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New England Soup Factory
Categories: Restaurants Canadian (New) Restaurants Soup Canadian (New), Soup [Edit]
2-4 Brookline PlBrookline, MA 02445
(617) 739-1899
- Nearest Transit:
-
Washington St @ Walnut (60, 65, 66)
Pearl St @ Washington St (60)
678 Brookline Ave Opp Pearl St (60, 65)
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
101 reviews for New England Soup Factory
Review Highlights
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"Lobster Newburg is by far my favorite." In 9 reviews -
"I had the chili con carne which was meaty and spicy." In 6 reviews -
"My favorite soup is the chicken noodle." In 11 reviews
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101 reviews in English
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Review from Tina D.
Updated - 5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Okay, I believe I've now eaten here enough that it warrants a 5 star review. They have some really delicious varieties of soup. I especially like their vegetarian options. The only soup I don't like to much is the chicken pot pie. It is a little thick for my taste.
They also have delicious sides including wonderful interpretations of chicken salad.
It's pretty small inside, so I've always taken my food to go. It's ridiculously close to the Brookline Village T and there is also a parking lot out front.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/23/2011
Delicious soup! I can't say that I've ever actually been inside this location, but I have had soup… Read more »
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Review from Vicky H.
Boston, MA
5/9/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I can't say that I love this place but they do have a good variety of soup. My favorite was Clam Chowder. They hardly serve that now. They've got the corn and clam chowder which I don't particular care for. One of my favorites is the Curry Crab though. That has got to be one of the best. Unfortunately, you really have to check their website to see when they got it next. It isn't a regular on their menu.
The sandwiches and salads are a bit pricey and the portion size is small. I would give this place a 4 if the it isn't as pricey, or the portions are a bit bigger. -
Review from Ally S.
Boston, MA
3/9/2012
Let it just be known that it takes a lot for me to give a place a five star review. This place certainly deserves it. I went here for the first time today, and I'm trying to make up excuses to get back into Brookline Village so I can go again.
First off, they let you sample any soup you want before you buy a bowl. Awesome. I got the Newburg Lobster Bisque with half of a grilled chicken avocado wrap. I didn't even make it to the wrap. The bisque was so filling and delicious. The French bread they gave me was yummy too. Basically, I got half a wrap, a water bottle, and the greatest lobster bisque I've ever had in my life for nine dollars.
I used to be one of those people who thought Panera Bread is tasty. I had flashbacks while I was eating my soup here and realized how wrong I was. You can really tell the difference between their fresh, homemade stews and the crap soups restaurants get out of a bag. It's like night and day. What really makes it a no-brainer is that the prices are comparable. I would even say this place is cheaper for 10,000 times the quality. -
Review from Verna G.
Brookline, MA
5/17/2012
I think that the owner of this place watched too many Seinfeld episodes (Soup Natzie). First, there are no prices on the menu. Second, they won't take phone orders, Third, you have to pay cash as they won't let you pay separately. I was waiting to hear "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" The soup is good, nothing to write home about though. Of course when you are used to homemade soups, it is tough for anyone to compete. There salads are a joke. To top everything off, they gave me the wrong soup. I will never order from this place again
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Review from Cami F.
Boston, MA
4/23/2012
As my friends, and they will tell you I am hooked on this place. Yummy, homemade soups that fill you up without breaking the bank. Its hard to walk by this place without being drawn in by the delicious scents surrounding the building. The staff is super friendly, and they let you try samples before picking which one (can be a really tough choice!). You really can't go wrong.
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Review from Michelle J.
Boston, MA
9/13/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I have to physically restrain myself from getting lunch here every day. This place knows their soup, and they know how to capitalize on the lunchtime crowd. You are in and out in 5 minutes, and while obviously the soup is the star attraction, they also offer a variety of interesting wraps, sandwiches, and snacky-type foods to satisfy any kind of mid-day craving.
My go-to is the 1/2 soup 1/2 sandwich combo. You can try any of the soups at the counter before ordering, which ensures you chose something you actually like. i like that they offer some of the popular options every day while changing up the other menu items. Every soup I've tried so far has been delicious. I recommend that you try one of their chilled soups on a hot day--some people assume it would be gross but theirs are refreshing and delicious.
