Cicada Coffee Bar – Cambridge, Massachusetts

Overview

Cicada Coffee Bar is a Vietnamese-fusion café located on Prospect Street in Cambridge. It opened in 2021 with a vision to blend Vietnamese coffee culture, fresh and light fusion food, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. The space is cozy and inviting, with greenery, careful design touches, and a relaxed vibe that makes it both a neighborhood hangout and a spot people seek out for brunch or lunch.

Why Go

• Strong identity: Vietnamese-inspired menu and coffee offerings that go beyond the standard café fare
• Fresh, light, and fusion dishes that are balanced and flavorful — great for those wanting something healthier but satisfying
• Beautiful design and atmosphere: indoor charm, plus a garden/backyard seating area that’s perfect for relaxing or catching up with friends

Menu & Format

• Food: Vietnamese fusion dishes like pho-style salads, noodle bowls, lemongrass chicken confit, eggplant & tofu salad, and duck noodle soup
• Coffee & Drinks: Specialty Vietnamese-style drinks including espresso, iced or cold brew, Vietnamese lattes, sea salt shaker coffee, phin-drip drinks, turmeric golden latte, herbal teas and more
• Pastries & Bakery: Rotating pastry selection from local bakeries; small sweets and baked goods to pair with drinks
• Service Style: Order at the counter; mostly walk-in; casual seating; some outdoor and garden seating available

What to Order

Don’t miss the Sea Salt Shaker Coffee — its balance of salty, sweet, and strong brew is memorable. Try a bowl of the duck noodle soup or the pho-style salad for lunch. For something creamy and spicy, the turmeric golden latte or one of their Vietnamese latte variations are excellent choices.

Atmosphere & Vibe

The café feels intimate, calm, and rooted in community. Thoughtful décor, restored furniture, a bit of greenery, and natural light make it warm rather than flashy. Weekends see a livelier crowd, and indoor-outdoor flow helps it breathe when it’s crowded. There’s a feeling of both artistry and comfort.

Price Range

Coffee drinks are generally in the $3.50–$6.00 USD range, depending on complexity. Lunch dishes like noodle bowls or salad-bowls run roughly $12–$18 USD. Pastries will cost around $3–$5 USD, giving decent value for quality and ambiance.

History

Cicada was founded by Vinh Le and Duong Huynh. Before opening, they designed the space carefully — even selecting chairs, lighting, and furniture setups in advance to ensure the vibe felt right. The name and the concept were built to bring Vietnamese food culture, design, and warmth into the Cambridge café scene. Over time they’ve added more Vietnamese-specialty coffee drinks and expanded the menu while keeping quality and local sourcing in focus.

Good to Know

• Location: 106 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
• Hours: Usually open early morning through mid-afternoon (approx. 8 AM–3 PM on weekdays; opening slightly later on weekends) — check their current hours before visiting
• Seating: Indoor and outdoor / garden seating, but space is modest; larger groups may have difficulty finding grouped seats
• Community & Sourcing: Emphasis on local ingredients for food; pastries from partner bakeries; care and intention around food-craft

Best For

• Coffee lovers seeking Vietnamese-twisted drinks and specialty brews
• Light lunch or midday break — great for salads or noodle dishes
• Casual meetups, solo work sessions, or relaxed brunchy outings

Writer’s Tip

Go mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the garden space. Order something new — the sea salt shaker or a phin-dripped latte — you’ll appreciate the nuance. And bring patience when seating is tight, especially on weekends.