24 best Boston brunch spots to try right now

What is it? Cozy comfort permeates Puritan & Company, Chef Will Gilson's contemporary homage to New England—and that's just the right vibe for Sunday brunch. The homage stretches from land (with traditional farmhouse breakfast fare) to sea (with raw bar offerings).

Why we love it: The farmhouse breakfast vibes. Brunch plates are classics crafted with local ingredients and an elegant touch, such as brown butter pancakes with Maine blueberries and lemon ricotta, and smoked brisket hash. Settle in with a robust Bloody Mary that would do New England proud, or a breakfast sangria that, with Laird's apple brandy, cinnamon, and cranberry, tastes like a trip to the orchard.

Don't miss: Gilson group pastry chef Brian Mercury is one of Boston's most beloved bakers. You're going to want to inquire about Puritan's chef's-choice pastry basket, featuring treats from sibling spot (and one of our best Boston breakfast picks) Café Beatrice.

Address: 1166 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Sun 10:30am–2pm

Expect to pay: You could eat and drink incredibly well on $50 to $55 per person

What is it? This funky Jamaica Plain spot, located just across the street from Forest Hills station, the last stop on the Orange Line, puts its flavorful, international spin on brunch classics every Saturday and Sunday.

Why we love it: The waitstaff is cool as hell, and the food is perfect when you want traditional brunch grub with a creative and elevated twist. There's a pretzel biscuit with honey butter, salt and pepper hash browns with a sharp cheese sauce, and two signature "B.K." options: the omelette with arugula, cheddar, and hollandaise with milk bread toast, and the irresistible chicken and waffles, made here with sweet-and-salty maple umeboshi. Spice things up with one of Brassica Kitchen's homemade hot sauces.

Time Out tip: Save room for the fresh doughnuts, made every weekend day in rotating variations that veer both traditional (strawberry glazed) and not (churronuts).

Address: 3710 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Opening hours: Sat 10am–2pm, Sun 10am–2:30pm

Expect to spend: Around $35 to $45 per person should set you up just right.

What is it? One of Inman Square’s most popular hangouts, Trina’s Starlite Lounge is part queer bar, part dive bar, and part Southern diner—all aglow in the heart of Camberville.

Why we love it: Expect on-trend temptations like homemade pop-tarts, comfort foods such as chicken and biscuits and eggs benedict, and brunch cocktails that include the Somerville Speedball (GM Emma’s infamous espresso martini).

Time Out tip: The late, great downtown Boston bar Silvertone's famous steak tips (if you know, you know) live on during brunch at Trina's, paired with two sunny-side-up eggs and fries.

Address: 3 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143

Opening hours: Sun 11am–3pm (and holiday Mondays from 11am–4pm)

Expect to pay: Go all out with a pop tart, breakfast sandwich, and an espresso martini to spend around $35.

What is it? The Back Bay Greek wine bar on our list of the best restaurants in Boston also offers a variety of large and small plates, specialty cocktails, wines, sweets, and strong coffee every weekend in chic, contemporary surrounds. 

Why we love it: When you want something more than your every-weekend omelets, fried potatoes, and toast, head to Krasi, where you'll find exciting and tasty Greek takes on traditional brunch fare. What does that look like, you ask? Think baklava granola, scrambled eggs with feta mousse and olive tapenade, and gyro benedicts with crispy fried chicken, grilled pita, spicy pickles, poached eggs, and avgolemono hollandaise.

Time Out tip: Since Krasi literally translates to "wine," it's almost imperative to order a cocktail featuring Greek bubbles, such as the Krasi Mimosa with mango juice and dill. When it comes time to order food, go straight for the lalagites. No ordinary pancakes, lalagites are filled with kalathaki cheese and fried in olive oil 'til crispy and delicious.

Address: 48 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

Opening hours: Sat, Sun 10am–3pm

Expect to pay: $55 to $65 per person for an entree, cocktail, coffee, and dessert for the table.