The flavors can be a tad on the salty side, so if you don't like salt you may want to try before you buy. Lucky for me, I love salt. Each soup comes with a hot fresh roll. To-go orders come in cute plastic containers that can be re-used at home.
I subtract one star only because the food seems a tad bit on the expensive side ($10 for a soup and half sandwich, more with a drink). -
Review from Jenna M.
Newburyport, MA
10/20/2011
I love that you can try the soup before you commit to a bowl.
They had a great selection of soups, I went with the Habanero Chicken Rice, had a bit of kick and was very good. My friend had the Lobster Newburg and it was very good. Soups come with your choice of a multi-grain or French roll. The sandwich selection looked very good. They also have a 1/2 soup / sandwich deal so you can get the best of both worlds.
The soup was the way soup should be served- hot!
Line moved quickly.
Small dining room that has plenty of windows to sit by and people watch.
This little restaurant is literally right there @ the Green Line- Brookline Village Station, so convenient. -
Review from Chris M.
Emmaus, PA
11/16/2011
We will be back!
We tried the Lobster Bisque, Pumpkin Cranberry and Chicken Veg with noodles on the side. Everything was full of flavor.
We particularly love the portability and variety and plan on stopping here whenever we're in Boston. Thanks to our awesome son for turning us on to New England Soup Factory! -
Review from Jessica M.
Medfield, MA
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
$7.00 for a takeout salad and they don't even cut the lettuce into bite size pieces. I was literally forking up entire large lettuce leaves in my mouth uncut. I had already poured my dressing not expecting to have to cut lettuce and it splattered oil and vinaigrette everywhere. I was very disappointed, pressed for time, and won't be doing that again.
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Review from Lauren M.
Boston, MA
5/24/2011
Best place to go on a cold day. When it was really snowy out, my co-workers and I would still trek over to the Soup Factory.
One thing I love and appreciate about this place is there is always a vegan soup option.
For the Holidays, our boss gave us gift cards to NESF and we used the entire amount on the card within a month. If you crave this soup without leaving your home, there is a recipe book available too! -
Review from Lisa D.
6/1/2011 8 Check-ins Here
I love soup! I think it's a great supplement to a meal and a low cal option for my comfort food cravings!
This location is friendly, service is quick, the soup is reasonably priced and the flavors are delicious.
I recommend the Sweet Potato with carmelized onion or the Gazpacho, but truthfully think any flavor would be delicious. The soup always comes with your choice off rolls and if you need something more they sell salads, sandwiches and cookies for dessert! -
Review from Zach P.
Boston, MA
9/28/2011
Awesome!
Mazzoh Ball Soup was fantastic and the Spice Carne Chili put my heat tolerance to the test!
Need soup? this is the place to go! -
Review from Liri K.
Boston, MA
12/21/2011
I stopped here once when I was craving soup. I got the vegan alphabet vegetable soup and it was fresh and delicious! It's just a small place with a few little tables- good for grabbing something quick, and perfect for take out!
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Review from Serena W.
Boston, MA
7/26/2011
Love!
The Soup Factory is one of my favorite places around. It's amazing on a cold day, but I am still craving their soups when its 85 out because they are so amazing.
Lobster Newburg is by far my favorite. The rolls they give with the soup are always warm and fresh, and I usually get 2! I've tried a bunch of other flavors and they are all delicious as well, this just happens to be my favorite.
They also have sandwiches and some pasta salad, noodles, etc. The tomato mozzarella sandwich is great. I usually stick to the soup though...because that's why you're at the Soup Factory.
The ONLY complaint I have about this place is that its sort of expensive. That won't get me to give it any less than 5 stars though because its totally worth the money. -
Review from Calli C.
