Absolutely great!! Got the Hecto on a bagel and the Bean in a wrap. Seriously, one of the best breakfast options in the area. Their coffee is also really good (makes sense, given the name). Finally, if you can get in before they sell out, their scones are so good that every other scone you ever try will taste bland. Go here! Very friendly staff and very good food. read more

What I love about you grounds is ununpretentious atmosphere. The staff are always friendly and helpful when giving guidance on picking the best breakfast for the day. It's places like this that remind me of what America is all about authentic friendly people. I've been coming here since they opened. I've always appreciated this oasis of humanity in a sea of corporate entities I hope you feel the same Way when you visit. Bon Appetite! read more

Wonderful Somerville coffee shop, across from Sound Bites. This cafe serves George Howell Terroir coffee and espresso, It's very good coffee. The people are friendly and the seating is comfortable, though tight. The free wireless is a huge plus, as is the wide availability of power outlets. Great scones (best in Boston--I've tried almost all of them). Great coffee. Great sandwiches (best in Boston again, with the possible exception of Formaggio Kitchen, who can't make fresh-to-order sandwiches by permit rules). Great staff. I even think the music is cool. The best Boston coffee shop by a wide margin in my opinion. read more

Okay True Grounds. The following is what we in the corporate world call a "feedback sandwich." I'm going to give you two compliments to soften the blow of AREAS YOU DESPERATELY NEED TO IMPROVE UPON. You speak sandwiches, so I know you'll appreciate this. You still have delicious food (lox and capers bagel? Various sandwiches of breads and spreads? Yummy coffee? Yes, please!), you still have those darling mosaic table tops, and now you even take credit cards. Good for you. But here's what: your staff is STRAIGHT UP RUDE, and I'm effing over it. I worked at Starbucks off-and-on for six years; I know how hard...and how easy...good customer service is. And I've never been more consistently ignored/eyes-rolled-at/borderline snarled-at than I have here. It's not the customer's fault that the system of ordering, pushing aside, calling out, tossing bags of food willy-nilly can no longer accommodate the volume. It's not MY fault that I enjoy cucumbers and tomatoes on my bagel. It actually makes me not want to patronize you, and that's a shame for both of us, given that I live a two-minute walk from you. Okay. Um. Hmmm. You play good music. Overall score: attitude adjustment recommended. Good job on the lox, though. read more

A three year lapse warrants revisitation. Warrant, meanwhile, warrants sweet, sweet Cherry Pie. Warren Beatty warrants prestidigitation. What was I talking about? Right, True Grounds. Today's lunch (brought to you by the letter en-yay and the number sigma) consisted of a Willow -- roasted portabellas, fresh mozzarella and plum tomatoes -- on grilled rosemary thyme bread and a Red Plum Nantucket Nectar. If you read that aloud, you will sound like Dane Cook doing the "peanut butter and jelly, Ruffles and a Crystal Light" bit. For eff's sake, I apologize. I bumped TG up a star because I've learned a valuable lesson: never get a pressed sandwich to go. The wax butchers paper they wrap take-away orders with keeps the moist heat in, subsequently softening the hardiest of toast. The Willow had crunch, chewiness, beefy umami and watery fresh mozzarella. I liked it a lot. A little steeper than warranted at $7.80, but not terribly so. Plus, you get a free hour of stable wifi! Plop on the couch, groove to tunes by bands you don't know and feel like you never left the office as you block out other human beings and lose yourself in your MacBook. Or not. This is Somerville, yo, equipped with hippies that love to chat at coffee shops. Hip hop hooray! read more

