Is there anything better on a Saturday afternoon than a spicy Bloody Mary and some simple — but delicious — bacon and eggs? Didn't think so. Brunch is the weekend's saving grace. It doesn't happen too early; it's a social event almost everyone enjoys; and it offers just the right amount of indulgence. And, there's no one who knows brunch better than the R29 crew. We've rounded up our go-to weekend spots — from boozy to vegan, dim sum to Mediterranean, satisfying nearly every craving in the book. Ahead, 73 favorites to try this weekend (obviously not all at once). Happy feasting!
Cafe Luluc
"If you love pancakes, Cafe Luluc is a must brunch (be warned, these flapjacks are dense in the best sense). And if you're not sold on sweets, go for the mushroom and gruyere omelette served with a side of mustard greens and crispy fries. The food is frenchy, the interior is always bustling, and there's a lovely back garden for when the weather is fine." — Elizabeth Buxton, Food Editorial Assistant
Cafe Luluc, 214 Smith Street (at Butler Street) in Brooklyn; 718-625-3815.
Photo: Via @lizbuttchin.
Champs Diner
"Oh man! I'm not even vegan but I love this spot. I don't know how they do it but their food is so good, my go to is the drunken cowgirl which is a mix up of 'eggs', veggie chili, 'cheese', and everything in between." — Alex Marino, Graphic Designer
Champs Diner, 197 Meserole Street (between Bushwick Avenue and Humboldt Street); 718-599-2743.
Photo: Via @nyuyum.
M. Wells Dinette
"Everyone needs to RUN to M. Wells Dinette at MoMA PS1 in Long Island City. Dining area is set up like a classroom which is super nostalgic and the chalkboard menu is constantly changing - their steak tartar and chicken liver pate, balanced with a yummy bright salad are go to's. As a bonus my fiance and I have a huge crush on Chef Hugue and his wife Sarah." — Maryann Schafer
M. Wells Dinette, 22-25 Jackson Avenue (at 46th Avenue) in Long Island City; 718-786-1800.
Photo: Via @mayukotruescents.
Delaware and Hudson
"Delaware and Hudson has everything I need in a brunch place, from a dish with smoked fish in the starring role to a delightful boozy drink option. I'm also slightly biased because it appeals to my mid-Atlantic roots (I mean, you can get scrapple as a main OR a side at this place)." — Sara Coughlin, Editorial Assistant
Delaware and Hudson, 135 North 5th Street (at N. 5th Street) in Brooklyn; 718-218-8191.
Photo: Courtesy of Delaware and Hudson.
Locanda Verde
"The homemade sheep's milk ricotta with truffle honey will change your life! The best part is it's served with semi burnt baguette slices that they's grated orange zest on before the toasting. Oh! My! God! I'm starving now. Go! You won't be disappointed." — Steve Doss, Events Project Manager
Locanda Verde, 377 Greenwich Street (at N. Moore Street); 212-925-3797.
Photo: Courtesy of Locanda Verde.
Le Barricou
"One word. Pancakes. They are so amazing. They let you know that they're going to take about 30 minutes because they have to bake BUT it's so worth it once they come out. I think it's actually impossible to finish them alone. If you're not busy at work right now just google them." — Alex Marino, Graphic Designer
Le Barricou, 533 Grand Street (in between Union Avenue and Lorimer Street) in Brooklyn; 718-782-7372.
Photo: Via @pod_do_nyc.
Seamore's
"There's literally nothing not to like about this cozy little spot in SoHo. Not only do they have one of the best Bloody Mary's in the city (in my humble opinion), their avocado fritters are delicious and come with a spicy aioli you will want to dump on everything. My favorite things on the menu are their huevos rancheros and their shrimp and grits. Both are deliciously comforting, but have a divine, unexpected kick to them. And if you ask REALLY nicely, the kitchen will sometimes allow you to sample one of their amazing lemon ricotta pancakes as a side. Extra bonus: Lots of natural light for the perfect 'gram." — Maria Del Russo, Beauty Editor
Seamore's, 390 Broome Street (at Mulberry Street); 212-730-6005.
Photo: Courtesy of Seamore's.
Company On Edgecombe
"It helps that this catering company-turned-restaurant is literally 30 steps from my apartment, but it's a weekend favorite when I don't feel like cooking or doing dishes. It's super small, but the cheddar chive breakfast sandwiches are to die for."— Julie Bogen, Social Strategy Planner
Company On Edgecombe, 537 Edgecombe Avenue (at W. 159th Street); 212-265-0072.
Photo: Via @alwaysalejandra.
