I have to come clean here. There's been a number of times I'm like "I should go to Davis, I haven't been there in a while". And then I start thinking about where I want to go in Davis. And I have to be honest with you. Usually, I can't think of anywhere. Davis SHOULD be good! It's close enough to Tufts to have that chill college vibe, but far enough from Harvard to not stick its nose too far in the air. It's just on the edge of Somerville, so it's a little weird, but not so far into Somerville that it puts Billy Tauro signs in its front yard. But Davis Square's only REAL cafe is Diesel. And I really WANT to like it, it has this wacky retro home kitchen vibe that matches Davis pretty well. But it's just...not very good. The drinks are pretty average, the pastries are usually picked over and generic. And there's just too many people, often I have to squeeze between the couple making out and the home office of some aging Socialist. I then share the internet with the better part of the Tufts computer science department, which means I just paid $9.50 to stare at loading screens. I think Diesel would be much better if there were, like, one other cafe. Any takers?
Joseph Wills
Expensive food and coffee. Good atmosphere. Terminal lack of electrical outlets.
Leah W.
I loved my visit to this cafe. The seasonal latte was delicious, the vegan sandwich was healthy and delicious, and the sticky bun is aesthetic and yummy! I played pool and got to relax and enjoy the fun vintage themed atmosphere.
Anthony De La Puente
At Diesel Cafe, amidst the hum of espresso machines and the clatter of old-school gas station relics, one finds the essence of a bygone era. The timeworn ephemera adorning the walls, reminiscent of a Hemingway novel, transport patrons to a simpler time. The staff, much like characters in a well-crafted tale, are kind and helpful, adding a touch of warmth to the nostalgic ambiance. Here, one can sip coffee and pen stories, surrounded by the echoes of a literary past
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Everything Bagel Hand Pie
Ava French
Had to give a shout-out to Diesel Cafe in Davis Square for being such a gem! Not only is their food top-notch, but their matcha lattes are a game changer – easily some of the best I’ve had. It’s the perfect pick-me-up when you need a little boost.But what I really love about Diesel Cafe is the atmosphere. It’s got this cool vibe that makes it an ideal spot to hunker down and get some work done, or just chill with a good book. The place just has a way of making you feel welcome and inspired at the same time.Whether you’re a matcha fanatic like me, on the hunt for some tasty eats, or just need a great spot to focus, Diesel Cafe’s got you covered. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re in Davis Square.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bagel & Lox, Avocado Toast
Mary S
Love the egg sandwiches and sticky buns!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg and Cheese, Bakery
Kayla Long
The coffee and tea were good, but the food was nothing to write home about. It was good for a quick bite before heading into town, and the service was nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Adam Adkison
The best coffeehouse in Davis square. Pastries, Ice cream, the coffee, everything is great, never had an issue here (except for seating) There is seating in the back of the building, tucked away against the wall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissant
Paul Zhang
Nice cafe, 2 hour time limit on wifi, over priced coffee but thats just standard. Very good sandwiches! Nice place to hang out, lots of cool decor.
I was charged +$7 for a double expression! Seriously 7 dollars for a coffee !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 4
Becca M.
I have lived in Davis square for a long time and I have always loved Diesel. It's a bit pricey but their staff are unionized and the food and coffee is incredible. The Vietnamese coffee is always my go to. I also just love the vibes here. There is a pool table in the back. There is an ice cream bar! Like how could you go wrong. Perfect place to hang out and work and the food and drinks have never disappointed.
mindlessbuddha
Went on a Sunday to meet someone, on their recommendation. It's a very suburbanite-hipster-college student cafe. Packed on the weekends. People were waiting to sit down 10-20 min, because there were so many people who were by themselves taking up whole tables on their computers. They should really ask people sitting by themselves to pair up on bigger tables or sit at the counter. There were a lot of wasted seats, and people were too entitled to care to move and sit by a stranger. The food was nothing special, expensive, and took a long time. The staff didn't look to be in a hurry. I might go back only when they are empty or much slower, but I doubt it.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Christina P.
Avocado toast (8/10): need a bit more salt and pepper, but lovely with a side of eggs! Cardamom bun (9/10): a little on the burnt side of toasting, but it was really great! the cardamom syrup shone through to give it that floral taste. Bagel and lox (8/10): not a fan of cucumber in lox because I personally think it's a filler to add less lox. Also, no sour component like dill in it. Bagel toasted really well. Service was great! this place is always slammed. One downside is that they don't offer wifi here on the weekends, but they are upfront about this information and also allow patrons to work if they have personal hotspots/don't need wifi. Such a cute cafe. I love how it's decorated and repurposed from an old fire station. Isn't my first time coming here and certainly not my last!
Hannah G.
Came here to get some work done with a coworker and it was definitely a nice space to do that. Unfortunately, their wifi kicks you off after 2 hours which I find pretty obnoxious, but if you only have 2 hours of work to get done or want to stop for a not-all-that-quick breakfast sandwich, it's a good spot for that. The Joplin, a sausage, egg, cheese, and maple butter sandwich on focaccia was very good but it took about 15-20 minutes to come out- not criminal but not great either.
