Post overview: Best brunch in the Lower East Side (LES)
The Lower East Side (LES) is one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore. A true melting pot of culture you’ll find the cuisine comes from all corners of the globe, and for foodies like me that’s all the more reason to visit.
I sometimes call the neighborhood the Lower Eats Side thanks to the sheer amount of restaurants making some of the best food in the world. And my favorite meal of the day? Brunch.
I’ve found that brunch in the Lower East Side is dreamy and best of all satisfying. Morning walks along modern highrises and century old buildings on my way to a sun-soaked restaurant to enjoy a late, boozy breakfast? Is this, heaven?
And if you too want to partake in the magic of Lower East Side brunch I’m here to help you. As a local, I’ve found the all the can’t miss spots that are both iconic and hidden-gems.
The last thing I want you to do is waste your time and money on a subpar experience, so I’m going to share my personal list of favorite brunch spots in the Lower East Side. Ready to get into it? Me too!
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Brunch Lower East Side
#15. Round K by Sol
Brunch hours: Monday through Friday 9:30 AM – 04:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Round K was a popular Lower East Side brunch spot before the pandemic forced them to close up shop, but luckily the second iteration, Round K by Sol is filling the cafes big shoes.
Hansol Kim worked at the original cafe and received permission from Round K’s original owner to revive the popular Lower East Side brunch spot. He added by Sol (short for Hansol) to the name to add his own touch.
The LES brunch destination has a uniquely Korean touch, even making kimchi butter and kimchi ranch. And don’t let the small menu fool you, every item on it is a flavor-bomb your taste buds will enjoy.
Round K by Sol also makes one of the most awe-striking coffees in the Lower East Side, called a flat purple. The drink is made with coffee and ube, and is a tantalizing shade of lavender that’s not just pretty, it’s delicious.
Since Round K by Sol is more cafe than restaurant you’ll find it’s one of the best value brunch spots in the Lower East Side. Most items clock in below $15 whereas at a restaurant you’d likely pay $20+ for the same dish
Address: 78 Canal St, New York, NY 10002
#14. Set LES
Brunch hours: Weekends 12 – 4PM
Anyone searching for the best bottomless brunch in the Lower East Side needs to make a beeline for Set L.E.S.
Set L.E.S goes above and beyond by handpicking all ingredients to ensure the freshest and highest quality dining experience. The atmosphere is relaxed and the food is pub-style with an Asian flair.
But this Lower East Side brunch spot really shines thanks to its bottomless brunch. For $45 you’re given the choice of an entree or the SET special (like a combo, comes with fries) along with 90 minutes of bottomless drinks.
You can pick from mimosas, bloody marys, screwdrivers, beer or a non-alcoholic drink. It’s super cool that Set L.E.S is a brunch spot in the Lower East Side extending the bottomless option for folks who don’t drink alcohol.
Address: 127 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
#13. Davelle
Hours: Monday through Friday 8AM – 5PM, Weekends 9AM – 5PM
Davelle is modeled after Japanese kissatens (tea-drinking rooms) and offers a minimalist brunch in the Lower East Side.
The cafe is on the smaller side, fitting around 10 people inside plus a few more at the tables outside. However, the service is quick and the staff is friendly and for as small as it is we’ve surprisingly never had to wait.
I’ll be honest and say that Davelle first came to my attention thanks to their charming aesthetic, but I’ve returned countless times for an easygoing Lower East Side brunch. You’ll find the menu matches the cafe’s minuscule size.
Best known for their toast, it’s so pretty you almost don’t even want to eat it. Offering different flavors you have the option to go with something savory like ham and egg or something sweet like berry and cream cheese.
The vibe at Davelle is cozy and charming, perfectly tucked into the neighborhood making it feel like a hidden gem. Along with the famous toast their menu has a handful of Japanese meals and drinks that are tasty and memorable.
Address: 102 Suffolk St, New York, NY 10002
#12. Balvanera
Brunch hours: Weekends, 11AM – 4:30PM
Balvanera is an Argentinian restaurant named after a neighborhood in Buenos Aires renowned for its creative spirit.
The sun-soaked and charming restaurant pairs nicely with the Argentinian cuisine for one of the best brunch experiences in the Lower East Side. You’ll find both sweet and savory dishes as well as classic brunch fare for those who like to keep things simple.
The experience is only made better thanks to one of the best boozy brunch in the Lower East Side. For $25 (with the purchase of a brunch entree) you’ll get to enjoy two hours of bottomless sangria or mimosas.
Both times I visited Balvanera it was was buzzing with lively locals and you’re not going to want to wait for a table. That’s why I suggest making reservations ahead of time for this popular brunch destination in the Lower East Side.
Address: 152 Stanton St, New York, NY 10002
#11. Pig & Butter
Pig & Butter may just take the crown when it comes to the best brunch in the Lower East Side. Why do I make such a bold claim? Well for starters, they do brunch all day.
