Bloc Somerville

Love this place! Love Diesel Café, and what a surprise, I have a Diesel Café in my backyard. Yay!

Huge disappointment! Bloc 11 looks like a nice café with an outdoor seating area. The sandwiches and salads menu look delicious but the shop is poorly managed! Went there the first time with my boyfriend for sandwiches, and they RAN OUT OF BREAD… umm. What? How can a sandwich place run out of bread? Are you going to run out of coffee next? That was ridiculous. We gave it a second chance and teased about a sandwich place not having bread again… But instead of not having bread this time… they had a refrigeration issue and had to keep the refrigerator closed so they weren’t serving food… Seriously? How you can keep the business running is beyond me. We might give it another chance but only after calling ahead first to make sure they aren’t having yet another mishap.

Love their coffee creations! My coffee soda was a sweet, bubbly tale on iced coffee and it countered my my savory turkey sandwich well. Overall, it’s a very nice atmosphere and is accessible from the 86 bus.

Good iced tea. Super nice people and a really big space

I’ve been here three times and always really enjoyed the experience. Staff is friendly and there is tons of seating inside and outside. Since the building used to be a bank it has a an industrial interior design. They even converted the vault in the back into a room for eating and studying. Patio is a huge plus for the good weather. Coffee is above average. I’ve had the latte and Americano. Food is good too but not for the price. Almost every sandwich is $ 10 or more. If you can look past the high prices then you’ll like this place.

Just moved back to the area and have come into Bloc 11 a couple of times. The two times I’ve ordered food to stay, I have been lucky that the patio was not crazy! Sometimes walking by it can be very jammed up with people hoping to catch some sun. Not a bad wait for my food to come out. it’s definitely a little expensive but a nice treat once in awhile. The only negative? Sometimes going later in the day means they only have French baguette left which can be hard on your mouth! I’ll be continuing to come back for that delicious Cooper with roasted fennel!

We came here yesterday for brunch and had a great time. The thing I absolutely love about this café is that they are dog friendly! You can bring your dog in and order and then sit outside with your dog and eat.
The menu has soups, sandwiches, and salads as well as a baked good assortment. My husband had the breakfast egg sandwich and I ordered the chicken salad sandwich with sprouts and tomatoes. Everything was delicious. My mint tea was made with fresh mint. Our dog made some other doggy friends! It was a great time overall.
I also really love the outside seating here. It has open and has a ton of seating. On a beautiful day, I could sit here for hours. We will definitely be back!

Excellent coffee! The cacao shell latte was delicious, as was my bagel and lox with pesto-​bismol pink cream cheese. The service was also very friendly, unlike another post I read.
On the negative side, the bathrooms were ugly, and a little smelly, like a roadside rest stop. It was also extremely crowded, and the drinks took about 15 minutes to come out. But they were excellent, and coffee shops are about the coffee, so I’ll keep the 4 stars.

Bloc 11. You’ve got a nice vibe, with plenty of space for those of us who work from home and «home» means coffee shops. Your coffee is overpriced, but it’s good so I can live with that.
So pretty please, don’t scam us on the WiFi. I pay a monthly subscription at Diesel Café, and I know that you use the same WiFi outlet (GuestBox) here at Bloc 11 because a) it’s your sister café and b) when I nonetheless went to pay for WiFi at Bloc 11 today, my username was already taken (because it is… by me, for use apparently only at Diesel).
Given your active fanbase at both cafes, I’m sure you’d win a lot of happier campers if you allowed your customers the ability to use their monthly Internet subscription at both locations. Please consider it.

This place is owned by the same owners of Diesel in Davis Square. The menu is pretty much the same (and the font). I’m definitely a fan of the drinks, the condiments, and the décor. Bloc 11 costs a little more than Diesel but that could be because of the location. Also, the parking situation can be terrible BUT if you come here early enough you can cross the street and pick up a donut at Union Square!

Overpriced food, mediocre coffee, arrogant staff. Their wireless was not working. They did not offer to help or refund my payment. Just said: «Sorry, nothing that we can do.» Plus, paid wi-​fi when you are paying $ 5.00 for a coffee? That’s disgraceful. Go to Fortissimo down the street. The food, coffee and people are all a step up.

