Lone Star Taco Bar chilaquiles divorciados brunch
Photograph: Courtesy Lone Star Taco Bar
Photograph: Courtesy Lone Star Taco Bar

25 best Boston brunch spots to try right now

With options in every neighborhood and any day of the week, here's where to go big for breakfast or lunch.

Jacqueline Cain
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Brunch isn't just a meal: It's an occasion. Typically a weekend centerpiece (though Boston has some weekday options; read on), brunch is more than just breakfast or lunch. It's an excuse to go big, and a chance to relax. The following options offer creative brunch cocktails and mocktails, rib-sticking riffs on American classics, house-baked pastries and more. Some spots even sweeten the deal with drag brunch shows and live music. With options in every neighborhood and every day of the week, check out the best brunches in Boston right now.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Time Out Market Boston
  • Time Out Market

Time Out is a global authority on where to eat right now, and we hand-pick restaurants to represent our cities at Time Out Market. The Fenway food hall and cultural market has more than a dozen dining options plus two bars showcasing local craft beer and seasonal cocktailsBut just like on our website, showcasing the best of the city under one roof goes beyond food and drink. Time Out Market Boston also hosts frequent events like pop-up markets, free fitness, drag brunch and more. Here's an updated list about what's going on this month.

Best brunch spots in Boston

  • French
  • Jamaica Plain
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

This James Beard award-nominated restaurant suits Jamaica Plain, the funky neighborhood where you'll find it at the end of the Orange Line. An eclectic collective founded by classically trained chefs Jeremy Kean and Philip Kruta, Brassica Kitchen does brunch every Saturday and Sunday with homemade baked goods and global takes on breakfast plates, like the B.K. Omelette with hollandaise, breakfast sammies on brioche and chilaquiles atop fresh tostadas. The fermented hot sauces? They're good on everything.

Don't miss: Fresh doughnuts made every weekend day rotate in flavors both traditional (strawberry glazed) and not (churronuts). 

  • Greek
  • Back Bay
  • price 3 of 4

For something a little bit off the beaten path, check out weekend brunch at Krasi. The Back Bay Greek wine bar does a variety of meze, sweets and sips every Saturday and Sunday from 10am–3pm. Since Krasi literally translates to wine, it's almost imperative to order a cocktail featuring Greek bubbles—try the Krasi Mimosa with mango juice and dill.

Don't miss: No ordinary pancakes, lalagitas are filled with kalathaki cheese and fried in olive oil 'til crisp. 

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  • Charlestown

Brewer's Fork is best-known for its wood-fired pizzas, craft beer and natural wine—but weekend brunch brings out a new side of this casual favorite. Sure, there's still pizza and libations, but also coming out of the wood-fired oven is a weekly rotating frittata, filled with whatever's most fresh; clever takes on topped waffles and more. With a view of the Bunker Hill Monument from the seasonal patio, start your sightseeing day in Charlestown at Brewer's Fork.

Don't miss: The brunch-only breakfast sandwich features savory house-made maple and sage sausage.

  • Contemporary American
  • Inman Sq
  • price 3 of 4

Cozy comfort permeates Puritan & Co., chef Will Gilson's homage to New England—and that's just the right vibe for Sunday brunch. Settle in with a robust bloody mary or mimosa kept simple. Brunch plates, available Sundays between 10:30am–2pm at the Inman Square spot, 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.

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 Café Beatrice

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  • Cocktail bars
  • price 2 of 4

One of Inman Square’s most popular hangouts, Trina’s Starlite Lounge is one part queer bar, one part dive bar and one part Southern diner—all aglow in the heart of Camberville. Monday brunch from noon–4pm is a huge hit among the restaurant industry crowd. If that schedule doesn’t suit, Trina’s also offers Sunday brunch from 11am–3pm. Expect temptations like homemade pop-tarts, biscuit breakfast sammies and brunch cocktails like the Somerville Speedball (GM Emma’s infamous espresso martini).

Don't miss: The late, great downtown Boston bar Silvertone's famous steak tips live on during brunch at Trina's, paired with two sunny-side-up eggs and fries.

  • Mediterranean
  • Seaport District

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. 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 space features pastel florals and Rococo-esque frescos by local favorite Blind Fox Art—an ideal setting for brunching the day away.

Don't miss: Sister spot Cocorico Bakery supplies brunch treats like butter croissants, cannelé and more.

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  • American
  • South Boston
  • price 2 of 4

No matter what day of the week it is, Lincoln will satisfy your craving for brunch. The spacious South Boston spot has developed a reputation for deliciously decadent brunch treats including a colorful stack of Fruity Pebble pancakes in addition to savory breakfast favorites like loaded hasbrowns and a smoked salmon platter. The weekday and weekend brunch menus vary slightly (head in on a weekend if your heart is set on doughnuts).

Don't miss: Lincoln really does it all, but the wood-burning oven directs your attention to pizza. That includes at brunch, too: Try the Breakfast, topped with roasted tomatoes, fontina, pecorino Romano, Tabasco, poached eggs, bacon, caramelized onions and hash browns. 

  • American creative
  • Seaport District
  • price 4 of 4

A farm-to-table vision on the Seaport waterfront, Woods Hill Pier 4 uses ingredients raised with care to create modern, seasonal American fare. 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.

Don't miss: Beyond the food, the expansive harbor views from the enormous patio will make you fall in love with Boston all over again.

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  • Mexican
  • Allston/Brighton
  • price 2 of 4

The colorful, adaptable, cheesy, spicy, hearty cuisine proffered by Lone Star Taco Bar is everything you want for a hangover-helping brunch with friends. The Allston outpost of the Tex-Mex favorite 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. Both locations serve brunch every day until 4pm.

Don't miss: 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.

  • South Boston

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.

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  • Italian
  • South End
  • price 3 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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.

 

  • American
  • Seaport District

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.

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  • French
  • South End
  • price 2 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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).

 

  • Contemporary American
  • Fenway/Kenmore
  • price 3 of 4
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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.

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  • Japanese
  • Fenway/Kenmore
  • price 3 of 4

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.

  • Somerville
  • price 1 of 4

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.

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  • Italian
  • Back Bay
  • price 2 of 4

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.

  • American
  • Allston/Brighton

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.

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  • Soul and southern American
  • Seaport District
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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.

  • Mediterranean
  • Seaport District
  • price 3 of 4

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.

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  • Seafood
  • Back Bay
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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.

  • Back Bay

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.

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  • Hotel bars
  • Back Bay
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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.

  • Beacon Hill

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.

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  • Italian
  • South End
  • price 3 of 4

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.

More drool-worthy morning options

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