though that may not be for everyone. As far as the food, there are tons of options (omlettes, eggs benedict, pancakes/waffles) and the portions are more than adequate. I always insist that newcomers try out at least one of the following side orders: homefries, grilled blueberry muffin, or the fresh fruit. None of those will let you down. read more

I love Sound Bites - it is by far one of my favorite breakfast places anywhere. Everything I've ever ordered here has been great but I am a huge fan of the eggs benedict - especially with smoked salmon. They are also extremely generous with their fruit plates. People complain about the abrupt service but the staff is all about getting peope their food quickly. Also, I am a huge fan of Yassir the owner - he may seem rough around the edges, but once he gets to know you as a frequent customer, he treats you like gold. 4 stars instead of five only because I've waited on some super long lines - the food is certainly worth the wait but standing outside in Boston in February can be seriously brutal. read more

Like John R. below, I to enjoy the self serve coffee / beverage bar.... as well as the 'to-go' cups they have out. Four Stars for that alone! I come here fairly often, however, I always get the Scone Plate. It's yummy! The hashbrowns are good as well. Check it out! This place can get pretty crowded so you may want to avoid peak eating hours! read more

Found this place by reading another Yelp review. The Cream cheese & Fig French toast sounded too good to pass up so we had to check out. Little bit of a line when we first got there but they quickly got us seated. Well .... technically they tired to seat us w/ another couple, but I guess they weren't havin it and they never came to sit w/ us. Booooo!! their loss.. Anywho, we sat down and instantly received a plate fresh fruit, on the house! I had the fig french toast (obviously) and my husband had an omelet w/ artichokes in it. Wow!!! His was good.. but man, my french toast was off the hook!! We loved it so much we came another night, and even thought it was dinner time/ with a dinner menu the owner (I'm assuming that's who he was) was really awesome in sayin "No problem guys!!" and made us breakfast. Overall a great place to eat!! Go check it out. ;) read more

I've only been here for breakfast -everything I have eaten here has been pretty good. Smoked Salmon omelet is great, eggs benedict is great, stuffed french toast is awesome. Menu items are original, its nice to eat outside when its warm. Cons: serve yourself drink bar ( come on I feel like next time I go back I'll have to go up and get my food too) , you will never have the same person come to your table twice and they will make sure to get the food and the check on your table as soon as possible, as soon as possible. Turning tables is the number one priority here. It's a nice place every once in awhile but there are better places for breakfast. read more

This place was abso-freakin-fantastic! I'd heard of the extremely long lines, but fortunately when we got there (around 10:30 AM on a weekend) there were only two people ahead of us. We were seated quickly and to be honest, I wasn't expecting much from the menu since it seemed so small. But man, can they pack a lot into those little two pages. I opted for the "elegant eggs benedict" which weren't any more elegant than any other eggs benedict I've had. However, they came with "home fries." This is a total misnomer as their home fries are actually fried mashed potatoes, which were totally delicious. The eggs benedict had a bit of a spicy kick to them. While it was totally unexpected, it was also really delicious. The person I was with IMPLORED me to try the corn muffin, which had been cut open and either toasted or grilled. I didn't think it possible, but whatever their technique they have certainly elevated the lowly corn muffin to some new extravagant status. The decor was nice, as was the service. While I didn't have anything to drink, I like the notion of a self-serve beverage bar. read more

My friend and I stopped by Sound Bites for drinks after grabbing dinner across the street at Yak and Yeti. I didn't have any particular problem with the service or the wine we drank. My only complaint is that the drink menu they gave didn't list prices--kind of annoying--although what we were charged was fairly reasonable for two huge glasses of wine ($8 a glass). i would recommend Sound Bites to anyone wanting a low-key place to grab a quick drink and watch the game. read more

I always leave this place full and not wanting for more. The issue is trying to get a seat without starving in line. If you come during peak breakfast hours then expect to wait awhile. Peak hours are typically Saturday and Sunday mornings. If you find yourself staring at an impossibly long line then stave off starvation with a cup of coffee or something from Lyndell's bakery just a block or two away. You'll be much less grumpy, trust me. The menu is extensive and has just about anything for anyone. I'm a meat and potatoes guy and I've never been disappointed here. Note, the home fries are of the mashed variety and are good enough to keep me coming back for more. Service is fast once they finally get your order. Sometimes it takes them awhile. Probably because most people are typically rendered indecisive by all of the possible choices. TL;DR - Always busy during peak hours, must try home fries, big menu. read more

food was great but nothing spectacular-typical diner food. I will say the hash browns are delicious though if you are a mashed potato lover. Large portions of food and quick service. Huge menu to choose from. Cool coffee bar. read more

Very solid breakfast and brunch spot in Ball Square with yummy Middle Eastern-ish lunch and dinner menus as well. Best at off hours when the crowd and noise level are not crazy. Two things make it rise above the other brunch spots in the area: Leffe Blonde on tap (as well as a full bar and 9 other drafts) and Lavaza espresso! read more

