23 best Boston brunch spots to try right now

What is it? Shy Bird is an all-day café and rotisserie bar that started in Kendall Square and now has locations in South Boston and Fenway. It's known for its roasted chicken, but the menu goes beyond that to include grain bowls, smash burgers, salads, and a serious beverage program.

Why we love it: For the laid-back, diner-centric, breezy vibes — without the long lines. This is a no-nonsense brunch option where you can order at the counter and take your food to go, or settle into a table in the dining room or on the outdoor patio. The menu is a no-brainer for poultry lovers, with all sorts of delicious roasted chicken options like fried chicken and egg sandwiches, honey Sriracha chicken and waffles, and truffled chicken frites. The menu also extends to non-chicken offerings, including an egg white and avocado bowl, a sausage breakfast sandwich, and a smash burger.

Time Out tip: Looking for a drink beyond the usual weekend mimosa? Shy Bird spices things up with a mimosa margarita featuring tequila, lime, agave, and bubbles.

Address: Multiple locations, including Kendall Square, South Boston, and Fenway

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 10am–3pm

Expect to pay: $25 to $35 would feed and drink you very well.

What is it: 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.

Why we love it: Eastern Standard offers casual yet elevated brasserie fare, such as crab toast, croque monsieur, a delightful Niçoise salad, and more.

Time out tip: 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.

Address: 775 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02215

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 11am–3pm

Expect to pay: Around $30 to $45 per person

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

Brunch 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: With seven locations in Boston and throughout Massachusetts (plus a handful mnore around New England), The Friendly Toast is the local top-of-mind brunch spot, which means you'll likely have to wait, especially on weekends. 

Why we love it: The Friendly Toast is everything brunch is supposed to be: a fun, upbeat meal in a hip and eclectic diner-style dining room—and you get it every day of the week. It's also the place to go to satisfy everyone in your party. The menu is massive, and there's something for everyone. We're talking avocado toast, pancakes and French toast, a croque madam, chicken and waffles, breakfast tacos, four types of eggs Benedicts, and three breakfast burritos…. The drinks menu is just as bountiful, with boozy coffee drinks, Bloody Marys, and a whopping 11 mimosa flavors.

Time Out tip: The Friendly Toast makes waiting for a seat easier with a nifty website tool that allows you to join a waitlist and check how long you'll be standing around for a table.

Address: Multiple venues, inc. Back Bay, Harvard Square and Chestnut Hill

Brunch hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–2:30pm; Sat, Sun 7:30am–5pm (hours may vary by location, check website for details)

Expect to pay: $20 to $35 per person

What is it? Southern-style Sunday brunch with strong New Orleans inspiration from Hell's Kitchen runner-up and Southern food aficionado Jason Santos.

Why we love it: The Commonwealth Avenue spot, which also has a Watertown outpost, is like a love letter to New Orleans with a labyrinthine space and bone-sticking grub. Here, Santos scrambles linguica sausage with tater tots, jalapeño cheddar, and red onion jam; stacks pulled pork on Benedicts with Nashville hot hollandaise; and piles buttermilk fried chicken thighs atop cheddar-bourbon waffles with sweet and spicy syrup, honey butter, and watermelon. Generously spiked drinks, such as the honey butter old-fashioned and frozen margaritas and Irish coffees, round out the brunch-in-the-French-Quarter experience.

Don't miss: You didn't think we'd forget about the beignets, did you? At Buttermilk & Bourbon, they're buttery, light yet crispy and served with vanilla mascarpone and optional chocolate sauce for dipping. They're a must-try, obvs. 

Address: 160 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116; 100 Arsenal Yards Blvd, Watertown, MA 02472

Brunch hours: Sun 10:30am–3:30pm

Expect to pay: $30 to $50 per person

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

Brunch 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. 

What is it: A posh brunch destination for those who like fish or caviar with their eggs and oysters on their Bloody Marys.

Why we love it: The high-quality seafood offerings that put Saltie Girl on the map in Back Bay extend to brunch on weekends with decadent items like "Eggs & Eggs" (scrambled eggs with creme fraiche and caviar); Benedicts with your choice of smoked salmon, lobster, or caviar; and fried lobster and waffles. The non-seafood set can be satisfied, too, with options for omelets, French toast, and steak and eggs with no fish in sight.

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.

Address: 279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 11am–4pm

Expect to pay: Anywhere from $30 to $75 per person

What is it: Southern Italian coastal cuisine from Colin Lynch, a former executive chef with the Barbara Lynch Group, most notably at Menton, which garnered a James Beard award nod while under his tenure in 2011.  

Why we love it: Grab a table on the sunny sidewalk patio and you just may mistake brunch at Bar Mezzana for a leisurely morning at a small town ristorante along the Amalfi Coast. As such, the South End spot does weekend brunch Italian style, with a selection of fresh crudo, brioche toast with whipped ricotta, a cotechino sausage benedict, and duck confit hash. 

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.

Address: 360 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 11am–3pm

Expect to pay: Around $30 to $50 per person

What is it: An elegant spot for brunch in the historic Fairmont Copley Plaza, where neoclassical architecture—vaulted ceilings, lush draperies, chandeliers, and an impressive 83-foot-long copper bar—gives an old-world-meets-new-world aesthetic.

Why we love it: For the chance to eat like Eloise in one of Boston's grandest and most historic hotels. The menu is approachable and wide-ranging—from a green smoothie bowl to salted butterscotch pancakes to the hearty "Boston Croque," made with Maine lobster, Gruyère cheese, and deep-fried poached eggs.

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.

