The Lower East Side is my go-to neighborhood whenever I feel restless and need a bit of inspiration. My ideal Sunday starts with brunch followed by a long walk, which means I end up enjoying brunch in the Lower East Side often. Here’s a quick list of my favorite spots.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the neighborhood, if you’re interested, here’s my roundup of 12+ Exciting Things To Do in the Lower East Side.
Best Brunch in the Lower East Side
Table of Contents: Lower East Side Brunch Spots
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out my helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Dudley’s
Website: Dudley’s
Address: 85 Orchard St, New York, NY
Brunch hours: Daily 9am – 4pm
Dudley’s is a popular Australian cafe dishing out some of the most affordable brunch in the Lower East Side. The large menu offers an exciting variety, from dense banana bread to delectable salads and hearty breakfast sandwiches.
My recommendation? Go for the ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter if you’re nursing a sweet tooth. If you’re the savory sort, opt for the egg sandwich (fried egg, tomato jam, arugula and BBQ mayo with hash brown on a sesame bun). They say the bacon is optional, but in my opinion, it’s non-negotiable.
Good Thanks Cafe
Website: Good Thanks Cafe
Address: 131 Orchard St, New York, NY
Brunch hours: Daily until 4pm
The brunch menu at petite-sized Good Thanks Cafe offers creative twists on beloved classics, like short-rib sandwiches and kimchi scrambled eggs (kimchi, scrambled eggs, sourdough bread). A cafe first and foremost, you better believe the coffee alone is worth a detour.
Good to know: Long lines are all but guaranteed at this popular Lower East Side brunch restaurant and reservations aren’t accepted, so arrive early to avoid a long wait.
Balvanera
Website: Balvanera
Address: 152 Stanton St, New York, NY
Brunch hours: Weekends 11am – 4:30pm
Balvanera is named after a Buenos Aires neighborhood renowned for its creative spirit. Aptly named, the sun-soaked Argentinian restaurant dishes out inspired brunch fare with South American flair.
Following suit, start with savory emapanadas, fresh anchovies swimming in oil and Jamón Ibérico, if the occasion calls for it. From there, dive into the brunch fare. I recommend the house-made chorizo sandwich with roasted red pepper, papas & pickles — an elevated twist on traditional breakfast sandwiches.
Those with an insatiable sweet tooth will find comfort in the Torrejas Lola, french toast made with sweet milk brioche, dulce de leche and caramelized bananas.
Better still, if you’re on the hunt for the best boozy brunch in the Lower East Side, Balvanera offers two hours of unlimited sangrias and mimosas for $25 with the purchase of an entree.
Clinton St. Baking Company
Website: Clinton Street Baking Company
Address: 4 Clinton St, New York
Brunch Hours: Daily 9am-4pm
Established by Neil Kleinberg, a lifelong New Yorker who opened his first restaurant at the age of 22, Clinton St. Baking Company initially started as a bakery. But the long lines and frequent visitors gave Kleinberg an opportunity to open what would become one of the Lower East Side’s best brunch spots in 2016.
The signature flapjacks are the biggest draw (topped with wild Maine blueberry compote, banana walnut, or chocolate chunk) these are easily some of the best pancakes in New York City.
Pancakes aside, the Latke eggs Benedict (poached eggs, house smoked salmon, classic hollandaise, trout roe caviar, over crispy potato pancakes) deserve a shout-out. If you’d like to stick with classics, you’ll find delectable smoked salmon scramble, fried chicken & waffles and toothsome brioche french toast, among others.
Round K by Sol
Website: Round K by Sol
Address: 78 Canal St, New York, NY
Brunch hours: Daily until 4pm
Round K was a popular Lower East Side brunch restaurant that shuttered during the pandemic. Luckily, it was reopened by a former employee who continues to feed the neighborhood comforting Korean fare on the go. The well-curated menu is small and focuses on a handful of perfected dishes.
You have the option to choose from two egg dishes or three house specials: Korean BBQ toast, Soeul braised pork belly and avocado toast with pickled egg. For dessert, there’s two enticing cakes on offer that pair perfectly with the exceptional coffee.