Barracca
"Bottomless sangria on tap, need I say more? Barracca boasts seasonal sangria options that make for an incredible boozy brunch. Food-wise they offer tapas style munchies, including bacon wrapped dates and patatas bravas. Perfect for spring dining in the Village!" — Anissa Richmond, Branded Video Producer
Barracca, 81 Greenwich Avenue (at Bank Street); 212-462-0080.
Photo: Courtesy of Baracca.
Harlem Public
"One of the best places in Harlem! You can't go wrong with the pork grits, and I think the mac and cheese is made with enough cheese to induce a food coma. This spot is nestled in the heart of Hamilton Heights and definitely worth the trip."— Anissa Richmond, Producer Branded Video
Harlem Public, 3612 Broadway (at W. 149th Street); 212-939-9404.
Photo: Via @hungrynyc.
Tilda All Day
"Cozy, comfy, and hip. The food and coffee are delicious! Aside from crazy delicious offerings like Welsh Rarebit (not RABBIT), gravlox with cucumber, coriander, coconut, and the most ridiculously tasty egg sandwich, they also bake their own pastries and have something like 36-lbs of butter delivered each week! The pastries are super unique (earl grey pound cake, THE most amazing coffee cake) and change daily. Tilda's menu stays the same from breakfast to late lunch, hence the 'all day'. Also, the owners are awesome and basically built the place themselves."
—Deb Wenof, Senior Photo Editor
Tilda All Day, 930 Fulton Street (at St. James Place); 718-622-4300.
Photo: Courtesy of Josh Dickinson Photography.
Extra Virgin
"Their Egg's Benedict (with crispy bacon!) is the most delicious I've tried — and, trust me, I've tried them all. Plus, hairstylist Harry Josh told me that he and his client Gisele (yes, that Gisele) hit up this spot every time she's in town for the French Toast. If that's not a reason to go, I don't know what is."
—Cat Quinn, Beauty Director
Extra Virgin, 259 W. 4th Street (at Perry Street); 212-691-9359.
Photo: Courtesy of Extra Virgin.
"This spot has a really chill, no-frills vibe with a great bottomless brunch option. It also has amazing cocktails and the best lobster mac and cheese in town. Lobster mac and cheese for brunch, you ask? YES, it is actually the perfect brunch food especially when you are hungover, and it's paired with a Bloody Mary. The owner is also always there and greets you with a smile. She is really relaxed and sets a good vibe."
— Emily Harris, Sales Director, Financial Services
Poco NYC, 33 Avenue B (at E. 2nd Street); 212-228-4461.
Photo: Courtesy Of Poco NYC.
Fort Defiance
"Fort Defiance has the best all-American breakfast — super-crispy hash browns, thick (but not too thick) bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs however you like 'em. Plus, inventive and delicious cocktails! Be sure to go back for Monday burger night — a burger and a beer for only $14."
— Kate Hyatt, VP, PM/Production
Fort Defiance, 365 Van Brunt Street (at Dikeman); 347-453-6672
Photo: Via @nooklyn.
Comodo
I love the peaceful, gauzy, white-and-brick space, and that booth in the front is magical for a leisurely brunch with friends. Plus, the pão de queijo is delicious at all times, always. Also, they won't kick you out if you stay all afternoon, right through dinner...
— Neha Gandhi, VP, Editorial Strategy
Comodo, 58 Macdougal Street (at King Street); 646-580-3866
Prune
"Everything at this Lower East Side spot is delicious, but the eggs Benedict pretty much sets the standard for me. Perfectly poached eggs, wonderfully tangy and buttery hollandaise, and the best English muffin you've ever had? It's the Platonic ideal of the dish; served with potato rosti, a crunchy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside side that will pretty much ruin you for all other breakfast potatoes. Oh, and the Bloody Mary comes with a shot of beer. Genius."
— Marshall Bright, Living Editorial Assistant
Prune, 54 E 1st Street (Between 1st and 2nd Ave); (212) 677-6221
Photo: Via @emilytylman.
Casimir & Co.
"Brunch spots on the Upper East Side are some of the best kept secrets, since everyone's busy making reservations downtown. Casimir & Co. is a quiet bruncher's dream, tucked away on the second floor of the corner of 73rd and Lex. You can get a generous serving of Bloody Mary's with a side of eggs poached however you want them for a dime off their French cuisine-inspired prix-fixe menu. My friends and I always make sure to finish off the meal by splitting the large cheese board and divvying up the bill in the French film DVD cases they always deliver it in."
— Ray Lowe, Fashion Production Assistant
Casimir & Co, 1022A Lexington Avenue (at 72nd Street); 212-879-6190.
