Sound Bites

I was an undergrad at Tufts 10 years ago and this was my crews go to breakfast place. I came out for a wedding this weekend and had to come back. Oh Sound Bites, how I love you! The french toast stuffed with pear and goat cheese, the fresh fruit, the home fries! I’ve lived all over the country and no breakfast place comes close to Sound Bites in my heart.

Once again, a rocking deviation on your traditional eggs Benedict. Avocado, tomato and added fresh locks, with a side of grilled mashed. Very friendly staff and fist-​bumped by a high energy owner. Couldn’t be a more pleasant lunch. Time for my stomach to be smiling!

When you can’t wait an hour to get a table at Ball Square Café, go one door over to Sound Bites. They have a nearly identical menu, and while the food is admittedly not as good, they will usually seat you right away. The service is always fast and friendly. I’ve only ever gone for brunch and the food is consistently good.

Even though this place is packed the entire time for brunch, it’s a definite must do if you live in the Boston area. The eggs benie were awesome and the side of grilled blueberry muffins put the meal over the top.
If you love breakfast… eat here.

The best part about my breakfast experience was the friendly staff. The food was a B at best, in need of more flavor and higher quality preparation. The dishes could be more nuanced and sophisticated in flavor palate. Def want to try the place next door!

It really saddens me to write this — but here I go. I have been a regular here for years — years before they moved to their new spot. I’m loyal, there often — I know the owners read this, I can promise you, you know me — I’m a bar fly, sometimes there alone, sometimes with my fiancé, and I am always polite, happy, and a great tipper. Yesterday I was enjoying a solo breakfast of gluten free pancakes — you’re one of the only places that has great GF pancakes and I was happily chowing down — and the manager came over to chat, as they do. He then asks if I am «expecting» a boy or a girl.
My face dropped, I completely lost my appetite, he recognized his mistake and said I resemble someone else but the damage was so far done, and more done when they you didn’t profusely apologize (especially when I told you that was quite rude and inappropriate, then begged to be left alone so I could quietly enjoy my breakfast when you wouldn’t stop explaining how pregnant my twin looks). I’ll have you know that I’ve lost 50lbs and allow myself one cheat meal a week. That was it, and it was ruined. I’m so sad that I won’t be dining there again, but I can’t risk my own mental health in that manner. Your food’s the best but your customer service is atrocious.
And I can promise — you know me, you won’t ever see me again — your manager caused you to lose a very loyal customer.

What happened to this place? Last time I came, the eggs came out cold, our «grilled muffin» was soggy and cold, the french toast had a terrible sour taste to them and our homefries, which we ordered well done also came out cold and barely cooked. The staff attitude was «could not care less about serving you; please hurry up and eat so we can turn your table».
Don’t think I’ll be coming back anytime soon…

This is our go-​to brunch spot. Best around. Owners and staff are so nice, friendly, and accommodating of children. Tip: Start with a fruit bowl for the table. Freshest around!

A solid breakfast. Pleasant dining area. Very polite staff. Prompt service. Orange juice is fresh squeezed! (Really.) Bagel and lox was scrumptious. Complimentary fruit plate was great. A lot of the bad reviews seem spiteful or related to times the place is … well … busy. No complaints from the «out-​of-​towners».

For a place tat has a line out the door and down the street on the weekends, I was expected a lot more. My pancakes were big, yes but they weren’t very soft or fluffy at all. They were very flat and somewhat stale-​like. However, my boyfriend had a burger and I have to say, it did look really good & he said it was delicious. Maybe I’ll try it again another time, but for my first time there with all the hype, I was pretty disappointed.

Lines lines lines…
What exactly are people waiting for? I’m a big fan of good breakfast and passing by this place on a Sunday morning you would think this is the spot… It’s not.
Self serve (not good) coffee, dirty mugs, kind of rude, tired and indifferent service and possibly one of the most disgusting breakfast dishes ever conceived. I went home and prayed to a god I don’t believe in that my stomach wouldn’t punish me for what I just put into it.
I’m sorry but no…

Can’t believe I haven’t reviewed this place, our go-​to Sunday brunch place near Tufts. The best! Amazing food, especially the omelette aand the muffins!
Line is always a drag so suffer through it, it’s worth it!
Self service coffee and water works great, including while waiting in line.
Only negative is how they not so subtly rush you out after you’re done eating.
We’ve been coming here for almost 10 years and will remain loyal customers!

