Banq is just one of many newcomers doing brunch.
photo: Mike Ritter
Ah, the perfect brunch: eggs done just right, pancakes so fluffy they seem to float off the plate and Bloody Marys spicy enough to conquer the malaise caused by last night’s party. This cherished weekend ritual gets serious treatment in the Boston area. The South End is especially well-known for its Restaurant Row of brunch spots, including Metropolis Cafe, Aquitaine and Tremont 647 (which is famous for its come-as-you-are pajama brunch). Over in Cambridge, Blue Room is legendary for its Sunday brunch buffet, while other popular spots include Harvest and UpStairs on the Square in Harvard Square and Olé Mexican Grill in Inman Square. Back Bay newcomer Cafeteria just started offering Sunday brunch. Other new arrivals on the brunch scene include:
- Ashmont Grill: The à la carte menu at Chris Douglass' new Dorchester spot includes killer fresh-baked goods (Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM–3 PM; 617-825-4300).
- Banq: This swanky South Ender serves an à la carte menu (Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM–2:30 PM; 617-451-0077).
- Gaslight Brasserie du Coin: Do brunch Gallic-style, with crêpes and other French specialties, at this restaurant in the South End (Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM–3 PM; 617-422-0224).
- Highland Kitchen: This Somerville spot serves a Southern-style brunch (Sunday, 11 AM–2:30 PM; 617-625-1131).
- Kingston Station: This Downtown Crossing eatery is rolling out an à la carte brunch menu on Sept. 14th (Sunday, 10 AM–2PM; 617-482-6282).
- Johnnie’s on the Side: The hopping sports bar in the West End serves an à la carte brunch menu (Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM; 617-227-1588).
- Left Bank: Call ahead for this buffet spread in Tyngsboro’s elegant Stonehenge Inn – the menu switches to à la carte if the guest count is too small (Sunday, 10:30 AM–2 PM; 987-649-4400).
- Mooo...: On the brunch menu at this Beacon Hill steakhouse? Steak and eggs, naturally (Saturday and Sunday, 8 AM–2 PM; 617-670-2515).
- Scarlet Oak Tavern: Housed in a former Colonial home, this tavern features an à la carte menu with specialties like brunch pizza (topped with asparagus, ham, eggs and hollandaise sauce) and tenderloin eggs Benedict (Sunday, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 781-749-8200).
- Sixty2 on Wharf: Enjoy brunch in Salem with homemade doughnuts and other à la carte items (Sunday, 11 AM– 2:30 PM;978-744-0062).
- Vlora: An à la carte brunch is served all day long at this Mediterranean restaurant in the Back Bay (Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM; 617-638-9699).
– Naomi Kooker