Address: 138 St James Ave, Boston, MA 02116

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 7am–2:30pm

Expect to pay: $30 to $55 per person

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

Brunch 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

Brunch 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? 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

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 11am–3pm

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

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

Brunch 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? Brunch at an Irish pub is a Boston rite of passage, and this is currently one of the best and most approachable places to do it.

Why we love it: For the full rise-and-shine-in-Ireland experience. The Dubliner (and its celebrated, Irish-born chef Aidan McGee) does top-tier takes on the full Irish breakfast—even offering a sandwich version of the Emerald Isle staple—and also tries its hand at the American breakfast and puts a Moroccan spin on baked eggs and beans. Inside, the spacious place has sumptuous booths and barstools, and the outdoor patio adds a little greenery to Government Center.

Time Out tip: Traditional music typically starts after brunch hours on Sundays at the Dubliner, but Gaelic sports are always a weekend-morning draw.

Address: 2 Center Plz, Boston, MA 02108

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 10am–2pm

Expect to pay: $25 to $40 per person

What is it? Spaghetti carbonara is essentially a breakfast dish at Coppa, where it meets a saucy combination of egg yolk and cured pork, so it shouldn't be a surprise that this lively South End enoteca serves a bangin' brunch every Sunday.

Why we love it: Coppa's famous Maine uni carbonara is on the menu, alongside additions like scrambled egg cacio e pepe and an egg sandwich with Italian sausage, peperonata, and provolone. Generally an elbow-to-elbow place, you'll find us brunching on the patio in-season with a spritz in hand.

Time Out tip: Try the "hangover pizza" topped with three meats, spicy peppers, and a farm egg.

Address: 253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

Brunch hours: Sun 11am–3pm

Expect to pay: $35 to $40 per person for an entree and cocktail

What is it: A charming French bistro in the South End, Petit Robert Bistro serves brunch every weekend with international flair.

Why we love it: For brunch that feels like sitting in a bistro on Paris's Left Bank — minus the snooty waiters and endless wait times. There's a hefty 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.

Time Out tip: Try the potato waffles with one of three proteins: prosciutto, smoked salmon, or chicken.

Address: 480 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 10am–3:30pm

Expect to pay: Around $30 to $55 per person

What is it? A gorgeous and atmospheric dining destination located on the glass- and plant-covered terrace atop Eataly. Terra, known for its wood-fired Italian grill, draws in-the-know brunch crowds every weekend.

Why we love it: The food and drinks during brunch at Terra are equally worthy of the views, from flaky cornetti (tiny Italian croissants) to spaghetti alla carbonara.

Time Out tip: 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.

Address: 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 11am–4pm

Expect to pay: Around $50 per person

What is it? Sometimes you just need a classic diner to satisfy your brunch fix. At this family-owned Somerville fixture, that’s what they’re known for—huge portions of American breakfast favorites prepared with a Portuguese spin.

Why we love it: 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.

Time Out tip: The cream of wheat, which has developed a cult following over the decades. Seriously! Try it one of these times. Thank us later.

Address: 25 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143

Brunch hours: Daily 7am–4pm

Expect to pay: $20 to $25 per person

What is it? Committee, a chic and buzzy restaurant in the Seaport, is inspired by the ouzeri, or taverns, found throughout Greece where locals can find a laidback meeting point to congregate over shared plates and good conversation.

Why we love it: For Greek interpretations of brunch basics in stylish, modern surrounds. Think poached eggs with horta salsa verde, garlic labneh, and florina peppers with a Greek-style sesame bagel; feta-stuffed omelets served with potatoes and grilled pita; shakshouka; a French toast variation with cinnamon whipped butter, Greek honey, and shaved halva … When the weather allows, the breezy outdoor patio is a great spot for people-watching.

Time Out tip: 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 mimosa tray with assorted juice and accompaniments to make your own bevvies.

Address: 50 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 10am–3pm

Expect to pay: Around $25 to $40 per person

What is it? Sloane's is a cornerside comfort-food kitchen and bar in Lower Allston from Stillwater chef-owner and Chopped champion Sarah Wade. Brunch is served every day till 3pm in a charming and roomy dining room that manages to be understated and a little whimsical all at once, with colorful walls, design-y chandeliers and chairs, and woven artwork adorning the walls.

Why we love it: For a relaxed brunch experience that's punctuated by playful and creative touches, such as "Bloody Mary ketchup" for your burger and fries, and cornflake-crusted challah-bread French toast stuffed with strawberry cheesecake filling. The fun continues onto the drink menu with options like a boozy iced coffee drink, Banana Bread Iced, made with coffee and walnut vodka, banana and cinnamon cream liqueurs, and topped with whipped cream.

Time Out tip: The outdoor bar and patio is a prime seat for brunchin' season.

Address: 197 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134

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

Expect to spend: $20 to $35 per person

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

Brunch 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 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

Brunch 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? Roxbury-born restaurateur Nia Grace's elegant modern-day supper club offers up Southern soul food with a side of live music in the Seaport.

Why we love it: Local jazz and R&B acts take the stage every Sunday as brunchers fill up on all-you-can-eat biscuits, beignets, eggs, smoked sausage**,** and more from the breakfast buffet. Grace By Nia gives nightclub-during-the-day vibes, with plush leather booths, massive chandeliers**,** and other Art Deco-style elements.

Time Out tip: The house espresso martini, Black Gold, is available at all hours, but hits especially well at brunch.

Address: 60 Seaport Blvd #325, Boston, MA 02210

Brunch hours: Sun 11am to 3:30pm

Expect to pay: $49.95 per person for the brunch buffet

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.