Food

Think ’Fast

Outdoor Breakfasting. Here’s How It’s Done.

Some things are better left outdoors. Like bonfires. Or skeet shooting. But also: breakfast. Which is why we’ve taken the liberty of rounding up five of the best morning meal providers that will also gladly provide you with a place in the sun. And eggs.

FOR THE SURF AND TURF BREAKFAST

Precinct Kitchen + Bar

The Scene: A couch-filled, below-street-level patio outside of what was once the Boston Police Department’s headquarters. It’s more fun now.
The Breakfast: Maine lobster omelets, and steak and eggs with hollandaise. It’s the most important lobster-and-steak meal of the day.

FOR THE CLANDESTINE BREAKFAST

The Wholy Grain

The Scene: Sure, this tiny café has some chairs out front. But you and someone you possibly shouldn’t be seen with are going straight for the hidden backyard deck.
The Breakfast: Stromboli stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, ham and cheese. Aka Breakfast Stromboli. Or you could get a fruit cup instead. Kidding.

FOR BREAKFAST IN THE GARDEN

The Neighborhood Restaurant

The Scene: A sun-soaked terrace under hanging grape vines where you’ll reflect on the beauty of nature but mostly eat things.
The Breakfast: Near infinite combinations of pancakes, home fries and omelets with Portuguese sausage. For when non-Portuguese sausage just isn’t going to do the job.

FOR THE HIGH-MINDED BREAKFAST

The Map Room Café at the BPL

The Scene: Sure, you could always eat in the Map Room Café itself. But maybe go for that enormous courtyard immediately outside of it. Yes, the one with the huge fountain.
The Breakfast: Bagels, croissants, muffins, cinnamon rolls, lemon Danishes, ginger scones... sorry. We didn’t know there was a word count.

FOR THE POWER BREAKFAST

Oak Long Bar + Kitchen

The Scene: A 20-seat patio outside of the Fairmont Copley Plaza. In case you can only breakfast outside of imposing hotels.
The Breakfast: A ham-and-cheese omelet is always a safe bet. But nobody ever suspects the ham-and-cheese pancakes. File under “delicious power move.”