Welcome to The Coast Cafe, home to the best fried chicken and mac & cheese in New England! At The Coast Cafe, we serve America's preeminent regional cuisine: southern-cooked soul food. All of our meals are made with tender loving care. It's just one of the reasons why we call it "Food from the Soul".
We are open for lunch and dinner four days a week and catering six days a week. We offer take-out, delivery, and catering. From vegetarian options to our own slow-smoked BBQ to our mouthwatering fried chicken, The Coast Cafe is the perfect destination for great food. We kept two traditions true: (1) choosing your own sides and (2) a casual hospitality that favors family friendliness.
We are open for lunch and dinner four days a week and catering six days a week. We offer take-out, delivery, and catering. From vegetarian options to our own slow-smoked BBQ to our mouthwatering fried chicken, The Coast Cafe is the perfect destination for great food. We kept two traditions true: (1) choosing your own sides and (2) a casual hospitality that favors family friendliness.
Services
The Coast Cafe was listed by Eater Boston as one of the top 27 restaurants for fried chicken in the Boston area! The Coast Cafe was featured in the very first edition of "Boston Mainstays" - a new series by Eater Boston contributor Korsha Wilson! For National Fried Chicken Day 2015, CBS Boston featured our fried chicken in their article about the 5 best restaurants in Boston for fried chicken!
The Coast Caf is perfect for event catering. Each event planned by Coast Caf is customized to your requests. Whether it's a lobby event for a 200-person corporate event, an outdoor barbecue, or an intimate dinner for 25 in a private home, we can plan every detail of your menu. To request a quote, please fill out a catering request form.
Reviews (26)
Craig Anthony Evans
Dec 04, 2021
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Tabitha K.
Nov 23, 2021
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If you’re like me and you just moved up to Boston from the South, you might be craving some fried catfish and no other fish will do. This is the first place I found so far that didn’t serve fried catfish as a sandwich or po’ boy.
ORDER: Fried catfish with 2 sides: macaroni and cheese, and green beans. Also came with cornbread.
PRICE: Given the portion size and quality of the meal, $22 is a reasonable price that is comparable to those of other restaurants. I ended up making 2 meals out of a single order.
FISH BREADING: Even after a 30+ minute transport home straight from the restaurant
ORDER: Fried catfish with 2 sides: macaroni and cheese, and green beans. Also came with cornbread.
PRICE: Given the portion size and quality of the meal, $22 is a reasonable price that is comparable to those of other restaurants. I ended up making 2 meals out of a single order.
FISH BREADING: Even after a 30+ minute transport home straight from the restaurant
Taylor S.
Sep 24, 2021
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I had the chicken and waffles which was DELICIOUS. The 2 chicken thighs were extremely moist, and the skin was very well-seasoned which complemented the syrup. The waffle was fluffy and honestly good enough to eat by itself! They also used real maple syrup and gave a generous portion of it. Definitely on the pricier side for the quantity of food, but totally worth the quality!
Tianna D.
Jul 18, 2021
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So the first time I tried from here was last year June or July. I heard such a rave about how good the fried chicken is including from one of my closest friends (I trust her judgement on good food) so I gave them a try. I walked to the store to work up an appetite and the food was still hot when I got home (about a 25 minute walk).
I ordered the chicken and rib plate with collard greens and rice and beans. The ribs were delicious, collard greens (first time having it in my life tbh -ok.. it's a texture thing so don't go by my review of it to get it or not) rice and beans good and lets
I ordered the chicken and rib plate with collard greens and rice and beans. The ribs were delicious, collard greens (first time having it in my life tbh -ok.. it's a texture thing so don't go by my review of it to get it or not) rice and beans good and lets
Sue Z.
Jul 09, 2021
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Cyrus W.
May 15, 2021
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Enjoyed our second visit to Coast Cafe tonight for some really yummy food!
Ordering for pickup was pretty seamless (online with UberEats). It was actually ready like 10 minutes before the time we selected, but fortunately we were early anyway, so it worked out!
Pickup was super easy and quick (not bad for 6:45pm on a Friday) and the folks behind the counter were super nice.
I had the fried catfish, mac and cheese, and greens. Really loves the catfish - perfectly cooked, and very flavorful. And the Mac and Cheese was stellar too with the creamy texture and crunchy breadcrumbs on top. The greens
Ordering for pickup was pretty seamless (online with UberEats). It was actually ready like 10 minutes before the time we selected, but fortunately we were early anyway, so it worked out!