A cafe with free wifi??? Could it be???? YES, WHY YES IT IS!! I just moved here but I have been on a mission to find places with free wifi since soon I will be a big bad grad student!! And this cafe in Ball Square fits the bill!! They have tons of coffee and drink selections and they even have sandwiches here too! Matt J. and I tried eying around to see the size of them, because usually with cafes the sandwiches aren't that big, but we could only smell the remnants of sandwiches in the air, and at least that smelled good!! Our coffee was great too. Matt thought his medium was a little too much to handle for our short little visit here and when they say they have a dark roast they mean DARK like pitch black DARK. It was so bold!! But hey, you find me complaining about really strong coffee. Like I said, I'm a soon-to-be grad student!! Coffee is my new best friend!! They have tables inside and outside, but this place closes early which is kind of lame....9pm on most days and 7pm on weekend days, and on weekends, I guess they don't start their free wifi until 3pm because of the crowd?? Seems kind of strange to me....but I guess they get so busy they don't want us students around hogging up their tables with our research all day ha ha And if you bring your dog, they have treats at the counter too which I thought was cute, very somerville-esk ha ha. But, our table was a bit on the sticky side, so I don't think it is the cleanest of places....and stickiness and laptops don't seem to mix too well to me.... BUT free wifi, coffee, and food! Hooray for True Grounds!! If only you were in Davis Square and not Ball Square! read more

This is a neighborhood staple for me. Really love the eggs wraps that you can customize however you'd like. Cold brew is pretty great. Where did the couch go though? Was one of my favorite spots to hang out in America read more

Last week, I had a brilliant cup of Costa Rican coffee here. It was medium-bodied, smooth and lacked the awful, acid inducing heartburn found in $4 cups of Starbucks. {However, one should expect brilliant coffee from George Howell, one of the most recognized and respected names in coffee. He's the owner of Terroir (served at True Grounds) and former owner of the once adored Coffee Connection, which used to be sprinkled throughout the Boston area before Starbucks bought them out.} This morning, a blueberry scone delighted the palette and made me wish I'd bought one more for later. It was so good, it's hard to believe the English invented it. Oh, and to the calm, cheery people working the counter at 8 am, thanks so much. You were so pleasant, for a few moments, I thought I was in sunny California. read more

Remember that thing Americans used to be famous for called "Customer service"? If you were coming here to be served, you should've stayed home. As soon as you walk in the door of this dark unfriendly establishment, they will shove a screen in your face and tell you not to talk to them. If you can't find the item you wanted to order on the hundreds of pages on the screen, they will give you a withering look and send you back to the screen. Never mind if you have a question about any of the items. No one is available to answer them. Even though many of them have a obscure names. What the heck is a bostok?? I ordered a brioche with shiitake mushrooms, thinking it would be an interesting, savory snack. They put sugar in it! Sugar and mushrooms? Nasty! Even my 11-year-old could taste that her avocado toast we waited 15 min for had no salt on it. My husband saw the screen and left, refusing to even try anything. He was smarter than I. Never again. read more

True Grounds contains all that can be expected from a true neighborhood coffee joint. Great coffee, neighborhood vibe, delicious breakfast wraps/sandwiches, and freshly baked goods are just a few pluses to TG. I've frequented this place enough to know that every cup of coffee is made with lots of love. This holds true for all their sandwiches as well. Starbucks (although I'm a fan) doesn't hold a candle to True Grounds. Their uniqueness and attention to each customer is one of a kind and can only be found in Somerville, MA. Breakfast sandwiches are made with fresh spinach, eggs, meats, mushrooms, etc and pannini pressed. Some type of magic must occur within this special machine because I purchased a bagel "as is" myself and couldnt not produce this within my own kitchen. Yes yes, some type of magic happens in True Grounds. It doesn't hurt that each latte is finished off with a foam heart. I heart you too. ps- There is always a line outside of Sound Bites.. if True Grounds sustains this quality, I'll always watch the line, but never be on it. read more

Superb coffee shop excellence. The staff was ecclectic and friendly, but not snobby like other similar establishments. The coffee was pretty good, and the atmosphere was just fantastic. The walls are completely covered in art... paintings, sculptures, photographs... An awesome mix of songs softly bellowed from the speakers and sung to a full and diverse dining room of people from all walks of life. Next time, I'll have to try the food, because it sure looked and smelled amazing. read more

