0 Followers
Haute Mess
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Haute Mess
7.9
Part European-style market, part café, HauteMess also runs a serious gelato program behind the counter. Guests pair rich, slow-churned scoops with sandwiches, salads, or espresso, making it an elevated option for dessert and a light meal in one stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saffron rosewater gelato, Pistachio gelato, Mascarpone fig gelato
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: European-style market café with restaurant-level gelato by the scoop.
Who should go: Gelato seekers wanting cafe seating with European market vibes.
When to visit: Warm evenings or weekend afternoons for gelato and people-watching.
What to order: Saffron rosewater gelato, pistachio gelato, mascarpone fig gelato.
Insider tip: Grab a pint to go from the freezer cases after your cone.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot for the small plaza plus limited metered street parking along W 3rd; easier before 6pm, tougher during weekend peak hours.
Dress code: Casual but stylish fits the Euro-market vibe; athleisure is fine, but many guests lean polished-casual.
Noise level: Moderate; café chatter and espresso machines create a lively backdrop but conversation is easy at most tables.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for a café table; gelato counter usually moves quickly even during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; easy to order gelato or grab a small table.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, sandwiches, and several gelato flavors are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — expect occasional dairy-free sorbet-style options but not a full vegan gelato lineup.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some salads and gelato flavors work for gluten-free diners; cones contain gluten but cups are safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it's casual but chic, with European market energy that feels both relaxed and elevated. Great for a low-pressure meet-up with gelato and a small walk afterward.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it operates as a café/market, so seating is first-come. During busier weekend windows, be flexible and consider grabbing a gelato first while waiting for a table to open.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families stop in for gelato often. Limited seating and a boutique market layout mean strollers can feel tight, but older kids will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Elevated, European-style gelato with café seating — ideal when you want dessert plus light bites or espresso in one stop.
Skip if: You want a classic American scoop shop, ultra-budget pricing, or a large seating area designed for groups.
Haute Mess
8.2
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
HauteMess operates as a European-style market and café where pressed Italian sandwiches, cured meats, and cheeses pair with wine and espresso. Portions lean refined rather than massive, but the ingredients and presentation make it a polished choice for a more leisurely sandwich meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto and burrata panini, Porchetta sandwich, Truffle ham and cheese panini
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: European-inspired market café with curated sandwiches, cheeses, and wine.
Who should go: Guests wanting upscale café sandwiches with wine or coffee.
When to visit: Leisurely weekend lunches or early evenings before crowds.
What to order: Prosciutto burrata panini, porchetta sandwich, truffle grilled cheese.
Insider tip: Browse the cheese and wine shelves to build a take-home picnic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Beverly and adjacent residential streets; generally manageable on weekdays but tighter during weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished but relaxed café attire fits best, though jeans and a nice top are common.
Noise level: Moderate; conversations are easy at most tables except during peak brunch when the room fills quickly.
Weekend wait: Typically 20–30 minutes since tables turn steadily; peak times may stretch slightly longer.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the counter line can build briefly around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple options including veggie panini variations, salads, and cheese-forward plates.
Vegan options: Limited; a few items can be modified, but core sandwiches skew toward cheeses and cured meats.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread; salads and select plates are workable for gluten-averse diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The European market ambiance and curated sandwiches feel elevated without being formal, making it ideal for an easy-going first date with good conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. It’s counter-service with open seating, so tables turn quickly. Arrive slightly off-peak on weekends for better availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids; the space is calm and casual. Very young children may find the seating layout a bit tight during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Polished Italian-style sandwiches with premium ingredients, wine pairings, and a more refined café environment than most sandwich shops in the district.
Skip if: You want oversized portions, heavy comfort-style sandwiches, or extensive vegan/gluten-free choices.