Delicious Breakfast Spots in the South End Neighborhood
Where to get the best breakfast in the South End neighborhood of Boston
The South End neighborhood is equally as known for delicious food as it is for beautiful historic architecture. At least in our eyes. The Upton’s location has a walking score of 99% and we are lucky to be so close to these beloved Boston breakfast spots. Check out this roundup of the best breakfast places for pastries, coffee, and smoothies, located in the South End near The Upton.
Raspberry and Chocolate Donut from Blackbird Donuts
1.Cafe Madeleine
517 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118
10 minute walk from The Upton
A truly hidden gem. This quaint, unassuming French café serves wonderful pastries, coffee, and hands down the best cinnamon bun that we have ever had. A crispy caramelized crust on the outside gives way to moist and tender dough within. Go on the earlier side because they often sell out by 10:30am, despite the fact that their cinnamon bun keeps an extremely low profile. You can also call and reserve them in advance. I’ve driven 45+ minutes to get these cinnamon buns, so you are in a privileged location. The shop is on the small side so plan to eat the cinnamon bun outside. If the weather is nice you can enjoy the cinnamon buns a quick 3 minute walk away at Titus Sparrow Park.
2. Greystone Cafe, Bakery, & Provisions
123 Appleton St, Boston, MA 02116
4 minute walk from The Upton
Greystone Bakery opened up this year and has already quickly become the South End neighborhood’s go-to spot. Run by a mother and daughter team, Greystone serves a variety of coffee, beverages, pastries, and breakfast & lunch treats. They have a takeout window that faces the street where they accept orders and it could not be more convenient. The takeout window makes grabbing and going effortless. We are starting to wish all coffee shops offered coffee this way! If you are a coffee person, definitely get their coffee. If you are up for something different, we highly recommend their golden turmeric latte with oat milk. The only way to describe it would be flavorful, creamy goodness. The indoor seating is currently closed but check their website to see updates on opening. Their food is made in-house every morning and we love their cheddar biscuits and croissants.
3. Blackbird Donuts
492 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
6 minute walk from The Upton
This is not your average donut shop. They serve artisanal donuts with flavors like everything bagel, bubble gum, and s'mores. The menu is limited and sells out fast so go early! Last time that we were there they had a donut cake comprised of cider donuts with a brown sugar filling and vanilla glaze topping. Buy this cake slice for the doughnut lover in your life instead of cake. I bet that Blackbird might even be able to sell the entire donut cake on request. If you are with someone who prefers savory, they also sell delicious sandwiches at their sister restaurant located in the same space, Sally’s Sandwiches. The donuts are so good that they opened up a second location near Fenway.
South End Buttery Location on Shawmut Ave.
314 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118
4 minute walk from The Upton
The South End Buttery is a quintessential neighborhood spot for any meal of the day. They have two storefronts that are located directly next to each other to suite dining in or dining out experiences. The first storefront contains ample seating if you want to get some work done, and serves coffee, pastries, and fast-casual lunch options such as salads or sandwiches. The location next door is much smaller and contains a selection of to-go prepared foods – think roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, gourmet salads, as well as a wide assortment of desserts (hence the “Buttery” in their name). Their desserts include carrot cakes, cupcakes, cookies stuffed with frosting, and more.
5. Flour Bakery
131 Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02116
9 minute walk
Flour Bakery + Café is a local Boston favorite that was started by celebrity chef Joanne Chang. There are two bakeries in Boston that everyone will tell you to go to – and this is one of them (the other is Tatte). We also highly recommend Tatte. Flour Bakery is bread & pastry centric, and also offers an assortment of savory lunch options. My favorite item here is the Butter Breton, which is similar to a caramelized croissant. Their Boston creme pie is known to be one of the best. Check if flour is offering a take home kit to bake at home - this could be a great activity for later…if you ever get hungry again! The take home kits are well packaged and can survive travel too should you want to bake it after your Boston departure. Flour has several locations throughout Boston.
Jugos is a small smoothie and juice shop that makes some of the best that we have ever had! Go here when you are in the mood for a lighter breakfast or to cool up on a summer day. Wash down all those sweets with a refreshing smoothie or juice. I haven’t had a juice or smoothie there that I have not liked, but one of my favorites is their Nantucket smoothie which has nantucket oats, blueberry, cinnamon, banana, honey, almond milk. Don’t be deterred by the fact that they are located next to the Back Bay train station. They are terrific!