The 20 best brunch spots in NYC right now

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 dips like the sage-y, brown butter and ricotta, massive bourekas and challah French Toast served with a 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, surrounded by sunlight and greenery. Of course, you may have the same idea as everyone else, so make a reservation. 

Address: 184 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5:30–10:30pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–11:30pm; Sun 11:00a-2:30p, 5:30p–10:30p

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: We say that Saturdays and Sundays call for custardy slices of babka, drizzled in a slightly sweet condensed milk and an orange-y Thai tea butter. Where can you find it? At Thai Diner, of course. Thai-inflected flavors infuse into classics you'd find at a diner counter here, as crab-stuffed omelettes swim in a tom yum sauce and egg sandwiches share space with herby sai oua sausages. With all that said, just know that brunch is a popular ticket, and it is quite common to find crowds that spill onto the street waiting for a table. 

Time Out tip: Save room for dessert for a blast from the past, as the Famous Coconut Sundae from Uncle Boons lives again.

Address: 186 Mott Street, New York, NY 10012

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 8:30am–10:30pm; Thu, Fri 8:30am–11:30pm; Sat 10am–11:30pm; Sun 10am–10pm

What is it? A 1920s diner in Williamsburg that recently got a refresh. 

Why we love it: Surprisingly, to absolutely no one, Kellogg’s Diner is a winner for brunch. In the very capable hands of Jackie Carnesi, Tex-Mex breakfast reigns supreme with shreddy, chipotle-inflected short rib in the Guajillo Braised Short Rib Hash. The massive Texas Toast, crusted in Corn Flakes, deep-fried, and schmeared with a thick strawberry jam, is best shared over conquered solo. There’s a full cocktail menu with frozen margs and an improved Screwdriver (surprise, we needed sherbert in our drink all along). But naturally, there's also a solid cup of joe if diner coffee is more your fancy.

Time Out tip: Let the gleam of the pastry counter woo you, especially if pastry chef Amanda Perdomo's Passion Fruit Tajin Icebox Pie is in the window.

Address: 518 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Daily 24/7

What is it? Josh Ku and Trigg Brown's Taiwanese cafe, now with two locations.

Why we love it: Win Son Bakery is a busy scene, particularly during the brunching hours. But lines here move relatively fast and tables turn quicker 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 pancakes that wrap Havarti, bacon, eggs and cheese or the hand-held pork-filled fan tuan. But if sweet is more of your speed, the mochi donuts with that wonderful QQ texture will certainly 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 Second Ave, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Brooklyn: Mon 9am–3pm; Tue, Wed 9am–9pm; Thu–Sat 9am–10pm; Sun 9am–9pm; East Village: Mon 8am–3pm; Tue–Thu 8am–8pm; Fri, Sat 8am–9pm; Sun 8am–8pm

What is it? A shiny clubstaurant where Korean fried chicken is the calling card, all time of the day. 

Why we love it: COQODAQ already has a value meal at dinner, The Bucket List with chicken consommé, scallop-shaved salads, and of course, the pièce de résistance that is the gluten-free fried chicken. So when brunch finally made its appearance this spring, so did a daytime deal. Priced at $45, The Brucket List fills the table with a manner of hors d’oeuvres (cheekily-named COQ d’oeuvres) from beet-brined deviled eggs with a ferment-y daikon, French toast soldiers, a.k.a. sticks, with a silky smooth crème anglaise for dipping and Umma’s Kimbap that takes a page from Simon Kim’s mother recipe (but with Wagyu in it, because, well, Simon Kim). Tack on the fried bird for $25 more and brunch is a done deal. 

Time Out tip: What came first, the chicken or the egg? Well, The Egg drink is likely to arrive at the table first, so we are going team egg. The drink comes with a lychee-based ice cube that looks like the real thing. It holds its shape relatively well before slowly dissolving over cracking, adding even more floral notes to the St. Germain and verjus-based drink.

