Breakfast in Boston

December 5, 2006 12:28 PM

What are good places for breakfast in the North Station area of Boston? When I go to the city on an early morning train I would like to start my day in the city with breakfast at something other than a fast food chain restaraunt or donut shop. These are pleasure trips and a walk over to the North End would be nice. I have been urban hiking in Boston for a great many years and am willing to travel a distance for a good breakfast.
posted by Raybun to Travel & Transportation around Boston, MA (12 answers total)

If you're going in on the weekend, get dim sum at the China Pearl in Chinatown. Some of the best dim sum on the East Coast, in my opinion.
posted by backseatpilot at 12:34 PM on December 5, 2006

If you're really willing to travel a little, one of the best breakfasts in the city can be had at Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe in the South End.
posted by dseaton at 12:45 PM on December 5, 2006

I just read that Volle Nolle in the North End is good, it's on Hanover St. The article I read mentioned steel cut oatmeal and pressed brioche. Here's an article from The Phoenix.
posted by jdl at 12:48 PM on December 5, 2006

Run, don't walk, to Paramount on Charles Street.
posted by JakeWalker at 12:58 PM on December 5, 2006

If you're willing to go to South Station instead, Chinatown is within very easy walking distance and has a couple of excellent bakeries that have been perfect for my pre-bus breakfasts.
posted by allterrainbrain at 1:07 PM on December 5, 2006

If you're up for a walk to the North End then you should most certainly go to the North Street Cafe, a personal favorite of mine, located on (gasp, you guessed it-) North Street. Its worth the hike and goodlord the french toast is a-maze-ing.
posted by Meemer at 1:08 PM on December 5, 2006

I second the Paramount. Check out the Beacon Hill Bistro -- also on Charles Street.

Consider walking behind North Station and the Garden, following the footpath over the Charles River Dam and Locks to the Paul Revere Park. At the edge of the park, climb the stairs and cross the street to Sorelle Bakery & Cafe, 100 City Square, Charlestown. You can also get there by exiting North Station and heading on Causeway Street towards the North End. Pass the Boston Garden (on your left) and take a left over the Charlestown Bridge.
posted by ericb at 2:30 PM on December 5, 2006

You'll have to hike back over the river, but John makes a mighty good (and filling) fresh breakfast sandwich at 2nd Street Cafe in East Cambridge.
posted by gregchttm at 5:48 PM on December 5, 2006

Walk to the Red Line and go to Brookline Lunch on Brookline St in Central Sq. They do a good, inexpensive breakfast.

Then walk back to North Station, tis about 1/2 hour walk and you can either along the river, or via the MIT campus.

gregcfttm & ericb: I'll have to try the places you suggest, most Sundays I'm a bit of a urban hiker in search of brunch!
posted by zaphod at 6:52 PM on December 5, 2006

zaphod -- other Sunday brunch favorites to check out...

In the South End: Aquitaine, Metropolis Cafe, Stella, Tremont 647 [caution: loud music] and Union Bar & Grille.
posted by ericb at 10:04 AM on December 6, 2006

[caution: loud music] refers to the website, not the venue.
posted by ericb at 10:51 AM on December 6, 2006

ericb: some of those seem interesting, thanks!
posted by zaphod at 4:30 PM on December 8, 2006