1. The Smith
Step into The Smith for brunch and you’ll get more than just the basics. If you want plates that swing between comfort and a bit of surprise, this spot has you covered. The Smith is known for its friendly vibe that feels relaxed, never rushed—making it easy to lean back and enjoy a lazy morning (or early afternoon). Their menu covers the classics but always with a little twist.
Some menu standouts you can expect:
- Vanilla bean French toast that’s fluffy in all the right ways.
- Eggs Benedict with just the right balance of creamy hollandaise.
- Skillet hash loaded with veggies, topped by a perfectly fried egg.
- Homemade potato chips with blue cheese fondue (it sounds odd, but just try it).
For those who like numbers, here’s a quick look at crowd favorites:
| Dish | Avg. Price | Most Mentioned By Guests |
| Vanilla Bean French Toast | $19 | Yes |
| Eggs Benedict | $22 | Yes |
| Skillet Hash | $18 | Sometimes |
| Blue Cheese Chips | $13 | Yes |
Brunch at The Smith feels like a small celebration—where no one is in a hurry, the coffee keeps coming, and the pancakes are always taller than you remember.
2. Sarabeth’s
Sarabeth’s has always been one of those places you set brunch plans for way in advance—try snagging those brunch reservations near me, and you’ll see what I mean. What makes Sarabeth’s so popular isn’t just tradition, but the way it keeps things welcoming and a little surprising. The menu keeps comfort food right where it belongs and mixes in lighter, fresher brunch ideas if you want to try something different.
Here’s what Sarabeth’s is known for:
- Freshly baked muffins and scones—many folks swear by the English muffin with house-made jam.
- Classic eggs benedict that just tastes right, with a homemade hollandaise that doesn’t go overboard.
- Lighter options like ricotta pancakes or avocado toast that actually fill you up (without being bland).
If you’re wondering what to expect price-wise, here’s a quick look:
| Dish | Average Price |
| Lemon & Ricotta Pancakes | $20 |
| Classic Eggs Benedict | $24 |
| Salmon Lox & Bagel Plate | $22 |
Sarabeth’s is laid-back, but you’ll probably spot just as many families as out-of-town brunch seekers. The wait can test your patience if you show up hungry, so booking ahead is the smartest move.
Honestly, if you’re making a list of “must-try” brunches, don’t skip this one—even if it means setting an early alarm on a Sunday.
3. Clinton St. Baking Company
Clinton St. Baking Company stands out as one of the most popular local breakfast places near me, known for its comforting classics and inventive brunch spins. The wait can be pretty long on weekends, but that’s almost a bragging right for regulars—everyone knows it’s worth it. Pancakes are probably the most talked-about item on the menu, and, honestly, if you leave without trying them, it’s your loss.
Some highlights from the menu include:
- Blueberry pancakes with warm maple butter (people will wait hours for these—no joke)
- Huevos rancheros, which pack a punch and wake you up quick
- Their signature buttermilk biscuit sandwiches
If you’re not in the mood for sweet, the savory dishes hit just as hard. The smoked salmon scramble somehow manages to taste fresh every single time, and the hash browns are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—exactly how they should be.
| Dish | Price | Notes |
| Blueberry Pancakes | $18 | Local favorite |
| Huevos Rancheros | $17 | Spicy kick |
| Buttermilk Biscuit | $7 | Add egg, bacon, cheese |
Even if you’re searching for local breakfast places near me on a whim, Clinton St. Baking Company is almost always at the top of any must-try list because it delivers every time—not just in quality but in that cozy, bustling brunch energy you can’t fake.
4. Sunday in Brooklyn
Sunday in Brooklyn brings an inviting, sunny spirit to brunch that feels just right for lazy mornings. The menu stands out with new spins on familiar breakfast favorites, making it pretty hard to choose just one thing.
