Your Guide to the Best Brunch Spots in Boston
Nothing says have a good weekend like exploring a city’s best brunch spots, am I right? Brunch in Boston is a staple and everybody’s onboard for it. No matter what you’re looking for–omelets, benedicts, french toast, pancakes, almost any breakfast food you can think of. Rest assured that Boston has got you covered with some very memorable places for you to try.
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Boston also has a wide variety of restaurant vibes to choose from – from fancy gourmet restaurants to chill, city diners that serve up a mean breakfast. Check out this list of the best brunches in Boston if you’ve been wanting to find a great place to grab some brunch either while visiting the city or if you’re a long-standing resident of the city.
Best Boston Brunch Places
There are so many good brunch spots in Boston that you might feel unsure of which you want to go to. Check out this list for ideas of brunch spots for you to try as well as the average price range and also which neighborhood the restaurant is located in.
As there are many different neighborhoods in Boston and each is unique in its own way, you might want to try brunch in a neighborhood that you haven’t been to yet!
1. Stephanie’s on Newbury St.
Price Range: $$ || Neighborhood: Back Bay
Anything on Newbury Street is likely to not disappoint. It’s such a great location, plenty of shopping, plenty of people watching, and some really great visually appealing buildings and greener areas within Boston’s city limits.
The food at Stephanie’s is amazing! They have something for everybody here– from eggs benedict to pancakes to some really memorable monkey bread or even a Belgian waffle. It’s a win-win place for anybody in your group whether they’re feeling more sweet or more savory that morning.
Definitely indulge, but be prepared to wait for a table if you don’t make a reservation. Weekend brunch in Boston is no joke, especially at Stephanie’s or on Newbury. This spot has some of the best brunch on Newbury Street!
2. The Friendly Toast
Price Range: $$ || Neighborhood: Back Bay
Wow, I have so many great things to say about the Friendly Toast! It’s one of my favorite restaurants to grab brunch in Boston. The hardest part about this place is the wait. And there will be a wait. So hop on their phone app and put your name in to grab a “spot in line.”
This place serves all-day breakfast so you don’t need to worry about missing the time frame to order those pancakes you’ve been craving. Breakfast ranges from egg sandwiches, burritos, pancakes or waffles, eggs benedict, or even a great selection of omelets.
They have a unique take on all of the breakfast items you’re used to ordering in the mornings. This unique flair will leave you coming back for more and inviting all of your friends in the process. They truly provide that “eclectic” breakfast option where they create dishes in a way that they’re not normally created. They also carry some funny names on their menu and have plenty of gluten-free items.
3. Puritan and Company
Price Range: $$$ || Neighborhood: Cambridge
A quaint little brunch spot in Cambridge. You’ll have a rotating list of brunch options to choose from here. It’s definitely not your “traditional” brunch of omelets or french toast, but it offers several items that are packed with a heck of a lot of flavor.
From hash to fish tacos to quiche, pancakes or steak and eggs. You get the full spectrum of choices here. It’s great if you’re torn on whether to have brunch or more of the lunch vibe.
On a previous visit, the Pork Belly and Poblano Hash was on the menu, and it was exactly what I wanted without knowing I wanted it that morning. The seasoning was spot on, and I enjoyed the avocado-cilantro flavored cream sauce on the side. A friend of mine ordered the fish tacos which were also great. No matter your choice, you won’t be disappointed with the meal you end up with.
4. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant
Price Range: $$ || Neighborhood: South Boston (Southie)
This is probably a favorite among many Bostonians. Located in the infamous Southie neighborhood, it boasts pretty much anything you can think of for brunch.
They offer anything from oysters, smoked salmon toast, baked goat cheese dip, all types of sandwiches, pizza, as well as breakfast food with a twist — an egg BLT, Steak Burritos, Thickly-sliced french toast, Pumpkin pancakes, Fruity Pebble Pancakes (my emphasis added, oops, this was my favorite childhood cereal we’re talking about). They also offer your typical benedict or hash-style meals.
