Looking for the best brunch in New York City? This local has you covered. I have spent countless mornings catching up with old friends over brunch and have tried my fair share of restaurants, bistros and cafes.
What’s more, visiting friends and family often ask about the best brunch in New York City (while staying with yours truly), so I finally sat down and rounded up my favorites. So this one’s for you, mom!
Fair warning though – most of these NYC brunch spots are popular for good reason and people come from all around New York City for a bite. I suggest making reservations whenever possible (some places are first come, first served).
So enough of the small talk, let’s dive into the best brunch in New York City.
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 +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Brunch New York City
#10. Clinton St. Baking Co.
Clinton St. Baking Company was born in 2001 to prodigy chef Neil Kleinberg. A native New Yorker, Kleinberg honed his skills in the kitchen from a young age and 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 New York City.
The pancakes are famous for good reason. On their website, Clinton St. Baking Company says their current mission is to live up to the “hype” and I can attest, they do. The pancakes are everything you want them to be. Fluffy and airy, I like them with wild Maine blueberries but there are also options for banana walnut or chocolate chunk.
Also offering other traditional American breakfast meals, Clinton St. Baking is well placed among the best brunch in New York City.
Address: 4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
#9. Poco NYC
Boozy Brunch anyone? Meet me at Poco. For $47 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 a birthday or promotion thanks to one of the best brunch deals in New York City.
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 just have to try. Along with other items you will find “The Cure” to your hangover. A Mexican dish of eggs, pico and tortillas that will apparently get rid of that pounding headache. I may or may not have put it to the test…
Address: 33 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
#8. The Consulate
No list of the best brunch in New York City would be complete without mention of The Consulate, one of the most charming restaurants in NYC. Restaurant by day, and elegant bar by night, The Consulate offers an air of sophistication that will leave you feeling like Don Draper.
And since nothing is done halfway, allow me to share that the brunch menu pairs well with the aesthetic. This New York City brunch spot offers unique twists on classics, like the burrata waffle (which is a must-order in my book). One of the more amusing items on the menu is the hangover burger (which can be ordered void of judgment at this classy joint).
Our server at The Consulate was also very kind and we all know that good service is not to be discounted!
Address: 519 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Further Reading: The Consulate also appears on 12 Toothsome Upper West Side Brunch Spots (Worth the Wait)!
#7. Sunday in Brooklyn
The founders of Sunday in Brooklyn wanted to create a staple restaurant that attracted crowds all day. Not only did they want the best cocktails and dinner, they also wanted to serve the best brunch in New York City.
The restaurant feels open and bright, similar to a living room that you could lounge in for hours. During the summer months they open up their rooftop garden to guests. In the winter every dining area has a wood burning oven to add to the homelike feeling.
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. They also serve the best brunch in New York City thanks to their memorable pancake. Hazelnut maple praline syrup with brown butter melt over some seriously thick pancakes. The perfectly rounded edges make it seem like they came out of a mold.
Address: 348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
#6. Jacob’s Pickle’s
Jacob’s Pickles is the brainchild of the mastermind behind Maison Pickle. This is a more casual eatery that specializes in serving some of the best southern comfort-food brunch in New York City. Swing by for all the classics, like fried chicken and waffles, and delicious craft cocktails.
The fried chicken is particularly great and I never pass up an opportunity to order it. It pairs with all the side dishes nicely, and the mac & cheese is nothing short of incredible (seriously some of the best I’ve had in NYC). It’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu, which is why it’s our go-to brunch spot on the UWS for out of town guests.
Note: Jacob’s Pickles is one of the most popular brunches on the Upper West Side and reservations are required. Make reservations in advance, getting a table during the weekend feels like an impossible task, so plan ahead.
Address: 509 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
#5. Bubby’s
Waking up at grandma’s house is a treat no matter what background or ethnicity you’re a part of. The meals seem to have no end and the flavor made in that kitchen has no comparison. Named after the Yiddish word for grandmother, Bubby’s is no exception.
Bubby’s has been among the best brunch in New York City for more than 30 years. Owner Ron Silver describes dining here like the “day after Christmas” and I couldn’t agree more. It’s American homestyle cooking in the hectic city.
I’m sounding like a broken record, but New York City really knows how to make pancakes. Bubby’s might 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.
Address: 120 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
#4. Petite Boucherie
Serving classic French fare in a Parisian environment, Petite Boucherie checks all the boxes for Francophiles. 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 New York City, 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 you were transported to Paris! 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 was notable, as well as the berry waffle. When outdoor dining, a latte pairs great with the sun rising. It’s hard to not to feel like the main character in a movie at Petite Boucherie which is why it’s among the best brunch in New York City.
Further Reading: Petite Boucherie also appears on 12 Charming Restaurants in Greenwich Village Worth the Wait!
Address: 14 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
#3. Jack’s Wife Freda
You might recognize Jack’s Wife Freda from Instagram. It’s one of the most photographed restaurants in NYC thanks to the floral arrangement that that adorns the entrance at their SoHo location. Paired with a forest green paint job and a neon sign it’s hard for folks not to snap a quick pic.
What you may not know however is that Jack’s Wife Freda also serves the best brunch in New York City. In particular the Madame Freda is notably memorable. It’s a pressed sandwich that’s served warm and soft, and cuts relatively easily with a fork. The duck prosciutto added a nice contrast to this cheesy delight. Overall it’s a beautiful meal that you will be dreaming about for days.
The staff is kind, and amiable. Our server made for pleasant small talk while taking our order and checking in on us. At the end of our meal he told us we can’t leave Jack’s Wife Freda without having Naom’s Malva Pudding, which is a small African sponge cake doused in a sweet caramel pudding with a side of whipped cream. It was incredible. The recommendation alone vaults their service to the top of my list.
Address: 4 locations across New York City
#2. Rule of Thirds
If you’re looking for a unique brunch in New York City 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. In fact, Izakaya translates to stay-drink-place and that’s exactly what I do there while enjoying some of the best brunch in New York City.
Their menu offers sets like the Japanese breakfast set which 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 pancake with a twist. It’s a Japanese Souffle Pancake which I can best describe as poofy. Like a ballon, this pancake is airy and eating it feels like you’re taking a bite out of a cloud.
Address: 171 Banker St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
#1. Cafe LuLuc
I first stumbled into Cafe LuLuc by complete accident in the fall of 2016. I’ve been back for the best brunch in New York City an embarrassing number of times ever since. It’s a friendly French neighborhood cafe that serves incredible eats and drinks. Where Cafe LuLuc truly shines however is in serving some of the best brunch in New York City.
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.
As far as sweets go – you’re in for a treat. The, you guessed it, pancakes, are beyond belief. Think of everything that makes a pancake great and apply it to these pancakes times two. The black bear syrup and fresh fruit compliment the flapjacks like peanut butter and jelly. It’s hard to be disappointed at Cafe LuLuc and that is why I consider it one of the best brunch in New York City.
Address: 214 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Local’s Tip: Cafe LuLuc is a cash only establishment, so come prepared.
10 Best Brunch in New York City
(Post Summary)
- Cafe LULUc
- Rule of Thirds
- Jack Wife’s Freda
- Petite Boucherie
- Bubby’s
- Jacob’s Pickles
- Sunday in Brooklyn
- The Consulate
- Poco NYC
- Clinton St. Baking Company & Restaurant
Map of the Best Brunch in New York City
And there it is my friends! The 10 best brunch in New York City according to yours truly! Let me know if there’s any you recommend I try – if it’s good enough I’ll add it to the list!
Cheers!
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