Columbus Cafe

(617) 247-9001

535 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA | Directions   02118

42.341837 -71.080497 View Website
  • Hours

    Monday To Friday From 11:30 AM To 11:30 PM Saturday To Sunday From 09:00 AM To 11:30 PM
  • Menu
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Recommend this business?
?
79% 100 33
19 Votes

Columbus Cafe view & upload
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Neighborhoods:
Columbus, South End

Categories:
Restaurants

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Restaurant Special Features:
Date Spot, Late Night Dining
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

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At a Glance ?
91% ambiance
“The proximity of the dining tables coupled with the ambience of friendly neighborhood chuckles persuaded me to strike up a conversation with the patron sitting next to me.”
100% dessert
“wish the number of dessert selections were larger, but 8 times out of 10, we've been too full to do more than share a slice of rich chocolate layer cake.”
95% drinks
“During my visit to Boston, my friend Tom took me in for a drink and the place has a great vibe.”
96% food quality
“Character, Charm and GREAT food”
100% menu variety
“wish the number of dessert selections were larger, but 8 times out of 10, we've been too full to do more than share a slice of rich chocolate layer cake.”
93% overall
“The food is so-so, but the bar is a great place to grab an appetizer and a good drink.”
86% service
“The service is always full of smiles and recommendations, so if you don't know, ask!”
100% value
“excellant food , at a great price”
100% wait time
“I'm not certain, but I've never been served cold refried beans before, so I suspect that the dish was rushed out to us without baking the dip, 45 minutes after ordering it.”

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Tips for Columbus Cafe

4.0
June 09, 2009

Good Food...Nice Place. The food here is decent. I don't think Ive had anything ive ever been disappointed by, and even a few things I really did like. The bar is O.K., the odd movies choices turn from interesting to mildly annoying, however. Burger is good...meatloaf is respectable...the fries need to be fried more...I've had a few that are still raw in the middle.

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1.0
April 03, 2009

Watch out!!!. Only go to this restaurant/bar if you want to feel like an outcast from the crowd! I was enjoying drinks with my girlfriend when an employee (older, i'd guess manager or owner) started saying belligerent things to us while we were sitting in the corner on the right, by the window, minding our own business. He honestly made me feel like I was 12 years old (I'm 32). I'm not sure why an employee would attempt to lure customers away from the restaurant but that is apparently what they do at this bar. I will not go back because I was insulted and confused as to why the manager/owner would find it necessary to get hammered and cause people to leave.

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1.0
March 15, 2009

Awesome spot--horrible management. I really enjoyed having a few drinks here last weekend. The bar is really small, the bartender was friendly, and the atmosphere was cool. The night was going great until the owner made my whole group feel uncomfortable. He was with a posse of his friends yelling at our group on our way out. It sounds like this might be some sort of trend. I won't go back until Columbus Cafe is under new management.

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1.0
March 14, 2009

Terrible Experience--the Owner was flat-out mean. Where to begin. I live in the neighborhood and have wanted to adopt this as "my neighborhood bar." It is close, seemingly unpretentious, and the space has the potential to be something great. The food is so-so, but the bar is a great place to grab an appetizer and a good drink....if you aren't run off by the "in crowd" (aka dressed-in black pseudo intellects) that take over the place every day. While leaving the bar with two friends after what would have otherwise been characterized as a great night, the owner--yes, the OWNER, and a group of other pseudo-intellects said, "goodbye kids" (we are late 20s) in a surprisingly aggressive tone. We were a little off-put by this but didn't think much of it until my husband, who was waiting for us with our dog, said that the same group of people (owner included) had been flat out making fun of him and our dog for no apparent reason. I am really disheartened at how the owner of a neighborhood restaurant would treat his loyal patrons. I will not be back to Columbus Cafe and would encourage others not to go there as well. It's unfortunate, because the place has a lot of potential.

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5.0
March 17, 2008

Awesome breakfast, Great late night drink. During my visit to Boston, my friend Tom took me in for a drink and the place has a great vibe... attentive and friendly bartenders and relaxed and interesting clientele. It's very small but more in a cozy way than an annoying way. On Sunday morning, before I left town, we had breakfast there and I had the best eggs florentine I've ever had.

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5.0
February 26, 2008

Character, Charm and GREAT food. A great little (small, but in a good way) place in the south end with lots of regulars. Seats aren?t on top of each other and it never gets too loud. All of the food is uncomplicated and full of flavor - proving that the chef, whoever s/he is, knows what they're doing. The service is always full of smiles and recommendations, so if you don't know, ask! They'll give you honest opinions.

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5.0
February 17, 2008

Great intimate date place. Coming from out of town, my fiance and I really liked this place - interesting and flavorful food, decent small wine list, and really adorable waitstaff. Mostly we loved the ambiance, very chill & down to earth. It's quiet, dark, and cozy enough to sit there for a couple of hours having animated conversation or just listening & people watching. The Rhode Island calamari was delicious; the fried plantains weren't quite what I expected (more like chip-patties) but also flavorful.

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5.0
November 04, 2007

great food, service and atmosphere. I have eaten at this neighborhood South End restaurant many times, I?ve tried almost everything on its menu, and it has never disappointed me in its consistency in service and excellent meals. The waiters are always helpful, pleasant and agreeable. The atmosphere is romantic and the outdoor tables are a great alternative option. For the value in service, food, and satisfaction, your time and money will be well spent here!

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4.0
June 18, 2007

Great neighborhood cafe. Although the ambiance inside is below mediocre, this is a great place to sit outside and enjoy their excellent food. One of the few places you can have really good mexican food in Boston - their enchiladas are excellent. We also had the Ceviche, which was very good. The service here is good as well.

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5.0
January 20, 2007

Best Vibe / Atmosphere. I've spent 33 + years in the catering / restaurant field. I've waited tables at some of Boston's "finest". The city has a lot of fun places to go for a meal, or a drink. Many in the South End. In my experience, Columbus Cafe is unique. Others have mentioned the cozy, casual decor, the well prepared , and presented food. What struck me was how welcome and comfortable I felt there. I couldn't figure it out at first, and had to go back again and again. I learned the owners and most of the staff have all worked together before. That shared history holds a bond of trust that translates into confidence, even on those rare occasions when things don't go right,( every one, every place, has bad nights sometimes). I know how hard it can be to find and develop a good staff. This place is blessed with a bright and gifted team. This has attracted a faithful following of regulars, who are in and of themselves part of the attraction. The close proximity of seats / stools in the bar provides ample opportunity to strike up conversation. One of the delights of this diverse crowd, is the mix of generations, from college students to retirees. Don't go there if your looking for the game on t.v. But if your looking for good food and drink, and good company, Columbus Cafe is hard to beat. Let their staff bring their gifts to your table or seat at the bar. They'll nourish your body and spirit.

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