BERKELEY PARK CAFÉ, 69 Berkeley Street (between Chandler and Appleton Streets). Good coffee and pastries. Employees are usually friendly, but sometimes, especially on weekends, may seem to be looking forward to closing up the place for the day. I don't think that restaurants should prepare for closing before closing. I don't want someone to put down a mop to get food for me! And how inviting is it to walk into a place and see the chairs turned upside down on top of the tables? If all I want is a take-out beverage, I can go to the convenience store down the street!
FRANCESCA'S, on Tremont Street at Union Park. Good place for coffee, pastry, sandwiches, salads, and soups. Review the check carefully to avoid being overcharged. Ask to see the menu again if you have any question about the correct price of an item.
Francesca's has some hot specialty drinks, reports Boston Spirit of December/January 2006, among them Billy's Holiday (espresso, steamed milk, Ghirardelli chocolate and peppermint syrup).
GARDEN OF EDEN, 571 Tremont Street (at Union Park). Coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and soup. Formerly in a small basement space, the Garden of Eden now has a larger street-level location.
REBECCA'S, at 560 Harrison Avenue, corner of Union Park Street. Open weekdays 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. (Telephone 617-482-1414) Cafeteria-style restaurant on street floor of office building that also houses a gym.
SOUTH END BUTTERY. Corner of Shawmut Avenue and Union Park Street. Coffee and pastries. Pleasant employees. Attractive clientele. Café hours 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.