The Computer Cafe

Arlington, United States

4.5

Closed now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 857-323-0314
Website:
www.compcafe.com
Address:
430 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA, 02474
Arlington Center
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.8 miNobscot Fire Station
2.9 miJefferson Hills
2.9 miRoute 9 & California Ave
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Dogs Allowed
Yes

Today

Today 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Arlington) 5:12 AM Saturday, June 14, 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

We ARE your friendly neighborhood computer store & WE CAN FIX IT!

We also fix Apple laptops and desktops as well!

Computer Repair Service that includes Virus Removal, Hardware & Software Services as well as Networking for residential, home office & small businesses in Massachusetts. We also are a Dell, IBM, Lenovo & Acer Reseller

History

Established in 1996.

The Computer Café is friendly neighborhood computer store with a focus on customer service. Treating people right, giving them honest advice and courteous service are our hallmarks. We are not a big, faceless computer conglomerate… we are real folks with real names, and we take pride in providing the kind of individual attention to service and detail that a giant corporation cannot match. But don’t let our size fool you. Even though we are small, we still offer a wide range of computer-​based products and services.

Meet the Business Owner

Craig R.

Business Owner

Craig Rabe is the President and CEO of The Computer Café with retail computer stores in Arlington and Winchester, MA. Craig received a B.S. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Clarkson University in 1992. He started his career as an Technical Sales Representative for Arrow Electronics selling semi conductors and computer systems. In 1996 he saw a need for a friendly neighborhood computer store and opened The Computer Café. He subsequently started Intelinet Solutions to focus on the computer and network needs for small businesses and Remote Data Vault, an off-​site data storage company. He writes a computer column for the local newspapers and gives technology presentations in the Boston area.

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20 reviews of The Computer Cafe

