In New York, brunch is serious business.
No matter the season or borough you are in, there will be signs outside of restaurants inviting you in for mimosas, waffles and eggs benedict.
While it is easy to make some breakfast food and pour a drink, there are some establishments that really make brunch into an experience. They go all out with the decor, live music and delicious food and drinks, which bring out the community and are beneficial.
New York has no shortage of brunch spots. Here are five brunch spots that deserve your patronage in the city that never sleeps.
Brunch At Zion’s — The Bronx
Owner Chrystina Casado considers food her love language. Her restaurant, Brunch At Zion’s, is located in the South Bronx and is much more than just a place to eat. It is named for her son, Zion, who is her chief inspiration. Here, love, safety and community are paramount. It’s hard to come to any other conclusion when you arrive. Black and brown healing is centered and evident in the curated artwork and decorations.
“Brunch At Zion’s is a Black-owned space with Caribbean and Mediterranean vibes and the welcoming spirit of the South,” Casado told Travel Noire. “Our restaurant is farm-to-table and organic-based, where children under 5 eat for free.”
If you have space after the oxtail, the hennessy fried chicken and waffles, or the many varieties of empanadas, then treat yourself to dessert. There are many options to choose from, so it may be hard to land on one delicious treat.
Casado knows that access to quality food can be political, and she has known this since she was a child.
“I have firsthand experience with food injustice, spending part of my childhood in a food insecure home,” she said. “I began to create dinner parties and brunches under my brand, featuring dialogue surrounding art, gentrification, food sovereignty and justice issues. Artful healing through creativity is central to every event I’ve ever done.”
Online orders and catering are also available.
To keep abreast of the rotating menu and events, follow Brunch At Zion’s on Instagram and connect with them on their website.
Tiny’s And The Bar Upstairs — Manhattan Brunch Spot
The area around it has been modernized, but this Tribeca townhouse screams 1800s. With that in mind, the interior is a bit tight and dim inside, which adds to its charm.
Brunch mains include veggie-packed pancakes, steak and eggs and grilled branzino. There’s a selection of sides and beverages. If coffee or juice sound boring, give your tastebuds a kick with a cocktail. Scary Spice has pepper-infused mezcal, lime, Midori and cucumber bitters. For something on the fruity side, Servando’s Palomarita is the perfect choice. It consists of hibiscus and grapefruit that is infused with tequila, lime and grapefruit juice.
Brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
BLVD Bistro — Manhattan
Owned by husband and wife couple, Carlos and Markisha Swepson, the food is incredibly tasty. Fried chicken, catfish tacos, biscuits, grits are just a few of the food options offered here.
Sip on a Nat Turner, Nina Simone or Diddy Bop, among other specialty cocktails. You can also keep it simple with a mimosa or a bellini. Whether you’re sitting at the bar or one of the tables, you’ll love the music the DJ plays on Saturday and Sunday.
Catering services are available.
Cent’Anni — Brooklyn Brunch
This Italian spot in Brooklyn has an exposed-brick aesthetic. There’s also a charming backyard seating area, which is heated in the winter.
Brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and the food and drink choices are endless. There is a bottomless brunch available for a maximum of 90 minutes. The Italian eggs come in three varieties: eggs pomodoro, eggs ragu and eggs parmigiana. Sautéed kale pairs nicely with them. If you are craving something sweet, try the french toast or pancake with a side of sausage, bacon or fresh fruit.
Kokomo — Brooklyn’s Brunch Spot
Everything is at Kokomo is great: the vibe, the Afro-Caribbean music, the food and more.
For appetizer options, there are several kinds of flatbread. The oxtail, koko pasta and yardie shrimp flatbreads are popular among the most popular options. Koko’s Chicken and Waffles are paired with warm berry compote and house syrup. For an island spin, try the sweet plantain pancakes.
The Jerkmi burger and the Caribbean-spiced lamb are chock full of flavor. Pair these with your choice of sides, like breadfruit, mac and cheese or brown sugar bacon.
Make a reservation in advance because this place is always crowded.
Cafe Henri — Queens
Enjoy a taste of France in Long Island City. You can’t go wrong with Le Petit Déjeuner, which technically means “the little breakfast.”
You can choose from the tartine, the mixed fresh fruit salad, smoked salmon with grilled vegetables and more. For something hearty and savory, chow down on the Crêpe Henri, with a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables.
Pair these with coffee, tea or espresso. If you’re looking for a hot beverage with a bit more pep, try the rhum lait chaud, consisting of rum, honey and steamed milk.
Harvest Cafe — Staten Island
Harvest Cafe in Staten Island serves tasty food with a mission. Some of the staff members have intellectual and developmental challenges, which is what makes this brunch spot special.
Please note that it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Every other day in normal operating hours, the Harvest cafe is open is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are looking for something delicious and hearty, then check out Courtney’s Breakfast Bowl, with bacon, sausage, tomato, scrambled eggs and American cheese, all served over breakfast potatoes.
Visitors of this restaurant appreciate its local, community-oriented vibe.