Photo: Courtesy of Casimir & Co.
Distilled
"Distilled in Tribeca is one of my favorite spots to bring out-of-town friends for brunch. It’s lively on Sunday mornings and has that cool neighborhood vibe you can’t get many places downtown. They put a creative spin on all of the classics, like substituting country fried duck for their chicken and waffles, and making house-made preserves for their granola. Oh, and I’m a vegetarian, but I can still appreciate the smell of their gochugang wings as they pass by; please get them and tell me how they are. Though it’s not written on the brunch menu, be sure to wash everything down with a Dram Betty (vodka, rosemary, cucumber, and lemon) and try not to fill up on the free, unlimited herbed popcorn you get when you sit down. If there’s a wait for the outdoor patio, just snag a seat at the bar. The bartenders are super-friendly and will definitely keep you entertained."
— Amanda Johnson, Search Marketing Assistant
Distilled, 211 West Broadway (at Franklin Street); 212-601-9514.
Photo: Courtesy of Distilled.
Antibes Bistro
"If you live in New York, you're fully aware how desperate the Lower East Side has become. But Antibes Bistro is the only reason I keep going back. It's the true meaning of a hidden gem, partly because it's tucked away on Suffolk Street — which is relatively quiet compared to the rest of them — and because it's delicious and affordable. It's completely unaware of how French it is with its grade-A coffee and European-style menu. I suggest you do what I've been doing for the past four years: Go there every Sunday (or as many as you can) by yourself, bring The New York Times, order the orange juice and French toast, and read. And don't forget to ask for blueberry syrup; if they don't have it, ask for two house syrups. It's the perfect place to just be."
— Landon Peoples, Editorial Assistant, Fashion
Antibes Bistro, 112 Suffolk Street (between Rivington and Delancey streets); 212-533-6088.
Photo: Courtesy of Antibes Bistro.
The Commodore
"I love getting the chicken biscuit and a can of Schaefer here on the weekends — because if I'm being completely honest, I just give up on Saturday and Sunday (and Thursday and Friday, too)."
— Emily Howe, Photo Research Assistant
The Commodore, 366 Metropolitan Avenue (at Havemeyer Street); 718-218-7632.
Photo: Courtesy of The Commodore.
Concord Hill
"Concord Hill on Graham Avenue in Williamsburg isn't a secret, but all the same I feel like I'm shooting myself in the foot for sharing it because these days getting a table is a snap. Inventive American dishes combined with killer Bloody Mary's — plus a divine spicy chicken sandwich that actually cures hangovers? This spot is Sunday morning magic."
— Elizabeth Kiefer, Entertainment Writer
Concord Hill, 374 Graham Avenue (between Skillman Avenue and Conselyea Street), Brooklyn; 347-463-9322.
Photo: Courtesy of Concord Hill.
The Fat Radish
"The Fat Radish was doing avocado and egg toast before it was cool, which is only one of the reasons I love this place. Reasons two and three are the banana bread and the ambience (lots of light, and shockingly well-maintained foliage — all year long). And, they take reservations. Oh, if you ever find yourself on the Upper East Side, I also love The Fat Radish's sister restaurant, The East Pole!
— Sydney Mondry, Editorial Intern
The Fat Radish, 17 Orchard Street (between Canal and Hester streets); 212-300-4053.
Photo: Courtesy of The Fat Radish.
Aurora
"When I first went to Aurora, I sat outside in their beautiful garden (and didn't have to wait the typical three hours). I had the most amazing prosciutto and burrata to share with the table. To my surprise, I saw a dish called Baccala Mantecato on the menu — a delicious salted cod dish with poached eggs, roasted tomatoes, and cheese that I had first tried while I was studying abroad in Florence, and hadn't seen it on a menu anywhere since. Obviously, I ordered it, and it was absolutely amazing. This is definitely my favorite restaurant in Williamsburg."
— Bianca Heyward, Editorial Intern
Aurora, 70 Grand Street (at Wythe Avenue), Brooklyn; 718-388-5100.
Photo: Courtesy of Aurora.
BLVD Bistro
"Yes the fried chicken is amazing; yes the mac and cheese has seven different types of cheese (and bacon!). All those things are wonderful. But what really makes this place absolutely amazing? The biscuits. They're super-fluffy, incredibly buttery...these are the type of biscuits you scarf down immediately — waiting only to slather on some cane syrup sugar butter. Just watch out for the inevitable food coma!"
— Jessica Chou, Associate Editor, Digital Innovation
BLVD Bistro, 239 Malcolm X Boulevard (at West 122nd Street); 212-678-6200.
