Are you looking for the best brunch in Greenwich Village? This local has you covered!
Now the question becomes who am I and why should you trust me? Well to keep it brief, I moved to New York City 10 years ago and prior to that, I was visiting the Big Apple 3-4 times a year.
Like most women I find brunch to be the most important meal of the day. Judgment-free drinking before noon and a plethora of sweet and savory options at my discretion — did I die and go to heaven?
But after living in NYC I noticed my standard for brunch had gone up. Just because the spot is cute doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth your money.
So I set a personal mission and over the last 10 years have ate my weight in breakfast foods to find the best brunch in Greenwich Village to share with you all.
Don’t let my hard work go to waste. Grab your friends, your family, heck even just yourself and find something on this list that suits your needs. Now for the good stuff, here is the best brunch spots in Greenwich Village!
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.
Brunch in Greenwich Village
#15. Claudette
Brunch Hours: Friday 11:30am – 3pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 3:00pm
When it comes to reliable brunch spots in Greenwich Village, Claudette is hard to beat. Serving all the classic brunch fare, you can expect to find common dishes like French toast all the way to steak frites.
This Greenwich Village brunch spot is located on the corner 5th Ave. and West 9th St. and allows ample daylight to flood the restaurant. The bright and lively atmosphere combined with the coastal cottage vibes makes for one of the cutest brunch spots in Greenwich Village.
Claudette is best known for creating French dishes with a Mediterranean twist, and if at all helpful I always order the eggs Benedict with lox. It always hits the spot! There is also a pastry basket option, perfect for sharing if you’re brunching in a small group.
Address: 24 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
#14. Kuxé
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 12pm-4pm
Kuxé (pronounced coo-shay) is new to the scene but don’t for one second try to convince yourself age has anything to do with greatness. Kuxé is less than a year old and has already hit multiple lists of the best brunch in Greenwich Village.
The reason? The exceptional meals and phenomenal service! Serving delicious traditional Mexican dishes and impressive drinks, Kuxé has quickly made fans out of locals and visitors alike.
Clear stand outs are the guacamole and ceviche, some of the best in the city. But where this Greenwich Village brunch spot really shines is the bottomless brunch option for $39.95.
Patrons get to choose one entree and enjoy 1.5 hours of bottomless drinks which include the option of mimosas, sangria, bellinis or margaritas. Make sure to make reservations or try to show up early on the weekends to try some of the best brunch in Greenwich Village.
Address: 205 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
#13. Hudson Clearwater
Brunch Hours: Daily 8am-4:30pm
Any vegans in the house? If so, Hudson Clearwater is one of the best spots to grab brunch in Greenwich Village thanks to all the vegan/vegetarian options available.
With a menu as extensive as the one at Hudson Clearwater, folks with dietary restrictions finally feel seen. With dishes like gluten-free lemon ricotta pancakes and vegan home-style potatoes, there is something for everyone at this Greenwich Village brunch spot.
Make sure to snag a spot outside. There is a beautiful back garden that’s been transformed into a dreamy outdoor patio area. This cozy backyard cafe also serves tons of classic options like steak & eggs and fish sandwiches for those who don’t have restrictions.
Between the unique flavors, affordable prices and excellent service — Hudson Clearwater continues to be one of the best spots to grab brunch in Greenwich Village.
PS, you must try the cornflake French toast — *chefs kiss*!
Address: 447 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
#12. Jack’s Wife Freda
Brunch Hours: All Day
It’s hard to find a list of best brunch in Greenwich Village without Jack’s Wife Freda making the cut. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s possibly the most well-known brunch spot in New York City (thanks to its Instagrammable features).
Constantly being shouted-out by local celebrities and online personalities, Jack’s Wife Freda gets a lot of media attention (and for good reason!). Churning out some of the best brunch in Greenwich Village, the photos might be what brings you in to the spot, but the food is what gets you to stay.
My personal favorite dish is the Madame Freda. It’s a pressed sandwich that’s served warm and soft, and cuts relatively easily with a fork. The duck prosciutto added a nice contrast to this cheesy delight. Overall it’s a beautiful meal that you will be dreaming about for days.
The service has always been delightful at this Greenwich Village brunch spot and the food is consistently top-notch. I recommend booking reservations early since this is one of the most popular places for brunch in Greenwich Village.