There is no need to set an early alarm or spend your weekends waiting around hoping to snag a table.
If you want chicken & waffles at 4pm on a Friday then this LES brunch spot was made for you.
And along with your all day brunch you’ll get to enjoy booze! For $20 you can enjoy bottomless mimosas or red & white sangria with your favorite brunch in the Lower East Side.
Few things in life excite me as much as a boozy brunch. I mean the fact that drinking before 5pm is socially acceptable so long as we splash a little bit of orange juice in our drinks? Sign me up.
Something to note: Make sure to check the hours of operations online before visiting. They vary by season and since I don’t want you folks to miss out on this LES brunch spot.
Address: 134 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
#10. Freemans
Brunch: Weekends, 11AM – 3PM
Freemans is a hidden-gem brunch in the Lower East Side, but I don’t mean it in regards to the restaurant not getting recognition. I mean it’s tucked away at the end of an alley, so you have to do a little searching to find it.
Head to Rivington Street, between Chrystie and Bowery and you’ll find Freemans Alley. Walk to the very end and bam, you’ve arrived at one of the best brunch spots in the Lower East Side.
The place feels like a rustic cabin, mostly thanks to the plethora of animal head mounts. The wooden accents give the place a warm, inviting allure and the staff add to the experience by being sweet and friendly.
You’ll find the menu reflects simple, home style cooking and every meal is satisfying and a generous portion. But no matter what you do order, start with the artichoke dip, it’s *chef’s kiss* and perfect for sharing.
Address: Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002
#9. Creperie
Hours: Daily, 12:30PM – 2 AM.
You know that trendy saying “innovative or die”, well Creperie NYC took that to heart because innovation is the name of the game at this popular LES brunch spot.
The French crepe shop is family-owned and operated and has taken the internet by storm. Serving intricate concoctions of the beloved dish, their dedication to perfection can’t be matched.
Before you write this place off and say they can’t possibly curb the craving of a savory treat, let me stop you. The menu at Creperie NYC is made up of over 70 different crepe flavor combinations (both sweet and savory).
This LES brunch spot will most likely have just about any crepe you can imagine. Classics like strawberry banana and Nutella filled crepes have been perfected and new originals like the smores crepe continue to push boundaries.
Now by no means is this your typical sit down brunch spot in the Lower East Side, but the efficiency and convenience of grabbing a crepe and heading out for the day is too good to pass up.
I felt like I should add this spot to our list of the best brunch spots in the Lower East Side for those who tend to live life on the go but still want a treat!
Address: 135 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
#8. Sonnyboy
Brunch hours: Friday to Sunday, 10AM – 5PM
Sonnyboy is an Australian restaurant that serves eager (and hungry) New Yorkers some of the best weekend brunch in the Lower East Side. Opened in 2019, Sonnyboy strives to be the neighborhood hangout spot.
By creating a welcoming and laid-back environment, guests never get the feeling of being rushed. It’s a spot locals have come to love and visitors go out of their way to stop by.
The menu is compiled of creative dishes full of different textures and exploding with flavor. Itching both the sweet and savory cravings you may have, this LES brunch spot caters to everyone.
Clear standouts are the Ricotta Hotcakes and Burrata & Fig Toast. The combinations are well-thought out and executed perfectly.
This Australian eatery also happens to be one of the more affordable brunch spots in the Lower East Side. With entrees ranging between $14-$20, it’s a hard price to beat when you’re looking for a cost effective sit-down spot.
Address: 65 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
#7. Beauty & Essex
Brunch hours: Sundays, 11:30AM – 4PM
Unprepared folk might stumble into Beauty & Essex and think they’re in the wrong spot, turn around, and leave. That’s because when you first walk in – it’s a pawn shop.
Antique and high dollar items decorate the walls and it’s only until you walk past that you’ll find a winding staircase that leads to their four dining rooms and some of the best brunch in the Lower East Side.
This famed institution has spared no expense in cultivating an elegant and posh experience. There’s a two story chandelier, designer jewelry for sale in the pawn shop and a woman’s bathroom outfitted with a salon, luxurious couch and antique perfume bottles.
The reason they’re on the list of the best brunch in the Lower East Side is thanks to their unrivaled presentation. It’s hard not to pull out your phone for pictures of the unique dishes.
Beauty and Essex is perhaps best known for their Oreo Cookie pancakes. Fine Oreo crumbs are speckled over a stack of pancakes held together by a sweet filling similar to that of, well, an Oreo. Think cookies & cream ice cream – but in a pancake.
Address: 146 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
#6. Sel Rose
Brunch hours: Sundays, 2 – 5PM
Sel Rose is an oyster bar so most folks don’t immediately assume they make some of the best brunch in the Lower East Side. Featuring a small and flavorful menu you’ll find the cuisine is fresh and tasty, perfect to start your day.
The biggest selling point to me is that Sel Rose has a bottomless brunch option that includes espresso martinis. As far as I know it’s the only brunch spot in the Lower East Side that’s been genius enough to offer the caffeinated cocktail as one of their bottomless options.