As someone who has frequented Bloc 11 for the past several years, I’ll first say that it’s one of my go-​to spots. However, it saddens me to say that the quality has gone downhill the past year or so. It now takes quite a while (15 minutes) to get food/​drink, which wasn’t always the case. Prices have also gone up since the Forge Baking Co. opened (Bloc’s sister café), which is fine, but $ 11 for a sandwich and $ 4 for a cookie seems a bit much (especially for the size). And other weird things show that the café isn’t getting the attention it once was — there was a 5 month spell where the café was inexplicably out of coffee mugs (not sure if they broke or were stolen) and some of the tables seem to be breaking. It’s possible that the ownership has become more stretched operating three sites (Forge & Diesel), which is understandable — but it has a cost.

Stopped by here this weekend to get a latte on my way to the Fringe Shop and Hop. They only serve lattes in one size (2 shots, but the smaller size), and I love my latte milky, so that was a little disappointing. My drink was strong and biting rather than smooth, but I’ve been here before and enjoyed my coffee so it must have been an off day. I’ll come back again, but wish it lived up to my memory this time around.

EXPENSIVE, but a really nice ambiance, especially on cold winter days with the gas fireplace out back… if the seat next to it is open.

Came here on black friday after getting an intense pump with the fam at brooklyn bouldering gym, needed a caffeine pick me up and was expecting to meet some friendly faces at my neighborhood café, instead i was met with frowny faces from a crew of douche-​riders.
My sis needed a protein boost after her sick climbs and she ordered a tasty sounding salad with goat cheese, hold the bread due to a gluten allergy. The salad came and, hold it, no delicious cheese. Because the cheese is on the sandwich line they don’t classify it as GF. I call BS, isn’t there virgin cheese in the back? You couldn’t cut a fat slice off that cream log for my favorite sister?
My soup was alright but i said gluten free and they put a huge loaf right on top of my spoon. Just right on top, all crumbly and bready. I wiped it down but we’ll see what happens. It’s hard to go back when there’s frown town up front.
The salad was pretty good but would have been outta this world with delish goat crumbles. The boys working were kinda hot but they didnt smile or believe in common niceties like saying hello or how are you or whatsup.
When I ordered my small cup of for here coffee I stood around for 15 minutes before the grumpy gus at the counter said «oh, right, you got a coffee?» Is that a statement or a question, Bro? Fail. I ordered a croissant too douche-​rider.
Coffee was tasty and I’m willing to try this place again, maybe all the employees were hungover and grumpy from T-​giving. They seriously need to step up their Gluten free game though.

Bloc 11 is your typical Somerville café: kinda trendy, good quality coffee beans, sandwiches/​salads/​baked goods. Maybe it would stand out more if it was in a different city. I do like the old bank vaults in the back, that’s a unique touch. The coffee is from Intelligentsia and they make a solid cappuccino. As is my wish at most places, it could be stronger, but the texture is just right (soft & creamy). I went with a turkey sandwich with cheddar, garlic mayo, red onion, greens, and avocado on focaccia. It was pretty good and of decent size. My biggest issue with Bloc 11 are the prices. The drink and sandwich set me back $ 15 which is pushing it, even in Somerville. I like Bloc 11, but there are other places in Union Square I’d try first before coming back here.

Gorgeous place, lofty and homey. I go there for the breakfast and the coffee.
Get the egg & cheese with avocado and ham — promise you won’t regret it. The bread is perfect, if that’s something you care about.
Seats by the window are the best. I don’t need wifi, so I’m pretty satisfied with the whole experience, but def pay attention if you can’t pay.

Bloc 11 is a little overpriced, but you are supporting a local coffee shop and the folks who work here are great.
The patio area is gorgeous during the summer and there is a giant bank vault (that you can sit and eat in!) with super thick door in the back — this place used to be a bank. How cool is that?

