Looking for the best brunch in Chelsea NYC? This local has you covered!
Chelsea is known to be New York City’s artsy neighborhood. I’m talking jam-packed of exhibits, murals and galleries you could gawk at all day and still have only scratched the surface.
But aside from exhibits, another piece of art (the less talked about kind) is a delicious meal. I believe that some of the best brunch in Chelsea is worthy of being showcased, and that’s why I’m here.
I mean, what’s avocado toast if not a piece of art? 😉
As a local, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the neighborhood and have had my fair-share of brunches, lunches and dinners. Some mediocre, some great and some just downright regretful.
To help you avoid any (possible) mistakes, I’ve taken the liberty to create a list of places that are both tasty and have a lively atmosphere to match the neighborhood.
I’m confident I’ve found the best brunch in Chelsea NYC –but hey, what do you say we get right into 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 +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Brunch in Chelsea NYC
#15. Friedman’s Chelsea Market
Brunch Hours: All Day Brunch
Whenever I have out-of-town visitors, more times than not, I bring them to Friedman’s in the Chelsea Market.
For starters, the Chelsea Market is such a unique spot full of various shops and restaurants, making it a natural spot to stop and spend a few hours exploring. It’s also a great place to grab some of the best brunch in Chelsea NYC.
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 exactly 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. Meaning you’re given the options 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 $13 at this Chelsea brunch spot, which is a hell of a deal in NYC!
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
#14. Empire Diner
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.
Address: 210 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011
#13. Citizens Of Chelsea
Brunch Hours: All Day Brunch
Opened in 2016, this Australian cafe prides itself on community and builds a safe space for folks to enjoy a delicious meal. If you’re in need of a quick bite or a cup of caffeine, consider swinging by Citizens for some of the best brunch in Chelsea NYC.
I highly recommend the Smashing Avocado (avocado toast). Served on multigrain toast, Citizens adds pickled onion, feta and a beetroot hummus creating not only a delicious meal but a memorable one.
You’ll be greeted by eager staff members who go above and beyond to make sure you leave with a good experience. The kind staff, fantastic food and the welcoming atmosphere make for one of the best brunches in Chelsea.
Address: 401 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001
#12. Jack’s Wife Freda
Brunch Hours: All day Brunch
You might recognize Jack’s Wife Freda from Instagram. The cozy, homey vibes paired with the recognizable shade of green they use, has made this spot a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.
When a place sticks out as much as this one, you can only hope the food lives up to the presentation. Well I’m excited to report that the hype behind Jack’s Wife Freda is in fact valid and they serve some of the best brunch in Chelsea.
The food is delicious and the staff is kind. Our server made for pleasant small talk and regularly checked in on us throughout our dine.
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: 116 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
#11. Cookshop
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM-3:30 PM
Cookshop is not only a place to get some of the best brunch in Chelsea, but it’s also one of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants in New York City.
The clean and open interior fills with natural daylight during the mornings. And the restaurant is constantly bustling with eager folks who just want to eat their body weight in brunch food.
Expect to find modern American fare and don’t even think about leaving without ordering the beignets (served with a seasonal compote and ricotta). I still dream about them to this day!
Since this is one of the best places for brunch in Chelsea, it can be hard to get a reservations — make them in advance. Long wait times on the weekends are inevitable, but trust me it is worth it.
Address: 156 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011
#10. Coppelia
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 strongly recommend trying 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 options on the menu ranging anywhere from $5 to less than $30. As well as cocktails ringing in around $12-$15, what a steal!
Address: 207 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011
#9. The Orchard Townhouse
Brunch Hours: Saturdays 11:00AM-4:00PM
Not all brunch spots are created equally and The Orchard Townhouse is a great example of that. Offering breakfast fare once a week, this little corner gem serves some of the best brunch in Chelsea NYC.
The Orchard Townhouse is set in a four-story, well… townhouse! Every Saturday between the hours of 11:00AM to 4:00PM folks get to taste delicious meals like an egg in a hole (milk bread with a baked egg, ricotta & arugula) while enjoying some epic neighborhood views.
The interior is cute, clean and modern and floods with natural light during the day. With seating both inside and an adorable outside patio, grabbing a table and enjoying some of the best brunch in Chelsea won’t be a problem.
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!
Address: 242 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001
#8. Bocca di Bacco
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Another great brunch spot in Chelsea, located steps from the High Line is Bocca di Bacco.
Every weekend, this Italian restaurant offers a two-hour bottomless drink special for $26/person. Patrons are given the choice of champagne, sangria, Bellini’s, mimosas, screwdrivers or bloody Mary’s to pair with their meal.
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.
Not many places on our list of best brunch in Chelsea NYC can say they do the same! The unique experience makes for a memorable one.
