New York City’s culinary scene never fails to leave tastebuds tingling, but the city that never sleeps sure knows how to go big on brunch. Crispy bacon, unreal hollandaise sauce, French toasts to write home about—the list goes on. If you’re heading west this weekend, be sure to make a pit stop at any of these seven New York City brunch spots that know a thing or two about starting the weekend on the right side of the bed. For those staying on the Island, try these local restaurants that are prime locations for bottomless fun instead.
Related Content: Long Island’s Best Bloody Marys
Jacob’s Pickles, Manhattan
image: facebook.com/jacobspickles
This Upper West Side gem is truly a must for comfort food lovers with filling brunch dishes that will have you wondering why you didn’t eat here sooner. Think bacon, egg and cheese biscuit sandwiches, catfish tacos and buttermilk fried chicken Caesar salad. And just as the restaurant’s name implies, pickles are always on the menu with an assortment of house-made ones to choose from. (You can also buy a jar to go!) The rustic space is often booming with people making a wait time likely but well worth it. Head over when the weather gets warmer and enjoy outdoor seating in the front patio. Go
Cafe Mogador, Brooklyn and Manhattan
The enclosed garden area in Cafe Mogador’s Brooklyn location. image: yelp.com/cafe mogador
It wasn’t long before Cafe Mogador became a popular spot when it opened in the East Village in 1983, thanks to the delicious Moroccan-inspired cuisine. A taste of Morocco is also found on the brunch menu with the Moroccan Benedict topped with spicy tomato sauce as an entrée and the homemade Merguez sausage as a side. Pair those with one of the five drink options for a delightful brunch you’ll remember. Feast in the Manhattan location’s outdoor patio during the warm weather or head to the Williamsburg location to sit in the gorgeous covered back garden filled with greenery. Go
Jeffrey’s Grocery, Manhattan
The Bloody Caesar from Jeffrey’s Grocery is a must. image: yelp.com/jeffrey’s grocery
Seafood lovers, this spot is for you. Jeffrey’s Grocery is known for its oyster bar, which is incorporated into the brunch menu along with several other seafood specialties, including Bloody Mary Rock Shrimp and Crab & Avocado Toast. Another great thing about brunch at this homey West Village spot is the long list of morning cocktails—make sure to try the Bloody Caesar topped with oyster and shrimp for a fun twist on the classic Bloody Mary. Go
Veranda, Queens
image: yelp.com/veranda restaurant & cafe
Indulge in some traditional American brunch in a fine dining setting at this popular Bayside restaurant with options including buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffles and steak and eggs. The spacious restaurant is even better when the weather gets warm since you can escape to the outside patio enclosed by bushes and enjoy a meal under a terracotta umbrella. Go
Queens Comfort, Queens
image: facebook.com/queenscomfort
Locals have been raving about this comfort food haven since it opened in 2011, and it’s easy to understand why. The brunch menu includes deep fried cheese ravioli, nine different Benedicts and Oreo brioche French toast. What makes this cozy gem even more special is its ability to attract all kinds of neighborhood folks from families to punk rockers. It’s also a cash only spot that encourages patrons to bring their own booze. Go
Friend of A Farmer, Manhattan and Brooklyn
image: yelp.com/friend of a farmer
This gem has been bringing the countryside to the city since opening in 1986. Aside from wooden columns, ceilings, floors and fireplaces, the restaurant also uses local ingredients, makes homemade juices and serves wines from family-owned vineyards. The brunch menu offers different types of pancakes, omelets and some homemade goodies, such as granola and sausage. Go
Rabbithole, Brooklyn
image: yelp.com/rabbithole restaurant
From the outside, this Williamsburg spot may look like an ordinary bar, but open the door and prepare to be amused. The charming space has brick walls, wooden tables and a cozy outdoor garden area. The brunch menu is just as appealing offering a variety of diverse options, including Croque Madame, Crispy Leeks and Spiced Bacon Salad, Pancakes with Spiced Walnuts and Egg White Frittata. Go