This place is so good. It's also too expensive, but like a crack addict i'll keep coming back for more. I went here for lunch today for the first time and took out some home cookin. I got the BBQ chicken because I didn't have time for fried chicken. It was finger-lickin' good. The mashed potatoes were mighty fine too. It's hard to justify spending 10 bucks when Tues is turkey dinner special at Redbones, but hell, this stuff is good. read more

The five-star review here doesn't come lightly. As a product of a southern state, I frequently find myself longing for the good, cheap soul food that makes the south a great comfort-food destination. Here in Boston, i've learned to accept that you can't find good bbq without looking closely. And, despite the few good bbq joints around, few places focus on true soul food. Coast Cafe is one of those places. The fried chicken is well seasoned (nice black pepper in the batter) and fried to crispy perfection. I took it to go, so the wonderful smell was taunting me all the way to my destination. Once I broke out the fork (get two forks!), I discovered the best collard greens i've had in Boston. They are cooked with beef or pork and are just the right about of savory/tart. The mac and cheese has a nice breadcrumb crust and tastes like something your mother would make (if she loves you). Finally, you must try the banana pudding. For those who don't eat banana pudding with nilla wafers, they provide a nice textural contrast. I finished the whole thing, which for me is a great compliment to the chef. Prices are reasonable (cash only) and portions are grand. The eleven dollar fried chicken plate was enough to feed two, and dessert was only three dollars. Located almost across the street from Whole Foods on river street, you can easily miss it. Don't. If you are craving southern goodness, you MUST try coast cafe. read more

Coast Cafe is pretty much the epitome of soul food in Boston. The menu is packed with things like fried chicken, porkchops, meatloaf, cornbread, black eyed peas, mac and cheese and the list goes on and on. I've eaten the fried chicken and the ribs a number of times and they're always perfect. The chicken is crispy and perfectly seasoned and juicy and delicious on the inside. The ribs are slathered in bbq sauce and the meat is fall off the bone tender. The sides are all top-notch. The mac and cheese in particular is to die for and should probably be included on everyone's "my last meal on earth" section of the Yelp bio page. My only complaints are that they don't deliver (because I'm lazy), they aren't open on Sundays and Mondays (my weekend days thanks to a wonky work schedule), and they have limited indoor seating (just three chairs and a bar-style table). None of those complaints, however, are worth deducting any points from these cats, it's amazing food and undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Boston/Cambridge. read more

Oh my gah!!!!!!!!!!! Do yourself a favor. If you like friend chicken with all the fixings.....you will love the Coast Cafe..... I never realized they had Southern Cooking. I always though it was seafood......I don't know.......maybe "coast" in the name. Anywhoo, I had the friend chicken and candied yams............The fried chicken has chicken on it! Yup, not just bone dipped in batter.....Nice white meant.........perfect pieces......made to order........ The candied yams are friguen yummy........They are the perfect balance of yam and sweet..........Not too comma inducing but enough sweetness to want more........... If this is how people in the South Eat........well than they are luck bastards. Plain and Simple This is by no means somewhere you can eat once a week. It is just too awesome......It is so good, you really just want to come here when you are having a CRAVING. Or else you KNOW what will happen. "They try to make me go to Southern Food Rehab and I said No, No, No!" P.S Pass on the mac n cheese.........I can make you some Velveeta and it will be just as good.......Major bummer, but they have enough sides to make up for it. read more

Drove past this place the yesterday and all I felt was sad. Sad because I just freaking ate! I remembered this place being the spot for fried chicken and yes the soul food. There aren't many of these places around Boston, but that's what makes this place so special. This place has character, it's not done up nicely, it's very small, it's not very visible, people are friendly, prices are reasonable, and it's usually places like this that serve the best food. By all means if you're a health freak, this might not be the right choice, but sometimes you need a reward. They don't really have the healthiest option, from fried to bbq, but they do have soups and salads, if that's what you're into. Hey the best food may not always be the best for you. Anyways chicken here is probably the best I've had bought. Food reminded me of my friend's house back in the school days, where I first experienced real soul food. The last few times I visited this place, I ordered the meatloaf plate, with the mac n' cheese (my favorite), collard greens (not right without it), and that corn bread! Never had a bad meal here! Meatloaf was soft and flavorful, mac n' cheese was cheesy and stringy, collard greens not overly salty. Chicken has seasoning in the batter and juicy meat, that you can actually taste, not that fake KFC garbage made with "5-spices." This place is legendary and would highly recommend it. If you ever need more meat on your bones, come here. If you suffer from insomnia, come here. Guaranteed you will be knocked out and wake up feeling satisfied and possibly fat, but it's all worth it in the end. read more

