Caffeinated Commentary: Simon’s Espresso Store

For those who’re a Tufts scholar, chances are you’ll not find out about Simon’s Espresso Store (situated at 1736 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge). It’s a little bit of a hike from campus (a couple of 40 minute stroll or a 20 minute T experience), however it’s price venturing to as a result of the comfy vibes are off the charts.

Simon’s has the most effective latte artwork of any espresso retailers I’ve seen within the space thus far (and I’ve seen plenty of espresso retailers, therefore the column). Aesthetic score: 10/10. The setting is homey, housed in a small house with 12 tables inside (seating two individuals every) and two tables exterior. My favourite spot is on the window desk, ultimate for people-watching. 

An enormous win for Simon’s is their Submit-it observe wall. This little house is roofed in notes, and there’s a shelf containing each colour of pens and Submit-its so you possibly can add your individual (I’ve added a couple of now, so I really feel a particular attachment to the wall). A few of my favourite notes learn: “you must get a canine,” “go to remedy” and “Completely satisfied New Yr” with a drawing of two snails in love.

The music alternative is de facto humorous as a result of they’re blasting early 2000s pop music always, however someway it compliments the vibes. It’s a full of life spot within the mornings, however tends to be quieter within the afternoons. The employees are personable and enjoyable to talk with, and typically I catch them dancing or singing alongside to the blasting music (suppose: Bruno Mars and Kesha — like I mentioned, a humorous combine). 

General, the setting will get a 8/10, however sadly, the espresso is barely a 4/10 for me. I want I preferred the espresso extra, as a result of the setting is so cute and welcoming that I may keep right here — and have stayed right here — for hours. The latte I attempted simply isn’t something particular, to be sincere. Simon’s chai, nonetheless, is a stable 7/10. And the costs are a lot decrease than different cafes I’ve visited close by; my chai latte was round $5 for a small, however it got here in a mug that might’ve been a big. 

I used to be so excited to attempt considered one of their poppy-seed muffins, however the ratio of muffin to poppy seed wasn’t nice. I really like poppy-seed muffins, however consuming this one felt like taking bites of pure poppy seed. I had my buddy attempt it, and she or he agreed that it was merely an excessive amount of poppy seed. 

Simon’s provides large “common buyer” vitality; I’ve acknowledged some prospects who’re right here each time. I requested two of the regulars to share their ideas they usually raved about Simon’s, saying that they’ve “been coming every single day for six years.” Once I requested them to price Simon’s on a scale of 1 to 10, they shortly answered “10.”  

On Fb, Simon’s boasts a formidable 4.9/5, which is attention-grabbing in comparison with Diesel (the espresso store I reviewed final week), which has a 4.4/5 score. Whereas I gave Diesel an 8/10, I believe Simon’s earns a 7/10 from me, just because I want the espresso was higher. Nevertheless, I nonetheless come right here usually to hang around within the heat environment. 

While you google “Simon’s Espresso Store,” an outline pops up which reads, “Espresso store is a heat house for artfully introduced lattes, plus cider, sandwiches, tea & tunes.” 

I fully agree with this description; the setting is heat, the lattes “artfully introduced,” and the “tunes” full the vibe. I’ll skip the espresso and muffins, however will fortunately sip on a chai latte, benefit from the cozy vitality and go away some ost-its on the wall. 

See you subsequent week for extra “Caffeinated Commentary!”