GD
Photograph: Time Out / Ali Garber
Photograph: Time Out / Ali Garber

The 24 best brunch spots in NYC right now

The best brunch in NYC includes boozy specials, old-school New York gems and all-day cafés.

Advertising

The best brunch in NYC can be found every day of the week. Saturday brunch is the best time to gear up for the night ahead, Sundays are perfect for relaxing and a weekday brunch is a rarefied treat designated for ad hoc time off—we would know. We make brunch our business.

It doesn’t matter so much when you do it, but where you do it. And whether you skew more toward the breakfast or lunch ends of the portmanteau’s spectrum, toward coffee or mimosas, these are the best brunch destinations in NYC. 

RECOMMENDED: The best boozy brunches

Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

Time Out Market New York
  • American
  • Lower East Side
  • price 2 of 4
Clinton St. Baking Company

If we could brunch every day, we would do it in heart beat, and you'd find us at Clinton St. Baking Company. We never tire of the pancakes and breakfast-as-dinner fare, so, naturally, we invited it to hold court at Time Out Market New York. 

Best brunch in NYC

  • Mediterranean
  • Fort Greene
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Miss Ada
Miss Ada

What is it? Tomer Blechman digs into his Israeli roots, presenting a spread of mezzes, skewers and the likes. 

Why we love it? The hardest part of deciding whether you'd like to go to Miss Ada is deciding brunch or dinner. Of course, going both times is always an option, but if you happen to be in the Fort Greene area during the daytime, the brunch ranks high above others in the area, with sage-y, brown butter and ricotta dips, double-fisted sized bureakas and challah French Toast served with an incredibly airy labne mousse that will make you feel like you are on air. 

Time Out tip: When the weather is nice, the outdoor patio is a nice find with sunlight and greenery around. Of course, everyone likely has the same idea, so make a reservation. 

Address: 184 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Hours: Tues–Thurs 5:30–10pm; Fri and Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm; Brunch Sat and Sun 11am-2:30pm

  • Thai
  • Nolita

What is it? The brains behind the now-shuttered Uncle Boons, Ann Redding and Matt Danzer are behind this Thai fusion in Nolita. 

Why we love it: Saturday and Sunday mornings on the corner of Kenmare and Mott Streets are perpetually packed with hungry hopefuls waiting for a table at Thai Diner. A culinary mash-up of Thai flavors and American fare, the all-day diner is still calling crowds five years and one pandemic later. Custardy slices of babka are drizzled with slightly sweet condensed milk and served with an orange-y Thai tea butter while the cheesesteak barely stays contained in the roll, spilling its contents of shredded ribeye steak, chiles and full leaves of Thai basil onto the plate. Not sure where to start? The Thai Disco Fries with a nose-sniffling massaman curry are always a good call. 

Time Out tip: Save room for dessert for a blast from the past, as the resurrected Famous Coconut Sundae from Uncle Boons makes an appearance.

Address: 186 Mott Street, New York, NY 10012

Hours: Mon–Wed 8:30am–10:30pm, Thurs, Fri 8:30am–11:30pm; Sat 10am–11:30pm; Sun 10am–10pm

Advertising
  • Taiwanese
  • East Williamsburg
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it? Josh Ku and Trigg Brown's Taiwanese cafe, now with two locations—one in Williamsburg and the other in the East Village. 

Why we love it: Win Son Bakery is a busy scene, particularly during the brunching hours. But lines here move relatively fast and the tables turn faster than most breakfast spots, so you won't have to hang out long before snagging one. As for food, savory cravings can be satiated with crispy fried scallion pancake that wrap Havarti, bacon, eggs and cheese or the hand-held pork-filled fan tuan is sure to satisfy. But if sweet is more of your speed, the mochi donuts with that wonderful QQ texture hit the spot. 

Time Out tip: There are some boozy options here for a little morning delight. The Lao Gan Marg packs a kick with a smoky, chili oil infused mezcal, velvet falernum and lime juice. 

Address: 164 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206; 23 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

  • Ethiopian
  • East Williamsburg
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: A brightly colored Ethiopian restaurant in Bushwick. 

Why we love it: Traditional Ethiopian eats can be found at Bunna Cafe for brunch, with vegan scrambles of ground chickpeas, onions and peppers alongside a squash number served with crumbles of injera. Toddies are made with a blend of Ethiopian tea and bourbon while mimosas are stirred with the honey wine, Sheba Tej. 

Time Out tip: If you happen to be a late bruncher, you might as well stay until 5pm to catch the Ethiopian coffee ceremony (only available during the weekends) for a complimentary cup of coffee livened up with sugar and a shot of ginger.   

