There’s something to be said about Sunday brunch with your girlfriends at your usual spot — for those who do it, it’s tradition.

But isn’t it fun to break tradition every once and awhile?

Just a car ride or train ride away from the world-class restaurants of Boston and Cambridge, other chefs and kitchens making their marks as weekend hot spots, serving up some of the best brunch fare around. From boozy specialty drinks and Insta-worthy interiors, to novel and globally inspired dishes, we recommend taking your next brunch adventure on the road.

On the North Shore

Photo: Michael Diskin

Admire Ledger’s high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial chic decor while you eat.

On the North Shore, Ledger Restaurant embraces its New England roots, serving modern and elevated cuisine in the 19th-century-built former Salem Savings Bank.

Ledger’s brunch means creative takes on classic dishes like the banana bread Foie-ster — grilled banana bread with rum caramel sauce and foie gras butter. French toast pancakes are a blend of two breakfast favorites, best served alongside a 22-ounce bloody mary and fresh-made daily doughnuts.

125 Washington St., Salem, Mass.
978-594-1908
Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

East Meets West of Boston

Courtesy of Moldova

Moldova restaurant’s Eastern European fare is the next best thing to dining native in the restaurant’s namesake country.

Family-owned Newton restaurant Moldova serves up authentic Eastern European cuisine, specifically from the nation of Moldova, a former Soviet republic sandwiched between Romania and the Ukraine.

Moldova’s scratch-made brunch dishes offer a slight departure from typical American ones. Cottage cheese pancakes served with sour cream and blackcurrant jam called papanaşii, and  the Platou Moldovenesc featuring grilled sausages called mititei or another choice of roasted meat, scrambled eggs, polenta, pickles and hash browns, are two yummy comfort food dishes.

344 Watertown St., Newton, Mass.
617-916-5245
Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Cape Cod or Bust

Courtesy of Añejo Mexican Bistro

The eggs Benedict Añejo is a twist on an American classic with house-made cornbread, braised pulled pork, and potatoes.

With two locations on Cape Cod, Añejo Mexican Bistro infuses coastal New England flavors in Mexican-inspired food.

Mouthwatering Mexican-American brunch specials include the eggs Benedict Anejo — house-made cornbread topped with braised pulled pork, poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise and potatoes — and continues with the avocado and Oaxaca cheese omelette with diced avocado, pico de gallo, picante crema, sliced jalapeño and cotija.

Buen provecho.

188 Main St., Falmouth, Mass.
599 Main St., Hyannis, Mass.
508-388-7631
Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Courtesy of The West End

The West End puts a boozy spin on brunch.

For those who crave a classy and elevated experience, The West End in Hyannis is a strong contender.

Brunch, served buffet-style, includes mimosas, homemade cinnamon buns and eggs Benedict. Diners also get to indulge in offerings from the prime rib carving station and the omelette bar.

A live jazz band sets the tone with entertainment and ambience.

20 Scudder Ave., Hyannis, Mass.
508-775-7677
Sunday 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Just South of the NH Border

Courtesy of Moonstones

Tired of boring pancakes? Try this luxurious red velvet version.

Scott and Kathy Plath’s second business venture Moonstones is a global-inspired restaurant serving clever cocktails, a raw bar and brunch every Sunday. (Their first restaurant, Cobblestones, opened in Lowell in 1994 and remains a culinary fixture.)

Moonstone’s create-your-own bloody mary bar is a standout, not to mention dishes like stuffed french toast, lobster eggs Benedict and the delightfully mini red velvet pancakes.

185 Chelmsford St., Chelmsford, Mass.
978-256-7777
Sunday 10:15 a.m.–2:15 p.m.