September 21, 2023

Brunching in the Big Apple: Your Ultimate Guide to New York City's Irresistible Morning Escapes

Explore New York City's top brunch destinations with our curated list of diverse and unforgettable dining experiences, showcasing a mix of cozy cafes and upscale restaurants that will tantalize your taste buds.

Richard Gargan
Richard Gargan
Reviewed from:
New York
Brunching in the Big Apple: Your Ultimate Guide to New York City's Irresistible Morning Escapes
Editor's Note: Brunch Expert is supported by our readers. We sometimes earn commissions when you click through to restaurants or affiliate links.

From cozy neighborhood joints to chic, upscale eateries, this guide will take you on a culinary journey through the very best of New York City's brunch scene. So, loosen your belts, grab a friend, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure that will leave you craving for more. With each bite, you'll discover why New York City is not only the city that never sleeps but also the city that knows how to brunch in style.

Good Thanks Cafe

131a Orchard St, New York

(646) 370-4426

Reviewed by:

Good Thanks Cafe is a great place to grab a wholesome meal and a cup of coffee. With a variety of options for both food and drinks, there is something for everyone. The Kimchi Scrambled Eggs, Best Breakfast Sandwich, and Sardine Toast are all highly recommended. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is quaint. Highly recommended for brunch in NYC.

Russ & Daughters Cafe

127 Orchard St, New York

(212) 475-4881

Reviewed by:

Russ & Daughters Cafe is a great spot for brunch in NYC. They offer classic diner style service, a great selection of breakfast and brunch items, including bagels and fish, and amazing halvah ice cream. The atmosphere is cozy, the staff are friendly and the service is fast. Prices are affordable, making it a great spot for a fun date, meeting with friends or for the whole family. Highly recommended!

POST

217 E 3rd St, New York

(917) 261-2613

Reviewed by:

POST is an amazing gem in NYC. The food is always delicious and unique, the staff is attentive and charming, and the owner, Mike, goes above and beyond to make sure everyone has the best experience. The matcha latte and biscuits and gravy are especially noteworthy. The only downside is that the pork can be a bit spicy and the service isn't always the best. Highly recommended!

Joseph Leonard

170 Waverly Pl, New York

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Joseph Leonard is a great spot for brunch in the West Village. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the service is friendly. The food is delicious, with highlights such as the hash browns and chopped liver. Prices are a bit high, but worth it for the quality. Reservations are recommended as the place can get quite busy.

Cookshop

156 10th Ave, New York

(212) 924-4440

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Cookshop is a great American restaurant located near the High Line in Chelsea. They offer regionally sourced food, a great selection of drinks, and fantastic appetizers. The Huevos Rancheros is a must-try and the atmosphere and service are top-notch. Customers can also enjoy a walk on the High Line after eating.

Banter NYC

169 Sullivan St, New York

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Banter NYC is a great spot for brunch! They have a great selection of food and drinks and the service is highly efficient. The Nutella French toast and tangerine ginger tea were both excellent and the bacon & egg roll was ok. The portion size for the side of bacon could be improved, but overall it's a great place with a calm vibe and friendly staff. Highly recommend!

Hole In The Wall

15 Cliff St, New York

(212) 602-9991

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Hole In The Wall is a great brunch spot located in the financial district of NYC. The staff is friendly and the food is delicious. The pulled pork Benedict and avocado smash are excellent and the matcha latte with pistachio milk is a must-try. The waffles with mascarpone cream are also a favorite. The mushroom toast with poached egg is tasty and the coffee is great. The waiter was friendly and the only downside was not being asked if we needed anything else or the bill when in a hurry. All in all, it's a great spot and worth a visit.

Bubby's

120 Hudson St, New York

(212) 219-0666

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Bubby's for brunch NYC is a great place to go for brunch or lunch. The staff is friendly and the food is delicious. The pancakes are light and fluffy and the biscuits are a must have. The service is fast and the atmosphere is nice. Highly recommend Bubby's for brunch NYC!

Buvette Gastrotheque

At the corner of Bleecker, 42 Grove St, New York

(212) 255-3590

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Buvette Gastrotheque is a great French restaurant in NYC with a cozy atmosphere and delicious food. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the wait is worth it. The coffee, waffle, pastries, and hot chocolate are all excellent, and their steak tartare is a must-try. Highly recommended!