Hot diggity DAMN. Believe and have faith that heavenly fried chicken WILL BE HAD HERE!! Not oily, not dry, ALL goodness. Get ONIONS on your chicken sandwich! Trust me! Be a purist and try it without saaaauce. If you want saaaauce, they got plenty for you too! Catfish... Be holy wholly awesome too. Coconut square...mama will knock you out! Banana pudding... Down dirty shame dat it ain't pure protein! Wash all down with diet coke or milk or more FRIED CHICKEN. This is more than a party in your mouth. It's an experience with your chicken. You and your chicken will become one. You and your behind will keep coming back to Coast Cafe. I don't mind that there are no seats too.. order takeout, eat there, eat standing, maybe it'll make you feel less guilty with the calories. Heck, walk there and walk back home, or walk there, eat and walk back for some more! read more

Wow- I can't even tell you how much this place makes my mouth water. I have a bag of leftovers next to me at work that needs to put away before I start eating fried chicken and mac for breakfast. The chicken is like nothing I've had before- its fried, but not really greasy or gross to touch- the chicken within the crunchy crust is moist, tender, and packed with flavor.... wow I seriously need to put the leftovers away before this gets out of hand.... Okay, situation avoided. I've had the chicken, chicken soup, and the mac n cheese- all delicious. The mac n cheese has a little bit of a breaded topping, and needs no additional seasoning (sometimes mac n cheese can be a little bland... but not here). The soup was also great, and my boyfriend swears by the chicken sandwich. A few tips- Its a take out place, so don't plan a romantic evening out here. Order earlier rather than later... it was maybe 45 minutes to close the two times I've gotten take out, and they were running low on the Mac. If you are like me and don't need a super huge meal- I suggest ordering the single chicken breast with a small side (the chicken plate has two pieces of chicken, two sides, and corn bread. The single breast and single side is a little cheaper, and about the right amount of food without going overboard). read more

I had the fried chicken finger plate, black-eyed peas and rice with gravy and collard greens cooked with smoked turkey. Everything was super fresh, yummy and satisfying. Some of the best fried chicken I have ever had. I especially dig the collard greens. They have a cool collection of hot sauces in store that I'll have to utilize next time. And a UPS delivery guy raved about the chicken cheese patties while I was in line. read more

This is my favorite place for fried chicken in all of Boston, it's great. So juicy and flavorful with amazing crunchy crust. Also love the mac n cheese, the ribs, the beef patties and the sweet potato pie. Great food, a Cambridge institution. read more

If you like soul food- look no further. A bit out of the way, dont deliver, take out only- why? because its simply that good Breast or Thigh friend chicken plates come with 2 side dishes and are my favorite Great family run business- absolutely wonderful read more

We came to this place on a pretty hot day and got our food relatively quick. It was the fried chicken box and collard greens as a side made to order. The place is small, but cozy and is a good place to eat and relax, with music in the background. Regarding the food, the chicken was confusing. It was more peppery and grainy than I was used to. The first of my 3 pieces was a little dry, but the other 2 were nice and moist. I don't remember the last time I ate collard greens but these tasted ok, like any other vegetable. For what it's worth, I'd go there again just to try out some of their larger entrees. It's definitely better than some of the other local restaurants that do chicken, which is saying a lot. read more

Got take out from here for a mid afternoon lunch. We got the fried chicken lunch plate and the ribs with sides of sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, and collared greens. The macaroni and cheese was delicious, if not a little bit cold, but still greta texture and flavor. My chicken breast was so juicy yet crispy on the outside with a zesty seasoning that Im craving right now as I write this review. The sweet potatoes (candied yams) were my favorite. Not too sweet with a perfect richness of flavor that didn't leave me feeling overeaten and sluggish afterward. It was a bit pricey, $30 for a moderate amount of food. I recommend this for a hearty meal if you want soul food without the grease and guilt. read more