Address: 12 E 22nd St, New York, NY 10010

Opening hours: Mon–Fri noon–3pm, 5–11PM; Sat, Sun 11:30am–3pm; 5–11pm

What is it? A Miami-based import that certainly brings the vibes and a rather excellent spread of dips and breads.

Why we love it: Motek does have a see-and-be-seen vibe about it, as part of the soft white-and-yellow color scheme includes a golden vintage car parked near the front. It could all feel gimmicky, but somehow Motek does a good job of transporting you to South Beach, making it easy to lose a few hours over brunch. All-day brunch during the weekend brings Shakshuka—which you can order with a drizzle of hummus—and make your own malawach with quartered eggs and grated tomatoes for the dressing. But leaving here without a dip would be a fool's errand, especially as an order of hummus or labneh yields a pillowy, football-sized pita for the swiping.

Time Out tip: Brunchers have access to most of the dinner menu, so you might as well order the Arayes, a seasoned kufta that cooks inside a wrapped pita. 

Address: 928 Broadway, New York, NY 10010

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri 11am–11pm; Sat 10am–11pm; Sun 10am-10pm

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

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 8:30am–3:30pm; Thu, Fri 8:30am–3:30pm, 5:30–10pm; Sat 8:30–4 pm, 5:30–10pm; Sun 8:30–4pm 

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 also just as 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, which doesn't have a heavy hand with the sweet condensed milk and strikes a balance of amaro.

Address: 755 Dean St, Brooklyn, NY 11238

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 Diner 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 before it leaves the menu, made with Korean rice wine and a housemade horchata blend. 

Address: 123 Madison St, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Daily 10am–10pm

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

Brunch hours: Wed, Thu, Sun 10am–3pm, 5:30–9pm; Fri, Sat 10am–3pm, 5:30–9:30pm

What is it? A Middle Eastern restaurant in Hell's Kitchen where a massive Moroccan-style clay oven churns out charred and freckled breads, sizzled proteins and vegetables and a small army of shakshukas during brunch.   

Why we love it? Much of Frena's livelihood centers around its fire-burning oven in the back. And for brunch, the flames are put into high gear, churning and burning through a menu of seven shakshukas. Of course, you can keep it to the classic, jammy tomato-dripped number, but we say venture out and try the spinach and za'atar heavy green shakshuka or the halloumi with nicely burnt squares of cheese nestled right in.  

Time Out tip: Each shakshuka comes with a thin strip of a Jerusalem-style bagel so you can rip and swipe with ease. But, we say make some room for the Frena Bread, generously brushed with olive oil, salt and a rub of rosemary and sage seasoning, and put it to good use by ordering a dip for the table. 

Address: 773 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019 

Opening hours: Dinner Sun–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm; Brunch Sat, Sun 11am–3pm

What is it? A sleek Soho restaurant and bar that cooks up the comforts. 

Why we love it: Chef Preston Clark (Lure Fishbar) cooks the food he likes to eat, and in turn, we like it too. Comforts come in the form of Deviled Eggs dusted with paprika and flaky salt that you can see and crispy branzino sliders with a lively and bright yuzu vinaigrette. The Housemade Pigs in a Blanket comes with horseradish mustard that will make your head sing, while the Hangover Pasta with a silky sauce and a yolky egg is here to revive you.  

Time Out tip: There are just as many spirit-forward as there are spirit-free cocktails on the menu, which is greatly appreciated. Non-alcoholic sippers include the Watermelon Mojito and the Hibiscus Ginger Arnold Palmer. 

Address: 25 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 5–11pm; Thu, Fri 5pm–midnight; Sat noon–midnight; Sun noon–10pm

What is it? Right from the get-go, Foursome endeavored to be a neighborhood spot for the West Village, given its red awning that reads, "Dine. Drink. Art. Talk." They've made good on that promise, as steady crowds eat and converse over Turkish delights.

