Cafe Iterum

While exploring Maverick Square, I stumbled on Cafe Iterum. It's right next to the Maverick T exit (the one on the harbor side of the station, not the exit in the middle of the square). This light- and plant-filled space features 14 seats with ample power for a working lunch. There is additional outdoor seating when the weather is nice. Two kiosks speed up ordering, but the staff at the register cheerfully took this Luddite's order. Service was gracious--everything hospitality should be--and the atmosphere is relaxing and whimsical with playful condiment labels ("Mrs. White Sugar in the ballroom with the candlestick"!) A bookshelf of board games and books ads to the cozy feel. I had the smashed beet bowl and let me say I hate beets but I loved this! Greens, crispy chickpeas, roasted broccoli and eggplant "bacon" all come together beautifully under an herbal vinaigrette. The menu is fairly extensive and offers a few gluten free options, as well as a good selection of vegetarian plates. The cafe brews Intelligentsia and sells beans in the standard 12 oz bags as well as 5 lbs bags for those who want to stock up. This cafe implements a 10% service fee which explains why the POS tipping screen defaults to 0-5-10% According to the receipt, the cafe is facing some rough times, there is a Go Fund Me to raise capital, including a gift card match on donations over $100. I would say it's well worth supporting this gem in East Boston!

Ambushed me with a bad gluten-free chocolate chip cookie and hidden fees. Coffee was 👎🏻