Best fried chicken place in the Cambridge area! I always get the fried thigh combination platter with collars greens and mac and cheese. The fried chicken is always perfectly seasoned and crisp, even with takeout and delivery (I often find fried foods get a bit soggy if not eaten immediately, due to steam buildup in the container, but that was not the case with Coast Cafe!) The sweet potato pie is also a great way to end the meal; creamy filling that isn't too sweet or rich. read more

i LOVE fried chicken and this place has the BEST fried chicken in the Boston area. The portions are perfect and their sides are lovely. I especially like their collard greens with smoked turkey - YUM! The cornbread is great too. It's a little hard to find and very limited seating (i.e. 4 window stools), but they package everything nicely to go. read more

hidden gem! I have passed this place so many times not thinking anything of it but then I saw it on Phantom Gourmet and had to try it. It did not disappoint. This is the crispiest, juiciest, tastiest chicken ever!! So good. The menu has a lot of other things I need to try but I don't know if I will be able to no get the chicken... maybe I will try a new item from the menu AND get a piece of chicken... :) First time visitors - this place is tiny with 2 bar seats at the window.. definitely a take-out place. read more

Parking: street Seating: limited; mainly take out Staff: really nice This place is simple. No frills. And the star of the show here is definitely the fried chicken. Perfectly seasoned, juicy and hot right out of the fryer. read more

I'll confirm again that the fried chicken was amazing -- crispy on the outside, moist on the inside. If you don't want to get the fried chicken meal on the online menu, they also sell by the piece. I think it was $2.25 or $2.50 depending on if you wanted drumstick, thigh, etc. Cabbage was delicious. We also got some beef ribs, but I honestly would just rather eat all fried chicken. The ribs were tender but not falling off the bone. The sauce was a big sweet for my taste. I called in my order, and they told me 20 minutes. They were pretty much right on target with the timing, which was good because I left my car in a handicapped parking spot on the street. Even with a Cambridge parking permit, it wasn't easy to find a spot right outside at 7 pm. I'm sure I could have found a spot if I circled around on a side street, but I was hungry! I totally agree with other reviewers that the worse part is smelling the chicken during the drive home! I might have broken off a few bits of crispiness to nibble on during the traffic lights. read more

I love this place so much. Their fried chicken is good that it's midnight and yet I'm thinking about it.... I wish they were open Sunday, Monday and Tuesday because I find myself always wanting them on Sundays, but oh well! read more

Delicious fried chicken and really good sides (fries and rice). Food made to order so you have to wait a bit. Not cheap but worth it. Would love to come back if I crave fried chicken. The corn bread and the banana pudding are top notch. read more

I rarely give 5-star reviews, but this place totally deserves one. I lived/worked in the rural deep south for quite a few years, so I'm familiar with this type of food -- have had lots of it. Coast Cafe is pricey for take-out food in this neighborhood, but you get what you pay for! Coast Cafe, which is take-out only, has served spectacular food ever since they opened. The fried chicken is the best on the planet -- perfectly cooked, tasty, crispy, and not greasy (I just wish the breasts were a bit larger). And the smothered pork chops are spectacular -- my favorite thing on the menu. The gravy that tops it is delicious, and it perfectly complements the pork and sauteed peppers/onions. Cakes are homemade and delicious (moist & flavorful), too. And whenever I pick up my order, I can't resist adding a few Jamaican meat pies from the case next to the cash register. Oh -- mashed potatoes are also wonderful. Service (from the owners) is always, always super friendly. I'm glad this neighborhood joint is here! [Note that I've never had the ribs here, because it doesn't strike me as a BBQ place (and the other stuff is so, so good!). But I'm curious how the ribs are.] read more

I'd been hearing about this place for a while, so my friends and I made plans to- at long last!- give it a shot. I got the fried chicken, and a chicken pocket-type thing. The pocket was fantastic; I could've had a few of those for my dinner. The fried chicken was damn tasty, though I won't go so far as to call it the best I've ever had. The spices were really excellent, and did bring to me a flavor I was unaccustomed to in my fried chicken. Not unwelcome, mind you. And I got a fair amount of chicken for what I paid. Definitely a good value! The place itself was small, meant more for take out than sitting down and eating, though sit down and eat we did. The staff was all very friendly and helpful in answering our newbie questions. All in all, I'd definitely go back, though for take out next time. read more