I ventured to Ball Square one recent Sunday morning for brunch at Sound Bites, and I was definitely not disappointed. Approaching the place, there was a huge line out the door (to be expected around 11:30 AM), but since it was only me and a friend, we were seated right away. From then on, it was a definite theme there that you move fast and keeping things moving. The menu looked extensive and had a lot of different options (many different eggs bene and omelet combos). We ordered quickly- shared the pear and goat cheese stuffed french toast (oh so delicious) and the eggs benedict with spinach instead of ham. It was tasty, but too much hollandaise smothered everything, and the sauce wasn't the best ever. the fried mashed potato brick is deliciously garlicy and flavorful, but not really what i wanted for brunch. The self-service beverages doesn't really save much time, since the line was huge and carrying them back to your seat amongst crowds of people is a little obnoxious. Not to mention you tip them based on drinks you fetched yourself, which is a little uncool. Coffee was pretty weak, too. After eating, and trying to grab our waiter, which could have been 5 different people at any one time, we quickly paid. We lingered for a few moments to finish coffee and it was obvious the waitress wanted to clear away our cups so bad. All in all, the service is friendly and efficient, but this isn't the place to relax and have a leisurely brunch on a Sunday morning. If you just want to have a quick bite that is both very delicious and reasonably priced, then Sound Bites is your place. read more

To paraphrase from another reviewer: this is my idea of breakfast heaven. All their specials are amazing -- I particularly like the eggs bene and the boursin + mushroom omelet. Both of these dishes are amazing, fresh, and very tasty -- the combination of flavors to me seems to personify what a good "New York style" breakfast/brunch is all about. The refillable coffee (in Soundbites mugs) is great (and a lot of fun to pick your own mug, etc.). My boyfriend and I eat here quite often on the weekends... We try to beat the rush by arriving before 10 am if we can manage to peel out of bed. I think the service is rushed and, yes, sometimes the owner can be grumpy, but come here often enough and you are treated like a regular and you get used to the rush. In any case, we come here for the food (OHHH THE HOMEFRIES), and I am kind of glad that the people who usually linger for hours over toast and coffee feel like they should get going. So I'd give them an extra star for that service alone :) And maybe another star for the grilled blueberry muffin.... So 7 stars all in all, if you lost count. read more

Ate Saturday Brunch here, and only had to wait about 15 minutes in line outside to be seated around 12:30pm. Great list of affordable options from the full breakfast and breakfast special menus. The Scone Plate offered every component you could possibly hope for from a breakfast, with great flavoring (dill and cheddar on the eggs). This place is definitely worth checking out for a lot of food for a good price and quick turnaround of the food after ordering. Can't speak to Sound Bites as more than a breakfast joint, but would return again as a less expensive but still filling alternative to the Friendly Toast. read more

extremely happy for this place to have been able to expand. I have been in and out of the powderhuiose area since 2001, and have been going to soudn bites intermittenedly since that time. when they were holed up in the cramped quarters beside their new place, they were rocking...lines 25 people long out of their door. All manner of diners - tufts brats, townies, yuppies; a beautiful melting pot replete with some of the best eggs benedict that i've ever had. In august when i returned after a 3 year lapse in good sunday brunch food, their new digs accomodate the now seated 50 odd people on a sunday. their prices have jumped a bit, but its still a damn good eggs benie. cheers sound bites read more

Soundbites is always dependably good. Their food is fresh, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is relaxed. It's especially nice in the spring/summer when the big windows are open to the street. I try to come here at "off" times, like weekdays or later on the weekends, because the line for Saturday and Sunday morning brunch can be out of control. But, it's worth the wait if you do go during peak times. The omelettes are great, as is the stuffed french toast. Fruit is always fresh and so is the coffee. My husband says it's awesome for lunch, too -- next, I'm going to try it for dinner. I'll report back on my findings! read more

Sound Bites is a natural place to fall in love with for brunch/breakfast. They serve breakfast all day and their home-fries (which are pan friend mashed potato type magic) are simply wonderful. I like their omelettes which are pretty much perfect and they sometimes offer pancake variations that are fun. They almost always offer free fruit just to be nice either at the beginning of a meal or at the end. I like that you can get your own OJ or coffee instead of having to wait for a waiter and it is wonderful that they also have a full bar. Brunch is enhanced by the addition of a mimosa or bloody mary. I have been to the next door Ball Square Cafe that served me a less than ideal meal. I have not felt the same about Sound Bites... The one star I took away is that their lunch options are not great. Ohwell... I can always keep having breakfast. read more

I waited in line for this? Sorry but there's much better places for brunch than this overrated, underwhelming, bloated joint. The food was okay, it wasn't very impressive and they kick you out. Whatever. read more

First, let me say that I came to Sound Bites for a private event (movie screening), and have not been on a regular day. Three stars for a surprising beer collection and decent food. However, the service was terrible! The bartender was clearly trying really hard, but was clearly understaffed and overwhelmed. Plus, the credit machine behind the bar was down, so he had to keep pushing through the crowd to run credit cards over at the coffee counter. Oy. I would definitely go back on a regular day to check it out. read more

Sound Bites is definitely has the best breakfast, but also a great place for dinner too! Great atmosphere and good prices.