This morning I had brunch at a venue I've never been to before, Lucky's Lounge down in the Fort Point area. I had high hopes when I arrived. There was live jazz being played in a corner next to the bar and the crowd looked like a mixture of hip, young, possible artists from the area or perhaps on a field trip from Jamaica Plain or Cambridge. The lounge's atmosphere was pretty cool, too. The mood set by the live jazz was complimented by 1950s decor and included large photos of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack as well as an orange diamond-pattern tile floor and retro patterns on the light shades.
Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the expectations set by the atmosphere. My group waited nearly 45 minutes for simple things like pancakes and french toast. We thought that the restaurant might have been short staffed, but after looking around we noticed that there was actually plenty of wait staff walking around. Maybe the kitchen was having problems, though. Our waitress said that my tea was taking so long because they were having "hot water problems." We didn't ask what that could be exactly because we were too hungry after waiting for the food. When it came, however, the food was rather disappointing. My scrambled eggs had shells in them and my pancakes tasted like meat (I think they were bacon flavored, but it could've been sausage for all I know). Needless to say, I won't be going back to Lucky's for the food. The place was cool and the live jazz was great, but I can't eat there again. Perhaps the saddest part of the experience was reading that Boston Magazine listed Lucky's as one of Boston's Best back in 2004. How the times have changed.
Anyway, going there has inspired me to look for some new brunch locations. Usually I go to Victoria's Diner in Newmarket or Mike's Diner in the South End, but it would be nice to try some new places. I enjoy Gourmeli's in Copley Place, Donna's in East Boston, and Zocalo in Brighton - and will continue avoiding Sorella's in JP - but it's time to expand my knowledge of brunch places.
Suggestions are welcome.
I am partial to Centre St. Cafe in JP - but The Neighborhood Restaurant in SOmeverville's Union Square is DEVINE - make sure you opt for the Cream of Wheat over fruit, seriously.
Lucky's is better for the bar/night scene in my opinion. Never really considered heading there for brunch.
Posted by: jon | Sunday, February 11, 2007 at 11:47 PM
thanks for the recommendations, jon. i went for a friend's birthday. she had been before and wanted to go back for the jazz brunch.
Posted by: 3D | Monday, February 12, 2007 at 07:27 AM
Ashmont Grill in Dorchester is my choice. The brunch menu isn't as extensive as some places but the food is always good to excellent.
Posted by: Charles Swift | Monday, February 12, 2007 at 07:31 AM
The the Original Poster.
Please email me and let Lucky's have another chance. I would love to have you and your friends back down and be able to prove ourselves.
Sabrina Lucky's
Posted by: Sabrina | Monday, February 12, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Victoria Diner is great. If you're looking for a local neighborhood type brunch place, check out McKenna's on Savin Hill Ave, right next to the Savin Hill T Stop in Dorchester. You won't be disappointed.
Posted by: johnny diaz | Monday, February 12, 2007 at 11:46 PM
I enjoy brunch at Johnny D's in Davis Square, which also has a live jazz player or two.
Posted by: Ron Newman | Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 12:19 AM
I've been to Lucky's before for Sinatra Sunday and had a great time. I guess I won't be rushing there to try their brunch. Not a good sign when they can't get your tea together!!
The best brunch I ever had in in my life was at Cafe Fleuri at the Langham Hotel. It is truly amazing! Here is a link.
http://boston.langhamhotels.com/dining/restaurants_boston.htm#Sunday
Posted by: Anali | Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 10:39 AM
Wow! These are great suggestions. I'm looking forward to trying them all...and will also give Lucky's a second try.
Posted by: 3D | Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 07:27 AM
whattup neighbor. you might also want to check out Brothers in Mattapan, Poppa B's in Dorchester, Paramount on Beacon Hill, Haley House in Roxbury, the 50's in Dedham, s&S in Somerville, and Brigham Circle Diner in Mission Hill. yes, food and i go way back.
Posted by: POPS | Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 11:55 PM
aNYONE KNOW A GOOD PLACE FOR BRUNCH ON SATURDAYS...I HAVE FRIENDS VISITING FROM OUT OF TOWN AND THEY WANT TO DO A NICE BRUNCH BUT I DO NOT KNOW ANYWHERE THAT IS SPECIAL AND NOT OVERLY PRICED
Posted by: katIE | Monday, March 05, 2007 at 09:17 PM