Forbes Family Cafe

32 Vassar St, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
+1 617-253-5073
$$$ Cafe
(42 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Forbes Family Cafe, a delightful spot nestled at 32 Vassar St, Cambridge, MA, just a stone's throw away from the vibrant MIT campus. This charming cafe has evolved over time to become a beloved go-to for students, faculty, and visitors alike, ready to satisfy your culinary cravings with a rotating menu that keeps offerings fresh and exciting.

The cafe showcases a variety of food options that cater to diverse palates, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. From hearty pastas and flavorful Indian dishes to a well-stocked salad bar and refreshing sushi, the culinary team emphasizes wholesome, nutritious choices. For those seeking plant-based options, you will be pleased to find at least one vegan bowl available daily, which customers rave about for its generous portion and satisfying flavors. As Read Schusky noted, their bowls are "usually quite good," and at an economical $8, they're perfect for a wholesome lunch.

The atmosphere at Forbes Family Cafe offers comfortable, casual seating, making it a cozy retreat for dining. However, it's worth noting that during peak lunchtime hours, you might experience a bustling crowd with long lines. The vibrant energy is part of the charm, and it gives an authentic campus dining experience that reminds you of the community surrounding MIT. As Kelly Cambridgeport mentions, the mix of delicious food options like pizza, sushi, and sandwiches keeps diners coming back for more.

Customer satisfaction is clearly a priority here, as highlighted by Gabriela Contreras, who praises the cleanliness of the kitchen and the friendly demeanor of the staff. Their willingness to welcome not only MIT students but also the surrounding community adds to the cafe’s inviting spirit.

Forbes Family Cafe's dedication to quality and variety, combined with a warm and friendly vibe, makes it a standout option for anyone in the area. Whether you're rushing to class, enjoying a break, or meeting friends, this cafe is a delightful stop for satisfies all your cravings!

Do yourself a favor and swing by Forbes Family Cafe; your taste buds will thank you.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
University students
Payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

42 Reviews
Read Schusky

10 Aug 2025

Their format changes periodically, so older reviews are reviewing a very different kind of place. They now have a decent salad bar, some pizza and pasta, and a couple of changing bowls, one of which is always vegan. The bowls have always been pretty good and usually quite good, and it's a generous serving for $8.

Lennart Husvogt

01 Aug 2025

Food improved significantly, although it's still on the pricey end. The pasta and Indian food options are usually very solid.

Kelly Cambridgeport

02 Jul 2025

It’s a decent place to get food on campus. It can be hard to get a seat during lunchtime and the lines can be long. Food choices are good, ranging from pizza to sushi to sandwiches to salads to various entrées

Gabriela Contreras

06 Jun 2025

Most of the Forbes Café costumbres are MIT staff or students but it also welcomed outsiders. It's kitchen is always clean and it has an small menu with a variety of healthy food. The staff is friendly.

Join the Forbes Family Cafe Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.