The Coast Cafe image

The Coast Cafe

Restaurant Catering service Soul food restaurant

One of the Top rated Soul food restaurants in Cambridge


Address

233 River St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Website

coastsoulcafe.com

Contact

(617) 354-7644

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (384 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: (Patriots' Day), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 3 to 8 PM
  • Thursday: 3 to 8 PM
  • Friday: 12 to 8 PM
  • Saturday: 12 to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: chicken (13) fried (8) catfish (6) sweet (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Tabitha K. 2 years ago on Google
    If you’re like me and you just moved up to Boston from the South, you might be craving some fried catfish and no other fish will do. This is the first place I found so far that didn’t serve fried catfish as a sandwich or po’ boy. ORDER: Fried catfish with 2 sides: macaroni and cheese, and green beans. Also came with cornbread. PRICE: Given the portion size and quality of the meal, $22 is a reasonable price that is comparable to those of other restaurants. I ended up making 2 meals out of a single order. FISH BREADING: Even after a 30+ minute transport home straight from the restaurant, the cornmeal coating was still crispy. Not too thick or doughy. FISH MEAT: The meat was soft and flaky; it had absolutely no fishiness or toughness that catfish can have. The restaurant was not stingy on the size of the fish, serving it as actual fillets (I had 1.50 fillets) instead of narrow strips. And portions of it were thick; in the picture I took, the piece was as thick as my thumb, a little less than an inch. No part of it was chewy, remaining consistently soft and fully cooked throughout. SIDES: The green beans were fresh and perfectly soft. More importantly, the flavor was well-balanced and not too vinegary. Not sure if it was the time it took to transport it home, but the mac and cheese was a bit dry. But the noodles were still chewy, and not mushy despite the travel time. The cornbread muffin was soft and sweet and not a crumbly mess. SERVICE: Take-out is the only option at this time. But the person who took my order was pleasant and efficient. CONCLUSION: YES, I would definitely go back. And YES, I would recommend it, at least for the fried catfish. I have no complaints about the restaurant (other than the double set of doors that was a bit tricky to maneuver) or the food. 5 stars from me!
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joshua M. 3 years ago on Google
    The Coast Cafe should be the standard for soul food in Boston. I ordered the fried chicken thigh combination which comes with cornbread and your choice of two sides. The rice and beans were perfectly seasoned, the collard greens were tender without a single mushy leaf, and the cornbread completed the whole plate with its sweetness. But the fried chicken y'all -- juicy, not over-battered, and no gaps or sloughing off as you take your bite. That's extremely hard to do. Even before the pandemic, they mainly operated on takeout, and their experience shows with their friendly staff, attention to detail in neatly packing meal boxes, and maintaining food quality on the way home. Wish I still lived in Cambridge so I could be back sooner.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natsuki N. 10 months ago on Google
    I just love the fried chicken pancake from this restaurant: the pancake has a soft texture, while the chicken has a crispy exterior and tender interior. The sweet and salty taste is perfect, and it's also rich in nutrients, which can satisfy my hungry stomach.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 shalian a. 8 months ago on Google
    I was told by an employee @ Yamba dispensary this place was good. I ordered the BBQ smoked pulled chicken plate and a slice of vanilla cake with almond frosting. I think these people just changed my life! For $20,the plate comes with 2 sides AND a corn muffin. That already justifies the price but this food is GOOD. Each side is about a cup of food and the meat was roughly between 2-2 1/2 cups. Incredibly satisfying meal portions and it honestly could serve for 2 smaller meals or split between 2 people (if you're on a budget, cheap but delicious date night).The BBQ sauce is too sweet for my taste but for those who like sweet, you will love it. The chicken was moist and adequately sauced for reheating later. The string beans were salty which helped balance the chicken and the MACARONI AND CHEESE.....this is better than some of the best restaurants in Back Bay. The corn muffin is more crumbly than cake like but moist and SWEET. Again, with the chicken, too sweet for me. Also, for vegetarians, they have a Sides plate, too. The cake is a healthy slice of dense, moist cake with a semi-whipped icing that is just sweet enough. I am going back tomorrow night for Dinner 2!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Grace Zeballos L. 1 year ago on Google
    We spent $83 on our meal (Uber eats) and I would say we were fairly dissatisfied. I had high hopes for this restaurant given all of the wonderful reviews they had. I was expecting juicy, crispy, lightly battered fried chicken only to get hard, dry, stale chicken. Perhaps they were having an off day but it was just such a let down. The ribs were good but they were tough to eat. We both got the fried chicken and ribs platter with 2 sides and the beef and cheese patty (which was very good!) The only reason I might try again is because their flavor/seasoning is great.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kellee F. 5 months ago on Google
    This place has the best southern food in the Boston area-we are pretty much certain. The candied seet potatoes are too awesome, collard greens, which can often be disappointing, are perfect. You can actually taste that you're eating catfish!!! Staff very careful and welcoming. The place is quite small. Just, maybe 4 seats if you want to stay. It's on a residential street leading to Central Sq, so likely parking may be a problem, however we have never had a problem

  • 4/5 Minoshia W. 8 months ago on Google
    Food was good - portions were fair. The green beans and collard greens could use more flavor/seasoning. Sweet potato pie was amazing!!!

  • 2/5 Saoirse 7 months ago on Google
    Although the food is good, the portions are small and they cheat you out of their chicken breast. It's one piece cut into two PCs. Why not just give people two PCs of actual chicken breast especially for the amount being charged!!!!. When you know better, you do better!!!!. Prices would be fine if the portions matched the pricing!!!


Call (617) 354-7644 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as Black-owned

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