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Fratelli Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Fratelli Cafe
8.5
Fratelli Cafe is a Melrose Arts District staple for all-day breakfast plates, croissant French toast, and big salads on a busy corner patio. Thousands of reviews point to consistently solid food and a neighborhood feel that works for everything from solo coffees to group brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croissant French Toast, Organic Breakfast Scramble, Buttermilk Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Long-running Melrose cafe where croissant French toast and big breakfast plates headline a deep menu.
Who should go: Groups and locals wanting classic brunch with options
When to visit: Late mornings on weekdays for patio seating without a long wait
What to order: Croissant French Toast, Organic Breakfast Scramble, Buttermilk Pancakes
Insider tip: Ask for a corner patio table to people-watch along Melrose while you eat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking dominates this stretch of Melrose; expect metered spots and competitive side-street parking, especially after 10am. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and stylish fits the neighborhood—athleisure, jeans, or light brunch attire all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch hours with patio chatter; still easy enough to hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A since it’s a breakfast-and-lunch-focused cafe, but late weekend brunch can mean 20–40 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, often seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage with multiple scrambles, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast plates that can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—several salads and customizable bowls; ask about substituting avocado or veggies for eggs/dairy.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be adapted (e.g., scrambles, salads, protein plates); no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates—its busy corner patio has good energy and people-watching, though it’s more relaxed café vibes than intimate dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Fratelli doesn’t rely on reservations; walk-ups are the norm. Arrive before 10:30am on weekends for the shortest waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu is flexible for kids (pancakes, eggs, fruit), and the casual patio makes it easy for families with strollers or young children.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, broad-appeal breakfast choices with a lively neighborhood feel—stronger variety and reliability than smaller, hyper-specialized brunch counters nearby.
Skip if: You want ultra-fast service, a quiet environment, or chef-driven dishes; nearby boutique cafés or bakeries may better fit those needs.
Fratelli Cafe
8.3
Fratelli Cafe is a Melrose Arts District staple where croissant French toast, big scrambles, and salads anchor a deep all-day brunch menu. A constant stream of regulars uses it as a neighborhood meetup spot, with a corner patio that’s as much about people-watching as pancakes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croissant French Toast, Organic Breakfast Scramble, Buttermilk Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Long-running Melrose cafe with a huge, crowd-pleasing brunch menu and busy corner patio.
Who should go: Groups and locals wanting classic brunch with options
When to visit: Late weekday mornings for easier patio seating and lighter crowds
What to order: Croissant French Toast, Organic Breakfast Scramble, Buttermilk Pancakes
Insider tip: Ask for a corner patio table to maximize both shade and people-watching on Melrose.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Melrose and nearby side streets; spots turn over but can be tight during peak brunch hours. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—athleisure, jeans, and weekend brunch attire all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch; patio tables get steady street noise but still allow conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A — Fratelli is daytime-focused and closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically 0–10 minutes; patio may require a short wait during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—many scrambles, salads, and breakfast staples can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and customizable plates work, but no dedicated vegan section.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly items available (omelets, scrambles, salads); pancakes and French toast are not GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for casual daytime dates—bright, energetic, and unfussy. Not ideal if you want quiet intimacy, but great for low-pressure brunch meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Fratelli operates primarily walk-in. Expect a brief wait on weekends, especially for the patio, but weekdays are generally easy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—big menu, quick service, and outdoor seating make it comfortable for families. Best for ages 3+ who can sit through a casual brunch.
Best For
Better for: A broader all-day brunch menu than many nearby cafes, with consistently solid classics and a strong neighborhood vibe.
Skip if: You want a quiet or upscale brunch—its corner patio and street energy lean lively rather than serene.
Fratelli Cafe
8.3
Fratelli Cafe is a busy Melrose corner café where a deep breakfast menu includes customizable toasted bagels alongside omelets, scrambles, and pancakes. It’s more of a sit-down brunch spot than a pure bagel shop, but regulars still use it for bagel-and-coffee mornings with people-watching.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toasted Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese, Breakfast Bagel Sandwich with Egg and Bacon, Multigrain Bagel with Avocado
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Melrose brunch institution where you can pair proper café bagels with a full breakfast menu and patio seating.
Who should go: Groups wanting bagels plus full brunch in a buzzy café.
When to visit: Late weekday mornings for shorter waits and easier patio seating.
What to order: Everything bagel with cream cheese, breakfast bagel sandwich, multigrain with avocado.