This is one of the gems of my neighborhood. I tell everyone I know about it (and Basta Pasta). I only order from there for takeout and wish they delivered but they are so close...no problem. Great food and friendly service make them a weekly stop. read more

Why did I not know this place existed until today? Andy wanted "fried" for lunch, so we whipped out the yelp machine and discovered this place. I had the finger platter with mac and cheese and rice and beans with gravy. Andy had catfish with black eyed peas and mac and cheese and a chicken thigh. All of it was delicious. The chicken was moist and flavorful, the macaroni and cheese was real home made mac and cheese, no velvetta crap. The gravy was the best thing ever. ever. When I say "chicken fingers" I really mean giant pieces of chicken breast. Andy ate his whole meal. I appreciated that the "corn bread" was little corn muffins. Such a good find. Looking forward to eating from here in the summer when we can take it to the park (there's only 3 stools). read more

40 minute drive cause I was really craving soul food. But I can say I'll never be returning my chicken breast were BURNT to the point that it could not be eaten I was really looking forward to it was disappointing. Smh the sides were okay but why would you serve anybody chicken that burnt read more

The Coast Cafe - Why would you serve anybody chicken this burnt?? - Soul Food Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Got the chicken it was not that tasty and tasted like it had been cooking too long. Sorry will not be back!

Over the past two years, Coast Cafe has become my hangover food of choice. Before I stopped eating chicken, I loved the grilled chicken sandwich. Now the grilled catfish is a staple. the mac-and-cheese is fan-flucking-tastic. I also recommend the fries, which are a perfect addition to any sandwich. So why not 5 stars? Well, there are 3 main drawbacks: no delivery, lack of fresh veggies in some cases, and lack of cheap menu options. read more

Have an urge for fried chicken? Go to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Ok, my Southern friends may think I'm crazy, but if you are in Greater Boston, there just may be no better place than Coast Cafe on River Street in Cambridge. This three seat (I'm not kidding there are just three seats) restaurant is perfect for lunchtime take out or an out of the way weekend culinary hunt or takeout picnic. Since ambiance is not much of a question, focus on what you plan to order. All of the chicken is made to order; not pre-cooked and re-heated. Also to be had are side dishes such as homemade macaroni and cheese (no velveeta here!!!) and greens. Oh, and the corn bread is a buttery yummy treat that's not too sweet. I didn't have any room for desserts but I have heard rave reviews of the banana pudding, among others, and will certainly save room (or take some home next time). read more

Food is good, but the price for the ice cream scoop sizes are ridiculous. Really- from someone that grew up eating and watching family cook soul food daily, it doesn't make sense to charge so much for such a small portion. Disappointed. read more

Coast Cafe is awesome. I can't believe it took me a couple years to try it. The fried chicken, sides, sauces, and sweet potato pie are delicious. Highly recommend. read more

I ordered a chicken thighs combo and ribs combo for my husband's birthday. We were just so amazed by the food. We are both Southern food lovers. This is definitely one of the best! The fired chicken is so crispy and juicy at the same time and the ribs is juicy and with rich smoky flavor. We had Mac&cheese, ride&beans with gravy and candied yams for side, which were also high quality. Especially the candies yams is so special. I can really feel that chefs made these dishes with heart! read more

It was with a bit of trepidation that I made my way to Coast Cafe. Having been to the South, I've experienced authentic soul food and was understandably apprehensive that such could be recreated in Cambridge. Thankfully, Coast Cafe proved me wrong. Stepping into this tiny restaurant, I was instantly reminded of the cozy hole-in-the-wall eateries I've visited in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. The food proved itself well, far exceeding my expectations, conveying familiar flavors, and embodying everything that, in my mind, soul food represents. I can't recall precisely what I ordered, but I'm certain that I left satisfied. Everything is made to order, which means that food is fresh and hot when received, but also means that some waiting is to be expected unless one calls ahead. Seating is limited to three stools along one wall of the restaurant's public space, but with myriad benches nearby, as well as spaces in Central Square, one can easily find somewhere to sit and enjoy Coast Cafe's food, weather permitting. read more