Photo: Courtesy of BLVD Bistro.
The Rabbithole
"I know it's been done a million times — and I have literally probably tried Eggs Benedict at every restaurant in New York City, but nobody — nobody — does it better than Rabbithole in Williamsburg. I have been going there steadily for six years. The biscuit is homemade, the bacon is insane, and the rosemary potatoes are literally to die for. This will be my last meal. One time when I was younger, I even ate it twice in one day."
— Jeremy Jankowski, Director, Key Accounts
The Rabbithole, 352 Bedford Avenue (between South 3rd and 4th streets), Brooklyn; 718-782-0910.
Photo: Courtesy of The Rabbithole.
Buttermilk Channel
"It's all in the name — buttermilk pancakes, need I say more? This country-chic restaurant serves up some mean fried chicken and waffles on a nightly basis, so you can just imagine how finger-lickin' good their brunch must be. For some gourmet Southern fare with a pocket-friendly price, definitely float on over to Buttermilk Channel!"
— Elizabeth Buxton, Editorial Associate
Buttermilk Channel, 524 Court Street (at Huntington Street), Brooklyn; 718-852-8490.
Photo: Courtesy of Buttermilk Channel.
Iris Cafe
"Iris Cafe in Brooklyn Heights is my favorite brunch spot of all time. It has really eclectic dishes and a warm environment, plus, the street that it's located on is incredibly charming! Seriously, what's not to like?"
— Madison Utendahl, Creative Associate
Iris Cafe, 20 Columbia Place (between Joralemon and State streets), Brooklyn; 718-722-7395.
Photo: Courtesy of Iris Cafe.
The Smile
"I'm such a fan of this cute little brunch spot. It's got a warm and welcoming vibe, and everyone is just so friendly. Plus, its Mediterranean-inspired menu is seriously delicious. My recommendations? The spiked basil lemonade and the baguette French toast."
— C hristina Dun, Entertainment Intern
The Smile, 26 Bond Street (between Lafayette Street and Bowery); 646-329-5836.
Photo: Courtesy of The Smile.
Pies 'n' Thighs
"I always associate Pies 'n' Thighs with dinner foods (fried chicken and pie), but its brunch is top notch. You can still get your fried food fix, but there is also tons of other delicious, southern-style breakfasts, many served alongside their amazing biscuits. They also have incredible doughnuts — the butter pecan is easily one of my top five favorite doughnuts in New York City."
— J ennifer Calloway, Front End Engineer
Pies 'n' Thighs, multiple locations.
Photo: Courtesy of Pies 'n' Thighs.
Nights and Weekends
"This is my go-to neighborhood spot for the best Bloodys, delicious Mexican food, and vibe-y tunes. The huevos purgatorios and the coarse ground polenta are always winners, and if Bloody Marys aren't your thing, the cocktail list will take care of that; my top picks are the margaritas and the 'Mi Corazon'. Round that all off with a fun and friendly staff and outdoor seating, and you can't go wrong."
— Theresa Caffrey, Senior PM/Producer
Nights and Weekends, 1 Bedford Avenue (between Manhattan Avenue and Lorimer Street), Brooklyn; 718-383-5349.
Photo: Courtesy of Nights and Weekends.
Rye
"Two words: Homemade biscuits. Just an order of the biscuits, complete with their honey, jam, and sweet butter on the side, puts me in my brunch happy place. Add an inventive take on eggs benedict that includes pork belly(!) and a chill, stereotypical (in a good way) Brooklyn vibe, and Rye is a must-try."
— Megan McIntyre, Beauty Features Editor
Rye, 247 South 1st Street (between Roebling and Havemeyer streets), Brooklyn; 718-218-8047.
Photo: Courtesy of Rye.
Piccoli Trattoria
"While I normally wouldn't think to go to a traditional Italian restaurant for lunch, this is my absolute favorite place in the city — although, I normally go for a treat-yourself dinner. I happened to walk past one day and noticed their breakfast menu (which is, essentially, standard brunch fare with an Italian influence). I was more than pleasantly surprised, especially since the prices on their weekend menu are pretty reasonable. Plus, brunch paninis? Yes, please."
— Ana Colon, Editorial Assistant, Shopping
Piccoli Trattoria, 522 Sixth Avenue (at 14th Street), Brooklyn; 718-788-0066.
Photo: Courtesy of Piccoli Trattoria.
Pure Bistro
"Pure has to be one of my favorite brunch spots because it's super-intimate, has efficient service, and is reasonably-priced. Plus, their sweet potato fries are the best, and the food will leaves you feeling well-nourished, not disgustingly-full."
