Brookline Lunch in Cambridge is hidden off of Mass. Ave. in Central Square. The name might make you think it’s elsewhere, but it’s been located on Cambridge’s Brookline Street serving customers since 1937 and developed a very loyal customer base in that near century!
You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you see a line of people patiently waiting for a table to enjoy one of their famous brunch specials. You might even catch a celeb like Casey Affleck, Ramy Youssef, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.
What we’re trying to say is, to cancel your weekend plans, because its brunch o’clock.
What’s on the menu at Brookline lunch
The “Nabulsia” Pancakes served at Central Sqaure’s Brookline Lunch have foodies in a frenzy! Some people travel all the way from Jersey just for a bite of “heaven.” We’re drooling just thinking about Brookline Lunch’s “Nabulsia” Pancakes. These limited-edition pancakes are served after 9 AM on select weekends.
The famous Baklava and Nabulsia Pancakes
“The Nabulsia” is a Palestinian-inspired kunafeh pancake. The fluffy pancake dough features a semolina-based mixture, creating a cake so dense yet fluffy and beautifully textured at the same time! Like cheese kunafeh, fresh mozzarella is sandwiched throughout each layer in addition to colorful house made shredded kataifi pastry. Then the entire stack is topped with a sweet ricotta, more shredded kataifi, and a crunchy pistachio rose crumble! Finally, the pancake tower is served with fresh house made rosewater syrup.
And the pancakes are best enjoyed like a traditional kunafeh, i.e. drenched in syrup! The pancakes are an ode to the family-owned business’ first grandson! It’s the perfect blending of cultures, flavors, and textures. While these pancakes are a special, announced on the Brookline Lunch Instagram, their other dessert-inspired pancakes, The Baklava Pancakes are always on the menu.
Think of this stack as a deconstructed Baklava pastry with chopped nuts, pistachio syrup, and layers of flakey phyllo dough sandwiched between each fluffy pancake.
Savory and sweet treats and eats
Brookline Lunch is open Wednesday to Monday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM daily, with the last call for table service at 2:30 PM! In addition to its delicious pancakes, you can find an assortment of classic American breakfast items like Eggs Florentine and Cheese Quesadillas, or Palestinian infused breakfast and lunch options such as: Za’atar Egg Bowls, Spicy Sausage Shakshuka, and Chicken or Beef Kabob for Lunch.
Find Brookline Lunch located at 5 Brookline St, Cambridge, MA 02139