NYC Sunday brunch is like a religion. For instance, brunch in NYC cannot and will not be defined or restrained by time. If you sleep until noon, those eggs benedict will still be waiting for you when you arrive at 2 pm. In fact, most places serve their boozy brunch in New York as late as 4 pm. These are 8 of the best brunch spots in NYC, guaranteed to be the highlight of your weekend in New York City.
Steph Ridhalgh
8 of the Best Brunch Spots in NYC
For those looking for the best bottomless brunch in NYC, most places offer cocktails such as mimosas and Bellinis to wash down that fluffy French toast.
But, going to brunch every weekend can take a toll on that diet that was going so well before Friday came around.
Luckily, a new breed of places to brunch in NYC is popping up all over the city, aware of the weekly internal struggle for many of us New Yorkers.
These are some of the best brunch spots in NYC where the food tastes fabulous on the lips but won’t spend a lifetime on the hips.
Jack’s Wife Freda is a New York fan favourite for brunch. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
Jack’s Wife Freda
A list of the best brunch spots in NYC wouldn’t be complete without Jack’s.
Jack Wife Freda has a warm welcoming atmosphere with an American bistro feel and everything on the menu is a hit.
It’s their classic Israeli/African favorites that have put them in good stead as one of the best brunch places in Soho, but also wider New York City.
Famous for their Green Shakshuka, a traditional Israeli egg dish, Jack’s Wife Freda gives Middle Eastern flavors a modern twist. My favorites include the Chicken Kebab and the Mediterranean Breakfast; both are light in richness, but full in flavor.
Finish off with the Nana tea – traditional mint tea served in a tall glass.
The food is incredibly fresh and mouthwatering and unlike most brunches in New York and the States, serving sizes are normal.
Also, many celebs flock to this hot spot, don’t be surprised if you are bumping elbows with Chrissy Teigan or Mindy Kaling.
Green Shakshuka eggs at Jack’s Wife Freda. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
A busy brunch crowd at Jack’s Wife Freda NYC. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
The Butcher’s Daughter
If you are on the hunt for a vegan-friendly brunch NYC style, The Butcher’s Daughter is a standout as one of the best brunch spots in NYC for vegetarians and carnivores alike. It really is crushing the many stereotypes people have about how vegan food tastes and doing it in style.
I have always been less forthcoming when it comes to trying vegan restaurants in NYC, being the carnivore I am, but this uber-cool plant-based café is the kind of healthy dining I not only like, but love.
The space has an airy open style sitting and could almost be mistaken for a rainforest retreat.
One can only try so many dishes in one sitting, But, from the looks of the plates going passed me, I will be visiting until I have tried everything on the menu.
The Butcher’s Daughter is a trendy brunch joint in NYC. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
Two Hands
Two Hands has several locations around NYC and is another brand flying the culture of Australian cafes in NYC.
A farm-to-table and community-focused ethos guides the menu planning and the attitude towards their customers at Two Hands; everyone is welcome.
You can expect a very Australian menu with Acai bowls at the head, warm chook rolls for lunch accompanied by strong Aussie-style espresso.
Avocado Smash in the winter sunshine at Bluestone Lane. . | © Skye Gilkeson
Bluestone Lane
Another of the Australian brunch spots NYC has on offer, Bluestone Lane has long been a favorite.
One of the best brunch spots in NYC for the fitness crowd, you can’t go wrong with their Breakfast Bowl, Avocado Smash, or Brekkie Burrito.
Get a tasty bit on the side at Westville. | © Steph Ridhalgh
Westville
Westville prides itself on freshness and using the highest quality ingredients. This is one of our go-to brunch spots in Chelsea for a home-cooked meal away from home.
With over 21 different market sides, including my favourite honey Dijon Brussel sprouts, I often say you could make a whole meal out of sides.
Egg-cellent offerings at Egg Shop. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
Egg Shop
A whole menu devoted to reinventing the simple ingredient that is the egg is my kind of place. Just across the street from The Butcher’s Daughter, this Nolitian establishment has a bright welcoming atmosphere.
A lot of places these days completely throw this brunch staple by the wayside, offering mediocre egg dishes. Not the case here at Egg Shop.
Choose from a list of creative egg sandwiches, a poached egg with miso quinoa or maybe an egg cruiser served in a bowl. The egg-stensive (yes, I went there) menu will have you forgetting all about your overdone egg and dippy toast soldiers.
Eggs are all sourced locally from content chicken, which is just eggcellent (I couldn’t resist). The only thing left to do is wonder why anyone hasn’t done this earlier.
Little Collins
New york brunch spots featuring Australian brekkie favourites on the menu can be found all around the city now.
Little Collins as the name suggests is a nod to the famed street of the same name in Melbourne, Australia.
One of the many Australian restaurants in NYC that have launched themselves successfully onto the New York culinary scene, you can expect typical Aussie fare like Avocado Smash, bircher muesli, and elevated Uncle Ned’s banana bread.
Most importantly, they serve up Australian-style coffee that would meet even the fussiest of Melburnian palettes.
Clinton St. Baking Company
Clinton St. Baking Company is one of the most popular brunch spots in Manhattan. Famous for its pancakes, you’ll need to book a table in advance to join the weekend crowds at this iconic New York restaurant.
The rest of the breakfast menu is also typical of an American restaurant – think biscuits, omelettes, huevos rancheros, and more. Luckily, there are some healthy options too like the Kale Salad, the Salmon Scramble and the Veggie Sandwich.
You likely won’t have any room left but pop into the renowned bakery and shop something delicious for the road while you are there.
Hailing from ‘down under’, Steph Ridhalgh is a journalist, producer, and blogger who suffers from a serious case of geographic schizophrenia.
Currently fulfilling her dream of living in New York, you can usually find her wandering the city streets, camera in hand.