I've been going to The Neighborhood for several years. If this review had been written 3 years ago, they would easily receive 4, if not 5, stars. Sadly, the once always reliable hidden gem has fallen into a downward spiral. Three years ago, living in Mission Hill, I would trek to Somerville 3 or 4 times a month for what was, at the time, the best breakfast in the city. Now, I live off of Highland Ave in Somerville, less than a ten minute walk, and visit less and less. Sunday was the first time this year I've been since the patio opened in May, and I'll tell you why.
Although the food, which was once great, is still pretty good, the service has gone noticeably downhill. The Neighborhood has never been known for exceptional service, but now the service is downright rude and horrible. The last 5 or 6 times I've been, I've felt like an unwelcome house guest before even sitting down at a table. The wait staff hasn't changed, but their attitude has. And the food quality has suffered as well.
There was a time when you would receive a basket of breads and baked goods with your meal, now you get a couple slices of toast, a muffin if you're lucky, and some jam. The heaping piles of home fries are now a small mound of burnt potato bits. The coffee that once flowed nonstop into your cup as you dined is virtually non-existent, and is only filled on request, if you're lucky, and your server isn't shouting across the dining room to someone else.
The cream of wheat is still the best cereal you'll ever have, even if you, like myself and many others, don't like cream of wheat, try it. Especially since the alternative choice of fruit has been on par with canned slop from a high school cafeteria.
If you've never been to the Neighborhood, it's still worth trying. You might even get lucky, and get a server while still in a good mood. But don't count on it.
Pros: Best cream of wheat you'll ever eat
Cons: Putting the HORRIBLE in horrible service
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