Best Brunch in Boston

Washington Square Tavern is an upscale neighborhood hangout where Brookline locals flock to enjoy fabulous New American cuisine at communal tables, or a bit of banter at the bar (often with the ever present, and extremely friendly owner). Lights are set low and create a sense of calm that permeates the entire place. A low key evening of conversation with strangers awaits. The word "rush" does not seem to be the dictionary here, because no one makes you feel that you can no longer linger over your last few sips of beer or bites of brunch. The live Jazz playing in the corner pairs well with a Mimosa or Bloody Mary.

A casually elegant interior is swanky without being stuffy. Small tiles seem to glisten from the light reflecting off their shiny surface. The lively bar scene is the perfect place to sit solo and order a light meal, or a simple snack including something from their impressive selection of raw bar essentials even during their brunch hours. Enjoy the leisurely scene at one of their many private or communal tables, or opt for a patio seat; with warming stations you can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air well after summer ends and much in advance of when it begins. Gaslight's brunch is as inviting as its atmosphere; order a few things to share from their sweet and savory options to create your perfect brunch.

J's is perfectly set among the vineyards of the Nashoba Valley Winery in breathtaking Bolton, Ma. About one hour outside the city you'll find a serene setting that is sure to please all of your senses. The food, simply prepared using the freshest ingredients, is a pleasure for your tastebuds, and paired with wines direct from the Nashoba Valley Winery you'll be certain to have the perfect glass to accompany your dish. Serving lunch, dinner and brunch, this restaurant gets filled fast with foodies, as well as tourists sauntering in from a tour of winery or fresh from picking fruit from the orchard. Brunch is a top notch buffet that often draws a crowd, and patio seating is at premium when the weather if perfect.

The Painted Burro brings something different to the Boston brunch scene- a Mexican inspired menu! In addition to their over the top appetizers and creative tacos (like the spicy favorite- white gulf "diablo"), you'll also find an endearing list of Mexican inspired breakfast items. Including the over the top vaquero hash: a combination of 2 fried eggs, achiote-braised pork, potatoes, kale, roasted poblano, onion rajas, & chipotle mayo that will dazzle your taste buds. The modern Mexican decor of this happening Davis Square restaurant creates a cozy feel that welcomes diners to linger with one of their interesting tequila based cocktails.

Everything you'd expect in a steakhouse sits under the roof of Abe and Louis. This well-known, Back Bay restaurant corners the market when it comes to tasty steaks, and even wins kudos for it's fabulous raw bar, but a little known fact is that Abe & Louis serves one decadent brunch. In addition to savory egg dishes, and sweet breakfast renditions, you'll also find a long list of Abe & Louis famous steaks; just as good for brunch as they are for dinner. The interior is elegant and dark, like you'd expect in a steakhouse, decorated with brass, mahogany, and marble accents- dark enough to fend off the pesky Sunday morning sun, and a welcome respite for sipping a hangover helping Bloody Mary.

Area Four boasts an ideal setting for tech savvy Kendall Square. The modern digs house both a constantly packed coffee shop and a restaurant that caters to the locals who love it. Those in the know are aware of Area Four's mind boggling good brunch menu. Served Saturday and Sunday mornings, their menu is more than bacon and eggs but nothing overly fancy. The perfect mix of menu favorites, like the must try A4 Mozzarella- house-made and served with Apple-Cranberry Relish Crostino and hearty breakfast choices like the very popular Hot Mess-a savory combination of eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, caramelized onions, cheddar, scallions & pickled banana pepper that has a loyal following. Top it off with a brunch cocktail and you'll have enjoyed the perfect start to your day.

Walking into Catalyst you're met by a sense of calm, the large space is filled with inviting elements that make you want to find a seat and stay there for a very long time. The double sided fireplace is surrounded by benches begging for you to take a seat and hanging from the wall you'll see live greenery adding a splash of color to the industrial chic decor. But what makes Catalyst special is their food. Serving a brunch that starts with appetizers invites a family style experience for the first part of the meal. Their freshly baked scones and cinnamon skillet coffee cake could fill you before your main course, but don't let them as the brunch entrees are even better. In the spirit of eggs benedict, you'll find a breakfast that could satisfy a movie star- a poached egg atop a tournedo of beef sitting on a pile of grits all doused in hollandaise. Don't forget a brunch drink, the Bloody Mary is an unexpected take on the classic- served with gin rather than vodka.

Viewing the Boston skyline from the outer, upper decks of the Odyssey while slowly setting sail around the Harbor erases all worry. Fellow cruisers are dressed to impress as the Odyssey dress code inspires you to don only your best attire. The refined crowd varies in age and is far from stuffy; as the cruise wears on you'll find the dance floor filling up and the outer decks abuzz with cocktail party type chatter. Offering a variety of cruise options that range in price (topping out at over $100 per person for a Saturday night dinner cruise) there is sure to be one that will perfectly suit you.

This eclectic restaurant, located in the elegant Charles Hotel, emphasizes New England-inspired dishes, and the use of fresh local ingredients has become one of Henrietta's most enduring qualities. Farmhouse-chic decor distinguishes the interior, and sidewalk seating is available, weather permitting. A three-course, a la carte brunch is featured on Saturdays, but Sunday's brunch is the one you should not miss. Having won well deserved awards over the years, they manage to take the stigma out of the word buffet by serving fresh fare favoring local ingredients. Platters of perfectly seasoned grilled vegetables, a cheese plate that includes delectable terrines, and pates, a raw bar overflowing with jumbo shrimp and Wellfleet oysters and bagels with all the trimmings welcome you to fill your plate as often as you'd like.