Hoping to arrange a nice Sunday brunch somewhere in Boston/Cambridge for a group of maybe 8-10 family members who will have been together Saturday afternoon for a larger party. Needs to be somewhat casual but not overly noisy. Know Boston prices can be killers, hoping to avoid Henrietta's-Kitchen-expensive but don't want Denny's/IHOP either!

Suggestions?

The S and S deli in Cambridge might be an option. It's pretty casual, but it's a good place for brunch.

http://www.sandsrestaurant.com/

Thanks, Doh. Looks possible.

Would like to give at least 3 suggestions to SIL planning this -- anyone else?

Places that come to mind:

Brasserie Jo

Sel de la Terre

Petit Robert Bistro

Union

Stella's

Davios

Stephanie's on Newbury Street

Sonsies

*We also had a family gtg lunch when people were in town for something at the Marriott - off the highway so I think it would be Newton - it was much better than I expected and we had plenty of room and a long table/benches and a smaller table aside -

Don't know where everyone is coming from but you may want to consider a nearby hotel for everyone, which also makes parking or public transport often easier too.

ALso - when you say Boston/cambridge - does everyone have a car and want to drive somewhere or do you want public transporation available?
and would you prefer Cambridge?

You can also type "boston brunch" into the search this forum bar at the top of the page and there are some threads with suggestions that will come up, like this one:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=35002386

Thanks, those are great.

Just FYI: We're all trying to stick to public transportation (more out of respect for Boston winters and what they do to parking than for any political statement). This will be in early Feb., so probably something convenient to a T stop makes the most sense.

Charlie's Saloon on Newbury St. is fantastic for a brunch like this. Great location obviously, and most brush entrees are $8-$12 and come with a free bloody mary or mimosa. Plus, it's larger so you won;t be crowded. HIGHLY recommend it.

Cassandra:
you can always also check locations and directions by using

www.mbta.com

and the trip planner that is on the site

also

www.hopstop.com gives the same plus walking directions

I always double check the info just in case -

bookmarking AND ... last call, any other ideas? Thanks!

I second Stephanies!

ALso if you are looking for somewhere nice but good for kids, try Henrietta's table at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge. Its always voted the #1 family brunch place and is right at the Harvard Sq T stop on the Red Line. Huge buffet and really nice, fresh, delicious food.

Oops- just saw you wanted to avoid Henriettas. Right around the corner from that is the Greenhouse Cafe- right in the center of Harv Sq. Casual, good food, I;ve been there with big parties before. Im not sure if they take reservations but the wait is usually not longer than 30 minutes.

One more idea. www.chowhound.com for Boston is a GREAT restaurant site- I bet you could search and get some good ideas. Good luck

Thanks people. Last I was at Henrietta's buffet, it set me back more than $50 per person. Have they gotten more reasonable?

How about Johnny D's in Davis Square, Somerville. I haven't been in a while, but they used to do a great Sunday brunch with music.

Opps posted too fast. Also a plug for Christopther's in Porter Square. Both restaurants are on the Red Line and do brunch to order, not a buffet. If anyone in your party is driving, Johnny D's may well be easier to find parking, especially on a Sunday am.

I'm going to give my vote to East Coast Grill in Inman Square in Cambridge!

Fantastic food, casual fun atmosphere and a bloody mary bar for the adults

http://www.eastcoastgrill.net/