Andala Coffee House

I have to agree with ayastigi. Jlobel, it sounds like you had a terrible experience there, but I have to believe it was an isolated incident. I myself have been to Andala easily 20 or 30 times now, at all different hours of morning, noon and night, and have never seen anything like this. The staff has always been exceedingly attentive-- in fact, they have TABLE SERVICE now, which no Starbucks in the world can boast. I could write a list of reasons why this place is far superior to a big chain, but I have already written a glowing review, to which I can only add that if you return you will not be disappointed. And your stomach will certainly thank you if you get some hummus there-- yum.

This is a review and a rebuttal to the previous reviewer of Andala. To you, jlobel, I can only offer regret that you did not have the same experience I have had here. I have been into Andala at least a half-a-dozen times and have always been greeted and treated cordially. The atmosphere, coffee and staff make this one of the most unique place in Cambridge and I have always felt instantly comfortable here. To be honest I can understand your frustration if you felt you were rushed out, but flip the coin over and see their perspective as well. You point out the difficulty in supporting small businesses. A place like Andala needs turnover to compete with the national chains, who can afford to let you sit for hours because your one cup of coffee does not directly affect that particular store. If you truly want to support small business then you should also understand their needs, not just your own. To get back to Andala though... this place is a gem for those seeking an alternative to the cookie-cutter corporate coffee chains, and even from some of our local chains who have become complacent. Give it another try jlobel.

My girlfriend and I were kicked out of Andala this morning because we did not want to order food in addition to our coffee. We decided to go there this morning because we like local coffee places where we can hang out, have some coffee, and just read the sunday paper in peace. After about 1.5 hours we were told that unless we planned on ordering some food we would have to leave because of all the new guests who were arriving. I looked around and while there were more people then when we arrived there was no one standing around waiting for a seat. More over, others who had been there before us were not being harassed to get out - I suppose a scone buys you an additional hour at this place. I just can't stand it when local places treat you worse than huge national chains - I've never been asked to either buy more stuff or get out from a Starbucks. It's *people* like the ones at this place who make it impossible to support local business. Stay away from this place unless you've enjoy having to continually buy something in order to keep your seat. They might as well just put parking meters at each table in this place - and we were just sitting on a bench! I've never been asked to buy more than a coffee in order to be able to stay at a Starbucks! Places like Andala make it impossible to support local business.

Had the pleasure of being at their Grand Opening today, and I was really impressed. With a very warm, cozy, almost home-like quality to it, the staff were extremely accommodating and almost seemed to go out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and our needs were met. The Turkish coffee is just like I remember it on a recent visit to Lebanon. The pastries were delicious too. I certainly plan to make frequent visits to Andala and make myself at home there.

Those of us who frequent the Central Square area watched through the summer as this place prepared to open. For months, it was just a tease-- for some reason, there was a lengthy delay in its opening. But Andala ("nightingale" in Arabic)has spread its wings at last, and was it worth the wait! They have all you could ask for in a cafe: excellent coffee (including honest-to-goodness Arabic coffee, with cardomom!), tasty, homemade food (try their salad combo plate), a sophisticated soundtrack (jazz, classical, world) and an absolutely gorgeous space. In the future, owner Sami promises music in the downstairs section (not yet open) and sheesha pipes out on the sidewalk cafe (weather permitting, one imagines). For now, seduce someone on the dark, glassed-in porch, with its low couches and tin lanterns. Or meditate on the Sufi patterns in the rugs beneath your feet as you sip your fresh carrot juice. Andala is a treat! We sure are blessed to have it in Central Square.