Neighborhood Restaurant & Bakery

I've been going to The Neighborhood for several years. If this review had been written 3 years ago, they would easily receive 4, if not 5, stars. Sadly, the once always reliable hidden gem has fallen into a downward spiral. Three years ago, living in Mission Hill, I would trek to Somerville 3 or 4 times a month for what was, at the time, the best breakfast in the city. Now, I live off of Highland Ave in Somerville, less than a ten minute walk, and visit less and less. Sunday was the first time this year I've been since the patio opened in May, and I'll tell you why. Although the food, which was once great, is still pretty good, the service has gone noticeably downhill. The Neighborhood has never been known for exceptional service, but now the service is downright rude and horrible. The last 5 or 6 times I've been, I've felt like an unwelcome house guest before even sitting down at a table. The wait staff hasn't changed, but their attitude has. And the food quality has suffered as well. There was a time when you would receive a basket of breads and baked goods with your meal, now you get a couple slices of toast, a muffin if you're lucky, and some jam. The heaping piles of home fries are now a small mound of burnt potato bits. The coffee that once flowed nonstop into your cup as you dined is virtually non-existent, and is only filled on request, if you're lucky, and your server isn't shouting across the dining room to someone else. The cream of wheat is still the best cereal you'll ever have, even if you, like myself and many others, don't like cream of wheat, try it. Especially since the alternative choice of fruit has been on par with canned slop from a high school cafeteria. If you've never been to the Neighborhood, it's still worth trying. You might even get lucky, and get a server while still in a good mood. But don't count on it. Pros: Best cream of wheat you'll ever eat Cons: Putting the HORRIBLE in horrible service more

Went here last Saturday for brunch. I'd read rave reviews and was curious. The food was good. They give you a bunch of extra stuff on the house, some is good, some just crowds the table and is low quality. But it's free so I won't complain. 1) First off, if you go for weekend brunch, you will probably have to wait. The upside? They provide you with free coffee and an excellent sweet bread outside while you wait. 2) For an appetizer, if you will, everyone gets either cream of wheat or fruit. The cream of wheat is pretty awesome, sweet and rich, it's made with condensed milk. 3) They have a long list of breakfast specials. When I went, they included Vanilla French Toast and Blueberry Banana Pancakes. They're listed for $10.99 and come with eggs, sausage and home fries. You can also get any of the specials without the eggs and sausage for $8.50. They still come with the home fries. I got pumpkin pecan pancakes. I must say they were pretty stellar. Good flavor and texture. Bf got corned beef hash. He said it wasn't bad, but it was not great. The home fries were also only mediocre. 4) You also get a plate of buttered toast with jam and a pastry. Everything on this plate was pretty low quality. It was fun, most of what I got was good. I'm in no rush to go back though. Service was extremely friendly I should mention, something I always appreciate. Pros: Pumpkin pancakes, cream of wheat Cons: mediocre stuff on the side more

Great breakfast, plain and simple. I little tough to get it as it isn't too close to any t stops, but worth the long walk to short cab ride from Central Sq. The ""Portugese Breakfast"" was amazing. I can't wait to go back and try more items. Everything on the menu looked amazing. Also, looks to be a great spot in the summertime with lots of outside seating. Pros: Great Specials, Excellent options, HUGE portions Cons: long waits (too be expected) more

I love this place, especially in the summer when you can sit outdoors underneath their real grape vines. If... more

I love this place, especially in the summer when you can sit outdoors underneath their real grape vines. If you go late in the summer, the aroma c... more

We went there for Sunday brunch - at about 3 in the afternoon. It was the only time they didn't have a line... more

We went there for Sunday brunch - at about 3 in the afternoon. It was the only time they didn't have a line halfway down the block. I have to say... more

I cannot stress how amazing the food is at the Neighborhood! We went on a rainy day and unfortunately had to sit inside, so the wait was longer than usual. I recommend that you shoot for a nice day and sit outside on the patio. Less of a wait and better ambiance! Despite our wait, we were so impressed by the friendly and accommodating service. There were several plates of food for each of us and everything was delicious! The pumpkin-cinamon pancakes are our new favorite in the area. Pros: great food, friendly service, outdoor patio Cons: inside seating is a little crowded more

Definitely choose Cream of Wheat over fruit for your breakfast side. It is by far the best cream of wheat I've ever had. Not sure what they put in it... probably lots of butter and cream. Pros: service, "different", charming Cons: food not spectacular more

This is quite a treasure. The service, value and most importantly the Food. The best and most creative pancakes that I have ever eaten. Kudos to the chef. I will be returning time after time. Pros: creative menu, flavorful, great value Cons: tight seating more

Excellent food, cream of wheat is excellent and comes with all breakfast orders as well as fresh baked breads, muffins, and goodies. Portions are huge, they have tons of specials like lobster and shirmp omelets. Service is excellent, very friendly. Lines are long on weekends, but worth the wait. Pros: Menu, Service, Value more

breakfast is heaty. Not your typical egg dishes which is a great change for once. It has the homey feeling and you get tons of bread. You leave full as can be. It no only breafast you can have a full course meal from lamb chops to shrip with lime and garlic to waffles yummy! a must see and try. ASk for the crazy jersey girl she is a riot. Love her accent and zany personality. Pros: tons of food, home cooking Cons: a wait more

Hidden in Somerville Union Square this is by far the best casual brunch value. You can even go in your pj's (well almost). You sit outside under grape vines and get tons of terrific food. You have to check this place out. It also helps if you walk there, you'll need the walk home after you stuff your belly. Pros: Inexpensive, Great Value, Terrific home cooking Cons: parking, bad weather more

Great restaurant and the best thing is it's not your typical breakfast menu, many items & dishes that you can't find anywhere else. Great Pastry very home feeling and tremendous service Pros: Variety, Service, inexpensive Cons: parking more

Absolutely the best value for your dollar. A fantastic and ever changing menu of american favorites along with portuguese staples. A friendly staff with terrific food and short on the wallet all combine to invite you to visit regularly. more

Don't bother- the place is tiny. You sit on top of other people but not before asking them to get out of their seats so you can get to yours. more

If you want the good quality/quantity combo in spades, ditch the trip to Denny's and check this out. Though you will be parking in a small neighborhood area and perhaps walking a bit to find it, you won't be disappointed. Nothing fancy, but surely flavorful! Pros: Great Value, Good food Cons: Tight seating, Can be tough to find more

Great breakfast place, it is outside thought so dont go on a bad weather day. Prices are good. A little hard to find. Pros: Great Omlette, Cool Juices Cons: Outside, Slow Wait staff more