This list of the best brunch in the Greenwich Village was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
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 few years, have eaten 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 are 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 (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Brunch in Greenwich Village
Table of Contents: Greenwich Village Brunch Spots
Table of Contents: Where to Grab Brunch in Greenwich Village
Buvette
Website: Buvette
Address: 42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
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.
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.
Exploring Greenwich Village? You may enjoy reading: 22 Exciting Things to Do in New York City’s Charming Greenwich Village.
Dante
Website: Dante
Address: 79-81 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012 & 551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
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.
Claudette
Website: Claudette
Address: 24 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
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 of 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.
Tartine
Website: Tartine
Address: 253 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
Between the ambiance, inviting staff, and delicious fare, it’s no wonder Tartine 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.
The West Village brunch joint only serves brunch on the weekends and takes no reservations, but it’s BYOB, and the food is incredible, so show up early. The menu is small and concise, with a large emphasis on egg-forward dishes. I recommend ordering the eggs Florentine with a side of the brioche toast.
The Butcher’s Daughter
Website: The Butcher’s Daughter
Address: 581 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Brunch Hours: All Day
The Butcher’s Daughter is a plant-forward eatery offering many vegan and vegetarian options. Dishes like the breakfast burrito and the Butcher’s waffle (made with poached pears, vegan cinnamon sugar butter, and maple whipped cream) are absolute treats and beg to be ordered. These gems are what elevate The Butcher’s Daughter to one of the best brunch restaurants in the West Village.
Cafe Cluny
Website: Cafe Cluny
Address: 284 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014
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 and 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 in 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!
Hudson Clearwater
Website: Hudson Clearwater
Address: 447 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
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.
Jack’s Wife Freda
Website: Jack’s Wife Freda
Address: 50 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Brunch Hours: All Day
Constantly being shouted out by local celebrities and online personalities, Jack’s Wife, Freda, gets a lot of media attention (and for a good reason!). Churning out some of the best brunch in Greenwich Village, the photos might be what brings you to the spot, but the food is what gets you to stay.
My 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. I recommend booking reservations early since this is one of the most popular places for brunch in Greenwich Village.
The Grey Dog
Website: The Grey Dog
Address: 49 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Brunch Hours: All Day
Finding affordable brunch spots in Greenwich Village, especially for drinks, can be tough. But fear not, because I know just the place. The Grey Dog offers some of the cheapest cocktails in the neighborhood, along with brunch served all day in a laid-back setting.
You’ll find all the classic brunch options here, quick and satisfying. Their drink menu is impressive, too, featuring tasty choices like a spicy pineapple margarita and Grey Dog Spritz. And get this: cocktails are only $12-$16, which is a steal in NYC. Plus, they have a killer happy hour deal with $5 beers, wines, and cocktails at half price.
Shuka
Website: Shuka
Address: 38 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:30am-3:30pm
Shuka is a charming Eastern Mediterranean restaurant with a relaxed ambiance reminiscent of a friend’s house. The dedicated staff ensures a positive experience, and Shuka is renowned for perfectly grilled meats and dispelling any worries about dry or overcooked kebabs.
Shuka is the Ideal Greenwich Village brunch spot for large groups. Consider ordering the Shuka Feast at $57 per person, providing a variety of shareable bites such as hummus, kebabs, and vegetables.
Caroll Place
Website: Caroll Place
Address: 157 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
Caroll Place, once Kenny’s Castaway Music Club, is now a top spot for brunch in Greenwich Village with a rich history. The Italian bar restaurant repurposes original artifacts, including 180-year old wood beams and floors. The venue showcases saved artifacts on its walls, creating a unique atmosphere.
What makes Caroll Place stand out for brunch is its $30 bottomless brunch special. For 90 minutes, patrons enjoy unlimited drinks (mimosa, rose sangria, or Bloody Mary) and any entree. With tempting options like pizza and pasta, this affordable deal is hard to resist. Just be sure to wear your stretchiest pants!
White Oak Tavern
Website: White Oak Tavern
Address: 21 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10003
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
Who doesn’t love a cozy corner restaurant that has a fantastic 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 that White Oak Tavern only serves brunch in Greenwich Village
Elephant & Castle
Website: Elephant & Castle
Address: 68 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
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 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 combination of savory and sweet for those who can never decide. And frankly, it’s one of my personal favorite dishes when I’m grabbing brunch in Greenwich Village.
Banter NYC
Website: Banter NYC
Address: 169 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
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 mainly 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 in the city. 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.
Jane Restaurant
Website: Jane Restaurant
Address: 100 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
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 often 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 and 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 impressive. Jane Restaurant is one of the few places that serves brunch daily in Greenwich Village. So, there is no need to rush out the door on weekends in an attempt for a spot.
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
- The Butcher’s Daughter
- Claudette
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And there it is, the 15 best Greenwich Village brunch spots according to yours truly. Let
Cheers!
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