I have been racially profiled here multiple times by the same man who works at the front counter. It's unfortunate because I did enjoy this cafe and tried to give them multiple chances, I even opted to go there when this specific employee was not working so that I could still enjoy the food however I have decided that my experience of racism and mistreatment multiple times is not worth it and I will not be going back. Whether he is aware that he treats certain people different based off of their race and how they look I'm unsure but it is 2025 and it's a problem that needs to be addressed. The owner should be extremely disgusted and ashamed at this behavior happening here.
***** Edit: I would like to note that a person can experience racism in two different stores in different parts of the world more than once in their life and then make two reviews in the same day when they have the time to in their schedule. Also, the reviews were not word for word the same, this one was actually more detailed because my experience at the South End Buttery was worst. Additionally, I myself am also deeply disappointed, in the owners response to racism in their establishment. Clearly they are astray from their values or they wouldn't insinuate my experience did not occur as stated.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Rafael
Great place to get bagels at
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jonathan Haspilaire
Disappointing Brunch Experience at South End Buttery
I recently revisited South End Buttery for Sunday brunch (9 March), hoping to enjoy the same quality and service I once appreciated pre-COVID.
Unfortunately, my experience highlighted a significant decline in food value, service, and overall quality since COVID, further reinforcing why I no longer frequent this establishment.
The visit began poorly when my reserved table was not ready despite booking through OpenTable.
Opting to sit at the bar (as I requested a table upstairs vs. downstairs), I encountered further issues with my order.
I ordered pancakes (3), bacon, and French fries with chipotle aioli on the side. What I received was far from acceptable: a single cold pancake, eggs (despite informing the server of my allergy), lukewarm bacon, and truffle fries without the requested aioli.
The server did not speak fluent English (she spoke broken English to understand where I pointed on the menu), making communication difficult. She only addressed the egg issue after I raised it.
To make matters worse, the server took a shot at the bar with other patrons—including another staff member serving upstairs tables—during her shift.
This behavior was unprofessional and added to the already disappointing experience.
Given the overpriced meals, lack of attention to detail, and poor service standards, I cannot recommend South End Buttery for brunch or dinner. While it once held promise as a neighborhood gem, it has lost its charm.
If you’re considering dining here, I STRONGLY suggest exploring other options as it values BRAND NAME vs. QUALITY OF SERVICE AND FOOD.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Lydia H.
Tried South End on a Friday evening. A bit of a cramped space but the FOOD did not disappoint. Service needs improvement but it’s a place you want to be! I’ll be back!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Jenna Whilden
I would kill for their Rosemary Parmesan scones, and I don't even especially like scones. Also everything else is delicious too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Patrick Ma
It was a rainy day, but the staff were very welcoming. Enjoyed several pastries. Great eats on a less than stellar weather day. My son loved it.
Great service, nice atmosphere, and the pastries were great. The staff are kind and went out of their way to hold the door for customers who had strollers. The barista even came over to confirm that the hot chocolate is for a young child so she doesn't make it too hot which was really nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Barrineau
Awesome biscuits!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sara Minor
I've enjoyed takeout from this place before, but last week during my lunch break, the service was terrible. There was one employee doing everything—taking orders, packing to-go food, and making drinks—and he had to ask for help MULTIPLE times, but no one stepped in. Finally, a younger woman came out looking upset about having to work. She put her headphones on top of the cutting board where food is prepared and was cold & rude with the customers waiting in line (about six of us). Meanwhile, two cooks just stood around chatting while the overworked employee did everything. I waited 15 minutes to pick up my order, and not one employee greeted or acknowledged any of us. Meanwhile my to-go order was ready the entire time and never put out in the designed pick up area….
If you’re considering coming to this location for a quick lunch/ to go I would suggest looking elsewhere until management can train employees on customer service and cleanliness.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Bob Murray
Not sure what changed over the last few months but South End Buttery has gotten extremely unpleasant. Workers seem to not want to be there (lady at the front scorned at me as I entered) and the kitchen area is very unsanitary. Went there this morning but won’t be going back - they messed up my food order (again) and my coffee was 3/4 full ($7 for a cup btw).
It is a very charming spot in a great location, but recommend you save your money and go elsewhere.
My friend and I went for dinner last night and the staff as so friendly and nice. The food was great - very fresh and amazing. I felt so bad my friend and I stayed past closing just catching up and having a drink and the staff didn’t mind at all while they were cleaning up. They were so nice about it. I will be going here more often!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
alex rodriguez
It was a nice and chill atmosphere. The french fries are nice and crispy, and our server was very attentive. Would go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Esteban Crespo
Good desserts but AWFUL service from the get go. Maybe go in the morning and avoid the overworked servers late in the evening.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Robert McDevitt
Always a good stop
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kristy Johnson
Cozy little cafe with lots of baked goods and a real neighborhood vibe.
Driving here is unrealistic. I have a handicapped placard, and I couldn’t find one spot anywhere.
If you can walk or take take the t then it’s a great place to visit.
I have been racially profiled here multiple times by the same man who works at the front counter. It's unfortunate because I did enjoy this cafe and tried to give them multiple chances, I even opted to go there when this specific employee was not working so that I could still enjoy the food however I have decided that my experience of racism and mistreatment multiple times is not worth it and I will not be going back. Whether he is aware that he treats certain people different based off of their race and how they look I'm unsure but it is 2025 and it's a problem that needs to be addressed. The owner should be extremely disgusted and ashamed at this behavior happening here.
*****
Edit: I would like to note that a person can experience racism in two different stores in different parts of the world more than once in their life and then make two reviews in the same day when they have the time to in their schedule. Also, the reviews were not word for word the same, this one was actually more detailed because my experience at the South End Buttery was worst. Additionally, I myself am also deeply disappointed, in the owners response to racism in their establishment. Clearly they are astray from their values or they wouldn't insinuate my experience did not occur as stated.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great place to get bagels at
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Disappointing Brunch Experience at South End Buttery
I recently revisited South End Buttery for Sunday brunch (9 March), hoping to enjoy the same quality and service I once appreciated pre-COVID.
Unfortunately, my experience highlighted a significant decline in food value, service, and overall quality since COVID, further reinforcing why I no longer frequent this establishment.
The visit began poorly when my reserved table was not ready despite booking through OpenTable.
Opting to sit at the bar (as I requested a table upstairs vs. downstairs), I encountered further issues with my order.
I ordered pancakes (3), bacon, and French fries with chipotle aioli on the side. What I received was far from acceptable: a single cold pancake, eggs (despite informing the server of my allergy), lukewarm bacon, and truffle fries without the requested aioli.
The server did not speak fluent English (she spoke broken English to understand where I pointed on the menu), making communication difficult. She only addressed the egg issue after I raised it.
To make matters worse, the server took a shot at the bar with other patrons—including another staff member serving upstairs tables—during her shift.
This behavior was unprofessional and added to the already disappointing experience.
Given the overpriced meals, lack of attention to detail, and poor service standards, I cannot recommend South End Buttery for brunch or dinner.
While it once held promise as a neighborhood gem, it has lost its charm.
If you’re considering dining here, I STRONGLY suggest exploring other options as it values BRAND NAME vs. QUALITY OF SERVICE AND FOOD.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Tried South End on a Friday evening. A bit of a cramped space but the FOOD did not disappoint. Service needs improvement but it’s a place you want to be! I’ll be back!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
I would kill for their Rosemary Parmesan scones, and I don't even especially like scones. Also everything else is delicious too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It was a rainy day, but the staff were very welcoming. Enjoyed several pastries. Great eats on a less than stellar weather day. My son loved it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Blueberry Muffin, Almond Croissant
Great service, nice atmosphere, and the pastries were great. The staff are kind and went out of their way to hold the door for customers who had strollers. The barista even came over to confirm that the hot chocolate is for a young child so she doesn't make it too hot which was really nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome biscuits!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've enjoyed takeout from this place before, but last week during my lunch break, the service was terrible. There was one employee doing everything—taking orders, packing to-go food, and making drinks—and he had to ask for help MULTIPLE times, but no one stepped in. Finally, a younger woman came out looking upset about having to work. She put her headphones on top of the cutting board where food is prepared and was cold & rude with the customers waiting in line (about six of us). Meanwhile, two cooks just stood around chatting while the overworked employee did everything. I waited 15 minutes to pick up my order, and not one employee greeted or acknowledged any of us. Meanwhile my to-go order was ready the entire time and never put out in the designed pick up area….
If you’re considering coming to this location for a quick lunch/ to go I would suggest looking elsewhere until management can train employees on customer service and cleanliness.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Not sure what changed over the last few months but South End Buttery has gotten extremely unpleasant. Workers seem to not want to be there (lady at the front scorned at me as I entered) and the kitchen area is very unsanitary. Went there this morning but won’t be going back - they messed up my food order (again) and my coffee was 3/4 full ($7 for a cup btw).
It is a very charming spot in a great location, but recommend you save your money and go elsewhere.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
My friend and I went for dinner last night and the staff as so friendly and nice. The food was great - very fresh and amazing. I felt so bad my friend and I stayed past closing just catching up and having a drink and the staff didn’t mind at all while they were cleaning up. They were so nice about it. I will be going here more often!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It was a nice and chill atmosphere. The french fries are nice and crispy, and our server was very attentive. Would go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good desserts but AWFUL service from the get go. Maybe go in the morning and avoid the overworked servers late in the evening.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Always a good stop
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cozy little cafe with lots of baked goods and a real neighborhood vibe.
Driving here is unrealistic. I have a handicapped placard, and I couldn’t find one spot anywhere.
If you can walk or take take the t then it’s a great place to visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...