Address: 1084 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Hours: Sat and Sun noon to 4pm

Advertising
  • Fort Greene
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it? April Bloomfield's play on a neighborhood bistro in Fort Greene. 

Why we love it: Sailor was last year's buzziest restaurant and still retains much of its fanfare. Brunch stays booked and busy with a mix of sweet French Toast with vanilla cream and tartines topped with roast beef and horseradish.

Time Out tip: Walk-in tables are absolutely possible here, sidewalk spots included. Just arrive early for a best shot. 

Address: 228 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Hours: Sun–Wed 5–10pm; Thurs–Sat 5–10:30pm

  • Diners
  • Two Bridges
  • Recommended

What is it? Sam Yoo's spin on diner is one that includes scallion bun sammies and those honey butter pancakes. 

Why we love it: A kind of diner revival by Sam Yoo, previously of Momofuku Ko and Torrisi, Golden was the best of a mini-bunch to revisit the classic genre in 2019. Its egg sandwiches on sesame scallion milk buns, omelettes and green tea coffee cake are still ace.

Time Out tip: If you can, catch the Makgeolli Horchata made with Korean rice wine and a housemade horchata blend. 

Address: 123 Madison St, New York, NY 10002

Hours: Daily 10am10pm

Advertising
  • Beer bars
  • Astoria
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended

What is it? A neighborhood beer bar that's a known hang for weekend brunch. 

Why we love it: This Astoria staple serves brunch inside and across two outdoor areas all weekend from 10am until 4pm. The breakfast nachos with bacon, black beans, avocado, sausage gravy, cheese and jalapeño are a must "for the table," and you can unlimit your drinks with a $25 add-on. 

Time Out tip: Bottomless includes mimosas, Bloody Marys, rose sangrias and a brunch punch. 

Address: 30-09 34th Street, Astoria 11103

Hours: Sat and Sun 10am–4am

  • Prospect Heights

What is it? A neighborhood restaurant where the vermouths are chilled and the homemade bread is always hot. 

Why we love it: Even if you head to Leland Eating and Drinking House earlier in the day desirous of the excellent dinner items like trout rillettes that also appear in the afternoon, its brunch-only options are enticing. Go ahead and try a sourdough cinnamon bun and the egg sandwich with cheddar and arugula. You can always come back after dark.

Time Out tip: We always love the Vietnamese Mint Iced Coffee, that doesn't heavy hand the sweet condensed milk balanced with amaro.

Address: 755 Dean St, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Hours: Brunch Sat and Sun 10am—4pm

Advertising
  • Crown Heights
  • Recommended

What is it? Jeremy Salamon's all-day eatery in Crown Heights leans on Jewish and Eastern European flavors. 

Why we love it: After opening in a cheerful, sunny spot with sensational style in 2021, Agi’s Counter has continued to expand its fantastic Jewish and Eastern European-influenced menus. Settle in for sensational pastries, tuna melts and multi-item “country club” plates with beautifully arranged bites like cured salmon, chicken liver and pickles. 

Time Out tip: Share an order of the rotating Hungarian crepes, known as Palacsinta. In season now, the crepes come with spoonfuls of strawberry black pepper jam. 

Address: 818 Franklin Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225

Hours: Brunch: Sat and Sun 10am–3pm

  • Bedford-Stuyvesant
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ursula (@ursula_brooklyn)

What is it? Eric See's Southwestern specialties come alive in Bed Stuy. 

Why we love it: Ursula's New Mexico-style breakfast burritos were enough to cause a safe but socially distanced frenzy when it debuted in 2020. They still do, but now you can at least make a reservation and sit down as opposed to braving the sidewalk. Beyond the famous burritos, brunch here includes blue corn pancakes, Chilaquiles and doughnuts and pastries near the register for the taking.

Time Out tip: Ursula constantly partners with nationwide talent for spins on the burrito. Past collaborations have included Chef Reem Assil's Pali-NM Burrito with spicy smashed potatoes and Shakshuka scrambled eggs and butter chicken with chaat masala hash from chef and writer Rachel Gurjar. Even better, a portion of proceeds benefit the chef's charity of choice, from providing aid to families and children in Gaza to building classrooms in Ethiopia. 

Address: 387 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Hours: Brunch: Sat and Sun 9am2pm

Advertising
  • Williamsburg

What is it? A Caribbean-inflected romp where the drinks are flowing and the party never ends. 

Why we love it: Kokomo is a favorite any time of day, and brunchtime is no different. Kick off the weekend with plates like oxtail flatbread, chicken and waffles and sweet plantain pancakes. When the weather is warm and the patio comes calling, you'll know where to find us. 

