Restaurant Review: Neighborhood Restaurant, Somerville MA

Walking up Bow St. from Union Square

Last month a friend of mine whom I haven’t seen in over a year called me up, looking for a chance to hang out with my household and catch up over a meal. After she suggested a place in Watertown for breakfast, relatively far from both of us, I asked, “Have you ever been to the Neighborhood Restaurant in Somerville?” That was where we ended up for a late breakfast.

When we arrived we had to sign a guest register to join the wait-list, as there was a short line outside waiting to get in. Next to the sign-in was an insulated coffee pot and some sliced sweet bread provided gratis by the restaurant, available for those hungry diners waiting for a spot. We arrived during a lull and had only one party ahead of us waiting for a seat. The line was longer when we left.

Cozy but comfortable

Inside the restaurant is fairly small, with every possible corner used to fit in diners while maintaining enough elbow room. After we took our seats, our server offered us a choice between a fresh fruit plate or cup of cream of wheat. Everybody chose the fruit plate, comprised of cantaloupe, a few pieces of pineapple and the occasional seedless red grape. Each diner was also served a small cup of orange juice and our choice of coffee, tea or hot chocolate -- all included.

My friend ordered one of the specials, the eggs Benedict, which she enjoyed. She agreed that the home-fries were some of the best she’s had around the Boston area. I ordered three eggs with toast and home-fries, asking for the eggs to be poached. While the eggs were not served on the toast -- which is made from the restaurant’s own homemade bread -- they were still firm enough to move to the toast while still having the properly runny yolks I expect in a poached egg.

The menu has plenty of breakfast items like pancakes, French toast, waffles and home-fries, all of which are served all day. They also have a number of fish and shellfish dishes for lunch, ranging from fish and chips to pork and clams in red wine to their seasonal broiled lobster. Carnivores will find slim pickings, but there are a few different options for pork, beef and chicken. New dishes are put on the menu on a regular basis, so be prepared for new options when you go in. Bring cash, though; they don’t accept credit cards, debit cards or checks.

Inside the arbor for warm weather dining

Service is always friendly in the Neighborhood, which is family-owned and operated. Despite the lines and the crowds, nobody there ever tried to hurry our meal or rush us out the door. During the summer months there is the option to dine outdoors on the patio, covered by the traditional Somerville grape arbor. Those grapes are used to make house grape jelly, which is delicious. Most everything is prepared fresh in-house, and special requests are honored as best as they can manage. Most breakfasts cost from $7-$9, and they are well worth paying a couple of dollars more than food at McDonald’s or a Burger King.

While other Somerville spots may get more buzz for breakfast and brunch, the Neighborhood Restaurant is my go-to place for a comfortable, tasty and affordable meal.

Neighborhood Restaurant
25 Bow Street, Somerville, MA (Union Square)
http://www.theneighborhoodrestaurant.com/index.html
Open daily from 7AM to 4PM

drinks: $1.50-$4.00
breakfasts: $4.99-$12.99
entrees: $7.99-19.99

All pictures are originally from the website of the Neighborhood Restaurant