2nd Street Cafe

Sandwich shop · Cambridge

2nd Street Cafe

Sandwich shop · Cambridge

1

89 Second St #1, Cambridge, MA 02141

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2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null
2nd Street Cafe by null

Highlights

Hearty breakfasts & huge sandwiches with fresh ingredients  

Featured in Eater
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89 Second St #1, Cambridge, MA 02141 Get directions

2ndstcafe.com
@2nd_street_cafe

$10–20 · Menu

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89 Second St #1, Cambridge, MA 02141 Get directions

+1 617 661 1311
2ndstcafe.com
@2nd_street_cafe

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 13, 2025

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The Best Restaurants in East Cambridge | Eater Boston

"This quaint neighborhood cafe serves up huge sandwiches, with some fun specials like Wednesday meatball subs. Keep in mind the hours are limited to weekdays (6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), but breakfast options like breakfast burritos and sandwiches are served until the cafe closes." - Karen Wilber

https://boston.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-east-cambridge
View Postcard for 2nd Street Cafe

Syd Ball Wini

Google
Was visiting friends in town and found this breakfast spot from great reviews on Google Maps. I got the egg sandwich, and it was amazing! I love that you are able to customize the meat selection and the type of bread you want for your sandwich- SO many options!!! The drip coffee was hot, flavorful, and self serve so since I was dinning in, I could refill more once I needed. Bathroom availability for all customers, a couple of tables for seating (went on a Saturday at 9:30 AM and there was plentiful areas open!) Service was quick, food was hot and flavorful, prices were fair, 10/10 would recommend!!!

A Michaud

Google
Stopped in for a quick bite. Ordered an Italian sub, bag of chips and a drink. All for about $20. Not bad price and the sub was fresh and very yummy. There’s a couple of tables and a bar to sit at by the window. Metered street parking. The place is clean, the staff is nice and the food is yummy at a decent price. I would recommend this place for a quick breakfast or lunch.

뾰롱

Google
Lots of takeout orders when we got there! It was pretty busy, so we waited a bit before ordering. Loved the coffee and the sandwich(BLT) — the bacon was savory!

Ted Fitch

Google
This place was awesome! They were super nice here and had great customer service. The sandwiches were all super tasty! Everyone in our party was happy. I got a grilled cheese with corned beef and a chicken melt. Highly recommend!

Daniel Bradley

Google
Bloody lovely breakfast sandwich. Bravo. Simple and v v tasty. Nice little chairs outside. Perfect breakfast spot

E Ramos

Google
This is a very nice, quaint coffee shop very close to Concordia University, Loyola Campus. Their breakfast menu is somewhat limited but they do carry a good assortment of muffins, cakes, and other treats. Prices are affordable and typical of the type of establishment. There is free WiFi, electrical outlets and a high desk for laptops. Service is very good! There is also outdoor seating and a bathroom. Perhaps their biggest selling point is their hot and cold beverages!!!. Their assorted is bound to please everyone!!! We will be certainly coming back!

Jeffrey Harris

Google
Quaint place just off the beaten path, but food is delicious and prepared quickly. A good half pound of bacon on the BLT--many other delicious sandwich options. Breakfast all day! Eat in or pick up takeout. Staff is welcoming and friendly. Well with the stop.

Pooria Lesani

Google
I had a delightful experience at the 2nd Street Cafe. The place is very cozy, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff is incredibly nice and kind, making you feel right at home. The food is fresh and delicious—I especially enjoyed the Hungry Man Sandwich, which was fantastic. Definitely a great spot for a satisfying meal!
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Allegra P.

Yelp
Local mom and pop type of place! HUZZAH!! If you are looking for a humble lunch I think you'll find something you'll like at 2nd St Cafe. Great selection of sandwiches for lunch, salads, and breakfast all day. Just come on in and place your order, the staff are very friendly and they have good music lightly playing in the background (Stevie Wonder, talking heads). The pastrami was on the thicker side but I really enjoyed the sandwich. I will be checking out the Cubano next time!
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Kate C.

Yelp
Amazing sandwiches and super quick service. Perfect neighborhood spot to get lunch if you work in the area. I'm so glad I discovered this place!
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Jourdon B.

Yelp
Had the best bacon egg and cheese this morning ! The portion was excellent for price point and it was hot and melty. Great quality over here! This is my new fave quick brekky place and I suggest you give it a try while in the area

Andrew O.

