Uptown Espresso Caffe

Citrus/​grapefruit flavor. A bit too hot. Nice art. Microfoam was a little bubbly. A bit thin in texture, but otherwise pretty nice.
The space is incredible.

Stopping into this café mid-​day is like going on a mini-​retreat! My favorite is the iced latte, enjoyed outdoors under the patio umbrella. With the chill music, hidden location and personable service, you can’t go wrong for a 2pm pick me up! Thank you, Uptown Espresso!!!

I go to school at Northeastern and I’m always looking for great coffee shops to hang out and do homework in, the library does get a little depressing.
The people working there are not especially friendly but the coffee is pretty good. There is a strange shortage of outlets, I can kind of understand, it’s not all about the laptops. There is alcohol which is nice but very strange hours, closing early which is something I don’t like. I’m a college kid! Overall, good cup of coffee but not a place I would like to spend all day in.

I always stop by Uptown on Wednesday afternoons after I come back from work. It’s a great place for coffee and to relax. Not so much for the food. A couple of things distinguish Uptown Espresso from its peers:
— A fantastic sunroom that’s warm even in the winter.
— Good coffee that is always roasted right (never charred like other coffee shops in the area).
— A friendly staff that is willing to customize your order with a smile on their face.
–They never bother you if you stay for a couple of hours, just studying.
The one kicker is that their food isn’t the best. I came here for lunch once and ordered the turkey sandwich. Not hard to mess up, right? Well, they did somehow. Gummy turkey and soggy bread. Not the best combination, at all.
Come here with a book, a craving for caffeine, and a couple of hours to relax.

I was killing some time here this morning and am now considering coming out of my way to stop by. My passion iced tea was perfectly balanced and refreshing. And my blackberry scone was melt-​in-​your-​mouth buttery and delicious. I found a cozy nook to settle down in and felt instantly serene surrounded by the lavender walls and artwork. It was fun to hear some of the regulars come in and ask for the «usual.» Definitely very friendly here.
Side note: I let it slide since they were so nice and I was eying the packaged biscotti anyway, but they have a $ 5 credit card minimum, which I’m pretty sure isn’t legal (according to Visa’s regulations for their merchants at least).

This café is super-​cute and comfortable. There is seating inside, in the atrium, and outside on their patio. On nice summer days, I usually opt for the atrium, where there are always plenty of tables and quiet enough to do some work.
On the other hand, I subtracted one point for the much-​to-​be-​desired baked goods. My cranberry scone was definitely stale today.

Nothing terribly impressive here, but I still enjoy stopping by when I’m in the area. I sometimes end up crashing on my friends’ couch and then stop by Uptown Espresso on my way to the T the next morning. I usually get a regular coffee and a ham/​cheese croissant. Both are always great, but I could probably eat 3 of those croissants.
The vibe inside is nice, I like the décor and art on the walls. I’ve stuck around and drank my coffee a few times and its a pretty relaxed atmosphere. I like that they have simple syrup available for sweetener. I’ll be back when I’m in the area, but this isn’t something I’d go out of my way to get.

This place gets major cute points. You walk in and think it’s a normal coffee shop, and then you keep walking and see the atrium. It’s Boston-​perfect; you can enjoy the sun without having to be in the cold.
As for the outlet policy and the wifi… I have a baby computer with a nice 6-​hour battery life.

Similar to a few other reviewers, I really REALLY want to like this place. Its literally 25 steps from my apartment, has that great patio and heavens to Betsey a liquor license! The coffee is good, and the sandwiches are ok (they need to heat up that Panini machine — the mozz and tom sandwiches are never nice and melty) however:
1. The coffee is not cheap. I mean it’s coffee, right, so we aren’t breaking the bank anyway, but it’s as much if not sometimes more than Starbucks. That said, I would be more than happy to pay this much for coffee if:
2.The music and general atmosphere were better. Sometimes it’s just the boys in there, and the music then was well improved from the horrible «adult contemporary» new agey jazzy crap that is usually on. (shudder) Like being in the car with your cat lady aunt.
3. I went in to work on my laptop in the afternoon one rainy day, only to find all the plugs covered. I have heard of this phenomenon before, but to become a victim was particularly discouraging. Luckily, my laptop battery has a robust life, and I was able to lay down a few hours of work — and sucked down 2 very large espresso drinks to max out the $ 5 credit card minimum.
Also, being at the outskirts of the South End, one would hope to find establishments that have a little bit more grit, style and life than Uptown Espresso. Let Tremont absorb all the sterile, faux-​chic little places, and give me some edge. I would kill to run this place — fresh (not pre-​wrapped) sandwiches made to order, beer and wine till at least 11pm… awesome music and better décor. That’s what I want 25 steps from my front door!
At least I have the Columbus Café…

