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Library Grill
The Top List of Best Brunches - Boston, MA
Whether you prefer breakfast or lunch, enjoy it in style and sophistication
by Cynthia Atoji & Dana Braga
Whether you prefer breakfast or lunch, enjoy it in style and sophistication at one of these brunches that offers something for everyone in your family.
LIBRARY GRILL AT THE HAMPSHIRE HOUSE
84 Beacon St. Boston, MA 02108
(617) 227-9600
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sun.-10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
This elegant turn-of-the-century mansion on Beacon Hill is the ideal setting to enjoy the famous Sunday Jazz Brunch. Make a reservation for the one of the city's hottest tables and listen to live clarinet, bass and piano while overlooking Boston's Public Garden. The beautiful fireplaces, mahogany bookcases and portraits recreate the feeling of high society Boston circa 1900s. The Zagat Guide selected the Jazz Brunch as one of Boston's Top Five restaurants for brunch and it's one of the longest running in the city. Start off by indulging in one of the Hampshire House's world famous Bloody Mary's - they even sell the mix. The food portions are generous and the menu is a la carte. Start with a bowl of traditional New England clam chowder or the Sunday Soup. Try the Belgian waffle, Eggs Benedict or the three-egg Library Omelet. Lunch-type choices include Maine Lobster Hash, Sautéed Shrimp and Scallops. Watching your waistline? Opt for The Healthy Librarian, an Egg Beater omelet with tomato, ham and grilled asparagus. After brunch belly up to the Cheers bar to wash down your meal with a cold Sam Adams, located downstairs (just like on television!)
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30-$40
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open,Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open
PHILLIPS OLD COLONY HOUSE
780 Morrissey Boulevard Boston, MA 02122
(617) 282-7700
Hours: Daily 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Phillips Old Colony House serves a classic New England menu set within the decor of the English countryside and the comfort of an English hunt club. Located just 3 miles from downtown Boston, it has a friendly family-like atmosphere. A hearty buffet brunch is served on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It features carved meats, breads, omelets, Belgian waffles, hot entrees, dessert table and fresh fruits. The mimosas flow and the food stays hot. Kids will have a good time here too.
Brunch is $14.95 for adults and $8.95 for children under 12; children under 5 are free.
Estimated cost for dinner per person =$20-$30
Holiday schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open
ANDOVER INN
4 Chapel Ave. Andover, MA 01810
(978) 475-5903
Hours: Sunday Brunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dinner Mon.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-9:45 p.m.; Sun. 5 p.m.-8:45 p.m.
Treat yourself to an extravagant brunch in a refined atmosphere at the Andover Inn, located on the historic campus of Phillips Academy (former President George Bush's alma mater). The Inn is just 25 miles north of Boston and worth every minute it takes to get there. You'll enjoy classically prepared cuisine in and elegant setting. The extensive brunch menu includes such traditional favorites as French toast, made-to-order omelets, carved prime rib, assorted breads, danish croissants, bagels, mixed field greens, seasonal fruits and a dessert table.
Brunch is $28 for adults and children $18.
Holiday schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open
MERITAGE THE RESTAURANT
In the Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
(617) 439-3995
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Mon.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sun. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
If you want a room with a view—plus unforgettable New England fare served with wine-friendly cuisine—Meritage The Restaurant awaits you. Take in expansive water views while you savor Black Pepper Rolled Seared Rare Yellowfin Tuna in Zinfandel Butter Sauce. Fresh ingredients are key to Chef Daniel Bruce’s thoughtfully prepared dishes, which include Nantucket scallops, Vermont pheasant and New York State foie gras. Finish off your meal with Warm Cranberry Brulee, Sugar Plum Pithivier and Red Currant Butter Cake. The exquisite wine list changes seasonally and includes producers from the annual Boston Wine Festival. Brunch is $60 per person, $28 for children under 10 and free for children under 3.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $50-$60
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day-Open, Valentine’s Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Year’s Eve-Open
SONSIE
327 Newbury St., Back Bay, Boston, Mass. 02115
(617) 351-2500
Hours: Lunch, Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Dinner, Sat.-Tues., 6-11 p.m.; Wed.-Sat., 6 p.m.-midnight; brunch Sat. and Sun., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Looking for a classy place to spend a Sunday morning? Sophisticated Sonsie is the place to be seen for Boston Brahmins. Enter through the elegant French doors into a grown-up version of Starbucks. You won’t find iceberg salad here; instead, savor the Red Leaf Salad with Cucumber and Tomato with Warm Crispy Goat Cheese. The brunch menu includes the eclectic pizzas that Sonsie is famous for, baked in the brick-oven. In the summer, you can enjoy Cornmeal Batter Fried Shrimp with Pink Apple Coleslaw at the open sidewalk café, while people-watching on Newbury Street. For after-dinner drinks, sink into the deep leather chairs near the mahogany bar while you enjoy a classic martini. Brunch is $9-$16 a person.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15-$30
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day-Open, Valentine’s Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year’s Eve-Open
TOP OF THE HUB
800 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02199
(617) 536-1775
Hours: Mon.-Thur. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.; 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Lounge: Sun.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-12:45 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-1:45 a.m.
