Let’s be honest: the best and most important meal of the day isn’t breakfast– it’s brunch!
Brunch has quickly risen as the most popular and enjoyable meal of the day (and that might have a good deal to do with mimosas, which we fully support, but that’s neither here nor there). This is especially the case amongst Bostonians, both young and old. Because of that, Boston boasts some truly exemplary brunch options.
Whether you are visiting the city for the day or are moving permanently, be sure to try these nine spots for the best brunch in Boston!
Insider’s Tip: Want to put together your perfect brunch spread at a hotel or BnB? Swing by one of the best bakeries in Boston for brunch-worthy goodies!
The Beehive
The Beehive is quite the busy bee, as it has landed itself in various publications for being a “must-see,” including Travel & Leisure, The New York Times, and Zagat. This Bohemian restaurant and bar offers visitors truly mouthwatering food, refreshing cocktails, and an artsy venue to enjoy the best brunch in Boston.
One of their most exciting elements, however, is their live jazz music. Rated among the Top 100 Jazz Clubs in the World by Downbeat Magazine, you can enjoy good food, drinks, and ambiance with smooth tunes. They also have live jazz performances on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., further amplifying your brunch experience.
Lucy’s American Tavern
All right, so Lucy’s American Tavern is technically in Dorchester and not Boston proper, but it’s close enough as it’s just right over the border and it’s well worth the little extra venture! This rustic-chic hangout spot is loved by both city locals for its relaxed ambiance, unique cocktails, superb portions, and delectable bites.
While you could head here for any meal of the day, their weekend brunch is especially out of this world. Some favorite brunch dishes include Mexican Street Nachos, In Yo’ Face Breakfast Sammie, Lucy’s Hangover Skillet, and Chicken and Waffles.
Don’t think for a second we forgot about their drinks, a section humorously named “Hair of the Dog” on their menu. Some beloved options include the Adult Iced Coffee, Cold Brew Nitro, Executive Mimosa, and Reese’s Pieces Iced Coffee.
Alcove
Just steps away from TD Garden and tucked along the waterfront is Alcove, a popular spot for stellar and fresh tastes in the West End. The restaurant is operated by Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli, one of the city’s most respected restaurateurs, and has fresh coastal New England dishes.
Their brunch features some serious big hitters, both salty and sweet, like their New England Oysters, French Toast with whipped cinnamon mascarpone, and Smoked Salmon Pate Sandwich. The restaurant is also known for their craft cocktails, which they serve all day long, and their beautiful waterfront patio.
Café Luna
Nobody quite does brunch like Café Luna in Boston, to which its award from TripAdvisor for “Best Breakfast of Boston” in 2019 speaks volumes.
This casual, tranquil restaurant serves up some majorly impressive brunch dishes, like their homemade corned beef hash, which is slow-cooked for more than 20 hours, their Cookie Monster French toast, and a wide assortment of breakfast tacos.
Café Luna offers classic drinks as well, like strong espresso and bubbly mimosas, but what they are truly loved for is their heaping, wallet-friendly dishes.
North Street Grille Restaurant
North Street Grille Restaurant first opened its doors in 2004 to become the neighborhood brunch spot that offers good food, drinks, and service, even billing themselves as, “Boston’s Best Brunch.” And, in our opinion, they have certainly succeeded on all fronts.
The brunch menu at North Street Grille Restaurant is chock-full of culinary brunch favorites, like chicken and waffle sliders, burrito pancakes, a variety of eggs Benedict, french toast, and Belgian waffles.
Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant
Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant is a spot that all the locals know well– and for good reason. Their food is simply exquisite and the casual, welcoming atmosphere is second to none. Their brunch in particular is beloved by all and it’s really no surprise as to why.
Both their weekday and weekend brunches are filled with delectable eats like oysters, pizza, all things eggs, smoked salmon platters, and much more. They also have a robust brunch drink menu, bound to satisfy any palate. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance, though, especially during a sports game day!
Boston Chops
When you have a hankering for meat, meat, and more meat, then Boston Chops is the place to provide and satisfy. This steakhouse is known for its meats like brisket, shank, and tongue hash poutine.
But, they also have serious mouth-watering grub for brunch, too, like their braised beef cheek huevos rancheros, fried chicken sandwich, and crab cake Benedict. Top your selected meaty meal with a Prime Raw Bloody, which is a Bloody Mary with raw oyster and jumbo cocktail shrimp.
Committee
Committee in Seaport is known across the city for being a stellar restaurant through and through, but what many people may not realize is that they have an out-of-this-world brunch, too! This Mediterranean restaurant knows a thing or two about Greek and other such cuisines, but they also add a unique spin to such favorites.
We are talking about breakfast gyros, vegetarian moussaka, shakshuka, and greek yogurt pancakes. They also have champagne and even unique and eccentrically-named cocktails, like Pigs & Booze (bacon-washed bourbon, orange, maple syrup, and chocolate bitters) and Just Beet It (beet-infused rum, lemon, rhubarb, ginger beer, ginger, and orange bitters).
Insider’s Tip: Looking for more delicious drinks? Check out our post on the best cocktail bars in Boston!
Brassica Kitchen & Café
If you’re looking for a brunch spot that isn’t so “uppity” and is more so “chill,” then Brassica Kitchen & Café is the place for you. Their service, food, drinks, and overall vibes are consistently superb, so even on those Sunday mornings after a Saturday night on the town, you’ll have a place you can depend on to help your “condition.”
Try any of their sandwiches, especially with the homemade brioche rolls, and/or their homemade donuts, donut french toast, and chicken & waffles. Tie it all together with any one of their cocktails and you’ll leave feeling really satisfied.
You know how to find the best brunch in Boston — now it’s time to put your skills to the test and spend a morning eating like a local! Join us for our Best of Boston food tour for a foodie adventure you won’t soon forget!
