Concord Avenue Cafe

I got a bite to eat (noodles with mixed vegetables) at an affordable place nearby to where I was working. The food was delicious, the staff was very friendly and the atmosphere was delightful. I will definitely eat here again if I am in the area. Loved it.

Most satisfying lunch I’ve had in a while! I got the salt and pepper chicken bento box and a steamed bun, and I completely cleaned my plate. All the pickled veggies in the bento box were a perfect combo with the chicken, and I always love a tea egg. Food was ready quickly, staff were kind, and everything felt refreshing. I felt so cozy eating there. Will be thinking about this place until I can come here again!

It was a rainy summer afternoon around 4:45 PM when I stumbled into Concord Avenue Café, grateful to get out of the downpour. I had shown up about 15 minutes early for a dinner reservation nearby, but the restaurant wasn’t ready to seat anyone yet. It was raining hard, and I suddenly found myself stuck outside with nowhere to go—until I noticed this cozy café just a few steps away. It quite literally saved me from getting soaked. The gentleman at the counter was kind and welcoming. I asked for a recommendation, and he suggested the taro milk tea. I’m so glad I listened. The taro flavor was the best I’ve ever had—deep, nutty, and naturally sweet, with none of that artificial taste you sometimes get from powder-based versions. It was smooth, comforting, and perfectly balanced. The boba was great too—soft and chewy with just the right amount of bite—but it was the taro that truly made the drink memorable. The space itself is quiet and modest, with a few small tables and a calm, welcoming atmosphere. I sat by the window, drying off while the rain kept falling outside, and just felt thankful that a place like this was open. Before leaving, I took a peek at the menu and was surprised by the variety—dumplings, noodle soups, bento boxes. I’m already planning to come back just for the food. The gentleman mentioned they close around 6:30 PM daily, so it’s a great afternoon stop if you’re in the neighborhood.

Solid Taiwanese takeout on a budget. One of my friends lives right around the corner and comes here every week for a quick lunch. He’s usually all about the noodles, so I swung by a couple times to check it out. Menu was super simple. Taiwanese-style bento boxes and a handful of noodle dishes. The noodles were just $8, which is almost unheard of these days. No proteins—just basic toppings like scallions, cucumbers, and peanuts—but the sauces carry enough weight to make it satisfying, at least flavor-wise. Still, it’s hard to call it a full meal, so if you want something a bit more filling, go for the bento. You’ll get a modest portion of protein with rice and sides. It’s not gourmet, but it’s balanced, comforting, and gets the job done. As for the drinks, I tried the Earl Grey tea latte and it wasn’t that great. Super affordable, but it was missing that distinctive Earl Grey aroma. Tasted more like milk water. Overall, not a place for quality drinks or food. But for a light and cheap meal, it does the job. Wouldn’t go out of my way, but might come back to try another one of their bento boxes.

Featuring Taiwanese favorites, this small neighborhood cafe is run by a friendly couple is casual with lots of natural light, some counter seating and two tables (for 2-3 and 4-5). They serve a reasonably priced lunch that I come back for again and again. Some favorites of mine include the Taiwanese bento (I like the chicken or cha siu) tan tan noodles, beef noodle soup, tea eggs or ramen (Taiwanese style). Portion sizes are good. Not too big but I feel full. The boba tea here is not too sweet and you can ask to have it warm or cold. There are also handmade gifts for sale like hand sewn bags and pouches and hand-knit hats or scarves.