Insider tip: Join or check the waitlist before you arrive on weekends to cut down on patio wait times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Melrose and nearby residential blocks; can be tight midday but generally manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Casual and stylish fits the neighborhood; athleisure and jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate — steady café chatter but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — kitchen focuses on daytime dining.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, often no wait before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several omelets, scrambles, salads, and customizable bagel builds.
Vegan options: Limited — avocado bagels, salads, and some modify-friendly items.
Gluten-free options: Partial — no gluten-free bagels, but GF-friendly plates and sides are available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for relaxed daytime meetups — the patio offers people-watching and low-pressure conversation, though it’s not ideal if you want a quieter, more intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Expect a wait on weekends; weekday mornings and early afternoons are easiest.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the menu is broad, staff is accommodating, and the patio works well for families with strollers. Best for ages 4+ due to crowds and limited indoor space.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting café-style bagels with full brunch plates and a lively Melrose atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a dedicated bagel shop with specialty toppings or gluten-free bagel options — this is a brunch café first.
Fratelli Cafe
8.2
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Fratelli Cafe is a casual neighborhood brunch and lunch cafe on Melrose that offers gluten-free bread and several dishes that can be adapted for gluten-sensitive guests. It’s more low-key than the trendiest spots, with a long menu of scrambles, salads, and sandwiches that work well for mixed groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croissant French Toast (ask about gf adaptations), Shakshuka with gf toast, Turkey avocado sandwich on gf bread
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: All-day cafe with gluten-free bread and flexible kitchen, making many breakfast and lunch plates safe for gluten-conscious guests.
Who should go: Locals wanting relaxed, affordable gluten-friendly brunch or lunch.
When to visit: Late morning on weekdays when the sidewalk tables open up.
What to order: Shakshuka with gf toast, any omelette on gf bread, salad with protein and no croutons.
Insider tip: Ask which baked goods and breads are actually gluten free that day; inventory changes and the staff can steer you to the safest picks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Melrose and side streets; availability varies but is generally manageable on weekdays before noon.
Dress code: Casual; workout clothes, jeans, and everyday wear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate during brunch rush; easy to hold a conversation at most sidewalk or indoor tables.
Weekend wait: N/A – the cafe closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; may see a short 5–10 minute queue during peak late-morning brunch periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several scrambles, salads, and bowls are naturally vegetarian or can be made so.
Vegan options: Limited – a few salads or bowls can be adapted, but offerings lean more vegetarian than vegan.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free bread available and many items can be modified; cross-contact is possible, so confirm with staff if highly sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual coffee or light brunch date rather than a formal one; the sidewalk seating and relaxed energy work well for low-pressure meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it's walk-in only. Arrive outside peak brunch hours for the quickest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for younger children; the menu is flexible and service is fast, though space can feel tight during rush periods.
Best For
Better for: Affordable, casual gluten-friendly brunch without the long waits or trend-chasing energy of flashier Melrose spots.
Skip if: You're seeking a high-end brunch, extensive vegan options, or a more atmospheric setting for special occasions.
Fratelli Cafe
8.3
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Fratelli Cafe is a long-running Melrose brunch hub where breakfast plates share space with pressed sandwiches, wraps, and salads on a busy corner patio. It’s less a dedicated sandwich shop than an all-day cafe, but the turkey, veggie, and breakfast sandwiches are anchors for locals lingering over coffee.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey avocado panini, Breakfast croissant sandwich, Caprese sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Busy Melrose cafe with a deep bench of brunchy sandwiches.
Who should go: Groups wanting breakfast plates plus solid sandwiches.
When to visit: Weekdays mid-morning to dodge peak brunch waits.
What to order: Turkey avocado panini, croissant sandwich, Caprese.
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating if you want people-watching with lunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Melrose and nearby side streets; expect moderate difficulty during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; athleisure, jeans, and brunch-ready outfits all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially on the patio; conversation is possible but expect steady background chatter.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; cafe closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Typically a short wait or none, though patio tables may take 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several sandwiches, wraps, and salads are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and customizable options, but not a dedicated vegan spot.
Gluten-free options: Some bowls and salads work gluten-free; sandwiches can be modified but no dedicated GF bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates — the patio is bright, easygoing, and conversation-friendly, though not ideal for a more intimate evening vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Expect a wait on weekends, but weekdays usually move quickly, especially outside peak brunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families frequent the cafe, and the menu has approachable brunch and sandwich options suitable for most kids. Patio seating offers stroller-friendly space.
Best For
Better for: Brunch-focused sandwiches, all-day cafe flexibility, and patio people-watching compared to more specialized sandwich shops.
Skip if: You want a dedicated sandwich destination, gluten-free bread options, or a quieter setting for work or meetings.