kwren

We'll be visiting our son at Boston University Sunday and would like to take him out to brunch. Can anyone recommend a place within decent driving distance of BU (in other words, not an hour away) and where parking isn't too difficult?

Thanks - this will be a nice break for our son!

cw

Do you want to drive somewhere? Because almost anywhere in Boston is easily accessible from BU by taking the T. Meters are not in effect on Sunday so you could leave your car near BU.

One thing to watch is the baseball playoffs. IF the Red Sox move up to the division final (I'm trying not to jinx them), there will be a game played on Sunday. I don't know if it would be in Boston or away. A game at Fenway will affect driving near BU, especially if the game is mid-day.

In Kenmore Square, you could try Eastern Standard or Island Creek Oyster Bar. There is Gaslight in the South End (and they have a parking lot). East Coast Grill in Cambridge is fun and you can find parking.

If you head towards Brookline (next to BU) you can take a look at Lineage or the Fireplace. Both have easy on-street parking.

I'm sure others will weigh in with more suggestions. Make a reservation soon though (even if you cancel tomorrow), Boston is busy on the weekends.

Ackislander

He may have ideas as well.

Lineage is nice and only about 150 feet from the Green Line Coolidge Corner stop. People tend to wear what the British call "smart casual", which may or may not Appel to a student.

Across Beacon Street and further down Harvard Street is Zaftig's, a roaring non-kosher Jewish deli/restaurant with vast servings of everything you would expect. Between the two is Regal Beagle, a neighborhood bistro with food that is much better than the name would suggest.

The hardest place to find parking will be near BU, doubled, redoubled, and vulnerable if the Sox are playing. This creates an almost perfect storm of traffic before and after the game.

PS I also loved East coast Grill for many years but haven't been since Chris Sleshinger left, so iam glad to see cw recommending it.

china_cat

If the Red Sox advance...and lets be real, this seems pretty likely...there WILL be ALCS games in Boston on Saturday and Sunday. I haven't seen times, but FOX likes these things inthe later afternoon or primetime, and there is only 1 game on Sunday, so my guess is it will have a late start and not interfere with brunch.

But probably you should not drive anywhere. parking is expensive, getting around town confusing. Take the t, or take a cab, or walk.

I really like Eastern Standard, and they have valet parking (although you can probably walk there from most of the BU campus). I love Island Creek also, but believe they serve a fairly limited lunch/brunch menu and probably wouldn't recommend it unless you are craving oysters or other raw bar food.

I've heard really good things about the brunch at Mistral, though admittedly I've never been.

Have any of you guys been to brunch at the Blue Room recently? it used to be my favorite place for brunch, but rumor has it that it has gone downhill.

kwren

Thanks for all the suggestions!

We will stay away from the raw seafood. My son would definitely not appreciate that!

Juldie

Drive to the Neighborhood Restaurant in Somerville. If you have the time he will love it! The brunch is awesome. It is a cool experience for him to discover while living in Boston. My son who lives in Jamaica Plain told me Honk Festival is going on this weekend but not sure where it is and when in terms of traffic. Enjoy your time with you son! Very special time spent.

iowamom

Great to see a mention of Zaftig's! DH is going there for lunch today - I am so jealous!

kwren

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Very helpful. I'll be looking at them today and/or tomorrow... and will let DS have a say too!

china_cat

I had another fun idea, if it appeals. Go to Mary Chung's in Cambridge for dim sum. There is a convenient public parking garage a couple blocks away.

china_cat

PS... the Red Sox are playing at 7:30PM on Saturday and 8PM on Sunday. this will be good to know if you are staying near BU. Also, this weekend is Columbus day, and its going to be ridiculously crowded. Make sure you have reservations for meals. Otherwise you will wait.

kwren

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Just reporting back that we opted to park at BU and walk to Eastern Standard. It was really good - even my 'chicken fried rabbit with chive waffles'! We also loved the warm chocolate croissants and ordered an extra basket of just those! Yum!

cw

Wish I had a chocolate croissant right now! Glad you had a nice brunch and it was great to meet you at the Boston GTG.

kwren

You too cw! Such a great weekend...and about time I finally got there!