The 19 best brunch spots in NYC right now

What is it? Tomer Blechman digs into his Israeli roots, presenting a spread of mezzes, skewers and the likes. 

Why we love it: The hardest part of deciding whether you'd like to go to Miss Ada is deciding brunch or dinner. Of course, going both times is always an option, but if you happen to be in the Fort Greene area during the daytime, the brunch ranks high above others in the area, with dips like the sage-y, brown butter and ricotta, massive bourekas and challah French Toast served with a labne mousse that will make you feel like you are on air. 

Time Out tip: When the weather is nice, the outdoor patio is a nice find, surrounded by sunlight and greenery. Of course, you may have the same idea as everyone else, so make a reservation. 

Address: 184 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 11am–2:30pm

What is it? The brains behind the now-shuttered Uncle Boons, Ann Redding and Matt Danzer are behind this Thai fusion in Nolita. 

Why we love it: We say that Saturdays and Sundays call for custardy slices of babka, drizzled in a slightly sweet condensed milk and an orange-y Thai tea butter. Where can you find it? At Thai Diner, of course. Thai-inflected flavors infuse into classics you'd find at a diner counter here, as crab-stuffed omelettes swim in a tom yum sauce and egg sandwiches share space with herby sai oua sausages.

Time Out tip: Save room for dessert for a blast from the past, as the Famous Coconut Sundae from Uncle Boons lives again.

Address: 186 Mott Street, New York, NY 10012

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 8:30am–10:30pm; Thu, Fri 8:30am–11:30pm; Sat 10am–11:30pm; Sun 10am–10pm

What is it? Josh Ku and Trigg Brown's Taiwanese cafe, now with double the locations.

Why we love it: Win Son Bakery is a busy scene, particularly during the brunching hours. But lines here move relatively fast and tables turn quicker than most breakfast spots, so you won't have to hang out long before snagging one. As for food, savory cravings can be satiated with crispy fried scallion pancakes that wrap Havarti, bacon, eggs and cheese or the hand-held pork-filled fan tuan. But if sweet is more of your speed, the mochi donuts with that wonderful QQ texture will certainly hit the spot. 

Time Out tip: There are some boozy options here for a little morning delight. The Lao Gan Marg packs a kick with a smoky, chili oil-infused mezcal, velvet falernum and lime juice. 

Address: 164 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206; 23 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Daily 9am–10pm

What is it? A sleek Soho restaurant and bar that cooks up the comforts. 

Why we love it: Chef Preston Clark (Lure Fishbar) cooks the food he likes to eat, and in turn, we like it too. Comforts come in the form of Deviled Eggs dusted with paprika and flaky salt that you can see and crispy branzino sliders with a lively and bright yuzu vinaigrette. The Housemade Pigs in a Blanket comes with horseradish mustard that will make your head sing, while the Hangover Pasta with a silky sauce and a yolky egg is here to revive you.  

Time Out tip: There are just as many spirit-forward as there are spirit-free cocktails on the menu, which is greatly appreciated. Non-alcoholic sippers include the Watermelon Mojito and the Hibiscus Ginger Arnold Palmer. 

Address: 25 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun noon–3pm

What is it? A Harlem institution known for its downhome Southern eats. 

Why we love it: Melba's is a vibe any time of day, particularly during the morning hours when the kitchen churns out Cornmeal Dusted Deviled Eggs and those famous chicken and eggnog waffles that beat Bobby Flay all those years ago. And while tables can get boisterous (Melba's Strawberry Henney drink will do that to you), when the aforementioned dishes arrive, things go silent, giving you a clear indicator that the food is good here. 

Time Out tip: Do you need cake in the morning? If it is Melba's slice of Red Velvet, then yes, yes you do. 

Address: 300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026

Hours: Mon–Wed 11am–10pm; Thu, Fri 11am–11pm; Sat and Sun 10am–11pm

What is it? April Bloomfield's play on a neighborhood bistro in Fort Greene. 

Why we love it: Sailor was last year's buzziest restaurant and still retains much of its fanfare. Brunch stays booked and busy with a mix of sweet French Toast with vanilla cream and tartines topped with roast beef and horseradish.

