Brunch is a tradition in New York City and the easiest excuse to have an alcoholic drink in the middle of the day. Whether you overslept or skipped breakfast, Manhattan is filled with distinguished restaurants, comfy cafés, and hip bars to help power you through the rest of the day.
Whatever flavors your taste buds are craving, you won’t have to look far when prowling through Manhattan’s bustling streets. From fluffy pancakes and versatile egg dishes to Southern comfort food and Latin American fare, there’s a place for brunch for every New York foodie.
Need any tips on where to begin your search for the tastiest brunch in Manhattan? Keep reading to discover some of the most beloved eateries that cater to brunch lovers. If you’re coming straight from the airport, consider leaving your bags with a luggage storage service in NY to avoid carrying heavy luggage after a filling brunch.
Clinton St. Baking Company
Weekend brunch is a way of life at Clinton St. Baking Company, and the Lower East Side restaurant is consistently tabbed as having New York City’s best pancakes. Those who love breakfast for dinner will be in their happy place with popular brunch dishes available any time of day.
Don’t skip out on the chicken & waffles, homemade burgers, delicious milkshakes, and a stocked bar with all your favorite alcoholic beverages. If you’re looking for comfort food, Clinton St. Baking Company is the spot to be for brunch.
Pastis
New Yorkers were heartbroken with the closing of the original Pastis in 2014. The French bistro was once the hottest place in Manhattan for brunch and was an icon in the now thriving, upscale Meatpacking District.
In 2019, Pastis made its return to the New York food scene by opening its doors in grand fashion. The new location is a spitting image of the former Pastis and the menu still includes brunch favorites like avocado tartine, Gruyère omelette, buttermilk pancakes, and smoked salmon.
Freemans
Freemans lets you step into a time portal and transports you to the colonial age. Hidden down an alleyway on the Lower East Side, the rustic tavern has a brunch menu filled with American dishes. Word has gotten out on the once hidden gem, and the cozy spot is now a New York brunch favorite.
Munch on breakfast fare such as smoked salmon benedict, french toast, and banana buttermilk pancakes, or have scrumptious lunch dishes like fried chicken & waffles and the Freemans cheeseburger.
Amy Ruth's
Self-proclaimed to have the best chicken and waffles in New York City, Amy Ruth’s is Harlem’s signature eatery for delicious soul food. The restaurant presents home-style Southern cuisine in a laid-back setting, and the kitchen prepares each dish with delicate care.
There are a variety of waffle options on the menu with interesting pairings such as fried shrimp and pork chops. The menu is jam-packed with other finger-licking options including Jamaican jerked chicken, smothered turkey wings, and fresh salmon croquettes. And hefty portion sizes guarantee that you’ll never leave Amy Ruth’s without a full stomach.
Esperanto
Vibrant Latin culture thrives in this colorful East Village café with comfy outdoor seating. Customers get a unique glimpse of cuisine, music, and culture from Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Mouthwatering items on the Esperanto brunch menu include Pollo Loisaida, ovos rancheros, quesadillas, and much more. Try fruity non-alcoholic drinks like orange or mango juices, but the café has drink specials if you’d rather have a buzz with brunch. When the weather warms up, the staff brings out the outdoor seats and customers dance along to energetic music filling the airwaves.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
If you’re craving Chinese, skip over to Nom Wah Tea Parlor for some of the tastiest dumplings and dim sum in Chinatown. The restaurant’s roots date to 1920 where it was a simple bakery and tea shop.
Retaining its retro appeal over the years, Nom Wah Tea Parlor continues to attract loyal customers and has made several appearances on the movie screen. However, the menu has expanded and includes an abundance of delicious bites. You’ll find scallion pancakes, chicken siu mai, sweet and sour pork chops, fried crab claw, and much more.
Cafe Mogador
Cafe Mogador has been a staple in the East Village food scene since 1983 serving up delicious Moroccan fare. The restaurant’s award-winning brunch offers tasty tagines, mezze platters, and fresh salads. Patrons hang out on the outdoor patio when the weather’s nice to watch the young, boisterous crowd parading the streets of the neighborhood.
Brunch becomes extremely busy, but the casual vibe eases the wait time to grab a seat for your meal or Arabic coffee. The laid-back staff is welcoming and attentive to every need during your first visit to this popular East Village hangout.
Jacob’s Pickles
Jacob’s Pickles brings southern-style hospitality and nourishing comfort food to the Upper West Side. The eatery has built a solid reputation for its biscuit sandwiches made from scratch, specialty pickles, and numerous craft beers.
Make sure you arrive with an empty belly or be prepared to take home leftovers if you order a big meal. With classic dishes such as mac & cheese, poutine, and slow-cooked meatballs, you’ll satisfy any hunger craving you had before waltzing inside. The drink menu is also off the charts with American-influenced cocktails, wines, spirits, sodas, and lemonade to complement its superb beer selection.
Clay
Just around the corner from the historic Apollo Theater, Clay features a seasonal menu of locally-sourced meats, fish, produce, and wine. The farm-to-table concept and welcoming atmosphere have created quite a buzz at the former jazz bar.
Succulent dishes like confit duck leg, braised daikon, and red snapper are topped with fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables to enhance the rich flavors of every bite. The restaurant has a dynamic wine collection and an innovative cocktail menu for a delicious pairing for every meal.
Upland
Chef Justin Smillie brilliantly utilizes a simple, California-influenced model to craft an exceptional brunch menu. Upland features numerous egg-based dishes like classic eggs benedict and farm egg omelette.
The restaurant gets more adventurous with other menu items such as smoked salmon pizza, smoked duck sausage, and ‘The Larry David.’ Find your drink of choice at the bar with an extensive wine collection, unique cocktails, craft beers, and spirits. If you’re lucky, you might have the opportunity to dine with Upland’s most famous regular, former U.S. President Barack Obama.
