Full of eccentric, unique and fun people, it should come as no surprise that brunch in the East Village is a memorable experience. The cheerful energy of the neighborhood has a direct effect on the lively restaurants.
I lived in the East Village for 4 years, and since I worked a swing-shift job I often had brunch on my way to the office. I stuffed my face with pancakes, omelettes and breakfast burritos like it was my job.
After the pandemic I came to the realization that gatekeeping these gems helped nobody, and wanted to spread the word on my favorite local businesses. I’m confident that you’ll find delicious East Village brunch in this article.
Hey, I bet your stomach is growling (I know mine is). So why don’t we skip the small talk and dive right in to the best brunch in the East Village?
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 in the East Village
#15. The Wild Son
If you didn’t know any better you’d walk past The Wild Son a hundred times before going inside, but luckily you’re in on a little secret. The Wild Son makes some of the best brunch in the East Village!
The full name of the restaurant is The Wild Son Lunch Counter, and that about sums up the aesthetic of the joint. It’s unfussy straightforward high quality food.
The reason this restaurant is one of the best spots for brunch in the East Village? Their blueberry corn waffles.
Let’s just if it was between saving my best friend or the waffles from falling off a clip, my friend would have a beautiful funeral service. I don’t know what makes them so special, I just know they’re absolutely delicious.
Address: 130 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009 | Brunch Menu
#14. Little Rebel
Little Rebel inspires me to live on the wild side thanks to the celebrity mugshots plastered all around the popular East Village brunch joint.
The food is good, but the drinks are the real star of the show. The mixologists seemingly make cocktails every shade of the rainbow and each one looks prettier than the last (I haven’t tried them all yet, but not for lack of trying).
If the weather is nice and you’re lucky you might be seated on their upstairs patio. I’d say it’s the best spot to enjoy a spring brunch in the East Village.
Address: 219 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 | Brunch Menu
#13. Ugly Duckling
Running with a rubber duck theme, the Ugly Duckling is where you can find the most wild brunch in the East Village. The restaurant offers two options, one is a traditional sit-down brunch, the other is a full-fledged party.
The Boujee Brunch is a 2 course, 2 hour bottomless brunch in the East Village on Saturday’s from 3-7PM. Things can get pretty crazy, I’m talking people on top of their tables, singing and dancing their hearts away as bubbles fill the room.
The second is called Duck, Duck, Brunch, you can expect a more traditional (but still lively) meal where you order ala carte off the menu. The plates are pretty standard for East Village Brunch, except for the fact you’ll find rubber ducks incorporated as ice cubes, toppers etc.
It’s not uncommon for the East Village brunch joint to have lines wrapping around the building (the restaurant is pretty TikTok famous) so I encourage reservations.
Address: 106 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003 | Brunch Menu
#12. San Marzano
San Marzano is one of the best brunch restaurants in the East Village not only because they offer bottomless mimosas but because the food is worth the trip alone.
Making fresh pasta dishes and serving brunch classics I’d visit San Marzano every day of the week if I could. I try to order something new every visit and I have yet to be disappointed.
For under $30 guests receive unlimited mimosas and one entree of their choice, which makes San Marzano one of the best brunch deals in the East Village. The portions are a decent size too, so rest assured you’re getting your money’s worth.
If I have to nitpick my only complaint would be that the restaurant can get pretty loud during peak hours, but I can’t blame folks for trying to get in on the best brunch in the East Village.
Address: 117 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
#11. A10 Kitchen
A10 Kitchen provides the best bang for your buck brunch in the East Village. Every dish is sub-$20 and the cocktails are under $15. Let me clue in those who aren’t from New York City, that’s a steal.
Even better the restaurant offers pitchers of their brunch cocktails, so if you’re with a group of friends you get even more value (or go at it alone, for the sake of the deal of course).
The East Village brunch spot has a menu full of classics, but my go-to is the A10 burger. It’s a clean and simply burger that always leaves me completely satisfied.
