This list has been a long time coming. I’ve been compiling it for a while and every time I think I’ve finished it, a new “great” place opens up.
Then I think to myself, might as well go with what I know to be good and consistent, as opposed to hip and trendy. That’s not to say there aren’t some hip and trendy places on this list, but I tried to steer clear of fads and stick with plain and simple good food.
If you have any recommendations, as always, drop it in the comments! I’m SURE I missed a few and I will constantly be updating this.
And remember, the phone number is the link to the Google Search for that restaurant.
Best Brunch NYC 2019
- Egg Shop
If you love eggs, this is the place for you. Eggs on biscuits, eggs on salads, eggs on toast. They have all things egg and it is DELIGHTFUL. The egg shop B.E.C with white cheddar, black forest bacon, tomato jam, pickled jalapeno on a biscuit is my favorite.
138 N 8th St / 151 Elizabeth St
(646) 787-7502
Menu - The Smith
One of my favorite places for ANY meal is The Smith. I find it has something for everyone, it’s unpretentious, and it’s really just DAMN GOOD. Get the hot potato chips with blue cheese fondue and the Benedict Johnny on cheddar cornbread with maple chicken sausage, eggs and roasted tomato hollandaise. Pastrami grilled cheese is no slouch either..
956 2nd ave (multiple locations)
212-644-2700
Menu - La Pecora Bianca
Modern Italian with an American twist and incredible pasta is how I would describe LPB. Always solid and I’m in love with their gramigna pasta with sausage, broccolini, chili flakes and parm. But DO NOT skip their lemon ricotta pancakes. They’re insanely good.
1133 Broadway / 950 2nd Ave
212-498-9696
Menu - Hole in the Wall Cafe & Cocktail Bar
This was one of the few places I knew for brunch in FiDi, and now they’ve opened a second location right on the east side in a luxury apt building at 626 First Ave. Try the chili scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or Eggs Benedict with pastrami-spiced and smoked salmon. The Gaytime Waffles are awesome too with salted peanut butter hot sauce. Oh my.
15 Cliff St / 626 First Ave
(212) 602-9991 (FiDi)
Menu - Cafe Mogador
Easily one of my favorite places in Williamsburg to brunch, but if you don’t go early you’ll likely have to wait. It’s a popular spot. There’s also one in the East Village but I can’t imagine that one is any easier to get into during prime time. Order the Moroccan Benedict with spicy stewed tomato sauce and poached eggs on an English Muffin with hollandaise.
133 Wythe Ave / 101 St Marks Pl # 1
(212) 677-2226
Menu - Clinton Street Baking Company
I’m not gonna lie to you guys, it’s pretty darn impossible to get in here during peak times for brunch, so GO EARLY. They only take reservations for dinner and they only accommodate parties of 7 or less on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch. So this isn’t the place to host your entire family visiting from out of town. Get the blueberry pancakes and chicken & waffles. If you go in February you’ll get special pancake options because that’s “Pancake Month”.
4 Clinton St
(646) 602-6263
Menu - Westville
Always a good standby for literally any meal, but they also happen to have a solid brunch. Seasonal fare, fresh market veggies, and a casual yet popular vibe has made this place a go-to for years. Get the avocado toast, baked challah French Toast, grilled cheese and Westville cobb salad.
173 Avenue A (East Village, but there are multiple locations)
(212) 677-2033
Menu - Five Leaves
If you find yourself in Williamsburg, this is a good bet. But try to come early because it gets packed super quick on the weekend. Order the ricotta pancakes and Moroccan scramble, you won’t be disappointed. There’s also al fresco dining in those warm months.
18 Bedford Ave
(718) 383-5345
Menu - Jack’s Wife Freda
You’ll be hard-pressed to find an NYC brunch list that doesn’t include this one. American-Mediterranean cooking meets classic cocktails in a laid back vibe. Reservations are highly recommended. Locartions in West Village, Chelsea and Soho. Try the Madame Freda sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar bechamel, gruyere and a sunny side up egg. Also can’t go wrong with Jack’s breakfast.
50 Carmine St (West Village, but there are multiple locations)
(646) 669-9888
Menu - Good Enough to Eat
I don’t find myself on the UWS too much, but this is a very good reason to go. This is an NYC staple, since 1981, and the line gets long so be prepared to wait during peak brunch hours. I also recommend just going for breakfast. Awesome NYC diner vibes with amazing pancakes, waffles, and french toast. My favorite are the banana walnut pancakes. ALLLLLL the carbs.
520 Columbus Ave
(212) 496-0163
Menu - Sanfords Astoria
This is one of those places that has something for everyone. They also have a great selection of beer and whiskey, and for an extra $10 with any entree, you can get two cocktails with brunch. Not bad. Order the truffle mac and cheese for sure, and if you’re a sweet tooth you’d probably like the peanut butter banana pancakes.
30-13 Broadway (Astoria)
(718) 932-9569
Menu - Citizens of Chelsea
There’s an artsy, modern vibe here with visually appealing plates. Outside of that, the food is good too. There’s another location in Gramercy too. Order the smashing avocado, pulled pork benny, and the chocolate pb&j waffle.
401 W 25th St / 362 2nd Ave
(212) 372-7663
Menu - 12 Chairs
I used to frequent the one in Williamsburg often, and loved it so much I’d order delivery often too. I’m obsessed with their labne and shakshuka, but the freshly squeezed mint lemonade and Israeli breakfast is not to be missed either.
56 Macdougal St # B / 342 Wythe Ave
(212) 254-8640
Menu - Blend LIC
Latin fusion restaurant in Long Island City serving up solid brunch fare on the weekends. Not to mention it’s good for big groups and parties. Try the Arepas Benedictos, churrasco & eggs, and empanadas. 47-04 Vernon Blvd (Long Island City)
(718) 729-2800
Menu - Sunday in Brooklyn
I have two words for you: Sunday Pancakes. I am not a big sweets person or pancakes person but you fucked up if you didn’t get these. It’s that simple. Two thick pancakes covered in hazelnut maple praline sauce and brown butter.
348 Wythe Avenue
347-222-6722
Menu - Cecconi’s Dumbo
I love it here for multiple reasons, but mainly the food is just GD delicious. And the views? Brooklyn Bridge, water, carousel…it’s just beautiful. The whipped ricotta and truffle honey is amazing, and if you’re into breakfast pizza, this is the place to have it. Wood-fired with pancetta, fontina, and egg. Can’t go wrong with the pastas either.
718-650-3900
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