*** 3.5 stars *** I am a HUGE fan of Ball Sq. Cafe for breakfast, and I probably go there more often than I should (hence, the name on the table), so this week, we decided to try out something new for breakfast.... and decided on True Grounds since reading so many great reviews. The coffee is simply amazing as everyone has already stated. It's one of the best coffee I've had. Also, they make home-made muffins and pastries, so after seeing their muffin tray full of delicious offerings, I was convinced to try a triple berry muffin, and it perfectly complemented the amazing coffee... so far, so good. We ordered breakfast sandwiches, and I was rather disappointed by the limited selection of breakfast offerings. I typically like to go the healthy route and substitute regular eggs for egg whites, but that wasn't offered here. It's okay - I still ordered a Portobello, Spinach, and Egg burrito. We easily found a table in the quirky seating area with lots of funky artwork. I was looking forward to breakfast here because I've heard so much, but was let down by the portobello burrito. The mushrooms were overly salted, and the eggs were bland and the spinach didn't help. Also, because mushrooms are mostly water, it turned the burrito all soggy - perhaps a bad choice to put in a wrap. I won't be returning here for breakfast, and will stick with my fave - ball sq. cafe, but I will definitely come here for coffee!!! Perhaps it is a good choice for when you're waiting in line at Ball Sq.! Sorry for the low marks, but although the coffee was fantastic, the breakfast was a let-down... read more

Now, I'm not a "do work in a coffee shop"-kind of person. I'm much better holed up in my room for days on end, writing papers in my pajamas and living on delivery pizza and Diet Mountain Dew. I've gone days without seeing or talking to another human being, all in the name of productivity. That's healthy, right? Right? I guess what I'm getting to is, if I WERE the kind of person who could do work in a coffee shop, True Grounds is totally where I'd go. Free Wi-Fi* and outlets aplenty? Wow, it's like someone designed this place so people with actual computers could use it! Imagine! Oh, but let's not forget about the coffee. It's good. It's very good. Ditto the sandwiches and salads. (I had an Apple Gorgonzola Salad today that was JUST what I needed.) And the atmosphere is chill and friendly. I hate cafes where everyone inside is trying to out-hipster everyone else. Like, I get it, YOU'RE WAY COOLER THAN ME. True Grounds just seems a lot more relaxed, and I like that. *Hmm, I checked their website and it looks like they've just started restricting customers to one hour of free Wi-Fi, then you have to pay extra. Boo-urns, but it's still better than most places. read more

It almost seems overkill to write a review for a place with 92 reviews already, but whatevs, we'll keep it simple. I'm literally here to grab a sandwich and jack the wifi for like 5 hours and it's all serving its purpose. There's some funky/fun music playing in the background and tons of randoms coming in and out. Seems to mostly be a place for people to bring their laptop and throw down some work for an hour then bounce, maybe have a coffee and some food while they're at it. I like the local feel and the spacious area, also the nifty designs all over the place. I don't like dogs (sue me) but they allow dogs inside which is a positive for most everyone else on the planet. read more

I want to love this place since it's so close to my house, but it's just not my scene. It has an extremely laid-back, casual vibe and decor that reminds me of Vermont. You feel like you're in someone's living room instead of a cafe, only less comfortable. I'm sure that's exactly what lots of people love in a cafe, but it's not my preference. The main reason why I don't come here very often is that I don't care much for their espresso, and sadly I'm a hopeless espresso addict. Perhaps it's stronger than what I'm used to, because often my drinks taste sour. Could be just me. The sandwiches and salads are all solid and very comparable to Diesel, and they serve the same MEM tea. Despite my luke-warm feelings about this place, it is worth visiting for the scones alone. They are homemade, they are buttery, they are moist... Basically, they're the best scones ever. We buy them half a dozen at a time! read more

Great coffee and tea and some amazingly tasty scones. Good for catching up with friends but WiFi can be a little slow at times. But all in all a great place!! read more