Time Out tip: Walk-in tables are absolutely possible here, including sidewalk spots. Just arrive early for your best shot. 

Address: 228 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 10am–2pm

What is it? Sam Yoo's spin on diner is one that includes scallion bun sammies and those honey butter pancakes. 

Why we love it: A kind of diner revival by Sam Yoo, previously of Momofuku Ko and Torrisi, Golden Diner was the best of a mini-bunch to revisit the classic genre in 2019. Its egg sandwiches on sesame scallion milk buns, omelettes and green tea coffee cake are still ace.

Time Out tip: If you can, catch the Makgeolli Horchata before it leaves the menu, made with Korean rice wine and a housemade horchata blend. 

Address: 123 Madison St, New York, NY 10002

Hours: Daily 10am–10pm

What is it? A neighborhood beer bar that's a known hang for weekend brunch. 

Why we love it: This Astoria staple serves brunch inside and across two outdoor areas all weekend from 10am until 4pm. The breakfast nachos with bacon, black beans, avocado, sausage gravy, cheese, and jalapeño are a must "for the table," and you can have unlimited drinks with a $25 add-on. 

Time Out tip: Bottomless includes mimosas, Bloody Marys, rosé sangrias, and a brunch punch. 

Address: 30-09 34th Street, Astoria 11103

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 10am–4am

What is it? A neighborhood restaurant where the vermouths are chilled and the homemade bread is always hot. 

Why we love it: Even if you head to Leland Eating and Drinking House earlier in the day, desirous of the excellent dinner items like trout rillettes that also appear in the afternoon, its brunch-only options are also just as enticing. Go ahead and try a sourdough cinnamon bun and the egg sandwich with cheddar and arugula. You can always come back after dark.

Time Out tip: We always love the Vietnamese Mint Iced Coffee, which doesn't have a heavy hand on the sweet condensed milk and comes with a balance of amaro.

Address: 755 Dean St, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 10am—4pm

What is it? Jeremy Salamon's all-day eatery in Crown Heights leans on Jewish and Eastern European flavors. 

Why we love it: After opening in a cheerful, sunny spot with sensational style in 2021, Agi’s Counter has continued to expand its fantastic Jewish and Eastern European-influenced menus. Settle in for sensational pastries, tuna melts and multi-item “country club” plates with beautifully arranged bites like cured salmon, chicken liver and pickles. 

Time Out tip: Share an order of the rotating Hungarian crepes, known as Palacsinta. In season now, the crepes currently come with spoonfuls of strawberry black pepper jam. 

Address: 818 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 10am–3pm

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What is it? Eric See's Southwestern specialties come alive in Bed Stuy. 

Why we love it: Ursula's New Mexico-style breakfast burritos were enough to cause a safe but socially distanced frenzy when it debuted in 2020. They still do, but now you can at least make a reservation and sit down as opposed to braving the sidewalk. Beyond the famous burritos, brunch here includes blue corn pancakes, Chilaquiles and doughnuts and pastries near the register for the taking.

Time Out tip: Ursula consistently partners with top national talent for unique spins on the burrito. Past collaborations have included chef Reem Assil's Pali-NM Burrito with spicy smashed potatoes and shakshuka scrambled eggs and butter chicken with chaat masala hash from chef/writer Rachel Gurjar. Even better, a portion of the proceeds benefits the chef's charity of choice.

Address: 387 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 9am–2pm

What is it: A brightly colored Ethiopian restaurant in Bushwick. 

Why we love it: Traditional Ethiopian eats can be found at Bunna Cafe for brunch, with vegan scrambles of ground chickpeas, onions and peppers alongside a squash number served with crumbles of torn injera. Toddies are made with a blend of Ethiopian tea and bourbon, while mimosas are stirred with the honey wine, Sheba Tej. 

Time Out tip: If you happen to be a late bruncher, you might as well stay until 5 pm to catch the Ethiopian coffee ceremony (only available on weekends) for a complimentary cup of coffee livened up with sugar and a shot of ginger.   

Address: 1084 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun noon–4pm

What is it? A Caribbean-inflected romp where the drinks are flowing and the party never ends. 