Address: 162 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009 | Brunch Menu
#10. Pardon My French
Pardon My French is (you guessed it) a French-American restaurant serving some of the best brunch in the East Village. A simple neighborhood bistro, it’s shocking how packed the restaurant gets the second they open.
There’s a sun-soaked back patio that practically begs for you to visit, especially in the summer when it seems everyone and their mother is having brunch in the East Village .
The biggest attraction at Pardon My French is one of the best deals for bottomless brunch in the East Village. For $39 you get either bottomless bloody marys or mimosas, as well as an entree.
Frequented by a young crowd, to call Pardon My French a lively restaurant would be an understatement. I wouldn’t make this a first date destination, but if you’re looking to celebrate a birthday this is your spot.
Address: 103 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009 | Brunch Menu
#9. The Smith
Serving a plethora of traditional brunch food in the East Village, The Smith is a hot-spot for locals and tourists alike. Expect to find all the classics like omelettes, avocado toast, french toast, and more.
Essentially, if you’re looking for a traditional American brunch in the East Village then you need look no further.
The restaurant bustles with crowds regardless of the time of day so I strongly encourage reservations. You should also try to snatch an outdoor table if you can, the people-watching opportunities are endless.
Something to note: The Smith has two distinct morning menus, a breakfast menu for weekdays and a brunch menu for weekends. Although there is some overlap I recommend looking over both before making reservations.
Address: 55 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003 | Brunch Menu
#8. Jackdaw
Looking to enjoy a boozy brunch in the East Village? Cause Jackdaw is looking to host. You and your friends can enjoy a 2-for-1 deal on brunch cocktails, or even better order a carafe that serves five people for less than $25.
And allow me to reiterate, these are cocktails. Not just orange juice and champagne, real drinks that take time to make and you’re getting them at a fraction of the cost. Need I say more?
The pub-like restaurant is the perfect watering hole for a weekend brunch in the East Village, and even if you’re not looking to drink the food is worth the stop.
There’s a decent array of options to choose from, including a breakfast burrito that always leaves me saying “I need to visit Jackdaw more often”.
Not only does Jackdaw make some of the best brunch in the East Village, it’s a fun hangout all around. There’s music that helps keep energy levels high and the staff is kind and welcoming.
Address: 213 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 | Brunch Menu
#7. Mudspot
MUD aka Mudspot is a popular East Village brunch joint and one I recommend you check out regardless of whether you’re a tourist or a local.
For starters, the coffee alone is worth a visit. Mudspot started selling it out of a truck (appropriately named the Mudtruck) and after a 15 year run that developed a loyal customer base they opted to go brick-and-mortar.
The popular East Village brunch restaurant is small and has a retro vibe to it. It feels like the kind of place college students would hang out in the 70’s, thanks to its brown and orange undertones.
Once the food comes out though it’s hard to focus on anything else, Mudspot is makes some of the most delicious brunch in the East Village. From wraps to omelettes to pancakes you can expect to find all your favorites.
Address: 307 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003
Fun Fact: Dylan Sprouse worked at Mudspot while a student at NYU.
#6. David’s Cafe
Sometimes the best brunch in the East Village is a simple, straightforward dish from a diner, and that’s exactly the niche David Cafe’s fills.
The pancakes at David’s Cafe are underrated, fluffy, dense and delicious. Served with berries and maple syrup, I could eat them every day of the week (though I’d have to replace my pants for something more, comfortable).
But if you don’t like sweets for breakfast I recommend the crab cake benedict, which is one of the most popular dishes. Served with homemade tartar sauce, home fries and a mesclun salad it’s the perfect meal to start your day.
I always tell myself to slow down and savor every bite but often eat so fast someone would’ve thought I dropped my food. It’s no surprise I stuff my face either, David’s Cafe serves some of the best brunch in the East Village.
Address: 110 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009 | Brunch Menu
#5. Lil’ Frankie’s
If I could give a restaurant a sixth star, it’d be Lil Frankie’s. The East Village brunch spot is sister restaurant to a string of establishments owned by restaurateur and Frank Prisinzano.