1/11/2011
I used to love coming to this place as a kid; having moved to Somerville over a year ago after living out on the West Coast for awhile, I haven't been back to the Soup Factory in a long, long time. A visit was much overdue, and when a doc appointment gave me an excuse to be out Brookline way, I jumped at the opportunity to pick up lunch from a long-time love. I was a bit overwhelmed by all their options, but decided to go with a tried and true combo: chicken vegetable soup with a matzoh ball instead of noodles. I had a small veggie wrap sandwich as well, which was a good balance with the hearty soup.
First off, the matzoh ball was about the size of my fist, requiring a bigger and heavy-duty plastic container, which I appreciated. The broth was a bit salty, but it was full of good chicken and veggie flavor. I wish there had been more chicken pieces, but maybe the matzoh ball displaced 'em all. Still, it was so warm and flavorful and delicious, I wish they would open one up north of the river. -
Review from Erin H.
5/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have never had a bad experience at any of the NESF locations.
But this Brookline location is the one I have been going to since I was about 17 years old. And no matter what they have, they will always have something on the menu that appeals to me. Their prices are very reasonable for homemade, quality food. You can also buy it in bulk! YAY!!
But this review is really for my experience yesterday. My boy and I went to get some lunch, and we decided on a bowl of Chili con Carne and a bowl of Black Bean soup. They were both amazing, and came with french rolls, perfect for dipping. The woman at the counter was SOOOO nice. She made the experience all the better. It really didn't hurt that they had a bitchin play list going on either :)
The Chili was a little hot for me, so I took the black bean soup, it was amazing!! I have never had black bean soup this creamy and delicious before.
I would like to be there right now, nom-ing on some delicious, warm soup! -
Review from Josephine L.
Boston, MA
1/27/2011
New England Soup Factory has absolutely no business being out in the middle of nowhere Brookline. It needs to re-locate--or open up a new location--right next to my apt in Central Sq. Now.
Soup is my absolute favorite food in the whole wide world. I will eat it anytime, anywhere. If I were in a restaurant right next to lava on top of a volcano and it was 150 degrees and they asked me what I wanted, I would say soup. My last meal on earth will be soup. I'm pretty sure my first meal on this earth was soup. No milk in THAT bottle, no siree.
Get: Italian beef stew, spicy tomato rice and lobster newburg. Hot, rich, decadent and healthy (I tell myself repeatedly). The boyfriend loved the Boston/Yankee chowder (corn + clams), and it was good but corn chowder's never been my favorite type of soup. The Italian beef was succulent. Seductive. They should serve this as dessert, it's that mouthwatering. And I almost spilled spicy tomato rice all over myself from trying to inhale it.
Must come up with more reasons/excuses to go to Brookline Village and stop here for lunch. -
Review from lizzie b.
10/28/2011
I grew up going to the one in Newton, and I enjoyed my recent experience in Brookline as well. I just checked out Marjorie Drucker on How2Heroes, and it was interesting to see that she uses bouillon in her soup! I thought it might be too salty, but it was delicious. I had the matzo ball soup without noodles - which is totally worth the short wait. The matzo ball takes up the entire soup, soaking up the salty oily goodness -- and I love how she uses fresh carrots that aren't baby-sized for the soup. On the side, I chose the multi-grain roll (I wish they'd serve breadsticks) and tried a scrumptious gooey undercooked blond brownie - that was just the thing to go along with this lunch-time splurge. On a chilly Fall day, it was just the remedy. I whole-heartedly recommend this place to anyone who can stop by (it's busy, so limited seating) and warm up.
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Review from Emily D.
Brookline, MA
12/7/2010
This place is amazing, amazing, amazing! I have lived in Brookline for two years and I can't believe I haven't gotten here sooner. The staff is friendly, the soup is amazing and is the perfect cure for the winter blues. Everyone should go here!
Update, I have now been here four more times and each is better than the last. I have tried to baked potato and chive, chili, pasta fagioli, and a delicious mushroom bisque.
Update again, the torrtilla lime w/ Green Chilies is out of this world and amazing. I have been going every Monday to the Newton location because it is close to where I work and I am always impressed! -
Review from Allison K.
Arlington, VA
3/3/2011
Super fantastic selection of warming culinary pleasures. I had lobster soup, which was tomato-based, creamy soup with chunks of yummy lobster. You can't go wrong on a cold day.
