This roundup of the best brunch in New York City was written by Alejandro Beltran, a NYC local and co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
I’m of the belief that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but I’m also not what you’d call an early riser. That’s why I’ve enjoyed countless brunch dates in NYC, sipping on cappuccinos (and sometimes some bubbly) between bites of my pancakes or eggs benny. If you’re looking for the best brunch spots in New York City I’ll share them with you in this article, based off my first-hand experiences. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so let’s get to it!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
The Best Brunch in New York City
Table of Contents: The Best NYC Brunch
Table of Contents: Best Brunch in NYC
Daily Provisions
Website: Daily Provisions
Brunch Hours: All Day
Location: Four Locations in Manhattan, One in Brooklyn
Good to Know: Try to Visit on a Weekday for Easier Seating, Don’t Forget the Cruller(s).
With four, all-day cafes peppered across New York City, Daily Provisions is old-reliable when you need some quality brunch. The menu is small, and the clear standouts are the four breakfast sandwich options that are nestled between the softest bread that’s covered in poppy seeds.
This NYC hot-spot is also famous for their signature crullers, which are fried, soft pastries that resemble donuts and draw locals in by the boat subway-load! The only drawback is that Daily Provisions are victims of their own success, they’re often brimming with folks climbing over each other for seats!
Maison Pickle
Website: Maison Pickle
Brunch Hours: All Day
Address: 2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
Good to Know: The Portions are Big, It’s Good for Groups
Delicious, upbeat, and fun Maison Pickle is where I like to bring out of town guests for their first brunch in New York City. The Upper West Side restaurant has become a sought-after destination thanks to their generous servings and toothsome meals, namely the challah French toast and succulent French dips (but no, this isn’t a French restaurant).
This is one of the best spots for a lively brunch with friends in NYC, especially for groups that like to start their day with a few rounds of breakfast cocktails (no judgement here!). But word to the wise: if you’re planning a brunch date be sure to make a Resy.
Balthazar
Website: Balthazar
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 9AM – 4PM (Breakfast Monday-Friday, 8AM – 11AM)
Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Great for French Fare & Pastries, Even Better for a Brunch Date
Balthazar, nestled in the heart of SoHo, epitomizes the timeless allure of a Parisian brasserie in the heart of New York City. With its warm, bustling atmosphere, this iconic NYC restaurant beckons diners with its classic bistro charm, especially during the brunch hours.
Renowned for its delectable French cuisine, Balthazar offers an extensive menu featuring expertly prepared dishes, from decadent eggs benedict to perfectly executed steak frites. Maybe that’s why even celebrities love the popular New York City brunch destination.
Sarabeth’s
Website: Sarabeth’s
Brunch Hours: Saturdays & Sundays 8AM – 4PM (Breakfast Monday-Friday, 8AM – 4PM)
Location: Four Locations in Manhattan
Good to Know: The Lemon & Ricotta Pancakes are Amazing!
Nestled across four New York City neighborhoods, Sarabeth’s offers cozy settings where patrons can enjoy brunch options that taste of a home-cooked meal. Renowned for its delectable jams, Sarabeth’s serves up classics like fluffy pancakes, eggs Benedict, and mouthwatering omelets. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention their pastries, Sarabeth’s was founded as a bakery in 1981 and the scones are some of my favorite in New York.
Cafe Mogador
Website: Cafe Mogador
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday until 4PM (Breakfast Monday – Friday until 4PM)
Address: 101 St Marks Pl, New York (East Village) & 133 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn (Williamsburg)
Good to Know: Expect a Wait Unless You Make Reservations
Cafe Mogador stands out as one of the most unique brunch destinations in New York City, captivating diners with its inviting atmosphere and Mediterranean-inspired menu. Renowned for its legendary brunch spread, the family-owned restaurant offers delectable options such as Moroccan omelets, fluffy pancakes, and mouthwatering shakshuka.
With a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, friendly service Cafe Mogador provides a memorable NYC brunch experience. Plus, their outposts are in two of New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods.
Citizens
Website: Citizens
Brunch Hours: All Day
Location: Chelsea, Gramercy, SoHo
Good to Know: Good for Health-Conscious Breakfast, Plenty of Vegetarian Options
Opened in 2016, Citizens is an Australian-based cafe that prides itself on community and has mastered the art of Instagrammable brunch in New York City. But that’s not to say the food falls short, far from it. Not only does the brunch fare look like a million a bucks, the menu is appetizing and well-curated.
I recommend ordering the Smashing Avocado (multigrain toast, pickled onion, feta, beetroot hummus). Some would argue this is the prettiest avocado toast in NYC, and I can’t say I’d disagree.
Sweet Chick
Website: Sweet Chick
Brunch Hours: Everyday until 2PM
Location: Two Locations in Manhattan, Two in Brooklyn, One in Queens
Good to Know: Only the Long Island City Locations Takes Reservations,
The quintessential chicken and waffles joint, Sweet Chick has been rapidly expanding since opening shop in 2013. Even celebrities aren’t immune to the allure of Sweet Chick’s Nashville Hot Chicken. Popular rap artists are known to frequent their locations searching for the best brunch in NYC.
