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).
Brunch is my favorite meal, so it should come as no surprise I’ve spent my life’s savings in search of the best brunch in the Upper East Side (UES). Whether it’s swapping secrets over mimosas with friends or cozying up with a partner over a tower of pancakes, there’s something magical about this mid-morning meal.
Although the Upper East Side is renowned for its opulence and sophistication, rest assured – you can relish a delightful brunch experience without emptying your wallet. In this post, we’ll cover top spots where you can either grab a quick bite or leisurely savor bottomless drinks, all without breaking the bank.
Without further ado, here are the best places to enjoy brunch on the Upper East Side.
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Best Brunch in the Upper East Side
Table of Contents: Upper East Side Brunch Spots
Table of Contents: Best UES Brunch
Hutch & Waldo
Website: Hutch & Waldo
Address: 247 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028
When it comes to Instagrammable brunch in the Upper East Side, Hutch + Waldo might just take the cake. Founded in 2016, this cafe strives to recreate the easy-going coastal vibes of Australia, where the owners are from.
Serving great coffee in one of the cutest cafes in NYC, this joint fills up with locals during the busy brunch hour. With a commitment to sourcing everything locally and utilizing only seasonal produce, this Upper East Side brunch spot ensures you’re enjoying a hearty meal.
They have an impressive food menu full of delicious breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs, burritos, and smoothies. If you order the avocado toast (my go-to) they are generous with the avocado, and in this expensive city that’s a win!
Bluestone Lane
Website: Bluestone Lane
Address: 1085 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128
Bluestone Lane serves colorful and healthy brunch in the Upper East Side and has some of the friendliest services in town. As such, this popular UES brunch spot is always full of people making lively chatter and sipping coffee (the coffee is worth the trip alone).
Not to mention Bluestone Lane is right next to Central Park, so when the weather is nice make sure to get a seat outside and enjoy the views. Having to wait in line is practically guaranteed during the weekends, but the delicious Aussie brunch in the Upper East Side is worth the wait. I’m partial to the grain bowl, while my husband can’t resist the breakfast burger.
Cafe d’Alsace
Website: Cafe d’Alsace
Address: 1703 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128
Cafe d’Alsace hails from an area in France named Alsace. The region has been both part of Germany and France so the cuisine is a mixture of both cultures, and third-generation chef Philippe Roussel really works some magic in the kitchen.
As a popular Upper East Side brunch destination, the ambiance never disappoints. Locals fill the space with jovial chatter and groups of friends fill the tables. The decorations are also inviting and add to the overall ambiance of the cafe. For brunch, you can’t afford to miss the crepe souffle, which is topped with a tasty passion fruit sauce.
Seamore’s
Website: Seamore’s
Address: 1278 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
Native New Yorker and TV host Michael Chernow founded Seamore’s in 2015 to address the lack of fresh seafood in NYC. The restaurant prioritizes locally caught fish, sourced from the East Coast just 24-48 hours before reaching your plate, making it a standout brunch spot in the Upper East Side.
Seamore’s diverse menu includes fish tacos, lobster benedict, and classic brunch dishes. It’s also a top spot for a boozy brunch in the UES, offering 90 minutes of bottomless drinks for $28, provided the whole table participates with an entree order.
Something to note: Seamore’s only offers brunch on the weekends, reservations are encouraged since this is a popular Upper East Side brunch destination.
B. Cafe
Website: B. Cafe
Address: 240 E 75th St, New York, NY 10021
Located near Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, B. Cafe is a Belgian restaurant serving delicious brunch on the Upper East Side. At this delightful Upper East Side brunch spot, the must-try is undoubtedly the airy and light Belgian waffle.
Another crowd favorite is the moules frites, featuring mussels (delivered fresh daily) paired with B. Cafe’s signature hand-peeled fries. When the weather permits, opt for outdoor seating to enjoy the charming backyard adorned with bistro sets and pergola lights, adding to the ambiance of your dining experience.
Maya
Website: Maya
Address: 1191 1st Ave, New York, NY 10065
Seeking a lively brunch with endless drinks on the Upper East Side? Look no further than Maya, offering a 90-minute bottomless brunch featuring a variety of bloody marys, mimosas, and margaritas. Elevating the experience, you can also opt for bottomless food, indulging in a continuous array of tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas.
This upscale Mexican restaurant, led by internationally renowned Chef Richard Sandoval, stands out in a neighborhood full of options. Chef Sandoval’s commitment to evolving and pushing culinary boundaries ensures a constant infusion of new flavors, making Maya one of the premier brunch spots on the Upper East Side.