Located on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Tower, it is as close to heaven as you can get in Boston. You'll dine under the stars while indulging in a bird's-eye view of the city. The menu is loaded with graceful and elegant New American cuisine and there is also a late-night lounge menu. Different jazz groups entertain while you dine, but don't worry, the music does not interfere with table talk. At the buffet you'll indulge in such culinary delights as cinnamon French-baked toast, tenderloin beef, smoked brisket, Maine crabmeat cakes, spring salad and chilled fresh fruit.
Regular Sunday brunch is $38.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $40-$50
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open
UPSTAIRS ON THE SQUARE
91 Winthrop St. Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 864-1933
Hours: Lunch: Mon.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Brunch: Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Diner: Nightly 5:30-11 p.m.
Upstairs at the Pudding, a local institution, has moved and changed its name, but the tradition of excellence continues. There’s no ho-hum cooking here; the joie de vivre of the old Pudding comes out as Square meals with imaginative flair. Start your Sunday brunch with comfort food, Homemade Muesli with Toasted Oats, Almonds, Apricots and Coconut over Honeyed Yogurt; your egg-loving companion can indulge in an Omelette with Baby Spinach and Sheepsmilk Feta. And for dessert? Yum: a plate of three Signature Milk Chocolate Pecan Turtles. You’ll wish for just one more Turtle morsel to savor. Brunch is $12-$20 a person.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15-$30
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year’s Eve-Open
RYLES JAZZ CLUB
(617) 876-9330
212 Hampshire St., Cambridge 02139
Hours: Dinner: Mon.-Sat. 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Brunch: Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Feast on Ryle’s noteworthy Jazz Brunch while kicking back and listening to some of the best live jazz in Boston’s. The omelets are outrageous, including Pesto Omelette with Jarlsberg cheese, broccoli, mushrooms and onions, or the Boursin Omelette with Boursin cheese, sautéed spinach, mushrooms and onions. Of course, you’ll have to indulge in a snappy Bloody Mary or fresh strawberry Mimosa. A pecan roll, loaded with pecans, will satisfy any morning sweet tooth. Choose from three different types of French Toast—Bavarian, Croissant or French, all served with warm syrup. For dinner, Ryles has introduced unforgettable barbecue dishes. Brunch is $8.50-$15 a person.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10-$25
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day-Closed, Valentine’s Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year’s Eve-Open
HENRIETTA'S TABLE
1 Bennett St. (in the Charles Hotel) Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 661-5005
Hours: Breakfast: Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-11 a.m.; Sat 7 a.m.-11 a.m; Sun 7 a.m-10:30 a.m.
Lunch: Mon-Fri 12 p.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Brunch 12 p.m.-3 p.m. Dinner: Sun-Thurs. 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m.
Henrietta's is one of the top tables in Boston and The Improper Bostonian voted it the Best Brunch for 2000. The restaurant's motto is "fresh and honest" and that's what you get. As you step into the restaurant, you are surrounded by a bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables and regional foods. If it's comfort food you want, then you won't be disappointed. Chef Peter Davis has created a hearty New England brunch menu featuring a raw bar with Wellfleet oysters and jumbo shrimp, made-to-order omelets, carved meat of the day, waffles, bagels, salmon, bacon, eggs, sausage and unlimited orange juice, coffee and tea. Make sure to bring your appetite to this all-you-can-eat extravaganza and save room for one of Henrietta's unique desserts.
Estimated cost per person for dinner= $20-$30
Holiday schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Year's Eve-Open
AMRHEIN'S RESTAURANT
80 West Broadway St. South Boston, MA 02127
(617) 268-6189
Hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun 10 a.m-8 p.m.
This is one relaxing brunch - so just wake up, roll out of bed and come with the kids. Located in Southie, Boston's predominately Irish section, Amrhein's is a true neighborhood restaurant that has been around since 1890. Photos of local Irish politicians, past and present, line the walls in the dining room. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere says, "Welcome home." The all-you-can eat buffet brunch features omelet and carving stations, eggs Benedict, hot entrees, waffles, salads, fruit and decadent desserts. The huge parking lot is a plus in a section of the city where parking is a nightmare.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15-$20
Holiday schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open
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