Coast Cafe may look unassuming from the outside, but they serve up some legit fried chicken. It's crispy, juicy and finger-lickin' good because each order is made FRESH. You won't find no dried up chicken sitting under a heat lamp here! Nuh uh...no sir. Just be patient because the 15-20 min. wait is worth it. Trust me. $11 for a chicken plate (2 breasts or thighs and 2 sides w/cornbread) is a great deal too! And when it comes to sides, I love the mac 'n' cheese (gooey goodness topped with breadcrumbs) and the black-eyed peas and rice topped with gravy. The candied yams are too sweet for my liking, but the boy enjoys them. I know some people swear by the banana pudding topped with Nilla wafers, but I'm not a fan of bananas. You do get your money's worth though because it's like $3.50 for a pretty sizable container of pudding. I only wish there were more seating--alas, there's only 3 counter seats. But I get that it's more of a takeout spot. Also, the people who work there are super nice. read more

Delicious soul food restaurant hidden within a mostly residential area. The space is tiny so it is better to do take-out, though be aware that everything is fried freshly so order takes at least 15-20mins. I ordered the two piece fried chicken thigh combo which comes with cornbread and two sides of your choosing. The fried chicken was very good. I liked that the breading was light and well seasoned. The mac and cheese was also great and my other side was fried plantains because I can never say no to plantains! Definitely a good deal considering the amount of fresh comfort food you receive. read more

The Coast Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I ordered Mac and cheese, collard greens, mashed potatoes with gravy, different types of empanadas and boy was it all just sad. Mac and cheese was ok, not much flavor and collard greens along with the mashed potatoes was super bland. The empanadas were just disgusting. I took one bite of the jerk chicken one and spit out and this is coming from someone that's not even dramatic. It was horrible guys. read more

To me, Coast Cafe by far has the best fired chicken anywhere. I've tried Hattie's in Saratoga Springs, NY but Coast Cafe's fired chicken is even better. Their chicken is juicy, tender, crispy on the outside, cook extremely well and very very tasteful, I have to say after having the first piece, I'm hooked, and if I ever wants fried chicken, I will now always want to go to Coast Cafe. I did tried some of their side dishes, sweet potato for example maybe a tag too sweet, however, overall they do a very good job on cooking all the food, the cooking staff pay a lot of attention to make things right, so call in for order beforehand, otherwise you will need to wait a bit there before you can get the food. But it worth the wait! read more

In my opinion, this place has to be reviewed in conjunction with the Cantab Lounge. Why? Because the Coast Cafe has no seats and no liquor license. And the Cantab has no kitchen and allows you to bring in food. Talk about a match made in heaven. read more

Coming to you, on a dusty road... Good loving, I got a truck load... And when you get it, you got something.. Don't worry, 'cause I'm coming... I'm a soul man! Excellent food in a great location. Restaurant is small, but the food portions are big. Take out is timely and staff friendly. The collard greens are excellent, Mash potatos with gravy hit the spot. Soul food at its best. If you are at Whole foods and are looking at the buffett contemplating your dinner options. Do yourself a favor and call Coast Cafe, walk a couple blocks and pick up some soul food at Coat Cafe. read more

This is authentic down south back home country cooking soul food in Cambridge!! Having southern roots I can say I know my soul food and this place does it right from the perfectly seasoned chicken to the potato salad everything is amazing. Mac n cheese taste just like my grandma's and the greens and blacked eyed peas are to die for head on over to Cambridge and check out this spot for yourself. Only reason I didn't give a 5 stars because it's a lil pricey. read more

The Coast Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Blink and you'll miss this place. So keep your eyes open or else you'll probably be missing out on the best fried chicken in the Boston area. Not too greasy. Still juicy inside. Well seasoned batter. As good as it gets above the Mason Dixon line. Luckily, it's a bit of a walk from the T so I don't feel so guilty for shamelessly stuffing my face with fried chicken. read more

3.5 stars. I can't quite give it 4 stars because the batter on the fried chicken is missing some savory oomph and heresy of all heresies: they don't have chicken legs (only thighs and breasts). However, I'm stoked that there's a legit soul food joint within walking distance of my house. I actually walked to Coast in the pouring rain - I was that intent on getting some fried chicken. The collard greens and mac n' cheese were awesome and the people who run the place are super nice and passionate about their food. The fried chicken (although lacking a bit in the batter department and missing legs *tear*) is definitely crisp and juicy. The cornbread could have used some warmth to it but the flavor was right. Try this place out! read more