Yuck! Why is the food here so bland! And why are the owners of this place letting bland. gross food be served !?? Go next door they have way better food:)

They do not take reservations and there was a line right outside when we arrived. I was a little worried, thankfully the queue moved quickly. Everyone in line was holding Sound Bites’ coffee mugs, as they have a self service coffee bar. There were plenty of options, but I ultimately ordered the spinach mushroom with goat cheese omelette, served with slices of toast and corn bread. It was alright, nothing too out of the ordinary. I tried my friend’s walnut, brown sugar (?) french toast, and that was a different story. A much more satisfying dish compared to mine.
I had to knock two points down since I felt very rushed and under pressure throughout the entire meal. The servers were constantly asking if I was done eating, when i obviously was not. I didn’t really get to enjoy my cup of joe. BLEH.

Sound bites has been one of my favorite breakfast/​brunch joints in Somerville! I went there last weekend and placed an order for one of their specials for the day. I’m a picky cheese-​eater; Little did I know I wouldn’t like the kind of cheese that was in the omelette. I asked if they could cook it more, but they said it wasn’t the kind that could be cooked. So I separated the cheese from the egg, and wasn’t a happy camper. The owner, Yasser Mirza, took notice and came over to ask what was wrong. After I explained my dislike for the cheese, he insisted on bringing me *a whole new plate*. Great customer service!!!

Somerville is my hometown. This place is amazing. I love so many things about it. Help yourself to coffee and tea in real mugs. So many choices for breakfast. All delicious in large servings. Lovely staff. Laid back and warm atmosphere. Makes me miss home.

I came here with a couple friends for a late brunch (i.e. lunch but with brunch food). I noticed that there was a huevos rancheros eggs benedict, which combines both of my favorite brunch foods. There were a lot of options to choose from, but I ultimately settled with that option. As far as the eggs benny, the flavor was good, but there could’ve been more hollandaise sauce. Also, one of the eggs wasn’t runny enough, and the yolk was almost cooked solid. The fries were nothing really to write home about and the orange slice was a little odd.
The place seems to have quite a few options and the flavors were quite delicious, but I’m not sure I would get another eggs benedict if I find myself back here.

I’ve honestly got to say that this was some of the most delicious food I’ve ever had. I went in for breakfast during a weekend trip to Boston, and couldn’t have been more pleased. There was a short wait to get in, and that’s my only complaint. The staff were friendly, and the owner personally came up and greeted us. He was incredibly friendly (not to mention funny), and made sure everything was going well throughout. Our server (Wes) was very friendly as well.
Now, the food… I had the peanut butter french toast, and my mouth was in Heaven. I didn’t even use the syrup because the food was prepared so beautifully. Throw on top of that the home fries (which were somewhat like mashed potatoes in home fry form, which was amazing) that I was too full to finish, but pulled through because if I burst right then and there, I’d have died happy.
TL;DR– This is the reason I’m looking forward to going back to Boston.

Yasser has quite a place here. Love the food and the service! The line outside might look intimidating, but it moves very quickly, so don’t let it discourage you.

I came here around 12 for brunch, and there was a pretty long line. However, it moved pretty quickly. The atmosphere is definitely quite chaotic, but the food was decent and arrived quickly as well. I ordered a smoked salmon eggs benedict, which was very rich and accompanied by an orange wedge and this potato hash that was crispy on the outside and soft and creamy (like mashed potatoes) on the inside.
My friend got the corned beef hash with an egg on top. I tried a bit and it was absolutely divine, if a bit oversalted. The corn muffin that came with her dish was really good as well.
We shared the crispy challah French toast that had sliced almonds, giving it a good crunchy exterior.
Overall, the food and service were pretty good, and I would definitely come back here again!

The most delicious food esp. breakfast in the Somerville/​Medford area!!! but, they get customers from all over the Boston area. breakfast is unbelievable, sometimes I go in to
have lunch then I change my mind last minute. And I love when the owner offers us ”’ only legal age ”’ Mimosa’s on the house. I am an EDITOR and s writer in my small town. I write about this restaurant very often. GREAT FOOD, SERVICE, HAPPY ATMOSFERE. TRY THEM.

