Concord Avenue Cafe — Restaurant in Cambridge

It was a rainy summer afternoon around 4:45 PM when I stumbled into Concord Avenue Café, grateful to get out of the downpour. I had shown up about 15 minutes early for a dinner reservation nearby, but the restaurant wasn’t ready to seat anyone yet. It was raining hard, and I suddenly found myself stuck outside with nowhere to go—until I noticed this cozy café just a few steps away. It quite literally saved me from getting soaked.

The gentleman at the counter was kind and welcoming. I asked for a recommendation, and he suggested the taro milk tea. I’m so glad I listened. The taro flavor was the best I’ve ever had—deep, nutty, and naturally sweet, with none of that artificial taste you sometimes get from powder-based versions. It was smooth, comforting, and perfectly balanced.

The boba was great too—soft and chewy with just the right amount of bite—but it was the taro that truly made the drink memorable.

The space itself is quiet and modest, with a few small tables and a calm, welcoming atmosphere. I sat by the window, drying off while the rain kept falling outside, and just felt thankful that a place like this was open.

Before leaving, I took a peek at the menu and was surprised by the variety—dumplings, noodle soups, bento boxes. I’m already planning to come back just for the food. The gentleman mentioned they close around 6:30 PM daily, so it’s a great afternoon stop if you’re in the...

Solid Taiwanese takeout on a budget.

One of my friends lives right around the corner and comes here every week for a quick lunch. He’s usually all about the noodles, so I swung by a couple times to check it out.

Menu was super simple. Taiwanese-style bento boxes and a handful of noodle dishes. The noodles were just $8, which is almost unheard of these days. No proteins—just basic toppings like scallions, cucumbers, and peanuts—but the sauces carry enough weight to make it satisfying, at least flavor-wise. Still, it’s hard to call it a full meal, so if you want something a bit more filling, go for the bento. You’ll get a modest portion of protein with rice and sides. It’s not gourmet, but it’s balanced, comforting, and gets the job done.

As for the drinks, I tried the Earl Grey tea latte and it wasn’t that great. Super affordable, but it was missing that distinctive Earl Grey aroma. Tasted more like milk water.

Overall, not a place for quality drinks or food. But for a light and cheap meal, it does the job. Wouldn’t go out of my way, but might come back to try another one of their...

Adorable little café with indoor and outdoor seating behind the café. There is a limited amount of parking out front and they close around 6:30 so the parking ends around the time that they close. The store is fully accessible, they have a wide variety of looseleaf tea as well as Stash bagged tea. I got the Genmai cha.

I did one of the Bento boxes with pulled pork, tea eggs, edamame, rice, and veggies. It is absolutely delicious but definitely a little pricey. It was $19 for my tea and my food. But I do love the cafe and the people are super kind.

There is also a lot of knitting work that is for sale. Somebody there makes scarves and hats and such.

I really appreciate that they have notes all over the store and on the front door and on there to go bags reminding customers that they are going to be closed from August 26 until September 9. I really appreciate it when a business does right by their customers and make sure that they know That the place is open or...