Rooted Armory Cafe

191 Highland Ave #1B, Somerville, MA

★★★★★4.1(48 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

“Rooted Armory Cafe inhabits a unique cultural space inside Somerville's Armory venue, blending a cafe with live music and performance—think dimly lit rooms, a cute stage, and an eclectic crowd drawn to shows and community gatherings. The menu spans diverse breakfast and brunch options at reasonable prices with plenty of seating to settle in, though recent reviews suggest the kitchen has struggled with consistency and speed since a change in ownership. It's the kind of place that feels promising for a laptop session or casual meetup, especially if you catch it on a good day when the bohemian atmosphere and programming are firing on all cylinders.”

What to expect

Light foodLaptop friendlyFamily friendlySlow sitPastriesMeetingsTraditional drinksFull breakfast

Google Reviews

Karim Nader

★★★★★a year ago

This place used to be quite nice when it was run by a sweet Lebanese man. I came back today after not having been there since last Spring and I was really sad with what it has become. I paid $10 + tips for a breakfast sandwich that came on a stale croissant, had a single fried egg, a slice of Kraft cheese, and a singular strip of microwaved bacon (the bacon was an extra $2). When telling me my total, the cashier made a ten with her fingers, as talking to a child or as if I don't understand English. (I have a slight accent.) The jazz band, which I usually really enjoy on Saturdays, was also very loud.

A. Tyner Lawrence

★★★★★2 years ago

Great food and excellent service at this cute hole-in-the-wall cafe inside the Armory. Diverse breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu with very reasonable prices, tons of seating, great art displayed all around the dining area, and a cool stage for live music.

Jay Rubix

★★★★★4 years ago

Wish I didn't have to write this but here we are.. I ordered a rooted salad, took 20 minutes to put a small bowl of spinach with pecans together and toast a slice of bread. $5 worth of food (being generous here) costs about $13. This is on top of rude attitudes of the ladies working behind the counter. You're better off staying hungry than wasting your time and money at this dump.

Griffin Brewer

★★★★★6 years ago

Great atmosphere on Saturday, but unfortunately they forgot our order twice, took 30 minutes to make 2 cappuccinos, and ultimately gave us a microwaved breakfast sandwich with frozen egg and cheese. Even Dunkin Donuts does better breakfast. Will never pay to eat here again.

Jenna Sunshine

★★★★★6 years ago

Cute venue. I heard singer musician groups but I'm sure there are lots of types of shows there. Nice dimly lit room, cute stage, a clean bathroom and this cafe which was great! They had beer and wine, coffee, sandwiches and snacks. Overall a great experience, I highly recommend this venue for a small show! (It should be noted that there is also a large venue with a large stage for a big show in the other part of the building. If that's what you're looking for, I believe just search "The Somerville Armory")