The pop-culture status might brings folks into Sweet Chick, but the grub keeps them coming back. The menu is replete with biscuits, waffles, and grits so good you’ll be elbowing your way to the front of the line (only the Long Island City location takes reservations).
Fun Fact: Nas, arguably the greatest rapper to come out of New York City, liked it so much he was one of the earliest investors in the company.
Clinton St. Baking Co.
Website: Clinton Street Baking Co.
Brunch Hours: Everyday, 9AM – 4PM
Address: 4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
Good to Know: The Blueberry Pancakes Fan Favorites, Make Reservations to Skip the Wait
Clinton St. Baking Company was born in 2001 to prodigy chef Neil Kleinberg, a native New Yorker who opened his first restaurant at a mere 22 years old. Having first opened their doors as a small batch bakery, Clinton St. Baking Company’s rise in popularity forced them to buy the property next door and evolve into a full fledged restaurant.
Thanks to their world renowned pancakes, you’re all but guaranteed the best brunch in NYC. There’s also an array of additional traditional brunch fare. French toast, huevos rancheros and biscuits are all worthy of sharing the stage with the famous pancakes.
Tartine
Website: Tartine
Brunch Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 10AM – 4PM
Address: 253 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
Good to Know: It’s BYOB, Stop by a Wine Store on Your Way
Tartine is one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village, and after numerous dinner visits a friend asked if I recommended them for brunch. Well, I didn’t know they serve brunch, so I stopped by that weekend. I had no idea this corner bistro cooks up some of the best brunch NYC has to offer! Between the ambiance, inviting staff and appetizing classic menu it’s a true masterpiece.
Heck, I’m slightly reluctant to mention Tartine on this list of the best brunch in New York City because I want to keep it to myself, but I’d be doing you a disservice. They only serve brunch on the weekends and take no reservations, but it’s BYOB and the food is incredible.
Poco NYC
Website: Poco
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11AM – 3:30PM
Address: 33 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
Good to Know: Poco is Very Instagram Friendly, Good for a Young Crowd
Boozy brunch, anyone? Meet me at Poco. For $49 you can enjoy bottomless mimosas, bloody marys, and red or white sangria along with your meal. Without fail, your meal will be surrounded by people celebrating birthdays and get-togethers, so Poco can get loud and rowdy (this is not the place to bring your mother in law).
However, if you’re hoping to get a decent meal and drink some early morning bubbly void of judgement, Poco is one of the best brunch spots in NYC for groups of friends. As if the booze weren’t enough, the menu was curated by Abe Lopez from the Food Network’s TV show “Chopped.” The Spanish tapas cuisine features an award winning vegan smoked truffle mac & cheese that you have to try.
Sunday in Brooklyn
Website: Sunday in Brooklyn
Brunch Hours: Everyday, 9:30AM – 4:30PM
Address: 348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Good to Know: Weekend Brunch is Mostly Reserved For Walk-Ins
The founders of Sunday in Brooklyn wanted to create a staple restaurant that attracted crowds all day, and thanks to a homey atmosphere it’s been a raving success. During the summer they open up their rooftop garden and in the winter the dining areas have wood burning ovens. Can you describe a better place to enjoy weekend brunch in New York City?
But the reason they crack the list of the best brunch in NYC is thanks to the delectable bites. The biscuits and gravy are my go-to. Cheddar biscuits are smothered in a warm sausage gravy that gives diners all across America a run for their money.
Bubby’s
Website: Bubby’s
Brunch Hours: Everyday, 8AM – 4PM
Address: 120 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
Good to Know: Reservations are Only Available Via Yelp
Bubby’s, named after the Yiddish word for grandmother, has been one the best brunch restaurants in New York City for more than 30 years. It’s hearty, straightforward, American homestyle cooking in the bustling Concrete Jungle. I’m sounding like a broken record, but brunch in NYC seems to revolve around pancakes. Bubby’s might just be the best of them all.
They sell two different styles, an 1890 sourdough which are only a little bit thicker than a flour tortilla, and James Beard pancakes which follow the legendary chef’s recipe with a few adjustments. You won’t go wrong with either one, but if you really can’t decide bring a friend so you can each get one and share (and order the homestyle fries, trust me).
Petite Boucherie
Website: Petite Boucherie
Brunch Hours: Everyday, 10AM – 5PM
Address: 14th Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014
Good to Know: The Boucheries are a Chain of Restaurants, Be Sure You Look Up “Petite” Boucherie
Tucked away on the corner of Gay Street and Christopher Street, this cozy French restaurant is the perfect spot to celebrate a momentous occasion. Along with serving the best brunch in NYC, Petite Boucherie knows how to create an aura of magic.
The romantic ambiance in the little bistro is worth getting dressed up for, you’ll feel like the main character in a movie! So swing by if you’re feeling a little Parisian while enjoying the plethora of things to do in Greenwich Village. The French onion soup and the berry waffle are my wife and I’s go-to orders.