— J ade Earle, Executive Assistant
Pure Bistro, 88 Fifth Avenue (between Warren Street and St. Marks Place), Brooklyn; 718-622-5314.
Photo: Courtesy of Pure Bistro.
Sugar Freak
"I'm a Brooklyn girl, but if there's one reason to leave my borough for brunch, it's this place. Three words: Brunch. Beignet. Sliders. With praline bacon, y'all. Between the macaroni and cheese bread bowl and the fried shrimp po' boys, there are infinite reasons to keep coming back."
— Alison Ives, Editorial Assistant, Brand Experiences
Sugar Freak, 36-18 Thirtieth Avenue (at 37th Street), Queens; 718-726-5850.
Photo: Courtesy of Sugar Freak.
Ivan Ramen
"Ivan Orkin might be best known for his super-traditional ramen broths, but I like his stuff best when it's a mix of his Jewish upbringing with his Japanese life. So, when he churned out a breakfast all day ramen for his Gotham West Market spot, I was sold — New York State cheddar gets emulsified with a double dashi broth, poured over whole wheat noodles, and mixed with thin slivers of scallion omelettes and ham. It's perfect for a hangover. Traditionalists can go for a classic Japanese breakfast, too."
— Jessica Chou, Associate Editor, Digital Innovation
Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop at Gotham West Market, 600 Eleventh Avenue (between West 44th and 45th streets); 646-678-3859.
Photo: Courtesy of Gotham West Market.
Le Fanfare
"It may be a bit of a hike, but Le Fanfare in northern Greenpoint is a great new tucked-away brunch spot. Rarely busy, you can always count on delicious standard brunch dishes with an Italian skew, cocktails that can't be beat, and tasty espresso drinks. The ambiance is chill, the waitstaff is friendly, and you can actually hold a conversation with someone; so it's a great place for a date, or if you are fighting a pounding hangover headache!"
— Katie Hegarty, Director of Brand Experiences, Lifestyle
Le Fanfare, 1103 Manhattan Avenue (between Clay and Dupont streets), Brooklyn; 347-987-4244.
Photo: Courtesy of Le Fanfare.
Egg Shop
Three words: Bacon. Salt. Rim. Yes, I'm talking about Egg Shop's Bloody Mary, which might just be the best in New York City (and trust me, I've tried tons). Food-wise, you really can't go wrong at a cafe that celebrates one of the most ubiquitous items around: the egg. The bacon, egg, and cheese is a classy, delicious version of the deli favorite, and the side of fried chicken is, well, heaven in the form of breaded goodness. Warning: The wait can be lengthy, but if you roll in around 3 p.m. (late risers, rejoice!), you'll have no problem grabbing a seat in this little slice of Nolita heaven.
— Erin Cunningham, New York Editor
Egg Shop, 151 Elizabeth Street (between Kenmare and Broome streets); 646-666-0810.
Photo: Courtesy of Egg Shop.
Mezetto
"Whenever my friends from out of town ask for a brunch recommendation, I always point them to Mezetto. Without fail, they'd come back thanking me profusely and praising me for how 'in the know' I am (I found this place on Yelp, but I digress). Everything about this restaurant is on-point, from the Instagram-friendly decor to the scrupulous service. Try not to be overwhelmed by the super-gratifying duck confit skillet or the flavorful grilled calamari — you'll want to leave room for the bottomless passion fruit mimosas."
— Venus Wong, Editorial and Production Assistant, Living
Mezetto, 161 East Houston Street (at Allen Street); 212-933-4587.
Photo: Courtesy of Mezetto.
Lovely Day
"Lovely Day in Nolita has the loveliest brunch ever (repetitive word choice intended). It's my go-to for a classic Irish breakfast with some ginger fried chicken on the side. Super cheap, super yum, and super cute. The only drawback is that they're cash/Amex only."
— Gabriel Sands, Marketing Manager
Lovely Day, 196 Elizabeth Street (between Prince and Spring streets); 212-925-3310.
Photo: Courtesy of Lovely Day.
Dimes
"The secret's totally out! My favorite neighborhood breakfast place is so packed on weekends that I make a point to wake up early just to snag a seat sans wait. I love that they have homemade almond milk - a very nice, very downtown touch!"
— Naomi Nevitt, Shopping and Market Director
Dimes, 49 Canal Street (between Orchard and Ludlow streets); 212-240-9410.
Photo: Courtesy of Dimes.
Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria
"Il Buco Alimentari is my favorite spot to brunch. The thing is, I could never reasonably afford going to this hot-spot on my own, unless my parents are in town, but the brunch (while expensive, I'm sure, by NYC standards) is an approachable way to get in on all the Italian goodness. I love the pastry (bombolone 4 lyfe), the pastas, and the fish sandwich...it's all legitimately incredible. Sure, I can have ramen for dinner...but at least I'm having Il Buco for brunch."
— Phillip Picardi, Senior Beauty Editor
Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria, 53 Great Jones Street (between Lafayette Street and Bowery); 212-837-2622.
Photo: Courtesy of Il Buco Alimentari.
Hundred Acres
"Take the chic ambiance, add a Grapefruit Cooler, the Goat Cheese Sage-Pudding, and the back garden room, and you've set yourself up for the best Soho Saturday morning ever. Basically, they had me at gooey cinnamon rolls."
— Mary Catanzarita, Account Manager
Hundred Acres, 38 Macdougal Street (between Prince and West Houston streets); 212-475-7500.
Photo: Courtesy of Hundred Acres.
M.O.B.
"Citrus scented silver dollar pancakes served with cardamon pistachio butter, figs, and blood orange hibiscus syrup. The description pretty much seals the deal without question. M.O.B.'S brunch menu may be small, but they make up for it in artistry and quality. The large open communal space is also very inviting, and you're welcome to add your artwork to the wall. No matter what you get, you'll never walk away disappointed."
— Je Suis Encrateia, Senior Front-end Engineer
M.O.B., 525 Atlantic Avenue (between Third and Fourth avenues), Brooklyn; 718-797-2555.
Photo: Courtesy of M.O.B.
Five Leaves
"I absolutely love Five Leaves. There's always a wait, but if you go with a group of two, it's never that bad (and their outdoor seating has a nice view of the park). Between you and me and the internet, I like to put my name in and then walk around the block to Peter Pan and pre-game on donuts. It makes the wait a lot more palatable."
— David Kopach, Account Director
Five Leaves, 18 Bedford Avenue (at Lorimer Street), Brooklyn; 718-383-5345.
Photo: Courtesy of Five Leaves.
Queens Comfort
"Queens Comfort. Hands down. The service rocks, the food is bonkers (think Cap'n Crunch french toast balls and fried green tomato eggs Benedict), the ambiance is hilarious (like stepping into a living room straight out of an '80s sitcom), AND — drum roll please — it's BYOB.
"It's totally unpretentious, absolutely delicious, and the perfect amount of rowdiness. The owners and staff are comprised mostly of local childhood friends and shape its homey vibe."
— Alex McGinn, Sales Marketing Manager
Queens Comfort, 4009 30th Avenue (between Steinway and 41st streets), Astoria; 718-728-2350.
Photo: Courtesy of Queens Comfort.
Greenpoint Fish and Lobster
"If you are looking for sunlight and decadence, look no further than Greenpoint Fish and Lobster. Do yourself a favor and order the slow-cooked eggs, biscuits, and lobster gravy — and wash it down with a Michelada."
— Darin Brensnitz, Senior Director of Experiential
Greenpoint Fish and Lobster, 114 Nassau Avenue (at Eckford Street), Brooklyn; 718-349-0400.
Photo: Courtesy of Greenpoint Fish and Lobster.
EJ's Luncheonette
"Whoever put the B-R in brunch is my kinda lady. If it were socially and medically acceptable to order EJ's jumbo flapjacks for breakfast (not brunch) every day, I would do that. Since it's not, I take a Bloody Mary, scrambled eggs, toasted challah, and a mint cookies and cream milkshake to-go. EJ's is the department store of diners — if they don't make it, you don't need it."
— Nina Wolpow, Editorial Assistant
EJ's Luncheonette, 1271 Third Avenue (at East 73rd Street); 212-472-0600.
Photo: Courtesy of EJ's Luncheonette.
Café Moto
"Moto in Williamsburg has an awesome brunch and an even more awesome atmosphere. The spot is tiny, adorable, usually has live music, and the food is really good."
— Jennifer Calloway, Front End Engineer
Café Moto, 394 Broadway (between Keap and Hooper streets), Brooklyn; 718-599-6895.
Photo: Courtesy of Café Moto.
Maysville
"I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Maysville in Flatiron. It's a southern restaurant that specializes in its bourbon collection. The chef is from Alabama, and I've now had just about every item on the brunch menu (crispy grits, beef tartare, quiche, etc.), and it's all out of this world. The staff is also incredibly knowledgeable, which is helpful when trying to narrow things down from over 200-plus bourbons. And, if you're feeling overwhelmed, the bacon bourbon Bloody Mary is outstanding."
