Seemor
Pound House CoffeeB+Worth Trying
703 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144
· Vietnamese restaurant, Brunch restaurant, Coffee shop
· 4.8/5 Google (132 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Creative Vietnamese coffee bar with standout salted matcha, legit phin-brewed coffee, and solid banh mi; value is fair-to-good, but expect ice-heavy cold drinks and occasional wait times.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Pound House Coffee delivers solid neighborhood cafe quality through exceptional food quality highlighted by standout salted matcha and authentic phin-brewed Vietnamese coffee, paired with attentive, genuinely welcoming service. Consistency shows some variability in egg coffee execution and careful craft-focused preparation can create waits, preventing a higher grade. The cafe excels as a local favorite for Vietnamese coffee enthusiasts rather than a destination draw.
Restaurant Summary
Set in Ball Square, this Vietnamese cafe feels calm and welcoming on weekdays and can buzz on weekends. Drinks are crafted with care, and staff come off as genuinely kind. One regular put it simply: "Salted coffee was perfect, bold and balanced." No notable authenticity warnings apply. The culinary approach leans creative Vietnamese coffee with modern foam-topped lattes plus comforting bites like banh mi, bo kho, and bun cha. Think phin-brewed depth, salted matcha fanfare, and house-prepared details that trade speed for precision. It suits folks who appreciate craft over quick pours, with flavors that are bold but approachable. Families do well here. Banh mi can be customized (one parent said their 8-year-old polished off a no-veggie version), spring rolls are mild, and avocado toast is familiar. Expect kid-pleasing options alongside more adventurous drinks; the egg coffee skews dessert-like but may be intense for picky palates.
At a Glance
- Standout salted matcha and authentic Vietnamese coffee using phin
- Banh mi and bo kho earn consistent praise
- Cold drinks can be ice-heavy and feel small for price
- Egg coffee consistency varies and can take longer
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- salted_foam_specialties
- phin_brewed_vietnamese_coffee
- neighborhood_study_friendly_space
What People Love
- Salted matcha foam that feels indulgent yet balanced
- Authentic, strong Vietnamese coffee character
- Friendly, attentive owners and staff
- Comfort dishes like bo kho done with depth
Points of Concern
- Cold drinks can come very ice-heavy; some felt shorted on volume
- Egg coffee varies in sweetness and foam-coffee ratio; expect longer prep
- Prices slightly above typical cafes, though quality is high
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$27-35 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For vegetarians/vegans: Tofu or Eggplant Banh Mi ($10.50) and Tofu/Vegetable Spring Rolls ($7.00)
- For bold coffee lovers: Salted Coffee or Vietnamese Coffee ($5.75–$7.25) with less-sweet option
- For a full meal: Bun Cha ($16.50) or Bo Kho ($16.50) plus a specialty latte
Perfect For
- A focused coffee date with unique drinks
- Solo laptop time in a calm cafe
- Casual lunch with Vietnamese flavors
- Warming up with a rich stew on cold days
Location Insights
Area: Residential-meets-student hub near Tufts with daytime cafe traffic and neighborhood regulars.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban caution at night.
Nearby: Near Tufts University, Ball Square eateries, and neighborhood shops; destination for coffee and casual lunches.
Davis SquareDavis Square is a lively neighborhood centered around a major transit hub with a bustling dining and nightlife scene. It features a mix of casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and bars, attracting a diverse crowd that enjoys a walkable, urban atmosphere with a strong community vibe.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–15:00
Tuesday08:00–15:00
Wednesday08:00–15:00
Thursday08:00–15:00
Friday08:00–15:00
Saturday08:00–15:00
Sunday08:00–15:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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