Here’s a quick look at three brunch plates regulars keep coming back for:
- Malted Pancakes with hazelnut maple praline and brown butter
- Egg & Sausage Sandwich on a soft bun with smoky cheddar and potatoes
- Avocado Toast with soft scrambled eggs and chili oil
| Dish | Price |
| Malted Pancakes | $18 |
| Egg & Sausage Sandwich | $17 |
| Avocado Toast | $16 |
Most times, what sets this spot apart is how it manages to be cozy but also a little exciting—one minute you’re sipping your coffee, the next you spot something unexpected on your plate. It’s a good kind of surprise, if you ask me.
Outdoor seating is a big plus, especially when the weather plays nice. The vibe here skews relaxed, and you never feel rushed, which honestly makes all the difference at brunch. If you go, expect a crowd on weekends, but it’s worth the wait.
5. Jack’s Wife Freda
This spot brings together Middle Eastern flavors and Mediterranean classics, all wrapped up in a friendly, lively setting. The menu changes things up from your everyday brunch, making it a great pick if you want something more memorable than the regular avocado toast.
Here are a few dishes you’ll want to check out:
- Green Shakshuka: Poached eggs in a flavorful green sauce with fresh challah on the side.
- Rosewater Waffle: Light, fluffy, and topped with Lebanese yogurt and berries—sweet enough for breakfast but not over-the-top.
- Maya’s Breakfast Bowl: Soft-boiled eggs, pickled veggies, hummus, and pita come together for a satisfying, protein-filled start.
| Best Time to Visit | Wait Time (Approx.) | Top Dish |
| Weekend Mornings | 30-40 min | Green Shakshuka |
| Weekdays | 10-20 min | Maya’s Breakfast Bowl |
If you show up late on a Sunday, expect a bit of a crowd, but the food—and the people-watching—make it worth the wait. This place feels like Saturday brunch in New York should: laid-back, a little noisy, and always fun.
6. Buttermilk Channel
Buttermilk Channel draws in crowds every weekend (and honestly, most weekdays too) with a brunch menu that feels like a hug on a plate. This is the spot I hit up when I want comfort food that’s just a little upgraded from what I can make at home. Picture warm, fluffy pancakes, crispy fried chicken, and biscuits so buttery they almost melt before they get to your mouth.
Here’s a quick look at some fan favorites you’ll spot on the menu:
- Buttermilk fried chicken & cheddar waffles
- Short rib hash with poached eggs
- House-made pecan sticky buns
If you’re feeling extra, they even do a Bloody Mary that might as well be its own meal.
| Dish | Price |
| Fried Chicken & Waffles | $20 |
| Short Rib Hash | $19 |
| Pecan Sticky Buns (2) | $8 |
Sometimes you just want to linger over good coffee, enjoy pancakes that don’t taste like cardboard, and maybe people-watch out the big windows. That’s why Buttermilk Channel will always have a steady line out the door.
7. Good Enough to Eat
This cozy spot on the Upper West Side is where you go if you want to remember why brunch has a certain magic. They serve food that doesn’t try too hard—it’s just really good, homemade stuff that tastes familiar. Their buttermilk pancakes with strawberry butter have a bit of a cult following, and I completely get why. When I tried them last Saturday, I could barely hear my friend talking over the buzz of people chatting around us.
Here’s what keeps locals coming back:
- Fluffy apple cinnamon French toast loaded with real apples
- Maple sausage so fresh, I had to ask if they made it in-house (they do!)
- Buttery biscuits that somehow don’t fall apart in your hands
- Classic omelets with sharp cheddar and thick-cut bacon
| Menu Item | Price (USD) |
| Buttermilk Pancakes | $15 |
| Cinnamon Swirl French Toast | $16 |
| Farmhouse Omelet | $17 |
| Homemade Biscuits | $7 |
You walk in and it feels like Sunday, even if it’s Tuesday. The coffee never runs low and everything comes out of the kitchen in big, generous helpings. Bring your appetite, seriously.
8. Birch Coffee
Tucked away from busy avenues, Birch Coffee is kind of a low-key treasure for brunch fans. Their menu keeps things simple but gets them right every time. The house-made pastries come out fresh, and their breakfast sandwich has a real following—people rave about the buttery biscuits and perfectly cooked eggs. Don’t skip their coffee either; it’s got a smooth strength that gets your day going.
