ball square cafe & breakfast

located along the main drag in somerville, as ‘locals only’ a spot as one is likely to find in a metropolitan area the size of boston, ball square café was *the* surprise of a trip that saw forty-four stops throughout new england over the course of eight days, both as a result of the food and the service.

quite literally a place where “everybody knows your name,” a friday at 8:15 finding the spot slammed with locals and soon to generate a short queue, ball square café has gained acclaim over recent years for offering a menu of signatures as well as specials that far outperform the typical café or diner while the serve yourself coffee features no less than five flavors to go along with at least twice as many types of tea.

easily spotted as out of towners, the lack of a new england accent probably enough in this sort of place, it was with the assistance of a young man who grew up locally that decisions were made from a menu that offers no lack of variety, cooks in the semi-open kitchen no doubt underpaid given the tight quarters in which they operate with both skill and speed.

told that housemade scones are “the best” by an elderly man near the door, a blueberry version joined by a griddled corn muffin showing no sign that the fellow was false as both outperformed anything similar tasted in downtown boston or cambridge, those fancying flavored coffee are encouraged to explore french vanilla or hazelnut that are each well flavored without being overwhelming, the standard brew agoodmedium roast of which free refills are sure to leave patrons buzzing.

going all sweet on the menu, a small plate of late arriving bacon requested almost as a necessity to clear the palate, those interested in a true “signature” are encouraged to enjoy the coconut macaroon french toast that bears an uncanny resemblance to the italian meringue cookie, the sugar tossed brioche lightly fried with raspberry filling and whipped cream an equally diligent reminder of a classic jelly donut while the dark chocolate pancakes are a truly over-the-top indulgence.

speed, volume & price. what makes agooddiner? it certainly doesn’t need lots of seating, but the service must be fast enough to turn over tables in an efficient manner. this is what you’ll find at ball square café, so when you are looking for a quick and filling breakfast or lunch, stop on by. - -

the breakfast options certainly were appealing, but arriving around noon during the week, i decided to go for the café sandwich (portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, fresh basil and mozzarella cheese) for just under $9. we were seated promptly, allowed to get our own coffee and water and had our food in not time. - -

having spent time in the south, i was impressed with the house-made sweet potato fries and my dining partner enjoyed a breakfast sandwich and a large bowl of fresh fruit. simple, filling and fast. i can see why this place would be a staple for locals.

this week i had the opportunity to join boston brunchers at the ball square cafe in the gorgeous, family friendly town, somerville. just a quick 20 minute walk from the local redline mbta stop this restaurant is a perfect escape from the bump and grind of the usual city cafe. upon arrival, i was greeted by a line of apparently faithful customers to the cafe. i wasn't quite sure if i had reached my destination. after getting inside and being greeted by the amiable manager, mike, with delicious complimentary hot chocolate, i knew that for this brunch we were in for a treat.  the complimentary hot chocolate a selection of articles featuring the somerville ball square cafe  the ball square cafe had half a page of their menu dedicated to just french toast. how could we choose just one. mike had us taste the caramelized strawberry & banana selection. i was quite skeptical about the bananas but, it was a reallygoodcombination between the 2 unique fruits. the whip cream added to the majority

cold toast served with cold butter 5 minutes before my wife even got her meal. the waitress was nice. the owner was over the top. paraded around like he was the fat guy at stregga. do yourself a favor andgoodto kelly's diner up the street. much better food at kelly's!!!! b

superior upmarket breakfast cafe.. the owner really cares about this place. a nice brick walled breakfast cafe in a neighborhood developing manygoodrestaurants. traditional breakfast foods made with care and withgoodingredients. they use real whipped cream (not the aerosolized kind) in their hot chocolate. blueberry pancakes weregoodas is the french toast and dropped eggs. coffee is self-serve and bottomless at a drink station at the back. coffee itself was not that good, maybe they could use a better grade of beans. verygoodservice. value is fair.