Best Brunch in New York City
The Big Apple is perfect for relaxing weekend brunch restaurants.
New York City boasts great brunch options in casual restaurants. From pancakes and omelettes to salads and sandwiches, the four best brunch restaurants in NYC are...
When you're in the mood for breakfast, but your friends are in the mood for lunch, the happy occasion of brunch is born. Who doesn't love brunch? A little bacon and eggs, a little half-soup-half-sandwich, and everyone is happy. Put that together with New York, the city that never sleeps or cooks a morning meal at home, and you know you have some mighty fine restaurant brunch options available. I've gotten into some pretty heated discussions with friends and family, regarding best brunches in the country (Okay, Chicago, you win already!) but my NYC friends and family come close to agreeing on the best brunch restaurants in the Big Apple.
Best Brunch in New York City
Nothing too fancy before noon, brunch for us means comfort food and informal settings. These more than fit the bill.
- Bubby's - Bubby's, at 120 Hudson St. in Tribeca, is the epitome of casual dining, with waitstaff that allow you to linger over your second or third coffee refill. I've never felt rushed to leave. Because Bubby's does not take reservations for brunch, the flip side is that hungry New Yorkers often have to wait a while. The brunches here are healthy, for brunch at least, and is of both simple and sophisticated American fare. I've gotten the yummy sour cream pancakes a few times, and they're always perfect. A noted celebrity hangout, Bubby's is almost as known for star sightings as it is for its homey, delicious food.
- Friend of a Farmer - at 77 Irving St., near E. 18th, Friend of a Farmer has truly great sandwiches, what seems like a hundred different delicious egg styles, and massive, massive weekend brunch crowds. The blackened chicken salad is crunchy, a little peppery, and both familiar yet unique. This weekend brunch crowd is likely due to the restaurant's proximity to the Union Square Greenmarket. Another non-food-related reason for the popularity of this restaurant is likely the decor. Fake farmhouse plays well to the urban masses who love their city, yet want to be able to fake a visit to the countryside.
- Sarabeth's - 4 locations in NYC: 1295 Madison Ave., 945 Madison Ave. (at the Whitney Museum), 40 Central Park South, and 423 Amsterdam Ave., plus a bakery in Chelsea. This is my number one, top favorite brunch spot in the city. Reservations only for parties of 6 or more during brunch, so gather your friends together or prepare to wait. Sarabeth's is worth waiting for; I love the garden omelette with a side of a pumpkin muffin, and my usual dining companion always gets the Goldie Lox (omelette with smoked salmon) and a side of chicken-apple sausage. But Sarabeth's greatest claim to fame is probably its pastries and sweet brunches; the french toast is outstanding, and the lemon-ricotta pancakes are creative yet comforting. The coffee is great, everything is fresh, and I've yet to be disappointed in any meal at Sarabeth's.
- Tea & Sympathy - Tea & Sympathy is on 108 Greenwich St., in Greenwich Village. This small restaurant can get crowded, but I've never had to wait very long to be seated; the waitstaff manage to be efficient without sacrificing a very New York gruff cordiality. The best of English fare can be had here, including steak and kidney pie, Welsh rarebit, and fresh, wonderful scones. The brunches are well-prepared and savory, but - as in Merry Olde England - really unhealthy. I'm a coffee drinker, and the coffee is more than serviceable here, but tea drinkers will be ecstatic over the large and varied tea menu.
Related, on Suite 101:
Top Brunch on the Upper East Side
Best Activities for Kids on a Family Vacation in New York City
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