335 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602
*Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
NU first caught my eye as I searched for organic coffee-shops in Worcester. Mike and I stopped here for a mug of coffee and a muffin before our afternoon out at the Worcester Art Museum. I didn't know that they also served food. After browsing the menu, I knew we had to come back for lunch too! This worked out well as I didn't have to search for another restaurant. After our day at the Art Museum, we returned for a healthy lunch.
All coffee on the menu is certified fair trade and organic. There are 5 different roasts available; I chose a Dark Roast and Mike ordered a Mocha. Both drinks were absolutely delicious. In addition, you will find specialty drinks, tea, smoothies, hot chocolate, and more. Breakfast menu options include: sandwiches, tacos, superfood waffles, avocado toast, mushroom toast, acai bowls, and an assortment of pastries. Lunch items include: Quinoa bowls, grain bowls, grilled flatbread sandwiches, salads, and tacos.
When we returned after our museum visit, I decided on the Grilled Veggie Wrap, a whole grain tortilla filled with a variety of veggies including spinach, red peppers, mushrooms, onions, and carrots. The veggies were tossed in a tasty mixture of yogurt and hummus. The portion size was small, but filling due to the high fiber and protein. I asked to replace my tortilla chips with a bag of Stacy's Pita Chips (sandwiches normally are served with a pickle and salsa). The employee was happy to make the switch without any extra fees.
Mike decided on the Buffalo Chicken sandwich, which consisted of chicken and romaine lettuce mixed in a tortilla wrap. He enjoyed his sandwich as well. The menu consists of plenty of healthy, fresh options, many of which include health whole grains, veggies, and quinoa. The vegan menu is large and includes selections like: breakfast tacos made with tofu, vegan pesto chicken sandwich on flatbread, Chipotle Avocado Bowl, and a lentil and coconut curry soup.
Employees working the counter were friendly. They accidentally made Mike's sandwich as a panini instead of a wrap and were quick to apologize and remake the sandwich as a wrap.
The inside is divided into a restaurant area and a working/coffee sitting area. We had a chance to sit in both areas since we stopped here twice in the same day. The dining room is nice and big with a cozy fireplace. The coffee shop area is cozy with comfortable couches, books to read, and a nice atmosphere to get some work done or just relax with your mug of delicious coffee.
I would definitely stop at NU again for a hot mug of organic coffee. I appreciate shops that sell organic and fair trade as you do not find this option the majority of the time. If I am going to pay for coffee out, I want it to be high quality.
I frequently head out to Worcester as one of my favorite spas is located in the area. I will be sure to plan another coffee break and/or healthy lunch at NU. I can't wait to try one of the grain bowls on my next visit; they look delicious!