This is a beautiful environment, and I used to enjoy coming here for breakfast or evening studying, but due to some recent changes, the novelty of being able to hang out with hipsters in a redone former bank has worn off.
I don’t understand why any coffee shop nowadays would offer only paid Wi-​Fi. They have a large environment that otherwise encourages lingering. Paid Wi-​Fi isn’t even a thing nowadays. Either you have it or you don’t. Even airports and airplanes – you know, otherwise the absolute worst in customer satisfaction – score higher than Bloc 11 in this regard.
I get the feeling that it’s just another example of the steady overpricing that’s currently being pushed to the limit here. All the things I like have degraded in quality and/​or gone up in price. The coffee is burnt-​tasting and super acidic, to the point where soy milk curdles. I never have this problem at home, or, I think, before this week at Bloc 11. I had to speak to the manager to get another coffee… a regular small house coffee.
The breakfast sandwich on «focaccia» does not actually have focaccia bread. It is some sort of brown American-​style sliced bread.
They used to do bacon on those sandwiches, but they don’t have bacon anymore. What kind of hipster breakfast spot doesn’t do a bacon option with their egg and avocado?
They used to do pots of tea (about 2 large mugs that you could pour for yourself at your table). Now, for the same $ 4.00+ price, you get only one large mug of tea. This when I went with my boyfriend and we asked for a pot of tea, there were plainly two of us wanting to drink it, and they gave us a single mug of tea. We had to go ask for an explanation, which was lame, by the way; they said people complained of bitterness after steeping the tea too long at their table. So by giving us a single mug of ready-​steeped tea, they were solving that problem for us.
I think I’ll start hanging out at Fortissimo instead. The few extra hours Bloc 11 is open during the day are just not worth it anymore.

Still got mad love, but want to point out my distain concerning one piece of this otherwise pretty puzzle; the paid wifi.
Bloc 11 is the quintessential «do work in here» place. To have paid wifi (to make more money /​to disincentivize long-​sitting customers?) is, in simple terms, uncool.
Diesel, Bloc 11’s sister coffee shop in Davis Square, also charges for wifi, which I still find aggravating, although I can sympathize with given Diesels location and set up. For Bloc 11, a high end coffee shop with pricey things, I find this unfortunate facet unacceptable and yes, I have to make a fuss.
*However* ~ since my first review, Bloc 11 has begun to stock almond milk. This was the one missing piece keeping me from initially giving them 5 stars. So, in that way, thumbs up!

Try the union salad with falafel. Great size and proportions of veggies! I drink black coffee and have never had any complaints with theirs. All around it has a great atmosphere and one of my go to places!

The emerging hipster in me loves this place. The only thing holding it back from 5 stars. no free WIFI. :(
Dirty chai latte was mean. very tasty. Sandwiches looked yummy as well.

We really give this place 3.75 stars. We were going to go to another restaurant down the street but it was super busy so we chose this instead (recommendation from out Über driver). We both got Vietnamese iced coffee and shared the lox bagel sandwich. The coffees were about $ 4 each but we’ve found that’s the going price for good coffee. They accidentally gave us small coffees but fixed it immediately when we said something. The lox bagel has beet cream cheese but it was not overpowering and actually really good. It had lots of veggies and was really more of a sandwich. We sat on the patio on a bench built around a tree which was a super relaxing place to eat. If you live in the Somerville area or are a student at one of the nearby universities, I would definitely give this place a try.

My partner doesn’t like the coffee here (says it tastes watered down and burnt), but I like the espresso drinks. The lattes are stronger than 1369’s.
The space is big and a good spot for studying or doing work (although it’s loud). There’s even an outdoor area. Unfortunately no dogs allowed. There’s a dog tied outside on the sidewalk as I type this.
Good metered parking, usually always a spot available for the T inaccessible spot of Union Square.
Downside — they don’t take LevelUp. REALLY? Cmon guys, support local businesses!