Why we love it:  In Turkish culture, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And according to one of the owners at Foursome, the first meal of the day is the best time to “eat like a king.” Follow their creed by ordering the Aegean Dream for a full spread. Fit to feed two members of the ruling class, the feast includes Turkish eggs in a garlicky yogurt, flat rounds of sausage, flaky börek, bowls of feta and halloumi cheeses with full fronds of dill and dashes of olive oil and tiny bowls of olives for the picking and plucking. It all comes with a basket stuffed with sourdough and simit (a Turkish bagel), plus a sweet hunk of honeycomb with an airy whipped cream for spreading. Lingering over bits and bites, plus the pot of Turkish tea, is recommended.  

Time Out tip: Given that the restaurant sits on the same street where Bob Dylan lived, there is a small shrine to the artist where you can peep a hand-drawn timeline of his life.

Address: 9 Jones St, New York, NY 10014 

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 10am–11pm; Fri, Sat 10am–1am; Sun 10am–8pm

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. Plant-based brunching starts with vegan scrambles of ground chickpeas, onions and peppers alongside a squash number served with crumbles of torn 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 on weekends) for a complimentary cup of coffee livened up with sugar and a shot of ginger.   

Address: 1084 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu noon–10pm; Tue 5–10pm; Fri noon–11pm; Sat noon–4pm, 5–11pm; Sun noon–4pm, 5–10pm

What is it? A Harlem institution known for its downhome Southern eats. 

Why we love it: Melba's is a vibe any time of day, particularly during the morning hours when the kitchen churns out Cornmeal Dusted Deviled Eggs and those famous chicken and eggnog waffles that beat Bobby Flay all those years ago. And while tables can get boisterous (Melba's Strawberry Henney drink will do that to you), when the aforementioned dishes arrive, things go silent, giving you a clear indicator that the food is good here. 

Time Out tip: Do you need cake in the morning? If it is Melba's slice of Red Velvet, then yes, yes, you do. 

Address: 300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 11am–10pm; Thu, Fri 11am–11pm; Sat and Sun 10am–11pm

What is it? A Caribbean restaurant where the vibes are always at an all-time high, particularly at brunch.

Why we love it: Kokomo kind of exists in its own corner of Williamsburg, a bit of a trek from the train just near the water's edge. But once you arrive, particularly for brunch, you'll certainly be rewarded with all manner of Caribbean eats. Brunch teeters more on the experience side as butterfly pea water makes for lavender-hued tipplers, there's a hired photographer ready to shoot and there is a DJ just for the occasion. But it all makes for a fun afternoon fete over saltfish avocado toasts—whose spicy ackee blend sits on thick AF bread that rivals Texas Toast—and cheesy flatbreads plied with pasta and oxtails, which call for sharing.

Time Out tip: Sundays equal all-day brunch, oh, excuse me, drunch. Of course, you could pair the party with a carafe of mimosas ($35). But we say go beyond the basic and go for the Plantini that drinks like a rum-based plantain painkiller.

Address: 65 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Thu, Fr 5pm–1am; Sat noon–1am

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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 consistently partners with top national talent for unique 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/writer Rachel Gurjar. Even better, a portion of the proceeds benefits the chef's charity of choice.

Address: 387 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Opening hours: Wed–Thu 8am–2pm; Fri 8am–2pm, 5–10pm; Sat 9am–2pm, 5–10pm; Sun 9am–2pm

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. Kopitiam’s nasi lemak, the national dish of Malaysia, which includes coconut rice, fried anchovies, cucumber, peanuts, hard-boiled egg, and a 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 from pandan and coconut jam) is the sweet treat you didn't know that you needed. 

Address: 151 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Daily 10am–10pm

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. Another location in the city opened a few years after, bringing its dumplings and steamed buns to Hell's Kitchen.

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

Address: Multiple locations, inc. 85 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003; 610 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036

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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 and a rooftop 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

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 8am–4:30pm; Wed–Sun 8am–5pm