LOVE THIS PLACE! Seriously, it's one of the top things that makes me glad to live nearby. You can come and chill with a friend or alone, and not feel weird at all. Their baked goods are the best in the area. If you don't believe me, try their maple scone.. Maply sweet, and simultaneously a little salty and nutty. Your tastebuds will thank you for it! But please don't buy the last one.. I may be coming by after you. Honestly, I think it's taken me so long to write a review since I am genuinely afraid that too many people will find and take over this little gem of a cafe. It's just the right size and popularity level right now. Did I mention their great fresh brewed iced tea assortment? Each day, they feature an iced black tea, an iced green tea, and an iced herbal tea. A great complement to their muffins, scones, and breakfast burritos or super-fresh sandwiches. Of course, they also have great coffee. And Yahtzee and some other board games and books in the seating area. Not that I've ever played them there, but it adds a cozy touch. One day, I'll figure out how to use their triple-whammy of trash & recycling receptacles properly. (Where does the foil go, anyway?). But until then, I'll enjoy True Grounds for its more tasty and less complicated aspects. It is a divine little cafe in a somewhat nondescript Somerville square. read more

I've been avoiding writing this review because I secretly keep hoping that no one else will find out how good it is and take my spot by the window. . . I fell in love with this coffee shop the first day I walked in. They were playing Dar Williams, and the woman behind the counter asked me how I liked the book sticking out of my bag. There's a really chill, friendly atmosphere here. It's the only place I know of with free wireless where other patrons will help you out if you can't get on the network or if you need to plug in your laptop. Cornelia's chai (that's chai and chocolate) is to die for, and their sandwiches are fresh and filling. All their egg sandwiches are scrambled - which some may not like, but I think is pretty good. The maple scones are absolutely delicious. I just wish they did late night. read more

Usually I don't come here because they are too slow making their food and their coffee is just OK. But yesterday and today I was off for work so decided to walk over for a bagel with lox, which I have enjoyed there. Yesterday 8:00 AM: After waiting in line, now next to order, the person in front of me orders a bagel with lox and they realize they are out of salmon. Then, the cashier starts arguing with the kitchen about who will go across the street to get it. I thought that was pretty lame so I went ahead and tried to order the salmon to send a bit of a message, and then walked out empty handed. Today 7:30 AM: After waiting in line, now next to order, the person in front of me orders a bagel with lox and they AGAIN say they are out of salmon. The customer leaves and so do I. Is this the TWILIGHT ZONE??? I hate to break up with my only local coffee shop but I now know exactly why everything takes so long or is out of stock. They are lazy They are likely losing tons of business because of their mismanagement but they don't care. And they are disrespecting their customers' time by going days without supplying the few key items on their menu and then not making it clear until you are at the front of the line. I don't want to be a jerk but their employees should be working in a record store and not a restaurant. That would make their customers happier but I sense it would make their employees happier, too. read more

I live nearby and came here for the first time today. Got myself a coffee and an iced tea for my girlfriend. After we finished our drinks my girlfriend found a bunch of chunks of bread in her drink. She had a serious gluten allergy. Thanks a lot guys. Never coming back. read more

Love this place! Recently started coming here on a semi-regular basis. Their scones are amazing. Perfectly soft on the inside, but a nice crunchy texture on the outside. The blueberry scone is my favorite. If you haven't tried the Teele sandwich, you definitely should! The chicken has been a little dry a few times, but the sauce that comes in the sandwich makes up for it. It's nice and creamy and has the perfect amount of kick to it. I've gotten the mocha every time I've come and it's been consistently great every single time. The only complaint I have is that it takes a little time for the order to be prepared even when it's not terribly busy read more

True Grounds Bakery & Coffee House - Teele Sandwich, mocha and a blueberry scone - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I must be missing something, because everyone else seems to love this place, maybe I'll go back and check it out again. However, the following is based on my experience there: These guys claim to have free wireless access, but when I tried to log on, they tried to charge me $4.95. I would have asked someone about it, but the staff is as uninviting as the furniture (metal tables and metal, armless chairs). Essentially everyone was there alone with his or her computers - so it's probably a good place to go to study (although I'd imagine my bum would go numb after about an hour in those chairs). There are two tables outside for the smoking set, but they're open to the inside, and I somehow felt guilty smoking there, even though I was outdoors. In a word, unwelcoming. The coffee is definitely good, but in my opinion ambiance is just as important. ***** edit **** OK, I did go back and had a much better experience this time. The coffee is still good. They have couches and a power stip on the floor for us laptop-toting folks, which is a huge bonus. Also, they've fixed the wireless so that it's actually free. Good job, true grounds! Too bad I moved away from the neighborhood, because I would hang out there lots if it was my local cafe. read more

