Brunching in Boston

One of my most favorite memories at Mount Holyoke, was the brunches. 

Served every Sunday, the playful combination of "breakfast" and "lunch" was without a doubt the most important meal of the entire week. There wasn't a single person who did not want to brunch with their friends and family members and socialize over French Toast with a side of cantaloupe.

Since leaving Mount Holyoke, a whole new brunching world has opened up for me in the Boston area. While my inner-college self still believes that the crepes at Abbey-Buck's dining hall were the best things ever to grace the campus for brunch, both Boston and Cambridge are homes to some of the best quality brunch spots in the city.

So if you're looking to carry on the tradition of Sunday Brunch, here are some tasty options to rally your friends to go to one of these many venues. 

#10: The Playwright 
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658 E Broadway
Boston, MA 02127

If you’re looking for a simple brunch spot that’s not overly expensive but still buzzing with activity, The Playwright is your joint. Hailed as Southie’s favorite neighborhood bar, The Playwright holds a friendly sports inspired atmosphere, making it the perfect place to root for your favorite teams while enjoying your brunch at the bar. It’s hearty brunch menu includes Croque-Madame, the Mexican omelet and the Steak and Eggs. Plus, you can even complete your brunch with either a $5 mimosa or The Playwright’s signature champagne punch. 

#9: East Coast Grill 
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271 Cambridge St.
Cambridge, MA 02139

A year ago, East Coast Grill had closed its doors after a three-decade run in Inman Square. But thanks to Mark Romano and Marci Joy, the husband-and-wife team behind Somerville’s Highland Kitchen, the restaurant has been revived once again in the Cambridge neighborhood. Despite its laid back ambiance, East Coast Grill is anything but nonchalant. East Coast Grill is the home to some serious spicy dishes, such as the Banana Rellena – an innovative plate featuring smoked pork stuffed inside a roasted banana, topped with house-made Scotch bonnet peppers. The sweetness of the banana helps tame the hot sauce, but is fierce enough to down your entire mango margarita. The other go-to favorites are the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, made with pickled relish, shredded iceberg lettuce, chipotle ranch and jack cheese. Or the Burnt Ends of Beef Brisket with smoked onions. If you’re looking for a little fiery flavor to dance along your tastebuds, East Coast Grill can happily set you up. 

#8: Trident Booksellers & Cafe

338 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02115

Curl up with a good book and something delicious at Trident Booksellers & Cafe. The top floor of the two-story independent bookstore on Newbury Street is a casual space of comfort, filled with plenty of books to read and enjoy. It’s charming cafe offers a menu that includes high admiration for the Challah Bread French Toast, dipped in cinnamon egg batter. The Malted Belgian Waffle topped with your choice of strawberries or bananas. And the Banana & Caramel Stuffed Pancakes with cream cheese vanilla pudding. While unfortunately there’s no brunch cocktails served at this bookstore, the books alone are enough to give you an adventurous brunch buzz. 

#7: Double Chin 

86 Harrison Ave.
Boston, MA 02111

Double Chin offers Asian twists on American classics. This bright, cute, brand new restaurant in Chinatown is nothing like the neighborhood has seen before, in terms of both atmosphere and cuisine. The name of the restaurant itself also has a double meaning. Not only is the restaurant owned by sisters, Gloria and Emily Chin, but after a couple of meals at this place, you might in fact be sporting a couple chin yourself. Especially after looking at their brunch menu. The most sought after item on the menu: the Cube Toast. To put it simply, the Cube Toast is a giant block of Brioche French Toast that has been hollowed out and stuffed with ice cream, candy, fruit, and a whole variety of sweet treats. Okay, so maybe you’ll be actually ordering dessert rather than eggs and cantaloupe on the side, but irregardless, the Cube Toast is just about as fun as eating it as you think. There are plenty of other fun and delicious brunch choices to be made at Double Chin, with out-of-the-box ideas like the Matcha Made in Heaven – 3 green tea pancakes topped with mochi, cereal and a green tea ice cream cone. And finally, if you’re looking to share a boozy brunch with someone, order the watermelon bomber. It is served in a holed out watermelon with watermelon lychee soju, giving you a satisfying and buzzed refreshment. 

#6: Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant 

425 W Broadway
South Boston, MA 02127

Thanks to its acclaimed Brunch Test Kitchen, Lincoln in Southie stands out as the newest “IT” brunch spot in Boston. Lincoln offers a rotating brunch menu every Friday from 10am – 3pm. Each week the restaurant prepares a new and creative menu for guests that eventually makes its way to Lincoln’s regular brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. The most celebrated dish on the brunch menu: Lincoln’s own Fruity Pebble Pancakes with cereal milk anglaise. Or try the the huevos rancheros pizza with chorizo, black beans, spicy ranchero sauce, queso fresco and tomatoes. Whatever you decide to pick at Lincoln for brunch will not be a disappointment.

