New Yorkers are big fans of weekend brunch. Slow, lazy mornings, meeting friends, enjoying a long meal together, people watching – what better way to spend a weekend?
I love going to the Lower East Side for brunch because of the diversity in dining options and for the young, eclectic vibe of the neighborhood. It’s the perfect place to spend the weekend if you ask me!
Having tried dozens of restaurants, I’ve created a list to share with you of the best brunch spots in the Lower East Side. Keep reading!
1. Good Thanks
Good Thanks is a charming Australian cafe in the Lower East Side. It’s a great place to catch up with a friend or to come solo. The vibe is hip and super relaxed.
On the menu, you’ll find Australian classics like toasts, grain bowls, and smoothies, but there are some exciting options too, like the short rib sandwich, sardine toast, and chickpea curry with eggs.
You’ve probably seen their internet-famous “rose” scrambled eggs online, which are as delicious as they look.
2. Russ & Daughters
Right next door to Good Thanks is Russ & Daughters, a quintessential New York establishment known for its bagels, fresh fish, and spreads. It’s been a favorite among New Yorkers since it opened in 1914 and currently holds the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand, which it has received 7 years in a row.
And yes, the food is really that good. You can’t go wrong with the classic sandwich, which is a bagel, cream cheese, fresh salmon, tomatoes, onions, and capers. The whitefish or lox spreads are also incredible. And don’t forget to add a latke and some babka or a black and white cookie for dessert.
The line can get long on weekends, but when the weather is nice, I opt for ordering ahead and taking my order to go to the nearby Sara D. Roosevelt Park, where there are picnic tables and always an exciting game of pick-up soccer.
POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 9 Best Bagels In New York City
3. Sonnyboy
If you’re looking for a place that has long brunch hours, Sonnyboy is the place to go! They serve brunch from 10am to 5pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And for the evening, it transforms into a cocktail bar. It’s a great neighborhood spot where you can linger for hours.
Their brunch menu is packed with flavor and unique pairings. Some notable dishes include burrata and fig toast with thyme and hot honey, ricotta hotcakes with berry compote, baked eggs with peppers and onions, and a ham and cheese toastie. And don’t skip out on the amazing cocktails.
4. Freemans
Some weekends you just want some comfort food. If that’s what you’re feeling, head to Freemans. It sits on the end of a graffitied alley (off Rivington St between Chrystie and the Bowery) and is meant to imitate a rugged, colonial American restaurant.
The interior is rustic, with dark wood details everywhere, dim lighting, and books and deer heads all around. You’ll feel like you’re far away from Manhattan.
The food is what you’d expect from an American restaurant: artichoke dip, club sandwich, eggs benedict, and French toast.
The best part is you can almost always snag a table here, even during the busiest weekend hours! Keep this one in mind next time you’re on the Lower East Side and need a last-minute brunch reservation.
5. Sweet Chick
Sweet Chick is the place to go for Southern comfort food. We’re talking chicken and waffles, biscuits, shrimp and grits, sweet tea, and cocktails. Check out their specials menu, which always has interesting options.
The restaurant is laid back and casual, you’ll feel relaxed and full after brunch here. And if you snag a window seat, you’ll enjoy some great people-watching.
6. Pig and Khao
Pig and Khao is the place to go with a large group of people. The South-East Asian restaurant aims to capture the flavors and the liveliness of food markets, and you certainly feel that when you’re dining there. It always feels like a party, and the flavors are out of this world.
This is a great place to go for brunch on the Lower East Side because the portions are huge, which is perfect for sharing, and they offer bottomless mimosas for $21 per person (1.5-hour limit).
Everything on the menu is incredible, from the popular sizzling sisig (fried pork cubes with a whole egg on top) to the corned beef hash made with ginger and Thai chili spices.
7. Clinton St. Baking Company
Are you looking for the best pancakes in New York City?
Many would die on the hill that they’re at Clinton St. Baking Company (and the endless wait times would suggest that they might be correct…).
New Yorkers have just accepted that there’s always going to be a line here. The restaurant is just as popular today as it was when it opened over two decades ago by the darling husband and wife team who still run it to this day.
The legendary fluffy pancake options include wild Maine blueberry, banana walnut, or chocolate chunk. On the menu, you’ll also find diner breakfast options like eggs, omelets, French toast, and sandwiches. But whatever you get, the pancakes are an absolute must.
POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 13 NYC Restaurant Cookbooks By Iconic New York Chefs
8. Dudley’s
Dudley’s was created by the same team behind Ruby’s, the amazing SoHo restaurant. The service and vibe are similar – friendly, laid back, and cool. Dudley’s spacious interior has a large bar in the center of the restaurant, which is perfect for a solo-brunch date. The tables outside are great for people-watching too.
And the menu won’t disappoint with toasts, eggs, sandwiches, burgers, and bowls.
POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 10 Best Brunch Spots In New York City
9. Balvanera
I love being able to experience different cultures and cuisines in New York City. Balvanera is a fabulous Argentinian restaurant on the Lower East Side. It’s named after a barrio, or neighborhood, in Buenos Aires where poets, musicians and creatives once convened.
A visit to the restaurant certainly gives you a taste of the vibrant culture. The menu has many sharing plates, both sweet and savory. So grab a friend and eat your way through the tasty options!
There you have it – the best brunch spots on the Lower East Side. What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!