The boozy Lower East Side brunch will cost you $35 and besides the espresso martinis you’ll also have the option of mimosas, bellinis and bloody marys. Pair your drinks with brunch oysters and you won’t want to leave!
This LES brunch is only available on Sundays from 2 to 5PM, and there is a drag show that begins at 3PM lasting until 7PM.
Address: 1 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002
#5. Serafina
Brunch hours: Weekends, 11:30AM – 3:30PM
Serafina is an Italian restaurant founded by two friends who were lost at sea and dreamed of delicious food (can you blame them?). They vowed that if they were rescued they’d open a restaurant together and, luckily, they did!
Although I can’t relate to being lost at sea, I can sympathize with the euphoria a good meal can provide. And since Serafina makes some of the best brunch in the Lower East Side, I suggest you pay them a visit too.
The menu is similar to what you’ll find at most brunch spots in the Lower East Side (eggs, avocado toast, salads) but where Serafina stands out is that they make brunch pasta (God bless the Italians).
Cacio e pepe, spicy penne ala vodka and taglioni carbonara taste even better when their your first meal of the day.
And if you’re looking for a boozy brunch in the Lower East Side, Serafina checks that box too. You’ll have the option of $35 for an hour and a half, or $70 for three hours so there isn’t a need to rush the experience.
Address: 98 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
#4. Clinton St. Baking Company
Brunch hours: Daily, 9AM – 4PM
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 the Lower East Side.
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.
Offering more traditional American breakfast dishes, Clinton St. Baking is well placed among the best brunch in the Lower East Side. It’s also one of the most popular brunch spots in the Lower East Side, so don’t forget reservations!
Address: 4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
#3. Russ & Daughters
Hours: Daily, 8AM – 4PM
A moment of silence for my favorite lox bagel in New York City. Russ & Daughters has a gravitational pull on yours truly and I oblige without hesitation.
I enjoy Russ & Daughters so much that my husband and I once taxied into the city during a layover for a quick bite before catching a connecting flight. Worth it? Worth it.
Although it’s not a restaurant, Russ & Daughters is so famous that I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend it. I figured if you’re looking to enjoy brunch in the Lower East Side you deserve to hear about the iconic bagel joint.
The bagels at Russ & Daughters are exceptional, as you would expect, but the smoked fish is where they shine. That’s why I strongly recommend the lox bagel here (it’d be a shame to pass it up, seriously).
This particular delicatessen stands a mile above the rest and is worth going out of the way for. Russ & Daughters has expanded over the years but I suggest visiting the original store on the Lower East Side. Nothing beats the original. ?
Locations: 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
#2. Dudley’s
Brunch hours: Daily, 9AM – 3:45PM
Dudley’s comes by way of the same folks that brought us Ruby’s, one of the best restaurants in SoHo. Boasting the same degree of hospitality as Ruby’s, Dudley’s has come to hold its own among the best brunch restaurants in the Lower East Side.
Whereas Ruby’s was created as a cafe, Dudley’s is a bistro (is that the same thing?). Like I said, very similar. In fact, they even offer some of the same dishes! I still recommend making the stop though because it’s just that good!
The Australian hot-spot is also makes some of the most affordable brunch in the Lower East Side. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s cheap, but I do think it’s one of the best values.
If you’re in need of a recommendation and have a sweet tooth like me I suggest ordering the ricotta pancakes. Paired with honeycomb butter, maple syrup and Nutella you’ll find yourself craving a second serving for days.
Address: 85 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
#1. Essex
Brunch hours: Weekends, 11AM – 4:30PM
Essex is a restaurant that you can visit for just about any occasion. Whether you’re with a date or friends you’re guaranteed a good time, especially if you visit the Lower East Side brunch spot and order bottomless drinks.
For $43 you’ll get an entree with the choice of bottomless mimosas, bloody marys, screwdrivers & Narraganset draft beers. Everyone in your party must participate and the table is yours for an hour and a half.
Most of the food items are traditional American-brunch staples like omelettes, eggs benedict and avocado toast. There are a few less common dishes like chilaquiles and arepas as well as a couple vegan dishes.
Unlike other bottomless brunch spots in the Lower East Side Essex is quick with refills, so you really feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. For as busy as it can get the staff are impressively attentive and friendly.
As arguably the most popular restaurant for brunch in the Lower East Side I strongly (emphasis on strongly) recommend reservations.
Address: 124 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Best Lower East Side Brunch (Post Summary)
- Essex
- Dudley’s
- Russ & Daughters
- Clinton St. Baking Company
- Serafina
- Sel Rose
- Beauty & Essex
- Sonnyboy
- Creperie
- Freemans
- Pig & Butter
- Balvanera
- Davelle
- Set LES
- Round K by Sol
LES Brunch (Map)
And there you have it my friends, the best brunch in the Lower East Side has to offer.
Cheers!
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