Food

Kicking the New Year off with a leisurely brunch has become a tradition of sorts with us. In past years we have cooked at home or gone to Masa; this year I decided to mix it up and put the Boston brunch question out on Twitter. I received a few responses, but when Susie mentioned that Papagayo had a brunch buffet for $20.12, all you can eat, I was sold.

Papagayo is within reasonable walking distance to our home, so the initial plan was to walk over, being that New Year’s Day was warm and all. My bronchitis or whatever I have had forever had other ideas, so we opted to drive. The best thing about New Year’s Day? Boston was SO quiet, there was plenty of street parking, and we easily got a table at brunch. My only gripe with Papagayo during our great experience was that, in an empty dining room, they seated us right next to another table. I understand not wanting to have a server run around too much, but giving us even one table as a buffer would have been nice. I like my space.

Papagayo, located in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood, is brightly decorated, and they use the high ceiling, urban space very well. Exposed brick and pipes overhead give it a cool, industrial look, while all of the paint and pictures make it feel like a fiesta. I loved it.

Our waiter was incredibly friendly and helpful. First up were our orders for Bloody Marys. The brunch included a make-your-own Bloody Mary (or Bloody Maria) bar, so instead of ordering a drink, you just ordered vodka or tequila, and it was brought out over ice in a pint glass. I got the vodka, and my husband got tequila, and we were off to mix up our drinks!

The bar featured tomato juice or V8 or a special house Bloody Mary mix, which we both went with. There was also horseradish, a large variety of hot sauces, veggies like carrots and jalapenos for garnishing, and a spice table with garlic powder, celery salt, and other add-ins.

I added a heaping spoonful of horseradish to my drink, along with some hot sauce, garlic powder, jalapenos, and a squeeze of lime. It was so much fun to be able to make our own drinks, and they were delicious!

The brunch buffet was beautiful and replenished with fresh food a couple of times during our meal. I grabbed some of the chicken chilaquiles, Mexican eggs Benedict (YUM), chipotle potatoes, and of course, the Alote a la Parilla, grilled corn with salty Mexican cheese. This plate was more than enough for me, but I also had a couple of bites of slow cooked, tender short ribs topped with fresh salsa. Everything was delicious.

I would definitely return to Papagayo for brunch, but I do hope they offer the option to order off of the menu. As someone who fills up fast, all you can eat doesn’t really appeal that much to me. We caught a glimpse of their tableside guacamole and tequila bar, and we are definitely interested in checking that out.

All in all, Papagayo was a fantastic experience, and I would highly recommend it for brunch in Boston.

Have you had a great brunch recently?