Had an M&M cookie, too, which was pretty good, but just a cookie.
Right next to Brookline Village T, tucked in off Brookline Place. -
Review from Andrew H.
Winston-Salem, NC
11/8/2010
There's something about hot soup on a rainy day that always hits the spot and the happy feeling following my bowl of chili, clam chowder and the slighty less amazing lobster bisque may have resulted from this very phenomenon or it may have resulted from the fact this place serves some great soup. I may never know the real reason because I am only a visitor from California but I will give NESF the benefit of the doubt.
The Clam Chowder has corn in it, which is a welcome surprise. It was a little salty for my tastes but the fact that they give you two multi-grain or french rolls with every pint of soup helps to alleviate this saltiness.
The Chili is spicier than I would have thought. It's not bad, but I would have preferred a blander chili. There's a great mix of beef, beans, and veggies and it tasted even better microwaved the next day.
The lobster bisque was my least favorite but it's still a good soup. There is an upcharge for the lobster and there weren't very many pieces. I would have paid even more to have more lobster but sadly this wasn't an option.
Good soup, fast service, and reasonably priced. Come here on a rainy or cold day but it's not good enough for warm-season dining. -
Review from Meridith H.
Boston, MA
1/31/2011
Good product + friendly staff = my being a fan
They have a great variety of soups as well as assorted salads, etc. One of the "etc." that I find particularly whimsical is a container of marinated beets. I didn't think that beets would go well with chili, so I'll be back to grab them another time. :) -
Review from J R.
Boston, MA
1/6/2009 ROTD 1/23/2009
Lets start 2009 off with a BANG. New England Soup Factory! BANG!
History:
Marjorie Druker and Paul Brophy opened the NESF in 1995 in Brookline. Their mission is to "take old, good ideas and fashion them to these times. The key is to create comfort food that is good for you."
Menu:
They have 7 or so soups that they offer daily. They are, but not limited to: Chicken Vegetable, Chili Con Carne, Clam Chowder, Corn Chowder, Lobster Newburg, Beef Stew and Chicken Pot Pie. They also have different new concoctions every day, I recently had: Tomato Crab Bisque and a Corn Chowder with Roasted Red Peppers that was amazing.
Soup Prices:
A 12oz bowl with 1 roll is $4.75. A 16oz pint with 2 rolls is $5.95. And, a 32oz Quart with 3 rolls is $10.50.
My Favorite:
They also have homemade baked goods, salads, sandwiches - I like the Hamlet ($3.99) with Black Forrest ham on crusty bread with greens, cheddar cheese and honey apricot mustard.
Slow food, real food, local food, good food. BANG! -
Review from Jeremy K.
1/14/2009
waaaaaaaaaaa?! ive never yelped the NESF? WTF?
ok, well 4 solid stars, but you want to know a secret? they printed a cookbook ayear ago, pay the cash, get the book and never spend 9 bucks on lunch again (yea suk it)
their secret? balsamic vinegar, seriously, its in almost all of their soups, they are good, but pricey. i would eat here all the time when i worked for the man, now i got the book so i can make (ok, wifey makes it) sweet potato chicken barley at home. i get the ingredients from russos so all that cash can be used to...ok i crap it all away anyways.Listed in: stuff wifey likes
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Review from Angelina C.
San Francisco, CA
10/29/2009
Sniffles? Sleepy? Need a comforting lunch amidst the drab confines of Brookline Village? Soup is always the answer.
I'm partial to their spicy chicken "flu buster," myself, with a multigrain roll on the side so I can sop up the broth. Mmm.
So the soup's pretty good, though a tad salty. That's okay. NESF's true secret weapon is their sweet potato salad. Holy cow. Go get some with your next cup of soup.
I know I will. -
Review from Mags R.
Roslindale, MA
9/8/2011
So my Coworkers love their soup... I have only tried the Clam Chowder and it is painfully Salty... However the taste is ok (meaning I was able to dunk the bread and eat half the cup this way) I like that it has good size pieces of potatoes and lots of corn, but I seriously think they added extra salt by mistake or something because I don't think anyone would add that much salt to anything intentionally! I would try them again in order to discard a possible error on the salt amount. I would also like to try something different... In the meantime I would have to give them a 2 1/2... hopefully my next experience forces me to give them a better rating!
