Considered the most important meal of the day, a good breakfast or brunch is the only way to start your day off right. The weekend is a time for rest and relaxation, and nothing ensures that like good food and good company. Home to some of the best restaurants in Boston, it’s no surprise that the Back Bay has several stellar brunch spots. Here are our five favorites:
MAX BRENNER
We’ve written about this unique restaurant as a romantic Valentine’s Day stop, but Max Brenner has tasty treats for all occasions. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, “the bald man” specializes in chocolate-infused meals. Breakfast and brunch are no different as a diamond-dusted sugar buttermilk biscuit, spiced home fries & a pure melted chocolate lick accompany most choices. One of the most decadent and delicious options is the Illegal Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Pancakes topped with 70% dark chocolate cream, pure milk chocolate shavings, spiced pecans, and caramelized bananas.
745 Boylston St (617) 274-1741
Brunch Times: Weekdays until Noon
Weekends until 3 PM
THE FRIENDLY TOAST
This Portsmouth, NH and Cambridge favorite has finally made its way into the heart of Boston. Known for its experimental brunch options, The Friendly Toast has one of the most interesting menus in the Back Bay. The King Cakes— two “mini” pancakes with bananas and chocolate chips inside peanut butter—put a new spin on your typical flapjacks. Breakfast burritos are pretty common, but this establishment offers tacos filled with avocado lime sauce, jalapeno-jack cheese, scrambled eggs, black beans, and salsa. For those looking for a late-night feast, The Friendly Toast is open until 2 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.
35 Stanhope St (617) 456-7849
Brunch Times: All Day, Every Day
STEPHANIE’S ON NEWBURY
This brunch spot has a menu full of delicious options, and it has a stellar location. With a large outdoor seating area smack dab in the middle of the busiest section of Newbury Street, it is hard to find a better place to people watch while enjoying brunch and some cocktails on a sunny day. Contrast sweet and savory by starting brunch with the Cinnamon Monkey Bread, followed by the spicy egg shakshuka. The signature cocktail at Stephanie’s is the Build Your Own Bloody Mary, giving patrons free reign to create their ideal drink with any combination of vodkas, mixes, and garnishes.
190 Newbury St (617) 236-0990
Brunch Times: Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM – 3PM
TRIDENT BOOKSELLERS & CAFE
The fourth brunch specialist on our list strives to feed both the body and the mind. Doubling as a cafe and bookshop, people flock to Trident for a multitude of reasons. The Lemon Ricotta French Toast, made with thick sliced challah and lemon cheese filling and topped with blueberry sauce will change the way you see French toast forever. Pair one of the many mouthwatering meals with a fresh mixed fruit juice, smoothie, or even bubble tea.
338 Newbury St (617) 267-8688
Brunch Times: All Day, Every Day