Mudspot
Website: Mudspot
Brunch Hours: All Day, Everyday
Address: 307 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003
Good to Know: There are No Reservations
For starters, the coffee at Mudspot is worth the visit alone. They started selling it out of a truck (appropriately named the Mudtruck) and after a 15 year run that developed a loyal base it was time for a brick and mortar joint. The restaurant is small and has a retro vibe to it. It seems like the kind of place the college student would hang out in the 70’s, with it’s brown and orange tones.
However, once the food comes out it’s hard to focus on anything else. It’s one of the most delicious brunch spots in NYC, with my favorite item on the menu being the french breakfast, which is a croissant breakfast sandwich.
Fun Fact: Dylan Sprouse worked at Mudspot while a student at NYU.
Jack’s Wife Freda
Website: Jack’s Wife Freda
Brunch Hours: All Day, Everyday
Address: 4 locations across New York City
Good to Know: SoHo Location is a Celebrity Hotbed, Noam’s Malva Pudding is a Must for Dessert
Stepping into any of the cozy locations of Jack’s Wife Freda is a joy, thanks to its blue and white decor and floral arrangements. The menu is a delightful fusion of influences, featuring dishes like the beloved green shakshuka and the flavorful Madame Freda (my favorite!).
The welcoming ambiance, friendly staff, and inventive culinary creations make Jack’s Wife Freda a standout brunch destination, where every visit promises a delightful journey through both taste and atmosphere in the bustling NYC brunch scene. Plus, there’s always the chance you’ll run into a celebrity (especially at the SoHo location).
Rule of Thirds
Website: Rule of Thirds
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10AM – 3PM
Address: 171 Banker St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Good to Know: Rule of Thirds Holds Occasional Weekend Events, Make Resy’s to Snag a Table
If you’re looking for a unique brunch in NYC, Rule of Thirds has you covered. In a world of waffles and eggs this Japanese restaurant sets itself apart. Styled after the famous Izakaya restaurants in Japan, which resemble a pub, Rule of Thirds provide a spot to settle in with friends for great food and conversation.
Their menu offers sets, like a Japanese breakfast set that comes with a variety of roasted market fish. There is also shareable plates like tuna & nori that will help get conversation flowing with whomever you’re sharing your meal. Rule of Thirds also offers a Japanese Souffle Pancake which I can best describe as poofy. Once you break through the exterior, the inside is warm and delectable.
Cafe LuLuc
Website: Cafe LuLuc
Brunch Hours: All Day, Everyday
Address: 214 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Good to Know: Cash Only
I first stumbled into Cafe LuLuc by complete accident in the fall of 2016. I’ve been back for what I consider to be some of the best brunch in NYC an embarrassing number of times ever since. Offering traditional brunch fare you’ll always be able to find something appetizing.
There are omelettes galore, including my brother in law’s sworn favorite – the Open-Face Western Omelette. With sausage, red peppers, scallions and red onions I can understand why Cafe LuLuc is his favorite brunch in New York City. Just come prepared, Cafe LuLuc is cash only!
Dudley’s
Website: Dudley’s
Brunch Hours: Everyday, 9AM – 4PM
Address: 85 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Good to Know: Weekends Brunch is Walk in Only
Dudley’s, nestled on the Lower East Side, claims its spot among the best brunch spots in NYC with an eclectic blend of flavors and a laid-back yet stylish ambiance. Boasting a diverse menu that caters to various tastes, from classic avocado toast to inventive dishes like coconut chia pudding, Dudley’s impresses with its commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
The chic yet welcoming atmosphere, complemented by friendly service, creates a brunch haven where patrons can savor delicious bites and enjoy a leisurely weekend morning, making Dudley’s a standout choice in the vibrant NYC brunch scene.
Best Brunch Spots in New York City (Post Summary)
- Dudley’s
- Cafe LuLuc
- Rule of Thirds
- Jack’s Wife Freda
- Mudspot
- Petite Boucherie
- Bubby’s
- Sunday in Brooklyn
- Poco NYC
- Tartine
- Clinton St. Baking Co.
- Sweet Chick
- Citizens
- Cafe Mogador
- Sarabeth’s
- Balthazar
- Maison Pickle
- Daily Provisions
More Helpful Brunch Links
Boozy Brunch: 25 Best Bottomless Brunches in New York City (Worth Every Penny!)
Breakfast Near Central Park: 20 Epic Spots to Grab Brunch Near Central Park (For ALL Budgets)
Best in Brooklyn: 15 Delicious Brunch Spots in Brooklyn (Worth Seeking Out)
SoHo Brunch: 15 Satisfying Brunch Spots in SoHo (Worth the Wait)
West Village Brunch: 15 Satisfying Spots For Brunch in Greenwich Village (You’ll LOVE!)
Map of the Best Brunch in NYC
And there it is my friends! The best brunch spots in NYC, according to yours truly! Let me know if there’s any you recommend I try – if I like it I might add it to the list!
Cheers, Al.
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