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Review from Lys W.
Jersey City, NJ
1/23/2008
I love soup!
I had to go for an appointment next door, and for lunch I stopped in to the New England Soup Factory, because you Yelpers had given it such good reviews! I needed a good soup, because I had just gotten a shot, and needed a morale boost!
I ordered the Vegan soup and wrap combo, which was surprisingly really good! I am vegetarian, but I find vegan food to usually not be to my liking, but this was delicious.
The interior could do with a little sprucing up. The table I sat at was very wobbly and I ending up knocking over my drink. :(
Very good food, but my tab came out to being $11 dollars for a small soup, half a wrap, and a can of coke, which I thought was a little over priced. -
Review from Steve s.
MA
12/28/2007
I remember 10 years ago when my then girlfriend lived in The BrookHouse...We discovered The New England Soup Factory.
It changed my soup eating latitude perhaps forever.....
Now my grandmother is in the Hall of Fame for chicken noodle soup(secret ingredient Cinnamon), but this place is darn close...
Hey, and after 10 years they still give you free bread...Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the best place for soup in Boston and local suburbs -
Review from Melanie D.
Brookline Village, MA
6/19/2008
Forget Opening Day at Fenway: the true harbinger of spring comes in early May when NESF puts their chilled tomato gazpacho back on the menu. This stuff is so delicious and healthy, I would bathe in it. And I love the French rolls, even if they're not as delicious as the ones at the Bertucci's downstairs. (BTW, NESF's wheat ones are really blah)
Oh, yeah, the side dishes, sandwiches, cookies and brownies are all yummy too. A great new addition to the menu: strawberries romanoff (sour cream, rum & vanilla sauce). Eat your fruit and be virtuous. Hic.Listed in: Brookline Village (a list in…
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Review from fred n.
Boston, MA
3/9/2008
This place is sensational...I agree...move over great grandma. These soups are just heavenly tasting and so delicious. Sample one before you buy - preventing you from any sense of regret. The basic chicken and vegetables is so wonderful. Also, a nice selection of salads and sandwiches allows you to complement your soup. I would suggest getting two small soups rather than a soup + sandwhich. Cookies are also perfectly chewy and tasty.
Service is unbelievably nice - they really do want you to have a good time and be comfortable while you enjoy their soups. This is really a testament to the nay-sayers who believe Bostonian aren't nice. Sidebar: there's a really cute guy there with a Sox cap who is definitely easy on the eyes.
Bottom line, don't dilly-dally another minute. Lunchtime is the best time to go, or a little after then. Note that parking is a little weird. There's a garage across from the T-stop (Brookline Village). Rainy days and soup make the best combination. -
Review from Jamie F.
10/11/2009 3 Check-ins Here
I'm no soup connoisseur, but I've sampled quite a variety before. I just really love hot soup ... I can even drink it during the summer (crazy, I know).
So far, I've tried:
- Chicken paella soup ... too much msg for me
- Sausage minestrone ... filling and meaty
- Habanero chile pepper soup ... obviously very spicy, but it was so delicious. A party in your mouth!!
Yay for side french rolls, daily soups announcement online, and free sampling. NESF gets 5 stars for variety, 3.5 for quality. -
Review from Jen C.
Boston, MA
1/25/2010
LOVE THIS PLACE!
It's right across the street from work - perfect for a cold miserable day like the one I'm currently enduring. The soups are inventive and delicious, and the cookies are out-of-this world good.
Chicken Soup - YUM
Beef Chili - YUM
Lemony Lentil - YUM
Tomato Cheddar - YUM
... And so forth and so on.
My one comment is that the soups can tend to be a little on the salty side. Sometimes, my eyeballs itch from dehydration. Have a big glass of water handy, then dive in! -
Review from Jessica G.
Brookline, MA
9/10/2007
LOVE all the options here. Great salads, sandwiches, and soups of course!
