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Boston's Best Places For Graduation Brunch

Eating out in a restaurant before graduation is not easy. The graduates are running around getting dressed up, preparing speeches, planning parties and trying to get out the door in time. That is why brunch is such a popular post-graduation activity and Boston has graduates, friends and families covered. There are brunch joints in every corner of the city. Live music, unusual menus, buffets and more are all possible for local graduates on their big days.

Stephi's In Southie
(Photo Credit: Stephi's In Southie)

Stephi's In Southie
130 Dorchester Ave.
Boston, MA 02127
(617) 345-5495
www.stephisinsouthie.com

Stephi's in Southie is a local favorite that has a diverse weekend brunch menu everyone from children to grandparents can appreciate. The menu includes dishes like Bloody Mary steak tips and eggs, open faced Thanksgiving sandwich and buttermilk pancakes. This place is all about comfort food so if the day is cool, try a warm pecan sticky roll or some baked beans. There are also several healthy options such as salad and a vegetable Panini on wheat.

Related: Best Not-So-Cliche Ways To Celebrate Graduation Around Boston

Empire Garden
(Photo Credit: Empire Garden)

Empire Garden Restaurant
690 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 482-8898
www.empiregardenboston.com

If the graduate wants something different to eat, try Empire Garden. This dim sum restaurant is located in an old theater and retains some of its original decor and charm. It serves classic Cantonese dim sum, so be ready for that taste experience. The great part is that everyone can enjoy small portions without committing to a large dish because of the way dim sum is served. If pancakes and eggs are preferred, this is not the place. If something a bit different and definitely cultural is more desirable, Empire Garden is perfect.

East Coast Grill
(Photo Credit: East Coast Grill)

East Coast Grill
1271 Cambridge St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 491-6568
www.eastcoastgrill.net

Sunday brunch at the East Coast Grill offers many diverse choices. Go for a Mexican food by starting with guacamole and move on to a southern comfort food with a fruity cornbread French toast. This is the place to get an eclectic brunch that is done cleverly. There is even a raw bar. This particular blend of cuisines is not available in many places so make sure to take advantage. The menu may not be very big, but it is big enough for everyone to find something interesting and delicious to eat.

Meritage
(Photo Credit: Meritage)

Meritage
70 Rowes Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 439-3995
www.meritagetherestaurant.com

The Meritage underwent renovations in early 2015, but is back up and running as of early April. Brunch will be in full swing on graduation day. The fine brunch menu includes well thought out dishes like cinnamon and raisin brioche French toast and oysters on the half shell. It is three courses with several options for each course. This certainly is not for the casual diner. Save this one for graduates who can appreciate this type of menu.

Related: Boston's Best Restaurants For Brunch

Ryles Jazz Club
(Photo Credit: Ryles Jazz Club)

Ryles Jazz Club
212 Hampshire St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 876-9330
www.rylesjazz.com

Jazz and brunch go together nicely and Ryles does both well. Teens who enjoy music will definitely appreciate this destination for their graduation brunches. The menu is American breakfast cuisine which takes up the bulk of the menu with options like corned beef hash and bagels. The real draw is the music and it pulls in a crowd. Make sure to get reservations online before graduation day, as Ryles can fill up quickly for brunch.

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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