Everyone has their staple weekend brunch food, be it a classic eggs benedict, or a stack of pancakes and maple syrup, but this funky hole-in-the-wall will make you reconsider. Step through the medieval wooden doors into a retro diner known as The Friendly Toast.
This is The Friendly Toast’s second location, with its first being across the river in Cambridge. This new location is more accessible to students in downtown Boston on lazy mornings.
This place is a complete retro takeover. Period artwork covers every inch of wall space, while neon signs beckon you towards the cozy bar in the corner. The artwork is so shocking you don’t even notice the bright green walls and exposed brick.
Photo by Haley Abram
Once we were seated, we noticed the cream and glittery red upholstered booths and chairs. The upbeat music completed the awesome, vintage atmosphere.
The Friendly Toast has an endless amount of brunch items to satisfy any customer. From classic breakfast plates to a pulled pork eggs Benedict there’s nothing you can’t find on this menu.
Not only do they have an insane amount of options, but they’re also open until 3am, making brunch available to anyone at all hours.
Photo by Haley Abram
At this point we were ready to eat.
I got the “Smoked Salmon Benny,” their version of a smoked salmon eggs benedict served on top of house made whole wheat toast alongside rustic home fries.
This innovative dish was out of this world, still getting the salty flavor that normally comes from the Canadian bacon, but instead from the smoked salmon. The whole dish worked perfectly and didn’t leave anything to be missed with this new twist.
Photo by Haley Abram
My photographer Haley ordered the coconut cakes. This massive pancake (it was recommended that she order just one — they’re just that big) was filled with chocolate chips, shaved coconut, and topped with coconut sauce and pecans.
It wasn’t too sweet, and the coconut wasn’t overpowering. The pecans were the perfect addition of salt and crunch.
Photo by Haley Abram
In addition to these dishes, we ordered an extra side of home fries (because they were just that good), and a side of the corned beef hash. The two were also delicious, and made even better when dipped in the restaurant suggested combo of sriracha and ketchup.
All in all, The Friendly Toast is not your typical breakfast destination, but it definitely should be. This cool new spot, just a quick T ride from campus, is worth the effort it takes to get up on the weekend.