Pickup was super easy and quick (not bad for 6:45pm on a Friday) and the folks behind the counter were super nice.
I had the fried catfish, mac and cheese, and greens. Really loves the catfish - perfectly cooked, and very flavorful. And the Mac and Cheese was stellar too with the creamy texture and crunchy breadcrumbs on top. The greens
Joshua Man
Apr 30, 2021
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The Coast Cafe should be the standard for soul food in Boston. I ordered the fried chicken thigh combination which comes with cornbread and your choice of two sides. The rice and beans were perfectly seasoned, the collard greens were tender without a single mushy leaf, and the cornbread completed the whole plate with its sweetness. But the fried chicken y'all -- juicy, not over-battered, and no gaps or sloughing off as you take your bite. That's extremely hard to do. Even before the pandemic, they mainly operated on takeout, and their experience shows with their friendly staff, attention to detail
Malik D.
Mar 14, 2021
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As an LA native, I never thought a good soul food spot can be found in Cambridge, MA. I wanted to give this place a try and I was satisfied. Ordered the chicken thigh plate with mac&cheese and collard greens. Both sides were spot on, especially the collard greens. The fried chicken had nice flavor, but the thigh were a little dry.. could've just been my batch.
I will definitely be back to try more items on the menu and recommend this for those looking for some good soul food.
I will definitely be back to try more items on the menu and recommend this for those looking for some good soul food.
Cindy H.
Feb 27, 2021
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Finally stopped by Coast today. Why have I delayed so long...? This is the best fried chicken I've had in Massachusetts!
3 piece mixed chicken - I couldn't even tell the difference between the thighs and beasts. My ravenous self devoured these pieces within minutes. Light, crispy outside and juicy, moist inside. Just perfection. Didn't even need any sauce.
Fried wings - These are outrageously good. Just get them.
Coast wings - I picked these out because they were flourless. Plain and simple but well executed. Crispy, flavorful.. Get one of their sauces to dunk these into.
Mac
3 piece mixed chicken - I couldn't even tell the difference between the thighs and beasts. My ravenous self devoured these pieces within minutes. Light, crispy outside and juicy, moist inside. Just perfection. Didn't even need any sauce.
Fried wings - These are outrageously good. Just get them.
Coast wings - I picked these out because they were flourless. Plain and simple but well executed. Crispy, flavorful.. Get one of their sauces to dunk these into.
Mac
Mike
Jan 13, 2021
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Brandon W.
Jan 04, 2021
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I love getting takeout here! My go-to order is the coast wings with mac and cheese, and collard greens. The food is super flavorful, filling, and reasonable for the price. It reminds me of food in the South.
The only reason I'm taking off a star is because the hours on their own website aren't always followed. I've come here multiple times trying to get takeout, and been disappointed to see the place closed unexpectedly.
The only reason I'm taking off a star is because the hours on their own website aren't always followed. I've come here multiple times trying to get takeout, and been disappointed to see the place closed unexpectedly.
Elle Craig
Dec 03, 2020
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Sarah Costello
Sep 26, 2020
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I’ve been meaning to eat here forever, and wasn’t disappointed! The combo plates are a deal. My fried chicken was flawless, I could have eaten a pint of the mac and cheese, and my boyfriend was grinning ear-to-ear while he devoured the ribs. Looking forward to trying the chicken and waffles next time.
Vivian C.
Aug 02, 2020
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(pre-Covid-19 experience)
The Coast Cafe has been on my radar for several years, but it wasn't until one Saturday when we discovered that Brookline Lunch was closed that opportunity knocked.
Parking was hard. We almost started considering a Plan C, when a metered parking space opened up. 12 minutes a quarter, if you please. We stuffed it so I wouldn't have to worry about how long our lunch was taking.
The Coast Cafe is located in a residential area, and is teeny tiny with just two tables for two, and three stools along counter seating. Your order is taken at the window that looks
The Coast Cafe has been on my radar for several years, but it wasn't until one Saturday when we discovered that Brookline Lunch was closed that opportunity knocked.
Parking was hard. We almost started considering a Plan C, when a metered parking space opened up. 12 minutes a quarter, if you please. We stuffed it so I wouldn't have to worry about how long our lunch was taking.
The Coast Cafe is located in a residential area, and is teeny tiny with just two tables for two, and three stools along counter seating. Your order is taken at the window that looks
Tara T.