Stopped in for an iced coffee. Unfortunately it was pretty terrible especially for almost $ 4 for a large. Burnt tasting even after a good dose of cream. I expect coffee houses to have outstanding coffee. Sadly iced seems not to be their forte.
Great location, awesome staff and cool atmosphere. Outdoor patio as well. Tried the food awhile back and vaguely remember my sandwich being tasty. Kinda overpriced but I expect the rent is pretty high for HipsterVille. I’ll need to try it again with the hope of redemption.

Good coffee, lots of seating, and an adorable outdoor space. What more could you ask for?
I had the pour over from Zambia last time I was there. The beans were great and it was expertly made. My husband has the London Fog. Super delicious, and I’ll admit, I was a little bit jealous.
Between the front room and the back, there’s more seating than most cafés. Also, patrons here seem to be respectful of table hogging and don’t set up camp for eight hour stretches like you see elsewhere. (May have something to do with lack of free wifi.)
And lastly, I’m in love with their little outdoor space. I really miss having a yard, so it’s great to know I can go hang out at Bloc 11 to enjoy the sunshine and a coffee :)

Coffee snobs, you’ll surely love the coffee here. They serve Intelligentsia coffee here! Bonus — if you buy a bag of coffee beans, you get a cup of coffee on the house!
The sandwiches were all solid… If you love avocados, they’re really generous with the avocado portions on the sandwiches. Woohoo! I got the Terrace and it was so yummy… I inhaled it.
After rereading the menu online, I wonder what caramelized greek yogurt is. I got to try a sandwich with that ingredient that next time!
The café is cute and modern. Wifi I believe is $ 5 an hour, which can be good since there was ample seating when I came. The place is a bit pricy, though… $ 10.25 for a sandwich and ~3.50 for an iced coffee is pretty steep!

Bloc 11 was a go-​to staple for all the years I lived in Somerville and I go back now when I am in town. The food is good, nicely prepared and the staff is friendly. The vibe is kind of urban loft art space meets industrial coffee warehouse inside a former bank vault (literally). The owners also run the Diesel Café, which is a great spot for people watching.
They recently changed the menu again, and I’m not 100% sold on the new version of the «Union» salad… it was still good, but I missed the avocado on my last visit.
A few plusses for Bloc 11 versus Diesel: the outdoor patio (summer) and fireplace (winter). The bathrooms are much, much, much cleaner, and the kitchen is all open so you can see the cool, hip, fun staff making your order.

Bloc 11 is a really good coffee shop. Excellent coffee, wonderful outdoor seating, interesting and unique indoor seating (bank vault!?), and really good sandwiches.
It is a little noisy inside, maybe because the counter is in the middle of all the seating? Also, you have to pay for wifi and the food can be a bit on the pricey side.
Union Square isn’t the most convenient place to get to, but if you are headed there for the Farmer’s Market or just to get out, it is worth a stop by. I usually come with a couple of girlfriends for coffee or early on a Saturday morning to read a book on the patio before heading to the Farmer’s Market.
PS: If you have a sweet tooth, head across the street while you are in the area to grab a donut from USD. SO good.

I need to start hanging out in Union Square more. Because Bloc 11 Café is a great spot, with bomb dot com sandwiches and baked goods.
Their egg and cheese sandwich is definitely one of the best around. Scrambled eggs and warm, melted cheese on focaccia… I added bacon, avocado, and onion to mine (which means you should do the same to yours). It ended up being a pretty hefty sandwich, and it filled me right up.
But regardless of how full I was, I’m glad I made room for dessert. I got the raspberry shortbread bar, which BLEW. MY. MIND. Each square is decent-​sized, and the shortbread is rich and dense, so you could probably split one with a friend and still be full (although I loved mine so much that I got strangely possessive and absolutely did not want to share). The only thing I can compare it to is the raspberry crumb bar from Flour Bakery, which is good, but Bloc 11’s version had me going «Flour who?»
I was pleasantly surprised by how much seating there is. I definitely felt okay sitting down with a book and staying a while. It was a Sunday afternoon and they were clearly busy, but there was more than enough space to accommodate all.
So, even if you don’t live in the area, I’d recommend that you make the trek to Bloc 11 Café. Grab a table, purchase a baked good or two, and stay a while. You’ll be glad you did.