went there bc my online search told me they carry gluten-free bakery items from an individual vendor. place is easy to find on the main road, parking meters are in abundance. walked in and waited a bit in the open area; didn't seem to have a line-up system of any sort. good thing patrons were disciplined unlike the chinese bakeries i've been. the place seemed nice w/sitting area, music, espresso machine, and wifi! what more do you need? when it was my turn, i went and grabbed the last 3 things in the basket and inquired about a larger order of gluten-free items for a party in a few days. the girl working at the counter was very nice; told me to leave my info and her boss could call me back, while suggesting i contact the vendor directly (which I did but they might have been closed at the time). figured i'd do as said and go home and try contacting the vendor again, since it is not in the priority of this place to cater to my needs. was pleasantly surprised i really got a call the next day from this place by the boss (Brian?); he was reeeeally nice about it too, and said i could try contacting the vendor first, if that fails he'd be happy to place the order for me. at the meantime i got in touch with the vendor and placed the order with them directly. figure i'd give Brian(?) a call back for an update of the status, because they were so nice to follow through. the rooibus latte i ordered during my visit, on the other hand...was not what *i* would have liked for it to taste like -- it's not necessarily that this place didn't make it right; probably just my mocha taste buds weren't used to it as i ventured out of my comfort zone. the design on the foam was very cute though! i wanted to take a picture but didn't want to feel like a dork. overall, 3 stars for everything else, 1 extra for the superb customer service. with the menu looking quite good and pricing within reasonable range, i'd imagine this would be a nice place to hang on a lazy sunday afternoon or something. read more

Yummy milk au laits..cool place to hang out and people watch... and of course wifi is not free, not that i need it anyways. The mug was gigantic! The 20oz. Def will stop by if I'm in the mood for a bigggg ole mug of coffee! read more

I love coffee, so of course this was the first place I had to check out in the new neighborhood! The coffee was great and the scones looked amazing! I've been back for more coffee and a bagel, still eyeing the scones. Next time I'm going to have to try one along with a latte. I hear they have soy milk, score. But they have so many things I've been wanting on the menu too, so who knows what I'll end up with! Great service, outdoor seating in warmer weather, and a large selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, in addition to awesome coffee! My new fave! read more

Best coffee shop/cafe in the area, especially for a student (me). Come sit and enjoy the free wi-fi. Bask in your schadenfreude as the less fortunate mill around the counter waiting for a seat. Pretend to be leaving every once in while, then get a refill instead. Watch the glimmer of hope die. The coffee is nice and strong, although the ice coffee is sort of acidic (maybe because it is yesterday's leftovers?) The sandwiches, salads and wraps are really good, and priced fairly. They feature a diverse selection of imported MEM teas (finest earl gray around). I usually go for a $2.75 bagel w/ hummus, tomatoes and sprouts. Baristas are very nice, fast, and recognize their regulars. Music is diverse and usually good indie stuff. No radio. There are indoor and outdoors tables, and couches. My bagel is up. Gotta go. read more

I can't believe it took me, like, eight months of living in the area before I tried out this place. I am definitely a fan. I have ordered a few things off the menu and I have enjoyed each one. For the salads, I have tried the chicken Thai, the honey mustard, and the Caesar with chicken. All are delicious with hearty greens (none of the iceberg nonsense), quality chicken, nice hunks of cheese and delicious dressing. They also come with a side of bread. I normally have enough for a regular meal and a smaller meal. The chicken wrap is basically a chicken burrito. While there are other burrito places in the area like Anna's or Chipotle, this will satisfy when I'm in Ball Square and don't feel like going to Davis. Not the best, but definitely not bad either. The iced chai latte is just barely sweetened and nicely spiced and the crimson berry iced tea is also delicious. Now for why only four stars. The staff can vary greatly in their friendliness. Service can also be rather slow. Wi-fi is not free and you pay for a certain number of hours. But overall, I am glad to have found this spot! read more

