This list of best brunch spots in the East Village was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps) and a NYC local.
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. After the pandemic I came to the realization that gatekeeping these East Village brunch gems helped nobody, and wanted to spread the word on my favorite local businesses.
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 (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Brunch in the East Village
Table of Contents: East Village Brunch Spots
Table of Contents: Best EV Brunch Spots
Little Rebel
Website: Little Rebel
Address: 219 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Brunch hours: Weekends only
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.
San Marzano
Website: San Marzano
Address: 117 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Brunch hours: Friday – Sunday 11am to 4pm
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.
A10 Kitchen
Website: A10 Kitchen
Address: 162 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
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 simple burger that always leaves me completely satisfied.
Pardon My French
Website: Pardon My French
Address: 103 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
Brunch hours: Saturday 11am to 4pm
Pardon My French is (you guessed it) a French-American restaurant. 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.
Jackdaw
Website: Jackdaw
Address: 213 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Brunch hours: Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3:30pm
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, even if you’re not looking to drink the food is worth the trip.
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, but it’s a fun hangout all around. There’s music that helps keep energy levels high and the staff is kind and welcoming.
Mudspot
Website: Mudspot
Address: 307 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003
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 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.
Fun Fact: Dylan Sprouse worked at Mudspot while a student at NYU.
David’s Cafe
Website: David’s Cafe
Address: 110 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Brunch hours: Wednesday – Friday 12 to 3:45pm | Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm
Sometimes the best brunch in the East Village is a simple, straightforward dish from a diner, and that’s exactly the niche David Cafe 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.
Lil’ Frankie’s
Website: Lil’ Frankies
Address: 19 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
If there were a sixth star to give, it would undoubtedly belong to Lil Frankie’s. This East Village gem, a sibling to a lineup of restaurants under the helm of restaurateur Frank Prisinzano, offers a brunch experience unlike any other.
Ever wished for a leisurely boozy brunch without the pressure of downing endless mimosas? You’re not alone, and that’s precisely why Lil Frankie’s stands out. Their 3-4-1 special lets you savor three brunch drinks for the price of one, with options ranging from mimosas to bellinis, all for less than $20.
As for the food, the choices are abundant and enticing, making it challenging to pick just one dish. For a standout recommendation, try the polpettine and eggs, cooked to perfection 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.
Ladybird
Website: Ladybird
Address: 111 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Perfectly posh and pink, Ladybird 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 offer some of the best brunch in the East Village, I’d argue their bathroom is the most beautiful too.
Ruby’s
Website: Ruby’s East Village
Address: 198 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003
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.
Ferns
Website: Ferns
Address: 166 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009
Brunch hours: Saturday and Sunday 11am to 3pm
With its rustic ambiance featuring wood-paneled ceilings, brick walls adorned with string lights, and abundant greenery, Ferns exudes a welcoming and snug atmosphere akin to a cozy living room. Thanks to the friendly staff, it’s a clear choice to include this East Village brunch spot on our list. As for the menu, it’s nothing short of tempting, leaving you eager to try everything. If you’re seeking a recommendation, the fried chicken biscuit is a must-try.
Pineapple Club
Website: Pineapple Club
Address: 509 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
The Pineapple Club is a tropical themed restaurant cooking up some of the best brunch in the East Village. The restaurant spans two floors adorned with lush greenery and radiant lights, creating an inviting ambiance with a beautiful seating area.
Known for its creative menu featuring unique twists on classic brunch items, such as pineapple-infused pancakes or tropical-inspired egg dishes, the Pineapple Club provides a refreshing and delicious take on traditional brunch fare. With its dedication to culinary excellence, the Pineapple Club undoubtedly earns its reputation as one of the best brunch spots in the East Village.
Best Brunch Spots in the East Village (Post Summary)
In sum, here are the best East Village brunch spots:
- Little Rebel
- San Marzano
- A10 Kitchen
- Pardon My French
- Jackdaw
- Mudspot
- David’s Cafe
- Lil’ Frankie’s
- Ladybird
- Ruby’s
- Ferns
- Pineapple Club
Further Reading for the East Village
Where to Eat in the East Village: 20 Memorable East Village Restaurants (Foodie’s Guide)
Happy Hours in the East Village: 12 Epic Happy Hours in the East Village (You Can’t Help But Love)
East Village Bakeries: 10 Top-Notch Bakeries in the East Village
Best Bars in the East Village: 15 Exciting Bars in the East Village (You Won’t Soon Forget)
Iconic Spots in NYC Everyone Needs to Try
Best Pizza in NYC: 15 Best Pizza Joints in New York City
Iconic Restaurants in NYC: 10 Iconic New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try
Mouthwatering Bagels in NYC: 15 BEST Bagels in New York City
Unbelievable Brunch Spots in NYC: 18 Prime Brunch Spots in New York City Worth the (Inevitable) Wait
Map of the Best Brunch in the East Village
And there it is, the best brunch spots in the East Village according to yours truly! Let me know if there’s any you recommend I try.
Cheers!
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