Brunch in New York City is often jokingly referred to as the big city’s primary religion. Locals head to their favorite hot spots to wake up with a fresh cup of coffee, or beat the hangover with more drinking. Meanwhile, tourists receive puzzled looks from restaurant hosts when asking for a “lunch” menu at 1 p.m. on a Sunday. “Where are you visiting from?” they ask politely, confirming that this is the guest’s first experience with NYC Brunch.
Here is a list of some of my favorite spots throughout Manhattan. Whether it’s a spectacular view, relaxing ambiance or one-of-a-kind food, these liquored lunch locales each have something unique and special to offer.
Narcissa, 25 Cooper Square (Between 5th & 6th Sts.)
Named for a particularly feisty dairy cow at André Balazs’ farm upstate, Narcissa’s fresh farm-to-table menu is full of vibrant ingredients and creative dishes. Bowery is becoming the “new meatpacking” with hotels like The Standard East creating a place to stay, eat, see and been seen. With great ambiance and both indoor and outdoor seating, this is our top pick for brunch. Stay around and grab a cocktail or coffee at Café Standard.
Balthazar, 80 Spring St. (Between Broadway & Crosby)
Balthazar can easily be considered the quintessential New York City brunch. Converted from a leather wholesaler’s warehouse, the well-known SoHo restaurant serves delicious bistro fare in an authentically French setting packed with a lively mix of artists, celebrities, locals and tourists. In her famous 73-question interview with Vogue, Anna Wintour is asked where she would like to eat the following week. Before her secretary is even finishes asking the question, she blurts out “Balthazar.” Even with a reservation, wait times are somewhat lengthy, so expect to spend some time standing at the crowded zinc bar. But not to fret– the Brioche French Toast is definitely worth it.
Gallow Green, 542 W. 27th St. (Between Tenth & Eleventh Aves.)
Brunch buffet with a side of blues please! If the McKittrick Hotel was not already the most unique and coolest spot in Chelsea, then the brunch at Gallow Green pushes it right over the mark. You and your guests are seated in the ultra-cool restaurant, The Heath (during the winter months), and as the flowers begin to bloom and the weather warms to that oh-so-perfect temperature, then the brunch follows the season and moves to their gorgeous garden rooftop. Feast for two hours on American and British-inspired fare, unlimited mimosas, delicious Le Colombe coffee, and groove your afternoon away to live entertainment.
ABC Kitchen, 35 E. 18th St. (Between Fifth & Park)
There is a reason why ABC Kitchen is still going strong in NYC (and still requires a reservation well in advance): the seasonal fare crafted by Jean-Georges Vongerichten is some of the best in the city, and quite possibly the East Coast. In this floral-accented restaurant with its chic whitewashed décor, you’ll feel like a celebrity – whilst actually sitting next to some of the hottest celebrities. The mushroom pizza with parmesan, oregano and farm egg will make you want to stand up and clap for joy. Pair it with one of their seasonal cocktails and your weekend is off to a great start!
The Park, 118 Tenth Ave. (Between 17th & 18th Sts.)
This Chelsea hot-spot is part rustic ski lodge (fireplace and all)/part garden (equipped with birdfeeders). They offer a scrumptious brunch featuring your standard options as well as clever pairings. Their breakfast pizza is a must! They also boast terrific private party spaces, so grab some friends and get ready to celebrate the weekend!
Tavern 29, 47 E. 29th St. (Between Park & Madison)
One of the best-kept secrets for brunch in Flatiron. The rooftop serves weekend bottomless brunch (with fantastic Bloody Marys in large beer mugs), and there is a German biergarten ambiance over three floors of the restaurant (including the rooftop beer garden). The comfort food definitely does not skimp and always tastes fresh and delicious.
Brooklyn bonus:
Bar Tabac, 128 Smith St., Brooklyn (Cobble Hill)
If you’re looking for a little live jazz while sipping your mimosas, head over to Bar Tabac on Smith Street in Cobble Hill for some traditional French fare. The Burger Bar Tabac and Moules Frites are the best in Brooklyn, and the non-stop music keeps the place packed well into the evening.
What’s your favorite brunch spot?
I don’t know if this is a good idea or not. But if it excuses me for having a snack in between my breakfast and lunch. I sure love that. Now I’m gonna go and find 1 of these spots and experience it for my self.
Cool selection. Always wanted to try brunch, sadly too lazy to do it. It’s too late for breakfast and to early for lunch, and I cant get up early enough or late enough for it.
I always find Gallow Green as a perfect place for catching up with a friend. It lets me enjoy the gorgeous city views while delighting in a variety of classic, locally sourced brunch.
Each time I visit this place, I couldn’t stop admiring the ambiance and how this precious of a rooftop was “only in New York…”
Narcissa is the new Pastis… I love that place, especially the outdoors area. Perfection!
I’ve been to Balthazar a few times and it’s pleasant enough but a bit too busy and crowded for my likings. Plus there aren’t that many vegan choices, I prefer Candle 79 for dinners or Candle Cafe for more informal dining.
The most relaxing place where I love to start my weekend with freshly squeezed orange juice and eggs is at Buvette. It’s located at 42 Grove Street 🙂
I would like to add “The Cupping Room Café” at 359 W. Broadway.
I love the cozy atmosphere and it really offers delicious and very reasonably priced brunch staples 🙂
Omg, brunch is my favorite daytime activity and my favorite nighttime activity is thinking about what I’m going to eat for brunch the next day. Seriously obsessed. Absolutely love Gallow Green and would recommend to anyone. Great atmosphere. Been to Tavern 29 for happy hour but didn’t even know they had a brunch! Definitely trying it. Thanks for the tip! 🙂
I love Balthazar 😀 This is the only restaurant I want to have brunch in, even though it’s always full and reservations are difficult. But thanks to you, I know where else to go, will definitely try the others!