This roundup of the best brunch in the Upper West Side was written by Alejandro Beltran, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps) and a NYC local. Happy to have you here!
As a local with an unapologetic appetite for pancakes and mimosas, I know a thing or two about the best brunch in the Upper West Side (UWS). The neighborhood knows how to cook up comfort-classics and without fail, every weekend, I’m trying something new.
Whether you’re visiting the neighborhood, a fellow local (hi, neighbor!), or just going down a New York Simply rabbit-hole, one thing is for certain: you’ll be hungry by the end of this post. But I don’t want to get distracted, so let’s chat about the best UWS brunch.
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Best Brunch in the Upper West Side
Table of Contents: Best Upper West Side Brunch
Table of Contents: Upper West Side Brunch Guide
Maison Pickle
Website: Maison Pickle
Address: 2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Groups of friends, brunch with drinks
I start this list with my personal favorite brunch in the Upper West Side: Maison Pickle. The restaurant is the first place I bring out of town guests to thanks to the upbeat music, friendly staff, drinks, and generous portions. It’s lively, and the type of place you’d want to have birthday brunch in the UWS.
The Upper West Side restaurant become a brunch destination thanks to their generous servings and toothsome meals, namely the challah French toast and succulent French dips. The one caveat is Maison Pickle is popular, and unless you have a reservation you’ll have to wait (especially on the weekends).
Jacob’s Pickles
Website: Jacob’s Pickles
Address: 509 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Brunch dates, hefty meals
Renowned for its house-brined pickles, Jacob’s Pickle is the predecessor and big-brother of Maison Pickle. The restaurant infuses its menu with bold flavors and creative twists on Southern comfort classics. With options ranging from the indulgent French toast, savory hash bowls, and popular chicken & waffles, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
The cozy atmosphere makes it a beloved UWS brunch destination, and on a nice day their outdoor seating area swells with chipper locals. Plus, the establishment sources quality ingredients, ensuring that each dish maintains a high standard of freshness. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or seeking inventive brunch delights, Jacob’s Pickle provides some of the best brunch in the Upper West Side.
Bluestone Lane
Website: Bluestone Lane
Address: 417 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Healthy brunch
Bluestone Lane is known for serving colorful and healthy brunch on the UWS, plus having some of the friendliest service in town. As such, this popular Upper West Side brunch spot is always full of people making lively chatter and sipping coffee (and yes, their coffee is worth the trip alone).
Having to wait in line is practically guaranteed during the weekends, but the delicious Aussie brunch is worth the wait. I’m partial to the grain bowl, while my wife can’t resist the breakfast burger.
Barney Greengrass
Website: Barney Greengrass
Address: 541 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Smoked fish, Jewish fare
I’m reluctant to mention Barney Greengrass because it’s already such an iconic NYC restaurant, but I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tack it onto this list of the best Upper West Side brunch spots. Dating back to 1908, Barney Greengrass is a neighborhood institution famous for some of the best bagels and smoked fish in NYC. No, seriously, U.S. Presidents requested it directly.
My wife and I have a tradition of starting every Saturday morning by splitting a bagel from Barney Greengrass, the lox is sublime, perfectly salted and offers a velvety texture that perfectly complements the soft bagel and satisfying capers. When we’re feeling fancy though, Barney Greengrass also offers table-service brunch with a menu brimming with classic Jewish fare (latkes, matzo ball soup, bialys).
Café Luxembourg
Website: Cafe Luxembourg
Address: 200 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023
Good For: French fare
Café Luxembourg is a chic French-American bistro that locals covet for the delicious fare, and return for the exceptional service. The menu is extensive (without being overwhelming) and ensures that everyone at the table will find something to love.
The smoked salmon benedict and omelette are highlights at this UWS brunch restaurant, and it’s brimming with French-inspired fare. Not to mention the restaurant itself is quaint and charming, the bistro tables and checkered floors make it feel particularly Parisian.
Maman
Website: Maman
Address: 429 Amsterdam Ave & 152 Columbus Ave
Good For: Brunch dates, pastries & coffee
Offering a whimsical and charming vibe, this is one of the best Upper West Side brunch spots to meet with friends or have a casual date. Originally started as a French bakery in NYC, Maman quickly became renowned for perfectly executed baked goods.
But what really put them on the map was Oprah listing their nutty chocolate chip cookie as one of her favorite things. I never miss an opportunity to order the quiche, chocolate croissant and their famous macadamia nut cookie. Plus, the coffee is always great (not to be underestimated at a bakery).
