Lunch/Brunch place recommendation

[lizpriven]

Coming to Boston first weekend in March to celebrate my sons 21st birthday. He lives in Back Bay area close to Newberry Street. I would love some suggestions on where to have a lunch or brunch. Preferably not a seafood restaurant.

[justbeingpolite]

Open Table just sent out an email with ratings of top 10-lunch spots. Bravo in Back Bay was number 1. Never been there. (of course, Not Your Average Joes Dartmouth was 4, just ahead of Petit Robert Central, kind of all over the place aren't they?)

YMMVG (greatly)

[bear]

Yikes. Two NYAJ's in the top ten? Kind of ruins opentable's credibility.

[Blumie]

I haven't seen the email, but I can't imagine opentable rated anything. Either they ranked the restaurants by how many reservations were made there, or they ranked them based on reviews provided by opentable users. In any event, I rely on opentable for reservations, but certainly not for reviews.

[emannths]

I have friends that like the brunch at Trident Booksellers. No reservations though.

http://tridentbookscafe.com/

[C. Hamster]

My guess is he is up at the Mass Ave end which leads me to suggest Eastern Standard.

But there are lots of possibilities. What kind of food and price point?

[lizpriven]

Yes, at the Mass Ave end, near Berklee. I have a reservation at Eastern Standard but would like to find another option as well. Something within walking distance and is not only Seafood. I'm less concerned with the cost then with menu.

[justbeingpolite]

Parish cafe for lunch? Oh Berklee School of Music, not Berkeley St. Well, a little farther walk, but good sandwiches.

[kimfair1]

Eastern Standard has many options that are not seafood. Their food is excellent as well.
Not too many brunch spots at that end of Newbury.

[mkfisher]

Is asking your son an option? I'd imagine a 21 year old living near Newbury St. (not Newberry) would have some places he enjoys.

[lizpriven]

Good suggestion but he will not have a clue. He's a student and doesn't got to many restaurants.

[Blumie]

On the higher end, I love Mistral, just a short walk from Newbury St. And they take reservations. Brunch is served Sunday only.