Updated 2008-09-08 04:35
| Centre Street Café If you’ve ever driven down Centre Street in JP on a weekend morning and seen that seemingly aimless queue of people, this is the reason. Bostonians from all corners of the city wait through winter’s chill and summer’s boil alike — sometimes for an hour or more — to sit in this intimate room and partake in the city’s best weekend brunch, a deluge of fresh fruits and veggies that smother unsuspecting stacks of pancakes and waffles. The always-changing menu features an arsenal of stratas, bennys, and the mighty Cuban Scramble, a noble antidote to the ubiquitous greasy-spoon joint with its plentiful plantains and black beans. 669 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. Mon-Fri: 11:30 a.m. -3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 617.524.9217. |
| Mike’s City Diner Bill Clinton once stopped in for breakfast here, devouring the eggs and grits while raving about the ham cut from the bone. The high-profile visitor didn’t do much to put the place on the map. He didn’t need to. For years, Bostonians have flocked to Mike’s for an eclectic menu, generous portions (especially of mashed potatoes) and great prices. 1714 Washington St., Boston. 6 a.m.-3 p.m., daily. 617.267.9393. |
| Masa If Southwestern is your style, why harbor that craving until dinnertime? The South End’s Masa is truly a unique spot for your weekend brunch, serving gourmet dishes like Huevos Rancheros with Queso Cotija and Salsa Ranchero, Crisp Tortillas and Black Beans Topped with Crema ($7.95) and Breakfast Tacos/Creamy Scrambled Eggs and Vine Ripe Tomato Salsa (small plate $3.95), but that doesn’t mean they skimp chocolate-chip pancakes and Texas toast. No one said you wouldn’t want to come back for dinner. 439 Tremont St., Boston. Brunch: Sat-Sun: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner: Sun-Wed: 5-10 p.m. (drinks: 12 p.m.); Thu-Sat: 5-11 p.m. (drinks: 1 a.m.) 617.338.8884. |
| Renee’s Café Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, Renee’s is one thing to, well, everyone. Their one thing is brunch, and they do it well. The atmosphere is not unlike a truck stop, but with gourmet food. Seriously, you’re not gonna get an apple, ham and brie omelet at a truck stop. You’d probably get beat up if you asked for that at a truck stop. You won’t get beat up here though. 198 Holland St., Somerville. Wed-Mon: 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 617.623.2727. |
| Sound Bites The code of this tiny little greasy spoon used to be “get ‘em in, feed ‘em, get ’em out,” but since they became less tiny (they expanded next door) and became less greasy (they expanded their menu) the experience is much more relaxing. And the line out the door every weekend morning is a testament that it’s still as delicious as ever. We suggest the strawberry-stuffed french toast on challah bread, with a fruit cup on the side (not so you’ll feel less guilty, but because the fruit is so dang fresh). 704 Broadway, Somerville. Brunch: 7 a.m.-3 p.m., daily. Dinner: Tue-Sat: 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. 617.623.8338. |
| The Paramount Restaurant One of the coolest things about this Beacon Hill mainstay is the way they handle their inevitably huge brunch line. You’re not allowed to sit down at a table until you have your food, and somehow it always works. Probably because the breakfast fare is so friggin’ yummy that people wolf their food down so quickly that they make vacancies for the people in line without even trying. If you’re not one for the long line ritual, go for dinner or go during the week. The scene then is a quiet contrast to the weekend mob. 44 Charles St., Boston. Mon-Thurs: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. 617.720.1152. |