12noon the place is packed, so go before or a bit after. The line always moves quickly though there are only two registers--that is where most of the wait is. Friendly/helpful staff, very clear veg options. The cookies are delicious as well.
NOTE they have a $10 cc minimum (illegal) which they are very strict about. -
Review from Heather S.
Boston, MA
1/6/2009
Absolutely bloody cold wintery day? check
Hot, tasty, yummy, soupy goodness? check
Absolutely delicious flavors that totally hit the spot (not that spot) when it's cold out or I'm just jonsing for soup. I even take em home for the freezer so when I'm too lazy, the only trek I have to make is to the fridge!
Note: I reserve the right to give 5 stars though until I've had all the usual flavors! -
Review from Kris L.
Brookline, MA
4/6/2008
I am lazy and cheap.
I am too lazy to bring lunch and too cheap eat out all the time. The combination isn't good because when I get out of work at nine o'clock at night I'm a ravenous pig, and a pretty unhappy girl with extremely low blood sugar.
Fortunately for me I now work in the neighborhood of the soup factory.
With a great selection of soups, salads and pre-made sandwiches.
They always have a vegetarian (if not vegan) soup available and yummy tomato basil and mozzarella sandwiches.
It was definitely designed with the working person in mind. Affordable enough so that I don't feel guilty even when I show up EVERY day of the week and yummy enough to make any lazy person want to get off of their but and take a stroll down to Brookline Village to get a little Soup Factory in 'em -
Review from James M.
Whitinsville, MA
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Some of the best soup I've ever had...right off the brookline village stop...try the chicken vegetable
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Review from Barbara P.
Newton Center, MA
6/3/2010
I love this place. I always go here on a chilly day and eat their vegetarian soup, with a roll, and then finish it off with one of those jumbo brown sugar chocolate chip cookies. I have had a few experiences where the soup that I got was extremely spicy however. Even if you like spicy food it can be overpowering.. just ask for a sample if its a spicy soup to see if you can handle it before ordering a whole container.
Also, I have to point out that they don't have any noticeable recycling, which really bothers me. They also use Styrofoam plates. Yuk. Hello, where are you guys? It's 2010, get on the green wagon. -
Review from Melissa D.
Boston, MA
1/2/2008
Mmmm Good...move over Grandma, this place is better!
New England Soup Factory has two locations; Brookline and Newton. I usually go to the one in newton. This a great place even in the summer time! The pint is a perfect size and depending on what type of soup, you have some leftovers! They also have grab n go's - salads, crudite cups, frozen soups and size of your face cookies. They have also simple sandwiches.
One final note, try the:
Chicken pot, chicken pot, chicken - pot - pie!Listed in: My Workplace Neighborhood
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Review from Julie T.
Boston, MA
11/14/2009
I absolutely adore their soups. It's also quite helpful they've got sandwiches to round out a great meal. I've also been quite tempted, but have never bought their pre-made sauces and soups to take home. They're normally stored in that fridge in the front. They also have great rolls and the area is a bit on the smaller side so I'm a big fan of taking it home and curling up to a nice, warm bowl of soup. Mmm...
I just have one bad memory from here and it's totally not their fault at all. A couple winters ago, though, my friend was super sick and so to surprise him, I trekked through the snow and freezing cold weathers to come here and get him a pint of chicken noodle soup and a sandwich. I got a nice hearty sandwich and instead of chicken noodle specifically, I got him a chicken and vegetable soup. I even bought extra rolls for him!
Excitedly, I hopped onto the T and rushed over to his home with the package in my grubby little hands. He angrily asked me why I was there and tore into the bag when I explained and handed it to him. He grunted, grumbling about why I didn't get him any tomato soup instead.
Psh. So forget being nice. More soup for me. Jerk. -
Review from Shannon C.
Cambridge, MA
2/22/2010
Love, Love, Love...
The best soup in the city by a mile. Never had a bad experience here from the tasty soups to the super friendly staff. My only complaint is that there are not more packaged options to take home otherwise I could easily buy my lunch for the week from their refrigerated soups.
