No Matter the Distance Hi, I love diesel! My friend Sam and I bonded at Diesel in college, and every time she visits, it’s our go to spot. We LOVED the photo booth and always used it as an excuse to goof off. It’s a special place in the story of our friendship, which I’m …
Pure Gratitude I’ve written so many editions of this love story, since I seem to have so many love stories to share. But the overarching similarity between them all is pure gratitude. I moved to Boston fresh out of college, and like so many who wandered through, I had no idea what I wanted to …
Coming of Age at Diesel In 2002, I moved to Boston (nearly sight unseen) with two friends from college (College of William and Mary in Virginia). We had no idea how to exist in the world, but found Diesel as a haven. Me (a fledgling gay man) and another roommate (a queer woman) spent hours …
Thanks a Latte In September 1999 one of my best friends (Mónica) and I moved to Somerville. We were fresh out of undergrad and trying to figure out our way in Boston. We were overwhelmed, optimistic, naive, excited, and felt the blessing and curse of new adulthood on our shoulders. We walked into Davis Square …
My Deep, Queer, Freak Face “I work at Diesel”, I was always proud to say. As well as, of course, “No, not the clothing company.” “We are more – queer as in fuck you and less gay as in designer jeans”, I’d tell people in the era of my life that orbited Diesel Cafe. …
20 Miles on 95 Diesel was the salve to my young, closeted, queer heart stuck in suburbia in the late 90s. It was the place where I escaped on long nights during high school summers, driving 20 miles on 95 just to be surrounded by coffee and queers. Diesel was there when I was on …
Back For More… I’m one of the “back for more” employees! Worked there in 2000? 2001? Moved away and then when I moved back and went to grad school (with Russo!) worked there again around 2005-2006? Those shifts at Diesel were not only a needed antidote to the stress of thesis-writing and social work internships, …
Friendship Bracelets When I pretended to leave last spring, I thought that it was Diesel and my time committed to its service that contributed to my burnout—in actuality it was the very essence that was keeping me (and has kept me) spiritually alive through this MA experience— I don’t think it’s a secret that my …
Diesel has piece of my heart…. after moving cross country to Boston I quickly learned about Diesel Cafe. I would spend hours there working on lesson plans, playing pool with coworkers and crushing on the adorable staff. The summer before starting graduate school I finally built up the courage to apply to work at Diesel. …
Diesel Kids 1999 – 2003 I am forever thankful for Diesel. Being one of only a handful of openly gay teens at Somerville High School from 1999-2003 was not easy. Having a place to go and escape where we could be ourselves and be accepted saved us. It was our second home. Pretty much every …
The Place With the Motorcycle The first time I visited Diesel Cafe, I was a freshman at Emerson College. It was the fall of 2010, and I was only eighteen. I barely passed for an adult: “artsy” glasses, long sleeve shirt under a graphic tee, black skinny jeans. Still a hint of baby face. I …
Matchmaker First of all – Congrats on 20 years! I think you have done an amazing job creating a coffee spot for all. As, a coffee lover, I have introduced many a friend to your very fine establishment. My story is not really totally my story but my perspective of the situation is what makes me write …
Before a Melissa Ferrick Concert.. I first discovered Diesel Cafe in 2004 while meandering around Davis Square before a Melissa Ferrick concert. While I went to school in Boston, Diesel became my go-to coffee shop when I needed a place to write papers or hang out with friends. In 2011, I met my now wife …
Diesel Love Stories 