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8 New Year’s Day Brunch Options Around Boston

Sleepily ring in 2022 with comforting brunches full of fried chicken, glittery mimosas, cereal-themed doughnuts, and fancy sushi

A big, thick piece of fried chicken sits between buns on a bed of sliced pickles and shredded cabbage
Fried chicken sandwich at the Porch in Medford, open for brunch on New Year’s Day.
Brian Samuels

Whether you’re planning on a New Year’s Day that’s fairly business as usual or you’re more likely to be sleeping in as late as possible, you’ll probably want to eat at some point. Here are eight local options for New Year’s Day brunch, from pajama-casual to high-end sushi.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.


For birria tacos and churros with a side of boozy cold brew:

Both locations of Yellow Door Taqueria will open for brunch service at 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day, offering the usual menu of tacos (chile duck, mushroom al pastor, coconut shrimp, and more); dishes like chipotle wings and watermelon salad; and brunch cocktails like bloody “marias” and micheladas. 2297 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, Boston; 354 Harrison Ave., South End, Boston

For an ultimate omakase feast:

Intimate Inman Square spot Momi Nonmi is offering three omakase options on New Year’s Day, starting at noon, ranging from $240 to $325 per person, with the latter including 25 courses of items like Hokkaido uni, Osetra caviar, A5 wagyu, and more. The restaurant can accommodate groups of two to 12 for the occasion. Fill out the form here to book a table; note that proof of vaccination is required. 1128 Cambridge St., Cambridge

For a doughnut-and-beer-filled pajama party:

Speakeasy Donuts is popping up at Night Shift Brewing’s Everett location from noon to 4 p.m. on New Year’s Day for a pajama brunch party with cereal-themed doughnuts; preordering is available ($4.50 apiece). Doughnut flavors include toast beer bacon (Night Shift beer icing, smoked bacon, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal), silly rabbit (hibiscus icing, Trix cereal), and more. 87 Santilli Hwy., Everett

For another beer and cereal option:

Over in the Seaport, Harpoon Brewery is hosting a New Year’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the theme “Spoons, Tunes, N’ Brews.” There will be a make-your-own-cereal bar, Fruity Pebbles pretzels, beer mimosas, old cartoons, and video games. Tickets are $35 and include one drink, unlimited cereal bar access, a take-home cereal bowl and spoon, and more. 306 Northern Ave., Boston

For Champagne and croque-madames:

Back Bay French restaurant Grand Tour will begin offering brunch for the first time starting on New Year’s Day, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a variety of Champagnes and brunch dishes like griddled bread pudding, a lamb burger, and shakshuka in addition to the regular menu. Reserve online. 314 Newbury St., Boston

For glittery mimosas, waffle-battered fried Oreos with ice cream, and Polaroids:

City Tap House is throwing a brunch party between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., completely with a DJ, Polaroid station, and specials like Big Mac pizza and loaded potato skins. Admission is free; all food and drink is priced a la carte. Reservations encouraged. 10 Boston Wharf Rd., Boston

For biscuits and beer:

The North Shore’s Biscuit Drop will pop up at Bone Up Brewing from 12 to 3 p.m. on New Year’s Day; there’ll be various biscuits, cinnamon bites, breakfast sandwiches, and other treats to pair with a Bone Up beer flight. Register online. 38 Norman St., Everett

For fried chicken and barbecue:

Medford’s the Porch Southern Fare & Juke Joint is accepting New Year’s Day reservations between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for those looking for a Southern brunch. Reserve online. 175 Rivers Edge Dr., Medford