Brunch enthusiasts know not all brunches are created equal. Some spots will have a line out the door, yet fall flat once you finally sit down and realize their hollandaise is sad and watery. Finding the restaurants with the best menus, ambiance, and wait times can be difficult when so many places are widely overhyped. If you know the struggle all too well, look no further than these 10 spots with the best brunch in New York City.

 

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Opened in 2001, Clinton St. Baking Company is a family-run bakery and restaurant where everything from breads to sauces freshly made in house. All the brunch classics are uncontested delight, while many declare that Clinton St. Baking Company has “the best pancakes in town,” making them a must-order every time. Just look at these stacks!

Another family-run business, Friedman’s originally opened in 2009 and has remained so beloved that it now has multiple locations throughout the city. It was one of the leading voices supporting gluten-free menus and catering to those who have celiac disease. For some of the best brunch dishes in New York City, expect: Fluffy Oat Pancakes with Vermont maple syrup, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Friedman’s Burger with all-natural angus beef, and Turkey Burger are all delicious options.

Golden Diner is a classic diner in Chinatown with an east Asian inspired brunch menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. This isn’t one of the chic made-for-Instagram spots you see online, but rather a true exposed brick, bar stools at the sticky countertop diner that puts all its focus on the food rather than aesthetics. The chef specials are updated frequently, and are often quite creative (and delicious!), but the local favorite is the chicken katsu club with a side of fries and a sour pickle. There are also plenty of inventive vegetarian dishes that stray from the boring overdone veggie burgers and proteinless salads.

Since 2007, The Smith has been serving up tasty brunches on weekends. Named after “a maker skilled in creating happiness through great food and drinks, warm hospitality, and a genuine desire to go the extra mile” – the celebrated restaurant has multiple locations, and is known as one of the most popular brunch spots in New York City. Don’t miss the epic Smith Burger which comes with cheddar, bacon shallot jam, crispy onions, house pickles, TSB sauce, brioche bun.

Cookshop is a neighborhood restaurant highlighting ingredients from the northeast region by working with local farmers meanwhile promoting artisanal cheese. This bustling brunch address in West Chelsea is a definite crowd pleaser with a bunch of traditional items: grilled cheese sandwich, scrambled eggs and buttermilk pancakes. Be sure to pair them with a mean Bloody Mary, they do ’em like no other here.

The Grey Dog is also another fantastic brunch spot in New York City, situated in various pockets of the city. The story is as wholesome as the food, started by two brothers, Dave and Pete, in hopes of creating a restaurant “where people wanted to be.” Named after their dogs, The Grey Dog now serves up avocado toasts, fried chicken and Johnny cakes, French toasts and classic omelettes…just to name a few.

Biscuit lovers should add POST to their bucket list ASAP. Here, you can find homestyle comfort food with an enjoyable healthy twist and all organic ingredients. The biscuit sandwiches are to die for, and make sure not to overlook the meticulously sourced matcha.

Breakfast by Salt’s Cure is a cozy, intimate affair with large windows that let in the glorious morning light. The menu is small but mighty, with a focus on its famous griddle cakes. Cinnamon molasses butter replaces the typical maple syrup that’s distinctly lacking from the table, but with pancakes this good, you won’t miss it for a moment.

Housed inside the Civilian Hotel, Rosevale Kitchen is a restaurant and cocktail room serving classic American cuisine. Make the experience even more special by enjoying brunch in the Secret Garden, a greenhouse-esque dining area full of all sorts of beautiful plants and flowers. Don’t forget to consider the unique “Wanamaker Playhouse” deal, which includes unlimited build-your-own cocktails during your meal.

Tavern on the Green is an iconic restaurant located inside of the historic Sheepfold building of Central Park. The menu is a collection of fun, inventive dishes like bacon and scrambled egg pizza, as well as all of the brunch classics you could want. Who can resist a homemade pastry basket with Central Park views?