Have you ever wanted to have a boozy brunch in the East Village, but didn’t want to commit to drinking a rapid-fire conveyor belt of mimosas for an hour and a half? Me too. That’s why I love Lil Frankie’s.
The Italian restaurant offers a 3-4-1 special, where you get 3 brunch drinks for the price of one. You can choose between mimosas, bloody marys, screwdrivers, bellinis and prosecco for less than $20 and take your time savoring each one.
Lil Frankie’s offers a generous array of brunch plates, and choosing just one can prove to be a difficult task. If you need a recommendation I suggest the polpettine and eggs, which are made in a 900 degree wood-burning oven.
Something to note: Lil’ Frankie’s is CASH ONLY. Come prepared otherwise you won’t be able to enjoy the best brunch in the East Village.
Address: 19 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003 | Brunch Menu
#4. Ladybird
Brunch hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Perfectly posh and pink, you need to head to Ladybird for the best vegan brunch in the East Village. The tapas bar not only makes delicious plant-based plates, but the drinks are worth the trip alone.
With velvet seats, gold accents and flowers galore Ladybird is also one of the best spots for a girls brunch in the East Village. Every time I visit with my friends we end up playing the “one more drink” game because the vibe is immaculate. I mean heck, even the plates are cute!
Food options rotate constantly since the cuisine relies heavily on in-season produce, but the maitake buns are a must-try. And if you like whipped coffee you’re going to love Ladybird, because they make some of the best.
And allow me to give a small suggestion, before heading home be sure to check out the bathroom. Not only does Ladybird have some of the best brunch in the East Village, I’d argue their bathroom is the most beautiful too.
Address: 111 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009 | Brunch Menu
#3. Ruby’s
If I had to name a quintessential East Village brunch spot, it’d be Little Ruby’s Cafe. The place has been a New York City staple since opening in 2002 and with lines out the door I think it’s safe to say they’re still growing.
Ruby’s serves traditional breakfast fare mixed with Australian culinary influences, attributed to its founders being from the land down under. Local favorites include the avo toast and the spicy sausage breakfast sandwich.
I do have to let you folks know though that Ruby’s doesn’t take any reservations and is served on a first come first served basis. Therefore whenever possible, try to plan your East Village brunch early and on a weekday to avoid the lines.
Address: 198 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003 | Brunch Menu
#2. Ferns
Ferns is a rustic oasis serving some of the best brunch in the East Village. The wood paneled ceilings and brick walls are adorned with string lights and plants, giving the restaurant a warm, and cozy feeling.
Once inside it’s hard not to feel like you’re in somebody’s living room and the staff is some of the friendliest you’ll find when enjoying brunch in the East Village.
The menu at Ferns is tantalizing to say the least, you’re going to want to order everything. If you need a suggestion, I say you can’t leave without trying the fried chicken biscuit (the hot honey + ranch combo is heaven).
Address: 166 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009 | Brunch Menu
#1. Pineapple Club
The Pineapple Club is a tropical themed restaurant cooking up some of the best brunch in the East Village. The two floors are full of plants and bright light and brimming with beautiful seating areas.
There’s a wide array of brunchy booze to choose from, but you can’t leave without trying the espresso martini (I’d argue it’s the best in the city).
At Pineapple Club you’ll find the best brunch in the East Village thanks to an eclectic menu featuring both unique and classic items. Whether you want something sweet or savory, the Pineapple Club will scratch any itch.
Address: 509 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009 | Brunch Menu
Best Brunch Spots in the East Village (Post Summary)
- The Wild Son
- Little Rebel
- Ugly Duckling
- San Marzano
- A10 Kitchen
- Pardon My French
- The Smith
- Jackdaw
- Mudspot
- David’s Cafe
- Lil’ Frankie’s
- Ladybird
- Ruby’s
- Ferns
- Pineapple Club
Map of the Best Brunch in the East Village
And there it is my friends! The 20 best brunch spots in the East Village 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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