This list of the best brunch spots in the Upper East Side was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps)
Looking for the best brunch in Chelsea? You’re in the right place! As a local who’s explored the area extensively, I’ve created a list of places that offer tasty food and a lively atmosphere to match the neighborhood’s artistic charm, helping you avoid any potential disappointments.
So without further ado, here are the best spots to grab brunch in Chelsea, NYC!
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 Chelsea NYC
Table of Contents: Best Chelsea Brunch Spots
Table of Contents: Where to Get Brunch in Chelsea, NYC
Friedman’s Chelsea Market
Website: Friedman’s Chelsea Market
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Brunch Hours: All Day Brunch
Located in the famed Chelsea Market, Friedman’s is a family-run business that’s been around since 2009. One of the founders was diagnosed with celiac disease and made it a personal mission to open a spot that had an entire gluten-free (GF) menu. And that’s precisely what she did!
Friedman’s is one of the few spots you can grab brunch in Chelsea, where the entire menu is dedicated to being gluten-free friendly. You’re given the option to substitute with GF options if your meal isn’t already GF. And since we’re talking about brunch, we can’t forget the affordable cocktails. Boozy drinks will cost you around $15 at this Chelsea brunch spot, which is (sadly) a steal of a deal in NYC.
LouLou
Website: LouLou Petit Bistro
Location: 176 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Brunch Hours: Friday – Sunday 10:00AM to 4:00PM
Named after owner Mathias Van Leyden’s rescue dog, LOULOU is a French restaurant that’s just as adorable as his pup. Colorful flowers adorn the outside of this Chelsea restaurant, stopping folks in their tracks to take pictures.
Serving classic French fare, making reservations at this popular bistro to enjoy some of the best brunch in Chelsea should be high on everyone’s list. What makes this restaurant stand out (aside from the amazing food) is that the lower level of the bistro is a speakeasy, churning out creative cocktails nightly.
The drinks are not only innovative and clever, but they’re presented in some of the cutest glasses I’ve ever seen. Check out the menu, and you’ll see why LOULOU is one of the best brunch spots in Chelsea, featuring must-try dishes like croissant French toast and a delightful cocktail called “Down The Rabbit Hole” with vodka, Aperol, fresh lime juice, watermelon juice, and basil.
Citizens Of Chelsea
Website: Citizens Of Chelsea
Address: 401 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001
Brunch Hours: All Day Brunch
For a vibrant, delicious meal, check out Citizen’s, an Australian-based cafe that opened in 2016. Co-founders Justin Giuffrida and Andrew Geisel aimed to create a community-focused space, emphasizing relationships and familiarity.
The kind staff, beautiful setting, and top-notch dishes make Citizens of Chelsea one of the best brunch spots in Chelsea. I recommend ordering the Smashing Avocado—a delightful combination of multigrain toast, pickled onion, feta, and beetroot hummus for a delicious and memorable meal.
The Grey Dog
Website: The Grey Dog
Address: 242 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011
Brunch Hours: All day
Discover an affordable brunch gem in Chelsea at The Grey Dog. Serving brunch all day in a laid-back atmosphere, this spot offers simple, quick, and satisfying basics. What sets it apart is the impressive and reasonably priced drink menu featuring cocktails like a spicy pineapple margarita and Grey Dog Spritz. Cocktails range from $12 to $16, a rarity in NYC. If you stay for happy hour, enjoy beer, wine, and half-off cocktails for just $5. The Grey Dog not only serves some of the best brunches in Chelsea but does so at budget-friendly prices.
Empire Diner
Website: Empire Diner
Location: 210 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Brunch Hours: All Day Brunch
If you’re feeling nostalgic and searching for the best brunch in Chelsea, make sure to check out Empire Diner. It’s a modern take on the old-school, classic diner look. The best part? Empire Diner has been serving the neighborhood since 1976 with traditional American food.
You can expect typical diner fare, from the traditional eggs & bacon breakfast to a juicy burger with fries. Regardless if you’re stopping by for breakfast or a late lunch, the freshly baked buttermilk biscuits are non-negotiable and must be ordered. Since the Empire Diner is considered to be some of the best brunch in Chelsea, I recommend starting your day here early to avoid having to wait in any lines.
