Esmai's Cafe - Brookline

What Jackson Nazario da Silva likes about Esmai's Cafe:
I wanted a coffee and my go-to in the area (JP Licks) doesn't open until 11 am, and I know I love Vietnamese coffee so I ended up here shortly after they opened at 9. I got a big egg coffee which probably sounds weird if you're not already acquainted with the idea; this isn't like the almost custard-y ones I've had before, but it was still quite good. I'd love to come back for a banh mi later!They have a window to th... View all feedback.

What Mike M doesn't like about Esmai's Cafe:
At lunch I tried the char siu bahn mi (pork). The bread and vegetables were good, but the pork was lifeless. Just sliced plain roast pork slightly reheated like my grandmother might serve. It had no succulence whatever like a true Vietnamese preparation. Counter service was friendly but not especially quick. They seem to specialize in specialty teas, ice cream, and such. Maybe I'll go back there after lunch someday. View all feedback.