Theatre Cafe

If you're looking for something tasty and filling at a low cost, Theatre Cafe is a great little place to grab a home-cooked meal away from home. A cozy cafe right next to the Hanover Theater, the Theatre Cafe serves breakfast/lunch/dinner, and has a variety of specials daily. It's a small place, with warm, cozy vibes and a very friendly group of folks working there. Dining in is an option (there is very limited seating but plenty of room to relax at your table), along with takeout and limited delivery. My favorite meal there has been the Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich on herb bread, but their fish & chips, and their croquettes with string beans are delicious as well. One of the tastiest lunches in Worcester.

After reading the reviews, I so wanted to have a good experience.... unfortunately that was not the case yesterday. We got there before noon and I was excited to see the specials. Looked good. We asked the waitstaff whether the hamburger came with fries and I asked about the number/size of the shrimp cakes. She brought over a plate of 4 cakes that had not been cooked yet and explained that this was what they started as. She indicated it was her first day there but if the description of the meal did not indicate fries then no fries. So my husband ordered sweet potato fries with his Med/Well burger and I ordered the shrimp cake/chowder special. When the woman (guessing owner) read the order I overheard her ask the waitstaff if the request for sweet potato fries was instead of the fries that came with the burger.... That was the first time I realized that there was some confusion. When the food finally came, the chowder was a bit thin though did taste OK and there were 3 small shrimp cakes -not 4 and were a bit dry. Not a problem a bit of tartar sauce couldn't overcome.... Then my husband started eating his burger and realized something was wrong.... something was hard to bite through. He showed it to me and I realized that the cook had never removed the paper lining of the meat and had cooked it that way! I refrained from making a scene but did point it out to the waitstaff who shared the situation with the woman/owner who subsequently shared the information with the cook(guessing husband/owner). Both came out and saw the paper that had been removed and joked about it though apologized.... NOTHING else... At best it would have been appropriate to remove that cost off the tab. At the least, my husband should have been offered a replacement. The fact that the cook could grill the burger with the paper on it make be wonder if both sides were actually cooked. After all, wouldn't it have been noticed once the burger was flipped? The paper was on the underside of the meat in the bun so it was not seen when husband put ketchup on top. Very disappointing. I do not see us ever going back regardless of the proximity to the theater.

The BEST quick lunch near the Common. I recommend it to anyone looking for a bite. I used to work at a bank around the corner and I ordered lunch here at least once a week, usually more. The Italian turkey panini is excellent, same with the crispy chicken sandwich. And always get the house chips over the fries!! I haven't worked at the bank in almost 2 years but I always stop at Theatre Cafe for lunch if I'm in the area for something else.

Holy Hamlet this place is worth checking out! Although a hole in the wall in square footage, you're missing out if you call yourself a foody without grabbing a bite here. The homey/theatrical inspiring environment is a refreshing gem to experience. We enjoyed a turkey pesto style sandwich, Reuben, old school chicken noodle soup, and out of the box seat balcony fries with a hint of black pepper. The sandwiches and fries had a lite, perfect crunchy texture. Not only that, the company creates their own soda line that hit the spot. There's no heavy feeling after your meal and it's so warming to see the mellow and welcoming staff vibe. Be patient with the bustling staff as they really work to offer first class eating and service. If you don't like close spaces definitely get it Togo and enjoy some of the lovely scenic spots of Worcester. So glad we gave this place a shot and will for sure be back again. Continue supporting small businesses that make Worcester one of a kind.

Definition of hole in the wall this place is a true gem. The small shop looks and feels like home, the staff welcome you as the aromas entice your senses. You can taste the love in each bite and after multiple visits for lunch I find it to be consistently delicious. I suggest the Cubano, and def get the fries!