Brookline Lunch

"The name is a bit of a misnomer; Brookline Lunch serves breakfast and brunch all day in Cambridge (on Brookline Street, to be fair; and sure, there’s lunch too). Dating all the way back to 1937, this old-timey spot has become especially popular in recent years for its pancakes, especially the baklava pancakes, which were originally meant to be a special but jumped to the regular menu. The rest of the breakfast menu is full of eggs: omelets, Benedicts, and such. Cash only." - Nathan Tavares

"Tucked onto Brookline Street in Cambridge, this family-run, cash-only restaurant can get busy during weekend brunch hours, so be prepared to wait in the line outside. But baklava pancakes and vegetable-accented Benedicts will ultimately be on the menu." - Erika Adams, Karen Wilber

"From breakfast quesadillas to spicy sausage shakshuka and za’atar egg bowls, there’s a little something for everyone at Brookline Lunch, a cornerstone of Central Square. Head here for breakfast or lunch, and don’t forget to bring cash." - Erika Adams, Rachel Leah Blumenthal

"Stop in at this cozy spot and you’ll see Jamal Abu-Rubieh cooking behind the counter. The walls are covered with local work by local artists and the pancakes are always hot and ready. You won’t find a friendlier bunch than the staff at Brookline Lunch." - Intrepid

"In addition to being a staple in Central Square, Brookline Lunch is an excellent brunch stop and a go-to for when you didn’t make a reservation. The essential details: incredibly charming, cash only, and outstanding baklava pancakes with homemade rosewater syrup." - Erika Adams, Karen Wilber, Terrence Doyle