Caffè Nero Is Right Place At Right Time For Melrose

MELROSE, MA — Caffè Nero is proving a big hit in its first couple of days downtown, and timing is as much a reason as their beans.

The Italian-style coffeehouse opened Monday after years of "When is Caffè Nero opening?" questions. It's been a hot start with customers anxious not just to see what the buzz is about, but a city increasingly ready to get back to something resembling normal.

They can find it at Nero, which opened its spacious interior to customers. With Starbucks across the street and Bruegger's a couple buildings over still not allowing indoor seating, people have flocked to Nero in part to reintroduce themselves to a cup o' Joe in a more communal setting.

And for those still not ready to sit inside or just want to enjoy warming (yet still windy) weather, the back patio is the place to be.

Masks are still required inside, of course. And certain seats are spread out or closed off to maintain social distancing. Other than that, there aren't very many reminders of a pandemic.

A Nero worker Tuesday said the first two days have been a success, with the community appearing to enjoy the options and atmosphere.

See a video tour of Nero below, as well as photos from its opening day. Follow on Instagram for more exclusive bonus coverage in Melrose.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook