Tom Meek The baked ham and Swiss at Cafe Rustica in Somerville.

Located at the Porter Square end of town-line-defining Beacon Street, Cafe Rustica’s been a quiet go-to for nearly 25 years for the denizens of Cambridge’s Baldwin neighborhood and their Somervillian counterparts in Ward 2. It’s a cozy, eclectic gathering spot where you can get a java jolt, morning bakery goods and eggy concoctions on a croissant or bagel before it’s time to slide your eyes to the right on the chalk menu boards and find the lunch menu. (We wrote about Rustica breakfast in 2021.)

Rustica has a comfortable homeyness and an old-school, friendly vibe, but what keeps you coming back are the meticulously prepared sandwiches that come griddle pressed and packed tight, just right for handheld noshing, on sandwich

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