Hi-Rise At the Blacksmith House

Is it just me or or the sandwiches much cheaper and like half teh size? I haven’t been in a couple of years and I think they’ve downsized the lunch stuff.
In general, I find the food addictive, from the sandwiches to the baked goods, it seems like the staff have amped up the attitude in the last couple of years though. For F’s sake say «hello» at least … can I get a «can I help you?» apparently not. It’s cool if you’re shy and all, but come on, common decency.

A great setting, adequate food — but ruined by the vile staff. Why, I wonder, do they hate their lives so much. And why do they have to take it out on the customers. It’s a wonder this place can stay in business. I often wonder when I read reviews that mention unpleasant staff, whether the reviewer isn’t just exaggerating a misunderstanding, or generalizing from one rare occurrence. But I have to agree this time with the many other reviewers who report nasty, surly (and barely competent) staff. Things are consistently so bad here that it’s not worth bothering most days.
If you like the masochistic challenge of confronting unfriendly people, then make Hi-​Rise your destination. Otherwise, stay away.

The baked goods are great, but they lose some flavor when served with a side of bad attitude.
I can hardly believe in this day and age, when reviewers can openly post about their experiences at a place and money is tight all around, that a place can get away with such rudeness, and high prices.
I walked in around 3PM on a Tuesday afternoon, planning to get an iced mocha and a cookie. When I entered the line, it was a little chaotic, due to poor crowd control/​poor signage by the staff.
They did not list that mochas are available on the menu, so I inquired. Yes they have them, and yes they can make them iced. Why are they not listed on the menu?
The barista pretty much ignored me, but greeted other clients??? Bad move number one. I couldn’t get over the negative vibe he infused the room and products with. Tsk tsk.
The setting upstairs is lovely, though, and very subdued. It might seem uptight to some, but it’s quiet and dark.
Unfortunately, I will now have to think twice about supporting this «business.»

Ok, I have to say this place grew on me… I even love those rolls now. Things seem more upbeat in the place… if anything I’m MORE intrigued to come after all these weird reviews, I like the character.
Coffee remains excellent!

Decent coffee, really good food, plenty of space to open your book/​laptop and space out.
I had the opportunity to assess the service situation, and this is my take. The tall skinny moustachio’d dude behind the counter appears to be a french-​american hipster… certainly the most insidious species. A rare find in the wild, they are both rude *and* judgmental. After reading the reviews, I came prepared… I was hung over, wearing sunglasses and my locally-​ironic cal poly pomona hoodie on. I almost felt felt welcome, perhaps as much as a half-​brother would be.
On a more serious note, I think the hipsters behind the counter must be the owners, because the lack of courtesy extends beyond what they actually say. Am I the only person who noticed that the nicest, brightest part of the entire space is the rightmost-​part of the kitchen?

Really? REALLY???
You are losing customers at the same pace that Charlie Sheen is gaining Twitter followers.
Since it seems that I’m not the only one with a complaint about the service at this place, one would think management would step in and deal with the situation. I guess they just don’t care… much like the people working at this location. I will NEVER go back to this place after the crappy service I received.
I’m here to receive a service, that YOU being in the SERVICE industry are to fulfill. Don’t freaking scowl at me because I’m squinting to read your horribly fonted menu written on the wall. Don’t worry, I’m not staring at you and what clearly must be your Halloween costume from when you dressed up like Trent from Daria. And when I order food, don’t freaking stare blankly at me and then question my choices.
While it’s one thing to have people in the customer service industry lack enthusiasm for their jobs, it’s completely another to have people who just really do not give a f%ck. You will find both at this location.
Also, this is for you Mr. Moustache douche canoe crapface… I’m so very sorry you’re life doesn’t seem to be going in the direction for which you planned. Please don’t take that out on everyone you serve. Maybe you should take your annoying wease-​like French-​based accent back to Montréal and try at your life again… this time with a smile.

