This has been one of my most requested posts and I figured it would be more helpful to share my favorite go-to brunch and lunch spots in Boston since I share it so randomly on social media. It would be way more helpful to organize it into a list. Boston is not the biggest cities out there but there certainly are a lot of delicious spots to grab a small bite or grab brunch with friends.
So let's get started!
Juliet | Union Square, Somerville, MA
Union Square is one of those places that are a bit tucked away but worth the trip. I stumbled upon Juliet when I was grabbing donuts in Somerville. To my surprise, it was much more than a cafe! They have seating, a bar, and a cafe. Brunch here is definitely worth the wait (especially if you come on a Sunday). The portions are perfect, not too much and not too little. One bite into my toast and I could taste the freshness in the meal. This is a lovely place to grab a quick bite and catch up with friends, or even if you need a relaxing place to get away and work on some things on your laptop, there's a lovely window seating.
Earls was always one of those places that sounded like it would always be crowded and standard meals but to my surprise, their brunch options are delightful. There's also a special happy hour for brunch! I mean how can you not right? Everything I've had so far has been delicious but my absolute favorite is the chicken and waffles. The syrup is sweet and spicy and perfect to complement the waffle and chicken. This is definitely worth the trip! And if you're here...you might as well check out all of the shopping surrounding Earls!
Ogawa was the place I went to because of their matcha goodies. But recently they've introduced some new food options to their menu. They're more so lunch/dessert options but nonetheless still absolutely delicious and worth every penny. I've had many of the sandwiches but this egg salad sandwich has got to be my favorite. I love how they have little sets that come with a side of salad and yogurt too. All of this paired with their delicious matcha latte makes the perfect meal!
For those who want a vegan option, this has got to be my favorite! I use to be vegetairan..once upon a time.. but oh my goodness I love love love the brunch and lunch options at Chloe's. The mushrooms taste like bacon... the avocado burger is way more satisfying than any typical burger joint, and this taco salad is the perfect bowl. Nothing is too heavy so you won't be in a food coma after. There's also delicious acai bowls, freshly pressed juices, and of course a mini bakery with vegan-friendly goods.
Jugos was introduced to me by a friend and I have been crazy obsessed with the supremo location for so long. The meals range from sweet to savory and the portions are just right. You can stop by for a light smoothie bowl or if you want something more hearty, you can grab one of the larger dishes. The juice is also freshly pressed and I never left feeling anything less than satisfied. I also love the location, right smack dab in south end on Tremont street. If it's nice out it's definitely worth taking a walk down Tremont and visiting other small stores as well. My absolute favorite dish is the "sexico" filled with sweet potatoes and avocado and toast!
I love love love Frenchie. This is one of the holy grails of brunch food. Though they offer dinner and a full bar I cannot stop coming back for their brunch options. There's a perfect balance of the right amount of savory dishes and sweet dishes. Frenchie always satisfies all of my brunch cravings. Best to make a reservation because there is always a wait. The crepe is filled with bananas and Nutella and melts in your mouth, the potatoes are so fresh and delicious, and the croissant is the perfect balance of buttery yet crispy. I cannot stop recommending this place!
Caffe Bene has had a special place in my heart since I first tried it in New York. I was so happy to hear that they opened one in Boston! It's right at Symphony near the Longwood medical area and the schools. It's about a 15-minute walk for me from school and work so it's one of my favorites to grab something sweet or have small sandwiches. But more so I'd say that this cafe is geared more towards sweet tooths like myself. The shaved ice and Belgium waffles are my favorites!
Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Greater Boston, MA
Oh Tatte, the "it" cafe of Boston. It feels like it's impossible to ever grab a seat here but now due to popular demand, there are so many locations scattered throughout the greater Boston area. I really enjoy the small pastries and the fruit/nut cups the most but food wise, I love the quiche which is complemented with a small side salad. But I've also had their meals here and I must say the quality is phenomenal. It's a lovely cafe with a gorgeous aesthetic and definitely "instagram-worthy" and a cute place to hang out with a small group of friends.
I LOVE WAFFLES. Anyone who knows me knows how much I enjoy waffles, especially Belgium waffles. Zinnekens holds a special place in my heart because it's so delicious I don't need any type of syrup or toppings. But I do enjoy having these with some Oreos and fruit. I love taking friends here for a quick snack or breakfast. But let's be honest I don't care about the time of day I can enjoy these bad boys at 10pm for all I care.
I was never a fan of oatmeal growing up (probably because I've always had microwaved oatmeal) but WOW the OAT shop makes the best sweet and or savory bowls ever. My go-to favorite is the bacon and egg one drizzled with some sriracha in it, the sushi bowl, and the berries and nuts. Don't underestimate the size of the bowls, they're incredibly filling! It's located right at the T station in a lovely area that's exciting to walk around after brunch.
Yes I know I'm obsessed with acai bowls. I had one of the best acai bowls at PRESSED. It's perfectly sweetened with almond butter, honey, delicious granola and has just the right amount of toppings so that it doesn't feel like you're just eating a fruit smoothie. I've also enjoyed their squash lasagna bowl and their avocado toats, both also excellent choices. A lovely hole in the wall if you need a quick and healthy brunch. Something to also note it's a tiny bit of a small shop so it's nice for one on one brunches.
Okay, don't be upset that I'm listing a salad joint as a brunch option. I thought the same thing when I first heard of sweetgreen. But a friend of mine highly recommended it and I decided to try it one day. OH MY GOSH how can a bowl of salad taste so delicious and perfectly filling? I have no clue how they did it but I am so happy it exists and I love sweetgreen so much. The stores are all so lovely and a great place with lots of seating. My favorites are the kale caesar and the miso bowl. Yes yes yes!
I am crazy about donuts and went through a huge phase where I tried out almost every since gourmet donut place in the greater Boston area. Blackbird has my heart because of the option to cut your donuts and stuff them with ice cream. Cheat breakfast meal? I think Yes! The donuts are so delicious and fluffy and perfect with ice cream. I love the unique flavors. I know this doesn't technically count as a brunch joint but donuts are breakfast too right?
Dig inn is one of those places I cannot stop coming back to. This is one of the first cafes I always take people to when they ask me for a lunch spot. I never really come early enough for their breakfast options but they are just as good! All of their products are fresh and organic from local farms ensuring nothing but high quality. Trust me you can taste the amazing quality. My favorite is the salmon with broccoli and brown rice. That's just my personal go to but you can pick pretty much anything to make your own perfect lunch bowl.
Have you ever been to a place where it was 5 stars with over 400+ reviews? JJ's caffe definitely lives up to the hype but is located a bit further away from the city. Expect a long wait but trust me when I say it's worth the wait. The staff is incredibly kind and literally, everything tastes just as good as it sounds. The creme brulee french toast will forever hold a special place in my heart as well as the hangover benedict. If you have a means of transportation JJ's caffe is a must!
I always knew about the cafe part of Loyal Nine because I dined at their actual restaurant first. It wasn't my favorite but the cafe part made up for it. I had the best breakfast sandwich of my life here. I'm still dreaming of it too... the cafe is a bit small but still a lovely place to play catch up on work or with a friend. Matcha tea and their soy latte are also incredibly delicious when paired with their lunch!
And you've reached the end! To be honest this isn't even everything on my list. I've been living in Boston for well over 5 years now and I made it a habit to constantly try new places because it was so easy to get too comfortable. I know Boston isn't New York or Los Angeles, but there's still plenty of delicious places to try and so much food to eat! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions at all and I hope that this post helps!