Address: 50 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
#11. The Grey Dog
Brunch Hours: All Day
Find brunch places in Greenwich Village that won’t break the bank (especially when it comes to drinks) can prove to be difficult. Lucky for you, I know just the spot that has some of the most wallet-friendly 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 Greenwich Village 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 this one of the best brunch places in West Village — it’s one of the most affordable 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: 49 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
#10. Shuka
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:30am-3:30pm
Shuka is a charming Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, that happens to be one of the best brunch places in Greenwich Village. Thanks to the inviting environment, folks passing by can’t help but feel a gravitational pull to check out this local gem.
The joint feels casual, as if you were at a friends house. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure you leave with a good experience. The biggest difference between my friends house and Shuka is that Shuka actually knows their way around the kitchen. ?
You’ll be hard-pressed to find meat that isn’t grilled to perfection at Shuka. Toss any concern you may have about dry or overcooked kebab’s out the window.
Shuka is one of the best places for brunch in Greenwich Village for large groups. If you come with a group of friends consider the Shuka Feast. For $57 a person (the whole table must participate) you get a plethora of shareable dishes like hummus, kebab and vegetables.
Address: 38 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
#9. Caroll Place
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
For any history buffs out there, the building Caroll Place is located in is chock-full of interesting stories and artifacts. What was once formerly known as Kenny’s Castaway Music Club (a “dusty and dim New York music club”) is now a spot locals go to for some of the best brunch in Greenwich Village.
The lively Italian bar restaurant has repurposed many original pieces found over years of reconstruction. You’ll find 180-year old wood beams and wood floors throughout the venue. If you head downstairs you’ll see a bunch of artifacts that were saved during construction now plastered on the walls.
But the reason Caroll Place has made its way on our list of best brunch in Greenwich Village is because of the $30 bottomless brunch special.
Folks get to enjoy bottomless drinks (options like: mimosa, rose sangria or Bloody Mary) along with any entree for 90 minutes. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love pizza for brunch?
It’s hard to pass up on pasta, pizza and unlimited mimosas for such an affordable price. Just make sure to come prepared with your stretchiest pair of pants on deck.
Address: 157 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
#8. White Oak Tavern
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
Who doesn’t love a cozy corner restaurant that has amazing ambiance inside and out? Lucky for us, White Oak Tavern has checked all those boxes and happens to serve some of the best brunch in Greenwich Village.
Make sure to take advantage of the $30 all you can drink boozy brunch (that lasts 2 hours might I add!) with the purchase of food.
Pair your unlimited cocktails with classics like chicken & waffles or hearty meals like a juicy burger. Knocking both sweet and savory options out of the park, it’s a bummer White Oak Tavern only serves brunch in Greenwich Village on weekends!
Address: 21 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10003
#7. Elephant & Castle
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:30am-4:30pm
Clear any weekend plans you may have and make a beeline for Elephant & Castle, one of the best spots for brunch in Greenwich Village.
Elephant & Castle is an unassuming American restaurant that has been serving New Yorkers with innovative brunch favorites like eggs & apple Benedict served on French toast since 1973.
Yes you read that correctly! Imagine your classic eggs Benedict (hollandaise sauce and all) but instead of English muffin it’s paired with French toast, syrup and if you’re feeling adventurous bacon.
It’s the perfect combinations of savory and sweet for those who can never decide. And frankly one of my personal favorite dishes when I’m grabbing brunch in Greenwich Village.
Address: 68 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
#6. Tartine
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
Tartine has been a personal favorite spot of mine for a while now. Only back then I was a fool who would only swing by for dinner, not realizing they served some of the best brunch in Greenwich Village.
When I tell you I was not prepared for the flavor trip I was about to embark on, I wholeheartedly mean it. I had no idea this corner bistro is responsible for some of the best brunch Greenwich Village has to offer! Between the ambiance, inviting staff and delicious fare, it’s not wonder this place boasts such long lines.
Heck, I’m slightly reluctant to mention Tartine on this list because I want to keep it to myself, but I’d be doing you a disservice. They only have brunch on the weekends and take no reservations, but it’s BYOB and the food is incredible so show up early.
Address: 253 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
#5. Jane Restaurant
Brunch Hours: Weekdays 11:30am-4:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm
The debate still stands on whether savory or sweet is the way to go when searching for the best brunch. More times than not I am a savory girl through and through however, Jane Restaurant’s French toast has always been the exception.