Wil is right. ‘Bites after brunch was all about Greg. I can’t imagine what the thinking was about when he was let go. Greg created a community where there was none. He is hard working, affable, knowledgable. I sincerely hope he lands on his feet and I find out where, because I will gladly follow him to his next gig.
To be fair, still a great brunch spot and reasonably priced.

I have been a regular of Sound Bites for the past five years, sometimes going for their breakfast, but mainly a frequent barfly on the weekend (I would open my bank history to any who might question my credentials in writing this review).
During the past five years, I have suffered the greasy, bland, over-​portioned, and over-​priced food… alone, because my wife gradually refused to eat there. Bagged, shredded lettuce made for Italian subs is not appropriate for every salad – the Caesar, for instance. Piles of half covered chicken portions should not stand outside of the men’s bathroom door. Fries should be crisp, or at least not oil saturated. Pizza should not be carried across busy Broadway then served to customers. You do not put bourbon in Irish Coffee. Customers should not be barked at. (I stopped going most weekdays after the Mon/​Tue bartender mocked Gabby Gifford’s speech and facial expressions, post shooting, saying that she shouldn’t be allowed on TV.)
Despite these and many other annoyances, I went to Sound Bites for one reason, and one reason only – the weekend bartender, Greg. I went because the beer selections was as well cultivated as the cocktails were well made. I went because I brought some of the PM community of regulars into my circle of friends, a community which centered around the bartender.
But now I learn that that Greg was unexpectedly and unceremoniously let go, and with him the community which I came to love, and indeed, my loyalty. I guess I no longer need to qualifying my strong reservations about Sound Bites to my doubting friends. Your money, and time, can be better spend elsewhere.

super cozy atmosphere, almost a bit too cozy. sometimes you feel like you’re sitting on your neighbor, but overall. the food has never let me down when I’m craving a good brunch. I like the cafeteria style drinks, where you can go up and style your own coffee. they have tons of syrups/​flavors to add in! I’ve also done take out from here and it’s usually pretty quick! Can’t go wrong with any of their dishes, but I especially recommend the Choco chip pancakes or the Broadway bowl… soooo tasty and filling!

The best brunch place in the area. Gourmet Brunch and a full bar.
Been going there for years on a weekly or more basis and I live a half hour away.

This is an amazing breakfast spot in Somerville, (as is it’s neighbor, Ball Square Café, they just don’t serve alcohol). There is always a line on the weekends, but it moves fast, especially for smaller parties, especially since they have seating at the bar.
The sweet pepper corned beef eggs Benedict is my go to favorite, with real corned beef, chunks of red pepper, poached eggs and hollandaise on English muffins. Served with a side of their famous grilled mashed.
The Nutella stuffed French toast is more so a Nutella-​smeared-​in-​between-​two-​pieces-​of-​french-​toast than it is a stuffed French toast, but it’s good none the less.
Gabriel makes a mean white Russian! Great way to start the day. All in all a great breakfast spot.

I was not impressed with the food, service, or over-​all LACK of atmosphere. Awards what? And how?
I did not like the dollop of mashed potatoes repurposed as «home-​fries» NOT! At least give someone a heads up on the menu and say «Pan Fried Mashed Potato»!
I did not like the Moroccan eggs, 3 poached eggs swimming in onions & peppers. Normally a combo favorite of mine but NOT when the ingredients are cut the size of quarters and only partially cooked. The dish also lacked seasoning.
I did not like people sweeping floors then mopping floors, scrubbing walls and using strong cleaning products ALL Around Me while I was eating. It felt like I had gone to a janitorial convention & decided I was going to eat food in the middle of all the cleaning chaos! Not exactly an appetizing thought OR experience!
They should have paid me to eat there. This is an establishment totally getting by on hype & who knows what. (Certainly not good looks) Oh I Remember now. It’s the portions; they are large so perhaps some folks have decided to forgo a real restaurant experience for a full stomach. Not me!