Jack’s Wife Freda
Website: Jack’s Wife Freda
Address: 116 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Brunch Hours: All day Brunch
Jack’s Wife Freda, an Instagram-famous spot, is beloved for its cozy atmosphere and unique green theme, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The food not only lives up to the hype but also earns its reputation for serving some of the best brunch in Chelsea. With a menu featuring delicious Mediterranean dishes and a staff that’s friendly and attentive, Jack’s Wife Freda provides a satisfying dining experience.
The menu offers a variety of shareable dishes and standout entrees like the Madame Freda sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar béchamel, gruyère, and a sunny-side-up egg, along with the green shakshuka. You won’t leave hungry with these flavorful options.
Cookshop
Website: Cookshop
Location: 156 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM-3:30 PM
Cookshop in Chelsea is renowned for its top-notch brunch and stylish ambiance, making it a can’t-miss spot in the neighborhood. With a bright and spacious interior flooded with natural light, it’s always bustling with eager diners. Offering modern American fare, make sure to try the beignets with seasonal compote and ricotta—they’re unforgettable. Reservations are a must due to their popularity, but the wait is worth it for this Chelsea brunch hotspot.
Further Reading: 15 Tantalizing Restaurants in Chelsea
Coppelia
Website: Coppelia
Location: 259 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011
Brunch Hours: Latin Diner opened 24/7
Coppelia is one of the best places to get brunch in Chelsea, along with every other meal of the day, since they’re open 24/7! This vibrant Chelsea brunch spot was established in 2011 and has been serving the neighborhood with Cuban food since. Offering popular Latin dishes like Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles or classic American far like steak & eggs, the all-day breakfast menu has something for everyone.
If breakfast food isn’t your favorite, no worries! The extensive menu at Coppelia has anything your heart desires. I highly recommend ordering the Cubano Sandwich, one of the best in New York City. Coppelia is also one of the more affordable places to get brunch in Chelsea, with menu options ranging anywhere from $5 to less than $30. As well as cocktails ringing in around $12-$15, what a steal!
The Orchard Townhouse
Website: The Orchard Townhouse
Address: 242 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Brunch Hours: Saturdays 11:00AM-4:00PM
Every Saturday, The Orchard Townhouse in Chelsea offers some of the best brunch. Set in a charming four-story townhouse, this cute corner restaurant serves up delicious breakfast dishes like egg in a hole (milk bread with a baked egg, ricotta & arugula) while patrons enjoy epic neighborhood views.
The charming interior exudes a clean and modern atmosphere, bathed in natural light throughout the day. Whether you opt for indoor seating or the inviting outdoor patio, finding a table to enjoy Chelsea’s best brunch is a breeze.
Local’s Tip: The Orchard Townhouse is a 2 minute walk from the High Line, one of the best parks in New York City. Make sure to check it out!
Bocca di Bacco
Website: Bocca di Bacco
Address: 169 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Located steps from the High Line, Bocca di Bacco is a standout brunch spot in Chelsea. Every weekend, enjoy their two-hour bottomless drink special for $26/person, offering a choice of champagne, sangria, Bellinis, mimosas, screwdrivers, or Bloody Marys.
The reason many folks claim Bocca di Bacco as some of the best brunch in Chelsea is because, occasionally, upon entry, you are greeted with a welcome shot. That’s right, no better way to start your brunch than with just straight liquor. The unique experience makes for a memorable one.
Lasagna Restaurant
Website: Lasagna Restaurant
Address: 196 8th Ave Corner, W 20th St of, New York, NY 10011
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Let’s be honest: who doesn’t love pasta for brunch? True to its name, Lasagna Restaurant is a go-to for the best Italian brunch in Chelsea. What sets it apart is its specialization not only in Italian but also in Mediterranean dishes. The “international specials” section of the menu is a jackpot for those keen on expanding their palate.
For brunch enthusiasts, Lasagna Restaurant offers a two-hour bottomless special every weekend for an extra $15. Choose from mimosas, bellinis, screwdrivers, Bloody Marys, coffee, or tea. I highly recommend trying the Cinnamon Challah French Toast—it’s my personal favorite, and I’m always torn between that or the four-cheese lasagna when I visit this Chelsea brunch spot.