The whole table must participate in bottomless brunch at Maya, bottomless drinks and food is $59 per person, bottomless food only is $49. Weekends only.
EJ’s Luncheonette
Website: EJ’s Luncheonette
Address: 1271 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
EJ’s Luncheonette makes some of the best brunch in the Upper East Side thanks to their straightforward home-style breakfasts. Nothing on the menu is fancy, and quite frankly doesn’t need to be. The loving customer base EJ’s has built is thanks to their comfort food.
Expect brunch classics like waffles, french toast, omelets, and breakfast burritos. Perhaps the most famous dish at this UES brunch spot is the chocolate chip pancakes. EJ’s seemingly pours a bag of chocolate chips over hot pancakes creating a sweet-tooth’s dream meal.
EJ’s Luncheonette is also one of the best spots for brunch in the Upper East Side thanks to its old-school aesthetic. Made to resemble the luncheonettes of the 1930s and 1940s, eating here feels like time traveling!
Something to note: EJ’s Luncheonette is CASH-ONLY.
Sojourn
Website: Sojourn
Address: 244 E 79th St, New York, NY 10075
If 90 minutes isn’t long enough for your boozy brunch Sojourn is here to give you what you need. On the weekends Sojourn hosts a two-hour bottomless brunch in the Upper East Side for only $30!
Pair a few of those drinks with any dish and it’ll taste even better. Even if you’re sober though – the food at Sojourn is worth the visit. The Hangover Cure is a dish made with chorizo hash, swiss chard, poached eggs, hollandaise, and spicy avocado sauce that’s great whether you drank the night before or not.
Something to note: if you’re after the best brunch in the Upper East Side make sure you’re visiting Sojourn and not Sojourn Social, which is their sister location that is more of a bar.
The Penrose
Website: The Penrose
Address: 1590 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Who would’ve thought that an old-school bar would also be one of the best brunch spots in the Upper East Side? That’s exactly what the Penrose is, and not only is the food delicious but the interior sets the perfect tone for a date. The rustic vibe in the bar is cozy and during the brunch hour, the whole joint is bright and welcoming.
Pair your meal with a breakfast cocktail from the bar and make the most of your visit. As far as food goes, the Penrose has created the greatest thing since sliced bread: cinnamon bun french toast sticks. Made with brioche, vanilla cream cheese drizzle, brown sugar cinnamon maple – the appetizer alone cements the Penrose as one of the best brunch restaurants in the Upper East Side.
The East Pole
Website: The East Pole
Address: 133 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065
Located in an assuming brownstone, The East Pole is a low-key joint serving some of the best brunch in the UES. If it wasn’t for the tables outside you wouldn’t immediately know it’s a restaurant. Focusing on the farm-to-table approach the menu is straightforward and seasonal.
Head chef Joseph Capozzi calls it “elegant home cooking” and hey, that’s good enough for me. I don’t always need my brunch to be a fancy dish celebrating a special occasion, sometimes I just want a delicious and simple meal. The East Pole only serves brunch on the weekends, so be sure to pencil in your Upper East Side brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Upper East Side Best Brunch (Post Overview)
In summary, here’s a quick overview of the best brunch in the Upper East Side.
- Hutch & Waldo
- Bluestone Lane
- Cafe d’Alsace
- Seamore’s
- B. Cafe
- Maya
- EJ’s Luncheonette
- Sojourn
- The Penrose
- The East Pole
Further Reading for the Upper East Side
Best Things to Do on the Upper East Side: 15+ Great Things to Do in the Upper East Side
Where to Get Drinks on the UES: 15 Epic Bars in the Upper East Side
Best Restaurants UES: 15 Flavorful Restaurants in the Upper East Side
Where to Score a Deal on the UES: 12 Epic Happy Hour Spots on the Upper East Side
Best Bagels UES: 12 Tasty Upper East Side Bagels
More Great NYC Restaurants
Restaurants in Greenwich Village: 12 Charming Restaurants in Greenwich Village
Affordable Michelin Star Restaurants: 10 Amazingly (Affordable) Michelin Star Restaurants in NYC (Worth The Price!)
Iconic Restaurants in NYC: 10 Iconic New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try
Restaurants Near Central Park: The 20 Best Restaurants Near Central Park
Best Weather Appropriate Restaurants: 15 Cozy Restaurants with Heated Outdoor Dining in New York City (For Even the Coldest of Days!)
Map of the Best Brunch UES (Post Summary)
There you have it folks, our list of the best brunch in the Upper East Side. Hope you found it helpful.
Cheers!
Great list!