Mariposa Bakery — Restaurant in Cambridge

tl;dr: baked goods have always been the best in the neighborhood; service was noticeably bad in the past but I notice a big level-up in the last year!

Mariposa Bakery! They've been a standby for me for about 8 years. Here's a summary of my feelings about Mariposa across three categories: food, service, prices:

🍞🍰🥐🥧BAKED GOODS: JUST YESSSS. ALL THE YES. Here's what remains consistently great about Mariposa: their baked goods. They are an ACTUAL BAKERY. They bake EVERY. SINGLE. THING. that you see in their bakery case. Every gorgeous scone (and just when you think you've chosen a favorite flavor, they come out with blackberry lime or some such, and you have to admit that there is no such thing as "favorite".) Every pretzel roll (TRY THE PRETZEL ROLLS.) Every slice of bread that your sandwich is made on (I challenge anyone to name another place in this neighborhood can you get a sandwich made on baked-on-site bread.)

Oh, and since they are an actual bakery, they mix it up. They experiment with different flavors. You might think that you know what you want while walking over, only to discover that something else is calling to you. It's great.

👩‍🍳🍽️⌚💕SERVICE: HAS LEVELED UP A LOT! Here's what I used to tell friends about Mariposa's service, vs. what I would say now: Me in the past: "1. You must go there. Try any baked good. It will be great." Now: same :) Me in the past: "2. The staff will be surly to you." Now: Over the last year, instead of the surly attitude of years past, everyone working there is kind and pleasant and attentive. They create a really warm and inviting environment! Me in the past: "3. The service will be slow. So don't go when you're in a rush." Now: I still don't go here when I'm in a rush—old habit. And admittedly, I usually order coffee and a bakery case item, which comes right away. But even lately, even when I've been here for sandwiches and such (i.e. food that requires preparation), it comes quickly. So idk. If you're in a hurry, maybe try somewhere else, or call to place your order ahead of time. But I've been very happy with the speed of service lately.

💸😭PRICES: VERY REASONABLE WITHIN OUR UNFORTUNATELY PRICY CITY! I notice a lot of reviewers saying Mariposa is too expensive. And here we are in Cambridge, a place where housing costs 2x as much as it did when I moved here 10 years ago. Everything in Cambridge is expensive and it's a real problem. And I don't ever want to shame anyone for saying that a place is expensive. I mean, the only reason I can still afford to live here is through luck and affordable housing policy.

But here's the thing: I don't think Mariposa costs more than what you'd pay at Starbucks for a bland and tepid muffin, baked offsite, warmed up in a microwave. I just googled some price comparisons: a plain cup of coffee is $2 at Mariposa. (Starbucks: $2.10.) A Mariposa scone is $3. (Starbucks: $2.95.) Not to mention that Mariposa's stuff is fresh baked and sooo much tastier. And Mariposa is an independent, locally owned business with personality and character. So in the end, I just can't agree with the critique that Mariposa is overpriced.

Anyway. I just want to give props to Mariposa where it's due—your baked goods are still the best, and now your service is...

It is infrequent in my weekly local cafe visits that I accidentally stumble on such a gem of the industry; however, when that does happen, there is no better experience in the monotone life of a student. I've been to over a dozen of the 'best cafes/bakeries' in Cambridge and the surrounding area, and Mariposa ranks highly within my list. While the coffee is not extraordinary in quality, there is a delicate care taken with every order, and a no-frills approach to the menu. The baked goods, especially the cookies, pair well with the basic-but-well-executed coffees, and for that I can appreciate a place to a higher degree than somewhere with excellent one hand and a mediocre second. The ambience and service, however, is by far one of the best I have experienced, including not only greater Boston, but around the world. For such a well-priced and minimalist rustic establishment, I could not help but take note of how even a few hours after I placed my order, when I asked for a bag, the man behind the counter provided it with a smile and a hint that he remembered my name. This is one of the few places where I can comfortably sit and read for hours, without feeling as if I should leave space for others. A real gem.

Note: the Mexican Mocha with the Gingersnap Cookie is a delightful pairing, though perhaps a bit heavy for those without a...

I've been to Mariposa Bakery a few times over the last year, fall 2016-2017. The service has always been slow, which is why I don't go there more. This morning, I tried again. This time taught me my lesson. I ordered a breakfast sandwich and sat near the counter. I did a few tasks, 15 minutes went by, no sandwich, no one noticing my growing annoyance, others who ordered stuff way after me, getting their orders. I went to the counter and asked for my money back. A manager overheard and said maybe it's ready and went to check. I waited another two minutes. The cashier then apologized, saying it was her fault. My guess is she never put the order in and never bothered to remember that or notice me looking up, waiting, etc. . They weren't that busy. I did get my money back. BTW, the prices are really expensive. That plus the now, non-existent service, means I will NEVER go back...