Sarabeth’s
Website: Sarabeth’s
Address: 423 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Classic American brunch
At first glance, Sarabeth’s is unassuming when strolling down Amsterdam Ave. Don’t let the small storefront fool you – this place serves some of the best brunch on the Upper West Side in a charming, cute setting. The classic American fare has become a staple of the UWS brunch scene.
The smoked salmon benedict is downright tantalizing and keeps me coming back for more. Expertly poached eggs served over a fluffy corn-muffin and paired with citrusy greens, this brunch dish always hits the spot. It’s no wonder the restaurant is never void of customers!
Daily Provisions
Website: Daily Provisions
Address: 375 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Quick brunch, coffee and crullers
Daily Provisions is more cafe than restaurant, there’s no table-service and the menu is small. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in flavor. The clear standouts are the four breakfast sandwich options that are nestled between the softest bread that’s covered in poppy seeds.
This UWS brunch cafe is also famous for their signature crullers, which are fried, soft pastries that resemble donuts and draw locals in by the boat subway-load! The only drawback is that Daily Provisions are victims of their own success, they’re often brimming with folks climbing over each other for seats!
The Smith
Website: The Smith
Address: 1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Good For: Classic American brunch
Serving a plethora of traditional brunch fare, The Smith is a hot-spot for locals and tourists alike. Expect to find all the classics like omelettes, avocado toast, french toast, etc. Essentially, if you’re looking for a traditional American brunch on the Upper West Side then you need look no further.
Located on Broadway across from the Lincoln Center, the extensive brunch menu attracts folks from all corners of the city, the restaurant bustles with crowds regardless of the time of day! Try to snatch an outdoor table if you can, the people-watching opportunities are endless.
Amelie
Website: Amelie
Address: 566 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Good value fancy dining
Affectionately known as “La Petite Amélie”, this UWS brunch spot is smaller and more intimate than the original Amelie located in the West Village. Offering French-inspired brunch fare in a cozy setting, this is the place to go if you’re celebrating something special.
Brunch at Amelie is only offered on weekends (Friday through Sunday) and runs from 12-3pm. Boasting a Bib Gourmand Michelin rating (prestigious award given to good value restaurants) this Upper West Side brunch spot warrants a visit.
The Consulate
Website: The Consulate
Address: 519 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Good For: Charming brunch dates
Restaurant by day, and elegant bar by night (with an amazing UWS happy hour), The Consulate offers an air of sophistication that will leave you feeling like Don Draper. But we’re chatting about the best brunch in the Upper West Side, and The Consulate is here to check that box, too.
This Upper West Side brunch spot offers unique twists on classics, like the burrata waffle (which is a must-order in my book). One of the more amusing items on the menu is the hangover burger (which can be ordered void of judgment at this classy joint).
Good Enough to Eat
We all have those neighborhood go-to’s that don’t blow any one particular category out of the water, but they always satisfy. That’s what Good Enough to Eat is. The restaurant isn’t flashy, it’s menu isn’t over-the-top innovative, but it’s become one of the most popular Upper West Side brunch restaurants.
You can chalk it up to the signature strawberry-butter, or the friendly demeanor of their wait-staff (Tom’s my favorite!). But one thing is for certain, the made-from-scratch, classic breakfast food (pancakes, waffles, omelettes) has helped kept locals wrapped around their fingers since 1981.
Upper West Side Best Brunch (Post Overview)
In summary, here’s a quick overview of the best brunch in the Upper West Side.
- Maison Pickle
- Jacob’s Pickles
- Bluestone Lane
- Barney Greengrass
- Café Luxembourg
- Maman
- Sarabeth’s
- Daily Provisions
- The Smith
- Amelie
- The Consulate
- Good Enough to Eat
Best UWS Brunch Guide: Map
More Foodie Links:
Best NYC Brunch: 18 Prime Brunch Spots in New York City Worth the (Inevitable) Wait
Where to Drink: 15 Boozy Cocktail Bars in New York City (Worth The Wait)
The Best Bagels: You Asked, Locals Answered: 15 BEST Bagels in New York City
Best Pizza: 15 Best Pizza Joints in New York City (You Can’t Afford to Miss)
More Upper West Side Content:
Things to Do: 20 Fun Things to Do in the Upper West Side (Local’s Guide)
Where to Drink: 12+ Wonderful Upper West Side Bars (Perfect for a Tipsy Night Out)
The Best Bagels: The 5 Best Bagel Shops on the Upper West Side (Local’s List)
How to Stretch a Dollar: 10+ Satisfying Happy Hours in the Upper West Side
Regardless of whether you’re itching to satisfy a sweet tooth or searching for a hearty snack after a morning workout, there’s no shortage of great brunch on the Upper West Side!
Until next time, Al.
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