Yelp
I got a breakfast sandwich, it was descent, but not worth the 37 min wait. I actually had to get up and remind them to make it once I realized everyone was being served but me. Definitely will not come again.
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Stacey B.

Yelp
Local cafe with amazing food! 2 of us had Anthony's Favorite Sandwich from their breakfast menu. It was so so good! Wow! Another had the breakfast burrito and it was huge, hearty and so good also! Would definitely recommend this place for breakfast. I want to go back for lunch!

Eric W.

Yelp
Great little spot. Really good breakfast sandwiches and subs, reasonable prices, and friendly staff!
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Julien D.

Yelp
Very simple and humble place, I love it! Got a breakfast sandwhich and got it right and quick! Highly recommended!
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Abby P.

Yelp
2nd street cafe was a great place to grab something quick but actually filling in between meetings on my work trip. I ordered the Anthony's Favorite and I will be thinking about this breakfast sandwich forever, it was so good and so much food for the price! I got a Diet Coke with it. The staff was so nice as I was kind of in a rush. Really awesome spot! Hope to come back next time I'm up here for business

Michelle H.

Yelp
Definitely a hidden gem . I got a meatball sub which was Probably the second best meatball sub (first of course my grandmother's) I have had. Also, the breakfast sandwich was big enough for 2. Oh and did I say home made chocolate chip cookies !!! Cafe was very quaint and clean. The owner was the sweetest with a very welcoming smile. Will be going back on a regular basis.
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I D.

Yelp
Best sandwiches in the Boston area!!! Absolutely delicious with hearty portions. You'll definitely get addicted and can see this being a local favorite that you can hit up multiple times in a week! Excellent service, friendly staff, and centrally located.
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Bailee P.

Yelp
This place was so cute! Perfect little spot for the nearby construction workers to stop in for breakfast and lunch. I got a bacon, egg, and cheese. They do not have sausage. The bagel was pressed in a griddle and perfectly crunchy! It was a great sandwich at a wonderful little shop in Cambridge.

Katie T.

Yelp
Amazing sandwiches and salads at fair prices and very friendly staff. We love it here. A local gem!

Zachary F.

Yelp
Best bacon egg and cheese ever!!! Made the bacon extra crispy per my request. Nicest service and good place to sit down. Totally recommend, all my construction guys love it.

Brian O.

Yelp
They have great sandwiches and a friendly staff. Check their website for daily specials!!

Mike B.

Yelp
Excellent little establishment. Was last day in Boston and in mood to have a breakfast. Great find and loved the breakfast sandwich. Wife had french toast which was excellent and daughter had blt which was huge. Very satisfied and recommend.

Lori G.

Yelp
Ordered a regular chicken caesar wrap and it was below average. Barley any lettuce, I was basically biting into a chicken breast the whole time. Wrap was pretty dry as well. Not horrible but probably won't go back.
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Nat T.

Yelp
Stopped by today for a quick brunch and was blown away by the food here! Ordered a Chicken Melt, Grilled Reuben & a ginger molasses cookie. Chicken Melt -- super great! you can really tell that the chicken is well seasoned and the whole combination is great! Grilled Reuben -- delicious :-) Ginger Molasses cookie -- ginger is not my usual go-to but we wanted to try something new and THIS REALLY AMAZED ME! there is a good balance between both and it's adequately sweet, so you can literally keep eating it without feeling tired of the taste! 10/10 would recommend
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Halley A.

Yelp
Fantastic & friendly staff are here to serve you quality made-to-order hot or cold breakfast and lunch sandwiches and "big salads". I was so happy to find this place with such a cozy, neighborhood feel, as it features truly excellent old school service. A great small business to support when you pause to enjoy your breakfast or lunch on the go in Cambridge!

Miranda C.

Yelp
We went here yesterday after reading all the great reviews. The 5 star reviews are accurate! We had a BLT with cheese on sourdough (looked like a lb of bacon!) and a Tuna Melt on wheat (also huge). Both sandwiches were excellent and the amount you get for the price is amazing. We could only eat half and packed the rest to take with (they were delicious as leftovers too!). The staff was very friendly and service was quick. We have found our new "go-to" spot when we visit Cambridge and we look forward to trying more delicious sandwiches.
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Ben S.

Yelp
Bacon egg and cheese on sourdough was fantastic. Staff is great. Definitely a place to make a regular stop for breakfast.
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Joanne K.

