Boston's Best Morning-After Brunch 2008

A sizzling subterranean lounge heats up Fort Point Channel with retro cool.

Reviews:

• “Had fun but didnt live up to the hype”
• “Bangin’ Steak Tips, Great Service”
• “All-around great night out”
• “Very Disapointed!”
• “Over priced and under satisfied…”

Tips: The bar has no sign out front. Look for a red glow pouring out of its windows, and then find the obscure entrance on the corner of Congress and A streets.

Lucky’s or email Lucky’s

Welcoming Charles St. restaurant has been serving fluffy French toast and savory steak tips since 1937.

Reviews:

• “Decent at Best”
• “Cheap, tasty eats”
• “You might want to go to the McDonalds drive-thru if you’re looking for a comparable experience”
• “loved it”
• “Can’t go wrong…just don’t go during busy times”

Tips: The Paramount’s eggs and pancakes prove very popular on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Expect to wait or show up early.

The Paramount or email The Paramount

Warm indoor expansion adds extra layer of comfort to Boston’s queen of sidewalk dining.

Reviews:

• “Nice Brunch”
• “Atrocious Food”
• “I absolutly love this place.”
• “REALLY POOR DINING EXPERIENCE”
• “Uptight atmosphere, disgusting food, even worse service”

Tips: Prices on meaty entrees bump up the bill, but regulars know to pick the dinner-sized salads or the comfort-food classics at two-thirds the cost.

Stephanie’s on Newbury or email Stephanie’s on Newbury

Beautiful people and quirky, creative cuisine distinguish one of the South End’s trendiest restaurants.

Reviews:

• “not a regular”
• “647 Tremont St., Boston, MA: Lobster Mac & Cheese, and Pork Chili with Sweet Potato”
• “Moderate food, great service”
• “Great service, great food, interesting cocktails”
• “STAY AWAY!! TERRIBLE FOOD!”

Tips: There’s nary a parking spot to be found for non-residents after 6pm; spring for the $12 valet parking and save yourself the aggravation.

Tremont 647

The famous and trendy may eat here, but well-executed dishes go beyond fashionable fare.

Reviews:

• “Rude clientele but great menu in a nice space”
• “Great lunch and dinner”
• “Excellent!”
• “Great place”
• “Hottest Scene in the city”

Tips: Weekend nights are extremely busy: Make reservations or expect to wait. Or enjoy the same menu and environment on weeknights, which are less crowded year-round.

Sonsie

Massive margaritas and affordable Tex-Mex fare combine to yield one of Harvard Square’s most popular restaurants.

Reviews:

• “The most disorganized and lying management ever!”
• “Easy, cheap and fast!”
• “Do not go there as the folks running the place are extremely rude!”
• “HORRIBLE service (especially manager)”
• “Good food, horrific attitude”

Tips: Vegetarians take heart: The restaurant offers a full page of meatless menu options.

Border Cafe

Creative Mediterranean-tinged fare and a popular weekend brunch, served in the heart of the South End.

Reviews:

• “Cozy South End Restaurant”
• “Coming from a former server…”
• “The Best Small Place in Boston !”
• “Bad Brunch”
• “Decent Brunch”

Tips: Couples looking to enjoy a quiet conversation are best served to wait until off-peak hours, as the cramped quarters lead to little elbow room and overheard confessions.

Metropolis Cafe or email Metropolis Cafe