I have to come clean here. There's been a number of times I'm like "I should go to Davis, I haven't been there in a while". And then I start thinking about where I want to go in Davis. And I have to be honest with you. Usually, I can't think of anywhere. Davis SHOULD be good! It's close enough to Tufts to have that chill college vibe, but far enough from Harvard to not stick its nose too far in the air. It's just on the edge of Somerville, so it's a little weird, but not so far into Somerville that it puts Billy Tauro signs in its front yard. But Davis Square's only REAL cafe is Diesel. And I really WANT to like it, it has this wacky retro home kitchen vibe that matches Davis pretty well. But it's just...not very good. The drinks are pretty average, the pastries are usually picked over and generic. And there's just too many people, often I have to squeeze between the couple making out and the home office of some aging Socialist. I then share the internet with the better part of the Tufts computer science department, which means I just paid $9.50 to stare at loading screens. I think Diesel would be much better if there were, like, one other cafe. Any takers?
Expensive food and coffee. Good atmosphere. Terminal lack of electrical outlets.
I loved my visit to this cafe. The seasonal latte was delicious, the vegan sandwich was healthy and delicious, and the sticky bun is aesthetic and yummy! I played pool and got to relax and enjoy the fun vintage themed atmosphere.
At Diesel Cafe, amidst the hum of espresso machines and the clatter of old-school gas station relics, one finds the essence of a bygone era. The timeworn ephemera adorning the walls, reminiscent of a Hemingway novel, transport patrons to a simpler time. The staff, much like characters in a well-crafted tale, are kind and helpful, adding a touch of warmth to the nostalgic ambiance. Here, one can sip coffee and pen stories, surrounded by the echoes of a literary past
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Everything Bagel Hand Pie
Had to give a shout-out to Diesel Cafe in Davis Square for being such a gem! Not only is their food top-notch, but their matcha lattes are a game changer – easily some of the best I’ve had. It’s the perfect pick-me-up when you need a little boost.But what I really love about Diesel Cafe is the atmosphere. It’s got this cool vibe that makes it an ideal spot to hunker down and get some work done, or just chill with a good book. The place just has a way of making you feel welcome and inspired at the same time.Whether you’re a matcha fanatic like me, on the hunt for some tasty eats, or just need a great spot to focus, Diesel Cafe’s got you covered. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re in Davis Square.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bagel & Lox, Avocado Toast
Love the egg sandwiches and sticky buns!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg and Cheese, Bakery
The coffee and tea were good, but the food was nothing to write home about. It was good for a quick bite before heading into town, and the service was nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
The best coffeehouse in Davis square. Pastries, Ice cream, the coffee, everything is great, never had an issue here (except for seating) There is seating in the back of the building, tucked away against the wall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissant
Nice cafe, 2 hour time limit on wifi, over priced coffee but thats just standard. Very good sandwiches! Nice place to hang out, lots of cool decor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome coffee and food, can get pretty busy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
I was charged +$7 for a double expression! Seriously 7 dollars for a coffee !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 4
I have lived in Davis square for a long time and I have always loved Diesel. It's a bit pricey but their staff are unionized and the food and coffee is incredible. The Vietnamese coffee is always my go to. I also just love the vibes here. There is a pool table in the back. There is an ice cream bar! Like how could you go wrong. Perfect place to hang out and work and the food and drinks have never disappointed.
Went on a Sunday to meet someone, on their recommendation. It's a very suburbanite-hipster-college student cafe. Packed on the weekends. People were waiting to sit down 10-20 min, because there were so many people who were by themselves taking up whole tables on their computers. They should really ask people sitting by themselves to pair up on bigger tables or sit at the counter. There were a lot of wasted seats, and people were too entitled to care to move and sit by a stranger. The food was nothing special, expensive, and took a long time. The staff didn't look to be in a hurry. I might go back only when they are empty or much slower, but I doubt it.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Avocado toast (8/10): need a bit more salt and pepper, but lovely with a side of eggs! Cardamom bun (9/10): a little on the burnt side of toasting, but it was really great! the cardamom syrup shone through to give it that floral taste. Bagel and lox (8/10): not a fan of cucumber in lox because I personally think it's a filler to add less lox. Also, no sour component like dill in it. Bagel toasted really well. Service was great! this place is always slammed. One downside is that they don't offer wifi here on the weekends, but they are upfront about this information and also allow patrons to work if they have personal hotspots/don't need wifi. Such a cute cafe. I love how it's decorated and repurposed from an old fire station. Isn't my first time coming here and certainly not my last!
Came here to get some work done with a coworker and it was definitely a nice space to do that. Unfortunately, their wifi kicks you off after 2 hours which I find pretty obnoxious, but if you only have 2 hours of work to get done or want to stop for a not-all-that-quick breakfast sandwich, it's a good spot for that. The Joplin, a sausage, egg, cheese, and maple butter sandwich on focaccia was very good but it took about 15-20 minutes to come out- not criminal but not great either.