Have you ever woken up Sunday morning and wanted to go to brunch, but had no idea where to go? With so many good brunch places in Boston, it can be hard to choose just one. But don’t worry — we’ve compiled a list of the best brunches in Boston and sorted it by taste and atmosphere, so you can choose based on what you’re feeling. From the classic diner to more upscale restaurants, this list has got it all. Happy brunching!
Something more unique than your typical pancakes and eggs: The Painted Burro
Photo courtesy of @paintedburro on Instagram
You’ve never had brunch quite like this. With its Mexican inspired menu, the Painted Burro offers brunch items like huevos rancheros tacos, avocado eggs Benedict, and French toasts with Mexican chocolate or plantains. Plus, they give you free chips and salsa — what more can you ask for?
#SpoonTip: Try the iced coffee horchata — it made our “50 Things to Eat Before You Die in Boston” bucket list.
Killer pancakes and huge portions: The Friendly Toast
Photo by Haley Abram
This unique restaurant has now expanded to Back Bay, so everyone who didn’t want to wake up early to trek to their Cambridge location can rejoice. Not only does this restaurant have a cool retro atmosphere, but it also has generous portions and hilarious entrée names like “Hunk of Burnin’ Love Baby.”
#SpoonTip: They don’t take reservations, but you can download the No Wait app, which lets you put your name down and wait in the comfort of your own home.
Food to nurse your hangover: Mike’s City Diner
Photo by Nancy Chen
After a night out, sometimes you just need some good old carbs. Plus, eggs are proven to help hangovers. Good thing Mike’s has plenty of both. Their corned beef hash is famous, they have massive portions, and all of their dishes come with more home fries than you could ever finish.
#SpoonTip: Don’t be swayed by the line — it moves fast since service is fast. But do everyone a favor and don’t linger over your food.
The best variety: Alden & Harlow
Photo by Dyan Khor
Alden & Harlow’s brunch is served tapas-style, meaning that you share a set of small plates. They recommend at least five plates between three people, so if you have more people, you can literally try the entire menu.
#SpoonTip: Even though it sounds kind of gross, you have to try the croissant toad in the hole. It was hands down the best out of the brunch dishes we tried.
The best, slightly upgraded classics: Café Luna
Photo by Nancy Chen
Everyone has their favorite brunch foods, whether it’s french toast, eggs benedict, omelets, pancakes, or waffles. Café Luna has all of the above, but adds unique twists to their menu with items like a lobster and avocado omelet, a steak and lobster BLT benedict, and cookie monster french toast. For those die-hard avocado lovers, you can also add avocado to any plate for an extra charge or replace cheese with avocado.
#SpoonTip: Their food comes out quickly, but while you wait, grab some crayons and doodle on the paper tablecloth.
Vegetarian comfort food: Veggie Galaxy
Photo courtesy of @veggiegalaxy on Instagram
If you thought that vegetarians only eat carrots and lettuce, think again. This Cambridge eatery has diner-style classics like pancakes, hash, and benedicts that just happen to be vegan or vegetarian. Oh, and did I mention they have poutine?
#SpoonTip: Breakfast is served all day here, so if you wake up at 3 pm (#oops), you can still brunch here.
Unique location: Trident Booksellers & Café
Photo by Kaely Gallagher
Trident does what no other bookstore has done before and has built a café right into their bookstore, meaning that you can browse while you wait. Their extensive menu spans just about everything, from build-your-own-omelets to bubble tea.
#SpoonTip: You can sub in tofu for any egg dish if you’re vegan.
Brunch on a weekday: Brownstone
Photo courtesy of @eikosi on Instagram
One of the perks of California was that most places were open for brunch on weekdays. Here in Boston, almost no restaurants are open for weekday brunch. Brownstone is the exception to that. So next time you want to brunch it up on a Friday, hit this place up.
#SpoonTip: Their duck and sweet potato hash is a Yelp favorite.
Cute neighborhood café: 3 Little Figs
Photo by Nancy Chen
If you’re in the Somerville area or just feel like taking a trek out there, make sure to brunch at 3 Little Figs. It’s a quaint neighborhood café with amazing coffee, toasts, and breakfast sandwiches.
#SpoonTip: It can be hard finding a seat at this small café, so don’t be afraid to split tables with strangers.
Dim sum: Hei La Moon
Photo courtesy of @spoonuniversity on Instagram
If you’re ever craving dim sum, Hei La Moon is the place to go. It’s the classic dim sum experience: white tablecloths, round tables, dim sum carts piled high with every type of Chinese food imaginable…
#SpoonTip: Don’t be afraid to try something you don’t recognize. Just go for it.
Pizza for breakfast: Coppa
Photo courtesy of @coppaboston on Instagram
Who said you can’t have pizza for breakfast? This “hang over pizza” with bacon, sausage, and mozzarella is definitely a whole lot classier than leftover Domino’s and is topped with over easy eggs.
#SpoonTip: Make a reservation, as this is a super popular restaurant.
Classy French food for cheap: Gaslight
Photo courtesy of @gaslightboston on Instagram
Gaslight has a ton of French classics like crêpes and moules frites, but if you’re on a budget, go for their $12 prix fixe brunch. It includes your choice of juice, coffee, or tea, Julia Child’s spiced shortbread, and your choice of entrée.
#SpoonTip: If Gaslight is full, their sister restaurant Aquitaine also does prix fixe brunch.
Food that won’t make you food coma: Mother Juice
Photo courtesy of @motherjuice on Instagram
Sometimes you want a decadent brunch, and sometimes you want to eat a brunch that won’t make you feel disgustingly full or heavy. Mother Juice is perfect for those days when you’re feeling something lighter; their menu features fresh juices and smoothies, all kinds of gluten free toast, smoothie bowls, overnight oats, chia pudding, and more.
#SpoonTip: For those of you who don’t want to make the trek to the Cambridge location, Mother Juice is also located in the Boston Public Market.
The best breakfast sandwich: Mike & Patty’s
Photo by Dyan Khor
Mike & Patty’s Egg Fancy is a breakfast sandwich worth getting out of bed for. In between the two slices of local Iggy’s bread are everything you could ever want in a in breakfast sandwich: fried eggs, perfectly crispy bacon, avocado, onions, and melted cheese.
#SpoonTip: This spot is small, so grab a seat if you see it. Otherwise, if the weather’s nice, take your sandwich to go and eat it in a nearby park.
Good bagels (and bagel sandwiches): Bagelsaurus
Photo courtesy of @kylekleinphoto on Instagram
It’s 100% worth it to make the trek to Porter Square for these bagels. So many people (New Yorkers, New Jerseyans, and just about everyone else) complain about the lack of good bagels in Boston. Well, Bagelsaurus has them. With options like sea salt and pretzel, along with your typical everything and plain bagels, there’s something for everyone.
#SpoonTip: Get there early, because when they sell out, they’re out. And make sure to try the hot smoked salmon breakfast sandwich — you won’t regret it.
A place for brunch with your girlfriends: Tatte Bakery & Café
Photo by Nancy Chen
You and your girlies can share a shakshuka or a pastry basket with goodies the size of your head. Or you can do both — no judgment here.
#SpoonTip: Although their muesli isn’t as famous as their shakshuka or their nut boxes, it’s definitely worth a try. Get a bowl, not a cup.