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True Grounds
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True Grounds

About True Grounds

True Grounds is a welcoming cafe in Somerville, MA, where thoughtful hospitality, quality food and drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere come together to create a place people genuinely want to return to.

Known for its global coffees and fresh bites, including wraps and other satisfying options, this neighborhood spot offers far more than a quick stop for caffeine.

It is a comfortable destination for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dessert, or an unhurried solo visit, with a menu that includes coffee, healthy options, quick bites, and vegetarian choices to suit a wide range of tastes and routines.

With a strong 4.50-star rating from 358 reviews, True Grounds has clearly earned the trust of its guests by delivering a consistently enjoyable experience.

The cafe’s appeal extends beyond the menu. A rotating display of artwork by an artist of the month adds personality and warmth, giving the space a creative, lived-in feel that matches its casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere.

Whether you are settling in to work on a laptop, meeting up for a laid-back meal, or simply enjoying a great cup of coffee or a carefully selected tea, True Grounds offers the kind of setting that makes everyday moments feel more meaningful.

Guests can choose outdoor seating, dine in, take advantage of takeaway or delivery, or use on-site services, making it easy to enjoy the cafe in the way that fits their day best.

Accessibility and convenience are also thoughtfully built into the experience. True Grounds provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and toilet, along with gender-neutral toilets, Wi-Fi, and table service for added comfort. Reservations are accepted, and payment is simple with credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Located at 717 Broadway in Ball Square, Somerville, True Grounds brings together quality, inclusivity, and convenience in one inviting place. It is the kind of cafe that feels both dependable and distinctive — a place where great coffee, a strong tea selection, and a welcoming environment make every visit worthwhile.

★★★★★ 4.50 rating (358 reviews)
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Guest Reviews
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Independent Reviews
True Grounds interior
Est. Local Favorite

A Taste of Tradition

Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.

Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

  • Fresh Daily Specials
  • Private Dining Available
  • Catering Services
  • Takeout & Delivery

Guest Reviews

Hear from our valued guests

Nick Andrianas

Nick Andrianas

3 years ago

Consistently AMAZING baked goods, delicious espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew, and really friendly staff. Love this spot and really excited for them to get more foot traffic and exposure now that the green line extension is open!

Ted Tobin

Ted Tobin

9 months ago

First time here at a recommendation from a friend. Blueberry Scone was awesome. You can actually taste the blueberries! Coffee was delicious. I drink it black. I know coffee. So good. Great atmosphere. I people watched and could sense a great vibe with loyal customers.

Oliver Bello

Oliver Bello

8 months ago

Great scones! They always have unique flavors and I love popping in any time I want a little treat and seeing what flavors they have. Today I had a ginger cardamom scone with butterscotch frosting and it was awesome

Nikolai Kapliev

Nikolai Kapliev

7 years ago

The best local breakfast! Delightful coffee, unbelievable tasty chipotle wrap, magical pesto sandwiches. I would give it 10/5 for its food. During my week+ stay in Boston I visited most of 4.X+ cafes around that area. "True Grounds" is unbeatable number 1. Thank you so much for your food, so sad I can't take you in my neighborhood ;(

Julia Snodgrass

Julia Snodgrass

4 weeks ago

Super friendly barista, delicious hazelnut brown butter cookie, and the cold brew is to die for!

Emily Fishman

Emily Fishman

3 months ago

Calm morning spot with amazing home made syrup choices for your coffee (try Bees Knees, a honey/vanilla/cinnamon combo) and the best breakfast sandwich of your life. I’ll be back soon!

Yashar E. Azam

Yashar E. Azam

year ago

True Grounds is my favorite coffeeshop in Somerville. A down to earth location for exceptional quality coffee and bites. They always have a couple of single origin brews as their drip coffee. They used to have art work from local artists hanging on their wall for sale, which has been missing for some time. This place is also very inclusive, and family friendly. You’d not regret hanging out there :) Also, they recently have substantially extended their operating hours till dinner time!!

Json

Json

4 years ago

One of the best coffee shops around Somerville. They have awesome coffee. I recommend trying their Iced Vietnamese coffee. Their cold brew is also really good. They make delicious sandwiches and muffins too. Finally, they even sell some good coffee beans for a pretty nice price. Also recommend their egg sandwiches on a bagel. And wonderful pumpkin chip muffins. Both featured in my photos. Highly, highly recommend. The only thing they're missing is a way to order ahead. There's a little bit of a wait sometimes (understandable - labor and supply chain shortages) but that could be migrated by having an order ahead option via toast or another online service.

Arielle Lok

Arielle Lok

year ago

I didn’t like true grounds for a while because my initial impression was slower service, but when I came in the later afternoon, Andrew made me the best iced latte I’ve had in a while & did it v timely. I got it with “bees knees” which is a honey syrup and it was soooo good. I also tried the chocolate scone and it was delicious. Really chunky, flaky, perfectly sweet……….. wow. I’ve been sleeping on true grounds for too long 6 months later, I’m writing an update! Still 5 stars from me! I’ve been coming here more often (around twice a week) for a warm drink and a book and I just really earnestly appreciate true ground’s existence in ball square. the employees go the extra mile to get to know all of the regulars names. I was out of town for a while and andrew still remembered me :’))) my goat I also think their playlist on mondays is just so fire !!!!! they also have board games for the public available. it does get fairly packed around 11 as a heads up. and yeah the coffee takes a bit but it’s always delicious. their syrups especially…… the cajeta and bees knees had me in a chokehold for a while. i wish their peppermint and apple spice was stronger tho!

Ross Sewage

Ross Sewage

year ago

very pleasant staff. great coffee with lots of creative in-house made flavors, syrups, and reductions available. the sandwiches are tasty and made with very fresh ingredients. the baked goods are delicious without relying on too much sweet and sugary… like, actually good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about True Grounds

Business Features

Highlights & Amenities

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • On-site services
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Highlights

  • Great coffee
  • Great tea selection

Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining
  • Good for working on laptop

Offerings

  • Coffee
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Vegetarian options

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Gender-neutral toilets
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • University students

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Good for kids

Parking

  • Free street parking
  • Paid street parking

Pets

  • Dogs allowed
  • Dogs allowed inside
  • Dogs allowed outside

Visit Us

We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!

Location

717 Broadway Ball Square, Somerville, MA 02144, United States

Reservations

+1 617-591-9559

Hours

Closed · Sunday 8 AM-2 PM
Saturday 8 AM-2 PM
Sunday 8 AM-2 PM
Monday 7 AM-1 PM
Tuesday 7 AM-1 PM
Wednesday 7 AM-1 PM
Thursday 7 AM-1 PM
Friday 7 AM-1 PM
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