Where do I start? I want to love this place and they do have some really good food, but the service is absolutely horrible. I just don’t understand places like this; the product is great but they have pretentious twits manning the establishment. Today’s lunch went like this…
1. We walk in and read the menu while getting blank stares from two pseudo hipsters behind the counter. No greeting or a,“can we help you?“
2. Placed an order for a «grilled cheese» and asked if we meant the «classic» (pronounced w/​a snotty French accent) «Yes the classique, please.» Maybe you should change to menu to reflect this naming preference.
3. Get to the register and realize they only take cash… really? ugh. It’s 2011!!! And you overcharge anyways, I think you can swing the fee.
4. Walk down to the bank, get cash and return. I half wanted to just abandon ship at this point since I just had such a bad taste in my mouth already… but I went back. I need to trust my instincts more.
5. Back at the register the one guy relays to the other what we had ordered and I ask if I could add an iced tea. There wasn’t really a response to my question, such as «size?» or «sure, let me get that for you.» He just kind of turns his back and pours my drink.
6. As Frenchy brings my ice tea to the counter he must have realized there was something floating on top (lemon seed?) since as he brings it over to the counter he sticks bare fingers in my tea and flicks whatever it was out onto the floor!!! Just a reminder here, they only take CASH and he wasn’t wearing gloves. There was no, «oops!» or «silly seeds!» or «sorry, I’ll grab you another one» I mean come on!!! If I have a choice between a lemon seed in my ice tea or your germy fingers I think I’ll stick with the seed thank you!
7. I was so appalled at what I was seeing I couldn’t even formulate a response. I handed over the CASH while silently fuming.
8. Waiting for our food I see a bag sitting on the counter, I wasn’t told if it was mine or not so I’m not just going to grab it. Instead the guy yells, «Matthieu» (it was under Matt’s name) into the hallway when he knows it’s for us and we are standing right there. Are you just trying to show off the fact that you speak French? WTF, really? Don’t change the customers name to suit your needs, it’s just another degrading move.
9. The rest of our order comes up, he hands us the soup for «Matthieu» and we leave vowing never to return.
I worked in retail for over 8 years, yeah, I know customers can be demanding and quirky, but don’t make us all pay for it. If you don’t want to work in a service industry job then DON’T!!!
I hope the owner reads this and realizes they are loosing loyal customers because of crappy service. In a struggling economy and big-​box retailers occupying nearly every street corner and alleyway we need places like this more than ever to hold their own and keep Harvard Square interesting and vibrant, but I don’t think they will last much longer if they keep loosing customers… perhaps this is why they seem to be expensive, to make up for a declining customer base. Do yourself a favor and skip this place, you’ll be happy you did.

PERFECT spot for brunch, lunch, reading for school, meeting friends, anything. If I could permanently buy a patio table and sit there every day I would. The staff is friendly, if YOU are friendly, and they are always to eager to recommend their favorite items. My faves?
— Black Pepper/​Cheese bread
— Arnold Palmer (doctored with a bit of simple syrup)
— Banana Bread
— ALL coffee items. they really do an amazing espresso
Go. Make friends with them. you will thank me.

I was almost afraid to go here after reading reviews and hearing about the snarky/​rude/​pretentious service. But I hazily thought I’d remembered that even the bad reviews said the baked goods were still yummy, so I figured a grab-​and-​go pastry/​bakery run wouldn’t hurt.
I was excited by the selection. Everything looked über-​tasty and tempting. The cookies were gorgeous, seemed like the puffy, fluffy kind that I love, and the flavors looked good too (oatmeal-​cherry?)
Several people went ahead of me as I continued to ponder the selection. Brioche, tea cookies, tiny homemade Oreos… something called a «chocolate cork» that looked like the center of a bundt cake or something, scones, raisin-​pecan rolls, and muffins that were actually muffin-​sized (like, the kind that came out of a normal person’s muffin tin, not the ones that are three or four times as big).
The vanilla-​bean loaf cake also looked amazing. So dense and rich-​looking. I was inches from getting it but I wasn’t quite in a vanilla mood today.
Ended up going with a gingerbread muffin. I was definitely in a dense, muffiny mood, and I rarely have gingerbread that’s actually the *bread* and not the cookie. And man, is it gingery! There’s actually a little chunk of crystallized ginger in the center. Be forewarned. But it’s AMAZING.
I actually did not encounter a problem with the service. The staff seemed a bit laid-​back, but certainly polite. I don’t know whether perhaps I just sent off the right vibes to get on their good side, whether Hi-​Rise has recently improved in that department, or whether previous reviews were just off-​base a little. Or maybe because the epic snow outside meant they weren’t as rushed and that lightened the atmosphere. Anyhow, I was pleasantly surprised by the service. It was perfectly friendly, and I walked off with my little muffin feeling utterly content.