True Grounds is muh jam! Sometimes I slather their Homemade Chipotle Mayo on my chest before making sweet love. Seriously their food is delish, the staff is friendly, efficient AND MOST IMPORTANTLY attractive. j/k. Well I mean they are, but it shouldn't weigh on my 4 star decision. Their coffee is made expertly. What else could you want?! The only downside I can see is their prices are a bit high, and they charge for WIFI. I understand the logic that their location is very busy and don't want people hogging seats all day though. Also I would charge higher prices if my establishment was always this bumpin'. Anyway try out this place, you won't be disappointed. Bring your skinny jeans, apple product, and hemp conflict free knit hat if you want to really fit in. read more

Even though I only live 1/3 of a mile away from the Ball Square, it often gets ignored since there's more action down in Davis. After heading down there a few times last week I've decided that this small square/corner has more to offer than I thought. Next time you're waiting in line at Soundbites, take a look across Broadway and you'll spot a little coffee shop called True Grounds. This place has a very down to earth vibe with a cozy dining area complete with some comfy chairs in the back, checker board top tables, and shelves full of your favorite board games. As far as I'm concerned, this place is everything an independent coffee shop should be. The staff is even almost as hip as the kids at Deisel, and I'd say the coffee is just as good! I'll be back for lunch some day. read more

That's it. Five stars. I find it necessary to update my review since I've been obsessively going to True Grounds every weekend recently. It's now my favorite coffee shop in the area, even bypassing my beloved Diesel. The coffee is always strong and delicious, the bagels, cream cheese and toppings are fresh, there are usually tons of seats available and the staff is friendly and completely unpretentious. All of these things are very hard to find in one coffee shop, and I'm increasingly impressed every time I visit. And it's way cheaper than most of the coffee shops in the area. I wasn't even factoring that in to the five stars, so really, I give them a 6. read more

Just heard through the interwebs that True Grounds no longer offers free wi-fi. As an employee at one of the few cafes left in the area that DOES, I want to offer the folks at TG (can I call you that?) a hearty fist-bump. I tire of customers coming up to our counter with their laptops in their hands, and a mix of frustration/desperation in their eyes, and turning the screen towards me to SHOW me that they are, in fact, having trouble connecting to our network. Do I look like the IT department? No, I am making a latte. Although it's frustrating to have to pay for wireless access, this is why you pay for it AT HOME. Also, students? Pretty sure they have libraries on your campus for the purpose of setting up your little offices and sitting there for nine hours at a stretch. Free wi-fi at cafes is a privilege, not a right. Good on you TG. I already liked you, but now there's a little lust in my eyes when I look your way. read more

The atmosphere is comfy and ...I dont know... accepting. You go in and just want to stay. Good buzz about the place. The music is generally something very enjoyable (totally subjective,true), as is the rotating art on display. There is a good balance of folks conversing over a cup, young parents w/ a kid or 2, and the inevitable laptop loungers. The staff is cheerful and equally welcoming, serving up good eats with a smile. For coffee shops, in my opinion, overall vibe and ambiance are the defining factors. True Grounds has those on total lockdown. It's not *too* anything, but just about enough of it all. Food? Coffee? Equally awesome. The breakfast offerings are my favorite in town. I get a kind of hidden gem: honey wheat bagel w/ scrambled eggs + jackcheese + sundried tomato mayo...A LOT. It's delicious. When I'm a bit hungrier I will go for one of their many breakfast burritos which are some wholesome good fun food. And their straight up breakfast sandwich is also #1 baby. I don't eat their salads/sandwiches much, but when I do, I am always very pleased. True. The ingredients are fresh and scrumptious and the portions are just right. Their iced coffee is in my top2 in town. And when I change it up and get some hot coffee or tea...never a letdown. True Grounds brings the flavor, the freshness, and the good folk. read more