Yelp
This sandwich cafe is worth the stop! I ordered a ham and cheese sandwich with chips and a drink. The sandwich was cut in two and was HUGE!!! It was the most tasty, delicious sandwich I have eaten in a long time. I was full by the time I finished every last scrumptious bite! I wish this cafe was located in my hometown.
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Anna F.

Yelp
2nd time ordering the breakfast burrito. 1st one was great. This one had a bit too much cheese, and wasn't a fan of the cheese. I like that the egg and potato are cooked well though. Bacon is very crispy. Friendly service and a delicious, huge, buffalo chicken wrap! The meat was tender, lettuce was crunchy and fresh, and the dressing was flavorful but not overpowering.
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Chris C.

Yelp
Friendly and tasty. I ended up ordering a second meal! And another to go. Thanks to the crew.

Austin C.

Yelp
This spot is low-key amazing. Thought it was sketch initially due to the hilariously few hours they're open and the sign out front suggesting they reserve the right to refuse in-person orders if the place is too busy. But the sandwiches are absolutely delicious (perhaps not as gourmet as Tatte's, tho just as tasty and more sizable); the online ordering/pickup system is fast/easy; and the folks that work there are super friendly and welcoming. What a gem!
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L T.

Yelp
Good lunch spot if you're looking for a quick sandwich or salad. Easy and fast. Friendly staff.
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Charles K.

Yelp
Great little cafe with simple menu but all goodies. Close to Science Museum we stopped here and got 2 egg, ham and cheese breakfast sandwiches on plain bagel even though they had many options for bread. The service was friendly and super fast.
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Marie K.

Yelp
I had a great time here today. The lady behind the counter was super nice and let me try the horseradish mayo because I was worried about the spice level. It was tangy yet mild and not oppressive. Good sandwich :D and nice people!! Very supportive of the fact that I used a nift gift card as well.
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Rubi R.

Yelp
Stumbled upon here while taking a stroll in Cambridge. My boyfriend and I haven't stopped talking about this place since. The duo that runs this cafe were upbeat and kind, the food was piping hot and fresh. I got the Anthony's favorite - any sandwich that uses cream cheese as standard is a win, please try it. The bread was pillowy and fresh. My boyfriend got the breakfast wrap and couldn't even dent it. Filled to the brim with potatoes, eggs, and cheese. We're from Jersey so we can't go everyday but someone reading this can.
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Damien S.

Yelp
Noted, Kathleen M! First and foremost, the people in this awkward Amish home-cum-lunch hub fucking rock. When I first walked in, the entire staff of four were peering through the window at a elderly driver posted up in a highly coveted street parking space. My friend waited patiently in her car for the man to leave, but he had better things to do, as commented on by the folks inside. "Should we say something?" "I'm gonna say something." "Gross. He's picking his nose." (Snickers from patrons, girl at register) "She should honk." "HONK YOUR HORN!" "She can't hear you." "I'm gonna say something" (His car moves) "It's about time." (Applause) Just a UFC bunch ready to dole out simple, delicious vittles. Rotating daily entrees and homemade soups complement the standard sandwich favorites - ruebens and cubans and meatballs, oh my! The usual suspects of the Sliced Meat mob are avail to build your own, if you wish. Let's be honest kids: even if I emerge from the dark depths of a swine slaughterhouse guilty of terribly inhumane practices, I'm still going to want a Cuban. So yeah, I ordered one ($6.95) P.S. Sandwiches are cheap, and also a la carte. Grab a bag of small batch chips for a buck and change. The Cuban arrived remarkably quick (ruhroh!) and oozed its bevy of toppers - mayo, mustard, relish, hots, and VERY melted swiss. The bread bulked the sheer size of the sandwich, as it only boasted two slices each of its roasted pork loin and ham. Appearance aside, it tasted great thus seating itself between everyCuban and the Elite Honor Roll in my personal trophy case. It's a unique challenge to review the in-and-out lunch locales, as the subtle details of why you should go get lost in translation. I mean, you're there, you eat, you leave. Lather, rinse, repeat. Let's just make it simple: the folks at this place deserve your biz. Give it to 'em.
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Chris R.

Yelp
Working in the area and stopped in. The people are friendly and very kind. Got a bowl of soup, it was fresh and nice and hot. The owner was working and welcomed me as she did her regulars. I now stop in every day and enjoy the fresh food and hot coffee.
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Vane C.