Address: 169 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
#7. The Grey Dog
Brunch Hours: All day
It’s hard to find a great brunch in Chelsea that won’t break the bank, especially when it comes to drinks. Lucky for you, I know just the spot that has some of the most affordable cocktails in the neighborhood.
Serving brunch all day, you can enjoy the laid-back environment without having to set an alarm clock. Expect to find all the basics that are simple, quick and always satisfying at this Chelsea brunch place.
Where The Grey Dog really shines is with the impressive drink menu. With delicious drinks like a spicy pineapple margarita and Grey Dog Spritz, not only is does this place serve some of the best brunches in Chelsea — it’s one of the most affordable spots too.
Cocktails will cost you $12-$16, which is almost unheard of in a pricey city like NYC!If you linger long enough, The Grey Dog also offers an insane happy hour deal. I’m talking beer and wine for $5 and half-off priced cocktails.
Address: 242 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011
#6. Lasagna Restaurant
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Let’s get real, who doesn’t love pasta for brunch? Just as the name suggests, Lasagna Restaurant serves some of the best brunch in Chelsea if you’re in the mood for Italian.
But what sets this Italian restaurant apart from others is that Lasagna Restaurant also specializes in Mediterranean dishes, too. With an entire section of the menu dedicated to “international specials”, people eager to expand their pallet, have just hit the jackpot.
As far as brunch goes, every weekend Lasagna Restaurant offers a two-hour bottomless special for an additional $15. You can choose between a mimosa, bellini, screwdriver, Bloody Mary, coffee or tea.
I can’t suggest ordering the Cinnamon Challah French Toast, enough. I’m always torn between that or the four cheese lasagna when I visit this Chelsea brunch spot.
Address: 196 8th Ave Corner, W 20th St of, New York, NY 10011
#5. The Copper Still
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10:00AM – 4:00PM
What happens when you mix an Irish pub with a great whiskey collection? You get one of the best places to grab brunch in Chelsea.
While the food served here is classic American-styled fare, the vibes are that of an authentic pub. The laid-back atmosphere and kind staff make for one of the better experiences when enjoying brunch in Chelsea. If you’re a fan of whiskey, I suggest asking the staff for some of their top-picks. The list is extensive and can be overwhelming.
Every Saturday and Sunday, between 10AM to 4PM, The Copper Still offers unlimited mimosas or Bloody Marys for 90 minutes at just $25 a person (with the purchase of an entree).
Swing by from some unfussy breakfast food that always hits the spot and enjoy some of the best brunch in Chelsea.
Address: 206 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
#4. Motel Morris
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday 11:00AM – 3:30PM
Contrary to what the name suggests, no this place is not a real motel. In fact, it’s one of the best brunch places in Chelsea for comfort food.
Chef Bill McDaniel creates a seasonal menu that serves American food with global influences. With a unique spin on traditional dishes like a breakfast fried rice or chilled spicy peanut soba, Motel Morris will always hit the spot.
My personal favorite thing to order is the buttermilk cinnamon roll pancakes. I feel like a little kid again when I’m going to town on some of the best brunch in Chelsea.
Address: 132 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
#3. Calle Dao
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday (Last drink by 4:30PM if start time is after 3:30PM)
One of the most generous brunch deals in Chelsea can be found at Calle Dao. The restaurant is a Cuban-Chinese fusion spot that serves incredible food and bottomless drinks.
For $30 you can expect to receive 60 minutes of bottomless drinks with the purchase of an entree or sandwich. Drinks include mojitos, mimosas and margaritas to name a few but the list goes on!
The entire table must participate but that shouldn’t be a problem since the food here is exceptional, so participating in the brunch special only makes sense.
The atmosphere is lively and the staff here go above and beyond to make sure guest leave feeling well taken care of while enjoying some of the best brunch in Chelsea.
Address: 461 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011
#2. RH Rooftop
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 is adorned with glamorous glass chandeliers everywhere and offers sweeping views of the charming neighborhood, down below. If I’m being honest, the food is mediocre at best. But I felt I’d be remiss not adding it to the list of best brunch in Chelsea because the experience alone is worth the trip (at least once).
After you place your name on the list, you have the freedom to roam five-floors of beautiful furniture I can only dream of affording.
At the end of the day, if you’re going out with the intention of having a good time with friends and not for the food, I do think swinging by RH Rooftop can be worth it.
Address: 9 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014
#1. LouLou
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 the 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. Just take a look at the menu and you’ll understand the hype as to why I consider this to be one of the best brunch spots in Chelsea.
I can’t recommend the croissant French toast (yes it’s a real thing!) and the “world is yours” cocktail (Gin, Sake, creme de peache & edible flowers served in an orb) enough. Both are delicious and warrant a visit alone.
Address: 176 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Chelsea Brunch Spots (Post Summary)
- 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
Map of the Best Brunch Spots in Chelsea
And there it is my friends! The best brunch in Chelsea NYC 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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