Aug 01, 2020
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Man oh man! The Coast Cafe has been on my to-eat list forEVER and I'm so glad I finally got takeout from them! First off -- the FOOD. Chicken thigh plate was delectable. Two big pieces of chicken thigh, fried to perfection, with the breading crispy and adhering to the meat instead of falling off the protein as soon as you tear into it. Similar story with the fried catfish: perfectly breaded, with a light, clean taste (it was almost a fattier, more delicious haddock, with none of that "fishy" taste.) Mac & cheese side was creamy and rich and the noodles were perfectly cooked,
Katherine E.
Jul 19, 2020
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We just had their amazing spread of fried chicken, mac n cheese, rice/beans, corn bread, green beans--and it was decadent! How is it possible to make every bit so flavorful?!
Their dark and white meat chicken was juicy and topped with such a delicious thin crust! Soo enjoyed the crunchy mac n cheese topping too! Can't wait to order again. Thanks Coast Cafe!
Their dark and white meat chicken was juicy and topped with such a delicious thin crust! Soo enjoyed the crunchy mac n cheese topping too! Can't wait to order again. Thanks Coast Cafe!
Katherine S.
Jun 19, 2020
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Wanted to support a black owned restaurant, so I did some research and stumbled upon The Coast Cafe.
What to order: chicken combination plate (your choice of two thighs or breasts), cornbread, and two sides
Forewarning: the food is SO RIDICULOUSLY GOOD that you will gobble everything up. Downside? You may or may not feel like crap from the food coma afterwards. Is it worth every penny still?! 500% yes
The chicken was seasoned so well, and was fried to a crisp! The meat of the chicken was still very juicy and wasn't dry at all.
The cornbread was so moist... so moist I don't want
What to order: chicken combination plate (your choice of two thighs or breasts), cornbread, and two sides
Forewarning: the food is SO RIDICULOUSLY GOOD that you will gobble everything up. Downside? You may or may not feel like crap from the food coma afterwards. Is it worth every penny still?! 500% yes
The chicken was seasoned so well, and was fried to a crisp! The meat of the chicken was still very juicy and wasn't dry at all.
The cornbread was so moist... so moist I don't want
Kristina S.
Jun 14, 2020
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Go for the mac and cheese!!!! So frickin good! I got the fried chicken thigh with Mac and cheese and green beans with a slice of the sweet potato pie. I'd definitely get this again, and maybe switch out the green beans, which were good but nothing like the Mac and cheese. Could also be that they are way more healthy
We ordered the food ahead of time, and they had it ready right on time for us to pick it up. Perfect for a picnic or takeout order
We ordered the food ahead of time, and they had it ready right on time for us to pick it up. Perfect for a picnic or takeout order
Leah K.
Jun 12, 2020
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Our chicken survived the long trip from Cambridge to East Boston - STILL CRISPY. It's a miracle. This is one of my top 2 spot for fried chicken in Boston - tied for Highland Fried. But let's get to the greats:
3 Piece Chicken Box - they suggested 2 thighs and 1 breast, and they were right! I prefer white meat but the dark meat was SO good. The coating stayed on the chicken, and was flavorful but let the chicken shine.
Buffalo Wing Combo Plate - husband LOVED the wings. They're not that spicy but are big on flavor - it's not just plain buffalo. It had hints of sweetness and
3 Piece Chicken Box - they suggested 2 thighs and 1 breast, and they were right! I prefer white meat but the dark meat was SO good. The coating stayed on the chicken, and was flavorful but let the chicken shine.
Buffalo Wing Combo Plate - husband LOVED the wings. They're not that spicy but are big on flavor - it's not just plain buffalo. It had hints of sweetness and
Teresa C.
Jun 11, 2020
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The Fried Catfish with 2 sides did not disappoint! I was pleasantly surprised by the thickness of the catfish. The fish was fried perfectly well and pairs well with the tartar sauce that the combo comes with. And of course, nothing can go wrong with Mac & Cheese and collard greens! This order also came with a cornbread (I think). It's sweeter than other cornbreads I have had in the past, but tasted equally as delicious. Overall, this meal wasn't heavy and does fill you up! Highly recommend!
**ordered through UberEats.
**ordered through UberEats.
Stephanie B.
Jun 10, 2020
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I have been wanting to try The Coast Cafe for a while, and so glad I finally did! It has been on my list for about a year, but after seeing it on lists of black-owned businesses I figured what better time to finally try it & support a local black-owned business.