Just writing this out makes me hungry. The hardest part of coming to Lincoln would be trying to pick one item off of the menu. Also, there’s usually a long wait, but they do take reservations!
5. South End Buttery
Price Range: $$ || Neighborhood: South End
The South End Buttery is, you might have guessed it, in a cute, brick neighborhood known as the South End. This is a smaller place, so I’d suggest having a reservation beforehand. It feels like a cafe on the inside, and it’s actually very tiny inside but does offer a few tables outside on the patio. The food is great and reasonably priced and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting no matter what time of year.
There are several homemade pastries available to eat with your meal or to take with you for later, a good variety of salads are on the menu, and your typical brunch options are offered- eggs and pancakes/french toast. Burgers are also offered for brunch. This is a great spot for a good meal and a cute neighborhood to people watch!
6. Brownstone
Price Range: $$ || Neighborhood: Back Bay
A very enjoyable experience from the service to the food itself when I visited Brownstone in the South End. This place has a variety of choices and also carries some funny or unique names for the dishes it serves.
You have the typical omelet or egg choices, but there is much more. There’s also corn beef hash, Duck & Sweet potato hash, pancakes, french toast (with frosted flakes on it), and then there’s the F.C.C.F.T. (fried chicken, crunchy french toast) or the Aglio Olio (the chef’s family hangover tradition which includes spaghetti).
The servings are pretty large from what I remember – I ordered the ham and cheese omelet which comes with potatoes on the side as well as toast (or a salad for gluten-free). I had so much food, but that was one of my favorite omelets. Price and portion sync up really well here.
7. Thinking Cup
Price Range: $$ || Neighborhood: Back Bay
Okay, so this might not be your typical “sit-down” brunch place, but it’s a coffee shop around town that is known for its breakfast sandwiches and coffee and I really wanted to throw this on the list because I enjoy it so much. They offer tasty breakfast sandwiches, burritos, pastries, bagels, and even gluten-free and dairy-free options for those who have allergies or sensitivities.
If you’re familiar with different brands of coffee beans, you might be familiar with their roasters: Stumptown. This is a great spot to grab a quick breakfast. It can also be a great spot to grab a more affordable but delicious brunch while sitting down in a cafe versus the restaurant-style feel.
Read more: Visit Boston on a Budget
8. Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Price Range: $$ || Neighborhood: Beacon Hill or Harvard Square (Multiple Locations)
Chances are if you’ve looked at any pictures of Boston, you’ve stumbled across a picture of somebody in Tatte. It’s beautiful to look at and it also offers some great coffee and food choices. It’s a great spot for brunch, and there are several locations to choose from. Everything here at Tatte is almost too pretty to eat.
The menu offers sandwiches, one of which is the “Poached Egg Sandwich Roll.” Yum. The croissants and pastries are to die for. There’s also a good variety of Tartines and Greek-style pancakes and Muesli! For those who are gluten-free, there’s a menu just for you. For a gluten-free menu, there’s still such a wide variety of choices to pick from. Also, the coffees and teas are awesome.
Tatte is like a rite of passage in Boston, you absolutely must go. If you love taking pictures or need some love on your Instagram, this is your place. P.S. it’s pronounced “Tah-tay.”
There are several Tatte locations all over Boston, but my favorite include the Beacon Hill location as well as the Harvard Square location in Cambridge.
9. Boot Leg Special
Price Range: $$ || Neighborhood: South End
This is another upscale restaurant located in the South End that offers Cajun/Creole styles of food. Think lots of seafood-related items (we are in Boston). They have lobster/crab/crawfish benedict, french toast, shrimp & Grits, and beignets (so good). For those interested in a non-traditional brunch they also have sandwiches and mussel bowls to order as well as oysters.
Don’t forget to check out their varied selection of cocktails. Overall, a great location and even greater seafood. The restaurant is fairly tiny so definitely make a reservation beforehand.
