Hi-Rise Bread Company

08/19/09

If you can't afford it don't go!

by jp1 at Citysearch

I must say all the bad reviews mention prices and service but few mention food quality as an issue. Organic, natural food is expensive. Obviously most of the complainers must not buy organic food or they would know these sandwiches are cheap for what you are getting. If you want a $6 sandwich go to a processed food place or better yet how about number 5 with wonton. The Hi-Rise consistently produces high quality organic/natural food which not only tastes incredible but is good for you. Cambridge is lucky to have this place and I am glad it is doing well enough to stick around. At least there is one place I can go and know i am getting something with quality ingredients. I for one am happy to pay these bargain prices.

By the way, I have never had a problem with the service. Last time I checked people are generally nice to you when you are nice to them. For those of you who dislike the service perhaps the arrogance is misplaced. Have a look in the mirror.

Keep going Hi-Rise, Cambridge needs you!

• Pros: All natural quality products
• Cons: parking, seating limited

02/11/09

Great place for good sandwiches

by estellej at Citysearch

Hi-Rise Bread Co is a great place to grab a sandwich. The Harvard Square location offers outdoor seating.

• Pros: fresh ingredients, good bread

11/11/08

Best European bread in cambridge.

by mod4l at Citysearch

Being Swiss, I love crusty artisanal bread that I can eat with my cheese & meats, and this is the place I buy my fresh bread. If you like delicious bread, I highly recommend this place. Their sandwiches are consequently very tasty, if pricey for some people - but you get what you pay for. Don't complain about a $10 (large) sandwich if you're the type of person to drop $4 on a mediocre latte at Starbucks.

About the staff - I'll admit that the first few times I went there I was disappointed the cashiers weren't as warm as I expected. They've gotten much better about this over the years. Even so, in the end, what matters here is the food, which is simply top-notch.

Their simple "toast and jam" that was assaulted by some previous customer is home-made and absolutely worth it. The ingredients on their jam reads something like this: "Fresh figs, fresh strawberries, cane sugar, lemon juice." I challenge you to find an ingredient list that short in a supermarket! (I think "Bonne Maman" makes good jam, but is soundly beaten by HR).

Finally, they have great coffee, and a good (if marked-up) wine selection. I usually let their wine selection guide my bulk purchases at Trader Joe's/etc. Still, I haven't bought one from them I didn't like.

• Pros: Fantastic artisanal bread. Great sandwiches, Jam, and Coffee.
• Cons: Can be busy at lunch; cashiers may not give you kisses :)