Dudley's

85 Orchard St, New York

(212) 925-7355

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Dudley's offers a great brunch experience with large portions and delicious food. The truffle fries, salmon eggs Benedict, and breakfast sandwich were all excellent, as was the passion fruit mimosa. The outdoor seating is well decorated, but can get a bit hot. The service was fast and the prices are very reasonable. Highly recommend!

Parker & Quinn

64 W 39th St, New York

(212) 729-0277

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Parker & Quinn was a pleasant surprise. The food was excellent, the staff was friendly and accommodating and the atmosphere was comfortable. Highly recommended.

The Blue Dog

308 W 50th St, New York

(212) 459-0700

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The Blue Dog in NYC is a great spot for a quick bite before a Broadway matinee. The outdoor seating is in a breezeway of the Worldwide Plaza, which kept the customers cool from the summer sun. The service was relatively quick and the Asian Salad was very good. The Cobb Salad was pretty flavorless but the fries were soggy but okay. The service was friendly and overall it was a pleasant experience.

Two Hands

251 Church St, New York

(646) 590-2787

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Two Hands is a great spot for a family friendly brunch with a playful atmosphere. The food is fresh and flavorful, and the service is quick and friendly. The lemon poppyseed waffle is a must try, and the pressed juices are amazing. The only downside is that the silverware and glasses can be a bit sticky or have residue.

Sadelle's

463 W Broadway, New York

(212) 254-3000

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Sadelle's is an amazing spot for brunch in the heart of Soho. With plenty of seating options, a simple yet delicious menu, and friendly staff, it's a great spot for friends and family to gather. The French toast is out of this world, and the fried chicken sandwich is a must-try. Reservations are recommended due to the popularity of the spot.

Jack's Wife Freda

226 Lafayette St, New York

(212) 510-8550

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Jack's Wife Freda is a great spot for brunch in NYC. The food is fresh and delicious, with great flavor combinations. The decor is chic and Parisian, perfect for groups of all sizes. Service is a bit lacking, but the wait times are not too long even when the restaurant is busy. Highly recommended!

La Mercerie

53 Howard St, New York

(212) 852-9097

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La Mercerie is a French restaurant located in the Soho district of NYC. It offers an outdoor patio and indoor seating with a bar. The food is very good, although portions may be smaller than expected. The chocolate cake is excellent. Service could be improved, but the waiters are friendly. Reservations are recommended and vaccination cards are required for entry into indoor seating. Overall, La Mercerie is a great choice for brunch and dinner, offering delicious food and great service.

Penelope

159 Lexington Ave, New York

(212) 481-3800

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Penelope is a great spot for brunch in NYC. The atmosphere is cozy and the service is attentive. Their menu offers a variety of delicious options, from salads to pancakes to burgers. The French onion soup burger and blueberry pancakes are definitely standouts. The drinks are also amazing, especially the vanilla cream one. Prices are affordable and overall it's a great spot for brunch.

Pig & Butter

134 Ludlow St, New York

(917) 806-6500

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Pig & Butter is a great brunch spot in NYC. The staff are friendly, the food is delicious and the drinks are perfect. The menu is interesting and the atmosphere is cozy. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great brunch experience.

The Crooked Knife

29 E 30th St, New York

(212) 696-2593

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The Crooked Knife's Bottomless Brunch is an amazing deal for a night out in New York City, with a main course and unlimited drinks for two hours. The food was delicious, the bartenders were personable, and the waitress Donna was amazing. The wait time was a bit long, but the chicken sandwich is worth the wait. Highly recommend this spot for a bottomless brunch!

Poco NYC

33 Avenue B, New York

(212) 228-4461

Reviewed by:

Visiting Poco NYC for brunch was a great experience! The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu items. The food was delicious and the drinks were on point. The portion sizes were good and the hash browns were particularly tasty. The bottomless mimosas and sangria were great and the French toast was especially amazing. The only downside was that they only accept cash, but there is an ATM across the street. All in all, Poco NYC is a great place to go for brunch with friends.

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