10. Mike’s City Diner
Price Range: $ || Neighborhood: South End
This brunch location is known for its massive portion size (we’re talking major return on your investment) and was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Rumor on the street is Bill Clinton, as well as Guy Fiori, have eaten here. Definitely expect a line, but most of the people who have visited have shrugged the line off as being worth it and even mentioned that the line moves pretty fast.
Expect your typical breakfast options– eggs, omelets, french toast, pancakes. A fun dish they serve that is well known is their chicken and waffles.
Please note that Mike’s is cash only, so remember your cash, unless you’re down to pay the ATM fee at the door. Another important thing to remember–they only serve breakfast on the weekends.
11. Cafe Luna
Price Range: $$ || Neighborhood: Cambridge
A cute spot in Cambridge, in the heart of the Kendall/MIT Square area. The location is pretty spacious, but definitely gets very crowded, so expect a wait if you haven’t made a reservation.
The brunch here leaves nothing to be wanted after a quick glance at the menu. You have a full (and hearty) selection of different types of omelets — from Lobster and Avocado to Fig, Prosciutto & Goat Cheese. They also serve a diverse variety of french toast! Chocolate & Caramelized Banana Pecan, Blueberry Lemon, Nutella and Bananas/Strawberries, or their French Toast fantasy. Not to mention they also have Belgian Waffles, a variety of pancakes, eggs Benedict plates as well as corned beef hash.
Everybody will leave happy after brunch at Cafe Luna.
12. Sonsie
Price Range: $$ || Neighborhood: Back Bay
Eating at Sonsie is similar to eating at a cafe somewhere in Europe–in the summer, you’ll find the windows open and all of the chairs facing outwards towards the street. It’s a great brunch spot and also a great spot to see what’s happening outside and get your people-watching in for the day.
There’s a huge variety of options to choose from- donuts, quiche, french toast, eggs benedict, steak and eggs, and so many others! There’s also an entire gluten-free menu separate from the regular menu. This place is a little pricier than the serving size offered, but it’s a cute spot on Newbury Street and comes highly recommended.
Related: Where to eat in Boston (must visit places)
13. Buttermilk and Bourbon
Price Range: $$$ || Neighborhood: Back Bay
This Sunday brunch spot (and lunch) sits right in the heart of Back Bay sits Buttermilk and Bourbon, a really popular New Orleans-inspired spot on Newbury St. If you’re looking for a little bit of everything homey and cooked to perfection, this is definitely your brunch spot.
They have buttermilk fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and even baked fresh beignets if you’re looking for a Southern breakfast. Buttermilk and Bourbon also has a fantastic cocktail list, making it an ideal location for a boozy brunch in Boston.
For unique brunch options try the Buttered Jalapeno Grits or the Nashville Hot Alligator Fries.
14. Earls Kitchen + Bar
Price Range: $$ || Neighborhood: Back Bay
If you’re looking for a modern and trendy atmosphere (and a rooftop brunch in Boston), Earl’s Kitchen + Bar is a great place to go for some classic brunch items with a modern flair.
The menu offers both breakfast and lunch items, but all of the classics can be found–omelets, benedicts, pancakes, etc. Some of my favorite dishes have been the steak & eggs as well as the Avocado benedict. They even have chicken & waffles!
What really makes Earls stand out is their cocktails and the rooftop. You won’t see a lot of bottomless brunch in Boston but Earls is consistently one of my favorite places to go for affordable cocktails. They have a special (usually $5) for their drink of the month that changes monthly and seasonally. Check out their brunch happy hour on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10-12 am for some really great deals!
The rooftop’s windows are all open in the summer but closed in the winter, but you can get a really cool view of the surrounding buildings and neighborhood from here.
Summary: Best Brunch Spots in Boston
Boston outdoes itself when it comes to history and beautiful scenery, but it also boasts a huge scene of brunch-crowd favorites. From eclectic places like the Friendly Toast where people wait hours for a table to local diners featured on food reality shows. You’ll find any type of brunch you might be craving here in Beantown.
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So where will you go? Have you been somewhere before that you’ve fallen head over heels for here in Boston for brunch?
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