Two words: Quality Coffee. I've had the hot drip, iced drip, hot mocha, iced mocha. All top notch. Breakfast sandwiches are also delicious. If you're like me, and cannot comprehend New England's infatuation with Dunkin's coffee - then come here. read more

A friend and I come to True Grounds to do work on the weekends. We love to grab a table and enjoy the homemade scones and coffee while we people watch. Their sandwiches are quite good as well. Although it can sometimes be difficult to find a table as it can get quite crowded, it is worth the wait. Don't be afraid to share a table with a stranger, individuals are generally friendly and don't mind the company. Wi-fi doesn't start until three on the weekends, but it is usually possible to piggy-back onto another wireless network in the area. read more

Mmm mmm coffee! I've sadly never taken the time to sit around in True Grounds for a while, just popped in on the way to work to grab a cup of coffee or some beans. True Grounds brews tasty, strong George Howell coffee which always wakes me up and is served with a smile.Bonus: they do the great buy-a-bag, get-a-free-cup thing that basically everywhere should do. The only weird thing that's happened here - on the first time I came in, no less - was that the deadbolt on the front door was inexplicably engaged. I arrived in a rush with my car in 5 minute loading zone parking, saw the place was full, and couldn't figure out why the door was locked! Fortunately the girl behind the counter saw me looking confused and came over to assist and let me in so I could caffeine up for the morning, explaining that "that just happens sometimes." Cool? Anyhow, a bit of lockin' hasn't stopped me from coming here over and over for a good cup or a bag of beans. read more

I've lived in the Somerville/Medford area for a decade now, and I have always heard how much people love True Grounds. I had never had reason to visit before, and figured it was time to correct this. I can see why this coffee shop is liked by the locals. It has a very homey feel, is kind of eclectic, has a varied menu, and houses what I would typically classify as the quintessential Somerville yuppy. Pros were the delicious chai tea that warmed my belly, the delicious sites and smells of other diners' sandwich orders, and all of the fun mismatched decor. Everything from the tables, to the chairs, to the plates, to the mugs were mixed up for character. The only thing I would want to change is the lighting here. It was a bit dark for me, and didn't seem particularly cheerful. However, if you like sitting in dark Grandpa-like caves, they had a book shelf stocked with interesting reads and board games for those that like to hunker down and maximize their coffee house sitting time. read more

Divey cafe with moody red walls and comfy couches that provide a comfortable and great view as you smugly people watch the massive crowd waiting to get into Ball Square Cafe across the street. I enjoy my toasted sesame bagel + sundried tomato + egg + iced coffee combo more often than I'd care to admit. Coffee is aight, although not up to the caliber of a place that calls themselves True Grounds. I like their food better. Dog friendly! Family friendly! Just overall a friendly neighborhood cafe. read more

I have been meaning to go in here for about 4 years and finally got around to it today. Walk in and it's got a great vibe. Loved the artwork and photos hanging on the walls. It's a cute quirky place, although slightly dingy inside (not dirty really, just older looking). Very cozy on this rainy day for some breakfast. There are a decent amount of tables and 2 couches. There were several folks in there, but we still managed to get a good seat (unlike Diesel!!) Coffee was good and reminded me of Diesel's, and the bagels were tasty. I'd like to come back and try some of the salads/sandwiches. read more

Such great coffee, food, staff, and space (lovely local art on the walls, mosaic tables, etc.). I love the vibes here as well as the consistently stellar quality of delciousness. Yes it can get crowded, but I think you just have to know that ahead of time and don't go during peak rush hours if you're in a hurry. They have a giant sign which tells everyone that since their food is homemade and made to order it can take 10 - 15 minutes, so no complaining about that on yelp! read more

So far, the best coffee and cafe I have experienced in the Boston area. The aromatic terroir brew has a nice complex balance of roasty sweet flavors with a full body. The homemade cranberry-orange scone was pretty good too - perfectly baked outside with a crumbly, moist interior. Plus, it had a nice mixed crowd, great atmopshere, good music that wasn't too loud, laptop friendly, plenty of room to sit (even on a Sunday morning). I just wish it was closer to my apartment. However, I'll make the trek. read more