Ok y’all know how much I love brunch, so I’ve been really excited about putting together this post! I’ve been living in New York for more than three years now and while I’d love to say I’m still all about trying new places, I’ve definitely started to settle into a brunch routine because in my opinion I’ve found the best places this city has to offer for every type of brunch.
1) CLINTON ST BAKING COMPANY: FOR WHEN FRIENDS ARE IN TOWN
Clinton St Baking Company is one of those places that you have to get in line at 8:30 in the morning, but it is SO worth it. Next time one of your girlfriends is visiting from out of town find a way to convince her to do the early morning trek because neither of you will regret it. You’ll go for the pancakes (pictured above), which are to die for, but you also have to branch out to the chicken apple sausage, chicken and waffles, and eggs benny cause it’s just all top notch. My favorite are the blueberry pancakes!
2) HUNDRED ACRES: THE EVERY WEEKEND SPOT
I’ve written about Hundred Acres on here before, but since going for the first time more than two years ago I haven’t been able to stop. Starting with the cinnamon rolls is a must, but the menu is always changing slightly so you’ll never get sick of the basics. Two important notes – the drinks are $$$ so don’t plan on doing drunch & reservations are also a must!
3) SWEET CHICK: FOR TREATING YOURSELF
If you’re on a diet then Sweet Chick is not the place for you this weekend. However, if you’re looking for chicken and waffles or pulled chicken eggs benedict (my personal fave) let the drooling commence. I wish I had any good pictures of the restaurants or the food because that is all you’ll need to see why I’m so in love (so please check their Instagram). Also, major plus of Sweet Chick is that they have locations in both the LES and Williamsburg so wherever you are in the city you’re not too far away 🙂
4) HOTEL CHANTELLE: GIRLS (BRUNCH) OUT
Every weekend Hotel Chantelle has live jazz and $1 drink specials, so this spot is perfect for birthday brunches. The restaurant is on the roof, but is fully covered so the palm trees and warm sun make it feel like summer all the time. While drunch spots aren’t usually known for their food, Hotel Chantelle is an exception. Their truffle tator tots are famous among my friends and the lobster eggs benedict has to be one of my favorite brunch dishes ever.
5) FRIEND OF A FARMER: PARENTS WEEKEND
Friend of a Farmer has locations in both Gramercy and Brooklyn Heights and is truly the best spot to bring your parents during an impromptu visit. While the Gramercy location is normally packed the Brooklyn Heights location is way calmer and has a perfect little patio in the back for warmer months. They do classic breakfast food at a whole ‘nother level in my opinion. I’m usually too indecisive to choose either savory or sweet, so I go with the ‘Boomer Special’ with scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, AND apple pancakes. Every table gets a starter of corn bread topped with apple compote as well, so I’m usually in heaven. Most importantly, you definitely don’t have to wait until your parents come to go!
6) CAFE DANTE: THE LAST MINUTE SPOT
Just because I deem Dante my list minute spot doesn’t mean I love it any less. I do especially love Dante because I can go any time of any day and there is a table available and usually even one available outside! Also, this is one of those amazing Aussie spots in the city and somehow Australians just seem to do everything better. However, the menu is a little different here than most Aussie spots with twists on classic dishes, such as the pumpernickel french toast shown above.
7) LE COUCOU: THE FANCY BRUNCH
I usually like my brunch spots easy and casual, but for times when you want to feel a little bit fancier Le CouCou is the place to be! The bright space and gorgeous chandeliers are only two of the many things I love about the ambiance of Le CouCou. The food is honestly just average, but remember that’s not why you’re going here. Just make sure to dress up a bit so you’ll fit in with the place in your Instagram shots!