Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Harvard Square — Restaurant in Cambridge

I visited for the first time yesterday (visiting from NYC) and can I just say that Tatte is the best kind of chain? So, really a non-chain.

Tatte has it down. Well past having figured it out. All boxes checked.

I got no chain-feeling when I walked in. That said, when I later learned that they have other locations, it made perfect sense. They've done it many times before, have learned what works (and what doesn't) and have put that into play. Ordering is easy and personable, unrushed and patient. Lots of seating (if not available -- more on that later). Menu: expansive, different, something for everyone, from coffees to savory to sweet.

I ordered the chicken, kale and chickpea salad. Big, delicious chunks of chicken. I resisted the urge to lick the plate clean. Took home a chocolate croissant to enjoy this morning. It was chocolate-generous, which was such a nice surprise. Can't remember the last time that happened. Usually it's an Is That All There Is? feeling.

When downstairs was short on seating, I asked if I could take my order number upstairs? Would my food find me? The answer: Sure! And find me, it did. The only thing less than delightful was a shortage of seating. After looking around a while, I ended up at a long, communal table. I noticed that I was surrounded by kids on laptops with empty coffee cups that were like props. Not surprising -- it's a cafe thing. Starbucks, Peets....I too have camped out for hours. But those places don't have the expansive menu of Tatte, so kind of a bummer to be competing for seating with folks who bought a coffee hours ago. Perhaps it's a Cambridge thing, and other Tatte locations, that are not such a part of a college campus, offer more seating. The university population probably accounts for the majority of their income.

Regardless, I'll be back. To the very next Tatte location that I...

I’m very torn about this review because the food was absolutely delicious but the service was very bad and ruined our experience here.

We arrived for lunch on a Tuesday (having already had a good experience at the Tatte in Back bay the day before). There was a big queue which was absolutely fine as we arrived at a busy time.

After patiently waiting for about 15minutes I was near the front of the queue (behind two women who were looking at the pastry case and talking to a member of staff. So I thought they were being served).

The young woman working the register called for the next guest to come forward, so as I moved forward she quickly shouted to me ‘I wasn’t calling you sir, these ladies are before you’ which was very embarrassing and confusing.

When she did take my order, I specifically said that I wanted the house breakfast plate with the additional beef sausage. She seemed distracted and I could tell she wasn’t properly listening to me and was trying to rush my order through (all whilst asking for a 20% tip).

We sat outside and when our food came, the beef sausage was missing. I went back inside and waited near the register waiting for her to finish serving a guest before I said ‘excuse me, the beef sausage is missing from the breakfast plate’. And before I could finish the sentence she snapped back ‘you need to pay extra for that and you didn’t order it’. I know for a fact I did because it was THE MAIN REASON I wanted to eat at Tatte again. She was so rude multiple times and ruined my experience with the brand.

Eventually a different server brought the sausage out and apologised, confirming that it was on the bill.

The food here was exceptional. The service and atmosphere very bad. And the pistachio latte was very gritty and not very nice to drink.

I would never...

My Happy Place! A 5-Star Coffee Dream! ☕🥐✨ Seriously, y'all, Tatte Bakery at Harvard Square is my absolute favorite! Every single time I step through those doors, it's like a little slice of heaven. 😍 From the moment you walk in, you're hit with that amazing smell of fresh-baked goodies and perfectly brewed coffee – it's pure magic! ✨ This last visit was extra special because I treated myself to two of my absolute faves: a smooth Cortado and, get this, a Pistachio Coffee! 🤤 Both were ridiculously delicious and hit just the right spot. The Cortado was perfectly balanced, and that Pistachio Coffee? Mind. Blown. 🤯 It's the kind of drink that makes you want to do a happy dance. And it's not just the drinks! I also snagged one of their famous Almond Croissants – flaky, buttery, and packed with almond goodness. Seriously, it's a masterpiece. 🎨 Beyond the incredible food and drinks, the vibe here is just chef's kiss. 🤌 It’s always buzzing but still feels cozy, with gorgeous decor that makes you want to hang out all day. And the staff? Super friendly and on top of things, even when it's packed! They handle the rush like pros, always with a smile. 😄 If you're ever in Harvard Square, you have to stop by Tatte. It's more than just a bakery; it's an experience! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. 🙏 Five stars all...