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Brooklyn, NY
I’m not the most tech savvy person in the world and its so great to know that all these guys treat you so well and don’t talk down to you at all. They are all so knowledgeable and will help you with even the easiest task. Justin is super awesome and definitely knows how to treat people like they would want to be treated. Thanks guys for all your awesome work!!! You guys rock!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Very impressed with Justin, he made me feel like family, was honest and upfront about my new computer options and cost. I’ve been going to The Computer Café for years and should have taken the time to write this a long time ago! Thanks for everything Justin and The Computer Café!!!
Place rating: 5
Newton, MA
These computer geeks are highly knowledgeable when it comes to all things techie. They were very easy to work with. Dealt with my pc issues with patience and respect. It the complete opposite of a big box store experience. I’m going there for all my computer problems.
Place rating: 5
Belmont, MA
What a great experience. The staff were knowledgeable and, being a «non techie» spoke in a language I could understand. After experiencing a problem uploading some software I decided I’d email the manager. It was Friday at 9 pm so I figured I’d hear back on Monday… WRONG! Within 10 or 15 minutes I received a reply… now that’s service you don’t often get these days.
Place rating: 5
Cambridge, MA
I was really floored (in a good way) by my experience with these guys today. I have a brand new laptop with a sticky space bar. The manufacturer gave me two warranty repair options: 1) mail it to them and they’ll return it with in 2 weeks, or b) they can mail me a new keyboard and I can find a way to install it myself.
I have no idea how to install laptop components, so I called around to see who could install the part quickly. Justin told me he could take care of it while I wait — sold!
I showed up this morning and Justin told me it would take about an hour. I went across the street to Starbucks, got some coffee, and sat down to work on my other computer. By the time I was really getting started with my work, Justin walked in the door — at Starbucks! — with my computer, all done and working. No charge. Just asked me to tell my friends about his shop.
I haven’t been posting many Unilocal reviews lately but this experience really deserves one.
Place rating: 5
Arlington, MA
These techies keep proving themselves again and again. From Craig to Justin to Alan and the others, they’re all friendly and they remember customers by name and computer system! I was a bit put out by their system for logging on to VIP Remote Checkup service ($ 10 month), but realized it was partly my spaciness. Still, a reminder mechanism would be good. They’ll order parts and call you when they come in. Great community spirit, too — they’re always donating to causes and charities.
Place rating: 5
Arlington, MA
Computer Café helps me to sleep at night. We have used them for both personal and business use, and they are quick, smart, and always bring a smile to the job. Justin gets very high marks! Reasonable prices, and always have ideas and alternatives.
Place rating: 5
Cambridge, MA
I try to buy local whenever possible and my experience here is a great example of why I do.
The screen on my nonprofit organization’s laptop died on me. I went in to discuss the issue and review my options. After a few questions, I had my assessment: repair would be possible, but would expensive. As a small organization without significant funding available for equipment, the staff took my requirements for technology and budget and went to work. A day later, I had an estimate for a new laptop that fit my needs and budget.
A few days later, it was ready for pickup with all the features and software I needed.
The team was professional, helpful and most importantly — worked to solve my problem with whatever product/​service made the most sense… all at a price that fit my small organization’s budget.
Can’t recommend enough. Plus, as one of the few local retailers in the Boston-​area to sell these products, I helped keep more money in the community by buying from them (and at a price that was competitive with online and big box retailers)
Place rating: 5
Boston, MA
Brought my 3 year old Alienware in for service. It was riddled with viruses, the machine only recognized half of the installed RAM, and the battery was not working well either.
It turns out the virus was causing all of these problems and it was fixed for a reasonable price. There is a $ 25 Unilocal coupon when you check-​in as of this review writing. They could have charged me a lot more because of my relative ignorance.
The repair took as long as the technician told me but when I picked up my machine they informed me that my machine was dropped during repair but that everything, including the screen had been fixed. I think that kind of honesty is fantastic.
Place rating: 5
Arlington, MA
Just used Computer Café for the first time. Nothing but good things to say about the service. My 3 ½ year old laptop was not starting up. The problem was diagnosed and fixed in 10 minutes for no charge. Also received good tips about use and care of laptop.
Prices for new computers were comparable or even less than big stores, but came with some nice options; like free virus repair, inexpensive backup options, and software bundles.
I will definitely be back.
Place rating: 5
Newton, MA
The Computer Café saved my lcomputer life — twice. They are kind, prompt, affordable — I’m so glad I found them. They recovered all my data from a hard drive fail. They replaced my laptop keyboard when coffee spilled in it. Saved. Thank you!
Place rating: 3
Watertown, MA
Just stopped by to see about getting my tower fixed. Justin, who seemed nice enough, said it would take them a week and a half to come back with a diagnosis – not sure I can wait that long. He also said that they’ve broadened their hours: on weekdays they now open at 9:00 and close no later than 6:00.
Place rating: 5
Winchester, MA
On two occasions, Alan Rubin, the Manager, has provided invaluable assistance; once with our laptop that would not recognize wifi and once with a desktop that refused to boot up (Windows 7). Since he accomplished both fixes in less than 5 minutes, he refused to charge us! Unfortunately, the Winchester location is closed, but it is well worth the trip to Arlington for the service provided. A technician also repaired a printer that was badly jammed. The work was done in minimal time at a very reasonable cost. These guys are great.
Place rating: 5
Boston, MA
Craig… u r the best! thank you for all your help through out the years and service.
Place rating: 1
Arlington, MA
Would love to buy local and use these guys, but if you happen to work for a living their store hours make it almost impossible. Off to Best Buy which stays open after 5:00.
Place rating: 5
Brookline, MA
A little out of my way but worth it. Service is worth going the extra mile. Had major issues with my laptop but had issues resolved with no drama. Reasonably priced as well-​would have been completely stuck without the help. Definitely recommend!
Place rating: 1
Arlington, MA
Dude told me it would take him a week to install a basic power supply in my desktop. 3 other local shops told me they could have it ready in an hour or two. The job consists of four screws and takes about 10 minutes. I thought I would try The Computer Café because the reviews looked good but a one week turn around is just silly for such a quick fix. Who wants to sit around and wait for a week for a local mom & pop store to do a 10 minute repair? Certainly not I. Even Best Buy told me 2 days or less. Wow!!!
Place rating: 5
Arlington, MA
Swift, efficient service. Fair pricing. Totally recommend. Our backup hard drive was having issues, so we ordered a new one but the old one was not responding (5 years of kids photos were about to be gone forever — eek!) when we attempted to drag things over. Computer Café took care of the transfer on to the new drive, for under $ 100 (Tech Fusion in Cambridge was going to charge $ 900!!).
Place rating: 5
Somerville, MA
I went to this place because my CD/​DVD player on my laptop was busted. 10 minutes later they fixed and said there was some simple thing missing. Didn’t charge me a thing. Figure thats worth a review.
Place rating: 4
Arlington, MA
I had a complete hard drive failure and the team at The Computer Café did a great job with the repair. They have my business without question.
The only reason for not giving them 5 stars is due to a few business-​related lapses:
Their hours are inconvenient. Not even banks keep banking hours anymore.
They promised to have my desktop back in a week and after a week, it still had not been assessed. I would have appreciate a follow-​up so that I didn’t have to check on status.
And another communications-​related nit – I would have appreciated a call to let me know my desktop was ready.
And finally – they did a better job than promised. I was told that I’d have to replace software for which I didn’t have original disks. But when I completed the recovery, all the original software was restored. Unfortuntely, I’d already spent several hundred dollars on software I required immediately.
Still – I’d go back. No questions. Full confidence.