The 8 Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in New York City

1. Two Hands, TriBeCa, Manhattan

Our favourite of the brunch spots in all of New York, we visit Two Hands without fail, every time we visit the city. While you’ll likely be eating a lot of sugar-filled, high calorie and greasy food in America, Two Hands is a welcome interlude of healthy food. With the regular suspects like avocado toast, you’ll also find buddha-type bowls with kale, quinoa and healthy greens taking up most of the menu.

There are three locations in Manhattan – TriBeCa, Lower East Side and NoHo – and two other locations in Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee (which I visited recently), but we always visit the TriBeCa location during our trips. I don’t want to say that we purposely book a hotel that’s a ten minute walk away from here, but it might have something to do with it… So if that fact doesn’t sell this brunch spot to you, I don’t quite know what will.

2. Ruby’s, East Village, Manhattan

Another New York brunch spots favourite, we’ve visited here more than three times for breakfast but most often in the summer and sat outside of their 9th street location.

They do incredible smashed avocado on toast and it’s my go-to every time I come here.

They’re also very well known for their lunch and evening menu, but I always see it as a breakfast spot, so have yet to try at a different time.

They also do a great cup of drip coffee which you can’t beat in New York. I’m hoping they start to sell their coffee mugs soon, because they’re quite iconic.

3. The Grey Dog, West Village, Manhattan

We refer to The Grey Dog as our ‘local’ as it’s the cosiest breakfast spot that feels more like home and less of a touristy breakfast spot compared to the others on this list.

You’ll find home fries, pancakes and hearty breakfast options on this list, perfect for a hungover morning.

If you find yourself heading to Jack’s Wife Freda, you’ll see The Grey Dog across the street. Do yourself a favour and go to The Grey Dog instead.

4. Good Thanks, Lower East Side, Manhattan

A very small spot on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, but a perfect location to start your morning if exploring the lower part of the city.

Plus, it’s located on Orchard Street which is my favourite street to wander down on a morning in New York.

Famous for their scrambled eggs, you may have to wait for a table, but I can guarantee you that it’s very much worth the wait.

Cosy (maybe a little cramped), but you’ll get to know your neighbours over your first meal of the day.

5. Banter, Lower East Side, Manhattan

I will pre-warn you now that Banter is expensive, but it’s also very, very good.

Another spot on the Lower East Side, this spot is also very popular with the locals and you’ll more often than not have to queue for a table.

You’ll have a feast for breakfast that will definitely set you up for the day to explore New York City. Worth the money, for sure.

Order the sweet potato fries with your breakfast. Sounds weird, I know, but trust me!

6. Cafe Colette, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

A lovely French cafe located near Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn.

If you find yourself in Brooklyn on a New York morning, you should head to Cafe Colette for their smashed avocado on toast and make sure to order a side of French fries – you can thank me later.

With seating options both outside and inside, you’ll be transported to a Parisian cafe for the first part of your morning.

Not that you want to leave the ambiance of New York, but why not try a French start to your day.

7. Sunday in Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

The best pancakes you will ever have in your life. There, I said it. And yes, I know that’s quite a hefty statement to make but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

The breakfast here is good, but honestly, I would just come here to order a stack of pancakes to share. You’ll struggle to eat more than one pancake yourself as the consistency is almost like cake – it’s incredible.

There is now a location that’s opened in Notting Hill, London but as you can probably guess with the name, the original is located in Brooklyn, New York – and what beats the original? It’s a very popular spot, but very much worth the wait (and the weight gain).

8. Seawolf, Bushwick, Brooklyn

Another Brooklyn brunch spot, Seawolf is located in the Bushwick area, deep in the heart of Brooklyn.

If you’re coming to Bushwick for some vintage shopping (they have some of the best and biggest vintage/thrift stores in the city) or to take a wander around the many murals and street art, you should start your day in Seawolf.

Inside an industrial setting, you’ll be tempted by their boozy brunch as they’re quite famously known, but you’ll also find a lot of seafood on their menu too.

A favourite brunch spot!