Good to Know: Round K by Sol’s signature coffee drink, the Matte Black (made with organic coconut ash and 98% Dutch processed cacao powder) has garnered praise from the city’s toughest critics. Definitely give it a try!
Beauty & Essex
Website: Beauty & Essex
Address: 146 Essex St, New York, NY
Brunch hours: Sundays 11:30am – 4pm
Beauty & Essex may initially confuse first-time visitors with its pawn shop exterior. Beyond the antique-adorned walls lies a stunning dining experience, with four dining rooms accessible via winding staircase.
This LES brunch restaurant spares no expense in creating an elegant atmosphere. From the two-story chandelier to designer jewelry for sale, every detail exudes sophistication. What truly sets them apart is the exceptional brunch spread, including the restaurant’s signature Oreo pancakes (stack of flapjacks held together by oreo filling).
Davelle
Website: Davelle
Address: 102 Suffolk St, New York, NY
Hours: Daily until 4:30pm
Davelle is a traditional Japanese cafe serving comfort food around the clock, but the breakfast fare is where this petite cafe truly shines. The restaurant’s famed toast is the biggest draw. Available in savory and sweet variations, airy Japanese milk bread is artfully slathered with butter and spread.
Feeling ravenous? The lunch menu plays host to aromatic curries, bento boxes and rice dishes topped with crispy chicken cutlets. In terms of vibes, the aesthetic is minimalist and chic Charming, delicious and affordable, this Japanese-inspired brunch experience in the Lower East Side can’t be beat.
Sonnyboy
Website: Sonnyboy
Address: 65 Rivington St, New York
Brunch hours: Weekends 10am-5pm
Sonnyboy is a go-to spot for weekend brunch in the Lower East Side. The Australian cafe is full of colorful brunch fare, the variety spans the gamut! You can get everything from stacked breakfast sandwiches to gluten-free pancakes.
I’m partial to the ricotta hotcakes and burrata & fig toast, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Better still, the prices are very reasonable, making this a strong contender for anyone looking for affordable brunch in the Lower East Side.
Essex Restaurant
Website: Essex
Address: 124 Rivington St, New York
Brunch hours: Weekends 11am – 4pm
Essex offers an enticing bottomless brunch deal at $45 person, which includes 90 minutes of unlimited drinks (mimosas, bloody marys, screwdrivers) and one entree.
The menu includes classic brunch fare like omelettes, eggs Benedict and avocado toast, as well as unique options like chilaquiles and arepas, along with a couple of vegan dishes. Despite the lively atmosphere, the staff remains remarkably attentive and friendly.
Since this is one of the most popular brunch spots in the Lower East Side, reservations are strongly recommended.
Freemans
Website: Freemans
Address: Freeman Alley, New York, NY
Brunch: Weekends 11am – 3pm
Hidden at the end of an alley on Rivington Street, Freemans is a top brunch spot in the Lower East Side. The cozy wooden accents create an inviting rustic vibe and the friendly staff only add to the charm.
The menu features simple, home-style cooking with hearty portions. I love the sourdough pancakes and avocado toast, which sounds basic but Freemans gets them right. Regardless of your order, don’t sleep on the hot artichoke dip as a starter, it’s divine.
List of the Best Lower East Side Brunch Restaurants
- Essex
- Dudley’s
- Good Thanks Cafe
- Clinton St. Baking Company
- Beauty & Essex
- Sonnyboy
- Freemans
- Balvanera
- Davelle
- Round K by Sol
Helpful Related Links
- Things to Do: 15 Exciting Things To Do in the Lower East Side
- Best Drinks in the Neighborhood: 15 BOOZY Bars in the Lower East Side
- Where to Grab Brunch: 15 Fantastic Lower East Side Brunch Spots
- Rooftop Bars in Manhattan: 10 Tasty Lower East Side Rooftop Bars
- Coffee Shops: 15 Essential Coffee Shops in the Lower East Side
- Happy Hour Deals: 15 Refreshing Happy Hours in the Lower East Side To Unwind
Lower East Side Brunch (Map)
And there you have it, the best brunch the Lower East Side has to offer.
Cheers!
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