I ordered the chicken & ribs combination plate, which comes with 2 bbq pork ribs, 1 piece of fried chicken (pieces other than thigh are a very small upcharge), and 2 sides, For my sides, I chose mac & cheese and collard greens (with smoked turkey). It also came with a cornbread muffin, which was great.
The chicken was deliciously
I ordered the chicken & ribs combination plate, which comes with 2 bbq pork ribs, 1 piece of fried chicken (pieces other than thigh are a very small upcharge), and 2 sides, For my sides, I chose mac & cheese and collard greens (with smoked turkey). It also came with a cornbread muffin, which was great.
The chicken was deliciously
Vivian D.
Jun 07, 2020
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"Home of the best fried chicken and mac & cheese in New England" OK I AM SOLD!!
Found this gem of a place from @blackownedbos on Instagram! This is the place for quality soul and comfort food. I got the MIXED COMBO which is a piece of thigh and breast, two sides, and a cornbread muffin (YUMMY). The MAC & CHEESE? IMMACULATE. They use five different cheeses!!!! It was hard to save but I managed to save a last bite towards the end. This is definitely a side you need to order. Hands down the best mac & cheese, my sister and I are still thinking about it!! And the chicken? Fried
Found this gem of a place from @blackownedbos on Instagram! This is the place for quality soul and comfort food. I got the MIXED COMBO which is a piece of thigh and breast, two sides, and a cornbread muffin (YUMMY). The MAC & CHEESE? IMMACULATE. They use five different cheeses!!!! It was hard to save but I managed to save a last bite towards the end. This is definitely a side you need to order. Hands down the best mac & cheese, my sister and I are still thinking about it!! And the chicken? Fried
Casey A.
Jun 06, 2020
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Everything about this place is a yes. If you're considering ordering from Coast Cafe, yes, do it.
Friends and I had been trying to order from here for take out for a couple days but they've been so busy that they always had to stop taking orders. Completely understandable since they've been so swamped! We finally got through ordering through uber eats (slightly more expensive through the app but oh well).
We got 2 fried chicken plates and a rib plate. The fried chicken was SO GOOD and SEASONED. It was still very hot when the delivery got here and the skin was deliciously crunchy
Friends and I had been trying to order from here for take out for a couple days but they've been so busy that they always had to stop taking orders. Completely understandable since they've been so swamped! We finally got through ordering through uber eats (slightly more expensive through the app but oh well).
We got 2 fried chicken plates and a rib plate. The fried chicken was SO GOOD and SEASONED. It was still very hot when the delivery got here and the skin was deliciously crunchy
Gretchen B.
Apr 15, 2020
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The Coast Cafe is a wonderful business right down the street from my house. How lucky am I? Their fried chicken is soooooooo good...beautifully juicy inside, perfectly crispy outside and lovely seasoning. They also give you a piece of cornbread which is yummy. Not too sweet and nice and moist. The collards are fantastic and the Mac and cheese reminds me of the homemade Mac & cheese my mom would make. The prices are reasonable. The staff is very friendly. Excellent down home cooking in the heart of Cambridge. Bravo, Coast Cafe. You are wonderful indeed!
Cristina R.
Mar 16, 2020
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The Coast Cafe is a casual, cozy neighborhood spot. The service is friendly, and it was cool to sit inside and see the regulars come in and chat. The two of us split the fried chicken & pork ribs combo plate with mac n cheese and collard greens. The combo comes with a cornbread muffin, and we ordered a slice of sweet potato pie because obviously.
All the reviews say this, but the fried chicken is a MUST. It's really impressive how on point it is - hot & juicy on the inside, crispy and well-seasoned outside. The pork ribs were super tender, and the mac n cheese with breadcrumb topping
All the reviews say this, but the fried chicken is a MUST. It's really impressive how on point it is - hot & juicy on the inside, crispy and well-seasoned outside. The pork ribs were super tender, and the mac n cheese with breadcrumb topping
Nina Weldon
Jan 24, 2020
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This place isn’t bad but its not the best soul food I’ve ever had. The wait is about 45min which is ridiculous. The sides are already made and meats don’t take that long to fry. Parking is a bit hard to get but parking in lot next door you can be towed. Inside is very small. A few chairs inside just in case. I got the fried thighs and two sides. They gave me one thigh with a bone in it and one without I’m not sure why I couldn’t get two of the same. Food could have had a bit more flavor in my opinion. I probably won’t return.
