If you’re visiting Boston with friends, brunch should be on your itinerary. This typically late in the afternoon meal is known for its decadent dishes, and in Boston the menus are no different. Imagine thick cut waffles, drizzled in peanut butter, briney platters of oysters, and cinnamon rolls and sticky buns. Plan a boozy brunch celebration with a tight knit group of friends with shareable cocktails, or just step out after a night of hitting Boston’s Irish bar scene for a strong cup of coffee and an always satisfying egg sandwich. When you’re done, an exploration of Boston’s Little Italy neighborhood is a must. For the best brunch in Boston look no further than these seven restaurants.
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9 Brunch Restaurants in Boston for Strong Cocktails and Breakfast Food Favorites
1. Flour Bakery + Cafe
This charming cafe offers all manner of pastries from cupcakes to slices of chocolate cream and lemon meringue pie. Breakfast pastries abound too: you’ll want to try the scones, banana bread, and cinnamon rolls. For savory options at Flour Bakery + Cafe, opt for the egg sandwich or the applewood smoked bacon sandwich.
Where: 1595 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
Price: $$
2. The Paramount
With locations in South Boston and Beacon Hill, The Paramount offers all the brunch classics: stacks of pancakes and French toast, alongside a selection of omelets and egg sandwiches. The diner-style is casual, unfussy, and family-friendly. This restaurant is home to the most satisfying brunch in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.
Where: 44 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114
Price:
3. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant
Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant, a great spot for brunch in South Boston, gets a little more creative with the brunch classics. Pancake flavors include Fruity Pebbles and pumpkin, and there’s a dark chocolate waffle drizzled with peanut butter. If you’re there with a big group of friends, try the Brunch Punch – vodka mixed with a splash of pineapple and lime juice.
Where: 425 W Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127
Price: $$
4. Harvest
For a classier take on brunch (read: no sloppy endless mimosa pitchers in sight), head to Harvest in the Harvard Square area, where the French toast is made from brioche and you can order oysters as an appetizer. Other worthwhile meno options include the lobster roll and a cheese plate for the table to share. If you’re looking for something sweet, try the oatmeal cookie baked in a skillet.
Where: 44 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Price: $$$
5. Buttermilk & Bourbon
Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood is home to Buttermilk & Bourbon, a Southern comfort food-style restaurant. Sunday brunch features New Orleans-inspired dishes including buttermilk biscuits and a spicy egg scramble with Andouille sausage and jalapeno peppers. The “hot alligator” fries – dipping with pimento queso – sound especially delicious.
Where: 160 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Price: $$$
6. Alden & Harlow
In Harvard Square, Alden & Harlow might seem like a classic brunch spot, but take a closer look at the menu, and you might find a surprising twist in every dish: A breakfast sandwich with Thai sausage, or pancakes with a cream cheese topping. The restaurant’s legendary “secret burger” is on the brunch menu too – so named because the toppings change often. Chef Michael Scelfo created it on a whim and posted a photo to Twitter, and these days it sells out quickly, so if you want to try it, don’t sleep in.
Where: 40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Price: $$$
7. The Friendly Toast
Brunch is on the menu all day at The Friendly Toast. The menu is long so expect lots of options, and four different varieties of Bloody Mary. Chicken and waffles, a breakfast sandwich served on a French toast bagel, four different kinds of eggs benedict, breakfast burgers, and much more. After you eat here, you might want to head straight back to your hotel for a nap.
Where: 35 Stanhope St, Boston, MA 02116
Price: $$
8. North Street Grille
North Street Grille is consistently hailed as one of the best spots for brunch in North End, Boston for good reason. First of all, the menu features seven different variations on the classic mimosa. The extensive menu features all the breakfast classics, from banana topped pancakes, to strawberry shortcake French toast, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches. Whether you prefer sweet or savory breakfast dishes, there’s something to please everyone here.
Where: 229 North St, Boston, MA 02113
Price: $$
9. Carrie Nation Cocktail Club
For a Boston drag brunch, head to Carrie Nation (named for the radical activist for abolition of alcohol). The big event is held on Sundays, and hosted by Destiny Boston and Dee Dee de Ray. From 12 to 2 guests can enjoy the buffet brunch spread. The show, which frequently features guest performers, is from 2 to 4, so be prepared for an all day adventure. If you want your friend group to sit together, make sure to call ahead to reserve a table after purchasing your tickets.
Where: 11 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
Price: $$$
Where to stay in Boston
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After a drag bunch show or an afternoon sipping mimosas, a comfortable place to rest and recharge is essential. These highly rated Boston Airbnbs offer natural light, modern luxury, and cozy living spaces. Here’s where to book your stay.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Modern loft downtown
Photo: Airbnb
With its central location downtown, you’ll be close by public transportation that can take you all over Boston if you’re staying at this loft. Downtown is bustling with activity, so if you’re interested in restaurant dining and nightlife, this is the place for you. The open floor plan gets lots of natural light and offers plenty of space to stretch out and relax.
Private studio in Beacon Hill
Photo: Airbnb
Located inside a historic building built in 1789, this cozy studio apartment is the upscale Beacon Hill, one of the most beautiful zip codes in Boston. Near charming Acorn Street, a cobblestone street lined with colonial brick houses, this neighborhood is worth exploring. The studio is also within walking distance of Massachusetts State House and the Boston Common, the oldest park in America.
Luxury apartment in Cambridge
Photo: Airbnb
This pet friendly Airbnb is close to Harvard and Central Square. The living features floor to ceiling windows so guests can enjoy sweeping views of Boston and natural lighting. Minimalist but stylish decor and a clean, spacious kitchen add to the appeal, especially if you like to cook your meals while on a trip. 