Hi-rise Bread Company - Cambridge

Hi-Rise is one of those go-to spots for people at my school. Just a couple minutes away from campus with indoor and outdoor seating (for those last few weeks of the semester when Boston is finally warm enough) and open all day for food or beverages. The sandwiches are tasty! Not as good as Flour, but they do the trick and are super filling. They have vegetarian options and anything they make with sweet potato is usually on point. Their breakfast sandwich is also delicious. I also love that when you get tea here it comes in a teapot and you can slowly sip it at a table by the soothing, flowery wall paper. I've never had a problem here with the staff! Food usually comes out decently fast and they've always been friendly. Solid spot to come for lunch or tea.

The reviews of Hi Rise tend to state that the quality and service are excellent but that the prices are too high. I had a curried chicken salad $8 tax) and thought that it was quite good and that its price was perfectly reasonable. The vanilla bean cake was fine as well, though the price $3.20 tax) might strike some as being a tad on the high side. I'll go for 3.5 stars; I'm rounding up to counter some of the grumpiness exhibited by other Yelpers. The location, by the way, is kind of Center of the Universe across Mass. Ave. from what used to be Radcliffe College. Leases around here can't possibly be cheap.

For the past three years, I have been visiting Hi-Rise whenever I want to splurge on a really great latte and treat. A handful of times I have gotten their salads, which are always out of this world. Pros: Quality is A plus! I have never been disappointed in my visits. I averagely go 1-3 times a month. Salad greens are very fresh. Their bakery items have always been fresh. Counter Culture coffee and espresso, the workers know how to pour their beverages like pros. Laptop grade is about a B. There are few outlets, but the counter is so ideal for a power house session. Awesome outdoor seating with plants to separate the sidewalk. Cons: It is a bit on the pricer side, which is why I only go a handful times a month. The organization of flow of the line is sometimes confusing, where you can't figure out where the line is. Overall, pros weigh out the cons in my book. When you have that extra pocket cash and your walking on Mass Ave, it's the perfect spot for lunch outside or a latte to go.

I've only been here once, and it was a pleasant experience! Came with a friend during the afternoon to grab a cup of tea. The weather was nice outside and we luckily snagged a table outside. The outside patio is a great space relax, and it's great for people watching too. Indoor seating is limited, so I bet it gets crowded when the outdoor seating is unavailable. I was SUPER excited to see London Fogs on the menu (latte made from Earl Grey tea). I haven't seen it offered at any other cafe in the Boston/Cambridge area, and the drink was delicious.

Although it isn't clearly stated, you must order online. The online ordering process was straightforward, and then you wait by the door for your order to be prepared. I got an iced coffee, a chocolate cork, and a loaf. The loaf was just average, but the cork was amazing! I will definitely return for more.