The OtherSide Cafe

"I had to try and then review this place. It has either detractors or disciples with very little in between. The Other Side Cafe is quite literally the other side of Newbury street. Mass ave seems to split the chic and the cheap with the OSC(as I will now call it) on the cheaper side next to a futon place. OSC has about 15 tables of all sorts outside with about 30 tables inside on 2 levels. My first impression is that this place belongs in Berkley California. Then again I like Berkley. I sat at the bar, which has another 8 stools. The tunes were a bit loud, but they were playing Queen, A night at The Opera. I had this album once back when I was hip(way back). The problem was: I ordered my veggie Burrito and smoothie during the song "get down make love" and did not get served until "We are the champions", which is near the end of the album, sorry CD, sorry again MP3(at least I did not say 8 track). They seem a bit disorganized, but in a pleasant type of non confrontational way. Truth is, I had the time, and it was fun to watch. The upside is: I hate to say this, but it was the best veggie chili of my not so young life...and the smoothie was very good as it was made with real fruit, not syrup like at most places. The place is original, and there are very few places like this anywhere. To prove that I can be objective when I am not intolerant, I actually went 2 more times. It was the same great food, but with better service. It was not the peak lunch period or perhaps with these guys, the stars were aligned or the moon was in Gemini. Astrology aside, truly a noteworthy place" more

This place is right on, but some of the employees seem a bit arrogant. Haircuts, tattoos, hats, wallet chains, half beards...is this place owned by MTV2? But that also calls for a great selection of music, staff selected of course. They have outdoor, ground level/bar and upstairs seating, and art on the walls. Last time i went it was someone's Polaroid project. The food is great for vegetarians, offering cheese and fruit platters, chili, soups, sandwiches. My favorite is the cup of chili and half a sandwich deal. Their bar, aside from a lot of great beers, also makes some good espresso drinks. It's kind of pretentious, but at least it's on the "other side" of Newbury street. It's pretty awesome. more

If you like beer, check this place out. For such a tiny restaurant, they have a surprisingly large inventory. The sandwiches are pretty good too. They don't have much in the way of seating though, so there may be a wait. It's pretty informal, good place to hang out with friends over some beers. more

I've been to this place a number of times and have always enjoyed it. My usual meal entails a california wrap (avocado, onions, sprouts, cucumber, cheese) along with turkey and mustard. The food is always fresh and tastes great. I saw that they recently revamped the place and now offer a brunch menu. My husband loves going since he loves getting a fresh juice drink or some kind of exotic beer. The only downfall is the overabundance of hipsters and sometimes slow service, but the food and neat featured art makes up for it. more