Where To Find The Best Brunch in Boston
There’s no better way to get your morning (or afternoon) started than with a scrumptious brunch. Boston has no shortage of fantastic brunch fare to choose from if you know where to go. So to help you out, we have compiled a craveworthy list of the best brunch spots in Boston to hit up the next time you are in the Hub.
Photo credit: Yelp
1. Bostonia Public House (Downtown)
131 State Street, Boston, MA, USA
(617) 948-9800
Within walking distance to the harbor area, Bostonia Public House serves up local seafood alongside traditional brunch food offerings in a stunning historical building. The gorgeous corner entrance leads the way to a comfortable yet modern dining area with tufted booths and swanky high-top tables. Brunch specialties include Lobster Frittatas, Short-rib Poutine, and Bananas Foster French Toast. Sweet potato donuts shouldn’t be missed, and they go perfectly with one of their popular Bloody Mary’s or any of their Wicked Awesome non-alcoholic concoctions.
2. The Friendly Toast (Back Bay)
35 Stanhope Street, Boston, MA, USA
(617) 456-7849
This funky, casual brunch place is packed with locals and tourists alike that are after fresh, innovative food. They now have 6 locations in Massachusetts. The menu is expansive and eclectic as the retro decor. If you can’t decide which breakfast appetizers to get try the Appetize Me Captain featuring the Breakfast Egg Rolls, Churro Bites, Some Like it Tot & fresh fruit. The extensive menu offers options like Hash Quiche Two crispy fried hash brown bowls stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, roasted red peppers, onions & jalapeno-jack cheese to Huevos Rancheros for different types of delicious breakfast benny’s and of course a breakfast sandwich made on french toasted donuts! Anticipate a wait, as this place gets crowded since it seems all of Boston is on to the secret sauce the Friendly Toast seems to be serving up at brunch.
3. Mike’s City Diner (South End)
1714 Washington Street
(617) 267-9393
A very popular local spot, Mike’s City Diner is not just a reliable neighborhood restaurant for brunch (which it is), it is a destination for huge portions of no-frills breakfast and brunch favorites. As you wait for your table, consider ordering one of Mike’s specialties like the Emergency Room combo or the Intensive Care plate, sure to clog an artery but taste delicious on the way down. Slightly lighter fare like the Duck Confit Hash or the Greek Omelet are also sure to please.
Photo credit: Yelp
4. Mooo Restaurant (Downtown)
1714 Washington Street, Boston, MA, USA
(617) 670-2515
This stunning Beacon Hill steakhouse not only serves up some of the best steaks and seafood in Boston, but they also are a fantastic more ~fancy~ brunch option. While their brunch menu is limited to Sundays, they are open for breakfast and lunch daily, so Mooo’s elegant dining can be experienced every day. Past mouthwatering brunch selections include a lobster Benedict, corned beef hash, and ribeye with eggs. While live jazz plays in the background of Sunday brunch, guests can leisurely enjoy the sleek seating and tables of Mooo that contrast beautifully with the historically interesting brick flooring and modern decor. Pricey but worth it, Mooo is an upscale brunch spot in Boston beloved by many.
Photo credit: theverge.com
5. Myers + Chang (Dorchester)
1145 Washington Street, Boston, MA, USA
(617) 542-5200
For a different kind of mid-morning meal, Myers + Chang offers up an Asian fusion brunch that is not to be missed. Enjoy a dim-sum brunch from the duo that also brings Boston the wildly popular Flour bakery chain (so you know that their desserts will be out of this world!). Guests of a Myers + Chang brunch can order smaller-sized portions of tasty dishes to share while enjoying house-made soda or cocktails in their funky but comfortable dining room. Guests rave about the Fried Egg Bahn-mi with soy-glazed bacon as a brunch option that combines Asian and typical brunch food into one outstanding dish. Usually, Asian dishes are not considered typical brunch fare, but for Myers + Chang, breaking the unspoken brunch rules is a good decision.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
6. North Street Grill (North End)
229 North Street, Boston, MA, USA
(617) 720-2010
Hailed as one of the best brunch spots in Boston, this neighborhood spot is chock full of traditional, hearty brunch fare. This casual spot’s comfortable booths and tables fill up quickly with patrons ready to peruse the lengthy menu and glance at the chalkboard for the new special offerings like the Fig Jam & Prosciutto Benedict or the Moscow Mule Mimosa to compliment the already extensive menu (but both have now made it onto the regular menu). Stuffed French toast is a favorite, with options to fill the crunchy, doughy goodness with everything from Nutella to brie and walnuts. Large portions guarantee diners won’t leave hungry but with such an extensive menu, they will likely want to return to sample more of North Street Grill’s brunch dishes on another visit.
7. Precinct Kitchen and Bar (Back Bay)
154 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA, USA
(617) 532-3838
Located inside the Lowe’s Boston Hotel on the site of the original Boston Police headquarters, Precinct Kitchen and Bar’s stunning patio and warm, inviting dining room is a favorite landing spot for Bostonians and visitors alike. Brunch here is nothing short of perfect whether you are seated outside or inside, next to a cozy fire at a spacious table or nestled in a booth. With traditional East Coast influences, the brunch at Precinct is full of items like a delicious crab cake Benedict and calamari Misto, but the menu is heavy on traditional brunch entrees like pancakes, frittatas, and other Benedicts. Guest can even nosh on a brunch charcuterie board with a sampling of local fare from area farms and businesses that provide Precinct’s chef with some of the best, locally sourced foods.