What is it? The colorful, adaptable, cheesy, spicy, hearty cuisine proffered by Lone Star Taco Bar is everything you want for a hangover-helping brunch with friends. This is where to go when you like beans, rice, tortillas, and salsa with your brunch.

Why we love it: For delicious and filling Tex-Mex takes on brunch fare. The Allston outpost of Lone Star has been a Boston brunch go-to for more than a decade, and plates like jalapeño-corn pancakes and huevos rancheros on Lone Star's house-made corn tortillas are a cornerstone in East Cambridge, too.

Time Out tip: Chilaquiles divorciados—an invitingly messy plate of salsa roja-coated corn chips topped with salsa verde, refried beans, fried eggs, and more—will cure whatever ails you.

Address: 479 Cambridge St #477, Allston, MA 02134; 635 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141

Opening hours: Daily 11am–4pm

Expect to pay: Around $30 per person for a larger entree and a cocktail. Add another $6-ish for a starter taco.

What is it? A farm-to-table vision on the Seaport waterfront, Woods Hill Pier 4 uses ingredients raised with care to create modern, seasonal American fare for dinner and brunch alike. Massive and vibrant flower murals on the wall give the place character outside its otherwise rather standard "contemporary diner" decor.

Why we love it: The signature lobster popover steals the show at brunch, along with high-quality takes on Eggs Benedict, cinnamon swirl French toast, and a glorious patisserie basket.

Time Out tip: Beyond the food, the expansive harbor views from the enormous patio will make you fall in love with Boston all over again.

Address: 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02210

Opening hours: Sat, Sun 11am–2:30pm

Expect to pay: Around $40 to $45 per person for a breakfast sandwich or plate, and a cocktail.

What is it? Situated within the Omni Hotel in the Seaport, this swanky eatery from Boston's COJE Management (Yvonne's, Ruka, etc.) draws culinary inspiration from the Mediterranean coast.

Why we love it: Brunch highlights here include a raw bar selection; spicy baked "eggs in purgatory" with pomodoro sauce and fior di latte; and the croque madame. The chic dining room features pastel florals, velvet tufted booths, hot pink chandeliers, and Rococo-esque frescos by local favorite Blind Fox Art—an ideal, arty setting for brunching the day away.

Time Out tip: Sister spot Cocorico Bakery supplies brunch treats like butter croissants, cannelé, and more.

Address: 450 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210

Opening hours: Sat, Sun 11am–3pm

Expect to pay: About $45 to $50 per person for a Coconino pastry, entree, and cocktail.

What is it? No matter what day of the week it is, Southie's Lincoln will satisfy your craving for brunch. The vibe is classic pub-y, with exposed brick walls, muted decor, a large American flag framed and hung on the wall, and big screen TVs showing games at the bar. A large clock hanging above the dining hall gives the place a train station vibe.

Why we love it: Lincoln gets bonus points for its spaciousness, giving diners plenty of breathing room and the opportunity to maneuver your chair without bumping into the person behind you. It's also developed a reputation for deliciously decadent brunch treats including a colorful stack of Fruity Pebbles pancakes in addition to savory breakfast favorites like loaded hash browns and a smoked salmon platter. There are also wood oven-fired pizzas, like the "Breakfast," topped with roasted tomatoes, fontina, pecorino Romano, Tabasco, poached eggs, bacon, caramelized onions, and hash browns.

Time Out tip: Lincoln serves breakfast every day, though the brunch menu changes up a bit on the weekends. For something truly unique, check out Friday's Brunch Test Kitchen, where you can try out new and creative brunch dishes that could make their way to the regular weekend menu.

Address: 425 W Broadway #427, South Boston, MA 02127

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10am–3pm; Sat, Sun 9am–3pm

Expect to pay: About $50 to $55 per person for a breakfast entree or pizza, Fruity Pebble pancakes for the table, and a cocktail, such as the spicy West Broadway Bloody. 