— Julia Finch, Photo Editor
Maysville, 17 West 26th Street (between Broadway and Sixth Avenue); 646-490-8240.
Photo: Courtesy of Maysville.
Alice's Arbor
"Alice's Arbor in Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy (outer-borough brunch, holla!) is down-to-earth, delicious, veg-friendly, and not too expensive — and there's blood-orange mimosas. Also, I've never had to wait, which is more than I can say for [insert name of any restaurant in Manhattan here]."
— Amelia Edelman, Content Editor
Alice's Arbor, 549 Classon Avenue (between Fulton Street and Putnam Avenue), Brooklyn; 718-399-3003.
Photo: Courtesy of Alice's Arbor.
Milk Bar
“You can find me at Milk Bar in Prospect Heights pretty much every Saturday. They have THE BEST coffee. And, toasties, which are basically toasted baguettes topped with some combination of cheese, veggies, and poached eggs. And, sometimes avocado.”
— Sarabeth Sanders, Senior Editorial Manager, Brand Experiences
Milk Bar, 620 Vanderbilt Avenue (between St. Marks Avenue and Bergen Street), Brooklyn; 718-230-0844.
Photo: Courtesy of Milk Bar.
Joe and Misses Doe
"Joe and MissesDoe (formerly JoeDoe) combines two of my favorite things: comfort food and '80s rock vibes. As a girl from the South, I'm hooked on their biscuits with honey butter and their cheddar grits offering. Plus, their fun beer cocktails hit the spot on a sluggish Saturday morning."
— Jessica Roska, Senior Editor, Brand Experiences
Joe and MissesDoe, 45 East First Street (between First and Second avenues); 212-780-0262.
Photo: Courtesy of Joe and MissesDoe.
Vinegar Hill House
“Even if you don't live in the neighborhood, it's worth making a trip to Dumbo for the sourdough pancakes at Vinegar Hill House. The rustic interior is super cozy, but I prefer the garden out back, which feels like you're tucked far away from the rest of the world. If you're in the mood for more fun after your meal, do a tour and tasting at the nearby Kings County Distillery in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. They have moonshine!”
— Caroline Stanley, Deputy Editor, Local Markets
Vinegar Hill House, 72 Hudson Avenue (between Water and Front streets), Brooklyn; 718-522-1018.
Photo: Courtesy of Vinegar Hill House.
Jack’s Wife Freda
"Jack's Wife Freda is exactly where you want to nestle yourself on any weekend afternoon with friends. Its kale Greek salad is the best in town, and the Mediterranean breakfast with two eggs, salad, avocado, and pita always hits the spot. And, for the more adventurous, the cantaloupe mimosa is a pretty damn awesome way to start your day."
— Sam Schlaifer, PM/Producer
Jack's Wife Freda, 224 Lafayette Street (between Spring and Kenmare streets); 212-510-8550.
Photo: Courtesy of Jack's Wife Freda.
Jacob's Pickles
"I'm having trouble typing out this sentence because I can't stop thinking about how ridiculously good Jacob's Pickles is. Oh, you like carrots? They're pickled. Beets? Pickled. Bloody Marys? Huge, and they come with a deviled egg. Plus, they have cheesy grits for days. It's a hangover dream."
— Vanessa Golembewski, Features Writer
Jacob's Pickles, 509 Amsterdam Avenue (between West 84th and 85th streets); 212-470-5566.
Photo: Courtesy of Jacob's Pickles.
Buvette
"This cozy spot in the West Village is full of Parisian countryside charm and definitely worth the wait (forewarning: It doesn't take reservations). Be prepared to go carb crazy — everything is warm, fluffy, and soaked in butter, but it's literally so delicious that you won't give it a second thought. My favorite dishes include the steamed scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, heavenly croissants, and you must get one of the Croques. After indulging, you can walk it all off by shopping your way through the West Village!
— Nikki Mendell, PR Manager
Buvette, 42 Grove Street (between Bleecker and Bedford streets); 212-255-3590.
Photo: Courtesy of Buvette.
Red Farm
"For six months after Red Farm opened down the block from my apartment, I boycotted it. Chinatown is full of great, cheap dim sum, who needs fancy West Village dim sum? You — you need it. That is, unless you hate whimsical treats like multicolored dumplings getting chased across the plate by a sweet potato pac-man and spring rolls made with Katz's pastrami."
— Ben Reininga, Deputy Editor, Features & Contributors
Red Farm, 529 Hudson Street (between West 10th and Charles streets); 212-792-9700.
Photo: Courtesy of Red Farm.