Here’s a quick look at a few favorites from Birch Coffee’s brunch menu:
| Item | Why People Order It | Price ($) |
| Egg & Cheese Biscuit | Buttery, filling, classic | 8 |
| Avocado Toast | Fresh, tangy toppings | 9 |
| Blueberry Muffin | Fruity, not too sweet | 4 |
| Cold Brew Coffee | Smooth, rich, refreshing | 5 |
If you’re meeting friends or need a quiet spot with good wi-fi, Birch stands out. Here’s what keeps regulars coming back:
- Chill vibe, even on weekends
- Friendly staff who remember your usual
- Fast service, even when it’s busy
Even when it’s packed, there’s this calm energy inside Birch Coffee. Places like this make slow weekend mornings worth it.
9. Prune
Prune, tucked away on a quiet street, might look small, but it pulls a big crowd come brunch hours. It’s known for playful spins on old favorites—like their “Dutch Style” pancake or the Bloody Mary menu that has half the city talking.
If you’re hungry, here are a few big reasons why regulars keep coming back:
- House-made sardine and leek omelet if you’re feeling adventurous
- Perfectly crisp potatoes fried in duck fat
- That iconic Bloody Mary menu with over 10 creative styles
| Crowd Favorites | Price Range |
| Dutch Pancake | $17-$20 |
| Duck Fat Potatoes | $8 |
| Steak & Eggs | $23 |
Sometimes, you’ll wait outside in line longer than you sit at your table, but once that first bite hits, it’s worth it every time. If you like brunch with a little attitude—and lots of flavor—Prune should be high on your weekend list.
10. Russ & Daughters Cafe
Russ & Daughters Cafe brings timeless New York flavor to any hunt for a “local brunch near me.” This isn’t your run-of-the-mill eggs-and-bacon spot—here, you’ll find classics that put cured fish and bagels in the spotlight.
When you walk in, the energy is both laidback and buzzy, and the staff always seem happy to talk lox and chive cream cheese. Here are a few things you might want to try:
- The Classic Board: Hand-sliced smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion, capers, bagel of your choice
- Potato Latkes: Crisp, golden, and served with sour cream and apple sauce
- Chocolate Babka French Toast: It’s sweet and somehow nostalgic all at once
If you’re into the details, check the pricing on their most-talked-about dishes:
| Dish | Price ($) |
| The Classic (Nova) | 22 |
| Potato Latkes | 12 |
| Babka French Toast | 16 |
Sitting at Russ & Daughters Cafe, you notice it’s the kind of place where every generation feels at home—whether you’re here for the food or just the feeling that brunch should feel like a tiny celebration.
Can’t decide what to get? You can’t go wrong with the salmon, but honestly, this is one of those stops on the city brunch map where you want to try everything at least once.
Wrapping Up Your Brunch Adventure
So, that’s the scoop on some of the best brunch spots around. Whether you like your eggs just the way grandma made them or you’re up for something a little wild (hello, matcha pancakes), there’s a place nearby that has you covered. Brunch is really about taking it easy, catching up with friends, and maybe trying something new. Next time you’re hungry on a lazy Sunday, give one of these menus a shot. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite spot—or at least leave with a good story to tell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do most brunch places open?
Most brunch spots start serving around 10 AM, but some open as early as 8 or 9 AM. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s website or call ahead.
Do I need a reservation for brunch?
Reservations are helpful, especially on weekends when places get busy. Some restaurants take walk-ins, but you might have to wait for a table.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options at these brunch places?
Yes, most brunch menus have vegetarian and vegan dishes. If you have special food needs, ask your server or check the menu online before you go.
Can I get brunch to go or delivered?
Many brunch spots offer takeout and delivery. You can order online or by phone. Some places are also on delivery apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash.
What should I wear to brunch?
Brunch is usually a casual meal, so you can wear comfortable clothes. Some places are fancier, so if you’re not sure, check photos online or call ahead.
Do brunch spots serve breakfast all day?
Some restaurants serve breakfast items all day, while others only offer brunch during certain hours. It’s best to look at their menu or ask before you go.
