A go-to brunch spot in Boston since it opened in Cambridge in 2014, The Friendly Toast has since expanded to seven locations in and around the Boston area, including a particularly buzzy outpost in Back Bay. This is the first spot people think of when they think of brunch in Boston. Customers love the restaurants' quirky, eclectic vibes, and the huge breakfast and lunch menu makes sure everyone in your party is satisfied. The Friendly Toast has mastered the art of breakfast and makes everything in-house, from their freshly baked bread to their hollandaise sauce.
The vibe: Vintage diner meets your favorite thrift store, where every surface is covered in retro relics, such as album covers, funny old signs**,** and pop art, and the furniture is delightfully mismatched. This isn't your grandma's brunch spot (despite the vintage decor). The venue is often rocking with loud music playing over the chatter of diners, and plates clinking in the kitchen.
The food: Filling, delicious, diner-style. The menu is massive, so be prepared to pore over it when you arrive—or scan it before you go to save some time. Breakfast is served all day in the form of omelets, French toast, pancakes, chicken and waffles, and no fewer than four types of Eggs Benedicts. Lunch crowds can find a variety of sandwiches and burgers, along with rice bowls and salads.
The drink: The drink menu is equally as bountiful as the food one, with several types of cocktail flights, 14 flavors of mimosa (acai, watermelon mojito, blood orange…), three Bloody Marys, and a yummy selection of boozy coffee drinks. There are plenty zero-proof drink options, too—from a variety of juices to lemonade to coffees, cocoas, and mocktails.
Time Out tip: Reservations are accepted during the week, but weekends can be tricky. The Friendly Toast makes waiting easier by allowing customers to join the waiting list and track their wait times via its website.