A charming new café and wine bar is brewing in Cambridge.
Tilde, the brainchild of longtime friends Max Stein and Katie O’Hara, is set to make its debut at 2376 Massachusetts Ave later this fall. The pair has dreamed of starting their own café since they met as cashiers at a local coffee shop, and now that dream is finally becoming a reality.
Stein told What Now Boston that Tilde will operate as a cozy café from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will feature various roasts from local Broadsheet Coffee Roasters, complemented by seasonal specials and house-made syrups. “I go crazy for a freshly made caramel sauce,” Stein quipped.
In addition to its caffeinated beverages, Tilde will indulge guests with pastries sourced from Forge Baking Co. just down the road. Expect an array of croissants, muffins, scones, and cookies, with occasional sweet surprises from other local bakeries.
As the clock strikes 5 p.m., Tilde will transform into an inviting wine bar, offering snacks and charcuterie for guests to savor. The bar will showcase a selection of domestic wines, cheeses, and meats from nearby farms.
“We’ve been working with small local wine distributors and a few New England producers to build a wine list that highlights how special domestic wine is,” Stein noted. The duo hopes to emphasize a “personal connection to the growers and producers that put so much love into the wine they create.”
At the heart of Tilde’s mission is a deep love for community and craftsmanship. “Every single decision we make is an attempt to reflect the tastes and passions of the people who call this city home, and give everyone a space to meet, gather, and take a breath,” their website reads.
Stein and O’Hara plan to source ingredients from nearby suppliers, tailor offerings to the neighborhood’s desires, and empower the staff to infuse their diverse tastes and interests into the menu.
The café’s ambiance embraces the concept of “cozy clean,” characterized by an intimate, lived-in atmosphere that enhances the appreciation of food and fosters friendship.
Stein said one of the biggest hurdles they faced was transforming the space from a bright, bustling morning café into a soft, timeless evening bar. “Luckily, we have a giant skylight above the bar so the sun helps a lot with that transition,” he explained.
Pending any delays with licenses and inspections, Tilde is tentatively set to celebrate its grand opening on Sunday, December 1, 2024, with an afternoon of wine and food tastings. Regular hours will commence on December 2, operating from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for coffee and 5 to 10 p.m. for wine.
For the latest on Tilde’s progress and menu, be sure to follow the café on Instagram, @tilde.foh.