I ALWAYS support an independent place unless given a reason not to and, for the first time in a while, there’s a place that’s given me reason to go somewhere else.
Exhibit A, the cash: middle of the road sandwiches/​top shelf prices; not-​cheap coffee and a full-​price refill policy even if you’re drinking it out of a mug (on drip coffee, people!).
Exhibit B, the atmosphere: i’ve never gotten the cold shoulder but the attitude is always just *meh* not really aloof but not extraordinarily friendly either, the place isn’t comfy (it’s actually kinda sterile feeling), the music.. . for the love of god.. . it’s like a dentist’s office circa 1983 (and not in the good, kitchy way). It’s just not a comfortable place to be.
Exhibit C, the hours: i know most coffee shops in the South End close early which is sad, but 7pm on a weeknight? really? when do you expect folks to drink the alcohol your serve if you’re closing by the time folks are getting off work? kind of a waste of a liquor license if you ask me.
I’m sorry to be not nice, but the whole place feels like the proprietor owns the property outright and runs the place as a hobby without regard for what makes a place special. My gf has literally been denied a place on the porch because they said they were closing in 30 minutes. what the hell? if you want to be out the door by 7 then close at 6.. . that’s the way it work.. . you don’t run people out before you turn the sign on the door to «closed».
if you’re just grabbing a coffee to go i’m sure it’s fine, but i have never wanted to stay there longer than it took to drink a cup of coffee and leave. it’s disappointing, because i really *want* to like it and have a hangout around the corner, but the place just feels phoned in.

Very good espresso
Efficient, capable service
Excellent place to write or read

Cozy coffee shop in the South End with friendly, courteous servers. I’ve stopped by here numerous times on the way to school and have always been pleased with their lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas — on par with Espresso Royale and Café L’Aroma.

I want to adore this place, but my white chocolate mocha left much to be desired. I became rather excited when I paid, as a large only set me back $ 4.10, which is more than reasonable from what I’ve grown accustomed to paying. However, I suppose you get what you pay for.
My latte was very thin and lacked the sweet rush of energy I demand in my espresso. The espresso bean used was very mild, which for your average coffee drinker would be quite acceptable, but I was left wanting a more admirable contender. I could only taste a hint of white chocolate syrup in the latte, and still, it tasted more like a very timid vanilla. Also, I don’t remember hearing the reassuring clunk of the milk pitcher on the counter, which could explain the overall thin consistency of the latte.
All in all, if you’re a rush-​hour coffee drinker, I’d give this place your attention for a cheaper alternative to Starbucks.

Great space… w/​calculatingly aloof managers and barely adequate overpriced food. $ 4.50 for a pressed sliced bread, grocery store ham, and instant egg foodstuff = laughable.
But I am using their free wifi, which I called about and said, «Morning, do you have free wifi?» The woman responds, «For paying customers.»
You decide.

I thought I had already reviewed this charming café, and I meant to update my review, only to find I had not yet written one. How can this be? I am always here!!!
Faye is the owner and she is amazing. She’s very friendly and knows how to please her customers.
The sunroom is a great place to study or read for a bit. Also, when the patio is open, it’s pet friendly!
They have a credit card minimum of $ 5, so I just got myself a gift card and keep filling it up. What’s even better is that they have your info in case you ever lose or forget your card, AND they keep track of your coffee intake and the 10^th is free!
My fave is the iced coffee with SF hazelnut. Yumm-​o.
And watch out for those scones and almond croissants, I’m pretty sure they’re the responsible for at least a few of the many pounds I’ve gained this past year! My fave scones are the blackberry ginger and the lemon. Danger!
Support the local businesses and check this place out. You won’t be sorry.