It’s hard to give this place a single rating because they do some things well, other things poorly, and still other things like they are deliberately trying to annoy me. On average, I give it 2 stars.
Their food deserves 4 stars. If you want a morning treat, or a sandwich or soup for lunch, I would recommend this place… but then there is everything else about it.
Value: $ 8.50 for a soup? Are you kidding me? And I’m the sucker who went back for more. Seriously, it was good, but I can’t justify $ 8.50 for a large soup… now more than ever.
Space: Small. There is seating upstairs, and full disclosure: I’ve never been up there. But the space for making one’s transaction is very small – not entirely their fault, but on the other hand, I don’t think Hi Rise is using the little space they have very well. After all, why do they insist on having that giant cardboard person-​shaped sculpture in there? Just to hold a «Cash Only» sign? They need to renovate and reorganize in there. Perhaps it’s the fault of the Cambridge Historical Commission (or equiv.).
Service/​Staff: You will need a combination of at least three of the following to be treated as a human being worthy of eye contact at Hi Rise: moppy hair, scraggly facial hair, super-​skinny frame, chunky eyeglasses, floppy hat or ski cap, vintage tattoos (vintage anything, really), distant look in your eyes, lack of communication skills. The list could go on, but you get the idea. If you fit ALL of these descriptions, then what are you waiting for – submit an employment application immediately!

This Hi-​Rise has a nice, homey feel. The pastries always look delectable, and the lattes are perfectly made. The seating upstairs can be sometimes hard to get, but even getting something to go is fine. I really recommend any of their sandwiches — though I wish they had more variety in their breakfast sandwiches.

I know. I said I’d never go back. But you have to believe me; it was an emergency!
I had a lunch meeting for which I had promised to bring someone a latte. I had intended to go to Starbucks, but the line was too long. I worried I’d be late for my meeting, so cursing myself, I re-​entered the little café of snobbery I promised myself and the Unilocal community I’d never patron again.
The hipstier-​than-​thou barista is still there, and eyed me with indie judgement from behind the counter. I ordered my lattes quickly, and then promptly stepped to the side so that the caffeine warden wouldn’t publicly scold me as I have seen him do to others. The next girl in line stepped up, and the following conversation transpired:
her: «Coffee, please. Do you have soy milk?»
CW: «no…»
(pause)
“we only use –almond– milk here.“
That’s right, they’ll take your pretentiousness and raise you one!

2.5 stars
This must be Boston’s hipster heaven.
The people working in this small café were some of the snootiest I’ve encountered! That said, their coffee «cake» (more like a brioche) was quite unique, although nothing really to write home about. I can see how the courtyard would be a great study spot on a sunny day.

Perfect spot to sip a creamy latte, sit on the patio, and watch the local scene. Lovely.

So… I wanted to like this place. I really did. I walked past it a lot, it always looked super cute, and I LOVE bakeries. However, this whole experience left me never wanting to go there again.
I’m glad other people found this place to be super snarky. Um. WTF? Really? REALLY? I asked for an iced americano, easy ice. The person taking my order told me that «the ice serves a purpose.» Yes, I understand that ice serves a purpose… and I got the impression that he implied that I was just seeking a way to «cheat the system» and get more coffee. I mean… come the F on. Seriously. Oh, Snarky McSnarkerson… I’m sorry i don’t like for my drinks to get watery at the end. Excuuuuusssssssseee me.
Hopefully the other location is less annoying, but I will NEVER visit this place again, and will strongly encourage people not to step into the snarkfest that is known as Hi-​Rise Cambridge.
Annoying. It was all just super annoying.

This place is awful. Incredibly overpriced, for mediocre food. I went in and ordered the tuna melt for lunch today. I asked if I could have a few extra pickles on the side. The guy working smirked and told me it would be ‘at cost’. Really?! I’m already paying almost $ 8 for a friggin tuna melt. The pickles ended up being the crappy jarred deli slices anyways. Gross. On top of all that, I waited for almost 20 minutes for my food. And it was a teeny tiny sandwich.
Waste of money.
And one more thing. Staff is really rude, especially the one hipster-​looking guy with chest hair trying to escape from the top of his t-​shirt. I’ll be taking my business elsewhere.

Several sandwiches, many cups of iced tea and a few cookies in my belly, and my approval goes to Hi-​Rise. For simple, local, carefully prepared ingredients, for fresh-​brewed refreshment and a treats counter that complements any choice of savory on their menu.
In the summertime, on their Brattle Street patio, the three items above make for the perfect lunch, albeit a bit on the pricey side. At a sandwich shop like Hi-​Rise, you’re not paying for the service or the atmosphere (no air conditioning on the summer makes for an uncomfortable dining-​in experience), you’re plunking over your pennies for a hearty, well-​constructed sandwich pinned between two of the best slices of bread available in the area.
Wrap up your meal with something from sweet selection. Their sandwiches cookies are what Oreos aspire to be: richer, softer and creamier, just one is enough to satisfy the usual craving of sweet that follows a sandwich.

