Union Square badly needed a place like the Sherman, where one could hang out with a cup of coffee or sandwich. The decor is utilitarian but often features local artists; the staff is friendly and the sandwiches are thoughtfully made (plus you can buy halves, and they're substantial) with a side salad. You can also get tasty baked goods and "pretty good coffee" as they (really!) say. There's a prize seat in the window on a couch, plus free wifi. Crowded on weekends, especially during the Union Square Farmer's Market, but less so in the last hour or two before closing. Open until 7 until Union Square, someday, gets better foot traffic. Note the bathroom papered with old copies of the Weekly Week, Boston's erstwhile satiric newspaper - its creator runs the Sherman.
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