I’m torn about this place –
I am an avid café hanger-outer…and I have a few basic criteria to make my café day:
1. Aesthetically pleasing (to me), surroundings, ambiance — a MUST!
2. Free, unlimited wi-​fi
3. Good selection of teas and/​or hot chocolate (the real thing — not that packet stuff!) + oh, and good food, of course — goes without saying :)
4. Warm, pleasant staff…
This place scores points on # 1, and #3.
Although — they also stopped refilling my tea with hot water too some months ago… which is also a little inhospitable.
I’m actually one of those customers who buys a full meal and pastries — and drinks there quite frequently (the place is around the corner from work). But then — that little nicety stopped.
And so did the feeling of warmth in my heart…
On #2 — well — things deteriorated from great to so-​so — when the power outlets got zipped up…(I hear it was so people don’t trip on the wires… urrrrr? really? OK.
OK…now it’s getting a lil chillier… It’s kinda like pulling out the welcome mat from under you…
On #4 — the wait staff have for the most part been very pleasant. on occasion I’ve come across someone who has the South End snootiness — where the customer is either invisible, or not worth the time of day…(you know who u are girly!!). And the owner runs hot and cold … she’s not the warm and fuzzy type… a little aloof and not particularly chatty, when I’ve tried to make conversation… but I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt — maybe she’s painfully shy…
So it’s got it’s pros and cons —
I’m still committed to supporting the mom and pop store owners… but, maybe until the weather gets a little warmer inside — i’ll be proceeding with some restraint on this one…
I’m glad lots of people do like the place and have had good experience consistently though. So something must be working completely for some people out there…

Warm days are best spent with the sun on your face and a glass of something refreshing. Now that UEC serves wine and beer, grab yourself some Chimay or a crisp white and park it on the patio.
I’ll attest to the sublime texture of their mini cheesecakes, and indulgence everyone should have at least once. The array of other goodies looked a bit plastic, but there’s plenty of liquid treats for the sampling. The rooibos latte caught my eye, and I’m game for trying that when the weather cools and I need to be warmed up from the inside.
A fantastic respite like this is always welcome.

Whomever said their pastries were subpar has not tried their mini-​cheesecakes. Who knew you could buy heaven for $ 1.50? The free wifi is a little spotty (at least it was for me, I use a PC if that helps) but it hasn’t been crowded when I was there and the staff doesn’t seem to mind that I camped out there for an afternoon so I could write outside my apartment. I’d spend more time there if it were closer. The patio in the back is nice and still gets wifi (in fact I’m writing this under a bright green umbrella as we speak).
UPDATE: I went back and discovered there are NO outlets. What kind of a place has free wifi and no power outlets? Seems like a deliberate move to force turnover of us digital nomads (as others have hinted at, too). My computer’s battery isn’t like it used to be, so I probably wouldn’t go back with the intent of working on my laptop. I’m removing a star, because the of the lack of outlets and the fact that the person waiting on me was practically smug when she said «there are no outlets, but I can wrap up that pastry for you if you want to leave.»

*I’m currently digesting a sandwich from here as I type*
My first visit to Uptown Espresso Caffe and definitely not my last – especially since it’s downstairs from my apartment.
Breakfast or lunch? That was the first question I had to ask myself at noon on a Sunday. The variety of sandwiches looked good, but my eyes eventually wandered toward the pastry display… mmm. «We have bagels and eggs too» says a woman behind the counter – shit. Even more choices!
Lunch.
Which sandwich? The homemade chicken salad sounds tasty but those paninis look good too. That tuna doesn’t look too shabby and the turkey on multi-​grain is begging to be eaten. Unable to decide, I ask the woman behind the counter, «Which sandwich is your favorite?» She tells me she really likes the chicken salad – destiny.
$ 7 will get you a sandwich and choice of chips, cookie, or apple. I chose chips. Mesquite BBQ, natch.

Uptown Espresso is by far my favorite café in Boston. It is one of the few independently owned coffee shops in the city and offers a refreshing change from the chains that are on practically every street corner. Uptown Espresso has a lot of personality, with an eclectic décor, fresh artwork adorning the walls and musical selections that always seem to enhance my experience. They make a perfect cappuccino, with a generous amount of espresso and delicious clouds of foamed milk (it is on par with cappuccinos I’ve had in Europe, which is a huge compliment). I also enjoy their chai lattes, always with a dash of cinnamon on top :)
This is the perfect place to sit and relax, read a good novel or get some studying in. My only complaint is that they do have more restricted hours than some other coffee shops (they typically close by 7pm), but I understand that this often comes with the territory when an establishment is privately owned.
Definitely one of my favorite spots in the city– highly recommended for fellow caffeine addicts.