True Grounds Bakery & Coffee House

Really friendly staff, good coffee, and decent baked goods. I got an iced latte and bb scone. There is seating as well and interesting art on the walls!

Was recommended to go to True Grounds by a friend who used to live in the area years ago. It must've been good back then because when I went last week, the place was a disaster. I ordered two medium lattes (12oz) - one plain and one honey lavender, which cost $13. That should've been my first clue.The place was decently full but not packed. The barista still hadn't fulfilled my order after nearly 30 mins of waiting. I had an appointment to get to so I couldn't wait any longer, instead I asked the cashier to cancel my order. He eventually agreed but he had the audacity to say "other people ahead of you are also waiting and yours is coming up so just wait." The other orders were also backed up and multiple people were asking for their food while at seated tables. The place was chaotic and the staff were not accommodating

I feel a bit conflicted writing this review, because True Grounds can be really great. Their coffee and quality of food is excellent, and the cutesy coffee shop vibe is awesome. However, this is the second time in a row they've gotten my order wrong. I always use the ordering kiosk, so I don't believe it's a misunderstanding issue. Most recently, I ordered a hot latte and an iced mocha, but the mocha came hot and the latte was iced. I also ordered a bagel with eggs and cheese but received a bagel with chipotle mayo, cheese, and no egg. I was so disappointed when I got home and bit into an eggless bagel slathered in mayo and unmelted cheese. I want to keep trying since I know the food and coffee can be great, but it's disappointing not getting what you ordered.

I work in the area and have been here a few times now. The reviews on here are pretty mixed, but I don't understand the negative ones. Everyone I've interacted with at this place has been friendly and kind. I've never had to wait more than a couple minutes and most importantly I've greatly enjoyed everything I've purchased here. The honey lavender latte is delicious, I'm a big fan of the breakfast burrito (one of the only ones I've found anywhere that doesn't come with cheese in it which is perfect for me) and their chocolate chip cookies with sea salt are excellent. Definitely recommend and will continue to return on my lunch breaks.

I'm from out of town and I stopped by True Grounds for a light lunch on a recommendation. My friend and I ordered the tofu wrap to share and each got an iced Vietnamese coffee. I'm not usually a fan of vegan wraps but this one was flavorful with a good mix of veggies. The coffee was good, although I wish they had mixed in the condensed milk more.The decor was cute; unique designs on all the tables and a giant avocado painting on the wall which I loved. We arrived at about 1:30 and they close at 2, so when we were placing our order to dine in, the employee kindly reminded us of the closing time. When I asked, they provided us with an extra plate and glasses of water. The service was pretty fast, though to be fair it wasn't that busy, so we had plenty of time to eat our wrap before we had to head out. Next time I'll have to try one of their other sandwiches or wraps!

Visiting Boston and my friend took me to this Cute little coffee shop with really yummy tasting coffee! I ordered an iced latte and it was delish! For those that love regular or sugar free syrups, they got many options. Also many milk alternatives. Highly recommend:)

This place has slowly devolved since changing ownership a few years ago and now it's at the point where I'm just giving up on it. And I write that as someone who typically would go to True Grounds 4-5 times a week until now. First off, they used to have good made to order food options for breakfast and lunch but now almost everything is premade and sitting in a "grab and go" cooler. If I want grab and go I can hit the 7-11 down the street (for about half the price). Second, their hours used to run to at least 5pm but now they close at 2. And that's really on the rare day when they don't change their hours at the last minute without warning. Third, they used to not only allow people to bring their dogs in but they even celebrated the fact on their Instagram and by giving out dog treats. Now suddenly (again without warning) dogs are not allowed. The ability to swing in during my morning dog walk was the only reason I went at all anymore...now there's no real point. Honestly, the way they are cutting back on everything suggests that this business has all the signs of heading towards closing down soon. It's too bad because it has been an institution in ball square for many years and it is sad to see it dying a slow death. But then again it's only a shell of its former self anyway.

Ok, I just can't with True Grounds anymore. Paid $11 for a drip coffee and overnight oats, then on the walk home realized the milk had curdled in the coffee. The baked goods are still good but for everything else they can get away with mediocrity at best because they are the only true coffee shop in Ball Square. But I'm done. From now on I'll go to Lyndells.

Best gluten free bread I've ever had! I've been completely gluten free for 2 years and usually just avoid gf bread (because it's usually dry and crumbly) but True Grounds gf bread is made with rosemary flour (I think) which makes it delicious. Coffee and service are also great!

Interested in trying the fecal-oral route? I was in line when an employee pet and head-scratched (licks and all) the dog belonging to the person ahead of me. The employee then walked right back into the kitchen and resumed work. If they're willing to flaunt health safety violations like that, imagine what they do behind closed doors.