Time Out tip: If you can't swing the weekends, the restaurant's Koko Hour on Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 4pm and Fridays from 11am to 4pm provides brunch specials and discounted drinks.  

Address: 65 Kent Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11249

Hours: Brunch: Fri and Sat from 11 am to 4 pm

  • Malaysian
  • Two Bridges
  • Recommended

What is it? A fast-casual cafe that puts Malaysian flavors at the forefront. 

Why we love it: This Malaysian café has an all-day menu of small plates and snacks. Kopitaim’s nasi lemak, the national dish of Malaysia, which includes coconut rice, fried anchovies, cucumber, peanuts, hard-boiled egg, side of house sambal sauce, is a comforting way to start the day.   

Time Out tip: The Kaya Butter Toast with the airy kaya jam (made of pandan and coconut jam) is the sweet treat you didn't know that you needed. 

Address: 151 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

Hours: Daily 10am–10pm

Advertising
  • Chinese
  • Hell's Kitchen
  • price 1 of 4

What is it? A dim sum chain that was once called, "the world's most inexpensive Michelin-starred restaurant."

Why we love it: The first NYC location of this dim sum darling launched in the East Village in 2016, serving signature baked BBQ pork buns, steamed shrimp dumplings and pan-fried turnip cakes. There is another location in the city, with an outpost in Hell's Kitchen.

Time Out tip: Walk-ins are relatively easy to get, which is great because there are no reservations here. 

Address: 85 4th Ave., New York, NY 10003

Hours: Mon and Tues 11:30am-8pm; Wed and Thurs 11:30am-8:30pm; Fri 11:30-9pm; Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm

  • Diners
  • East Village
  • price 1 of 4
  • Recommended

What is it? One of the last remaining kosher dairy lunch counters in the city.

Why we love it: First opened in the East Village in 1938, B&H Dairy is a 400-square-foot lunch counter that still serves sunny-side-up eggs and pierogi with sides of challah. Its typically tightly packed, so this is your best bet for a quick stop when errands await. 

Time Out tip: For a simple brekkie, you can get two eggs any style with home fries and homemade challah bread for $10.50. 

Address: 127 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Hours: Closed Mon; Tues–Sun 7am–11pm

Advertising
  • American
  • Lower East Side
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended

What is it? A no-fuss cafe that gives nostalgic diner vibes but better food than your average spoon. 

Why we love it: Name a time when an all-day breakfast spot isn’t absolutely perfect. Early morning hunger pangs? Yes. Late-night munchies? For sure. Lazy Sunday hangover remedy? You better believe it. New Yorkers crave a comforting breakfast meal any time of day and Clinton Street Baking Company is probably the ideal spot to satisfy that craving. While you might be able to sneak in on a weekday without a wait, be prepared for at least an hour during peak weekend brunch times as you join the droves of hungry city-dwellers who’ve lined up on Clinton Street.

Time Out tip: People travel for the Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter, all you have to do is ask the tourists at Time Out Market New York). Choose your topping of wild Maine blueberry, banana walnut or chocolate chunk. 

Address: 4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002

Hours: Closed Sun; Brunch Mon–Sat 9am4pm

  • Californian
  • Chinatown
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended

What is it? A West Coast-leaning restaurant that has somehow found itself out East. 

Why we love it: The Lower East Side restaurant that launched a thousand tweets (jk; it's probably way more) first opened at another location nearby in 2013 before relocating to its present address two years later and way before "Dimes Square" think pieces reached a saturation point. And guess what! You can simply visit for breakfast sandwiches, tacos, bowls and eggs anyway without having to write word one about the world outside. 

Time Out tip: You can absolutely lust after the Lust Toast with it swipes of tahini and raspberry with honey on top. 

Address: 49 Canal St, New York, NY 10002

Hours: Sun and Mon 9am9pm; Tues–Sat 9am-10pm

Advertising
  • American
  • Williamsburg
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended

What is it? A lovely, three-story neighborhood restaurant that channels the ease of the weekend with all-day specials. 

Why we love it: Surprise! Sunday in Brooklyn is open for brunch every day of the week. The rustic space boasts an outdoor patio, private dining room androoftop garden. The brunch menu includes items like an egg and cheese sandwich with gochujang aioli and a cheddar scramble with bacon, breakfast sausage, chicken sausage or avocado.

Time Out tip: Yes, the dome-shaped Sunday Pancakes with its hazelnut maple praline and brown butter are an easy sell, but may we interest you in the Caramelized Pineapple Toast with coconut cream, charred pineapple rounds and plenty of lime zest? Order up!

Address: 348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Hours: Brunch: Mon–Sun 9:30am4:30pm

Recommended
    More on iconic eats
      You may also like
      You may also like
      Advertising