The Copper Still
Website: The Copper Still
Address: 206 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Combining an Irish pub with an excellent whiskey collection, The Copper Still stands out as one of Chelsea’s best brunch spots. Despite serving classic American fare, the atmosphere mirrors an authentic pub, creating a laid-back experience with friendly staff. For whiskey enthusiasts, the extensive list may be overwhelming, so feel free to ask for recommendations.
On Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 AM to 4 PM, The Copper Still offers a brunch deal: 90 minutes of unlimited mimosas or Bloody Marys for $25 per person (with an entree purchase). Enjoy straightforward, satisfying breakfast options, making it one of the top brunch spots in Chelsea.
Motel Morris
Website: Motel Morris
Address: 132 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday 11:00AM – 3:30PM
Despite its misleading name, Motel Morris is not an actual motel but rather one of Chelsea’s top brunch spots for comforting dishes. Chef Bill McDaniel crafts a seasonal menu featuring American cuisine with global influences. Offering a unique twist on traditional items like breakfast fried rice or chilled spicy peanut soba, Motel Morris is sure to satisfy. Personally, I can’t resist their buttermilk cinnamon roll pancakes—they make me feel like a kid again while enjoying some of the best brunch in Chelsea.
Calle Dao
Website: Calle Dao
Address: 461 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday (Last drink by 4:30PM if start time is after 3:30PM)
Calle Dao in Chelsea offers one of the most generous brunch deals—$30 for 60 minutes of bottomless drinks with an entree. The Cuban-Chinese fusion spot serves incredible food and a variety of drinks like mojitos and mimosas. The lively atmosphere and attentive staff contribute to making it one of the best brunch spots in Chelsea, and the entire table must participate in the deal.
RH Rooftop
Website: RH Rooftop
Address: 9 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Brunch Hours: N/A
If you’re anything like me and can’t afford to spend $5,000 on a couch but still want to experience luxury, RH Rooftop was made for people like us. This elegant and chic restaurant is located on top of Restoration Hardware (a luxury furniture store) in the Meat Packing District. Luckily for us, we don’t need to take out a loan to afford some of the best brunch in Chelsea.
The rooftop restaurant boasts glamorous glass chandeliers and offers sweeping views of the charming neighborhood. While the food is mediocre, the overall experience justifies including it in the list of best brunch spots in Chelsea. After adding your name to the list, explore five floors of exquisite furniture. If you’re seeking a good time with friends rather than exceptional food, a visit to RH Rooftop can be worthwhile.
Chelsea Brunch Spots (Post Summary)
In sum, these are the best spots for brunch in Chelsea NYC.
- Friedman’s (Chelsea Market)
- Empire Diner
- Citizens Of Chelsea
- Jack’s Wife Freda
- Cookshop
- Cafeteria
- The Orchard Townhouse
- Bocca di Bacco
- The Grey Dog
- Lasagna Restaurant
- The Copper Still
- Motel Morris
- Calle Dao
- RH Rooftop
- LouLou
Further Reading for Chelsea
Best Bakeries in Chelsea: 12 Cheerful Chelsea Bakeries
Best Bars in Chelsea: 12 Charming Bars in Chelsea NYC
Things to Do in the Neighborhood: 20 Epic Things to Do in Chelsea
Best Coffee in Chelsea: 15 Charming Coffee Shops in Chelsea
Best Happy Hour Spots in Chelsea: 18 Satisfying Happy Hours in Chelsea, New York City
Neighborhoods Near Chelsea Worth Checking Out
Restaurants in Greenwich Village: 12 Charming Restaurants in Greenwich Village
Happy Hour in the West Village: 10+ Wonderful West Village Happy Hour Spots
Coffee Shops in Greenwich Village: 12 Gorgeous Greenwich Village Coffee Shops
Best Bars in the Greenwich Village: 15 Boozy Bars in Greenwich Village
Map of the Best Brunch Spots in Chelsea
And there it is, best brunch in Chelsea NYC according to yours truly. Let me know if there’s any Chelsea brunch spots you think we missed.
Cheers!
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