As I’ve mentioned previously, brunch is my absolute favorite meal. Other than waiting for a table at some of the more popular brunch spots, it’s a win-win when it comes to dining out with your kids. What kid doesn’t like pancakes (or in my case, bacon)? And brunch is the few times when it’s totally acceptable to have a cocktail before noon.

But let’s be honest for a moment, most brunch places are kind of the same. You got your eggs benedict, pancakes, waffles, French toast, omelets, etc. So when I heard the Boston Brunchers were going check out M3, Davis Square’s new Southern-inspired restaurant, I quickly jumped at the chance faster than you can say “Meat & Three.”

M3, which stands for the southern concept of “meat and three sides,” is the brainchild of owner and Nashville, Tennessee native Jason Owens. There is a very hip, retro vibe as soon as you walk in. It could be the pretty blue tin decorative ceiling and light fixtures, the kitschy salt & pepper shakers, or the fact that the walls and tables are covered with chalk-board paint. Whatever it is, it is way cool.

While I was not with my kids, I can confidently say M3 is kid-friendly. There were plenty of diners with young children. I know my kids would get a kick out of drawing right on the table with the bowls filled with chalk. While M3 does not have a kids menu, there certainly is plenty of items even the pickiest eater can find enjoyable on the menu.

As a group, the Boston Brunchers were treated to a sampling of their greatest hits when it comes to brunch. We started off with a refreshing pickled watermelon salad with minty goat cheese and cucumber. The combination of sweet and sour plus the silkiness of the goat cheese was a perfect palate cleanser.

Pickles is their thing here. And they do it well. There is the perfect balance of tangy, sour, bite and crunch.

Next came the Scotch Eggs. I’ve never had scotch eggs before, but always wanted to try one. M3’s Scotch Eggs are made with quail eggs, wrapped in a house sausage and deep-fried. I like ordering things I would never make for myself at home. This is definitely one of them.

Then came some true southern dishes according to some of the fellow brunchers who hailed from the south. Our group swooned over the Chicken and Biscuits - house-made chicken patties served between fresh buttermilk biscuits and gravy.

At this point I was getting full, but our server brought out another southern classic - Fried Chicken and Waffles.  And looking around the dining room, this was a popular item. The chicken was cooked perfectly but was outshined by the waffles in my opinion. Hard to compete with made to order waffles stuffed with pecans and topped with cherries.

It was official. We were stuffed. But then it happened. Stack of the fluffiest blueberry pancakes topped with lemon ricotta and house berry syrup. We all just *had* to try it. And so glad we did.

Just as we were all trying to loosen some clothing due to expanding waistlines, the final dish made its entrance: cinnamon bran, texas-style, French toast with apple butter syrup and, wait for it… bacon covered with chocolate. Oh. My. M3’s pastry chef is also a chocolatier and makes and hand-dips the bacon in-house. Over the top? Maybe. Delicious? You bet.

As we all rolled out of there, it was unanimous everyone would return. Maybe only after running a marathon the day before so we would not feel so guilty consuming all those calories. But brunch is supposed to be indulgent. And M3 hits “indulgence” right out of the park. 

Disclosure: Thanks to M3 and Boston Brunchers for hosting brunch, which I received free of charge. As always, all opinions are my own.