Shy Bird is an all-day café and rotisserie-bar, which includes the Kendall Square original, South Boston and a Fenway location in the works, with chicken-and-egg-centric menus going seamlessly from breakfast to dinner. Weekend brunch brings out the likes of a chicken Benedict and Shy Bird B.E.C.

Don't miss: "Chicken not-waffles," which piles a crushed croissant with the sensational house fried chicken.

Spaghetti carbonara is basically a breakfast dish if you think about its saucy combination of egg yolk and cured pork. So it shouldn't surprise that this lively South End-neighborhood enoteca serves a bangin' brunch on Sunday from 11am–3pm. Coppa's famous Maine uni carbonara is there, alongside menu additions like scrambled egg cacio e pepe and an egg sandwich with Italian sausage, peperonata and provolone. Generally an elbow-to-elbow place, find  us brunching on the patio in-season with a spritz in hand.

Don't miss: The "hangover pizza" topped with three meats, spicy peppers and a farm egg.

Locals might not think much about breakfast options from the Seaport's modern, compact hotel YOTEL—but the property's restaurants are seriously worth checking out thanks to chef Guara Pimenta. The ground-floor Vela is open daily for breakfast with well-crafted crowd-pleasers like banana bread French toast and a hearty hasbrown bowl. The rooftop bar, Deck 12, offers weekend brunch with similar options and unmatched views of downtown Boston.

Don't miss: Seasonal touches make dishes here more than just your average hotel restaurant.

A charming French bistro in the South End, Petit Robert Bistro does brunch every weekend with international flair. There is a large number of choices on the menu—everything from escargot and oysters to steak and eggs and omelets—while maintaining quality, presentation and a strong point of view.

Don't miss: Try the buckwheat crepes with mushrooms and meunster cheese (a richer version of the exclusive from sister bakery PRB Boulangerie at Time Out Market).

One of Boston's brunch go-tos of the 2010s has returned in a new location with celebrated chef Brian Rae (Rialto, Coppa, etc.) now at the helm. Eastern Standard does casual yet elevated brasserie fare, such as crab toast, croque monsieur, a delightful Niçoise salad and more.

Don't miss: The new property located off Beacon Street and David Ortiz Drive is also home to ESKD Bakeshop, which supplies fresh treats each weekend such as cheddar-scallion biscuits and seasonal doughnuts.

Boston doesn't allow bottomless brunch in the traditional sense (read: endless booze), but this international export manages to impress locals with its signature offering anyway. At Zuma Boston, the $95-per-person package includes unlimited starters and sushi for the table, a choice of brunch entree and dessert platter for the table.

Don't miss: This spot is all about being seen, so be sure to appreciate the gorgeous presentation of nigiri in particular.

Sometimes you just need a classic diner to satisfy your breakfast fix for the week. At this family-owned Somerville fixture, that’s what they’re known for—huge portions of American breakfast favorites prepared with a Portuguese spin. We highly suggest you order anything that comes with linguica. The prices are cheap and all plates come with house-baked treats. The vine-covered patio makes it a popular choice when the weather is warmer.

Don't miss: The cream of wheat, which has developed a cult following over the decades. Seriously! Thank us later.

The stunning setting of Terra alone would make it a daytime destination: The terrace atop Eataly Boston is basically one big skylight with hanging greenery throughout. But the food and drinks during brunch at Terra are equally worthy, from flaky cornetti (tiny Italian croissants) to spaghetti alla carbonara. 

Don't miss: The uova benedettine is a lovely take on eggs benny with an Italian twist. The poached eggs and hollandaise are accented with prosciutto cotto and spinach on a freshly baked croissant.

Sloane's is a comfort-food kitchen and bar in Lower Allston from Stillwater chef-owner and Chopped champion Sarah Wade that serves brunch every day until 3pm. Fun touches like "bloody mary ketchup" on the burger and French toast dredged in cornflakes and cooked until crispy make it memorable.