The French toast is made up of 3 slices of thick-cut brioche, soaked in creme brûlée batter, topped with fresh fruit. My mouth is watering just thinking about this delicious brunch in Greenwich Village.
The popular Greenwich Village brunch spot was established in 2001 and has only perfected its recipes over the years. The breakfast cocktails are refreshing and the meals that follow are equally as impressive.
Jane Restaurant is one of the few places that serves brunch in Greenwich Village daily. So there is no need to rush out the door on weekends in an attempt for a spot.
Address: 100 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
#4. Banter NYC
Brunch Hours: All Day
Banter is a popular Australian eatery that serves some of the best brunch in Greenwich Village. The reason so many New Yorkers rank Banter among the best is largely due to the ample amount of healthy dishes offered.
Folks with dietary restrictions are not forgotten at Banter either, in fact there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available. Most meals can be had for under $20 and the soft scrambled eggs are some of the best I’ve ever had.
Come early and even then expect a line, since this is one of the best spots for brunch in Greenwich Village. The benefit of this restaurant is that brunch is served all day.
Something to note: Banter doesn’t take reservations.
Address: 169 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
#3. Dante
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm
Caffe Dante dates back to 1915. It served as a staple for the community before slowly fading into oblivion before two Australians decided to breathe new life into the historic institution in 2015.
The result was striking, within a few years of reopening, Dante was named the best bar in the world in 2019 and appeared on the list again in 2020. So why not stop by for a great West Village boozy brunch experience?
Although the drinks are Dante’s claim to fame, they secretly serve some of the best brunch in Greenwich Village too. The breakfast brioche (crispy pancetta, salsa pepperoncini, provolone and a fried egg) always leaves me wondering whether the food or the drinks are better.
Dante has two locations — Dante West Village and Caffe Dante, only a few blocks apart. I suggest trying to make reservations since they can get pretty busy.
Address: 79-81 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012 & 551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
#2. Cafe Cluny
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:00am-3:30pm
We can’t talk about the best brunch in Greenwich Village without mentioning Cafe Cluny.
Offering a diverse menu with classic options like avocado toast to innovative dishes like buffalo chicken dumplings, Cafe Cluny has it all.
This West Village brunch spot is constantly bustling with hungry New Yorkers so you can expect lines, but I promise it’ll be worth it. The restaurant is nestled on a busy corner with large glass windows, so the people watching opportunities are endless.
Reservations can be hard to get at this well-like brunch spot in Greenwich Village, so make sure to plan ahead!
Address: 284 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014
#1. Buvette
Brunch Hours: Daily 8:00am-3:30pm
Stepping into Buvette feels like stepping foot into an authentic Parisian cafe. Which is precisely why this is one of the best brunch spots in Greenwich Village for Francophiles.
The interior of the restaurant is cozy and the food is equally delicious. The escargot is worth a shout-out and seasonal menu items are guaranteed to delight.
Swing by for a quick bite or if you need to rest your legs. Make sure to linger over a warm coffee drink or glass of wine — it makes people watching all the better.
But bear in mind that many folks consider Buvette one of the best brunch spots in Greenwich Village, so reservations are hard to get and the wait time is notoriously long. Show up at an odd hour or prepare to wait. But trust me, after your meal you’ll see why this West Village brunch spot is so popular.
Address: 42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
Exploring Greenwich Village? You may enjoy reading: 22 Exciting Things to Do in New York City’s Charming Greenwich Village.
Greenwich Village Brunch Spots (Post Summary)
- Buvette
- Cafe Cluny
- Dante
- Banter
- Jane’s Restaurant
- Tartine
- Elephant & Castle
- White Oak Tavern
- Caroll Place
- Shuka
- The Grey Dog
- Jack’s Wife Freda
- Hudson Clearwater
- Kuxe
- Claudette
Map of the Best West Village Brunch Spots
LOOKING FOR MORE Greenwich Village CONTENT?
If brunch in Greenwich Village wasn’t enough (we hear ya!) check out some of our other neighborhood guides.
- 12 Gorgeous Greenwich Village Coffee Shops You Can’t Afford to Miss!
- 15 Boozy Bars in Greenwich Village (To Enjoy One More Drink At)
- 12 Charming Restaurants in Greenwich Village Worth the Wait
- 15 Wonderful Bakeries in the West Village (Worth the Calories!)
And there it is my friends! The 15 best Greenwich Village brunch spots 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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