Hi-Rise Bread Company — Restaurant in Cambridge

The food is well prepared, that atmosphere pleasant, seating at this location is always at a premium. Service is slow- 15 min. wait for 2 Chais and a Hot Cocoa. I have tried to slip in before taking my child to school, ordered two hot drinks, and had to leave after 10 min. theb walked to the T in Harvard Square, come back and still wait. Tables wobble. Several patio chairs have cracked seats or backs. I have found the staff to be quite attitudinal and unaccommodating. For example, I was in with a friend and she asked for her Croc Sandwich to be heated and they refused. On a separate occasion I asked for a Snail Shell to be heated, again "No. We don't heat this". I once asked for honey in my Iced Latte and was told there was no way to add it behind the bar. I made a respectful and light-hearted appeal explaining that if honey is add to the hot espresso it sweetens without become a hard impenetrable mass at the bottom of the cup... still "No". I tried again another day and was given an excessively dismissive statement on the their Barista-ing philosophy and commitment to a pure coffee experience. (PS they do sell Mochas and Flavored Lattes- both of which require the syrup to be added to the espresso prior to the milk!) They will not sell loaves of bread beyond the mini loaves on display and have no Wifi. With Tatte and Flour now nearby, I hope they will be forced to become a bit more service oriented. I don't hold out much hope though as the Starbucks across the street has not caused them to soften...

A West Cambridge Cafe with an artisanal charm.

Took a visit this morning to grab some breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by the indulgent smell of a freshly baked bread as they had a dedicated section for baking fresh bread. Alongside a curated selection of wine and whiskey, they also had a corner showcasing an array of house-made preserves and granola, which collectively contributed to its rustic yet refined local marketplace vibe.

Since there were a lot of negative reviews regarding their food, we initially didn’t have high expectations for their food. Admittedly, being the first customer of the day, the twenty-minute wait for two simple breakfast sandwiches seemed a tad lengthy. The oat milk latte was also a bit too mild for my taste, yet the pastries and the sandwiches more than made up for it.

Both the Hungry Pickle and Luke Rocks the Free World sandwiches boasted perfectly crispy buns that added a satisfying crunch to each bite. Even the simpler Brekkie Supreme sandwich, which didn't appear freshly made, was surprisingly good. From the pastries, we had the Orange Coconut and Maple Pecan Scones, and both were nice treats – moist, buttery, and exquisitely crafted to my preferred taste.

My experience at Hi Rise certainly exceeded my initial expectations. If you’re looking for satisfying breakfast sandwiches and pastries, I recommend giving them a try. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait for the sandwiches, but rest assured, these are well worth...

I regularly buy coffee and sometimes sandwiches at this establishment, but I’ve always felt that the service could be significantly improved. The staff often seem uninterested or unhappy to serve customers, which discourages me from going there for coffee. I usually only visit when I don't have any other nearby options. If I have the choice to go to another bakery (like the one on the corner, although it closes earlier), I would definitely prefer that. Unfortunately, this place is always my last option.

On one occasion, I placed an order for a hot latte online, with an estimated preparation time of 30 minutes. I ended up waiting for about 35 minutes before going to pick it up, only to find that the coffee was not ready. I then had to wait an additional 15 minutes for the staff to prepare my drink.

On Sunday, December 1st, I went in to order a coffee 10 minutes before closing. The attendant informed me that they would not be making any more coffee since they were already closed. While I understand they may be tired and eager to leave, I believe if the establishment's hours are listed as until 4 PM, they should be willing to serve until that time, or close earlier if they don't want to work until then.

I will likely return, as sometimes there are no other options, but each visit becomes more frustrating due to the...