I love that this place offers different coffees (chocolate raspberry, French vanilla, hazelnut, and pumpkin spice). We had them while we waited in line. Food was fantastic! They have unique home fries that were like mashed potatoes with a crispy layer on top. I would recommend that, and any of their French toast varieties. They’re made with challah bread, cut thick like Texas style toast. Their rival restaurant next door is also popular but don’t bother with that one. Sound bites is the place to try first!

Great brunch spot and the lines move significantly faster than the place next door.
Had the pastrami eggs benedict, and although I could have used a little more pastrami, the hollandaise sauce was killer. Perfectly eggy, and delicious. These are served with «potatoes», which you think are hash browns, but instead are like a grilled mashed potato. Crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside. Get these on the side even if your meal doesn’t come with them.
Beyond someone taking your order and dropping off your food, everything else is on your own. I guess that’s its own charm? Between the water station and the self serve coffee station (stocked with 8 different coffees, all your syrups, and even chocolate sauce), go nuts.
Would like to try the other place too, but Sound Bites left us full and ready to take on the day.

This a large restaurant that still feesl cozy and comfortable with staff that make you feel like you’re eating breakfast with friends. They will help guide you to the breakfast dish you are craving most. You then pick out a colored coffee mug and help yourself to the never ending coffee bar. There are multiple flavored coffee, all roasted wonderfully and brewed fresh. Then add any and all the condiments to you coffee. Then repeat.
The food is perfectly cooked, delightfully flavorful large portions. There eggs benedict are phenomenal and not just the traditional. They serve it with avadcado and tomatoe or lobster or corned beef. The hollandaise sauce is buttery and rich with the perfect consistency. The pancakes are like fluffy clouds melting in your mouth and you can add almost anything to them, blueberry, pumpkin, cranberry, chocolate, the list is extensive. The omlettes are wonderful and never runny. The steak and cheese omlette and th corned beef hash are my favorites. The corned beef hash or the sweet pepper corned beef hash are bursting with salty goodness and crispy on the outside.
This is my go to breakfast spot anytime I go anywhere near the Boston area. I beg my chauffuer and convince all the other passengers that this is only spot to eat breakfast.

On a Sunday at 11am, my party of 4 only had a 7ish minute wait time to be seated. The self serve coffee bar is such a smart concept and there is a good variety of options (from tea, iced or hot coffee, flavorings, etc). Our server was very friendly, cracked a lot if jokes, and made us feel taken care of… I think he may have been management.
The food we ordered didn’t take long to come out, but our server promptly brought out two little complimentary plates of fresh fruit. Delightful!
I ordered a breakfast plate with scrambled eggs (because I’m probably a child), bacon, and blueberry pancakes. If that wasn’t enough, it came with toast!
Everything was truly delicious. A ton of food for $ 12.
I’ll be back.
TLDR: Friendly, quick service. Delicious food. Great price.

We got here at a good time… just before the breakfast rush on a Saturday morning! It’s rather small inside and has a self-​serve beverage system. You order your beverage and you get up and get it yourself. Water, too! The only thing your server brings is your food and your bill.
I ordered the french toast. 2 slices of french toast w/​bacon. One of my slices was the END PIECE. Who serves the end piece? Because of that, it was smaller than the normal slice of bread. I had one and a half pieces of french toast. Smh. I didn’t like that at all but I didn’t complain.
My friend ordered a stack of 3 pancakes w/​scrambled eggs and bacon. He had no complaints and it looked great.

Hands down best breakfast in the area my favorite is the strawberry and banana stuffed french toast. I’ve had the burger, steak tips, soups and salads and never had a bad meal or experience there. Cudos to management for they’re attention to detail and customer service, I love this place and so I’m giving it a well deserved 5 stars.
Thanks Sound Bites.

We were recommended to this location as a great local breakfast spot by our air b&b host, and he was spot on!
We liked the self serve water and coffee station. The space is roomy and the staff is friendly. I tried the signature dish of DELICIOUS Portuguese eggs. This was a new dish for me but something very similar to the way I naturally cook at home. Who knew I was so clever? my son had the spinach and feta eggs Benedict and my spouse had the traditional eggs Benedict. Both found their meals to be perfect. We all really enjoyed the home fries done much differently than we are accustomed to out on the West Coast. In appearance they look to be more like a potato cake.
One thing is absolutely certain. If we were locals we would have a booth and everyone would know our name.