Photo credit: justapinch.com
8. Trident Booksellers & Café (Back Bay)
237 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, USA
(617) 267-8688
For a book and a Benedict, Trident Booksellers & Café offers up a memorable and unique brunch experience ensconced in a quirky and quaint bookstore. Interesting options at this casual brunch spot include tempura fried veggie bowls, breakfast pizzas topped with eggs, and breakfast burritos. Bubble teas, espresso drinks, and wine are all options here, and the brunch experience at Trident is relaxing and energizing at the same time regardless of the caffeine in your cup. Try to snag an upstairs seat by the window to enjoy city life passing by while enjoying this little gem.
9. State Street Provisions
255 State St, Boston, MA 02109
(617) 863-8363
For a cool, casual atmosphere and weekend brunch until 3 PM this is a great spot to check out. They’ve got all your favorites items like cannoli French toast and their breakfast sandwich with all the goods. Or if you’re already craving seafood, try some of their crab dip or an order of chilled lobster tail. You have not brunched until you’ve had at least one fun cocktail. They have a raspberry aperol spritz that never fails, or get a mimosa pitcher for the table. Sit at the bar or on the leather booths and make yourself comfy.
10. Reel House – East Boston
6 New St, Boston, MA 02128
(617) 895-4075
This is the place to be for a classy birthday brunch with you and all your friends. The interior is beautiful with lights and greenery coming from every direction. And the location speaks for itself. This restaurant is right on the water giving all the views to enjoy while you eat. For brunch, start off strong with a glass of champagne and a toast to the birthday guest of honor! For the table, order from options like the raw bar, soups or salads, or try some crispy fried calamari. For yourself, some of their brunch specials include brioche french toast, smoked salmon benedict, or the lobster omelet. They also offer other entree items like their Reel House Burger which always hits the spot.
11. Mike & Patty’s
12 Church St, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-3447
Interested in trying one of the best breakfast sandwiches probably ever? Run, don’t walk to Mike & Patty’s! You’ll know you’ve made it when you reach their quaint storefront at the corner of Church and Fayette. Don’t let the line scare you away, these hot and fresh breakfast sandwiches are well worth the wait. The Fancy breakfast sandwich with two fried eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, avocado, red onions, and house-made mayo all between two pieces of toasted multigrain is a wildly popular option here. They are also known for their incredible English muffins. Every sandwich here is loaded with delicious ingredients so enjoy every bite!
12. Café Bonjour
55 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111
(617) 779-0062
Café Bonjour is the perfect, quaint little place to grab some hot coffee and a delicious and hearty breakfast. Start off with something tasty to sip on like a matcha, mimosa, late, or smoothie. For breakfast they have all kinds of options so come ready to eat. Choose from either their savory or sweet crepes, breakfast plates including omelets or strawberry stuffed French toast, bagels, sandwiches and wraps, and more. Their pastries are also wonderful if you just want to nibble on something with your coffee. You will love the atmosphere and brunch here.
13. Contessa
3 Newbury St Boston, MA 02116 (212) 254-3000
If you’re looking for a bit more upscale brunch with a view, try Contessa. Located on the rooftop of Newbury Street, you’ll enjoy a bloody mary overlooking the Boston skyline. Contessa has a vibey decor with a Northern Italian-inspired brunch menu. They have a unique twist on avocado toast or Avocado Bruschetta Trapanese with almonds, tomato, and basil. The Florentine Benedict with prosciutto, fontina, hollandaise and spinach is another favorite. The pasta dishes are next level, our favorites are the Spicy Lobster Capellini & Fusilli Genovese.
14. Buttermilk and Bourbon
160 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116 (617)-266-1122
With 2 locations in Boston & Watertown Buttermilk & Bourbon serves up southern comfort food right in the heart of Boston. They offer dinner 7 days a week, lunch Thursday through Sunday and serve brunch on Sunday. Their take on chicken & waffles is made with buttermilk fried chicken thighs on cheddar-bourbon waffles, sweet & spicy syrup, honey butter & watermelon…Yes, we said CHEDDAR WAFFLES. Get your carbs on with the fresh fried beignets and warm honey–glazed biscuits with Smoked cinnamon butter & pimento cheese spread. No brunch is complete without their southern-inspired Blackened Bloody Mary with Okra vodka, cajun spice and a lemon shandy poached shrimp garnish.
15. Source
27 Church St Cambridge, MA 02138 (857) 856-6800
Just over the bridge from Boston in Cambridge, you have to get your brunch on at Source a modern gastro pub that is serving up pizza in addition to a killer brunch. The over-the-top Hangover Pizza is loaded with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, sunnyside-up eggs & 3 cheese gratin. If you have a sweet tooth try the french toast made from homemade corn flake encrusted brioche stuffed with Nutella & bananas. Keep in mind the french toast is a limited quantity item so they can run out. If you want to indulge in something decadent try the stuffed pancake filled with egg, ham, cheddar and topped with whipped maple butter.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Boston page, here!
Editors Note: This article was originally published on March 7, 2022 and last updated on February 28, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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