Yelp
A local favorite they are quick and quirky but with seriously solid food. A charming sandwich spot. They are a cash only establishment, unless you have LevelUP. They do have an ATM on site, if you're willing to cough up the exorbitant fee or if you have a bank that takes care of that for you. They get packed when the offices around the area empty for lunch but I managed to grab some grub and a seat. Had half a Chicken melt on sourdough combo with a cup of soup for 8.99. I swear I looked at the order that came out and said to my dining companion 'THAT'S half a sandwich?!?.' Very generous portions, always a huge plus. The vegetable mushroom barley soup tasted homemade and had the perfect small spicy kick. Check them out, your wallet will thank you and so will your belly. Overall you won't be disappointed
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Keith G.

Yelp
Awesome neighbourhood cafe with great sandwich collection. Nice breakfast menu too, had a bacon egg and cheese on sourdough - super fresh. Interior is rustic and super cute Coffee comes in two ways, iced or black so if you're looking for third wave keep going. Also inexplicably has an atm. It's right by the office so onto a winner
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Sebastian J.

Yelp
After trying out this cafe a few times for breakfast, I have to say that I was really disappointed. The Everything bagel was really old and definitely had been sitting out of a plastic bag for days. It did not taste fresh for $4. The bacon, egg and cheese was better but for $6 I would def not get it again. It tasted bland (no salt/pepper). The pros: -the location and the fact that there isn't any other place really near by for grabbing a quick bite. The cons: -they don't accept credit cards. Gotta use cash or some app called "Level up". - pricy for breakfast. - not the best tasting. I would love to support local businesses but for a place and price like this, I would recommend Tatte cafe over this place.
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Ben R.

Yelp
Stopped by for the Vegetarian Sandwich which has; hummus, avocado, feta, sprouts, red onions, mixed greens and tomatoes. Very fresh and delicious. The only real downside is the uncomfortable bar seating and lack of parking.

Yen H.

Yelp
I go here at least 3 times during the work week. The price is right but most importantly the food is always good. I go so often that they know my first name now. Note that it's a cash only spot and no worries if you don't have any on you -- there is an atm and square if needed. I love the soup and salad combo, and once in awhile I try the sandwich special.
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Bernt O.

Yelp
As William Blake said, "If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, infinite." Behind that door is a nice group of folk in a hip place that makes great sandwiches. My favorite is a Tuna Salad, a bag of chips, and a can of coke. Thumbs up!
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E A.

Yelp
A friend recommended this place when he heard we were coming to Boston. If you are expecting a high class joint- look elsewhere. This place is about food. And service. We came at an off time. After breakfast and before lunch. The owner spent a good deal of time answering all my husbands questions. We learned about level up. Be sure to bring CASH or have a level up card. We really enjoyed our food. I was sorry they weren't open on the weekend or we'd have gone back.

Larry H.

Yelp
Excellent! Sandwiches are delicious and very large!! Service is fantastic. I suggest supporting this cafe as much as possible so they stay around...I know I will!!
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Meghan M.

Yelp
On my way to work and needed a coffee and a bite to eat desperately! Luckily I spotted this little gem. Hidden on a side street in Cambridge close to the Kennedy/Longfellow Elementary school, I think I hit the place right at the perfect timing (after rush hour). No line, no wait--- the girl at the front was as pleasant as anything. Her personality resembled the feeling you get when you think about blowing bubbles in a field, or a unicorn jumping over a rainbow! Haha! So not only was it a great start to the day with positivity but a delicious egg sandwich and fresh coffee!
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Chloe J.

Yelp
The chicken pesto sandwich was fresh and delicious. Everything seemed very fresh and came out quickly! I would recommend to anyone.
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Brian S.

Yelp
I've only been here for lunch and think their sandwiches and staff are top notch. Very neighborhood-y sandwich shop, "cafe" is a bit misleading. Cash only, atm inside if you're there and in a pinch.
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C C.

Yelp
Delicious food, great price, QUICK and friendly service. What more could you want? I work in the areaa and get breakfast here at least once a week. I'm not crazy about their cookies but the cinnamon rolls are great.
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Cristina R.

