665883 Mon Nov 09 12:40:25 -0800 2009 15 12 Boston Area 0 5167765 I've made a few tries now at finding a good brunch in Jamaica Plain. First, I went to Bon Savor about a month ago. I sat at the bar, and got fantastic service. I had the Bon Savor Benedict, which was good, though the Hollandaise could have been seasoned better. My two companions had omelets, and both were very pleased. The coffee was good, but not good enough that I would go back just for coffee. Then, I went back to Bon Savor two weekends ago. We sat at a table, and the service was terrible. The waitress messed up our order, and must have forgotten to submit it to the kitchen for awhile. It took about ten minutes from the time we sat to get our coffees, and another five after she brought the coffees and told us she'd be right back to take our order for her to come back to take our orders. A little over half an hour later I got my soup, which I had requested to have at the same time as my sandwich, and she brought an extra soup. When we told her no one else ordered one, she went over our order as she clearly thought it was not her mistake. In addition to the extra soup, she got one order wrong, and left another off. Half an hour later, three of the four of us got our food. Ten minutes later, the fourth order finally arrived. I don't think the kitchen was to blame, because three tables being served by the other waitress came in after us, sat, ate, and left before we got our food, with no problems. My three companions all enjoyed their food, but mine, a croque monsieur, was not good. It was cold when it arrived, and the Hollandaise had broken. I imagine it was ready a half an hour before I got it, when my soup arrived. Yesterday, I went to Bella Luna for brunch. Service was okay, though our waitress seemed annoyed about something, like it was the end of her shift and she wanted to get the hell out of there. She also was not happy that I asked if I could have home fries instead of fruit salad with my breakfast burrito. The burrito itself was smaller than I was expecting, and was not great. My wife's french toast was okay, but not as good as your average diner. The meal was like what you'd get at a mediocre diner, but a few dollars more expensive. Can anyone suggest anywhere else nearby for breakfast or brunch? If it's not in Jamaica Plain, can you comment on the availability of parking? I'm close to a mile walk from the nearest T stop, and on mornings where I'm too lazy too cook my own brunch, I'm definitely too lazy to walk that far on an empty stomach. Mon Nov 09 12:40:25 -0800 2009 36408 danieljdwyer 1 5167809 Dogwood by Forest Hills T stop has a decent weekend brunch, parking is fair around there. Of course there's Centre St. Cafe which you'll stand in line for and Sorella's who seem to have expanded. Geoffrey's in Roslindale, Martin's Cafe in Brookline Village, Haley House bakery in Dudley Sq., Mike's Diner on Washington St. Mon Nov 09 12:54:42 -0800 2009 5167765 14253 Joanie 2 5167856 Your mention of Mike's Diner has auto-linked to a place in Canton. Is that the one you meant, or do you mean Mike's City Diner in the South End? Mon Nov 09 13:09:17 -0800 2009 5167809 18512 Allstonian 3 5169721 Obviously I meant the south end. I don't pay attention to what this stupid auto link is doing. I guess I need to manage or turn off or whatever. Tue Nov 10 07:16:41 -0800 2009 5167856 14253 Joanie 2 5169568 I rarely go out for brunch, but the last few times that I did, I went to the Dogwood, and I was pleasantly surprised. Tue Nov 10 06:06:36 -0800 2009 5167809 15202 eatanddestroy 1 5167823 brunch in JP? that's easy. either vee vee or centre street cafe. the line at centre street is not bad as long as you get there on the early side (9?), and eat alone or with one other person. (seating bigger groups takes longer.) both are great, and possibly my 2 favorite brunches in the city by, well, by a lot. Mon Nov 09 12:59:30 -0800 2009 5167765 22634 autopi 2 5167829 Strong second on Centre Street, with Autopi's caveats. Mon Nov 09 13:01:33 -0800 2009 5167823 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 3 5170053 I've never waited for longer than like 15 minutes at Centre Street Cafe even with a group of 4, regardless of what time I've gone. They're very good about moving the line quickly, and are constantly coming out to check on everyone. Plus, you can go in and get coffee, and everyone's always in very good spirits there. I'd imagine that one minute in line in July is equal to about 5 minutes in line in December, though... Tue Nov 10 09:11:34 -0800 2009 5167829 1108576 FinnFPM 4 5171053 Third (or fourth, or whatever we are on) Centre St Cafe. But my all time favorite in that area is Geoffrey's, in Roslidale. Just past the JP line, really friendly service, delicious food, including an incredibly decadent donut muffin. Plus, there's hardly ever a wait there (unlike Centre St, which yes, can be a tough wait.) Another spot that is rarely mentioned is Doyle's. Typically not a spot I'd recommend for eating, but I think brunch is their strongest meal. Pancakes are really good, and again, hardly ever a wait. Tue Nov 10 14:40:23 -0800 2009 5170053 11805 twentyoystahs 5 5171280 I have to second Geoffrey's. Love the donut muffin, love the corn beef hash and love the staff. Tue Nov 10 16:38:15 -0800 2009 5171053 11251 mapgirl 6 5171454 are they still doing it as a "disco brunch"? b/c that was kind of aggravating. the donut muffin was a bit sweet and heavy for my tastes--we inquired how it was made, and it involved an enormous quantity of butter. so, yes, quite decadent. Tue Nov 10 18:03:51 -0800 2009 5171280 22634 autopi 7 5172262 I honestly never noticed that it was a "disco" brunch. Might have been some disco in the background but it never felt overbearing to me. And yes, donut muffin is definitely rich, decadent and buttery, and that's what makes it so GOOD! We usually get one and share it with everyone at the table.... Wed Nov 11 06:03:45 -0800 2009 5171454 11805 twentyoystahs 8 5172628 yeah, that's the way to do it. a bite or two is probably about as much as you want. Wed Nov 11 08:23:55 -0800 2009 5172262 22634 autopi 2 5172444 Centre Street Cafe is the best in the neighborhood in my opinion! Yes, you can drink your coffee in line and I agree, the trick is that smaller parties are seated quicker. Service is casual, as expected, but a lot of fun. Waitstaff is always very friendly and cheery. Huge portions, small prices. You can always try Sorella's in Hyde Square for a true greasy spoon experience. Wed Nov 11 07:26:07 -0800 2009 5167823 135333 hazel240 1 5167830 Vee Vee on Centre Street has received nice praise for their brunch and they appear very busy. I haven't had their brunch but have enjoyed their dinners. Mon Nov 09 13:01:46 -0800 2009 5167765 13803 gourmaniac 2 5168408 Strongly second (or third) Vee Vee. Mon Nov 09 15:50:20 -0800 2009 5167830 259496 iloveporkbelly