#5: The Friendly Toast

Cambridge Location: 
1 Kendall Square
Cambridge, MA 02139

Boston Location: 
35 Stanhope St.
Boston, MA 02116

As its name suggests, this restaurant is well known around Massachusetts and New Hampshire for its massive toasts, all-day breakfast atmosphere and a funky vibe. Located in Cambridge and in Back Bay, anything covered in the restaurant’s renowned maple syrup is guaranteed to be delectable. The thick slices of cinnamon raisin or cayenne-cheddar bread, are only the stuff of dreams. The King Cakes are two mini pancakes with bananas and chocolate chips inside with peanut-butter in between, encircled by a side of bacon are a favorite. The Waffles of the Caribbean are also a favorite, a Belgian waffle topped with caramelized bananas, pineapples and mixed nuts. If that didn’t make your mouth water, then nothing else will. 

#4: Russell House Tavern
 
14 John F. Kennedy St.
Cambridge, MA 02138

In the heart of the red brick pathways and the crimson buildings of Harvard Square, Russell House Tavern serves as a popular brunch spot to all of the locals in Cambridge. Carrying out seasonally-inspired classic New England dishes, the restaurant pays homage to the building’s original occupant – Thomas Russell, a businessman in the mid-1800s. The early negatives of Harvard Square adorn the walls with vintage photographs at the turn of the century. Their brunch menu is nothing out of the ordinary (sorry no Cubed Toast here), but that doesn’t mean that it’s 110% delectable. It’s the brunch cocktails that are the talk of the town. While we are familiar with sugary breakfast cereals, Russell’s goes up and beyond by offering cereal-infused cocktails. The creative cocktails include an Apple Jacks Rose, Golden Graham Manhattan and Coco Puff Smash. These drinks are not listed on Russell’s main menu, so you’ll have to ask them to make one of these drinks for you in person. Imagine sipping one of these Saturday morning favorites paired with stuffed brioche Nutella French Toast. 

#3: The Painted Burro

219 Elm St.
Somerville, MA 02144

Not only does The Painted Burro offer a seasonal menu that highlights the diverse cuisines of Latin America, but it also has an extensive list of over 100 craft tequilas. Located in Davis Square, this lively restaurant presents an exciting take on tacos, enchiladas and addictive margaritas. It’s brunch menu highlights a variety of caramelized plantains, pork charro beans, salsas and cotija cheese to accompany the restraint’s most sought after brunch specials. The advice: Once seated, immediately order the Thick-Cut French Toast or the Gulf Shrimp “Diablo Rojo” Taco Plate. The volume at this restaurant can reach upper decibels – probably because people talk non-stop about how good the food tastes – so come prepared to raise your voice to be heard. 

#2: Daedalus 

45.5 Mt Auburn St.
Cambridge, MA 02138

Tucked within a former greenhouse, Daedalus is Cambridge’s best kept secret. A favorite spot for Harvard students to grab breakfast before class, Daedalus is perfect to attend in the summer when they open their roof deck with a sweeping view of Harvard Square below. The restaurant’s menu changes to reflect the season, but the customers who constantly attend Daedalus brunch scene rave about the stuffed French Toast with bananas and mascarpone cheese, and the crab cake sandwich with avocado and chipotle mayonnaise on a bulky roll served with french fries. It’s secluded and quiet for anyone who wishes to enjoy their meal in peace. 

#1: Sonsie Restaurant

327 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02115

Sonsie’s beautiful French doors, transform the restaurant’s ground floor dining room into an open sidewalk cafe, making it the perfect summertime spot to grab brunch. Located on Newbury Street, it carries with it a lively and fun atmosphere. Sonsie is known as the “Go-To” brunch spot amongst the Back Bay locals. Praised for its eclectic international cuisine, full of fresh flavors and swanky food combinations, the brunch menu is stock piled with delicacies and signature cocktails. Favorites include the Baked Quiche with country ham, cheese, spinach and home fries. The Big Apple Pancake with cinnamon creme fraiche and maple syrup. And the Chunky Prime Rib Hash with peppers, onions, poached eggs and hollandaise. You won’t be disappointed bathing in the sunlight at this hot brunch scene. 

So don't delay! Gather your friends and book you're next Sunday Brunch!