family at brunch (family brunch restaurants in Boston

What’s better than brunch? Can’t think of much! It may look a little bit different these days when you’re surrounded by sippy cups and crayons, sharing highlights of the kids’ weekend sports and dance rehearsals instead of the previous night out on the town. But just because the scenery is different doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a delicious mid-morning delight! Check out this list of family-friendly brunch spots around Boston — there are so many great options!

North Street Grille 

229 North Street, Boston

Located in the North End, North Street Grille is a neighborhood spot full of comfort dishes — and it’s known as one of Boston’s best brunch spots. The menu is full of delicious items the whole family can enjoy, and with french toast sticks available no toddler could complain!

South End Buttery

314 Shawmut Avenue, Boston

With the word butter in its name, who could go wrong? This scrumptious spot has a menu that covers everything you could want, including pancakes, waffles, and a variety of egg dishes. And, plenty of delightful coffee options for the tired mama.

The Paramount

667 East Broadway, Boston
44 Charles Street, Boston

With two locations, this Boston staple is a can’t miss spot for family brunch! Visit them in either Southie or Beacon Hill, and you will not be disappointed. Warning: All it takes is one look at their menu, and you’ll be drooling — caramel and banana french toast?! Yes, please. 

Thornton’s Restaurant

150 Huntington Avenue, Boston

Serving breakfast seven days a week means Thornton’s knows what it’s doing! A straightforward, classic and reliable diner, Thornton’s is a perfect family-friendly spot for brunch. Their menu is HUGE, so even the pickiest kiddos can find something they like. 

Idle Hour Quincy

1464 Hancock Street, Quincy

Fancy, funky, fun, and right in Quincy — that pretty much explains it all! The brunch menu is relatively small, but it includes all the must haves — plus lots of shareables and creative cocktails. 

The Painted Burro

219 Elm Street, Somerville
99 Third Avenue, Waltham
32 Church Street, Cambridge
1665 Beacon Street, Brookline

Get this — bottomless brunch. For $25 per person, their menu is all you can eat for an hour and a half! Drinks, desserts, and sides are extra, but if you are bringing a hungry family you can try a bunch of things and get an amazing bang for your buck. With three locations, including the newest one in Harvard Square, this is your spot for a mix of Mexican specialties and American favorites! 

Stephanie’s on Newbury

190 Newbury Street, Boston

Stephanie’s is definitely a more upscale choice, but with their sophisticated comfort food the whole family can enjoy a yummy meal and then window shop with a stroll down Newbury street. And can we discuss cinnamon monkey bread?! 

Ball Square Cafe 

708 Broadway, Somerville

Serving breakfast and lunch all day, every day, Ball Square Cafe in Somerville is a great kid-friendly brunch spot. Try the Celtic green omelet or one of their four pancake varieties (also available gluten free!).

The Friendly Toast

35 Stanhope Street, Boston
1230 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge
199 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill
Plus locations in Burlington, Danvers, Dedham, North Andover, and Portland, ME

When it comes to classic family brunch spots in Boston, the Friendly Toast is it — and it’s as friendly as it sounds with a casual and fun atmosphere the whole family can get into. For the beverage fans at the table, they have several kinds of cocktail flights (yes, please). While they don’t take reservations, you can join the waitlist online and enjoy the neighborhood until your table is ready!

Theo’s Cozy Corner

162 Salem Street, Boston

If you’re calling your restaurant cozy, WE ARE IN. This adorable spot in the North End has all the brunch delights you’d crave — in a great, walkable neighborhood. 

Monument Restaurant and Tavern

251 Main Street, Charlestown

For the best brunch in Charlestown, look no further than Monument Restaurant and Tavern. With everything you could want on the menu — and things you couldn’t even think of, like pumpkin cheesecake french toast — you will not be disappointed with this choice.  

This article was first published in 2021 by Deanna Greenstein and was updated for 2024 by Colleen Lubin!

Deanna Greenstein
Deanna is a mom of five (yes, five) children, who lives in Brockton with her small circus of kids, her husband, their dog Penny, and a few cats. Her life is loud, energetic, mostly fun, often gross (did she mention four of those kids are boys?), and she wouldn't have it any other way. In between carting kids to school, baseball, gymnastics, guitar, dance, track and field and every other kid activity known to mankind, she works as a school bus driver for the city of Brockton, and is the Director of Religious Education at the Unity Church of North Easton, a Unitarian Universalist congregation. Deanna also holds degrees in Elementary Physical Education and Dance Education, which she plans to put back into use one day. At parties, Deanna can often be found hanging out with family pets. She follows her children around with a camera like the paparazzi, is pretty sure that 97% of her blood stream is made of coffee, and her laundry is never done. You can also find her blogging at https://eighteenmoreyearsofburpsandfarts.wordpress.com