Why we love it: Kokomo is a favorite any time of day, and brunchtime is no different. Kick off the weekend with plates of oxtail flatbread, chicken and waffles and sweet plantain pancakes. When the weather is warm and the patio comes calling, you can find most of Brooklyn back there with drinks in hand. 

Time Out tip: If you can't swing the weekends, the restaurant's Koko Hour, available on Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 4 pm and Fridays from 11am to 4pm, offers brunch specials and discounted drinks.  

Address: 65 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Brunch hours: Fri, Sat 11am–4pm

What is it? A fast-casual cafe that puts Malaysian flavors at the forefront. 

Why we love it: This Malaysian café has an all-day menu of small plates and snacks. Kopitiam’s nasi lemak, the national dish of Malaysia, which includes coconut rice, fried anchovies, cucumber, peanuts, hard-boiled egg, and a side of house sambal sauce, is a comforting way to start the day.   

Time Out tip: The Kaya Butter Toast with the airy kaya jam (made from pandan and coconut jam) is the sweet treat you didn't know that you needed. 

Address: 151 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Daily 10am–10pm

What is it? A dim sum chain that was once called "the world's most inexpensive Michelin-starred restaurant."

Why we love it: The first NYC location of this dim sum darling launched in the East Village in 2016, serving signature baked BBQ pork buns, steamed shrimp dumplings and pan-fried turnip cakes. Another location in the city opened a few years after, bringing its dumplings and steamed buns to Hell's Kitchen.

Time Out tip: Walk-ins are relatively easy to get, which is great because there are no reservations here. 

Address: Multiple locations, inc. 85 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003; 610 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it? One of the last remaining kosher dairy lunch counters in the city.

Why we love it: First opened in the East Village in 1938, B&H Dairy is a 400-square-foot lunch counter that still serves sunny-side-up eggs and pierogi with sides of challah. Its typically tightly packed, so this is your best bet for a quick stop when errands await. 

Time Out tip: For a simple brekkie, you can get two eggs any style with home fries and homemade challah bread for $10.50. 

Address: 127 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 7am–11pm

What is it? A no-fuss cafe that gives nostalgic diner vibes but better food than your average spoon. 

Why we love it: Name a time when an all-day breakfast spot isn’t absolutely perfect. Early morning hunger pangs? Yes. Late-night munchies? For sure. Lazy Sunday hangover remedy? You better believe it. New Yorkers crave a comforting breakfast meal any time of day and Clinton Street Baking Company is probably the ideal spot to satisfy that craving. While you might be able to sneak in on a weekday without a wait, be prepared for at least an hour during peak weekend brunch times as you join the droves of hungry city-dwellers who’ve lined up on Clinton Street.

Time Out tip: People travel for the Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter (all you have to do is ask the tourists at Time Out Market New York). Choose your topping of wild Maine blueberry, banana walnut or chocolate chunk. 

Address: 4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002

Brunch hours: Mon–Sat 9am–4pm

What is it? A West Coast-leaning restaurant that has somehow found itself out East. 

Why we love it: The Lower East Side restaurant that launched a thousand tweets (jk; it's probably way more) first opened at another location nearby in 2013 before relocating to its present address two years later and way before "Dimes Square" think pieces reached a saturation point. And guess what! You can simply visit for breakfast sandwiches, tacos, bowls, and eggs any way, without having to write a word about the world outside. 

Time Out tip: You can absolutely lust after the Lust Toast with its swipes of tahini and raspberry with honey on top. 

Address: 49 Canal St, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Sun, Mon 9am–9pm; Tue–Sat 9am–10pm

What is it? A lovely, three-story neighborhood restaurant that channels the ease of the weekend with all-day specials. 

Why we love it: Surprise! Sunday in Brooklyn is open for brunch every day of the week. The rustic space boasts an outdoor patio, private dining room and a rooftop garden. The brunch menu includes items like an egg and cheese sandwich with gochujang aioli and a cheddar scramble with bacon, breakfast sausage, chicken sausage or avocado.

Time Out tip: Yes, the dome-shaped Sunday Pancakes with its hazelnut maple praline and brown butter are an easy sell, but may we interest you in the Caramelized Pineapple Toast with coconut cream, charred pineapple rounds and plenty of lime zest? Order up!

Address: 348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Brunch hours: Daily 9:30am–4:30pm