Sniff. Back in the day (ie before I turned 21… those were dark days…), Hi-​Rise had sandwiches with cool names like IL Presidente, Fern’s Problem Solver, Mr and Mrs. Snob, etc… These sandwich creations were HUGE and I usually ordered half and they would come laden with cheese, avocado, asparagus, and many things that made each sandwich special.
Fast forward to today: The two things that now appeal to me on the menu are the curried chicken salad and the Vietnamese Subs. Seriously, both are reliable but neither of them give me the same thrills as ordering something that sounds as whimsical as the entire concept of the place.
They still have reliable baked goods and an excellent cappuccino, but I would say the new much smaller-​portioned sandwiches leave me somewhat disappointed in what used to be my go to place to impress my friends.

«I’d rather have an ounce of good European dark chocolate than an entire Hershey’s bar.» –Julia Child
***
About a year ago, the espresso/​coffee program at HRB was overhauled. And:
There are only about five places in greater Boston where you can get coffee/​espresso on what one might call «a national level» –on par with, let’s say, the best in New York, Seattle, Portland, or elsewhere. A few years ago there was only one. Of course, after you read all about our espresso renaissance five years from now in Improper Bostonian or whatever, and Tyra Banks has turned all your friends onto «smaller cup sizes of better coffee; quality over quantity,» they can drag you over here for the next big trend. For now, go on slurping your Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, and Peet’s.
For those of you who want a clue, read on.
A few things make for good coffee. It’s hard to find, like… good shoes, or a good book. Or good sex.
Beans. Hi-​Rise (along with a few other spots) uses beans from the best roaster in the region, and maybe one of the best in the country. Don’t believe there’s a difference? Ever eat a bullshit tomato? Ever eat a real tomato? Are you getting me?
Technique. Not a connoisseur, you say? Tell me this: do you know the difference between good pizza, bad pizza, mediocre pizza, and heavenly pizza? Now you’re rolling… Espresso, coffee, and steamed milk are three things where you really have to know (and care about) what you’re doing to make the good stuff. And I mean good.
I’ll leave it at for that, for now, except:
They got rid of most of the really awful, hostile, snarling (ex-)employees. If I want affected bad attitudes I’ll watch Professional Wrestling. If I want good coffee, give me a real barista. The people on coffee-​side now (including the coffee manager) are as cool as blue suede shoes.
And:
I feel very lucky to have access to this place, or espresso/​coffee at all on this level in the city I live in. And it’s right off the Red Line for cripe’s sake. Let those who don’t know go to Crema. I’ll lope farther down Brattle with a slant-​grin on my face.
P. S. The 6 $ (fresh) tuna sandwich a barista there recommended was big enough, and actually really good. :)

I wanted to like Hi Rise, I really did. The cute name, the quaint «cottage» with its ample outdoor seating surrounded by greenery, the neighboring adult education center (ahh, I can almost feel the good citizenship rubbing off on me). The smell of fresh bread and brewing coffee always make goo out of me.
Walking in, the first pastry I spotted was called a «little cookie», a home-​made Oreo (omg TM). Two tiny squares of what seemed like chocolate shortbread sandwiched an appropriately thick layer of rich white cream. $ 1.50 for one… ok, I’ll take that. Another $ 1.50 for the world’s tiniest «small» coffee. No problem, heard it’s good. Aw, it even comes in a cute white paper cup with that endearing bread loaves logo stamped on it. Awww, see? How could I not want to like it?
But I didn’t. My cookie was very chocolate-​y and very soft. So soft in fact, that I had to suspect *gasp* is that staleness I taste beneath the cocoa? The yummy cream almost makes up for it, almost hides it entirely… but that shortbread was old old old. And then the coffee. It was ok, but I don’t know what people are raving about. Do you just assume that you’re getting higher quality because they’re giving you less volume? I have news for you, it may be better than Starbucks, but it’s not great by any means (and since when is Starbucks a hard-​to-​beat standard? Please.)
Icing on the cake was my stop by the restroom before I left. It SRSLY reeked of poo. I’m letting Hi Rise keep that second star because in all fairness, I don’t always check out a bathroom before rating, and it also could have just been the prior person’s fault… but you’ve been warned.