Boston/ Food & Drinks
Published on June 01, 2020
Cambridge's 4 favorite cafes (that won't break the bank)M’Lor Caffe | Photo: Donald S./Yelp

Looking to try the top cafes around?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable cafes in Cambridge, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture when cravings strike.

1. M’Lor Caffe

Photo: allie s./Yelp

Topping the list is M’Lor Caffe. Located at 1093 Cambridge St. in Wellington-Harrington, the cafe, Brazilian and traditional American spot is the highest-rated budget-friendly cafe in Cambridge, boasting 4.5 stars out of 196 reviews on Yelp. 

The site can tell you a thing or two more about M’Lor Caffe.

"Bom Café has been serving Cambridge since 2011," the business says in the history section of its Yelp profile. "Our mission is to provide delicious food in a warm, friendly environment. With over three years of success so far, we look forward to adding you to our history of happy customers!"

Furthermore, we found this about the business's signature items: "Welcome to Bom Café, a local coffee shop and casual café conveniently located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts bringing a unique twist to the community," it states on Yelp in the section highlighting specialties. "The earthy tones and laid-back atmosphere make Bom Café the perfect spot to relax a little while enjoying a cup of coffee or having an afternoon lunch with friends. At Bom Cafe, our mission is to provide fresh, delicious food and drink in cozy, neighborhood setting."

2. Elmendorf Baking Supplies

photo: jenny h./yelp

Next up is East Cambridge's Elmendorf Baking Supplies, situated at 594 Cambridge St. With five stars out of 26 reviews on Yelp, the cafe, hobby shop and gourmet food spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for an inexpensive option. 

Yelper Jessica J., who reviewed Elmendorf Baking Supplies on March 17, wrote, "I love this place, and this review is long overdue. I am in the store at least once a week for either supplies or snacks and to bother the owners, Teddy and Alyssa, for tips and recommendations."

Shaquille A. noted, "Came here this morning on a whim and needed coffee stat, the inside was cute and the two women working at the register were very kind and pleasant to talk to."

3. 2nd Street Cafe

photo: damien s./yelp

East Cambridge's 2nd Street Cafe, located at 89 Second St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the inexpensive cafe four stars out of 143 reviews. 

Yelper Anna T., who reviewed 2nd Street Cafe on May 17, wrote, "My favorite lunch spot when I was working in Cambridge. The sandwiches are really substantial and everything is so fresh and flavorful."

C C. noted, "Delicious food, great price, quick and friendly service. What more could you want? I work in the area and get breakfast here at least once a week."

4. Discovery Cafe

Photo: jason w./Yelp

Discovery Cafe, a cafe in East Cambridge, is another inexpensive go-to, with four stars out of 22 Yelp reviews. Head over to 157 Sixth St. to see for yourself. 

The site can tell you a thing or two more about Discovery Cafe.

"Our storefront Discovery Cafe offers a wide variety of hot and cold breakfast/lunch options daily," it notes on Yelp in the section about specialties. "We have different hot food specials, sandwiches (cold or pressed), a fresh salad bar, along with two different soup options (one being vegetarian); Subject to change daily. We specialize in catering for a variety of events."


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.