Don't miss: The outdoor bar and patio is a prime seat for brunch in-season.

Brainchild of Roxbury-born restaurateur Nia Grace of Darryl's Bar & Kitchen (which is currently closed for renovations), Grace by Nia has taken the mantle of hosting a jazz brunch buffet. Between 11:30am-3pm every Sunday, enjoy live music on the swanky stage while tucking into all-you-can-eat biscuits, beignets, eggs, smoked sausage and more.

Don't miss: The house espresso martini, Black Gold, is available at all hours, but hits especially well at brunch.

This Seaport eatery serves Greek reinterpretations of brunch basics—think Greek yogurt parfait with seasonal fruit, granola and Ikarian honey and an omelet with Greek yogurt mascarpone and black caviar. With herby citrus flavors, the house-made loukaniko sausage makes for a great morning-friendly side. When the weather allows, the breezy outdoor patio is a great spot for people-watching.

Don't miss: If you've been to Committee after dark you know this place likes to party. That goes for brunch hours, too: Bring the whole crew to enjoy a Champagne tray with assorted juice and accompaniments to do up your own mimosas.

One of the city's chicest options for weekend brunch with your crew, Saltie Girl has a mimosa bar and plenty of options on the menu every Saturday and Sunday. There are a few ways to go about it, from sunny California-style salads and tinned fish platters to indulgent dishes like fried lobster tail atop a waffle with sweet corn-butter and spicy maple syrup.

Don't miss: At all hours, Saltie Girl offers some of the finest smoked fish in Boston. If you love whitefish salad on a bagel, try it here at brunch.

At Buttermilk & Bourbon, Boston celebrity chef Jason Santos scrambles andouille sausage with eggs and grits, stacks fried chicken on waffles and chills peel-and-eat shrimp for Sunday brunch every week. The Comm. Ave. spot, which also has a Watertown outpost, is like a love letter to New Orleans with a labyrnthine space and generously spiked drinks.

Don't miss: Light yet crispy, buttery beignets are served with spreadable vanilla mascarpone and optional chocolate sauce for dipping.

OAK Long Bar & Kitchen is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the grand Farimont Copley Plaza. When weekends come around, that first meal of the day gets many decadent lavish additions, such as brûlée grapefruit, salted caramel pancakes and a brunch burger topped with maple bacon, a fried egg, red onion jam and sharp Vermont cheddar.

Don't miss: OAK is one of the most reliable spots for holiday brunching in Boston, whether it's Mother's Day, Marathon Monday or Christmas Day.

Brunch at an Irish pub is a Boston standard, and the city's newest take on this ancient tradition is a smash. The Dubliner (and its celebrated, Irish-born chef Aidan Mc Gee) does top-tier takes on a full Irish breakfast, house-smoked salmon and eggs Benedict. Inside, the spacious place has sumptuous booths and barstools, and the outdoor patio adds a little greenery to Government Center.

Don't miss: Traditional music typically starts after brunch hours on Sundays at the Dubliner, but Gaelic sports are always a weekend-morning draw.

Especially if you grab a patio table on the sunny sidewalk patio, you might mistake brunch at Bar Mezzana for a leisurely morning along the Amalfi Coast. The South End spot does weekend brunch Italian style, starting with a selection of fresh crudo. Along with brunch plates like duck confit hash and cannoli French toast with whipped ricotta, there are pastas ready to rise and shine.

Don't miss: Brunch drinks made for daydrinking, like a Bellini with fresh peach puree or the Italian Greyhound ("salted hangover cure"). The bar here is a well-oiled machine, and that includes on weekend mornings.

How do you like to fuel up in the morning? Whether it's a bagel to go or a plate full of eggs and bacon, the best breakfast spots in Boston have you covered.

Even in the summertime, Bostonians continue to consume copious amounts of fine coffee; many simply switch from hot to iced. Fortunately, however you like it, a good cup of coffee is never far away in the Hub.