Review of Andala Coffee House, Cambridge, MA.
The Andala Coffee House occupies a beautiful two-story building at 286 Franklin St, Central Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The lyrical title is the name of the nightingale’s song in Arabic, highly appropriate for this Middle Eastern style cafe. The unique decor of this coffee house is unlike any other eatery seen in Cambridge or Greater Boston. The owners of establishment have created this environment in order to reflect the tradition and culture of Old Jerusalem.
With its feeling of openness and space, the interior resembles some of the exquisite architecture the Moors created in Spain. Oriental-style throw rugs that look as though they might turn into magic carpets cover the hardwood floors. The centerpiece of one room is a pillar-legged wooden table intricately inlaid with geometric shapes and surrounded by slatted chairs. A large brass samovar, the traditional Arabian way of serving tea, stands elegantly on the ordering counter.
The atmosphere of Andala Coffee house is much quieter than that of most establishments in this busy college town. The ambience is casual, inviting patrons to relax, read, study, or engage in discussion. The attentive wait staff takes your order at the table rather than expecting you to wait at the counter. They are quick to see to your needs, serving both food and beverages promptly and with great courtesy.
The bulk of the food menu is Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisine, including many vegetarian dishes. Highly present on the menu are some traditional favorites of the region such as eggplant, hummus, and extra virgin olive oil. If you have been accustomed to buying tabouli salad pre-packaged at the grocery store, try one fresh from Andala. You will never want to eat tabouli salad from anywhere else once you have eaten theirs.
Andala offers 30 different teas and if you ask, the waitperson will bring the selection box to your table. All the tea is loose leaf and sold by the pot, but it is very inexpensive. Their tea selection includes their Andala’s House Special tea with cardamom, a distinctly Middle Eastern custom. Their coffee menu includes the standard array of coffee drinks with the interesting addition of French pressed coffee.
Andala Coffee House is a great place to go if you happen to be in or near Cambridge, MA. You can relax in a comfortable, easy-going atmosphere and enjoy good food, coffee, and more. You will not find a more courteous or efficient wait staff anywhere else on the east coast. One visit to this remarkable establishment will show you why it is named for the nightingale’s song.
brewed on Apr 10th, 2010
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