Dudleys
"The avocado toast is simply to die for, and paired with a flat white, it makes for the perfect brunchie/breakkie combo!"
— Ly Ngo, Editorial Art Director
Dudleys, 85 Orchard Street (at Broome Street); 212-925-7355.
Photo: Courtesy of Dudleys.
The Penrose
"Oh, god, the Penrose. Cozy, delicious comfort food, perfect cocktails, and an easy atmosphere. I recommend the scrambled eggs and spiced beef with a side of guac and bacon. And a mimosa, obviously."
— Julie Bogen, Social Strategy Planner
The Penrose, 1590 Second Avenue (between East 82nd and 83rd streets); 212-203-2751.
Photo: Courtesy of The Penrose.
Melba's Restaurant
"You really can't go wrong with Melba's. Not only do they have the friendliest staff, but the restaurant really makes you feel like you're a part of a community; I've accidentally ended up as part of a couple stranger's birthday parties at Melba's, and one of those 'strangers' is my friend now. But even beyond the atmosphere, the food is amazing. You have to try the southern fried chicken and eggnog waffles. Actually, now that I've typed this out, I definitely have to go this weekend."
— Rebecca Smith, Senior Audience Development Editor
Melba's Restaurant, 300 West 114th Street (at Frederick Douglass Boulevard); 212-864-7777.
Photo: Courtesy of Melba's Restaurant.
The District
"I'll get right to it: The District's pork sausage pie is heaven on earth. It's kind of hard to describe how truly special the dish is because, well, I've never eaten anything like it. Although, the restaurant's drunken-blueberry french toast is a really close second. This quirky, Irish gastropub is hidden away in Yorkville on the Upper East Side boasts amazing service, and rarely ever has a wait (super important). My boyfriend will be so upset to find out I've given away our secret spot."
— Ellen Hoffman, Associate Shopping Editor
The District, 1679 Third Avenue (at 94th Street); 212-289-2005.
Photo: Courtesy of The District.
Back Forty
"It's a warm and comfortable neighborhood spot with great food and a creative menu, unlike your average brunch restaurant. Between farm-to-table food, a great Bloody Mary, and my all-time favorite burger, this place is my top choice to spend a late Saturday morning."
— Nell Riley, First Impressionist
Back Forty, 70 Prince Street (at Crosby Street); 212-219-8570.
Photo: Courtesy of Back Forty.
The Bluebell Cafe
"Going to Bluebell on weekend mornings is like taking a vacation to a country side bed & breakfast without having to really venture far from the subway. I'll make the trip over there from anywhere in New York City just to have their country eggs with bacon, biscuit, and jam. The simple, homestyle breakfasts fit in perfectly with the wooden tables, and mismatched dishes — you'll feel like you're in the kitchen you never knew you had."
— Rachel Handelman, Campaign Manager
The Bluebell Cafe, 293 Third Avenue (between 22nd and 23rd streets); 646-649-2389.
Photo: Courtesy of The Bluebell Cafe.
Harlem Tavern
"The spirit of New Orleans pervades this brunch,
A catfish po' boy sandwich on which to munch,
A spiced mahi-mahi salad that goes crunch,
And, live jazz music adding zing to the punch,
You'll absolutely love this tavern — call it a hunch!"
— Siddhant Mohalanobish, Platform Engineer, Analytics
Harlem Tavern, 2153 Frederick Douglass Boulevard (between West 116th and 117th streets; 212-866-4500.
Photo: Courtesy of Harlem Tavern.
Chavela’s
"I have searched far and wide for great Mexican food in New York with little to no luck. I am a West Coast girl and will say that after leaving L.A, it has been tough to find a good Mexican spot in NYC. When I visited Chavela's for the first time, my search ended, and I could not have been happier! The food is amazing, the drinks are on point, and the ambiance is perfect and festive."
— Lilac Perez, Photo Editor
Chavela's, 736 Franklin Avenue (at Sterling Place), Brooklyn; 718-622-3100.
Photo: Courtesy of Chavela's.
Norma’s
“You have to be pretty confident in your brunches to have a $1,000 lobster frittata that you ‘dare [me] to expense’ — and confident Norma’s is. Like the idea of a mango-papaya brown-butter cinnamon crêpe served with fresh-squeezed OJ? Maybe a fois gras brioche French toast plate? No? Fine. Nutella-filled pancakes with pineapple and raspberries it is. It's modern breakfast in a modern place.”
— Bryant Rockoff, Junior Developer
Norma's, 119 West 57th Street (between Sixth and Seventh avenues); 212-708-7460.
Photo: Courtesy of Norma's.
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