Yelp
Being employed in East Cambridge isn't always easy. Lunch time rolls around, and the options aren't pretty. Cafeteria or Cambridgeside food court? Luckily, I can now add this cafe to my lunchtime list! It's an adorable space with chalkboards on the walls, shelves lined with recipe books and knickknacks (giant Yoda Pez dispenser, anyone?), and a very cozy vibe. All the sandwiches sounds deeelicious. I was feeling the Roasted Veggie Wrap, but unfortunately they were out of roasted veggies the day I went. Drat! What to do, what to do... Alright well I guess I'll stop trying to be healthy. The Chicken Melt it is. And I don't regret it one bit. You can choose your bread (Italian white, rye, pumpernickel, etc.). The sourdough came perfectly toasted and was the absolute right call. For a melt, the sandwich wasn't overwhelmingly cheesy. There was a perfect balance of large chicken chunks, cheese, avocado, lettuce & tomato, and condiments. When you come here, no matter what you order, make sure to get honey mustard on that sucker. This stuff is slightly sweet, creamy, and as you're eating, it provides a swift kick of spice that opens up your sinuses when you least expect it. Yessiree. The sandwich was big, so I wrapped up the other half for tomorrow's lunch. Our meal closed with a giant $2 peanut butter cookie, which we happily shared between the 3 of us. Be aware that this place is cash only. And the sandwiches aren't exactly cheap (mine came out to be $8.50). There's an ATM inside, but you'll get charged a transaction fee, making the meal a few bucks more expensive. So plan ahead, or use LevelUp if you're cool like that.
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Erik S.

Yelp
Love this place! A favorite of mine whenever I can work from home and need an amazing sandwich to boost my spirits. The one issue is that they only accept cash so come prepared for that but wow is it worth it. I think over the past two years I have made my way through the menu and really don't have a favorite but I do like exploring their specials. Do yourself a favor and try this place out!
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Angel R.

Yelp
Yummy. One of the bes tturkey sandwiches I have had in a while. Probably the most turkey i have ever seen in a sandwich. fresh delicious and totally great value. i have a new sandwich shop worth driving too. I can't wait to try the cubano panini next. and all for under 10 bucks.

Anna T.

Yelp
My favorite lunch spot when I was working in Cambridge. The sandwiches are really substantial and everything is so fresh and flavorful. I think they make the bread in-house - it's really incredible either way! Everyone who works here is so friendly and the atmosphere is very warm and welcoming. I hope the business is doing ok riding out covid-19 because it really brings a little bit of home to this neighborhood in Cambridge.

Brennan H.

Yelp
I stopped into the 2nd St. Cafe for lunch and ordered a grilled Cubano sandwich. Overall, it was one of the finest hot sandwiches I've had in a long while. The bread was fresh and flaky, the ham was likewise fresh, and most importantly the peppers, mustard, and pickled relish were flavorful and spicy. I hate when Cuban sandwiches don't have enough kick, and this one did. I'll be back.
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Barb M.

Yelp
Had the $10-dollar sandwich on wheat and it was amazing. It was HUGE and full of delightful flavors and ingredients including turkey, bacon, avocado, provolone, lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, caesar dressing, and a touch of Dijon mustard. It was super busy at noon, but they moved through the orders pretty quickly. Next time, I will probably call ahead, but regardless, I will definitely be going back!
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Tani S.

Yelp
I was so surprised...this place looks so modest from the outside but is a warm and vibrant refuge. I went for breakfast this morning... the omelette and breakfast sandwich were delicious and for the price of each meal ($4 for the omelette, $5 for the sandwich) I was shocked at the quality of ingredients (fresh spinach, bakery style bread) and the yummy meal... The interior is cozy and a deligthful yellow. They are really sweet behind the counter. Just stopping by helped me get my day started off on the right foot! If only they were opened on weekends...
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Shawn W.

Yelp
When you visit 2nd Street Cafe's website, it says, "we have pretty good food." That is a delightful understatement. In fact, I think they have some of the best sandwiches that I've ever had anywhere. The coffee is forgettable, but man, the food. Try the Cuban or the Reuben, or any of their daily specials, and you will understand why there's an incessant stream of people coming through during lunch. It's a favorite among East Cambridge/Kendall Square professionals. The staff are friendly and the service is remarkably quick, especially considering the sheer volume of orders they process. The only downside is the limited seating (only about 5 small tables). It's not a great place to sit down. No wireless and bad cell phone reception. And sometimes they do close shop early. But hey, this isn't Starbucks, it's your neighborhood cafe.