Brunching at Boston Chops

Ever since moving out of the South End a couple of years ago, I jump on basically any chance I get to go back. If money and parking were no object, I would move back in a heartbeat — I get very attached to places and the feelings they elicit, and the South End always just made me feel so good. Maybe it has something to do with the million dogs that inhabit the neighborhood, or the gorgeous brownstones and really grown-in buildings shaded by old, wise trees. The uneven sidewalks, awesome coffee shops, and countless food options. It’s a wonderful place.

Boston Chops is a new edition to the neighborhood since I’ve been gone, and a place I’ve been wanting to try since it opened in early 2013. I’m not typically a big fan of the average steak house, but with Chef Chris Coombs at the helm, Boston Chops seemed to offer something more.

I recently joined a small group of Boston Brunchers on a Sunday afternoon to check out their brunch offerings. The outdoor patio was full when we arrived mid-afternon, the the actual restaurant itself spotted with customers. From the moment I arrived, service was very attentive and friendly. We were seated and had some time to look over the menu, before ordering a round of Island Creek Oysters for the table. They were spectacular, as always.

After we’d ordered, but before all of our food came out, we were served complimentary pecan sticky buns, and donuts with chocolate sauce, which were basically very light and airy churros. Both were tasty! The donuts came with a really bitter dark chocolate sauce, which was a nice compliment to the sweet donut. The pecan sticky buns were of the miniature variety, and had a really nice, yeasty flavor to them. They were served in little cast iron skillets, and I may or may not have scooped excess caramel and pecans off of the bottom with a spoon…

After we sampled the sweets, we ordered a round of drinks. Our fantastic server Lindsay, who was extremely personable, friendly, and knowledgeable, convinced me to try the Maple Berry Smash. Made with bourbon, maple syrup, strawberries and basil, I was hesitant because I’m not a bourbon drinker, but it was really well-balanced and so delicious. As you can tell from the photo below, it was a very popular option. Had I not chosen this drink, I would have picked the Prime Raw Bloody, which is a Bloody Mary served with a raw oyster and a jumbo cocktail shrimp.

There were a lot of really delicious-sounding entrees, so I really surprised myself by picking one of the more simple-sounding dishes. In lieu of ordering the Surf & Turf, which featured lobster grits, a 4oz beef tournedo, poached egg, and hollandaise — or the Brisket, Shank & Grilled Tongue Hash with a 2 hour egg, frites, cheese curds and gravy – I ordered the Turkey Sandwich. However, it wasn’t just your average turkey sandwich – no – this one was served with bacon, mornay sauce, fresh tomato, and fries. I got an over-easy egg on mine, just to make it that much more over the top. And it was really delicious! The egg was perfectly cooked, and the bacon was thick and meaty. The sandwich came with a lightly dressed arugula salad, which was a nice accompaniment — the sandwich, while wildly flavorful, was definitely heavy, and very salty. I still really enjoyed it, and polished off my leftovers just a couple of hours after leaving.

I also got to try the lobster grits (not pictured) which were served with the Surf & Turf, and those were really yummy — exceedingly buttery, with chunks of lobster throughout. The rest of the meal, I heard, was quite good, and the Huevos Rancheros, Fried Chicken, and French Toast also got good reviews. It seemed that all around, the consensus was pretty positive!

A big thank you to Boston Chops, Chef Coombs, and Boston Brunchers for inviting us in for this tasty brunch! I look forward to heading back for a dinner at some point soon.

Disclaimer: This brunch was provided to me free of charge by Boston Brunchers. I gladly provided a $10 tip. As usual, all opinions expressed here are my own.